Meet the brand-new artists and songwriters joining this year’s festival
Every year, Nashville Nights brings new names to the festival – and 2026 is no exception.
This year, we’re excited to welcome five fresh additions to the lineup: artists and songwriters bringing their own stories, sounds and Nashville connections to Odense.
Some of them have written major country hits for artists you already know. Others are emerging voices ready to introduce themselves to a new audience. What they all have in common is great songwriting, authentic performances and the potential to become your next Nashville Nights favorite.
Andy Albert – The Hitmaker Behind the Hits
Grammy-nominated songwriter and artist Andy Albert has written more than 200 songs since moving to Nashville in 2011, working across country, rock and pop.
He co-wrote Dustin Lynch’s hit Thinking ’Bout You, which spent six weeks at No. 1 on the country radio charts, and has also written for artists including Blake Shelton, Lainey Wilson, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood and Kid Rock.
At Nashville Nights, you’ll have the rare opportunity to hear these songs performed by the man who helped create them – and hear the stories behind the hits.
Brett Tyler – Behind Some of Modern Country’s Biggest Songs
Nashville songwriter Brett Tyler has played a part in shaping the sound of modern country, with three No. 1 songs already on his resume.
Among them are Man Made A Bar by Morgan Wallen & Eric Church, Wild As Her by Corey Kent and Cold Beer Calling My Name by Luke Combs & Jameson Rodgers.
Tyler has a gift for writing both the big country anthems and the songs built around a great story. More recently, he has become an important part of Ella Langley’s rise, including co-writing the title track of her latest album, Dandelion.
Hayley Reardon – Stories That Stay With You
American singer-songwriter Hayley Reardon moves effortlessly between folk, singer-songwriter and modern indie-pop.
Her music is built around thoughtful lyrics, an intimate vocal style and a strong melodic sense. She was nominated for Vocalist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards and has shared stages with artists including Lori McKenna, Rodney Crowell, Anaïs Mitchell and Ed Sheeran.
Hayley is a perfect example of the musical diversity you’ll find at Nashville Nights – an artist proving that great storytelling has no genre boundaries.
Meg McRee – 70s Roots, Nashville Soul
Meg McRee is one of Nashville’s exciting new voices, blending her love of ’70s roots and rock with country and Americana.
She has written with and for artists including Elle King, Grace Potter, Warren Zeiders and Shelby Lynne, while establishing herself as an artist in her own right with her debut album Is It Just Me? and the History of Heartbreak EP.
At Nashville Nights, Meg will bring her own music, new songs from her upcoming second album – and, as an added Nashville Nights bonus, her husband Ben Chapman will also be part of this year’s festival.
Smithfield – Two Voices, One Great Country Sound
Texas duo Smithfield – Trey Smith and Jennifer Fielder – carry on one of country music’s greatest traditions: the classic male-female duet.
With soaring harmonies, memorable melodies and sharp songwriting, the duo has built an international following with more than 150 million streams. They have performed at the Grand Ole Opry and toured with some of country music’s biggest names, including Morgan Wallen, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown and Old Dominion.
At Nashville Nights, you’ll get to experience a duo bringing the timeless country duet into a whole new era.
Your Next Favorite Could Be Waiting
One of the best things about Nashville Nights is discovering an artist you didn’t know you needed to hear.
Of course, there’s something special about seeing the familiar favorites return year after year. But there’s an entirely different kind of excitement in walking into a show not knowing exactly what to expect – and walking out with a brand-new favorite.
That’s what Nashville Nights is all about.
Five new names. Five new stories. And maybe five new favorites.
Have you secured your ticket yet?
