Artist Spotlight: Hunter Hutchinson

Born and raised in Abilene, Texas, Hunter Hutchinson has accomplished a lot in the space of a few years.


He was 17 when he began to play the guitar, learning chords on his late father's guitar from tutorials on YouTube. That was just a couple of years ago and Hutchison, now a senior at Texas Tech University, released his debut album, What Do You Say at the beginning of the year. Recording a full-length album whilst also studying for a degree in business is an impressive feat on its own but more impressive is the list of names that Hunter has shared a stage with in these still very early moments of his music career - Aaron Watson, Wade Bowen and Eli Young Band, to name just a few. The aforementioned Watson, in fact, is a big fan, was a producer on What Do You Say and has written with Hutchinson too.

As a result, a definite Watson influence can be heard in Hutchinson's sound. It falls more towards the more traditional style of country with strong meaningful lyrics, catchy hooks and a good ol' fiddle but not so much as to alienate those who prefer more subtle country twangs to their songs. Think Kip Moore (to pick an established act on the chart right now). Hutchison sticks to his country roots and doesn't try to play anything other than country music and it works.

Current single 'Storm To Weather' is a solid track that you'll find yourselves singing along to after a few listens, 'Texas Too' is country through and through and Aaron Watson features on 'She's Gone'. Yet the real standout is 'The Man Who Believes In Me' which with lyrics such as 'You'll be with me all the way/ Every breath of every day' is a lovely, and powerful, tribute to Hutchinson's father.

What Do You Say is a very promising start to Hunter Hutchinson's career. Treat yourself to some good country music and go get a copy.

Follow Hunter Hutchison // Like Hunter Hutchinson // Visit Hunter Hutchinson's Site

CAUGHT LIVE: John and Jacob @ The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh 19/11

John Davidson and Jacob Bryant, of John and Jacob, have just finished touring in the UK as the special guests of the brilliant Striking Matches but their Edinburgh date, a remnant date of their own headlining UK tour that unfortunately didn’t happen, was proof that these guys – as well as the other 3/5ths of the band – should and will be headlining more dates very soon.

They brought their guitars, trademark suits and a lot of passion to a dreary Edinburgh.


With only one full album to their name – their self-titled debut, John and Jacob – one could be forgiven for thinking that this would be a set on the shorter side…but one would also have been very wrong. Their set lasted over an hour and a half and was comprised of album tracks, EP tracks, covers and some pretty special songs from their next album – some material that the boys themselves confessed they were playing for one of the first times. ‘Norway’ was one of the new songs and looks likely to be the single they’re going to lead their new album with and it had the room captivated. If you haven’t been lucky enough to hear this track on their travels then definitely keep an ear out for it in the future…this could, and if all is right with the world, should be a very big song for these guys.



‘Be My Girl’, arguably one of their most popular songs – no doubt, in some respect, thanks to the TV show Nashville- went down a treat and ‘I’d Go Back’ had everyone one in the audience united in one big, and beautiful choir. But the highlight of the night was when the boys unplugged their guitars, jumped off the stage and took to the floor to perform ‘Breaking the Law’ in the middle of the crowd. It was loud and it was rowdy and I couldn’t help but feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this night. And I had only paid a little over £12 to be a part of it…I would have happily paid much, much, much more.


Afterwards, as always, John and Jacob took time to talk to everyone, take photos and to sign. A class act both on and off stage and it’s hopefully only a matter of time before we get the full band over here.

Support Act: It’d be mad NOT to mention the support for the evening, which came from Holloway Road a band that, admittedly, I was only really familiar of the name and not their music. But after their decent sized set (it’s really nice when a support act gets longer than 15 minutes and I think these guys got a little more than double that) I will definitely be checking out more of their stuff and you should too. They’re yet another very welcome addition to the growing UK country scene.

INTERVIEW: A Few Questions with Angaleena Presley

Angaleena Presley visited us only a few months back and left a lasting impression. I don't think I saw a single tweet or comment on Facebook about her debut shows over here in July, that wasn't singing her praises. People wanted her back and, thankfully Angeleena granted our wishes in swift fashion, announcing new dates in the new year.

