The Southern Companion to release their excellent new album in January

We are delighted to announce that The Southern Companion will be releasing their new album “Shine A Little Light” on 25th January 2019 on their own label, Eleven33 Records. Pre order will be available from 21st November 2018 and when purchased digitally you will receive "Songbird" as an instant gratification download.

The band will be supporting the release with their first UK headline tour during February and March 2019. Dates to be announced shortly.

Fronted by singer/songwriter and guitarist Darren Hodson, The Southern Companion are made up of some of the UK’s finest session musicians , some of whom first met in the music room at school. Their CV’s include industry big hitters Tom Jones, Take That, Mel C, Lulu, Rumer, James Morrison, Pete Townsend, Dire Straits, Amy MacDonald, the list goes on and on.

After recording an “Under The Apple Tree” session for Bob Harris in 2016, an appearance at the C2C festival in London soon followed and a string of UK festivals that summer brought The Southern Companion firmly into the hearts of Country & Americana fans. 2 years of UK, European and USA tour dates came next supporting songstress Rumer and 60’s legend Lulu.

Multiple British CMA Awards, Live shows for The AMA-UK, National air play on BBC Radio 2 from Bob Harris, as well as a featured song in the upcoming smash hit movie “Wild Rose” feat. Jessie Buckley & Julie Walters, 2019 looks set to be a big year for the band.

“Americana blend that delivers a lot of impressive moments” – Maverick Magazine

“Wonderful band, I really enjoyed their set, We all love that song here” – Bob Harris – BBCR2

“A Mid-Atlantic Sonic Whirlpool where the US & UK currents meet” – AmericanaUK

“In a different place and time Darren’s voice would have made him a 90’s “modern rock” god and that’s a wonderful thing as far as I’m concerned” – Baylen Leonard / Bluegrass Situation

Jimmie Allen releases excellent debut album 'Mercury Lane'

NASHVILLE, TN / LONDON, UK — “One of the most inspiring tales to come out of Music Row in the last decade,” (CMT) Jimmie Allen has announced the hotly-anticipated details surrounding his debut album,‘Mercury Lane’, available everywhere October 12th 2018 via Stoney Creek Records / BBR Music Group, just in time for his forthcoming first UK tour dates. After teasing the track listing and behind-the-scenes photos on his socials earlier this week, the "Best Shot" singer just revealed the artwork, name, meaning and additional details for his first full-length album along with a brand-new song.

As an homage to the origin of his story and how far he’s come, the soul-baring album takes its name from the street Allen grew up on and pays tribute to the influence home and family has had on his incredible journey. Fans will instantly receive six songs with a pre-order of ‘Mercury Lane’, including “Best Shot,” “Underdogs,” “21,” “Warrior,” “Back of Your Mind” and “Make Me Want To,” a brand-new track that highlights the singer’s hopeless romantic side.

“Mercury Lane is where my journey began. All of the fundamental life lessons that shaped my values and make me who I am today, I was taught on that street—it’s where I learned about love, family, life, how to believe in myself, the concept of never giving up, following your dreams and being a good person,” said Jimmie Allen. “This album touches on all of those ideals and truly feels like I’m sharing a piece of my heart with the world. I’ve been working toward this moment for so long; I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

‘Mercury Lane’ comes nearly one year to the day after Allen quietly dropped his self-titled EP which earned him recognition on a slew of “Artist to Watch” titles. Now with his debut single, “Best Shot” rocketing up the charts (currently Top 20), with more than 38 million streams to date, Jimmie has become one of the most buzzed about Country newcomers and is slated to make his national US TV debut next month on NBC’s TODAY. Fans have gone rabid for Allen’s undeniable talent and incredible story of perseverance and positivity, as depicted in his docu-series “Jimmie Allen All In.”

For months Jimmie Allen fans had been teased with the promise of a full-length album; hoping to satiate the craving for new music, the critically-acclaimed rising star had been sharing one brand-new track each month as a collection of songs he calls the “Slower Lower Sessions.” The series, inspired by the ‘Slower Lower’ region of the state, held fans off temporarily but it is clear that after teasing ‘Mercury Lane’ details on his Instagram story earlier this week, people are excited for more Jimmie Allen.

TRACK LIST:
“American Heartbreaker” — (Jimmie Allen, Lance Miller, Chris Stevens, Ash Bowers)
“Make Me Want To” — (Jimmie Allen, Paul Sikes, Jennifer Denmark)
“Deserve to Be” — (Jimmie Allen, Danielle Blakey, Tripp Howell)
“How to Be Single” — (Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, Jimmy Robbins)
“Wait for It” — (Ash Bowers, Thom McHugh, Steve Williams)
“High Life” — (Lance Miller, Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Chris Stevens)
“21” — (Brandon Hood, Josh Jenkins, Ash Bowers)
“Underdogs” — (Ash Bowers, Brandon Lay, Jonathan Singleton)
“Like You Do” — (Jimmie Allen, JP Williams, Josh London, Jason Mizell)
“Back of Your Mind” — (Jimmie Allen, Matthew McVaney, Devin Tolentino)
“Boy Gets a Truck” — (Ash Bowers, Aaron Scherz)
“County Lines” — (Brett Tyler, Ben Burgess, Matt Dragstrem)
“Best Shot” — (Jimmie Allen, Josh London, JP Williams)
“Warrior” — (Jimmie Allen, Casey Beathard, Ash Bowers)
“All Tractors Ain’t Green” — (Jimmie Allen, Brandon Hood, Tim Nichols)

'Mercury Lane', produced by Ash Bowers and Eric Torres is available for pre-order here: https://jimmieallen.lnk.to/mercurylane.

Hot off of a busy summer on the road, gaining new fans at festivals across the country, Jimmie will hit the road again in support of Scotty McCreery and Kane Brown’s tours as well as take his live show to the UK alongside labelmate, Chase Rice. For tour details and more information, visit www.JimmieAllenMusic.com.


TOUR DATES:

October 23 —London, UK—Chase Rice Lambs & Lions UK Tour
October 24 — Manchester, UK— Chase Rice Lambs & Lions UK Tour
October 25 — Glasgow, UK— Chase Rice Lambs & Lions UK Tour
October 27 — Birmingham, UK— Chase Rice Lambs & Lions UK Tour
October 28 — London, UK— Chase Rice Lambs & Lions UK Tour

JIMMIE ALLEN - BEST SHOT

ABOUT JIMMIE ALLEN:
The epitome of the phrase “persistence pays off,” Jimmie Allen laid it all on the line to make his dreams a reality. Now signed to BBR Music Group’s Stoney Creek Records, with his debut single “Best Shot” in the Top 20 and climbing, Jimmie Allen is set to make his full-length album debut with Mercury Lane, featuring a cutting-edge mix of country, rock, R&B, and pop produced by Ash Bowers and Eric Torres.

