SAM WILLIAMS to Support CAM's European Tour This September

Singer/songwriter Sam Williams comes to the UK & Europe in September in support of fellow Nashville singer Cam on her Oh, The Places We'll Go! European tour.

Kicking off in Belfast, Ireland on September 1st, the eight-date run will finish on September 14th in Berlin, Germany, with a show at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire on September 4th.

Sam Williams comments, 'I couldn't be more excited for this opportunity! I've never been on an official tour and I've never been to Europe. I've been manifesting the idea of it, and even writing songs about it, and to have it happening feels surreal. Cam is such a true talent and an overall graceful act and I'm so honoured she chose me to join her. I'm so eager to see new places and to get to know those abroad, and I hope they'll enjoy getting to know me, too.'

'Gemini', Williams’ current single, was released recently, and led Music Row to comment that he 'carries his family's legacy forward with startling creativity'.

As the grandson of Hank Williams Sr, son of Hank Jr, and brother of Holly Williams, his striking tone and poetic approach to songwriting is poised to stamp his own mark on country music. Unafraid to push his own creative limits and break through the self-inflicted limitations that threaten the genre as a whole, Williams feels it’s his time to share the art he’s been crafting in the studio.

Inspired by ‘the new Nashville’ with artists like Margo Price, Tyler Childers, Ruston Kelly and more blurring genre lines, Williams tips his hat to the legacy his family has left behind but is firmly blazing his own trail.  In the words of his late grandfather Hank, Sr., 'to sing like a hillbilly, you had to have lived like a hillbilly. You had to have smelt a lot of mule manure.' The crooner knows he wasn’t dealt those cards and is intent on carving his own path.

Influenced by artists from Billie Eilish to Dolly Parton, his sister Holly Williams to Drake, it’s easy to see why so many have been keeping an eye on him in anticipation of what’s to come.

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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.

Brian May Joins Rock Act Five Finger Death Punch for New Country Single

The multi-platinum rock group Five Finger Death Punch has teamed up with the legendary Brian May (Queen) and two of the biggest names in country and blues rock, Brantley Gilbert and Kenny Wayne Shepherd to record a special version of the song 'Blue On Black' mixed by Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain, Disturbed).

Titans in each of their respective genres, the artists came together to merge country and mainstream rock to re-create the classic song originally recorded and co-written by Shepherd. Taking Country Rock to the next level, 'Blue On Black' is out now worldwide via Prospect Park (North America) and Eleven Seven Music (ex. North America). The track is available HERE.

The artists and their respective labels are donating all proceeds from the collaboration version of  'Blue On Black' to the GARY SINISE FOUNDATION which honours America’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need.

Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Zoltan Bathory states: 'To raise awareness for and support First Responders is a cause that’s always been close to our hearts. These brave men and women leave their homes every morning not knowing if they’ll ever see their families again. Yet they make a conscious choice to do so for the greater good. What better way to make a difference than to join forces with some of our friends in country, blues and classic rock who happen to be some of the biggest names in those genres and together celebrate these heroes.'

'Blue on Black is a song my band and I have covered off and on for years... songs are certified timeless when you can come back to them,' says Brantley Gilbert. 'It’s always a staple each night and one of my favorite songs to perform.  When the opportunity came up to sing on Five Finger’s version, with both Kenny Wayne and Brian May of Queen, I jumped at the chance... Who wouldn’t?! It incorporates so many different musical perspectives, but our collaboration just works brilliantly.'

Gary Sinise, the Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actor and Founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation expresses his gratitude to the artists saying: 'I want to send my thanks to Five Finger Death Punch, Brian May of Queen, Brantley Gilbert and Kenny Wayne Shepherd for their support of The Gary Sinise Foundation and our efforts to give back to our Nation’s First Responders. I’m so grateful to have all of these incredible artists from different genres coming together to support our mission with this great song, 'Blue On Black'. I believe while we can never do enough to show our appreciation and gratitude to our Nation’s defenders and the families who sacrifice right alongside them we can always do a little more. And you all are doing just that. So I salute you, and I thank you all. God bless.'