We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to ask Angaleena a few questions about last summer, the reappearance of the Pistol Annies and more!



SC: You only just toured over here. It must feel great to have the opportunity to come back over here so soon, yeah?

AP: It feels absolutely amazing. I had been dreaming about Europe since I was a little girl, almost like I was destined to spend time there. When I finally got the chance to go, it felt like home right from the minute I stepped off the plane. I'm looking forward to clocking a lot of hours in the UK and eventually all over Europe.

SC: Of course this is only one date, as part of the Celtic Connections festival. Can UK fans expect to see more of you in 2016?

AP: YES, I announced the tour yesterday! I'll be over there in January. The fans in the UK seem among the most loyal variety so I have faith that they'll provide the support that I need to visit as often as I can.

SC: Let’s talk about the last time you were in Glasgow because that was a truly special night. I still remember that night very fondly and it has to be one of the best concerts I’ve been to and I know others left feeling the same. For your first ever UK show, you killed it. Were you expecting such a warm reception?

AP: I had no idea what to expect and I was a nervous wreck. When you play solo acoustic, you might as well be naked. I always say it feels like getting in bed with the audience. I can honestly say that Glasgow was one of the most intimate and special shows of my career and I think it always will be. When I get nervous I forget lyrics and when it happened, they embraced it whole heartedly. They laughed at all my jokes and they were as quiet as mice during my darker moments. It's definitely one for the history book of my little life and I can't wait to do it again. You know, I'm a McCoy of the original Hatfield's and McCoy's... I have Scotland in my blood and the connection I felt was as real as it gets

SC: You had a pretty full on week of shows in July. Did you get the chance to do much sightseeing?

AP: Yes, I brought my son, sister and niece with me and we squeezed in everything we could. The London Eye, Tower of London, The Mona Lisa, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and lots of train rides

SC: Miranda and Ashley are also headed over in 2016 as part of the Country to Country festival. Do you think we might get to see the three of you together over here one day?

AP: I sure hope so. The whole time I was there I kept thinking how inspired we would get, tooling around Europe together. It would definitely spark interesting song ideas

SC: Of course, you girls reunited recently on Miranda’s tour and finally put an end to all the speculation about the hiatus that ranged from ‘they drifted apart’ to ‘they hate each other’. I think one of the more popular ‘stories’ was that you and Miranda were sworn enemies. What did you think of the rumours? 

AP: I thought they were exactly what I'd dream up if my favorite girl band suddenly canceled a tour. I think we need to put labels on things so our brains can figure out how to sort through them. I try not to get caught up in celeb gossip. The music is what I connect with and try to stay focused on.

SC: Miranda’s tour featured some talented ladies. Was it always the plan to use this tour as a chance to bring the Pistol Annies back or was it simply impromptu?

AP: No, we never really planed anything. That's what was so special about it. We just started hanging out and then things began to happen. Songs happened, a record happened, shows happened and then it started happening all over again. We never put much thought into it and we kept doing it until it became too much to manage alongside our solo careers. We looked at the calendar in September and realized there was a weekend where we could all be in the same place at the same time so we took advantage of it. I'm sure that's what we'll keep doing.

SC: Your album, American Middle Class has received a lot of praise both here and in the States. A lot of people want to know if you’ve started thinking about, or even started work on the follow-up. So…have you?

AP: I've noticed a few blossoms in the vine... I feel like my records grow from seeds that get planted in my soul. Once the fruit is good and ripe, It'll be harvest time. To me, a record is a cohesive body of work, not just a collection of songs. So, yes, I definitely have a direction and now I'm just waiting for it to take shape

SC: American Middle Class is a very personal album, with songs such as ‘Knocked Up’ and ‘Drunk’ being directly inspired by your personal life and songs like ‘Pain Pills’ inspired by the community you grew up in. Would it fair to say that the album is kind of your own diary?

AP: You bet. I worry about putting all my business out there until a fan comes up to me and says it helped them feel like they weren't alone. I tell the truth about my pain and joy because I don't know how not to.

SC: Finally, what artists/albums are listening to right now? 