The Southern Delaware native’s talent for songwriting is undeniable, having written a song that was featured in a Super Bowl commercial and appeared in a Diet Coke ad with megastar Taylor Swift. “Blue Jean Baby,” off his debut self-titled EP, immediately caught the attention of country music fans and critics alike with its soulful groove— rocketing it to the top of digital playlists, across all genres. Allen is currently introducing his music at festivals across the country before sharing the stage with Chase Rice, Kane Brown, and Scotty McCreery this fall. The hot newcomer has already been heralded as one of the top “artists to watch in 2018” by Rolling Stone, Billboard, Pandora, Sounds Like Nashville; and has earned spots in CMT’s “18 for 2018” Listen Up program, and Bobby Bones’ Class of 2018.

Twitter: @JimmieAllen
www.facebook.com/jimmieallenmusic
www.instagram.com/jimmieallen

The award winning Lucas and King to release self titled debut album

Crowned ‘Fender Undiscovered Artist Of The Year 2018’ Southampton based duo Bo Lucas & Hayleigh King are set to release their highly anticipated self titled debut album on 23rd November. ‘Lucas & King’ promises to be a great fusion of Blues, Country, Sixties Pop and Roots. Their album launch will be at the prestigious Green Note in Camden on 26th November

With influences including Peggy Lee, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, The Kinks and Dolly Parton, the album features beautifully complex lyrics, sung by the sultry stand-out vocals of lead singer Bo Lucas, made all the brighter by Hayleigh King’s sympathetic and tasteful guitar accompaniment which in turn creates the cinematic backdrop of their sound. The album features elements of sixties pop, surf, garage and blues that take you from the empty and confined opener of ‘Brunswick Place’, through to the realities of love and life in ‘Maybe I Do’, to an existential crisis in ‘Shop Girl’, finishing on the dark noir obsessive ‘Nothing On You’. The duo have managed to create a timeless, but also fresh sound that is entirely their own. Upon meeting in Brighton at university, Bo Lucas (lead vocals and acoustic guitar) and Hayleigh King (electric guitar and backing-vocals) quickly cemented a musical connection, writing their first song ‘Crazy Heart’ within 15 minutes of first playing together.

Their DIY approach to music saw them playing at open mic's and local shows, resulting with the opportunity to tour with and open for Ray Davies - 50th anniversary tour, back in 2014. At short notice they burnt CDs on laptops, with handmade brown paper & cardboard sleeves stuck together, hand stamped with “Lucas & King” and handwritten track listings ready for the tour. In just a few years Lucas & King have stacked up many accolades and awards; the duo were finalists in Glastonbury Emerging Talent 2017 which saw them perform on Rabbit Hole, Avalon and Acoustic stage. Then in July of this year they were crowned winners of the prestigious ‘Fender Undiscovered Artist award’, hand picked by a panel of judges from over 2000 contestants; prize including a trip to LA, with gigs at the Fender factory in Corona California.

Lucas & King have also supported many respected overseas artists, such as Blind Boy Paxton, John Murry, The Americans and Colter Wall, all of whom have become avid fans of this very special duo.

You can pre-order the new album in the link below from Bandcamp

https://lucasandking.bandcamp.com/album/lucas-king

https://www.lucasandking.com/

Sarah Darling to release exciting new album in January

LCM favourite US singer-songwriter Sarah Darling is scheduled to release her fifth studio album in January 2019. You can pre-order the album along with her next single on October 26th.

Having been very busy laying the groundwork for her new album with Mark Bright ((Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban) in her hometown of Nashville, Sarah has relocated to London, where she has spent the summer working with acclaimed writer/producers Ash Howes (Kylie, Gabriella Aplin) and Pete Hammerton (The Shires, Wandering Hearts, Shane Filan) and with songwriters including Shelly Poole (Paloma Faith, Mel C, Sam Bailey) and Jessica Sharman (The Shires, Ward Thomas).

On her affinity with the UK and her latest stay, Sarah comments: “Over the past couple of years, I have spent an ever greater amount of time in the UK. While Nashville will always remain my musical base, the UK has become a second home to me, both musically and in spirit. I feel so fortunate to be working with such talented musicians and artists in the UK, and I am excited to share the new direction of my music with fans everywhere.”

Sarah’s music in 2018 has been growing and evolving, building on the success of her breakout album 'Dream Country' released in 2017. We can't wait to hear the new album

Emily Mae Winters to release brand new second album 'High Romance'

The multi-award wining Cambridge based singer-songwriter Emily Mae Winters is releasing her brand new second album ‘High Romance’ through Pledge Music…and she needs your help and support.

For the release Emily has also been supported by the PRS Emerging Artist Fund in association with Pledge Music as well as through EFDSS (English Folk Song and Dance Society) Creative Seed Funding.

The new album will be recorded this December at London’s Urchin Studios with award winning producer Matt Ingram (Florence and the Machine, Laura Marling, Rae Morris, Lianne La Havas, Lewis & Leigh, Benjamin Francis Leftwich).

The album pre-sales and other exclusives can be found at Emily’s Pledge page at the link below.

Emily will also be on a UK album pre-release tour. Catch her if you can.

https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/high-romance

Photo credit: Elly Lucas

The excellent The London Roots Festival grows bigger and better for 2018

The London Roots Festival 24th October - 18th November (formerly The London Folk & Roots Festival) is now in it’s fifth year. It’s grown from doing 6 shows in the first year to 32 in 2017 year across various size venues such as The Palladium, Bush Hall, Union Chapel, Shepherds Bush Empire, Oslo and many more.  Growing from strength to strength each year, 2018 promises to be bigger and better than ever.

This year's great line-up includes:-

• Tom Baxter
• Blind Boys Of Alabama
• Joshua Burnside
• Callaghan
• Bruce Cockburn
• Fisherman's Friends
• Finbar Furey
• Jake Morrell
• Lindisfarne
• Over The Rhine
• Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys
• John Smith
• Sound Of The Sirens
• Trampled By Turtles
• Robert Vincent

In 2014 David Messer having promoted roots music for a number of years through DMP UK, decided to start a festival to give a platform for new and up and coming artists to play with known and established artists and to bring the best in roots music to London under one banner. So he teamed up with his friends at National Promotion company Kilimanjaro Live and created the The London Folk & Roots Festival, a multi venue event over two weeks in Oct/Nov.

It’s grown from doing 6 shows in the first year to 32 last year across various size venues such as The Palladium, Bush Hall, Union Chapel, Shepherds Bush Empire, Oslo and many more.

They have changed the name this year as they feel that folk comes under roots and they have an eclectic mix of folk, country, Americana, blues, singer songwriters and world music. We are very pleased here at LCM that this festival, is becoming a great part of London’s musical calendar.

If you are interesting in playing at the festival please send your info to david@dmpuk.com.

https://www.seetickets.com/tour/the-london-roots-festival

Nashville Star Claire Bowen To Release Debut Album on August 31st

Australian-born, US-based singer-songwriter-actress Clare Bowen, is releasing her debut album in the UK just in time for her first ever headline UK tour. Released on Aug 31st 2018 via BMG, the eponymous album will be preceded by the beautifully crafted single ‘Let It Rain’, which showcases Clare’s striking vocal abilities perfectly and is the album opener. ‘Let It Rain’ was debuted on the legendary Bob Harris’ Radio 2 show recently to incredible reactions.

