Caught Live: Lindi Ortega @ The Mash House, Edinburgh (23/1)

If Lindi Ortega hadn't included Lemsip amongst her thank yous at the end of the show, you would never have guessed that she was, and has been, suffering from a cold for much of the first half of her UK dates. With her band laying down the beat, Lindi bounded onto the small Mash House Stage promptly at half eight, setting a high energy level - that'd be impressive sans cold - from the get go.

The large crowd, crammed into the small room, welcomed her with rapturous applause. This crowd was diverse and dedicated, with a wide age range and with many who had travelled far to be there - such as the gentleman who told me he faced a three hour drive home- and many who had either been to see her already on this tour or were going to other dates. Some had, of course, seen her on her other visits to the UK but for others, including myself, it was the first time seeing her live - and she didn't just live up to all the good things I had heard about her live show; she completely smashed them.

The opener, fast paced and catchy 'Rundown Neighbourhood', was the first of many songs from her most recent release Faded Gloryville, the album that this tour was in support of. 'Half Moon', a lullaby to the moon, sounds gorgeous recorded but is a song that is even more gorgeous live, a perfect showcase of Lindi's unique and brilliant vocals and she showed off more of her musical talents when she toook briefly to the drums during 'Run Amuck'.

Songs from other albums were mixed in the set, including the fan favourites 'Tin Star' - with added twang - and 'Cigarettes and Truckstops', both from the albums of the same names and both proved especially popular. Three covers also featured: Lindi's take on The Bee Gees' 'To Love Somebody' (that also features on her most recent release), a stunning version of The Eagles' 'Desperado' and a brilliant cover of the Cash classic 'Ring of Fire' to close the night.

Between songs, she chatted about away about her love of Primark and haunted toilets as well as breaking into an impromptu Jazz song or two with her superb lead guitarist, 'Champagne' James Robertson (her backing band, comprised of Robertson, drummer Noah Hungate and bassist Ryan Gavel also just have to be mentioned as they were fantastic the whole night). An assured performer, Lindi looked completely at home on stage the whole night and, like the audience, seemed to be having a ball on stage, breaking into wide smiles at numerous points.

A big voice with a big talent, it's always a treat to see an artist and their band of such a high calibre at such intimate venues - that evening was no different. And if that was Lindi Ortega with a cold, then I'd love to see her without one - as she has already set some very high standards for all the 2016 concerts lined up in my calendar.

Still touring the UK, there are still chances to catch her on the following dates:
January 26 - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
January 27 - The Cluny, Newcastle
January 29 - East Village Arts Club, Liverpool
January 30 - The Ruby Lounge, Manchester
January 31 - The Globe, Cardiff
February 2 - Thekla, Bristol
February 3 - Komedia, Brighton
February 4 - Islington Assembly Hall, London

Caught Live: Celtic Connections Presents In The Round (21/1)

As part of its annual festival, Celtic Connections puts on a night of good old fashioned singer-songwritership. Held at the lovely Tron Theatre in Glasgow, this year it brought us Noah Gundersen, Angaleena Presley and Anderson East who all took turns to sing and tell a story. Each artist had the perfect spotlight to shine in front of a mixture of their own fans as well as new ears...and shine they all did. I guess the best way to review the evening's entertainment is to look at each act separately, which I shall now do.

Noah Gundersen

I'll be honest: I hadn't heard of Noah Gundersen before he was announced. I honestly would not have gone to see him if he had been on his own (not merely because I hadn't heard of him, more because I have to travel and travel and concert tickets, as my bank balance weeps daily, are expensive). Would I go see him after seeing him at Celtic Connections? Most possibly.

Gundersen isn't really country. He leans more towards folk than country with strong indie influences thrown in too. Not usually my preferred style of music but I am not going to discredit the guy on my personal preferences. He is a really good singer and a great guitarist too. A quick little search on Google says that he also plays the piano which, of course, wasn't on hand this evening. He's definitely a talented guy and, although he is not really that country, I'd still recommend you give him a listen.

Look for a song called 'Cigarettes'. It's wonderful and it was my favorite song he sang. There are a lot of songs out there that compare lovers/ex-lovers to addictions and a lot of them can feel very forced. Gundersen's does not. It's not trying that hard to force this aforementioned addiction comparison down our throats and that is why it works so well - it's effortless. Go. Go listen to it now and thank me later.

Angaleena Presley

It's nice to say that Holler Annie is becoming a frequent visitor to these shores. On her second tour in the space of just six months, Angaleena Presley is becoming a firm favorite with UK audiences.

The plus side to Angaleena taking part in the evening's festivities as part of Celtic Connections? It brought her back to Glasgow and back to fans who loved her stellar show at Broadcast last July. The downside? As it was part of this Celtic Connections event, it meant that she only performed six songs, instead of the full set she's playing as part of her current UK tour elsewhere. Yet, it left everyone wanting more - new fans included who didn't come to see her in particular this evening. Surely planting the seeds for another return...smart lady. And a witty one too. And so darn talented.

Like last July, she seemed to stumble a little as she got going, tripping over a lyric or two - she handled it like a pro, however - before hitting her stride. Angaleena Presley is not an artist that country radio deems that 'radio friendly'. For example, she sings about meth whores. And that is a shame because she sings and writes about meth whores not to shock but to tell a story. In fact, a new song called 'Outlaw' is actually about this notion that she is trying to be controversial when she's really not, she's just telling a story. (Angaleena actually used the example of growing body hair to explain the song but I am not Angaleena and I don't think I can use the body hair analogy as effortlessly as her, so I'll just stick to the meth whore one).

