ALBUM REVIEW: 'Good Years' - The Shires

If there was ever just one word to describe The Shires then it would surely be dependable.

After three studio albums and many, many shows, I have always found the duo, comprised of Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes, to be consistent, reliably producing solid albums and putting on enjoyable performances. Good Years, their fourth release, does not break this trend.

The album opens with ‘Lightning Strikes’, a co-write with Cam. A foot-stomper, it’s memorable, fun, the sort of energy The Shires are known for. The lyrics will be painfully relatable for some as they delve into the question of if a love would’ve worked out in a different time.

Crissie shines in the following ‘On The Day I Die’, whilst Ben then takes the lead on ‘Good Years’. As always, the two strike a perfect balance of who sings what and, again, as always, their harmonies are always perfect, their chemistry as performers hitting new heights with each release. 

‘Independence Day’, which was released as a single prior to release, is a pleasant surprise. It’s much more ‘poppier’ than some of the other tracks on here but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s catchy with the roaring ‘ohs’ that you just know audiences will lap up on the duo’s upcoming, and future, tours. 

Prior to hearing the full album, ‘About Last Night’ was my favorite and I had even went as far to say it ranked up there as one of my favorite Shires tracks. However, ‘Only Always’ manages to eclipse it. It’s stripped back, their vocals shine and the lyrics are profound - it’s absolutely beautiful.

All in all? Another fantastic release from Ben and Crissie. Go get it.

Billboard Premieres HAYDEN HADDOCK'S Video For Single 'RED DIRT TEXAS'

Trailblazing Country artist Hayden Haddock releases the music video for his single, 'Red Dirt Texas', exclusively with Billboard.

Directed by The Playlist Films and set in Mason, TX, 'the video offers a vivid landscape of the state as it shows Haddock singing on a dirt road while local farmers go about their day (Billboard)' - WATCH HERE.

Currently celebrating Spotify editorial playlist placement and 75K streams with 'Red Dirt Texas,' the lead-off, title track from Haddock's sophomore record is in the Top 50 on Texas Country music charts and climbing. Haddock recently opened for Kevin Fowler, who happens to be one of the writers of 'Red Dirt Texas,' in Navasota, TX, and the two performed alongside each other during Fowler's hit song, 'Beer, Bait and Ammo.'

Produced by chart-topping songwriter and hit producer, Trent Willmon (Cody Johnson, Eric Church, Randy Houser), Haddock's Sophomore album Red Dirt Texas was released on January 31st and features 10 tracks packed full of co-writes with hit songwriters including David Lee Murphy, Terry McBride, Kevin Fowler, Tommy Karlas (Randy Travis, Blake Shelton, Montgomery Gentry), John Pierce (Zac Brown Band, Chris Young), Jim Collins (Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean) and more. The album hit the Top 40 on the iTunes Country Album Chart upon its release.

With more than 100 tour dates per year, Haddock’s diligent nature mixed with his traditional, authentic style of country music has quickly solidified his spot as a staple in the Texas Country scene. After releasing his debut album First Rodeo in late 2018, Haddock’s lead-off single 'She Don’t Know It Yet' quickly climbed the Texas country charts while his sophomore radio single 'Everywhere I Need To Be' peaked in the Top 35; an impressive feat for the young talent. Not only did the record perform well at country radio, but it has also amassed more than 800K streams on Spotify while being featured on more than 2.5K playlists. Having shared the stage with Whiskey Myers, Casey Donahew, Cory Morrow, Eli Young Band, Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, Kyle Park and more, Haddock performs every weekend in Texas and surrounding states and recently announced an endorsement deal with Rebecca Creek Whiskey.

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For more information, visit haydenhaddock.com.

HALEY & MICHAELS Share 'DRINKING ABOUT YOU' Ahead of Debut UK Performances

Nashville-based duo Haley & Michaels (Shannon Haley and Ryan Michaels) have confirmed their first UK radio single as the fan favourite 'Drinking About You' from debut full-length album Hail Mary, released last year, and have just announced an additional C2C performance at the O2 Arena, an intimate acoustic set as part of the Country Hits Radio Sessions on Sunday 15th March.

Stream/download 'Drinking About You' on Spotify / Apple Music / Amazon.

Co-written by the duo with Jeff Cohen - known for his work with The Shires, Sugarland and more - and Zach Abend (Chris Lane, Filmore), the single has already been featured as a Country Champion by Baylen Leonard last month; and has gained over two million streams on Spotify, featured on major playlists such as New Music Friday, New Boots and Wild Country; with Rolling Stone pointing to the duo’s 'penchant for introspective lyrics and arena-rock-inspired production'.

In their own words, Haley & Michaels said: ''Drinking About You' really defines our sound and who we are as artists and songwriters. We really wanted to capture both perspectives in a relationship in a way that highlights the raw honesty of country songs and also incorporates all of our musical influences in Country, Pop and Rock N’ Roll. We’re really excited to have this song as our first release in the UK!'

 

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For more information, visit haleyandmichaels.com.