AP: I'm in love with Sound and Color by Alabama Shakes and I also love Robert Ellis's Lights from the Chemical Plant. I've been listening to both of those records like it's a school project. The writing and the originality of the production are top notch.


Angaleena's critically acclaimed album, American Middle Class is available to buy now and she returns to the UK this coming January. Check out below for dates and tickets.

January 17th - The Louisiana, Bristol
January 18th - Greystones, Sheffield
January 21st - Tron Theatre, Glasgow (Celtic Connections w/Noah Gunderson and Anderson East)
January 22nd - The Ruby Lounge, Manchester
January 23rd - Bodega, Nottingham
January 24th - Con Club, Lewes
January 25th - Bush Hall, London

This Week's Releases (13/11)

Each week and every week, Somethin' Country brings you the news on the latest albums that we think you should check out! Here is our selection for the week commencing Friday 13th November.

Chris Young - I'm Comin' Over (RCA Nashville)

Fresh from a short, but sold out UK tour, Chris Young brings us his fifth studio album, I'm Comin Over. The eleven track album features the hit song of the same name - that is, at time of writing, certified Gold - as well as a duet with rising star Cassadee Pope and country legend Vince Gill. Undecided country fans not so famillar with Young are in luck: Chris has been sharing some songs over on his YouTube page, including the fantastic 'Sober Saturday Night' that features Vince Gill. It's another solid album from Young and with the fastest selling single of his career as the lead single, this album looks a good bet for the top spot.

Lizzie Wilson - Lizzie Wilson EP

We featured this five track EP last week (you can read our review HERE) and it is a worthy addition to our list of releases for this week. This debut EP by the up and coming UK singer was recorded in Nashville earlier this year and was co-written by Lizzie with a wealth of other talent, including Holloway Road and Payton Taylor. Country music over here is - thankfully- finally growing and we have a wealth of homegrown talent ready and waiting to shine. Lizzie Wilson is one of these names you should keep and eye out for and this EP is proof.

At only £3.95 on iTunes, this release is, frankly, a steal.

Eric Church - Mr. Misunderstood (EMI Nashville)

*Technically* this was released last week during the craziness that is CMA awards week but it's only just become available on UK iTunes and it'd be silly to not include it. The album, Eric's fifth, was written over the summer and recorded during the last two months before it was sprung on us in a Beyonce-esque move. Stylistically, it's a more diverse Church record than we are used to, with rock, soul and gospel being just some of the influences we can hear on it, to but it is another really strong one. Whilst we may not get another album in such a surprise fashion come next year's CMAs week, we can definitely expect some nominations for this one.

Any albums that you think we missed? Want your EP or album featured on here? Tweet us @SomethnCountry or drop us a line on here! 

ALBUM REVIEW: Lizzie Wilson - EP

Lizzie Wilson is a name that some members of the UK country community will be familiar with. She’s active on social media and has been playing around the country and recently performed her first headlining show at Fort San Antone. She is definitely a name to keep an eye out for.

The five track debut EP was recorded in Nashville with Grammy Award Winning producer Larry Beaird, with all tracks being co-written by Wilson alongside fellow UK artists such as Alex Jordan, Holloway Road and Megan O'Neill as well as Nashville recording artist Payton Taylor. The result? The perfect blend of country music from both sides of the Atlantic.


1. Do You Think About Me (Lizzie Wilson/Holloway Road)
It's pretty incredible to think that this is her debut single. Not only is this song incredibly catchy (think catchy as in Taylor Swift pre-genre change (not that Taylor's recent discography isn't catchy, it's just that this blog is Somethin' Country, rather than Somethin' Pop)), it's also a very assured performance and it's lovely to hear an artist feeling so confident, especially on their first release. It's very radio friendly and hopefully it'll find its way to radio soon enough. I've linked the music video down below to listen/watch (disclaimer: the video documents Lizzie's trip to Nashville so you may very well end up feeling jealous watching it) and the single is also available right now on iTunes.