Best known for her leading role as Scarlett O’Connor on the hit TV series NASHVILLE, Clare is a gifted performer, both on screen and in a live arena setting. She returns to the UK just months after selling out the O2 London with her NASHVILLE cast mates, who also sold-out three nights at the Royal Albert Hall last year. Bowen will be releasing her debut album, produced by Brooklyn, NY’s Josh Kaufman, just before her tour kicks off at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on September 2, and tickets are on-sale now. 

Years before launching her career as a singer-song writer, a young Clare was growing up in rural Australia, miles from the nearest city, writing down everything she felt, heard, saw and dreamed. “Music was my connection to the rest of the world,” she says. “I was brought up on my parents’ vinyl collection - everything from Vivaldi, to Elvis, to Dolly, to Springsteen, Edith Piaf and Etta James.”

Along the way, she established herself as an in-demand actress on both sides of the Atlantic, earning critical praise in the highly controversial Australian film, The Combination, directed by David Field, and as the leading role of Wendla in the Sydney Theatre Company’s musical production of Spring Awakening. Fresh off the set of NASHVILLE after six years of filming, she is happy to take a moment this Autumn to focus on music and promoting her new album which she has been writing and recording for years.
 

CLARE BOWEN |  2018 UK TOUR DATES

Sep 2 | Birmingham, UK | Symphony Hall

Sep 4 | Gateshead, UK | Sage Gateshead

Sep 5 | York, UK | York Barbican

Sep 6 | Manchester, UK | Bridgewater Hall

Sep 8 | Glasgow, UK | Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Sep 9 | Cambridge, UK | Cambridge Corn Exchange

Sep 10 | Guildford, UK | G Live

Sep 12 | London, UK | Royal Festival Hall

Sep 13 | Brighton, UK | Brighton Dome

‘Sights & Sounds Of Tennessee’ Experiance To Debut At Waterloo Station: June 4th - 17th

Tennessee Invites UK Travellers to Experience the Soundtrack of America: performers include Gill Landry, Yola Carter, Kasheena Sampson & Robert Vincent

The beckon call of live music, complimentary Jack Daniel’s and an immersive multi-sensory experience will entice Waterloo Station travellers to delay their evening commutes and take a brief holiday in Tennessee at a special exhibit entitled “The Sights & Sounds of Tennessee” from 4th-17th June 2018.

The exhibit is part of a month-long campaign featuring the Tennessee destinations of Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville that follows British Airways’ introduction of its five-days-per-week nonstop service from London Heathrow to Nashville, the capital city and centre to the state. The Sounds of Tennessee exhibit at Waterloo and digital boards throughout London are to feature custom Spotify playlists that will serve as a formal invitation to British holidaymakers to visit Tennessee, one of the world’s top travel destinations for music lovers.

A special kick-off event, featuring Nashville recording artist Gill Landry, formerly of Old Crow Medicine Show, and AMA UK Artist of the Year Yola Carter, will take place at the exhibit on Monday, 4 June from 2 p.m. and include remarks by a Tennessee Department of Tourist Development representative.

Tennessee, located in the Southeastern United States, is the birthplace of seven different forms of popular music—blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly, and rock ‘n’ roll—and has more musicians per capita than any other place in the world. Tennessee is also home to world-renowned music attractions including Beale Street, Bijou Theatre, Bluebird Cafe, Blues Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Graceland, Grand Ole Opry, Sun Studio, Ryman Auditorium and Tennessee Theatre.

‘Sights & Sounds of Tennessee’ visitors will stand atop a map of Tennessee and use headphones to listen to music recordings and other sounds one can only experience in Tennessee. Corresponding websites, accessible via mobile devices, enable visitors to virtually transport themselves to Tennessee destinations with 360-degree videos including a scenic vista overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains or one of the many blues clubs lining Memphis’ famous Beale Street.

Live music concerts will be held at the exhibit weekdays from 2 - 4pm, featuring music curated by the UK Americana Music Association (AMA UK) performed by some of the genre’s top artists, followed by a Jack Daniel’s Happy Hour from 4 - 6pm. Scheduled artists include:

Kashena Sampson, 5 June
Robert Vincent, 6 June
Danni Nicholls, 7 June
The Luck, 8 June
Bennett Wilson Poole, 11 June
Jake Morrell, 12 June
Worry Dolls, 13 June
Rob Heron, 14 June
Martin Harley, 15 June

“The UK is home to the world’s greatest travellers, many of whom have been coming to Tennessee for years to experience The Soundtrack of America and enjoy our southern hospitality, great cities, rich history and beautiful outdoors,” said Kevin Triplett, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “The new nonstop service aboard British Airways makes reaching Tennessee easier than ever, and we look forward to welcoming even more of our friends from across the Atlantic in the years to come.”

On 4th May, the first new LHR - BNA flight (British Airways Flight 223; a Boeing 787-7 Dreamliner carrying 200 passengers) left London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) at 1545 local time and touched down at Nashville International Airport (BNA) eight-and-a-half hours later, initiating a five-days-a-week nonstop service from the United Kingdom to Tennessee’s capital city.

‘The Sights & Sounds of Tennessee’ exhibit is a joint effort led by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, working in partnership with BrandUSA, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau and Knoxville Convention & Visitors Bureau, to formerly introduce Tennessee to Londoners through an interactive sight and sound experience in London’s Waterloo Station.

Photo credit: EPE

For more information please visit: www.tnvacation.com.

The Savannahs release their debut EP 'Iron & Glass'

LCM recommended new release : The very talented The Savannahs have just released their wonderful debut EP 'Iron & Glass'. Their EP launch gig will be at the Green Note in Camden on the 30th May.

Founded in early 2017, singer-songwriters Hannah Rose Platt, Emily Moment, and Rebecca Rosewell formed Alt-Country group 'The Savannahs'. 'Iron and Glass' is their first release; a 4 track EP consisting of three original songs: 'Savannah', 'Stone That Never Rolls' and 'Suffragette', and one track covering the traditional acapella song 'Down In The River To Pray'.

The EP was recorded by Sam Beer in London, with all the music and instrumentation played by The Savannahs, except piano on 'Suffragette' performed by Tom Collison. The official online release for 'Iron And Glass' is Friday May 4th with a live performance on BBC Radio 4 show 'Loose Ends' Saturday May 5th and an EP launch show on Wednesday May 30th at The Green Note in Camden, London.

Inspired by acts like Emmylou Harris, Neil Young, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Gillian Welch, and many more, The Savannahs lend their beautiful harmonies to a mix of both originals and rootsy covers.

In July 2017, The Savannahs performed on BBC One's vocal competition 'Pitch Battle', representing Country Music. Being on the show gained The Savannahs lots of new fans, along with several well attended live gigs in London, Buckinghamshire, Bristol and Petersfield since the show aired.

Audiences can expect haunting three part harmonies, country classic sing alongs, catchy originals, banjo/ ukele/guitar picking and a few acapella numbers.