MARCUS KING Shares Video for 'WILDFLOWERS & WINE'

Marcus King has shared an acoustic video performance of his song 'Wildflowers & Wine' via Billboard. The song features on his hit debut solo album, El Dorado, which has topped multiple US charts since its release in January.

Produced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, the record was released via Snakefarm Records / Fantasy in the UK to widespread critical acclaim.

The 'Wildflowers & Wine' video was recorded in Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Studio in Nashville, and features a performance of the song showcasing King’s soulful vocals, backed by Auerbach plus studio legends who played with artists from Aretha Franklin to Elvis.

Discussing the video with Billboard, King stated, 'It's not the exact set-up we used, but all the instrumentation on that track was played live together as a cohesive unit and not overdubbed. That's what gives it that taste, that live feel'. He added, 'It was a lot of organic steps that all came together in a kismet way for the record to work. Having those cats work with you was a tremendous opportunity in itself… It's still playing and singing, but in a different kind of environment, and to have these cats to look up to.'

El Dorado, a contemporary exploration of southern R&B, country-soul, classic rock and blues, has established the 23-year-old phenom as one of the most soulful voices of his generation. King’s arresting vocals feature as the lead instrument, taking centre-stage alongside a genre-bending blend of subtle acoustics, bright pedal steel, raucous electric guitars and blistering solos.

The album debuted at #1 on both UK & US charts; in the UK, it topped the Americana Chart, whilst in the US the Americana Folk, Top New Artist, Current Rock, Blues Albums, as well as #12 on the US Top Current Albums chart. King also recently made his debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and was featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition and Fresh Air, alongside support from Rolling Stone, The Sun, Mojo, Uncut, NPR Music, Classic Rock, Planet Rock and more.

King is set to perform at the Love Rocks charity event at the Beacon theatre in New York on March 12th, alongside a stellar line-up including The Black Crowes, Dave Matthews and Jackson Browne. King will also open for Chris Stapleton on his All-American Road Show with US dates including Madison Square Garden in New York.

He is currently on his solo world tour with his band, The Marcus King Band. See remaining dates below.

Tue 25th - London, UK - Electric Ballroom

Wed 26th - Manchester, UK - Academy 3

Thu 27th - Nottingham, UK - Rescue Rooms

Fri 28th - Bristol, UK - Thekla

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For more information, visit marcuskingband.com.

THE SHIRES Release New Track 'LIGHTNING STRIKES'

Their first musical offering of the decade, UK’s best-selling country act The Shires release the infectiously upbeat track 'Lightning Strikes', taken from their forthcoming album Good Years, released on BMG - LISTEN HERE.

Alongside the new single, the duo have been celebrating Ben’s recent 'International Country Broadcaster' award nomination at the 2020 CMA international Awards.

As well as their eagerly anticipated headline tour in May, The Shires are currently on the road performing alongside Young Voices, the largest children’s choir concerts in the world. The tour includes shows in Sheffield, Birmingham, Manchester and London before finishing off at London’s iconic Wembley Arena on February 7th.

Boasting a songscape of finely tuned harmonies and infectious melodies, the stadium-ready track follows themes of optimism and retrospect, asking themselves 'what if ?'. The release of 'Lightning Strikes' cements a stellar decade for the duo, who have helped solidify the rise and resurgence of Country music, both in the UK and across the pond.

Speaking of their latest musical offering, Crissie and Ben said 'We can’t wait to put Lightning Strikes into our live set, the opening line 'Standing outside, raining in the Summer', is going to be perfect for the festival season. Also, vocally the song is so much fun for us with all the crazy harmonies.'

The title of the group’s newest record couldn’t ring truer for Ben and Crissie as the release follows two gold-certified albums and three Top 10 singles firmly cementing their status as two of country music’s most prominent voices. The duo formed in 2013 and released their debut album Brave in 2015, becoming the first UK country act to chart in the Top 10 of the UK Albums Chart. The group's second album, My Universe, became the fastest-selling UK country album in history when it was released in October 2016. Good Years will be available as a limited edition red vinyl as well as on CD and streaming platforms.

Recorded as with all their previous albums in the home of Country Music - Nashville, Good Years is a poignant project for Crissie and Ben now having made huge waves both on home soil and across the pond as the first UK artists to win 'Best International Act' at the prestigious CMAs.

2020 will see the pair embark on a 21-date nationwide tour. Kicking off in May, the duo are set to visit some of the UK’s most iconic venues, including the London Palladium, Bristol Academy, Birmingham’s Symphony Hall and Brighton’s Dome.

Full tour dates are, as follows:

May 4th: Birmingham Symphony Hall

May 5th: Aberyswyth Arts Centre

May 6th: Guildford G Live

May 8th: Bristol Academy

May 9th: Cambridge Corn Exchange

May 10th: Nottingham Royal Centre

May 12th: Carlisle Sands Centre

May 13th: Aberdeen Beach Ballroom

May 14th: Edinburgh Liquid Room

May 15th: Gateshead  The Sage

May 17th: Ipswich Regent Theatre

May 19th: Manchester Bridgewater Hall

May 20th: York Barbican

May 22nd: Oxford New Theatre

May 23rd: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

May 24th: Cardiff St. David’s Hall

May 26th: Basingstoke The Anvil

May 27th: London Palladium

June 2nd: Brighton The Dome

June 3rd: Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall

June 4th: Bedford Corn Exchange

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For more information about The Shires, including their upcoming tour, visit theshiresmusic.com.