2, Ask Me To Stay (Wilson/Megan O’Neill)
I wasn't familiar with co-writer Megan O'Neill before this EP but I immediately looked her up after hearing this song as she, along with Lizzie, have written a great, great song that would be at home on any radio station. The arrangement leans more to the country side yet I think the relatable lyrics and the easy on the ear vocals would win over even the most ardent anti-country fans. It narrowly missed out on being my favourite track on the album. Very narrowly, ultimately losing out to:

3. Infinity (Wilson)
This slower song showcases Lizzie's voice but it's the lyrics on this entirely self-penned track that really shines. It's sweet and it's beautiful and, even though this reviewer has a penchant for faster songs, this is definitely my favourite song on this EP. It's that good and you should buy the EP for this song alone.

4. The Way You Lie (Wilson/Alex Jordan)
This song steps up the pace but only ever so slightly for this brooding song. Over three minutes and eighteen seconds, like a good country song it builds, the story and lyrics developing, and leads into a nice guitar solo. This song whilst it sounds good recorded is one, I feel, that is really made to be performed live and I hope to hear it live in the not too distant future.

5. Living Out Loud (Wilson/Payton Taylor)
'I shine through the dark like a city light/I've waited my turn now it's my time'
These two lines screamed at me when I listened to it because they are so, so true. Lizzie Wilson is a great singer and a excellent songwriter and her time truly is coming and it is very well deserved.

If all is right with the world, we will hopefully see Lizzie on one of the pop-up stages at next year's Country 2 Country festival. Until then, you're missing out if you don't treat yourself to this gem of an EP. It comes out the 13th of November so until then, go get the lead single 'Do You Think About Me' now on iTunes HERE and go give her a follow HERE on Twitter.

Single of the Week: Running For You - Kip Moore

Kip Moore was, for many, the surprise act of this year’s Country 2 Country festival…but not for me.

I’ve been a fan of Kip for a long time and I had his debut album, Up All Night, pre-ordered as soon as I was able to. When he was announced for C2C last year, I was delighted. This guy is talented and this guy has been painfully underrated for a long time. But 2015 has felt like the beginning of something that has been a long time coming for the native of Tifton, Georgia.

‘Running for You’ is much like the man himself. It’s real. The vocals are gritty and raw and powerful. Kip often has that badboy, wild image associated with him and songs like 'Beer Money' and '

I’m To Blame' play to this. Yet here shows his tender side, which when it is shown, shines – ‘Hey Pretty Girl’ is a fantastic example of this.

‘If the light starts fading, baby don’t move,

Just say my name, stay right there,

I’ll come running for you’

This is a sweet song with a kick and it starting to gather some steam in the States, with it being country radio’s most added song a few weeks back. His North American tour is selling out and his recent album Wild Ones hit the second spot in the charts. Is 2015 finally the year that Kip Moore breaks out? The signs are looking certainly looking good.

CAUGHT LIVE: The Shires @ Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh 11/10/15

2015 has been a great year for UK country music but an even better year for Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes, otherwise known as The Shires.

It’s pretty incredible to think that the two only got together a few years ago and even more so amazingly, got together about a hopeful question from Ben on Facebook. Last year was a good year for them with a co-headlining tour with Ward Thomas and the release of their Green Note EP, but this year has blown last year completely out of the water.

Their 2015 has looked like this: two headline UK tours, Hyde Park, countless performances on national TV, supporting the regaining ACM Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town both in the UK and in the US (later this year) and, most importantly, becoming the first UK country act to reach the Top 10 with their stunning album, Brave. Again, that’s pretty incredible, right?

Yep but what’s even more incredible is this is just the start and their sold out gig at the Liquid Rooms in Edinburgh proved this. They showcased some new music, one song called Other People’s Things – that I absolutely cannot wait to hear a studio version of – and a song called Drive which, is co-written by Kip Moore, is excellent. Ben and Crissie also looked even more at home on that stage than ever before, radiating confidence and beaming throughout, bar, of course, during their slower songs such as Brave.

Friday Night (changed ever so slightly to Sunday Night for the evening), All Over Again and Tonight featured on a packed setlist that also featured a Striking Matches cover. Made In England was on there too but, perhaps a little intimidated by singing that particular song in front of 800 Scots, they dropped England out of the chorus, letting the crowd sing their own version of it.

