Asheville’­s pop-country artists move into the spotlight

“Country music in Asheville is becoming a thing now, and that’s awesome,” says Joe Lasher Jr. The Weaverville native got his start at 16 and now, at 19, splits his time between WNC and Nashville where he writes songs. “In Nashville, it’s country and rock in every music venue. Asheville is very unique in its music. It’s made me appreciate all music more.”