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.

NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS Share New Track From Upcoming New Album '​UP AND ROLLING​'

North Mississippi Allstars are set to return with new album Up and Rolling on 4th October via New West Records.

The 12-song set was produced by Luther and Cody Dickinson and recorded at The Zebra Ranch, their family studio established by their father, the legendary Jim Dickinson in Independence, MS. The album also features guest appearances from Mavis Staples, Jason Isbell, Cedric Burnside, Duane Betts, and Sharde Thomas. Up and Rolling finds North Mississippi Allstars getting back to their roots and recapturing the communal spirit upon which the band was founded.

The band have now shared new album track 'Mean Old World' featuring Jason Isbell & Duane Betts. Rolling Stone calls the song, which was once recorded by Eric Clapton and Duane Allman, an 'epic guitar jam.' About the song, Luther says, 'Our father recorded 'Mean Old World' with Duane Allman and Eric Clapton during the Layla sessions.  Jason invited me to record an acoustic, slide guitar duo version. Cody came up with the new arrangement and wanted to record an electric version with Jason and Duane Betts, using 'Mean Old World' as a vehicle to lay down an epic statement about modern-day roots rock guitar.'

North Mississippi Allstars have also confirmed their live return to the UK, with an headline show in London in October.

Up And Rolling will be available across Digital Retailers, Compact Disc, Standard Black vinyl, Limited Edition Black & White Split Colored Vinyl available exclusively at Independent Retailers and Clear & Black Smoke Swirl Colored Vinyl available for Pre-Order Now via New West Records.

Tracklist

1. Call That Gone

2. Up and Rolling

3. What You Gonna Do? (feat. Mavis Staples)

4. Drunk Outdoors

5. Peaches

6. Mean Old World (feat. Jason Isbell and Duane Betts)

7. Out on the Road (feat. Cedric Burnside)

8. Lonesome in My Home

9. Bump that Mother

10. Living Free

11. Take My Hand, Precious Lord (feat. Cedric Burnside)

12. Otha’s Bye Bye Baby (feat. Otha Turner)

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For more information, visit nmallstars.com.

WILDWOOD KIN Share New Single 'ALL ON ME'

Wildwood Kin’s recent singles have captured two sides of what to expect from the release of their self-titled album on October 4th. From the haunting drama of 'Never Alone' to the elegant hymnal 'Beauty In Your Brokenness', it’s a collection that’s shaping up to confirm their ascending status.

The acoustic-rock family band continue to evolve in fresh new directions by sharing their new single 'All On Me'. Opening in stripped-back style which places the focus on their luscious, tightly crafted vocal harmonies, the song’s instrumentation gradually builds until it erupts into a rousing crescendo. It’s an approach which accentuates the unifying message of the song’s lyrics - LISTEN HERE.
 
Wildwood Kin commented, 'This is a song about faith, sharing burdens, trust, identity and worth - knowing that there’s someone or something out there who loves you and who’s ready to support you through hardship. It’s about letting go of believing it’s all up to you to carry the weight of life’s struggles, and allowing someone to share that load with you.'

'All On Me', 'Never Alone' and 'Beauty In Your Brokenness' are all available as instant downloads for fans who pre-order the album. Released via Silvertone Records/Sony, it will be released on CD, vinyl and digital/streaming formats. The band’s official store also offers an exclusive signed CD.

Wildwood Kin are comprised of the Key sisters Emillie (guitar) and Beth (bouzouki) along with their cousin Meg Loney (drums). It’s a truly democratic band, with each member having an equal amount of input.

Their enthralling journey commenced with the release of their debut album Turning Tides in 2017. Radio support from Radio 2 and BBC Introducing soon followed, and the band’s renown grew with the help of majestic live performances at Glastonbury, Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park and a Teenage Cancer Trust benefit show at the Royal Albert Hall. 20 million streams later, they’re on the cusp of rising to the next level.

They’ll follow the new album by embarking upon a UK headline tour throughout November and early December. Highlights include at London headline show at Omeara as well as a homecoming date at The Lemon Grove in Exeter. Please see the Wildwood Kin website for ticket details.

The dates are:

06.11 - NORWICH, THE WATERFRONT 

07.11 - BIRMINGHAM, O2 INSTITUTE3 

08.11 - MANCHESTER, NIGHT & DAY CAFE 

11.11 - LONDON, OMEARA 

12.11 - BATH, MOLES 

13.11 - CARDIFF, THE GLEE CLUB 

14.11 - BRISTOL, THEKLA 

15.11 - BUDE FOLK FESTIVAL 

17.11 - SOUTHAMPTON, JOINERS 

18.11 - BRIGHTON, KOMEDIA 

21.11 - EXETER, THE LEMONGROVE 

23.11 - DUBLIN, LOST LANE

24.11 - CLONAKILTY, DEBARRAS

27.11 - DRONFIELD, CIVIC HALL

28.11 - LIVERPOOL, LEAF 

29.11 - WHITBY, PAVILION 

01.12 - EDINBURGH, THE CAVES 

02.12 - GLASGOW, STEREO 

03.12 - NEWCASTLE, CLUNY 

04.12 - LEEDS, BRUDENELL SOCIAL CLUB 

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For more information, visit wildwoodkin.com.