Lisa Wright Explores New Sounds On ‘Mind Of Mine’ EP - Out May 25th

LONDON, UK - (17th April 2018) - One of the most exciting voices in the UK’s homegrown country/Americana scene, Lisa Wright, has announced the May 25th 2018 release of her brand new EP ‘Mind of Mine’. Produced by Matt Greaves (Ward Thomas, The Girls Musical), ‘Mind of Mine’ contains four brand new songs, and is Lisa’s most personal work to date. Lead single, ‘Tennessee’, co-written by Lisa with Kaity Rae and currently gaining airplay on country shows & stations across the UK, was inspired by her trip to the US in late 2017, reflecting the notorious ups and downs of the music industry and the search for purpose in life.

Two of the tracks were solely written by Lisa, with ‘Giving Up The Ghost’ penned in collaboration with Jake Etheridge, known for his starring role as Sean McPherson on CMT’s Nashville TV show, and having also lent his songwriting talents to the show’s soundtrack.

Combining Lisa's staple of honest and emotive lyrics with a new exploration of sound and style, it’s obvious that ‘Mind of Mine’ will showcase this young artist’s ability to continually re-create herself, while staying true to her roots. Having opened for US country star Cam earlier this month and with support dates with the likes of Ward Thomas & Phil Vassar under her belt, it’s easy to see why the Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI) have declared Lisa Wright “one to watch”.

‘Mind of Mine’ is out on May 25th 2018, and available to pre-order now, with an EP launch at 229 in London on May 23rd.

Forthcoming live dates include:

• 18th May - Escape The Great Escape Festival, Brighton
• 23rd May - 229, London (EP Launch)

Tickets & info from http://lisawrightmusic.com

“[Lisa] mesmerises us with her flawless vocal delivery” (Your Life in a Song)

“Intelligent, elegant and far beyond her years” (Inside Nashville)

“She is surely destined for a huge career” (Belles and Gals)

ABOUT LISA WRIGHT:
At first glance; Lisa Wright is a 5ft, blonde, Essex girl who seemingly charms her way into the audiences’ affection by cracking jokes and telling stories but then she begins to play... and the room goes silent.

Nominated for ‘Best Country/Folk Act’ by the Unsigned Music Awards and described as ‘Kacey Musgraves meets Patty Griffin meets John Mayer’, it's clear from your first listen that, to Lisa Wright, lyrics mean everything. Inside Nashville called Wright's songwriting: "intelligent, elegant and beyond her years". With great support from BBC Introducing, the young singer-songwriter was announced as one of their emerging ‘Sound of 2017’ artists and subsequently was handpicked by BBC Radio 6Music to perform at Latitude Festival. With over 70,000 streams on Spotify to date; previous singles playlisted on radio including Chris Country & Amazing Radio; and supporting artists such as; Cam, Ward Thomas, Phil Vassar and Emily Barker, it’s clear to see why Lisa has often been described as “the UK's best kept secret”. 

But, it doesn't stop there... 

After she impressed the transatlantic audience with her songwriting, Lisa was championed by the Nashville Songwriters Association who announced her as their ‘One to Watch’, and was recently invited to join the fantastic Song Suffragette alumni in Nashville.

Mind of Mine

Lisa Wright

Buy on Amazon

Ashley McBryde's London Headline Show Upgraded Due To Phenomenal Demand

LONDON, UK - (16th April 2018) - After tickets sold out within minutes of being on sale, the venue for Ashley McBryde’s London show in October has been upgraded due to overwhelming demand, and will now be moved to Islington Assembly Hall on Wednesday 10th October 2018. McBryde, whose performances at the O2 Arena’s C2C Festival in March were described by Music Week as “nothing short of a revelation” and who Entertainment Focus highlighted as “one of the most talked-about artists on the country scene”, recently confirmed her return to the UK later this year, including a run of tour dates with Luke Combs, followed by a London headline show.

Original tickets remain valid, and the new tickets will be on sale this Friday (20th April) at 9:00AM.

This follows the release of her critically-acclaimed full-length album ‘Girl Going Nowhere’, out on Atlantic/Warner Nashville in March and declared last week as the biggest debut by a solo country artist this year. The album, described by The Fader as “a proper introduction to a true-blue talent, one who is capable of injecting personality into all types of country songs”, is currently in the top five on the UK Country Albums chart for a second consecutive week. 

Produced by Jay Joyce, ‘Girl Going Nowhere’ has also received rave reviews from Rolling Stone and Variety, a “Next-Gen Nashville” Billboard feature, inclusion in NPR’s All Songs Considered and half-page features in both The New York Times and Sunday’s issue of The Washington Post. Rolling Stone observes, “… she wrote or co-wrote everything here…with a sharp eye for piercing detail. She has a serious gift,” while The New York Times adds, “Ms. McBryde focuses on crisp songwriting and a wide-tent approach to influences, taking in blues and Southern rock” in this week’s Popcast; Billboard notes, “[Girl Going Nowhere] juxtaposes her bluesy delivery -- reminiscent of Susan Tedeschi’s and Patty Griffin’s,” and the The Washington Post proclaims Girl Going Nowhere showcases McBryde’s “gritty, rock-tinged country music and vivid, cutting lyrics.”

Prior to recording Nowhere and signing a deal with a major label, McBryde spent the better part of her adult life driving between Nashville, Memphis and her hometown of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas playing any biker bar or dive she could book. There were nights when she didn’t know if she had enough gas in the tank of her teal 1971 pick-up to make it home, yet she would listen to the radio to distract herself from the then-grim reality.

Now, when she turns the dial she hears everything from her single, 'A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega' on Country radio, to album cut “American Scandal” on SiriusXM’s The Highway, to NPR discussing none other than “Radioland,” as featured in a recent broadcast/podcast of All Songs Considered, which deemed Girl Going Nowhere a “fantastic album, that is just what country needs. The cheap comparison would be female Chris Stapleton, but Ashley is her own woman. She really does however, combine the energy of rock, the earnestness and simple beauties of prime-era Springsteen or John Mellencamp; her songs are about family, working people, about living your best life when your best life is maybe on the outskirts of town on a ranch house with a manual lawnmower.”

Ashley McBryde returns to the UK in October 2018 for a series of tour dates with Luke Combs, followed by a headline show in London:

3rd October - O2 Institute, Birmingham (w/ Luke Combs)
4th October - Shepherds Bush Empire, London (w/ Luke Combs)
5th October - Shepherds Bush Empire, London (w/ Luke Combs)
7th October - O2 ABC, Glasgow (w/ Luke Combs)
8th October - O2 Ritz, Manchester (w/ Luke Combs)

10th October - Islington Assembly Hall, London (Upgraded due to demand)

Ashley Monroe unveils her new album 'Sparrow'

On April 20th, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ashley Monroe will release 'Sparrow' via Warner Music Nashville. The album, her fourth, was recorded with producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Mary Chapin Carpenter) in Nashville’s legendary RCA Studio A. On Monday, Ashley unveiled the album art for 'Sparrow' along with the track list and collaborators on the record (full track list below).

Ashley recently shared "Hands On You," our LCM #SongOfTheDay tomorrow and the first song to be released from the forthcoming album. NPR Music commened, "On that song and the 11 others that round out the track list, many of which frame her voice with sumptuous strings, Monroe sounds more sensitive, sensual and comfortable in her skin than she ever has." 

