Audacy has revealed its newest LAUNCH artists: country singer Zach John King and Stephen Wilson Jr. The Audacy LAUNCH program is designed to spotlight emerging talents, giving them a platform to reach new heights in their careers.
Through this initiative, listeners can discover fresh music from up-and-coming artists in ways that resonate most with their preferences.
Audacy will back King’s latest track, “Get to Drinkin,” and Wilson Jr.’s “Gary,” by offering digital and broadcast airplay, on-air vignettes, digital editorials, and engaging social media content.
This extensive support will help introduce these artists to millions of listeners, using Audacy’s powerful multiplatform reach.
Tim Roberts, Vice President of Country Format at Audacy, expressed his excitement about the program: “Radio has always thrived on the thrill of ‘new,’ and right now, Nashville is delivering in a big way.
We are excited to champion Zach John King and Stephen Wilson Jr.’s new hits across our Audacy Country stations. Both artists are gaining incredible momentum through their tours and songs, and we’re ready to serve as the launch pad for their rising careers.”
King shared his excitement about the opportunity: “Every new artist needs champions, and we can’t thank our partners at Audacy enough for picking Zach John King as their LAUNCH Artist to get behind. Now let’s ‘Get to Drinkin’!”
For King, being featured by Audacy is an incredible milestone in his career. He stated, “I grew up listening to Country music on the radio, and I think anybody who ever wants to make this a career, especially in Country, wants to have their song on the radio.
For Audacy to take a shot on me and allow me to be in front of this many people is incredible, and I’m grateful for it.”
Wilson Jr. also expressed his gratitude for Audacy’s investment in his music: “We’re incredibly grateful to Audacy for their continued partnership and for investing in Stephen Wilson Jr. through the LAUNCH program. He’s truly a one-of-a-kind artist, and we’re ‘Gary’ excited for what’s ahead.”
Wilson Jr., who transitioned from a career in science to music, was met with great acclaim for his 2023 debut double album søn of dad, which was named the number one album of the year by Holler.
The album was hailed as a “record for the ages,” and following sold-out headlining performances and millions of streams for his cover of “Stand By Me,” he is now supporting HARDY on tour, including a special performance at Madison Square Garden.
King, who combines the reflective qualities of a roots poet with the intensity of alt-rock, is pushing the country genre into new territories. After breaking out with “Wannabe Cowboy” and the title track of his Slow Down EP, King has accumulated over 83 million global streams.
He will join big names like Morgan Wallen, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, and Jon Pardi on the road in 2026.
Audacy LAUNCH has previously introduced rising stars like GRAMMY winners Jelly Roll, Doechii, Muni Long, Zach Top, and Lola Young, continuing to champion new artists in the country music scene and beyond.
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