All in all, it was another fantastic evening spent watching The Shires and it feels pretty great to see the size of the venues they’re playing at increase with each show. First it was King Tuts, then the Oran Mor and then the Liquid Rooms with their next stop up here in Scotland being the Hydro. Granted, they are supporting The Corrs but one can only wonder how long it will be before they’re headlining a show there themselves... 

...and I don’t think it’ll be too long before they are.

Single of the Week: By The Way - Lindsay Ell

‘Doo doo da doo doo doo, doo doo da doo doo doo’

If you’ve heard Lindsay Ell’s new single, By The Way, you’ll be fighting a losing battle to NOT have those words above playing in your head right now. If you haven’t heard it yet, the link to buy the single is down below and I strongly encourage that you click it.

UK fans are fairly familiar with upcoming the singer-songwriter and (very!) talented guitarist. Lindsay toured with The Band Perry on their Pioneer tour over here in late 2013 before she came over here for a few dates of her own, and also with a certain Mr Luke Bryan, earlier this year. She is still to produce a full length album but what she’s offered us already – a five track self-titled EP and, of course, this new single – are strong signs of a very promising career in the not too distant future. And with the slow but steady resurgence of ladies in country music, it seems like her time is finally and deservedly coming.

By The Way is catchy and it’ll be stuck in your head after your first listen. It’s a little bit poppy but it is most definitely country and country fans are lucky to have an artist like Lindsay. Her ever-growing fanbase can attest to how humble she is, not only taking the time at shows to meet fans or tweet them on Twitter, but she also periscopes mini-concerts or guitar lessons online almost every week. Her name is becoming bigger and bigger but she is still clearly down to earth. Plus, she’s also a wicked guitar player and has the sweetest purple guitar that is pretty much alone worth the cost of a ticket to go and see in person.

With a new single and an album on the way, it hopefully won’t be long before we ‘doo doo da doo doo’ along with her on these shores.

Oh and By The Way, you can buy By The Way right here.

Single of the Week: If This Was a Love Song - Raintown

If it feels like quite some time since we had new music from Paul and Claire, that’s because it has been. Yet our first taste of Writing on the Wall (their new album out October 9^th) tells us, in no uncertain terms, that it been a wait worth waiting.

If This Was a Love Song is well written, catchy and the way Claire and Paul’s vocals mix is very easy on the ear. It also sounds great live, something that I can attest to after having the pleasure of seeing the duo twice over the summer. Their debut album, Hope in Troubled Times is a solid album and an album that still sounds great but the growth in the duo is evident, even from just this first single. Their voices sound stronger and the production is sleek and the many fans who pledged their money to make this follow-up album happen will not be disappointed with their investment – a quick look on Twitter actually proves this and I have seen nothing but positive words about this whole album.

Yet, if I must nit-pick and find something wrong with this single, then it’s that this is definitely not the best track on their album. It is a great song but Nineteen Again is something pretty special, both lyrically and vocally – Claire shines more than ever during the closing moments of this track – and I’d be very surprised if it wasn’t a future single. 

If This Was a Love Song is out now, Writing on the Wall comes out October 9^th and the guys are touring the UK this month. Go get the single, go get the album and go grab a ticket for one of their shows – you will not regret any of these decisions. 

Hunter Hayes @ O2 ABC

When it comes to Hunter Hayes and the UK, the feeling is most definitely mutual.

Hunter Hayes has spoiled us in 2015 with three separate visits and two full tours within the space of six months and one can safely assume that, with the reception the 24 year old received and with sold out shows to his name, another trip must surely be in the works. Hunter Hayes loves the UK and we love him.

This Glasgow show at the O2 ABC (my personal favourite venue) was more than double the size of the relatively teeny Oran Mor that he played last May and like that show, it too was packed. This crowd was a little different than the usual country crowd, with Hunter marketed as a crossover act on these shores – although there were still many a familiar face that I recognised. Though it may have had a influence on the crowd, his crossover appeal had little effect on his set which still retained that country twang that brought him into the spotlight.