The single was embraced by American Songwriter, Rolling Stone, Wide Open Country, and UPROXX, who called the song a "barn-burning, lusty remembrance of a night that didn’t quite end in consummation of desire, and the waves of regret that can accompany not acting on impulse."

Working with some of her closest collaborators, including Brendan Benson and Waylon Payne, and longtime friends Anderson East and Angaleena Presley, Ashley wrote all of the songs on 'Sparrow.' She recorded the album while she was pregnant with her first child. "I felt powerful," she says. "I wasn't puffing, I wasn't drinking wine, I was just singing."

"I knew I wanted to work with Dave. All of his records are consistently awesome and classic, timeless, old and new all in one." Together, they shared their favourite records and music moments, like early Elton John LPs and Glen Campbell's "Wichita Lineman," moulding 'Sparrow' into its own unique sonic space. "Country music is a wide genre, and that's OK," Ashley says. “I don't even know what genre this record is, but I know it's me."

'Sparrow' Track List:

1. "Orphan" (Ashley Monroe, Gordie Sampson, Paul Moak)
2. "Hard On A Heart" (Ashley Monroe, Blu Sanders, Paul Moak)
3. "Hands On You" (Ashley Monroe, Jon Randall)
4. "Mother’s Daughter" (Ashley Monroe, Brendan Benson, Ryan Beaver)
5. "Rita" (Ashley Monroe, Nicole Galyon, Paul Moak)
6. "Wild Love" (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson)
7. "This Heaven" (Anderson East, Ashley Monroe, Aaron Raitiere)
8. "I'm Trying To" (Ashley Monroe, Kassi Ashton, Jon Randall)
9. "She Wakes Me Up (Rescue Me)" (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Paul Moak)
10. "Paying Attention" (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne, Brendan Benson)
11. "Daddy I Told You" (Ashley Monroe, Angaleena Presley, Josh O’Keefe)
12. "Keys To The Kingdom" (Ashley Monroe, Waylon Payne)

Lindsay Ells’s ‘The Project’ To Get UK Physical Release 9th March, Ahead Of C2C & UK Tour

Following her long-awaited return to the UK & Ireland last October, Lindsay Ell - one of the most highly anticipated acts of this year’s Country to Country (C2C) Festival in London, has confirmed a UK physical release for her critically acclaimed debut album ‘The Project’ (BMG/BBR) on March 9th 2018; led by the US hit single ‘Waiting On You’. Ell is due to perform on various stages across the O2 Arena during C2C - including a set on the prestigious BBC Radio 2 stage, and a Satellite Stage performance in the main arena on Sunday 11th March - before heading out on the road for further UK tour dates.

10th March - C2C Festival, O2 Arena London
11th March - C2C Festival, O2 Arena London
13th March - O2 ABC 2, Glasgow (C2C Roadshow)
14th March - O2 Institute 3, Birmingham (C2C Roadshow)
15th March - The Ruby Lounge, Manchester (C2C Roadshow)

For the rising star, the debut, which hit the #1 slot on the Nielsen SoundScan country albums chart in the US, has been a long time coming... sent on a mission of personal discovery to unleash the vibrant, soul-bearing country artist long predicted by fans and critics alike, Ell’s journey is now complete – and ‘The Project’ is the result. Comprised of 12 gripping, heart-on-her-sleeve tracks and produced by Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, the album is the musical calling card Ell’s been working toward her whole life – from her childhood in Calgary, Alberta; through her time opening shows for blues legend Buddy Guy; and even with attention-grabbing country singles “Trippin’ On Us” and “By the Way.”

“I feel like I’ve finally found myself,” Ell beams about ‘The Project’. “I’m a better guitar player, I’m a better singer, I’m a better songwriter. I’m just a different artist, and I’ve never felt about music the way I do now.” Grooving, diverse, and emotionally charged, it’s easy to hear what Ell means. ‘The Project’ reveals every aspect of her abundant talent – from her fiery guitar prowess to her crisp, inviting vocals ... and even her new knack for vulnerable song craft.

It’s funky, bluesy, and full of pop-country sweetness, but also delicate and – at times – brutally honest, as Ell’s heart is placed front and center on each track. She embraces the anything-goes fun of country’s future but also holds fast to its traditions, focusing on real instruments and co-writing nine of The Project’s songs to create something both unique and self-assured. For the first time, Ell’s music feels 100 percent “Lindsay,” and part of the reason for that is the growing up she’s done over the past few years. 

The young singer-songwriter has traveled the world with artists like The Band Perry - including her first visit to the UK in 2013 - and Luke Bryan; showcased her multi-instrumental dexterity as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country; returned to the UK for a headline tour in 2015; and is currently trading guitar solos with superstar Brad Paisley on his Weekend Warrior World Tour.

“I really believe everybody has their own story and their own path of brilliance ahead of them,” Ell explains, hinting at the her own winding journey. “It’s a song of not settling for things, careers, or even emotions that you’re having, just because they happen to you all the time. It’s about knowing you’re meant for something more special than that.”

With her long-awaited album debut, Lindsay Ell has discovered what she was meant for, and who she really is. Her next “project” will be to pass that message on.

Callaghan set to release her new EP 'Skin On Skin' on March 2nd

We have been big fans of this next lady for a few years now, after first meeting her at a gig in Manchester. Three-time BBC Radio 2 play listed artist Callaghan will release her latest EP 'Skin On Skin' on Friday March 2, ahead one of her biggest UK tours to date kicking off on April 17.

'Skin On Skin' is the second of three EPs that Callaghan is currently recording in Los Angeles over the course of a year. Shortly after the release, she’ll kick off her UK tour in Liverpool on April 17th and then play a series of dates across the UK including her first headline shows at Sage Gateshead, Oran Mor in Glasgow, Lincoln’s Drill Hall and her biggest ever London show at Bush Hall on April 26th.

The release of 'Skin On Skin' is the latest chapter in the remarkable story of the UK singer songwriter who moved to the US in summer 2010 after striking up a musical collaboration with Atlanta based Grammy Nominee Shawn Mullins via Myspace.

'Skin On Skin' was produced in Hollywood by Anthony Resta (Duran Duran, Blondie, Elton John), and husband/wife producer team Jeff Fair and Starr Parodi who have worked on scores for huge films including Harry Potter, James Bond, Mission Impossible and more. The songs were all written or co-written by Callaghan. Her writing partners include Jeff Silbar - one of the writers of the iconic song ‘The Wind Beneath My Wings’.

The 4 track EP features songs that capture both Callaghan’s unease that politics and technology are dividing us from one another, and her hope and conviction that love and the human spirit will overcome. Lead single ‘Better Together’ is an uplifting, positive love song celebrating unity. Title track ‘Skin on Skin’ suggests face-to-face contact rather than living life through a screen. ‘Broken’ was written at the end of 2016 as a heartfelt reaction to UK and US politics and finally ‘All Through The Night’ is a beautiful lullaby from a parent to a child.

