CRE Rising 25 – Week 9: October 6, 2026
The Hottest Emerging Artists in Country
The CRE Rising 25 tracks independent and emerging artists building genuine momentum through new releases, audience growth, streaming activity, live performances, industry recognition and fan engagement.
Week 9 brings some of the biggest movement the chart has seen so far. BELLES holds the No. 1 position, Hannah McFarland climbs to No. 2, and Laci Kaye Booth remains firmly inside the Top 3. Just Jayne delivers the week’s biggest move with a 12-position surge to No. 10, while Cody Lohden makes the highest debut at No. 15.
Nathan Dean & The Damn Band also enter the Rising 25 this week at No. 18 following a major industry recognition milestone, while Matt Farris makes his chart debut at No. 25.
CRE Rising 25 — Week 9
Just Jayne Explodes Into the Top 10
Just Jayne delivers the biggest move of Week 9, jumping 12 positions from No. 22 to No. 10. The surge sends the duo straight into the Top 10 and represents one of the strongest single-week climbs in the history of the CRE Rising 25.
The move reflects growing momentum surrounding new Music , expanding audience activity and a strengthening national profile.
Cody Lohden Arrives at No. 15
Cody Lohden makes the highest debut of Week 9, entering the CRE Rising 25 at No. 15 after spending last week just outside the chart at No. 26.
Fresh Music , increasing industry attention and continued career momentum push Lohden directly into the middle of an increasingly competitive Rising 25 field.
“Cold July” — Kinsley featuring Caitlyn Smith
Kinsley continues one of the strongest upward runs on the chart this week, climbing seven positions from No. 13 to No. 6.
“Cold July,” featuring Caitlyn Smith, earns the Week 9 Hot Song spotlight as Kinsley continues to build momentum around new Music and a rapidly developing national profile.
Nathan Dean & The Damn Band Debut at No. 18
Nathan Dean & The Damn Band enter the CRE Rising 25 at No. 18 following a major week for the veteran independent country group.
The band’s combination of extensive live-performance activity, sustained touring and growing industry recognition earns them a place inside the national Top 25 for the first time.
Matt Farris Enters at No. 25
Matt Farris makes his CRE Rising 25 debut at No. 25, earning a place in one of the most competitive editions of the chart to date.
Continued live activity, current Music and industry recognition help Farris break into the national ranking as Week 9 begins.
Julia Golden Leads the Bubble
Julia Golden moves into the first position outside the main chart at No. 26, putting her within striking distance of a Rising 25 debut.
Grace Tyler follows at No. 27, while Belle Frantz and KC Bruner sit at No. 28 and No. 29 respectively.
With multiple new entries arriving this week and movement throughout the lower half of the ranking, competition for a Top 25 position continues to tighten.
No Graduations in Week 9
No artists graduate from the CRE Rising 25 this week, but significant movement reshapes both the main chart and the bubble.
Three artists make their Rising 25 debuts this week: Cody Lohden at No. 15, Nathan Dean & The Damn Band at No. 18 and Matt Farris at No. 25.
On the bubble are Julia Golden, Grace Tyler, Belle Frantz and KC Bruner.
About the CRE Rising 25
The CRE Rising 25 is a nationwide editorial ranking of emerging country artists showing measurable momentum. CRE considers audience growth, streaming and social activity, fan engagement, new releases, live-performance activity, industry recognition and overall career development.
The rankings are updated weekly to help Country Music fans discover artists building meaningful momentum before the rest of the industry catches up.
Artists who reach sustained established national demand may graduate from the Rising 25, opening space for the next wave of emerging talent.
No paid placement—ever.