Hunter admitted at the start of the show that he was having some problems with his voice – understandable really, given that this was the second last show of fairly intensive UK tour which followed immediately on from touring the States this summer with Lady Antebellum – yet I will have to take his word for it. Not once in his hour and a half, and typically energetic, set would I have ever guessed that he was struggling – he’s just that good.

His set list was fairly similar to his May one but that’s not a bad thing. The big hits, I Want Crazy, Tattoo and Wanted went down a treat with the latter a real standout moment of the show as the audience sang the chorus back to him as he held the microphone out to us, a smile and look of awe on his face as he took in some 1300 faces. Newer stuff such as 21 and Young and in Love sound fantastic live too and his cover of Counting Stars? Simply brilliant. 

This young man is not only incredibly talented but also incredibly humble – as shown by the respect and time he gives his band on stage as well as the time he takes to meet fans before and after shows. This young man has definitely got a very, very bright future and I really, really hope he continues to share it this much with us.

Chris Young @ O2 ABC

Chris Young had kept us waiting. Not for his arrival on stage – for he was very prompt on Wednesday evening, coming on at almost precisely 9pm – but for his arrival in the UK with it being almost a year ago he announced his small UK tour and, without a doubt it was worth the wait.

Like London and Dublin, his Glasgow show was also sold out. Having been to the O2 ABC many a time, I expected a fairly large queue when I arrived about a half hour prior to doors opening but this queue was something else. It literally – and I mean literally – wrapped around the venue. This crowd was going to special, I thought then and like the man’s talent himself, this crowd was special.

As I mentioned, Chris took the stage at 9 opening with AM, a song which just like all the other songs he played that evening, the crowd sang every word with him. The deafening reception he received after that first song was deserved but it still seemed to completely take the man with numerous number ones to his name, away. This proved to be a recurring theme and this humbleness was one of many reasons to love this man even more. Another reason, extends on this humbleness; the sign on the outside of the ABC may have read ‘Chris Young – Sold Out’ but it felt like it should have read ‘Chris Young and Band – Sold Out’. His band were a big part of the night, as they should be, and were stars in their own right, with Chris stepping back at certain points to let them have the spotlight – something that some artists rarely do, if ever – and it was really nice to see the special bond these guys have on stage as they put on a helluva show.

Lonely Eyes, Aw Naw, Neon and current single I’m Comin Over were just some of his set that lasted a good hour and forty-five minutes as well as a stunning cover of When You Say Nothing At All. His set may have lasted a little longer than typical set time of an hour and a half but it was clear that if there wasn’t a curfew then he could go all night long and nobody would have minded in slightest.

Immediately after the show, Chris tweeted ‘we will be back’ and speaking on behalf of the some 1300 fans that packed the O2 ABC out – Chris, please, please, please be sure you’re back soon!

Review: Angaleena Presley @ Broadcast, Glasgow (26/7/15)

‘I’m more of a melon myself,’ Angaleena Presley quipped as she noticed two ladies at the front wearing white tees emblazoned with ‘Tomato lovers’ in reference to the recent #SaladGate incident. Yet regardless of what fruit or vegetable the Kentuckian sees herself as, her first stop of her first UK tour proved that she is way, way, way more than that.

Presley came to the attention of many as a member of the Pistol Annies, alongside friends Ashley Monroe and Miranda Lambert, in early 2011 and the band released two superb albums before taking a hiatus to allow the ladies to continue with their own solo careers. Whilst Lambert released her fifth studio album last year and Monroe just releasing her second album (the fantastic The Blade which I strongly recommend you grab a copy of), it was Presley who was first to make the trip across the pond, following the release of American Middle Class, an album which I have had on repeat since its October release.

After being a fan of Presley since the Pistol Annies first debuted, I had snapped up my ticket very quickly and had been looking forward to this concert a lot. I’d watched a lot of her live performances online prior and knew that I was in for a great night. I left Broadcast that evening, ashamed at myself for underestimating Ms Presley. Because ‘great’ was one hell of an understatement.

Presley arrived on stage and grabbed her guitar a little after nine. Noticing no backing band in tow, in struck me as to how special an evening this was going to be, getting this chance to witness this fine songwriter treating us to what was essentially a songwriters session, reminiscent of an evening in the famous Bluebird Café in Nashville. This evening was a privledge and a very, very special one too.

