Dylan Gossett - “Beneath Oak Trees”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Noah Kahan, The Avett Brothers, Zach Bryan 

While the woodsy acoustic troubadour thing has been done countless times before, there’s something that really hits when an artist’s strumming, lyrics, and belted melodies come together. Dylan Gossett’s music follows this lane, taking Americana roots and transforming them into understated pop songs. The Austin local has caught on widely already, millions of streams listened for the tracks that make up his 2023 debut No Better Time. Gritty but not overdone, Gossett balances raw and pretty well on No Better Time, an accessible collection that avoids making hooks too sugary sweet throughout. Add some alt-country accompaniment and Gossett’s music sounds full and well rounded even while maintaining a minimalist tenet throughout this enticing new artist’s introduction. (Kevin McStravick)