Kimmi Bitter

Dubbed "the future of classic country" by Saving Country Music, Kimmi Bitter is painting a whole new tapestry that drapes golden-era Countrypolitan over the desert twang of the American Southwest. Imagine the sun-soaked charm of Palm Springs circa ‘62 mixed with a dash of coastal weirdness, all wrapped up in a mod-inspired dreamscape. A rising force in the underground Americana scene she's mixing the old school with the new cool by capturing the attention of music fans and critics alike. A paradox that echoes from the traditions of classic country, yet feels like it’s breaking all the rules at once.

That boundary-pushing spirit came alive in her debut album Old School, which dropped in 2024 and came out swinging. It landed solidly on the Top 25 Americana Album Radio Chart and racked up a jaw-dropping eight nominations. But it didn’t stop there—her album dominated the Alt. Country Specialty Charts for four weeks in a row, and earned an Album of the Year nod from Saving Country Music. Her single "Aquamarine" claimed the coveted Song of the Year title at the 2024 San Diego Music Awards, beating high-profile nominees like Jason Mraz and P.O.D. If that wasn’t enough, her breakout year keeps rolling with a field-leading four nominations for the 2025 San Diego Music Awards, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Old School, and Song of the Year for “Cowboy Kind of Girl.” That’s not just a sign of success—that’s a signal that Kimmi’s about to kick into high gear.

Kimmi isn’t just winning awards; she’s earning her stripes on the road the old-fashioned way. After over 120 shows nationally in 2024, she and her band, The Westside Twang, are doing what they do best—pouring their souls across the U.S.A. Guitarist Willis Farnsworth’s signature twangy tone, which somehow makes a Gretsch guitar emulate pedal steel, has not only built him a cult following but has also defined the band's live sound. With bassist Ben Neal and drummer Justin De La Vega in tow, the band delivers a live performance that hits right in the pocket.

If Americana music had a highlight reel for 2024, Kimmi would be in it. She was named one of Americanafest’s biggest musical takeaways, and her album Old School also made it to Whiskey Riff’s Top Debut Albums list and was mentioned on Billboard’s 8 Must-Hear New-Counrty songs. With four major nominations already locked in for 2025, building a buzz for a sophomore album on the way, and a reputation for constantly pushing boundaries, it’s clear: Kimmi Bitter is just getting started.