Mikki Evans & Gary Quinn – Mr Right Now

Mikki Evans has been blessed with a crack team of UK Country’s finest on ‘Mr Right Now’. Not only has Tim Prottey-Jones had a hand in its production, but Gary Quinn joins her as both co-writer and performer. The song is a lovely duet featuring soft and subtle vocals that sparkle around a light andContinue reading “Mikki Evans & Gary Quinn – Mr Right Now”

Nia Nicholls – Goldilocks

In ‘Goldilocks’, the new single from Nia Nicholls, three bears are the least of her worries. Instead, taking the dialectical tension at the heart of the well-known fairytale, and subverting it in the context of a relationship, she highlights a man as the cause of her troubles. Using her inimitable style of light-hearted country-pop, sheContinue reading “Nia Nicholls – Goldilocks”

See Emily Play – Yoko Ono was Seven Years Older Than John

There is nothing like a solo trip across the Deep South to reignite a passion for music. Emily Ireland’s fire had seemingly died due her experiences of sexism and misogyny in the industry. But now she’s back with a blaze of alt-country swagger, starting with new single ‘Yoko One is Seven Years Older Than John’.Continue reading “See Emily Play – Yoko Ono was Seven Years Older Than John”

Katy Hurt – Oh Girl

Every single that Katy Hurt puts out simply heightens the anticipation for her album. ‘Oh Girl’ is no different even as it invites reflection. There is a calmness to its delivery and a softness to its touch. It treads carefully, gently probing feelings and emotions to unearth an unnamed experience. It’s ambiguous insomuch as itsContinue reading “Katy Hurt – Oh Girl”

Amy-Jo – Young, In Love and Broke

Amy-Jo’s new single, “Young, In Love and Broke,” encompasses a mix of genres, blending blues-style sound with heartfelt lyrics. The song reflects the challenges of love in difficult circumstances, emphasizing the triumph of love over possessions. Amy-Jo skillfully incorporates acoustic, piano, and pedal steel to convey a positive message amidst adversity. The track portrays a realistic, yet whimsical, view of love and life.

Taynee Lord – Heavy Air

Taynee Lord is diverting down a darker road for her latest single. Country turns to Blues on ‘Heavy Air’: electric guitars creeping over her like shadows; haunted by the harmonies in the chorus. It perfectly resembles the situation in which she finds herself: trapped by a gaslit narrative that has moulded her into an anxiousContinue reading “Taynee Lord – Heavy Air”

Neeve Zahra – Rub a Little Dirt On It

Stunningly beautiful. Nothing sums up Neeve Zahra’s new single better. ‘Rub a Little Dirt On It’ is one of those rare moments when the magic of the acoustic guitar works to unbelievable effect. The delicacy with which this Country-Folk track is played is matched by very few UK artists in the genre. It is classicContinue reading “Neeve Zahra – Rub a Little Dirt On It”

Amy-Jo – On Days Like These

Amy-Jo puts a contemporary twist on a well-loved classic for her first release of 2024. Not many have attempted to rework ‘On Days Like These’, perhaps because Matt Munro’s original is so definitive. Rather than make massive alterations then, the producers of Amy-Jo’s version merely update it using the latest techniques. It means a farContinue reading “Amy-Jo – On Days Like These”

Lisa T – Easy to Love

Lisa T starts 2024 with a deftly-pointed finger. Through a simple pop production that has a touch of classic Cheryl Cole about it, she presents the reality of what real relationship looks like. The stripped-back nature of the guitar chords at the beginning of ‘Easy to Love’ have more than a touch of romanticism aboutContinue reading “Lisa T – Easy to Love”

Nia Nicholls – I Wrote You a Love Song

While her time in Nashville may be contributing to fresh song ideas, it is one that has been sat on her shelf for a while that Nia Nicholls has chosen to release for Christmas. Not that ‘I Wrote You a Love Song’ is particularly festive. Though the delicacy with which this heartbreak ballad is toldContinue reading “Nia Nicholls – I Wrote You a Love Song”