'Blue On Black' performers:

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH – lead vocals, guitars, bass, drums

KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD - original songwriter, guest vocals and guitar

BRANTLEY GILBERT - guest vocal

BRIAN MAY - guest guitar

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One More Shot UK - Country Stars for Breast Cancer Charities Fundraiser

Riley Smith will be supporting Christian Kane for One More Shot UK, a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Charities.

Smith's vocals and songwriting stunningly blend country pop, hard-hitting soulful Americana and modern production for a sound rarely found in music today.  No secret to those familiar with his lead role on the popular TV show Nashville, Smith’s gritty yet smooth, singing voice and charismatic presence have built him a career on both stage and screen. Acting in popular shows like True Blood, True Detective, Frequency and Life Sentence, catapulted Smith to the forefront of the industry and his love for music introduced him to audiences in a way unlike any other role he has played.

After moving to Nashville, Smith dove into the realm of old classic country music, exploring it’s history and roots. However, the longer he was there and the more musicians he collaborated with, his sound started developing into something more dynamic and divergent. Smith’s writing process began to reference a wider variety of sounds and styles resulting in a body of music that's relatable, heartfelt and diverse. 'It's what I think makes the sound unique and kinda difficult to put in a box.' Smith reveals.

Smith’s latest releases all stem from a collection of notes he keeps on his phone. Thoughts and recollections of his journey through life, what he is going through, the way he feels and the things he witnesses. He reveals, 'The stories are really a reflection of my life right now. I've been alone and on the road a lot, missing someone so it's bitter sweet and that comes through in the songs and lyrics'. Produced by Kevin Leach and mastered by Grammy Award-winning Nathan Dantzler, the music emits Smith’s desire of creating smooth and warm sonic soundscapes that make you feel good.

Single 'Radio' narrates the story of wanting to get the attention of the girl you’re on a road trip with, realizing you could make this happen if you just get on her radio. It’s heartfelt lyrics, passionate smokey vocals and gritty guitars create a throwback sound, highlighting Smith’s signature style of country pop and Americana. 'I’m On Fire' features Smith’s warm vocals, resonating guitars and an infectious chorus.  His heart wrenchingly authentic delivery results in a beautiful and achingly relatable record that is sure to be a radio hit. The song was a co-write with Matthew Perryman Jones and Tim Lauer (Hank Williams, Shawn Mendes, Blake Shelton). Smith describes how there was instant chemistry and respect between them all and how the song felt like it wrote itself. 'I'm on Fire exemplified what my time writing in Nashville was all about to me. The synergy. The talent'.

Smith’s past successes include supporting Jordan Sparks, a residency at the iconic Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles and a European tour.  Further achievements include major market radio play, numerous film and TV placements and critical acclaim from publications such as Billboard, Taste of Country, The Boot, Sounds Like Nashville to name a few. Two of Smith’s songs were also placed in CW’s Life Sentence.

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For more information about Riley Smith, visit rileysmithofficial.com.

For further information about ONE MORE SHOT UK, visit onemoreshotuk.com.

Americana Singer-Songwriter Amber Cross Announces Spring Ireland and UK Tour!

Ascendant California-based Americana singer-songwriter Amber Cross announces debut Ireland & UK tour dates in April, in support of widely praised third album Savage on the Downhill.

The dates are, as follows:

11/4 - The Stables at Smiddy's (Mullingar, Co. Westmeath)
12/4 - The Glens Centre (Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim)
13/4 - J.J. Harlows (Roscommon)
14/4 - Ramblin' Roots Revue, Bucks Students' Union (High Wycombe)
15/4 - Kingsmead House Concert (High Wycombe)
16/4 - Green Note (London)
17/4 - The Trades Club (Hebden Bridge)
18/4 - Kitchen Garden Cafe (Birmingham)
23/4 - Grateful Fred's House Concert (Liverpool)
25/4 - The Blue Lamp (Aberdeen)
26/4 - Sneaky Pete's (Edinburgh)
30/4 - Le Pub (Newport)
2/5 - Otterton Mill (Otterton, Devon)

