Basses

“Trust us, the future sounds good”: Martin announces its Artist Showcase Class of 2025

February 25, 2025

Martin has announced its Artist Showcase Class of 2025, once again highlighting a selection of emerging artists “shaping the future of music”.
Launched last year, the Martin Artist Showcase aims to celebrate, support and amplify breakthrough guitar players who are “redefining genres, telling unforgettable stories, and inspiring the next generation of songwriters and performers”.

READ MORE: Martin celebrates its 3 millionth serialised instrument and 192-year history with stunning diamond-encrusted acoustic guitar

This year’s class showcases nine artists spanning country, folk, Americana, rock and more.
“Each of these musicians brings a unique voice and perspective to the industry, and Martin is honoured to provide them with a platform – and the instruments – to continue sharing their music with the world,” the brand says.
It adds: “The Martin Artist Showcase is more than just a recognition – it’s a lifelong connection. These artists join an esteemed family of musicians who have left their mark on music history, and we can’t wait to see where their journeys take them.”
Let’s take a look at the players being spotlighted in this year’s Martin Artist Showcase:
JD Clayton
Hailing from Arkansas, JD Clayton offers a “timeless blend” of country-rock, refined during his years of performing in Nashville and touring with the likes of Dwight Yoakam, Old Crow Medicine Show and Parker McCollum. He’s set to release his next album Blue Sky Sundays at the end of this month, and will tour extensively throughout 2025.
Karley Scott Collins
A rising country star, Karley Scott Collins’ latest project, Write One, saw her recruit the likes of Keith Urban and Charles Kelley for an EP – produced by Grammy winner Nathan Chapman – which dives deep into heartbreak and self-reflection. So far she’s toured with Willie Nelson and Dwight Yoakam, and 2025 will see her joining Keith Urban’s High and Alive tour.
Kashus Culpepper
Embodying the “raw sound of the South”, Alabama-born Kashus Culpepper built his name in dive bars along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, selling out headline club shows before even releasing a song of his own. He’s shared stages with Charles Wesley Godwin, Charley Crockett and NEEDTOBREATHE, and is now signed with Big Loud Records, through which his debut album will arrive in 2025.
Madi Diaz
Madi Diaz has amassed an impressive set of accolades. Now a Grammy-nominated artist, Diaz impressed Harry Styles so much as one of his opening acts that he recruited her for his touring band. The deluxe edition of her latest album Weird Faith is out now – with guest appearances from Kacey Musgraves, Lizzy McAlpine and Lennon Stella – and will headline a major tour later this year.
Wyatt Flores
At only 23 years of age, Wyatt Flores is a relative newcomer to the country game. But in his brief tenure, he’s been making waves. He released his debut album Welcome to the Plains last year, and has performed on the Late Show With Stephen Colbert, NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series and CBS Saturday Morning, while also earning accolades from Rolling Stone and NPR. He’s amassed over 325 million streams to date, and will perform a string of live shows and festivals in 2025.
Dylan Gossett
A 25-year-old singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas, Dylan Gossett earned a viral hit with 2023’s Coal, adding to his total 700 million career streams to date. 2025 will see him embark on a 23-city headline tour, in which he’ll grace audiences with his storytelling and emotive performances.
Braxton Keith
Leading a revival of classic honky-tonk country, Braxton Keith honed his sound in Texas dancehalls, blending “smooth two-step rhythms with a barbed-wire twang. Hot on the heels of his latest single Cozy – which landed in 2024 – Braxton is set to release his next album in 2025.
Michael Marcagi
Cincinnati’s Michael Marcagi has built a loyal following through grassroots support and honest storytelling. 2024 saw the release of his debut EP, American Romance, and 2025 will see him embarking on an extensive tour.
Michigander
Michigander has established himself as a force in alternative music, with over 60 million streams and praise from big brands like NPR, Paste, Consequence, SPIN and Forbes. His self-titled debut album landed earlier this month, and he’s set to embark on a tour this year in which he’ll play dates in both North America and Europe.
For more information on the Artist Showcase Class of 2025, head to Martin.