ALBUM REVIEW: 'Wildwood Kin' - Wildwood Kin

Out this Friday is Devon trio Wildwood Kin’s second album, Wildwood Kin.

I first discovered Wildwood Kin (comprised of sisters Beth and Emillie Key, and their cousin Meghann Loney) in early 2017, as they opened for Ward Thomas on their Cartwheels tour. I was blown away by the smooth harmonies, beautiful lyrics and pounding beats. I left that show not only with a copy of their EP but as a new fan, eager for more.

Turning Tides, the album they put out shortly afterwards, was one of my favorite releases that year. I saw them on their headline tour in 2018 and that was, also, a year highlight.

Needless to say I was very excited to listen to their second album, Wildwood Kin.

And, again, I was not disappointed.

What has made me such a fan of their music is that it always feels like an experience, as opposed to mere entertainment. Their songs have purpose. They make you think, they uplift you and they’re also really fun to sing along to. For those that believe in the adage that music is medicine for the soul then this album is the best antidote.

Take the track ‘Beauty in Your Brokenness’. It’s a song about self-acceptance, to grow to love and embrace your flaws. ‘Never Alone’ is another track of encouragement, reassuring the listener that, even if they’re struggling, help is always there and happier times are possible.

‘Breathe’ stresses the importance of taking a moment to stop, to take the time to breathe even during the craziness of life. ‘The Crown’ talks about how fame/success is fickle and should not be relied on for happiness. And ‘Time Has Come’, their latest single, is all about empowerment, about how we can all be heroes simply by using our voice to stand up for what we believe in.

Musically, Wildwood Kin  is a stellar album with stunning vocals and arrangements. More generally speaking, this album is a ray of positivity in an often bleak world.

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Wildwood Kin is out this Friday.

TENILLE TOWNES Debuts 'Jersey On The Wall' Music Video

The official music video for Tenille Townes’ new single, 'Jersey On The Wall' has debuted. Directed by Mason Dixon, the video premiered earlier this week on YouTube following a live chat between Townes and her fans.

Of the video, Townes shares, 'Leaving space in this video for people to insert their own emotions and think of people in their own stories was so important to me. There’s an anchor of light coming in through the gym window, across the lockers and in the hallways that represents the ever-present hope that is still there, even in the darkest of losses. We were able to use the actual jerseys of Danielle and Drayton, who were both the inspiration behind this song. It was so emotional seeing both of their #9s hanging there during the video shoot and it means so much to have their jerseys be such a big part.'

'Jersey On The Wall' comes from Townes’ forthcoming full-length debut album, which was produced by Jay Joyce and is set for release via Columbia Nashville. Previously released album tracks include 'White Horse', 'I Kept The Roses' and lead single 'Somebody’s Daughter' which reached #1 on both Mediabase and Nielsen BDS Country Airplay in Canada. Of Townes, Billboard praises, '…knack for writing story songs that make the listener stop and think,' while Music Row declares, 'Tenille Townes is the future. Get on board now.'

The release adds to a breakout year for Tenille Townes, who recently won four awards at the 2019 CCMA's (Canadian Country Music Awards) - Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year (“Somebody’s Daughter”), Anthem Entertainment Songwriter of the Year and Video of the Year (“Somebody’s Daughter”). Winning all four of her nominated categories, Townes led the night with the most awards received.

In support of the new music, Townes will join Miranda Lambert on her 'Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars Tour' this autumn and will perform select dates with Maren Morris in November; as well as returning to the UK for a London headline show (upgraded due to demand) and tour dates with Striking Matches - limited tickets available now:

October 21st—Bristol, UK—Thekla Bristol

October 22nd—Oxford, UK—O2 Academy

October 23rd—London, UK—Colours Hoxton (headline)

October 26th—London, UK—Bush Hall (PM - Country Hits Radio Hub)

October 27th—Liverpool, UK—Arts Club Loft

October 28th—Glasgow, UK—Stereo

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For more information, visit tenilletownes.com.