JASON ALDEAN Announces New Album '9' and Drops Four Brand New Songs

After almost 15 years at the top of his genre, reigning ACM 'Artist of the Decade' Jason Aldean has seen trends come and go. He's helped bring a few out of the shadows, like a Country-music Columbus making the mainstream’s first contact with hard rock ('Hicktown'), hip-hop ('Dirt Road Anthem') and R&B ('Burnin’ It Down'). But after all that time, he continues to hold his ground making modern albums with an old-school soul - announcing that his next effort 9 will be released Nov 22nd 2019 via Broken Bow Records/BMG worldwide.

Available now for pre-order at all digital retailers, today fans have access to four new songs off the upcoming album HERE.

'Early on I always thought if we ever got to make nine albums, I’m going to call it 9. It was my baseball number growing up, and it’s just kind of always been my lucky number,' explains Aldean. 'I remember cutting the first album and thinking 'that’s forever away,' and now here we are. I don’t know, it’s really special we made it this far – so, it’s more for me than anybody else – but, it means a lot.'

To celebrate, Aldean offers fans an immediate preview of the new album today with the release of four of its tracks. 'Blame It On You' sways with a half-drunk realisation that we make our own problems, 'I Don’t Drink Anymore' serves a 100-proof hook, 'Keep It Small Town' reminds that well-lived lives don’t have to be complicated, and the album's fiery lead radio single 'We Back' rounds out the first-released songs, all out now to stream/download worldwide.

'When I came into country music and made my mark, it was with a banger,' Aldean adds. 'But we haven’t put out a lot of that stuff over the last couple years. So we got this song and to me it just says what it says: 'Thought we were gone, but you’re wrong – now it’s on.''

The three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year is a dominant force on the charts, he’s scored 23 Number Ones. He’s the only Country act in history to top the all-genre Billboard 200 four times (with four consecutive albums), racking up 14.4 billion streams and more than 18 million albums sold along the way. Aldean's a card-carrying member of Country's elite headliners whose incendiary tours are nearing legendary status.

His 2019 Right All Night Tour will wrap at the Texas’ Rangers Globe Life Park stadium on Oct. 11th before returning to Las Vegas, December 6-8 for Jason Aldean: Ride All Night Vegas at Park MGM.

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For more information, visit jasonaldean.com.

JORDYN STODDARD Releases 'BAD BABY' Video

Country-pop artist Jordyn Stoddard released an accompanying music video to her melody-driven, self-penned 'Bad Baby'.

Directed by Doltyn Snedden, the video features Stoddard consumed by thoughts of a new relationship. Illuminated by moody lighting in a series of sultry scenes, the 21-year-old shares glimpses of a love interest's silhouette while creative artistry shines through in the raindrops, shadows and purply blue tones breathing life into Stoddard's latest single.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Fla., Stoddard has already positioned herself as a triple-threat in Nashville — she sings with the soul of a seasoned veteran, strums a signature turquoise Taylor guitar and has developed her craft as a songwriter. Stoddard blends the best of country’s heart and pop’s energy, while her bubbly personality lends itself to create a unique crossover sound from a relatable artist.

'Bad Baby' is Stoddard’s first release since her debut album in 2015, Southern Tide.The 11-song project soared to number six on Billboard’s Heatseeker chart in its opening week and reached top 40 on Apple Music’s Country Music Daily chart. Stoddard’s first single 'Like Me ’Til You Love Me' was released to radio worldwide, while the accompanying music video premiered nationwide on Great American Country TV (GAC) and ZUUS Country.

No stranger to the spotlight, Stoddard has opened for The Band Perry, Brett Eldredge, Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, Montgomery Gentry, Michael Ray, Chris Young, Easton Corbin and more.

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For more information, visit jordynstoddard.com.

FERRIS & SYLVESTER Release Brand New Single 'I Dare You'

Ferris & Sylvester have released their brand new single 'I Dare You' via LAB Records. The release comes as the band embark on their largest headline tour to date next week.

From hushed folk beginnings, 'I Dare You' explodes into an epic piece of blues-rock from the duo, calling to mind the likes of The White Stripes or The Kills.

Regarding the single Ferris & Sylvester say, 'We’ve gone over to our dark side with 'I Dare You'. It felt important to get this song out there. We made bold choices with it and it’s very unapologetic. We think this song shows another side to us, it blends dark folk with explosive rage and is grounded by our live performance, as all our songs are. We can’t wait to play it on the road.'

Fans will be treated to the first taste of 'I Dare You' live on Ferris & Sylvester’s 21-date UK & Ireland headline tour, which started on September 3rd. The tour includes two London shows at OMEARA, with the first on Sept 5th sold out and the second the following day, recently put on sale due to huge demand, closely following suit.

