Reya Jayne returns with a brand new single to kick off 2023, and it’s a real belter. ‘Bet She Doesn’t Know’ opens with a strong beat that has more and more of an impact as the song progresses. Borrowing from Carrie Underwood’s rockier back catalogue, it delivers a real punch in the gut to anyContinue reading “Reya Jayne – Bet She Doesn’t Know”
Category Archives: UK Country Music
Vic Allen – Some Place I’d Rather Be
Vic Allen has been tantalising listeners with single releases over the last year or two. Now is the moment they come together on a debut album that promises much and delivers more. ‘Some Place I’d Rather Be’ is a title that perfectly summarises its theme. The final line of the final song proves an aptContinue reading “Vic Allen – Some Place I’d Rather Be”
Amy-Jo – Valentine’s Day
Amy-Jo is both celebrating and breaking stereotypes in her latest single ‘February 14th’. She puts Valentine’s Day firmly under the microscope by way of some astute storytelling. Observations range from the traditional guy ready to woo his girl with roses to the plucky man taking a risk on another who may actually be straight. Amy-JoContinue reading “Amy-Jo – Valentine’s Day”
Emma Svensson – ‘Runs in the Family’
Swedish singer-songwriter Emma Svensson is continuing the cosy Christmas feeling into 2023 with her new single, ‘Runs in the Family’. She captures the closeness of family and the continuation of long-standing traditions by telling of childhood trips to the mountains which she is now undertaking with her own kids. She does so through strong imageryContinue reading “Emma Svensson – ‘Runs in the Family’”
2022: A Personal Review in 10 Songs
In this personal review of 2022, I select ten songs by ten artists that have made a particular impression on him over the last twelve months. “I realise that there are some striking omissions, like Ingrid Andress, Kelsea Ballerini, and Elles Bailey, to name but three, but the songs and artists that I’ve chosen (andContinue reading “2022: A Personal Review in 10 Songs”
Katie Nicholas – ‘Feather’ EP, Launch Show
There is genuine surprise from Katie Nicholas as she greets the crowd at the launch of her EP ‘Feather’. The Scouse singer-songwriter can’t quite believe that “you guys are actually at a gig to hear songs written by me”. It is nothing short of a pleasure to be here though in the hallowed space ofContinue reading “Katie Nicholas – ‘Feather’ EP, Launch Show”
Bryony Sier – Picture Not So Perfect
Bryony Sier has entered early into the festive season with a faithful adaptation of a Christmas novella. ‘Picture Not So Perfect’ is titled after Stephanie O’Neil’s debut publication, and retells the story of protagonist Holly in charming detail. It is essentially a love story in which Holly, after losing her mother at a young ageContinue reading “Bryony Sier – Picture Not So Perfect”
The Goudies – Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Cover)
One of the unexpected highlights at this year’s British Country Music Festival was a cover of the theme tune to classic sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. Wales-based duo The Goudies fashioned a completely new take on this beloved song, with surprisingly successful results. Its popularity with live audiences is perhaps one of the reasonsContinue reading “The Goudies – Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Cover)”
Amy-Jo – Coming Close
There’s great irony in the title of Amy-Jo’s single ‘Coming Close’. That’s because the Morecambe-based singer/songwriter has struck gold with this, an instant hit that is far from the “silver medal” that she talks about in the chorus. The uncomplicated musical arrangement allows the song to really shine, as it’s the lyrics and Amy-Jo’s vocalContinue reading “Amy-Jo – Coming Close”
Introducing Olivia Lynn
The latest single from Olivia Lynn has marked her as one-to-watch on the UK Country scene. ‘Ain’t It a Shame’ is an empowering song full of attitude and superb put-downs as Olivia tears down the men who seek to control female opinion and fashion. In this interview, she speaks with passion and enthusiasm about herContinue reading “Introducing Olivia Lynn”