Hollie Rogers – Criminal Heart

The full band sound on Hollie Rogers’ debut album, ‘Criminal Heart’, compliments well her style and delivery as a singer-songwriter. After hearing her live only as an acoustic act, it came as somewhat of a relief that the added layers of instrumentation on the record do not overpower the lyrics or vocal sentiment that makeContinue reading “Hollie Rogers – Criminal Heart”

Motel Sundown – If You Were Listening

There is no better description of the sound on Motel Sundown’s debut album than that of their own: “layered acoustics”. They sum up perfectly in two words the sumptuous blend of uncomplicated yet sophisticated that makes ‘If You Were Listening’ a rich easy listening experience. It is a delight to get lost in their mixContinue reading “Motel Sundown – If You Were Listening”

Interview with Motel Sundown

For our fourth and final interview in a short series with artists appearing at this British Country Music Festival in Blackpool, we caught up with Liverpool-based band Motel Sundown. They tell us about the recent release of their debut album, what it’s been like to perform live again, and some of the female country artistsContinue reading “Interview with Motel Sundown”

Introducing Brooke Law

In our third of a short series of interviews with artists appearing at this year’s British Country Music Festival in Blackpool, we chatted to multi-genre artist Brooke Law.  She tells us a bit about her musical influences, what country music means to her, and how it’s felt performing at festivals for the first time everContinue reading “Introducing Brooke Law”

Introducing Hollie Rogers

For this second of a short series of interviews with artists appearing at this year’s British Country Music Festival in Blackpool, Hollie Rogers took some time out of her busy schedule to tell us about co-writing with a musical legend, crowdfunding for her upcoming album, and what it’s been like to play live again afterContinue reading “Introducing Hollie Rogers”

Introducing Our Atlantic Roots

In the first of a short series of interviews with artists appearing at this year’s British Country Music Festival in Blackpool, we* spoke to Laura Johnston, one half of Cornwall-based duo Our Atlantic Roots. She tells us about how they formed, their new single ‘Golden Hour’, what to expect from their next EP, and whoContinue reading “Introducing Our Atlantic Roots”

Shay Gaston – Since Seventeen

Take one listen to Shay Gaston’s ‘Since Seventeen’ and it’s hard not to become an instant fan. The Reading-based singer is surely one of the most exciting newcomers to the UK Country scene in 2022 with this, her debut single. There is a clear and obvious link to the music of Taylor Swift, of whomContinue reading “Shay Gaston – Since Seventeen”

Hawthorn Avenue – Ticket Home

Simplicity sometimes makes for the best songs. Hawthorn Avenue’s new single, ‘Ticket Home’, may have only a one-line chorus, but there’s something about its arrangement that captivates. The combination of tambourine, banjo, drums and guitar somehow work together to create a vibrant sound over which the duo’s gently flowing vocals sail. This extends to theContinue reading “Hawthorn Avenue – Ticket Home”

Twinnie – Welcome to the Club

When Twinnie says, “I am either trying to break your heart, make you dance or both at the same time”, she means it. One need only listen to her new EP ‘Welcome to the Club’ if further proof were needed. She wraps loneliness, heartbreak and regret in catchy rhythms, pop-fuelled beats, and feelgood vibes thatContinue reading “Twinnie – Welcome to the Club”

Beth Keeping – Plane Tickets

You wait forever for a song about singleness and then two come along in quick succession. The latest, ‘Plane Tickets’, by Beth Keeping, comes hot on the heels of ‘When’s It Gonna Happen’ from Tenille Townes. But whereas the latter reaches for some kind of romantic ideal, Keeping remains firmly focused on her experience ofContinue reading “Beth Keeping – Plane Tickets”