Ferris & Sylvester have continued to cement themselves as the most exciting and talked about new name on the blues/Americana UK scene and have played to tens of thousands of people this year alone.

'I Dare You' is the latest in the band’s string of highly acclaimed singles including 'Flying Visit', 'Sickness' and 'Burning River', which have clocked up millions of streams alongside both strong radio and press support.

Having left their distinct first mark on the US earlier this year with their killer debut at SXSW, the band return to the States to play their first ever show in Nashville at Americanafest next month.

The band are making their greatest statement yet with the bold new single 'I Dare You'. Determined and in-your-face, the single is a taste of what’s to come from their forthcoming tour, which will see them headline the biggest venues and play the most dates of their careers so far.

FERRIS & SYLVESTER AUTUMN HEADLINE TOUR DATES

SEPTEMBER

16th – Birmingham, Hare & Hounds

17th – Oxford, The Bullingdon

18th – Nottingham, Metronome

19th – Brighton, Green Door Store

20th – Newcastle, Think Tank?

22nd – Glasgow, Stereo

23rd – Edinburgh, Mash House

25th – Dublin, Lost Lane

27th – Liverpool, Phase One

29th – Leeds, The Wardrobe

30th – Cambridge, The Portland Arms

OCTOBER

1st – Manchester, Deaf Institute

3rd – Tunbridge Wells, Forum

4th – Cheltenham, Frog & Fiddle

6th – Swansea, Sin City (Fringe Fest)

8th – Truro, Old Bakery

9th – Exeter, Phoenix

FERRIS & SYLVESTER FESTIVAL DATES

SEPTEMBER

10th – 15th – Americanafest, Nashville

28th – Rivfest, Warrington

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For more information, visit ferrisandsylvester.com.

SAM WILLIAMS Shares Cover of Father's 'WEATHERMAN'

Nashville singer/songwriter Sam Williams has followed his debut London show at Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Wednesday with a cover of his iconic father Hank Williams Jr.’s 1981 hit 'Weatherman' - listen here.

Fans got an exclusive first listen when the song premiered yesterday with Forbes, who called it 'a superb, soulful cover…'

Carrying 'his family’s legacy forward with startling creativity', (MusicRow), the tune presents a fresh take on an old favourite, and offers a glimpse into the evolution of the Williams family’s legacy in music.

'Putting my own creative twist on the record was really fun,' Williams told Forbes of his take on 'Weatherman'. 'I think people are going to be really surprised one day when they see where I take the legacy and how it has evolved over time. I won’t be recreating any of my family’s sounds because I have my own. And even that will change. Inside of me, there is another me. And inside of that me, there is another me.'

Williams is currently on Cam’s Oh, The Places We’ll Go! European tour, which kicked off with a stop on September 1st at Empire Music Hall in Belfast, Ireland, and will conclude with a performance on September 14th at Huxley’s Neue Welt in Berlin, Germany.

He released previous single, 'Gemini' on June 21st - the last day of Gemini season. Praised by many for his voice "exuding equal parts power and grace" (Rolling Stone) that seems to "rise from another spiritual plane", (Sounds Like Nashville) the CMT "Must-See Indie You Need To Know" is poised to leave his own legacy on country music, unafraid to push his own creative limits and break through the self-inflicted limitations that threaten the genre as a whole.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES (supporting Cam’s Oh, The Places We’ll Go! tour)

September 9th - Melkweg OZ - Amsterdam, Netherlands

September 11th - Les Etoiles - Paris, France

September 13th - Die Fabrik - Hamburg, Germany

September 14th - Huxley's Neue Welt - Berlin, Germany

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For more information, visit samwillivms.com.

Jeremy Ivey Announces Debut Album 'THE DREAM AND THE DREAMER’

Nashville’s Jeremy Ivey is thrilled to announce his debut album today, The Dream and the Dreamer, to be released on September 13 via ANTI- Records.

'The only objective here was to film some ridiculous scenarios and make them seem ordinary,' Ivey said of the music video for the new single 'Diamonds Back To Coal'. 'The modern newsreel that we see on our feeds daily is beyond insane, it’s surreal. This video reflects that.'

Recorded in a 'little bitty house studio' in Nashville and produced by Ivey’s wife Margo Price, the nine-song album hosts a collection of homespun, deeply introspective tracks. Ivey, who writes prolifically and ideally wants to release an album a year, cites everyone from the Beatles to Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan as influences.

Beneath the album’s generally up-tempo exterior, though, lies a deep preoccupation with the news cycle and problematic nature of Manifest Destiny. 'I wrote 'Diamonds Back To Coal' during a very frustrating week in America,' Ivey said. 'It was the week that the Vegas shootings and the alt-right march happened. The slogan 'Make America Great Again' is an influence on the chorus. [Because] if anything, we're making the environment worse. When we came and infiltrated the Native Americans’ way of living, we started reversing the beauty that this land had. It has to do with modern man being a trespasser.'

