Audacy announces Country singer Zach John King and Stephen Wilson Jr. as its newest LAUNCH artists. Audacy LAUNCH is the company’s music discovery program that spotlights emerging artists. 

Audacy LAUNCH allows listeners to explore upcoming artists’ music in ways that resonate with them most as musicians climb to new heights in their careers. By leveraging its extensive multiplatform reach and the influential power of radio, Audacy introduces these artists to its vast audience of millions of listeners and fans. 

Audacy will support King’s new track “Get to Drinkin” and Wilson Jr.’s “Gary” through broadcast and digital airplay, on-air artist vignettes, digital editorial and engaging social content.  

“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,” said Tim Roberts, Country Format Vice President, Audacy. “Both artists are gaining incredible daily momentum through their tours and songs, and we’re ready to serve as the launch pad for their rising careers.”

“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,” said Dennis Reese, Senior Vice President, Radio Marketing & Promotion, Sony Music Nashville. “Now let’s ‘Get to Drinkin’!”

“To be an Audacy LAUNCH artist is incredible. 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,” said King. “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.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to Audacy for their continued partnership and for investing in Stephen Wilson Jr. through the LAUNCH program,” said Lauren Thomas, Senior Vice President Promotion, Big Loud Records. “He’s truly a one-of-a-kind artist, and we’re ‘Gary’ excited for what’s ahead.”

“Many thanks to Country radio for taking us in. I am ‘Gary’ grateful,” said Wilson Jr. “Being Audacy’s LAUNCH artist exceeds my dreams, and I can’t thank them enough for helping introduce ‘Gary’ and the story to the world.”

King pairs the reflective insight of a roots poet with the edgy intensity of raw alt-rock, pushing country in a brand-new direction. After finding breakout success with “Wannabe Cowboy” and the hit title track of his Slow Down EP, King has amassed over 83 million global streams by favoring vivid authenticity over genre clichés. He is set to hit the road with Morgan Wallen, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Jon Pardi and more in 2026.

After transitioning from a career in science to music, Wilson Jr. released his 2023 debut double album søn of dad, which was named the number one album of the year by Holler and hailed as a “record for the ages.” Following a series of sold-out headlining dates and tens of millions of streams for his “Stand By Me” cover, Wilson Jr. is currently supporting HARDY on tour, including a landmark performance at Madison Square Garden.

Audacy LAUNCH artists include GRAMMY winners Jelly Roll, Doechii, Muni Long, Zach Top and Lola Young. 

For LAUNCH and artist assets, please click here.