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”

Rebecca Richards – Unluckiest of Hearts

Rebecca Richards has felt all the emotions bar one on debut single ‘Unluckiest of Hearts’. The Welsh singer has “felt sad… bad… fury… [and] boiling mad / but I’ve never felt love” on a track that laments the fact through jazz-infused blues. One can picture her in the corner of a smoky bar in theContinue reading “Rebecca Richards – Unluckiest of Hearts”

Elin Grace – Bee Without Wings

One of the most exciting talents coming through this year’s Forté project is surely 18-year-old Elin Grace. The singer-songwriter from Mid Wales has just released an EP of sheer brilliance. ‘Bee Without Wings’ may only be her debut release but it demonstrates a maturity far beyond her years. Lyrically complex, sonically fascinating, vocally mesmerising, theContinue reading “Elin Grace – Bee Without Wings”

Jess and the Bandits – Emotional Baggage

Beneath the light exterior of Jess and the Bandits’ latest single is a serious message about life as a working mum. ‘Emotional Baggage’ comes from lead singer Jessica Clemmons’ own experience of trying to manage a career with two sons in tow. The result is a song that contains many scenes from the typical parent’sContinue reading “Jess and the Bandits – Emotional Baggage”

Beth Nielsen Chapman – CrazyTown

It’s the sound of Beth Nielsen Chapman but not quite as we know it on her latest album ‘CrazyTown’. The acclaimed singer-songwriter has, in her own words, “let go more on this record than I ever have before”. The result sees a merry band of musicians accompanying her throughout, given the freedom to flesh outContinue reading “Beth Nielsen Chapman – CrazyTown”

Poppy Fardell – Good Girl

At a time when both the nation and the world have been paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, the new single from Poppy Fardell feels ever more prescient. ‘Good Girl’ speaks of female empowerment. Its central question is “Who’s to say what a girl is and what she isn’t?”. In a world of purelyContinue reading “Poppy Fardell – Good Girl”