Authenticity is a difficult thing to measure in American roots music. It’s not in the hat you wear, or the twang in your voice. It’s in how well you understand that the music comes from the land, and that its roots run deep. Americana songwriter Amber Cross understands this, and on her new album, Savage on the Downhill, she makes music as beholden to the landscapes of Northern and Pacific California, where she lives and travels, as to the visually-rich songwriting she crafts around it. Her songs hang heavy with the yellow dust of dirt roads, plunge deep into the soft loam of the forest. As a hunter, a fisherman, and a woman of the backcountry, she knows the countryside well, and has a deep respect for the honest work that makes you a steward of the land. It’s something she shares with other roots musicians, a community she found attending her first Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. Her contacts from the gathering helped her connect with Savage on the Downhill’s producer, Canadian blues and roots musician Ray Bonneville. Travelling to Austin to record the album with Bonneville, Cross connected with other great American songwriters, Gurf Morlix and Tim O’Brien, who both came onboard for the album, with O’Brien complimenting her “no bullshit style of singing.” If there’s a rawness to Cross’ voice, a plainness to the words, it comes from the fact that Cross knows the roots of this music aren’t fancy. They’re built by hand and filled with honest words and hard-won truths.

The songs on Savage on the Downhill are deeply visual and inextricably tied to nature, whether the California forests that Cross roams through, or the high deserts outside Austin, Texas, where she recorded the album. Even the title of the album paints a picture of Cross in the backcountry. 'Savage' refers to a brand of hunting rifle, and the phrase 'Savage on the Downhill' refers to how a tracker should hold a rifle so as not to bury the barrel into the dirt when side-hilling or climbing down an incline. Like any artist that works with their hands, Cross has a deep love and respect for tools, seeing the same artistry in a well-worn rifle butt that you would in a perfectly crafted song. 'I have always been drawn to work that involves my hands,' Cross says. 'It seems to me that this type of work is more creative. Or maybe it is that working with my hands pulls the creativity out of me in a way nothing else does.'

Throughout, Cross moves easily through different styles of country and folk songwriting, from Bakersfield outlaw attitude to Woody Guthrie plain-spoken folk. She’s a songwriter able to juxtapose a simple image with a powerful poetic emotion. On 'Echoes', she paints the picture of a humble domestic scene, then wonders what happens to a house when the people who made it a home have left it behind. On 'Pack of Lies', she moves between hard-hitting lines like 'Pretending to love is a wicked game' and vision-laden verses like 'Barking dogs rule the moonless night.'

It may come as no surprise that Amber Cross first came to music through singing in a small church in rural Maine, where she was born and raised. Her father was a small-town pastor and she was raised on the rough-hewn homilies of the hymnal. Now, Cross is creating her world by hand, working her songs until they shine with a worn polish, finding truth in tradition.

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For more information, visit ambercrossmusic.com.

Cassadee Pope Adds UK Dates to CMT Next Women of Country Tour

Following the success of her brand new album Stages - released in February to an overwhelming response from fans and media -  country star Cassadee Pope has confirmed she will be extending her CMT Next Women of Country tour to include five UK headline shows in May, kicking off on May 9th in Bristol.

This will also be the first time the CMT Next Women of Country initiative has expanded outside of the USA. The dates are, as follows:

May 9th - The Fleece, Bristol
May 10th - Arts Club, Liverpool
May 12th - O2 Institute 3, Birmingham
May 13th - O2 Academy Islington, London
May 15th - King Tut’s, Glasgow

O2 presale: Wednesday, 27th March – 9:00am GMT / Live Nation presale: Thursday, 28st March – 9:00am GMT.

General tickets on-sale Friday, 29nd March – 9:00am GMT.

This is in addition to an eleven-date headline US tour under the same banner, starting April 11th in Pope’s home state of Florida, after she wraps her current national tour with Maren Morris. These dates will also mark her debut UK headline tour as a solo artist, following an appearance at C2C Festival 2017 and two performances as part of Country Music Week in London last year.

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For more information, visit cassadeepope.com.