Regression is admittedly a difficult notion for Ivey, who moved away from his conservative Georgia home after high school and bounced around, primarily doing prep work in kitchens. The harmonica-accented track 'Story of a Fish' chronicles Ivey’s personal diaspora, specifically relating to his upbringing. 'I’m adopted, and I think that I always related with the story of salmon and how they’re born,' he reveals. 'The idea of being born far from your home, you know? You were born here, but you gotta get elsewhere. That's the way I always felt. I always felt that I was born in the wrong place to the wrong people at the wrong time.'

Meanwhile, Ivey is invested in his own version of the American Dream—specifically, offering up a melting pot of genres, ideas, and stories. 'The best thing I could say is that I'm trying to fill the holes that I can see in the scene,' he says. 'Whether it be Americana or country or rock or whatever. There's a certain type of song that isn't being written.'

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For more information, visit jeremyivey.net.

Andrew Combs Shares Soulful New Single 'STARS OF LONGING' + UK Tour Dates

Nashville based singer/songwriter Andrew Combs has announced his new album, Ideal Man, to be released on September 20th via New West Records. Today, Combs has shared 'Stars Of Longing', the first track to be taken from the album.

An insightful, questioning gem, 'Stars Of Longing' opens the album with a snare drum cracking like a gunshot, before launching into a flowing blend of fuzzy guitar lines and reverb-drenched vocals. The track is accompanied by a captivating and touching video which premiered with FLOOD Magazine, who described it as 'a shimmering slab of groovy psychedelic soul… a promising precursor to what’s to come'.

Ideal Man was produced by Sam Cohen (Kevin Morby, Benjamin Booker) and follows Combs’ critically acclaimed 5 Covers & A Song EP, which featured his interpretations of songs by The Strokes, Radiohead, Blake Mills, Lucinda Williams, and Loudon Wainwright III.

While Combs may be best known as a singer/songwriter in the classic 1970s Laurel Canyon sense of the term, he proves the true versatility of his work here, often setting his acoustic aside in favour of atmospheric synthesizers and distorted electric guitars. Captured live in Cohen’s Brooklyn studio, Ideal Man also features Combs’ longtime collaborators, drummer Dom Billet and guitarist/keyboardist/bassist Jerry Bernhardt.

A Dallas native, Combs has called Nashville home since 2006, but when it came time to record Ideal Man, he opted for a change, heading to Sam Cohen’s Jupiter Recordings in Brooklyn. 'One of the things I really admired about Sam is that he wants to capture a moment,' says Combs.

'In the past, I’ve tended to pursue a studio sound that was really polished and clean, but I wanted to do something different this time, and I knew that working with Sam would lead to more of a loose, psychedelic, spaced-out vibe. We did everything live in the studio, even my vocals, and there’s a sense of immediacy and discovery in those early takes that you can’t recreate.'

Ideal Man is available for pre-order now here.

IDEAL MAN TRACK LISTING:

1. Stars Of Longing

2. Ideal Man

3. Like A Father

4. Save Somebody Else

5. Hide And Seek

6. Dry Eyes

7. Firestarter

8. Shipwreck Man

9. Born Without A Clue

10. The Stone

11. Golden

Andrew Combs will be touring Europe in support of Ideal Man in November and December, including dates in Bristol, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, and a show at London’s The Lexington on December 10th. Tickets are on sale now, and available here. The dates are, as follows:

04/12 – St Lawrence’s Church, Biddulph, UK

05/12 – Pleasance Cabaret Bar, Edinburgh, UK

06/12 – CCA, Glasgow, UK

07/12 – Cleeres, Kilkenny, IE

08/12 – Lost Lane, Dublin, IE

09/12 – Louisiana, Bristol, UK

10/12 – The Lexington, London, UK

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For more information, visit andrewcombsmusic.com.

Tenille Townes' New Single 'White Horse' Out Now

Emerging singer, songwriter and performer Tenille Townes’ new song, 'White Horse' is out now, following a world exclusive first play on BBC Radio 2's Country Show with Bob Harris on Thursday (28/2).

Written by Townes, Daniel Tashian and Jeremy Spillman, the song is the second track unveiled from Townes’ forthcoming debut album, produced by Jay Joyce and due later this year on Columbia Nashville. Of the song, Townes comments, ''White Horse' is a song about how love can look a little bit differently than we might expect it to. I think we grow up in our society completely surrounded by that fairy tale idea of what love should be, but maybe love is even bigger than that. I think it’s important to be open hearted and to push the boundaries of what society might build up in our expectations. I love that this song stands strongly in the idea that love isn’t always about the ivory towers and the roses.'

Already receiving widespread attention, Townes was recently named US radio network iHeartCountry’s next 'On The Verge' artist. The program has proven instrumental in the development of such successful and highly credible artists such as Cam, Sam Hunt, Maren Morris, and Luke Combs. In celebration of this honour, Townes will perform on the iHeartCountry Festival stage in Austin, Texas on May 4th.