The LA recordings mark an evolution in Callaghan’s sound as she moves in a pop direction while maintaining the honest emotions of the singer songwriter. Firsts for Callaghan on this EP include using a horn section on ‘Better Together’ and a full 30-piece orchestra on ‘Broken and ‘All Through the Night’. The orchestra was led by top British conductor Nicholas Dodd who has conducted every James Bond score since 1997. The session was recorded in the evening in Budapest while Callaghan watched remotely via Skype whilst on tour on a sunny Michigan morning. A constant on all of Callaghan’s recordings remains her soaring, beautiful voice.

The tour will give fans their first chance to hear the new songs live. Callaghan will also be performing tracks from 'The Other Side', her EP released in June, and songs from the final EP in the trilogy which will come out in the summer. And of course, they’ll also hear songs from her acclaimed album, 'A History of Now', including the aforementioned BBC Radio 2 play listed singles.

“I can’t wait to release this EP and hit the road for my UK tour” says Callaghan. “It’s been amazing to get to know LA and work with accomplished writers and producers here on the West Coast. I write based on what I see and experience, and the stories people tell me. I hope these songs will resonate with people’s own experiences, hopes and emotions and I’m excited to play them live across the UK”.

Originally from Lincolnshire, Callaghan moved to the USA in 2010 to tour and record with Atlanta based Grammy nominee Shawn Mullins. In 2015 she recorded her second album A History of Now in Nashville and, after five years of building her audience across the USA, returned to Britain to tour. Since then she’s enjoyed a hugely successful couple of years which has seen her profile build substantially in the UK. Highlights include two appearances at the massive C2C festival, multiple headline tour dates and festival appearances at Cornbury, Celtic Connections, SummerTyne Festival, The Secret Garden Party and Cambridge Folk Festival. She’s also played live sessions for BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris and Good Morning Sunday and BBC London’s Gaby Roslin and Robert Elms as well as at local BBC stations across the UK.

Tues 17 April - Liverpool - Studio 2
Wed 18 April - Cheltenham - Chapel Arts
Thu 19 April - Lincoln - Drill Hall
Sat 21 April - Brighton Unitarian Church
Sun 22 April - York - Basement
Mon 23 April - Glasgow - Oran Mor
Wed 25 April - Gateshead - Sage
Thu 26 April - London - Bush Hall
Fri 27 April - Buckingham - Radcliffe Centre
Sat 28 April - Colchester - Little Rabbit Barn

New Artists announced for C2C 2018 London

Country to Country London will officially kick off at 1.30pm on Friday and 10.00am on Saturday and Sunday when the Town Square opens and the first Festival stage artists start. For the first time, the Town Square will be hosted in a new area (outside the main entrance), to make room for the ever-growing selection of festival activities including; market stalls and stands, authentic food from the American South, cocktails, whiskey and craft beers from Signal Brewery, a Big Machine hang out booth, artist signings, meet and greets and more.

C2C ticket holders are invited to enjoy any of the Festival Stages across the weekend, subject to capacity. This includes C2C Late Night Stage (Building Six); BBC Radio 2 Stage (indigo at The O2); Country Music Week Hub and The Saloon (All Bar One) and C2C Sessions (NY-LON). In addition to the Official Aftershows, C2C hosts a series of late night stages. Entertaining crowds into the evening this year are LANCO, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, Mo Pitney, Delta Rae and Ryan Kinder.

New for 2018, fans have the chance to get up close to the newest UK and Irish country names making a big impact on these shores. The C2C Close Up Stage in Building Six will reveal the backstory and future plans of some of the most promising UK and Irish acts, with intimate performances from Catherine McGrath, Andy Brown, Una Healy, Twinnie, Liv Austen, Katy Hurt and Jake Morrell.

Non-ticket holders are also able to access these stages with a Festival wristband which can be purchased for £10 via https://tickets.axs.com/shop/#/STAGES-03ed-479c-b118-59ea9619ac86. Separate tickets are required for The Bluebird Cafe and the Official Aftershows.

All visitors to The O2 can enjoy entertainment from the free stages, which include Town Square Stage, the Big Entrance Stage and Club WM. Other free festival activities include the traders, food, drink and retail in the Town Square, the merchandise area and the record store. All subject to capacity.

Fans should also expect surprise artist announcements across the weekend, details of which will be revealed on the C2C app. The app features stage times, artist info plus notifications about signings, competitions, secret performances and more.

FRIDAY 9 MARCHSATURDAY 10 MARCHSUNDAY 11 MARCH

THE O2 ARENA

Faith Hill & Tim McGraw   Kacey Musgraves     Little Big Town

Kelsea Ballerini    Sugarland     Emmylou Harris

Old Dominion    Kip Moore   Margo Price

Luke Combs    Midland  

Ashley Campbell (Presenting a special tribute to Glen Campbell)

HOSTED BY THE LEGENDARY BOB HARRIS OBE

SPOTLIGHT STAGE

Brett Young   Lukas Nelson    Walker Hayes

Morgan Evans    Jillian Jacqueline   Russell Dickerson

Ashley McBryde    Lindsay Ell

PLUS FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES ALL DAY

COCKTAILS, WHISKEY & CRAFT BEERS * MARKET STALLS AND STANDS
ARTIST SIGNINGS * MEET AND GREETS * FILM SCREENINGS
AUTHENTIC FOOD FROM THE AMERICAN SOUTH

BBC RADIO 2 STAGE – INDIGO AT THE O2

Ashley Campbell – Ashley McBryde – Catherine McGrath – Danielle Bradbery – Delta Rae – High Valley Jillian Jacqueline – LANCO – Levi Hummon – Lindsay Ell – Mo Pitney – Morgan Evans – Russell Dickerson Ryan Hurd – Walker Hayes – The Wandering Hearts

        LATE NIGHT STAGE – BUILDING SIX                   THE LATE NIGHT SALOON – ALL BAR ONE

FRIDAY               SATURDAY             SUNDAY               FRIDAY         SATURDAY     SUNDAY

LANCO         Russell Dickerson       Lindsay Ell              Mo Pitney     Delta Rae     Ryan Kinder

C2C OFFICIAL AFTERSHOWS – INDIGO AT THE O2 – SEPARATE TICKET REQUIRED

Brett Young with Morgan Evans – Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real – Walker Hayes

Plus Nashville’s DJ “Hish”

PLUS MANY MORE ARTISTS PERFORMING OVER 6 OTHER STAGES

American Young – Andy Brown – Clara Bond – Days Are Done – Elles Bailey – Fayre – Holloway Road

Jake Morrell – Jeannine Barry – Katy Hurt – Kerri Watt – Keywest – Leslie Satcher

Liv Austen – Liz McClarnon – Lost Hollow – O&O – Peter Donegan
Sammie Jay – Stephanie Quayle – The Adelaides – The Grahams – Twinnie – Una Healy

AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!

Brand new 'Black Deer' Country & Americana festival to take place in Kent in June

***LAUNCHING TODAY****

Black Deer Festival, Eridge Park, Kent (22nd - 24th June)

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The first acts announced include Iron & Wine, Passenger, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit (UK Festival Exclusive), Ward Thomas, John Moreland, Eric Bibb, CC Smugglers, The Americans, Juanita Stein, William the Conqueror, Darren Eedens and the Slim Pickin's with more to follow..