I am rambling so I'll sum her performance up in a sentence and a question. Listen to her album American Middle Class, marvel over how good her voice sounds on every track and then picture it sounding even better live because it somehow is. And if you don't have American Middle Class by now, what is wrong with you?

Anderson East

You could give Anderson East top marks alone for making the trip with a broken arm and then proceeding to play guitar - against his doctor's advice, he remarked at one point. He's dedicated and passionate about music - *ahem* unlike a few global popstars who have canceled a show for a lot less *ahem* - and the music he played was good. Damn good.

His style is a blend of country, soul and rhythm and blues and he is, right now, perhaps best known for dating Miranda Lambert. This won't last...and no, I am not talking about their relationship (this is not TMZ or People or whatever). Anderson East proved in a set of a mere six songs, that he is set for his own big break and will become star with his music. Playing tracks from his first major label release, Delilah, East show exactly why he has been selling out shows back in the States. His soulful voice growled at times during 'Devil In Me' whilst it was more playful on 'Only You'. He is also incredibly charming and I think it's fair to conclude that at least a few people fell in love with him at some point during the evening.

The highlight of his set was, painfully, a song that he said that he hasn't recorded yet, titled 'Cabinet Door'. It's quite hard to describe this particular song than anything that just beautiful because it was, it really was. The emotion of it seemed to catch the audience off guard, knocked the words out of an already respectfully quiet audience and left them stunned. East possesses a great voice, vocally, but it is perhaps his ability to tell a story with words that is his best weapon in his arsenal. He's definitely one to watch.


All in all, it was a great night. Whilst it is unlikely that these three artists will share a stage again anytime soon seems unlikely, it is a very good bet that they'll be coming back soon for their own shows which I thoroughly recommend you join me in going to when they do.

Country Idols: A Look at American Idol (Part One)

American Idol returns tonight on 4Music for it's 15th, and final, season. The show has discovered stars from a variety of genres so, to commemorate Idol coming to an end, we take a look at some of the country stars that the show introduced to.

Carrie Underwood

The obvious choice to start off with is also the most successful choice.

Before auditioning for the fourth season of American Idol, Carrie Underwood had never been on an airplane; flash forward a decade later, she's jetting all over the world for shows, TV appearances and to headline festivals. She's released five studio albums - four of which now platinum and her fifth, Storyteller is already classified gold after selling half a million copies in the space of three months - and is the only country artist to have had their first five studio albums debut at either #1 or #2 on the Billboard 200. Her still relatively young career has spanned 7 Grammys and global record sales estimated at over 60 million. Since 2008, she has co-hosted the CMA awards with Brad Paisley - she has also won 5 CMA awards herself, including three consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year awards. The most staggering part of Underwood's success? Is that this paragraph is merely scraping the surface of what Carrie has achieved since taking the Idol crown in 2005. Did we also mention that she was Maria in NBC's The Sound of Music Live! in 2013, a live TV spectacle that attracted an audience of about 20 million? Nope, I don't think we did and it just shows how much Underwood has done in a decade in a career that just keeps going from strength to strength.

Scotty McCreery

Scotty McCreery auditioned in Milwaukee with his soulful rendition of Josh Turner's 'Your Man' and wowed the then judging panel of Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler who were not expecting such a mature sound from a sixteen year old. He went on to win the tenth season of American Idol at the tender age of seventeen and remains, to date, the youngest male to win the show.

Still only in his early twenties, McCreery's career is still very much in it's tentative stages but with two #1 albums already to his name as well as tours opening for Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts and his own two headlining productions, it's already gotten off to a great start.

His third album is due sometime this year and, as hinted by McCreery himself, a UK tour - his first - may also be on the cards. 2016 looks set to be another busy and big year for the North Carolina boy.

Casey James

Shaggy haired Casey James will be remembered by some as the contestant who whipped his top off in the audition room for Victoria Beckham and Kara DioGuardi but, to others, he'll be remembered as the contestant who whipped his top off in the audition room for Victoria Beckham and Kara DioGuardi who went on to release a solid debut country album.


Although his career has gone somewhat quiet recently, the aforementioned album James released post-idol, Casey James, was well-received and spawned the singles 'Let's Don't Call It A Night' and 'Crying on a Suitcase' that both sold way over 100,000 units and it was difficult to not have heard them on country radio. Unfortunately, subsequent releases did not receive similar airplay and/or sales.

It will be interesting to see where James goes next and how he'll fare. A solid (and charming) singer, guitarist and songwriter, he has the potential to be a big player within country music. Yet regardless of whatever does happen, it can definitely be said that Casey James was a great talent discovered by the show.


Kelly Clarkson

Putting aside the platinum selling albums, the numerous Grammys and many, many, many other awards that Kelly Clarkson has went on to achieve in the world of pop after winning the inaugural season back in 2002, Clarkson has also an ever-growing presence within country music.

2010 saw her teaming up with Jason Alden on the Grammy nominated, ACA, ACM and CMA award-winning single 'Don't You Wanna Stay'. Another duet, this time on her own album Greatest Hits: Chapter One, was a duet with Vince Gill and in 2013 she released the bluesy country single 'Tie It Up' which she performed at CMA Fest that year.

Kelly has spoken often of her desire to release a full country album and has revealed in interviews that she was working on one whilst also working on her lates album, Piece By Piece. She's already made a big impact with the relatively small - in comparison to her extensive discography - contribution she's already made to country music and it feels as if it's only a matter of time before she releases that longed for, full country record. Watch this space.

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!