Townes is also one of Amazon Music’s '2019 Artists To Watch,' CMT’s 'Next Women of Country,' iHeart Radio’s 'Artists To Watch in 2019' and is included in The Bobby Bones Show’s 'Class of 2019,' CMT’s 'Listen Up' and the inaugural class of 'Opry NextStage.' Moreover, Townes continues to garner widespread attention including recent critical praise at NPR Music, Rolling Stone, The Tennessean, Refinery29, Wide Open Country and Sounds Like Nashville.

Townes is currently on the road supporting Dierks Bentley as part of his extensive 'Burning Man Tour.' The tour, which kicked off in Ontario in January, features performances across Canada and the U.S., including stops at Chicago’s Casino Amphitheater and Columbus’ Nationwide Arena among many others. Of her recent performance with Bentley at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, The Tennessean declares, 'Country music’s new it girl Tenille Townes has one of the most distinct voices in country music.' Additionally, she will perform select dates this March in Australia as part of the international 'CMA: Introducing Nashville' series.


Canadian-born and Nashville-based, Townes first made her public appearance at age nine alongside Shania Twain after being invited to sing on stage at a concert she attended with her parents. In addition to her work as a musician and songwriter, Townes remains committed to charitable causes including her own initiative, Big Hearts For Big Kids, which has raised over $1.5 million to date benefiting a youth shelter in her hometown of Grande Prairie, Alberta. More information can be found at bigheartsforbigkids.com.

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For more information, visit tenilletownes.com.

Chase Rice To Release 'LAMBS & LIONS (WORLDWIDE DELUXE)' On MARCH 1ST

With annual U.K. shows becoming the norm for Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Chase Rice, his passionate audience base has spread across the pond at an incredible rate.

He was recently featured on the U.K.'s biggest radio station, BBC R2, for a session on The Country Show with Bob Harris and will soon return for the C2C (Country to Country) Music Festival 2019. To celebrate this international success, Rice is thanking his loyal fans across the globe with Lambs & Lions (Worldwide Deluxe), available worldwide as the title implies on Friday, March 1st.

'Our European fans blew us away when they sold out our first overseas tour two years ago, and they haven’t let up since,' shares Rice. 'We spent the end of 2018 in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham – and they sang every word to our album cuts, especially ‘On Tonight’ off Lambs & Lions. That reaction is what inspired us to create a special U.K. version of the song, and then we asked ourselves, ‘why stop there?’ I’m excited that we can get this new music in their hands right before we head back over for C2C in March.'

Lambs & Lions (Worldwide Deluxe) features the original album’s 10 tracks, including U.S. Top 20 lead single 'Three Chords & The Truth' as well as current Top 20 smash hit 'Eyes On You,' which has been streamed 100 million times and counting. The deluxe edition also boasts re-imagined versions of 'On Tonight' and 'Eyes On You' as well as new music with 'Love Me Like You Don’t' and '25 Wexford St.,' which takes its name from an Irish pub’s address.

As U.K.-based Country Music Magazine proclaims, 'Chase Rice will be bringing the good times to C2C this year.' Praised by fellow U.K. outlets Entertainment Focus for having audiences 'completely in the palm of his hand' as well as Building Our Own Nashville as 'globally in-demand' and 'one of country music’s most exciting voices,' Rice will take the C2C stage at London’s O2 Arena on Friday March 8th; Glasgow’s SSE Hydro on Saturday March 9th; and Dublin’s 3 Arena on Sunday March 10th.

Lambs & Lions (Worldwide Deluxe) Track Listing:

Lions (Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Chase Rice)

On Tonight (Jessie Jo Dillon, Chase McGill, Jon Nite)

Unforgettable (Chase Rice, Josh Miller, Steven Lee Olson, David Garcia)

Eyes On You (Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Chase Rice)

Saved Me (MCV, Josh Hoge, Chase Rice)

One Love, One Kiss, One Drink, One Song (Jesse Rice, Chase Rice)

Jack Daniel’s Showed Up (Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Chase Rice)

Three Chords & The Truth (Chase Rice, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite)

Amen (Rodney Clawson, Jamie Moore)

This Cowboy’s Hat (feat. Ned LeDoux) (Jake Brooks)

On Tonight (U.K. Edition) (Jessie Jo Dillon, Chase McGill, Jon Nite)

25 Wexford St. (Chase Rice, Chris DeStefano, Jim Beavers)

Eyes On You (Acoustic) (Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, Chase Rice)

Love Me Like You Don’t (Greg Bates, Shelley Skidmore, Michael White)

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For more information, visit chaserice.com.

SINGLE OF THE WEEK: 'No Filter' - Ward Thomas

Taken from upcoming album Restless Minds, Ward Thomas' latest single 'No Filter' leaves a lasting impression.

It's catchy with Catherine and Lizzy's vocals and harmonies as tight and as seamless as ever but it's the message of the track that shines, as they tackle the very real issue of the pressure to conform to society's high standards of so-called beauty and the lyrics are them taking a stand against said standards.

As Catherine explains: 'It’s all about being our true selves, and standing up for what we believe in. Instead of being shackled by the pressures to conform, the song is about having the courage to break free of them.'

'No Filter' is empowering, an anthem and yet another reason to be excited for the duo's upcoming EP.