Tickets now available from £115

Bringing you an experience like no other, Black Deer promises you a jam-packed weekend of celebrating all things Americana and Country!

Taking place in the beautiful surroundings of Eridge Park, Britain’s oldest deer park, located on the Kent/East Sussex border near Tunbridge Wells, just a mere 50 minutes outside of London.  You can expect an array of authentic americana-style meats, smokey whiskeys, bespoke custom bike showcases, storytellings from cultural pioneers, not to mention the incredible line-up of your favourite artists across the Americana, blues, roots, authentic country, folk and bluegrass genres.  This family-friendly event encourages people of all ages to completely immerse themselves in all aspects of this culture celebrated by millions on either side of the Atlantic and delivering an authentic, Roots-style line up to the UK.

The driving force behind Black Deer are no strangers to the festival world - having produced and directed some of the most loved shows in the UK including the Hop Farm Festival and Hyde Park’s Party In The Park. 'Entertee' have produced festivals featuring some of the world’s greatest Americana artists including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Eagles, Van Morrison, Patti Smith and Mumford and Sons.

Black Deer have teamed up with Supajam Education in Music and Media (SEMM), a multi-award winning educational provider set up by David Court and Nick Stillwell for  young people aged 16+ with special education needs and educational health care plans. The school support disadvantaged and vulnerable young people, many of whom have never achieved a qualification and currently have a 93% music diploma pass rate. The promoters of Black Deer have supported Supajam for many years offering employment opportunities to the students on many of their events.  Black Deer Festival has become the main focus of the 2017/2018 educational curriculum having given SEMM their own stage at the festival to manage, book and curate. The festival team will be supporting and working closely with these students all year.

The City Roots 2018 Festival, Cambridge (22/02-06/03)

Cambridge Folk Festival have announced the line-up for their second city-wide winter folk and roots festival

THE spirit of the world-famous Cambridge Folk Festival will inject the city with winter cheer in February and March, when Cambridge’s second city-wide winter folk and roots festival opens for two weeks of exceptional music and events.  

This great line-up includes McGoldrick, McCusker & Doyle, Wilko Johnson, Tom Robinson, Knight & Spiers, Megson, Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, Ward Thomas, Wildwood Kin. Rich Hall and many more.

An all-encompassing Corn Exchange line-up includes: the soaring, Gambian sun-drenched chords of stunning Kora virtuoso and opening Festival headliner, Sona Jobarteh performing alongside Cameroon’s blues and jazz artist Muntu Valdo; the Americana-tinged sound of Wildwood Kin – crowned this year as legendary broadcaster Bob Harris’s ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ -supporting Cambridge Folk Festival summer headliner, Ward Thomas; award-winning comic Rich Hall performing Hoedown– a withering dissection of Trump’s America which finishes as a celebration of Americana with stand-up, improvised ballads, and amazing musicianship...’Blissfully funny’ (The Guardian) and Cambridge born Tom Robinson with the 2-4-6-8 Motorway 40th Anniversary show. Tom is one of the founding team for BBC Radio 6, where he hosts three shows a week and has become known as a champion of new emerging artists via BBC Introducing.

At Cambridge Junction, an array of City Roots music is on offer: Chouk Bwa Libète bring drums, poetry and trance from Haiti’s vodou heartland; BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards winners Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys rediscover and renew the music of Sam’s gaelic heritage, transcending boundaries of trad and popular music; Cambridge Folk Festival favourites and three of the world’s finest folk musicians, Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle set the stage alight playing material from their latest album, The Wishing Tree and legendary ex-Steeleye Span fiddle player, Peter Knight joins forces with John Spiers, one of the leading melodeon players of his generation for an unmissable gig. Cambridge Junction also presents a very special evening at St Barnabas Church featuring BBC 2 Radio 2 Folk Award nominees Megson.

Appearing at renowned city music venue, The Portland Arms will be folk festival Club Tent sensation, Darren Eedens & The Slim Pickin’s - whether they’re held spellbound by a poignant ballad or jumping up and down as one to a stomping groove, Darren’s command of an audience is absolute!

Following the success of last year’s Creative Roots, the festival’s valuable professional development day will be held at The Portland Arms. Music industry professionals will once again gather to offer a career development day of workshops, talks and sessions, offering gems of advice and a wealth of experience.

Drop-in music sessions around the city; a special City Roots Family Day with free attractions including craft workshops, face-painting, storytelling, ‘Come and Try’ ukulele workshop and fun walkabout characters; plus what promises to be a sell-out City Roots highlight - a fascinating live interview, in association with the Cambridge Union Society, with charismatic Canvey Island rocker Wilko Johnson - and it’s safe to say City Roots will be one of the most anticipated events in Cambridge in 2018! 

Website: https://www.cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/folk-festival/city-roots

Dan Tyminski to release brand new solo album 'Southern Gothic"

Dan Tyminski has just announced that his brand new solo album 'Southern Gothic' will be released on the 20th October. This highly anticipated, exciting and interesting new album looks great from it's initial teaser trailer. 

The new album sees Dan mixing his roots music pedigree with a wide range of contemporary influences on 13 songs he co-wrote with some of country's best and brightest talents. Many of the songs were inspired by what Dan describes as his perceptions of "light and dark" and originally written for other artists, though he ultimately decided to record them himself. Co-writers on Southern Gothic include Sarah Buxton, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Monroe, Josh Kear, and the late Andrew Dorff.

Dynamic on stage, down to earth off stage, Dan Tyminski has the voice, instrumental chops, and charisma to be counted among the most recognizable and popular male vocalists on today’s bluegrass and country music scenes. Yet his demeanor – low-key and laconically sly – ensures that all the accolades are the product of his own innate gifts. 

Since 1994, his ace instrumental skill (mainly on guitar, but also on mandolin) and burnished, soulful tenor singing has been a key component of Alison Krauss and Union Station, arguably the most visible and successful bluegrass band in the modern era. 

'Southern Gothic' is out October 20th. Here is the full track list:-

1. "Southern Gothic" (Dan Tyminski, Jesse Frasure, Josh Kear)
2. "Breathing Fire" (Dan Tyminski, Cary Barlowe, Will Weatherly)
3. "Gone" (Dan Tyminski, Kyle Fishman, Nick Bailey)
4. "Temporary Love" (Dan Tyminski, Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure)
5. "Perfect Poison" (Dan Tyminski, Jesse Frasure)
6. "Devil Is Downtown" (Dan Tyminski, Ashley Monroe, Paul Moak)
7. "Hollow Hallelujah" (Dan Tyminski, Sarah Buxton, Jesse Frasure, Amy Wadge)
8. "Good for Your Soul" (Dan Tyminski, Sarah Buxton, Jesse Frasure)
9. "Wailing Wall" (Dan Tyminski, Sarah Buxton, Tofer Brown)
10. "Haunted Heart" (Dan Tyminski, Andrew Dorff, Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure)
11. "Bloodline" (Dan Tyminski, Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure)
12. "Wanted" (Dan Tyminski, Brad Rempel, Seth Mosley)
13. "Numb" (Dan Tyminski, Kyle Fishman, Nick Bailey, Ryan Ogren)

Yola Carter releases a wonderful new demo of 'It Ain't Easier'

Demo from the upcoming album "Orphan Country"

Yola Carter has just released a demo from her forthcoming album to stream on Soundcloud - 'It Ain't Easier'. In her own words: "Here's a demo of the song 'It Ain't Easier' from my new album. As I get closer to the end of writing it the more I'm falling in love with it. Falling in love doesn't make it easier though - just means you've gotta try harder to do right by it."

