It’s not how a festival begins but how it ends that counts. That was my mantra for this weekend’s Country on the Coast in Southsea. For a delayed and diverted train journey from North to South meant that I missed the official start of the festival. And then, when I finally arrived, to the soundContinue reading “Country on the Coast 2023 Festival”
Tag Archives: Music
Eleanor Nelly – ‘Circles’ Gig @ Leaf, Liverpool
The effervescent Eleanor Nelly put on quite the show on Saturday night. With support from Harry Miller and Ellis Murphy, the Liverpool trio brought quite the eclectic Country mix to Leaf on Bold Street. Performing to a mixed crowd of eager listeners and good-time Saturday nighters, their music split nicely between the reflective and theContinue reading “Eleanor Nelly – ‘Circles’ Gig @ Leaf, Liverpool”
Ward Thomas – Music in the Madness
Ward Thomas are back with their signature sound and a familiar theme. ‘Music in the Madness’ is the fifth album from Catherine and Lizzy, and showcases the best of all that has gone before. The girls have really found their voice now, like flowers blossoming and blooming from the seeds of ‘From Where We Stand’Continue reading “Ward Thomas – Music in the Madness”
2022: A Personal Review in 10 Songs
In this personal review of 2022, I select ten songs by ten artists that have made a particular impression on him over the last twelve months. “I realise that there are some striking omissions, like Ingrid Andress, Kelsea Ballerini, and Elles Bailey, to name but three, but the songs and artists that I’ve chosen (andContinue reading “2022: A Personal Review in 10 Songs”
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”
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”
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”
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”