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Independent artists. Original music. Zero algorithm required. Every week, The Upstate Cowboy puts a new artist in the spotlight and gives their music the room it deserves.
★ THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT
Kristi Ormand • Charlotte, North Carolina • Pop / Rock
StellaRising is a dynamic, female-fronted pop/rock band based in Charlotte, North Carolina, led by vocalist and songwriter Kristi Ormand. Known for their high-energy sound and engaging live performances, the band blends rock, pop, funk, blues, reggae, and ska into a style that’s both eclectic and radio-friendly. From full electric shows to stripped-down acoustic performances, StellaRising brings versatility, personality, and plenty of energy to every stage.
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THE SPOTLIGHT ARCHIVE
Meet the independent artists we've featured on Slightly Unhinged Radio.
Country Pop • Dallas/Fort Worth → Nashville
Bri Fletcher is an independent, rising American country pop singer-songwriter who gained national prominence as a standout contestant on Season 25 of NBC’s The Voice. Originally from the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area and now based in Nashville, she is known for powerful, soul-infused vocals and deeply honest storytelling.
Southern Soul / Hip-Hop • South Carolina / Southeast
Chucky Man is an independent, rising Southern Soul and Hip-Hop artist heavily rooted in the music scenes of the Carolinas. Frequently linked to Aiken and Williston, South Carolina, his touring footprint and fan base stretch across North Carolina and the broader Southeast.
Country • Springfield, Kentucky
Garrett Biggs is an independent American country singer-songwriter known for his raw, powerful and authentic “what you see is what you get” style of storytelling. Rooted in country and classic rock, his music centers on small-town pride, simple living and down-home values.
Traditional Country • Harrodsburg, Kentucky
The Chris Linton Band is an American traditional country music group fronted by singer-songwriter Chris Linton, hailing from Harrodsburg, Kentucky. The band is known for high-energy live performances that blend a timeless, classic country sound with modern grit.
Alt Folk / Roots Rock • Nashville, Tennessee
Sean Tobin is an independent, Nashville-based, New Jersey-born singer-songwriter whose music blends alternative folk, traditional Irish folk and high-energy roots rock. He has built his career outside the traditional label system while balancing songwriting with extensive time on the road.
Heavy Metal / Hard Rock • Springfield, Missouri
GenarationZ is a Springfield, Missouri-based heavy metal and hard rock band fronted by a female vocalist and known for blending aggressive riffs with melodic hooks. The group emerged in the local underground scene and supports its album, Beginning of the End, with regional performances.
Country Rock • Pembroke, North Carolina
Rob Cole is an American country-rock singer and songwriter from Pembroke, North Carolina, known for powerful, soulful vocals and his breakout appearance on NBC’s The Voice, Season 28.
Country Rock • Rock Hill, South Carolina
Kyle Dills is an independent country-rock singer and songwriter based out of Rock Hill, South Carolina. Blending traditional country roots with a modern rock edge, he has built a strong reputation as an active performer throughout the Carolinas and the broader Southeast.
Country / Bluegrass / Gospel • Nashville, Tennessee
Mike Rogers is a Nashville-based, Dove Award-nominated singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who is the great-nephew of country music legend Kenny Rogers. With a career spanning more than two decades, he is respected across the country, bluegrass and gospel music scenes.
Country • Oklahoma
Paul Lopez is an established country music vocalist and artist rooted in the Oklahoma country and opry music scene. Known for his traditional vocal delivery and high-energy stage presence, he is a frequent performer at prominent regional live music showcases across the state.
Country / Americana • Easley, South Carolina
Zac Kellum is an American country and Americana singer-songwriter known for his whiskey-soaked, soulful honky-tonk sound. Born in Houston, Texas, he was raised and is currently based in the upstate region of Easley, South Carolina.
Country / Southern Rock • Whitney Point, New York
Kolby Oakley is an independent American country singer, songwriter and musician described as “Northern born but Southern rocked.” Hailing from Whitney Point, New York, he blends traditional country storytelling with a hard-hitting, guitar-riffed southern rock edge.
Country / Folk Rock • Nashville, Tennessee
Walter Wayne Howard is an independent country music singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from Virginia, Howard has built a grassroots following with songs that blend traditional country storytelling, raw acoustic melodies and folk-rock sensibilities.
YOUR MUSIC COULD BE NEXT
Got an original track that deserves more than an algorithm and a prayer? We want to hear it. Slightly Unhinged Radio's New Artist Spotlight gives independent artists a real place on the dial — with listeners who actually care about discovering new music.
Introduce yourself, tell us about your music, and send us the track you think needs to be heard.
Submit Your Music →slightlyunhingedradio@gmail.com