Yola is on tour throughout June, July & August, starting this Thursday at the Borderline in London. 

YOLA CARTER UK, EUROPEAN & CANADIAN TOUR DATES:

• 8th JUNE - London, The Borderline
• 21st JUNE - Banchory, Woodend Barn
• 23rd JUNE - Lerwick, Shetland, British Legion
• 24th JUNE - Sandwick, Shetland, Carnegie Hall
• 25th JUNE - Birnam, Birnam Arts
• 27th JUNE - Mull, An Tobar
• 28th JUNE - Stirling, Tolbooth
• 29th JUNE - Inverness, Eden Court
   
• 2nd JULY - Löderup, Solhällan – Rolling Rootsy Review, Sweden
• 4th JULY - Falkenberg, Hwitan – Rolling Rootsy Review, Sweden
• 5th JULY - Göteborg, Pustervik – Rolling Rootsy Review, Sweden
• 6th JULY - Oslo, John Dee – Rolling Rootsy Review, Norway
• 7th JULY - Stockholm, Kägelbanan Rolling Rootsy Review, Sweden
• 8th JULY - Uppsala, Katalin – Rolling Rootsy Review, Sweden
• 16th JULY - Bristol, The Lantern - River Town Festival
• 21st JULY - Barnsley, Under The Stars Festival
• 22nd JULY - Nottingham, Splendour Festival
• 27th-30th JULY - Calgary Folk Festival, Canada
   
• 5th AUG - Alberta, Canmore Folk Festival, Canada
• 10th-13th AUG - Edmonton, Edmonton Folk Festival, Canada
• 18th AUG - Winnipeg, Interstellar Rodeo, Canada

Buckle & Boots Festival, Stockport 23-25 June 2017 : Stage Timings

One of our favourite festivals last year was the excellent Buckle & Boots Country Festival nr Marple in Stockport. Held at stunning Whitebottom Farm nestling between the Pennines and a wonderful local park, this festival boasts a great line-up of Country and Americana music.. After its critically acclaimed debut last year, Buckle & Boots will be held this year on Friday 23th -Sunday 25th June (more details in the link below). Weekend tickets from £55 (Bargain!)

The main and paddock stages will once again host some of the brightest talents in country music from around the world. Friday evening sees the very welcome return of US singer-songwriter Sonia Leigh. Joining her on the line-up is the very talented Jenn Bostic fresh from her sold old UK 'A Night In Nashville' tour. The headliners will be The Southern Companion who won ‘Horizon Act Of The Year’ and ‘Album Of The Year’.at the recent BCMA awards

Saturday night sees the UK debut of 2016 CMA Global Artist Of The Year, Morgan Evans (Australia). Morgan has won 5 fan-voted Country Music Channel Awards, including Male Artist of The Year, and has hosted the CMC Music Awards from 2015 to 2017.  Jess And The Bandits also return for this year’s festival having firmly established themselves as one of the leading acts on the British country scene.. Seattle native Dylan Jakobsen headlines, sure to provide a high-energy show which has earned him praise all over the US. Saturday's main stage also sees the headline quality of Thorne Hill, Elles Bailey, Fred's House and Katy Hurt. The Paddock stage hosts LCM favourites including Journey Home, Dahlia, Beth Thornton, Lisa Redford and Devon Mayson.

The festival will draw to a close on Sunday night with another great line-up, including one of Nashville’s most sought-after musicians, Tucker, who has played and toured with a host of established country artists including Jason Aldean, Jimmy Wayne and James Otto. UK country stars and multi-BCMA award winners Laura Oakes and Gary Quinn will provide some terrific home-grown talent, bringing a wealth of festival experience and a stellar collection of fan favourites to the table. LCM favourite Sarah Darling is set to headline the Sunday night with wonderful material from her new ‘Dream Country’ album. One of the purest, most angelic voices in the business; you won’t want to miss her. The paddock stage on Sunday hosts another strong line-up: Backwoods Creek, Liv Austen, Kevin McGuire, Steve Young, Amy Westney and Orfila are stand-outs.

The Paddock Stage over the weekend will host a huge selection the UK’s best talent starting at 11am until evening. Fans will also have the opportunity to see an ‘In The Round’ show on each day after the phenomenal response to last year’s rounds. On Saturday, Sarah Darling teams up with Gary Quinn and Jenn Bostic, and Sunday sees Sonia Leigh taking the stage with Dylan Jakobsen and Jade Helliwell.

MAIN STAGE – FRIDAY:

11:00pm-11:55pm – The Southern Companion
10:00pm-10:40pm – Sonia Leigh
9:00pm-9:40pm – Jenn Bostic
8:00pm-8:40pm – Outlander
7:00-7:40pm – Kris Barras

MAIN STAGE – SATURDAY:

10:00pm-11:00pm – Dylan Jakobsen
9:00pm-9:40pm – Jess And The Bandits
8:00pm-8:40pm – Morgan Evans
7:00pm-7:40pm – Thorne Hill
6:00pm-6:40pm – Elles Bailey
5:00pm-5:40pm – Fred’s House
4:00pm-4:40pm – Katy Hurt
3:00pm-3:40pm – Kira Mac

MAIN STAGE – SUNDAY:

7:00pm-8:00pm – Sarah Darling
6:00pm-6:40pm – Gary Quinn
5:00pm-5:40pm – Laura Oakes
4:00pm-4:40pm – Tucker
3:00pm-3:40pm – American Young
2:15pm-2:45pm – Morganway

PADDOCK STAGE – SATURDAY:

7:30pm – Journey Home
6:45pm – Dahlia
6:00pm – Beth Thornton
5:15pm – Stew Mac
4:30pm – Melanie
3:45pm – Lisa Redford
3:00pm – Tucker
2:00pm – ‘In The Round’ (Sarah Darling, Gary Quinn, Jenn Bostic)
1:15pm – Devon Mayson
12:30pm – Vic Allen
11:45am – Roni
11:00am – TC Country

PADDOCK STAGE – SUNDAY:

6:45pm – Backwoods Creek
6:00pm – Ashton Lane
5:15pm – Liv Austen
4:30pm – Kevin McGuire
3:45pm – Steve Young
3:00pm – Amy Westney
2:00pm – ‘In The Round’ (Sonia Leigh, Dylan Jakobsen, Jade Helliwell)
1:15pm – Demi Marriner
12:30pm – Orfila
11:45am – Ceri-Rose
11:00am – Rebecca Walton