Welcome to “Underrated Artists,” an entertainment column from the St. Louis Park Echo covering unpopular and unknown artists. Every week, a different Echo staffer takes on the role of a writer, reviewing single releases and albums from four underrated artists.
Kody West recorded his first album in 2015, but has stayed relatively unknown for the past 10 years. I was introduced to Kody West when I heard his song “Million Miles” off of his 2017 album “Green.” Immediately, I was struck by his strong country sound and southern accent. Kody West combines country with rock and does so seamlessly. I would not have expected the two genres to mix so well, but West employs two different yet concurrent-sounding guitars, one bringing the classic country twang we all know and love, while the other has the rougher quality popular in rock music. Another song I love by him is the title track on his album “Green.” West’s heartfelt lyrics talking about heartbreak and growing up blend very well with the country/rock sound and paint a beautiful picture of falling in and then out of love. I am a Jordan Davis fan, and I found their music to be very reminiscent of one another, so if you are also a Jordan Davis fan, Kody West should be next on your list to listen to.
You may be more familiar with Lilly Hiatt’s father, John Hiatt, but Lilly’s music is worth a listen as well. Lilly Hiatt released her first album, “Let Down,” in 2012, but her first appearance on a professional record was in 2008 on her father’s album, “Same Old Man.” Her most popular song, “Brightest Star,” from her 2020 album, “Walking Proof,” best illustrates her unique music style. Hiatt produces a traditional indie rock sound that she mixes with elements of country, showing off her Nashville background. This mix creates an unforgettable sound that gets stuck in your head. Hiatt occasionally leans more to the side of her rock/country style, such as in the song “Trinity Line,” from her 2017 album of the same name, which has more country influence than rock influence. Hiatt skillfully combines the soulful guitar we are used to in traditional country and combines that with traits of the modern indie movement to make a unique finished product. If you are looking for a new country artist to listen to during this country renaissance we seem to be in, be sure to check out Lilly Hiatt.
Kassi Valazza grew up in Arizona, which is a bit more unorthodox for a country musician compared to the Eastern South that most country artists hail from. As of now, Valazza has released three albums with “Dear Dead Days” in 2019, “Kassi Valazza Knows Nothing” in 2023, and “From Newman Street” in 2025. Despite her three-album discography, she has not gotten the recognition I think she deserves. Valazza adds a haunting quality to her songs with her interesting musicality in songs such as “Johnny Dear” from her album, “Dear Dead Days” and “Chino” from the same album. Her songs also have a delightful country twang that scratches my brain in every way I hope a country song would. Another song I loved was “Verde River.” Valazza’s lyrics about growing up and coming of age are beautiful and really resonated with me. There is something so comforting about a sweet country song, and Valazza’s lyrics fit perfectly with her soft voice and heartfelt themes.
Vincent Neil Emerson has three albums right now, and given his usual release schedule, we are due for a new one soon. Emerson grew up in Texas and released his first album, “Fried Chicken and Evil Women,” in 2019. Many deep themes are discussed in Emerson’s songs, such as his struggles with depression, which, combined with his country style, make for a very meaningful and beautiful-sounding discography. One of my favorite songs by him, “Road Runner,” sounds almost old-timey in how traditional the country sound is. When I hear Emerson’s music, I feel like I am transported to the country western picture he creates with his music. Emerson generates a sound that you do not often find in modern country music, but that I am happy he is still creating. If you are a fan of Zach Bryan’s deep and meaningful lyrics in a country song, then I think Emerson will be your new favorite artist.