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For more information about Ward Thomas, including details of their upcoming UK tour, visit wardthomasmusic.com

John J Presley Announces New Album 'AS THE NIGHT DRAWS IN'

Celebrated mood-maker and electric bluesman John J Presley has announced details of his debut album. As The Night Draws In will be released physically and digitally on January 25th 2019 through Nica Records/AWAL and BMG.

Alongside the title unveiling, Presley has released the visuals for his menacing new single 'Rise And Fall'.

This latest release from the forthcoming album has continued to gain a massive trajectory of support across the board after the first single 'True Love Waits'. Presley sees support from every corner - from Cerys Matthews (BBC Radio 2) to BBC Radio 1 indie anthem conductor Jack Saunders, long term supporters John Kennedy and Radio X. 'Rise and Fall' is also currently sitting high on the Amazing Radio A-list.

As The Night Draws In sees Presley draw deeper than ever before in his songwriting and arranging - sweeping orchestral lines coupled with menacing drones and experimental flourishes, conjuring up his more evocative side. The roots of his sound though remain in the blues, and his distinctly unique guitar tone, which has already gained him an army of fans, is still very much intact.

Speaking on the new record, John says: 'This album is a collection of workings from the last ten years. I wanted the body of work to show all sides of the music I make – not all riffs but some moments of clarity and tenderness too. It's a reflection of frustrations and anxieties but also seeing a glimmer of light. A light to hold on to most certainly. It’s the deepest and broadest body of work I’ve done to date.'

Presley grew up in the West Midlands and over the past few years has lived in London and Brighton - which he now calls home. Birmingham was where he began to play and tread the boards and as soon as his debut single release hit the airwaves through Zane Lowe on Radio 1 his live show was very much in demand. The journey started there and after 2 hugely successful singles and EP release, Presley is now ready to sign off on his first long player.

His approach to challenging genre limitations has put his trademark skills in high demand, notably playing as part of Duke Garwood's live band, as well as previously performing on guitar duties for the live show surrounding Ed Harcourt's latest release.

Lyrically, As The Night Draws In shows Presley pulling and pushing against frustrations and anxieties; a narrative about exploring and finding the ultimate freedom.

Presley’s musical arsenal includes an old Gibson ES 125t, Hofner President and Fender Telecaster (to name a few), coupled with his love of valve amps and tone manipulation which is a world he also taps into on a professional level when not in the studio or out on the road.

Some time has passed since the last EP release White Ink, which was recorded at Toe Rag Studios (The White Stripes, Metronomy). During this time John was out playing in the live arena, spending lots of time in Europe, where he toured alongside projects such as Paradise (Simone Marie from Primal Scream), Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey), Sivert Hoyem and Rob McVey (Marianne Faithfull). He was also invited to perform at a specialist film festival in Poland and play in abandoned Rothschild factories in the Czech Republic to name a few.

As The Night Draws In was recorded between attics in North London and a secluded studio in North Wales. It’s a debut that bears all the hallmarks of this celebrated electric bluesman starting his next chapter.

John and his band will be supporting Blood Red Shoes on their upcoming UK/EU tour.

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For full details about the new release, and upcoming tour dates, visit johnjpresley.com.

Sound of the Sirens Announce New Album 'THIS TIME' and UK TOUR DATES

West Country folk-rock duo Sound Of The Sirens have announced their new album, This Time, out January 25th via DMF Records, as well as a 20-date UK tour starting in January.

This Time – the follow-up to their debut album, For All Our Sins, which was released in 2017 to widespread praise – continues to showcase an evident gift for crafting unique, vivid and enduring melodies over 15 heartfelt tracks.

'This Time’ is a collection of moments, emotions, challenges and stories,' say the duo. 'We've collected lyrics, melodies and ideas from the past couple of years for this project. We created this album last winter in an isolated barn in Wales with only guitars, a piano, wine and the dogs for company. The themes of time, love, loss, perseverance, hope and clarity are intertwined in these songs.'

Throughout the album, Sound Of The Sirens – duo Abbe Martin and Hannah Wood – blend intoxicating vocal harmonies with beautifully crafted instrumentals to create a seamless collection of captivating tracks. 'Troubles', the first track to be taken from the album, is a rousing and emotive ode to overcoming issues, amid inspiring lyricism and graceful cadences.

The album will be available digitally, on CD and black heavyweight vinyl, with signed copies available to pre-order now from Sound Of The Sirens’ online store. 'Troubles' is available as an instant grat with all album pre-orders.

This Time Tracklist

1. Awakening

2. Believe

3. Another Day

4. Troubles

5. The Yellow Road

6. All The Webs

7. All We Need

8. Through The Night

9. Have It All

10. Keeping Us Alive

11. The Order

12. Lie Awake

13. Count Our Luck

14. Four O’Clock

15. Every Time

The duo will embark on a 20-date UK tour in January, including dates in Exeter, Leeds, Newcastle, Glasgow and Manchester, and a date at London’s St Pancras Church. Full dates can be found here.

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More information about the duo can be found at soundsofthesirens.net.