(Article written by, Adrian Irving)
California has been doing an incredible job of bringing new country music to the masses, so much so, that there are a few artists focused on creating and sharing this exciting new genre of music known as Cali Country. Like all genres, there are those who create real music with their real stories, and there are those who fabricate their image to act like the person they think you want them to be, and Cali Country is not exempt from this sad reality. This list are some of the most real artists to hit the scene for this exciting genre.
California country is no longer a niche — it’s a sonic rebellion. It’s twang with edge, grit with groove, and heartache wrapped in sunshine. In 2025, a wave of artists is redefining what it means to be “country” on the West Coast. They’re not your dad’s Nashville crooners — they’re genre-benders, story slingers, and live show wrecking balls. Here’s who you should be watching if you want to stay ahead of the Cali Country curve.
Below are my top Cali Country artists who are creating this genre on their own. These are the artists leading the charge in 2025 and who deserve serious credit for bringing true Cali Country music to the world!
Cameron Whitcomb – The Wild Card
Don’t try to box in Cameron Whitcomb — he’ll just blast through it with a scream, a strut, and a killer hook. This Nanaimo-raised, Kamloops-based renegade got his first taste of the spotlight on American Idol, but don’t let that fool you — he’s not made for mainstream molds. With his untamed stage presence and a voice that crackles like old vinyl, Whitcomb’s version of Cali Country is equal parts outlaw, punk spirit, and West Coast cool. No longer an indie musician, Cameron has been an incredibly powerful force in helping to place the genre of Cali Country on the map!
LISTEN TO CAMERON WHITCOMB HERE ON SPOTIFY
Sarah Vanderzon — The Slow Burn Star
Keep your eyes on Sarah Vanderzon — her rise might look quiet now, but it’s the kind that explodes when you’re not looking. She’s poised for a breakout in 2025, bringing a dreamy edge to California country that blends cinematic soundscapes with introspective lyricism. Think Lana Del Rey meets Kacey Musgraves on Highway 1 at golden hour. Her voice lingers like smoke, and her storytelling sinks in deep. Follow her now so that you can tell others that you were a supporter before her name travelled the globe!
LISTEN TO SARAH VANDERZON HERE ON SPOTIFY
Kyle McKearney — The Soul of the Scene
Winner of Project Wild and a Top of the Country semi-finalist, Kyle McKearney isn’t just making music — he’s crafting anthems for the road-weary and the heart-strong. He leans into Americana-folk with roots that stretch far beyond the surface. McKearney’s songs feel lived-in — dusty, honest, and full of soul — a perfect soundtrack for desert drives and whiskey nights. If Cali Country had a heartbeat, it might sound a lot like this.
LISTEN TO KYLE MCKEARNEY HERE ON SPOTIFY
Max McNown — The Poet with Boots On
Max McNown makes folk-country that doesn’t beg for attention — it commands it. With a voice like worn leather and lyrics that cut like a knife, McNown’s introspective songwriting has the weight of a seasoned troubadour. His atmospheric production style gives his music a modern polish without losing its dusty roots. In a world of loudness, Max is the quiet storm that hits hardest. If you are looking for true Cali Country music to travel all types of roads with and create new life memories to, then what Max McNown is offering up might just be for you!
LISTEN TO MAX MCNOWN HERE ON SPOTIFY
Rick Marshall — The Western Mythmaker
Rick Marshall is leaning into the cowboy mythos with his upcoming album, Legend Of The West, dropping June 1, 2025 — and it’s already generating buzz among those who like their country with a cinematic swagger. He’s channeling the ghosts of the old West through a modern indie filter, crafting songs that sound like they were meant for the big screen and the dive bar. Raw, rooted, and refreshingly bold, Marshall’s on a mission to make western cool again.
LISTEN TO RICK MARSHALL HERE ON SPOTIFY
The Jack Wharff Band — The Bluegrass Rebels
If you’re looking for the band most likely to turn a sleepy bar into a honky-tonk riot, look no further than the Jack Wharff Band. They mix bluegrass, country rock, and rowdy energy into a sound that feels like it was born on a back porch and raised on the Sunset Strip. With harmonies tighter than a snapback and a live show that goes off like a firecracker, they’re one of the most exciting acts blurring genre lines in the Cali Country scene.
LISTEN TO THE JACK WHARFF BAND HERE ON SPOTIFY
This isn’t country music trying to chase the charts — it’s artists chasing truth, connection, and craft. The California country genre in 2025 is a wild terrain, filled with dust-kicked boots, poetic grit, and sonic experimentation. These six acts are carving out their own paths — and if you’re smart, you’ll be right there with them.
Welcome to true Cali Country Music.
Welcome to the new West.