Triston Marez Fans of country music know the know the famous “Class of ‘89” – and you can consider Triston Marez in the Class of ‘19. Part of a new generation infusing modern country with timeless, authentic swagger, he’s an emerging star with more than 60 million career streams to his credit, and a dancehall dynamo with a million miles of highway in the rear view. But after paying his dues for the last few years, a new chapter begins … and he’s got much more than the soft glow of neon behind him. Represented by Erv Woolsey management (the famous team behind George Strait, Lee Ann Womack and a whole stable of pure-country stars), the Houston native has moved on from a barstool in the corner, to nationwide tours in front of thousands of fans, perfecting his serene baritone and blending Texas grit with a touch of modern energy. Infused with a born entertainer’s charisma, he’s pushing dancehall honky-tonk into the digital age, with a new six-song EP produced by Jake Gear (Hailey Whitters’ Livin the Dream), capturing both the traditional influence and right-now spirit at Marez’s core. Building on the bold, Texas-centric sound of his previous work, and sourcing new material from some of the best writers in Nashville, this is a different mindset from the rest of Music City. He’s aiming to make country “country” again. And class is now in session.