Americana Artists to Watch 2023: Ethel Cain, Katy J Pearson and The People Versus

Whether you consider yourself an Americana aficionado or a relatively-new fan, the genre's growth of late is undeniable. As Americana increasingly infiltrates the mainstream, its definition continues to be tuned as emerging artists break boundaries, challenge perceptions and introduce new inspiration.

Today, we introduce you to a few of our favourite new acts on the Americana scene right now; and some names you can expect to hear a lot of in 2023.

Ethel Cain

Born Hayden Silas Anhedönia, Ethel Cain is already being heralded as one of music's hottest new talents. This 24-year-old Floridian released her debut LP Preacher's Daughter in May 2022, drawing inspiration from her Christian upbringing and discussing such themes as gender identity, poverty, substance abuse and inequality.

More recently, Ethel supported Florence + the Machine on tour in the US, and even recorded a live version of their closing Disco Fever track Morning Elvis with the group.

Essential tracks:

American Teenager, A House In Nebraska, Sun Bleached Flies.

Katy J Pearson

Hailing from Bristol, you may recognise Katy as a former member of indie pop duo Ardyn; a group she formed alongside her brother Rob.

Now a solo artist exploring a unique soundscape encompassing Americana, folk and synth-pop, Katy saw her summer 2022 record Sound of the Morning receive critical acclaim. While Katy's catalogue plays to Americana sensibilities at its heart, her latest LP sees her break the boundaries of what might've once defined the genre.

From brass-boasting Orlando Weeks collaboration Howl to the transcendent dream-pop of The Hour, Sound of the Morning is broad-ranging body of work that'll see her star ascend even higher in 2023.

Essential tracks:

Riverbed, Howl, Alligator.

The People Versus

With their avant-garde aesthetic, distinctive sound and inimitable vocal technique, The People Versus are certainly one of Americana's most exciting names. An innovative indie-folk six-piece, the group combine powerhouse harmonies and euphoric pop production across their genre-defying work.

Be sure to check out The People Versus at The Americana Music Association UK's Americana Music Week 2023 in London.

Essential tracks:

Lonely Teen, Charybdis, Ocean Family.

See this week's Official Americana Album Chart powered by Sweet Home Alabama Top 40 here.

2023 is looking set to be an incredible year for the brand-new Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, Alabama; with huge Americana names including Parker McCollum, For King + Country and Koe Wetzel already confirmed to play the venue next year. Find out more about the incredible music destination here, and discover everything Alabama has to offer the Americana lover here.

With thanks to our Official Americana Chart partners Sweet Home Alabama. For more information, head to Sweet Home Alabama.