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’”

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 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”