Braxton Keith Rides Momentum with New Single, Extensive 2026 Tour
Rising country star Braxton Keith is continuing his ascent with the release of “I Ain’t Tryin’,” a western swing track lauded for its classic sound and modern appeal, alongside a extensive tour schedule spanning North America and Australia throughout 2026.
The new single, released on January 18, 2026, is already generating buzz for its authentic country feel. according to a release, “I ain’t Tryin'” embodies Keith’s “easy confidence and throwback twang,” featuring elements reminiscent of Bob Wills, including a signature “haw haw!” and vibrant fiddle melodies courtesy of 19-year-old Carson Peters, who co-wrote the song with Brice Long and Will Jones. Keith himself described the song as “like a good pair of jeans that come back in style,” emphasizing its timeless quality.
Keith’s growing recognition within the industry is evident in recent accolades. He was named one of “Country’s hottest rising stars” by holler, and included on Rolling Stone’s list of “Country Albums we’re Excited to Hear in 2026.” Amazon Music has also designated him an “Artist to Watch” for 2026, a sentiment echoed by Music Mayhem, who praised his “unshakable kind of momentum.” Publications like Billboard and Country Central have highlighted his ability to blend traditional honky-tonk with contemporary flair, while Whiskey Riff lauded his lyrical depth and “hearty Texas twang.” He was previously recognized as a 2025 “Artist to Watch” by Martin Guitar.
Beyond the studio, Keith has established himself as a dynamic live performer. in 2025 alone, he completed over 130 shows, supporting established artists such as Cody Johnson, Gavin Adcock, and Luke Bryan, along with his own headlining “THIS AIN’T MY FIRST TOUR” tour. A recent review from Saving Country Music described his performances as “natural, effortless, and fl
- 2/13 – San Diego, CA – The Casbah
- 2/14 – Los Angeles, CA – The Hotel Cafe
- 3/5 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
- 3/12 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
- 3/19 – Oklahoma city, OK – The Blue Note
- 3/20 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater
- 3/26 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
- 4/2 – Austin, TX – The continental Club
- 4/25 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach
- 4/26 – Santa Fe, NM – Santa Fe Brewing Company
- 5/8 – Faison, NC – Creekstone Rising Music festival
- 5/10 – Saint Pete Beach, FL – Country Thunder Florida
- 5/24 – Monterrey Country Fest – Santiago, MX
- 6/7 – Lexington, KY – Railbird Music Festival
- 6/18 – Bloomington, IL – Tailgate N’ Tallboys
- 6/19 – North Lawrence, OH – The Country Fest
- 7/8 – Chicago, IL – Windy City Smokeout
- 7/11 – New Salem, ND – ND Country Fest
- 7/18 – Eau Claire, WI – Eau Claire Event district
- 8/6 – oshkosh, WI – XRoads4
- 8/8 – Sikeston, MO – Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo
- 8/15 – Imperial, NE – Chase county Fair & Expo
- 8/27 – Mount Morris, MI – Genesee County Fair
- 9/11-9/13 – Bristol, TN – bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion*
(Supporting Riley green)
With a blend of traditional influences and a forward-looking approach, Braxton Keith is poised to become a significant force in the evolving landscape of country music.