Strangely enough, Presley seemed somewhat nervous at first but warmed up very quickly, thanks to a very welcoming audience and was soon cracking jokes, telling stories about her upbringing in rural Kentucky and treating us to her impression of the Scottish accent. ‘Can y’all adopt me?’ She joked although I suspect there wasn’t a single soul in the small room who wouldn’t take her up on her offer. She charmed the audience and had us all laughing as she stumbled over her own lyrics at a few points.

Whilst her chatter between songs had the room captivated, it was, of course, her set that made the night. She played for an hour and a half, playing a mix of songs from her album, some new material, a couple of Pistol Annies songs and a couple of covers. It was a fantastic set and a fantastic range of songs from the humorous ‘If Big Bird Said The F Word’ to the brilliantly written ‘Grocery Store’. Her voice really is special and sounds even better live. She closed with ‘Lemon Drop’, speaking about before how the Pistol Annies came to be and as she spoke, it was clear how thankful she was for the band that gave her the break that she fully deserves.

She stayed behind after the show to meet everyone. It was a pleasure to meet her as the her music has had a great impact on my life and spending a few minutes chatting to her was a honour. Not only is she talented, she is also a great person and lovely to meet. She seemed blown away by the support she has received from her first few shows over here and I think (and hope!) she’ll be a frequent visitor to these shores in the coming years.

Support Act: Support for the evening came from local band Tallahassee Falls, a four piece who were, unfortunately, reduced to a duo for the night. I say unfortunately as I would have loved to hear these guys in their entirety as the taste I got from Mike and Rachel left me wanting more. Their five song set went down very well and they played four original songs, including a stunning track called ‘Annabel Lee’ that really showed off Rachel’s vocals before they closed with a cover of ‘Love Hurts’. Its always great to see local talent and these guys were fantastic.

Spotlight: The Shires

Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes are The Shires and they are one of the fastest, and most exciting, rising acts on the ever growing UK country music scene.

After co-headlining an extensive UK tour with fellow British duo, Ward Thomas, last year and starting 2015 supporting Little Big Town on their UK dates, Ben and Crissie are hitting the road on a headline tour of their own in April.

The tour follows the release of their eagerly anticipated debut album, Brave. The album has been featured as BBC Radio 2's Album of the Week and features Nashville Grey Skies, Tonight and current single, Friday Night.

Catchy hooks and honest lyrics have earned the duo a loyal and ever expanding fan base. Brave is a must buy and their tour is not to be missed.

Official Twitter
Official Site

Little Big Town @ O2 ABC

R-L, Jimi, Karen, Myself, Kimberly, Phillip 

Grammy Award winning Little Big Town embarked on their first UK tour a few weeks ago and I not only had the pleasure of catching them live but also had the honour of meeting the band who are a class act both on, and off, stage.

Karen taking the lead on Girl Crush

The country four piece - comprised of husband and wife, Jimi Westbrook and Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman and Phillip Sweet - opened their ninety minute set with the thumping Turn The Lights On, coming on stage to a rapturous reception - a reception that they seemed constantly taken aback by. From the opener to the encore, Boondocks, the audience knew every word, singing along with the quartet whose signature harmonies were tight and stunning in person.

The end to a great night.

The highlight of the night came when Jimi, Kimberly and Philip took a step back, allowing Karen to take the spotlight to take the lead with their latest single, Girl Crush. The trio's harmonies were subtle but understandably overshadowed by their bandmate's stunning vocals on a song that is deservedly climbing the country charts.

An incredible show by an incredible band. Their next visit cannot come soon enough.

Why I'm Proud To Be A Country Music Fan

Country music is different. 

It’s honest, it's storytelling in it's purest form and, contrary to popular belief, isn’t all about farmers and their tractors. 

What I love about the genre, particularly, is how welcoming it is as a whole. Watch any country music award show and you see no egos, just a bunch of musicians who know one another and enjoy each other’s successes as much as their own. Go to any country concert and you'll find yourself talking to someone that you just met, like old friends.

Country isn’t just a genre; it’s a community and one, that I hope, will grow in this country.