Is this rising artist Alabama’s next breakout country music star?

The first time Alabama native Hannah McFarland visited the Stagecoach country music festival, she walked away with a singular goal: she didn't want to return until she was on the lineup. By her second visit, she found her name in the fine print of the official event T-shirt—a permanent souvenir she plans to display in her room forever.

A Career in Rapid Ascent

McFarland’s trajectory from 2024 to 2026 has been nothing short of explosive. Beyond securing a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and signing with The Core Records/Capitol Records, she has shared the stage with industry heavyweights like Chase Rice, Riley Green, and Brett Young. Her breakout momentum also includes a debut at the Grand Ole Opry.

Fans can catch her live on May 30 at the Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City Beach, followed by an appearance at the CMA Fest in Nashville this June. She is also slated for a series of summer performances opening for Green on his “Cowboy As It Gets” tour.

Alabama’s Country Momentum

Alabama is currently enjoying a banner era for country talent. Jacksonville’s Riley Green continues to climb, balancing his music career with a role on “Marshals” and a upcoming coaching gig on “The Voice.” Meanwhile, Hope Hull’s Ella Langley is smashing records with her hit “Choosin’ Texas,” and the Red Clay Strays recently celebrated their status as the Academy of Country Music’s Group of the Year, a nod earned for their undeniable impact.

From Mobile Roots to Nashville Stages

McFarland’s path began in Mobile, where she was a student at UMS-Wright Preparatory School. By age 15, she was cutting her teeth at local staples like Bluegill and Moe’s Original BBQ. She also credits Manci’s Antique Club in Daphne and Callaghan’s Irish Social Club for supporting her early development. After building experience at the Flora-Bama, she moved to Nashville in 2016.

The turning point for her career came after years of playing cover sets on Broadway. Following a night of prayer, she posted her song “The Bed I Made,” which became her first viral success. Since then, she has leaned on mentors like Jamey Johnson to help navigate the relationship-driven industry.

Connecting with Crowds

While she hasn't released an album, McFarland has strategically utilized social media to build her fanbase, mirroring the approach of artists like Joshua Slone. Whether it is an acoustic set at the Toyota Music Den or performing for large crowds, she views every show as a vital marketing tool and a chance to refine her storytelling. She often incorporates covers like Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One” or a mashup of Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon” and Taylor Swift’s “Our Song” to bridge the gap with new listeners.

As she looks toward future releases, she hopes to tap into the “real country” sounds of Keith Whitley and Merle Haggard. Reflecting on the success of contemporaries like Langley, she remains optimistic about the future of women in the industry. “I think there’s room for all of us,” she said. “We’re all fans of each other.”

The upcoming Gulf Coast Jam, which will host stars like Muscadine Bloodline and Jessie Murph, will be a welcome return to familiar territory for the rising star as she continues to use her platform to connect with audiences through shared experiences.