As we all know by now, there’s a lot of talent in those mountains.
From guys like Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton to Charles Wesley Godwin, Sierra Ferrell and the boys of 49 Winchester, we’ve seen some of the best country music over the past few years coming from the mountains of Appalachia.
And newcomer Makenzie Phipps is another one you need to have on your radar.
The 22-year old from right on the border of Virginia and West Virginia has already racked up millions of views online with her powerhouse voice reminiscent of the old-school sounds of artists like Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn, mixed with some of the best female voices in country today like Lainey Wilson and Ashley McBryde.
But it’s her songwriting that’s going to take her to the next level.
Her ‘90s country sound comes through on songs like the wise-beyond-her-years “Pick Your Poison,” which would sound right at home on a Miranda Lambert album as she sings of getting revenge on a cheating lover:
“And I’m sure that she’s just one of a kind,
The perfect girl for every guy
I bet you’ve talked to her all night
And all I can say is you can have it your way
But if you come back home tonight
You may see hell at first sight”
And her latest single “Pink Whitney” presents a fresh take on the familiar heartbreak drinkin’ songs that are normally filled with Jack and Jim, keeping the same sound while updating the liquor of choice:
“Oh some can drink tequila on the rocks from a glass
Some will drink whiskey til they fall flat on their…
As for me, I’m tryna be cool with responsibility
But if you wanna see me buck wild, bring Pink Whitney.”
The newcomer is hitting the road hard to hone her talents, but from what we’ve already gotten from the next superstar out of Appalachia, it’s pretty clear that she’s going to continue the tradition of incredible artists coming out of those mountains.
Check her out – you won’t be disappointed: