Laura Oakes – How Big is Your World EP

It seems that as measures to halt the spread of coronavirus push us deeper into isolation, music is fast becoming a much-needed companion. Turning to streaming services is one way that fans are trying to support artists in the face of unprecedented gig cancellations, pressing repeat on their favourite songs in order to generate someContinue reading “Laura Oakes – How Big is Your World EP”

Top Tunes with… A new site feature

Dear Independent Musicians In light of what has happened as a result of the coronavirus, I’ve been wondering how best to offer my support during this incredibly tough time. I know that others are doing their bit to help promote you and your music, and I want to do the same. I don’t want toContinue reading “Top Tunes with… A new site feature”

Break the Silence – Two Ways Home

The debut album of alt-country duo Two Ways Home has been a long time coming. The anticipation building up to the release of Break the Silence has felt so great at times that the weight of expectation has become almost fragile. For such a lengthy build-up, the risk of disappointment becomes ever greater. No suchContinue reading “Break the Silence – Two Ways Home”

Country Christmas Singles 2019

In 2018, it was the Christmas EPs of Charlotte Campbell and Jess Thristan respectively that helped get me in the festive mood. In 2019, it is a couple of cracking Christmas singles that are making the run up to the big day all the more enjoyable. Click on the images below to watch/listen:   PadraigContinue reading “Country Christmas Singles 2019”

Vic Allen – Enough EP

With catchy chorus lines, infectious instrumentation, and superb storytelling, Vic Allen’s new EP is a tantalising revelation. Each of its four tracks has been distilled to perfection, producing a lyrical clarity that benefits from a paired back production. Title track Enough exemplifies this, its unpretentious bass line and background harmonies serving to support the first-classContinue reading “Vic Allen – Enough EP”

Emily Mae Winters – High Romance

High Romance from Emily Mae Winters is an album full of delights. Just when you think you know her sound, she will surprise you with something completely different. The first song, ‘Come Live in my Heart & Pay No Rent’, is exactly what I expected. As such, I was preparing for a record full ofContinue reading “Emily Mae Winters – High Romance”

Tennessee Twin – Tips in a Jar EP

Tips in a Jar, the debut EP from Tennessee Twin, is one of my surprise finds of 2019. This acoustic duo from Cambridge have released a set of delicate tracks that rest gently on the listening ear. I couldn’t help but draw comparisons with Alison Krauss & Union Station such is the tender charm ofContinue reading “Tennessee Twin – Tips in a Jar EP”

Morganway – Debut Album Review

Morganway have been making quite the impression on the live circuit in recent months. Such has been the impact of their live performances that their debut album has become highly anticipated. And boy, does it deliver. Covered in countrified Americana, with flecks of folk, bits of the blues, and rock running right through, this isContinue reading “Morganway – Debut Album Review”

CC Smugglers – How High Tour

What a melting pot of genres CC Smugglers are. Bubbling over during their red-hot set at Manchester’s Soup Kitchen were sounds as diverse as jazz, country, funk, swing, soul, folk, and blues. It was like a hoedown one minute, a jazz club the next. There really is something for everyone with this band. And you’dContinue reading “CC Smugglers – How High Tour”

Interview with Jade Helliwell

I’m sat on a bench outside The O2 Arena in London on day 2 of the C2C Festival. Beside me sits Jade Helliwell, whose festival is now a wrap. After performing an acoustic set on Friday afternoon, and fresh from a full band set today, she is now wrapped warmly in a thick and fluffyContinue reading “Interview with Jade Helliwell”