Single Review - Saving Grace - Georgia Nevada and Emma Moore

 

We’ve hosted both Georgia and Emma onstage at Buckle and Boots and at Millport CMF, and it is fair to say that both give a power performance, both of them can certainly perform on the rock side of country!

With their new single the two have come together to duet a song which is – well, about coming together! Celebrating friends that are always there, even in the middle of the night Saving Grace is a wonderful blend of both singers and rather than being purely “country rock” it actually blends the two styles together – a powerful country song but written and performed with the rock edge that we have seen from both of them. 

You will be drawn in by the acapella opening, you might think you’re going to hear a ballad until that guitar kicks in.  The opening lines describe the friendship

I’m your front row, first in line, call me up in the middle of the night.

And then the rock hits you, showing you the energy of that friendship.  This isn’t just about sharing secrets and confidences but the fierceness of having your friend’s back through everything

From the cradle to the grave

My sounding board and saving grace

Opened by that pure vocal, the rest of the track is absolutely driven by the guitar, with Emma and Georgia’s voices combining and taking control.

This an anthem to friendship, to supporting each other through troubles – and maybe sometimes causing some mischief, together

This is not a song that can fade out – the last few seconds we revert to just those two voices…together.

Saving Grace, the new single from Georgia Nevada and Emma Moore is available to download and stream from Friday 24 February

Find and follow Georgia  on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify

Emma is also on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify

 

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Single Review - Wish I Could Give You Up - Katy Hurt

 

At first glance the new single from Katy Hurt - Wish I Could Give you Up - is a love song, the classic story of being in love but wishing you could move on, realising that they aren’t right for you, but knowing that you will never be able to

“I wish I could give you up but you’re in my blood”

In this case though Katy isn’t singing about a guy, she’s singing about the absolute love of her life, the highs and lows of being a musician!  Yes, this time its about music and performing.  Katy herself tells us that she has given her whole life to music, that music has been what she turns to for joy and in her darkest hours but in with the highs there are inevitable lows.  This isn’t the first time that Katy has written about the genuine struggles of a musician, her previous single “Sounds Good In A Bar” was alone the same theme, although this latest singe is more about the deeper personal relationship.

When you reassess a relationship, sometimes the outcome is that you stay, work at it and continue, and that would certainly be the outcome we all selfishly hope for with Katy!

Even with an emotive and personal subject, Katy makes the song light and poppy.  Her voice grabs you from the opening lines, the backing instrumentation carries us along, the drum beat punctuating the story as the melody and song builds with the emotion that is being expressed.

 

Don’t give up Katy!

Wish I Could Give You Up, the new single from Katy Hurt is available to download and stream now

You can find and follow Katy on Facebook, Instagram and on Spotify

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Single Review - Along The Hippie Trail - Richard Gregory

We were intrigued when we recently received an email that said “I humbly submit” and went on to describe the song as “Country and Eastern”

How could we not take a listen? The polite artiste is Richard Gregory, the song All Along The Hippie Trail

Richard Gregory is not a familiar name to us, so the next step was to take a look at the bio.  Intriguing?  And some!  To say that Richard has “done some things in his life” would be a massive understatement!  It looks like he has packed several lifetimes into his mere 65 years on the planet, stretching from his native Shepherds Bush all the way to Kathmandu.

A signwriter (a real one), writer, editor, IT genius, father, “always a freak but never a hippie” and a musician, you feel that Richard could write albums of music about his life, but for now we must content ourselves with a single song about his 1974 trip from west London to Kathmandu by bus (the 207 from outside Shepherds Bush Market?).

Richard says the song includes a little poetic licence – I think it was also written and recorded with a little tongue in cheek too!  It has what can only be described as a unique sound, combining guitar, harmonica and eastern influenced pipes.  Its not a slick recording, but that adds to the charm.  It certainly includes the country tradition of storytelling.  There’s travel, there’s a girl, there’s reminiscing – truly country, whilst not necessarily being country!  The repeated “Far East Far East man” and reference to the green eyed yellow idol will make you crack a smile!

Without a doubt, this song is not quite the usual music that we are sent or listen to, but it is different, its fun and you will be singing along to the chorus before long.

If you don’t write the full album Richard, can we have a drink and hear some more stories from you?

All Along the Hippie Trail, the new single from Richard Gregory is available to purchase from Bandcamp or stream now on Spotify

To read more about the fascinating Richard, check his website

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Single Review - Blame It On The Rain - Jack Galloway

 

Jack describes his new single Blame it on the rain as “country meets 80s rock power-ballad” but while it has elements of both, it is in fact a heartfelt love song – a love song to the love that he has lost.

Our storyteller is missing his love, but he is trying to be brave or he’s not admitting it to himself, he keeps telling himself he is over them.  If he cries – Blame It on The Rain or anything else going on.

As the tale progresses he denies that he cares, he denies that he misses her he denies that he is thinking of her, but the truth is apparent – he does care, he does miss her and he doesn’t want to think that the love he had could cause him these feelings or this pain.

Jack has a surprisingly gentle voice, with some great instrumentation backing the vocal.  The track has that country storytelling vibe but in a modern style, and there is certainly 80s influence with the dramatic key changes and drum track.  The video to accompany the song also has that moody, night-time 80s feel, shot around London really adding to the emotion of the song.

The mix of styles works, not sure if denying your feelings works though!

Blame It On The Rain, the new single from Jack Galloway is available on all major platforms from Friday 13 November

Find and follow Jack on Facebook, his website and on Spotify

EP Review - Kiss Me Cowboy - Tommy Atkins

 

Tommy Atkins is back with his first EP following up the success of his two single releases Cinderella’s Had A Drink and his country Cover of Freedom.  Both of these are included on the EP along with new tracks Wild in the Wind and the title track Kiss Me Cowboy

Kiss Me Cowboy is not just another cowboy love song –this time it’s about LGBT acceptance, but also just about acceptance generally.  Opening with acoustic guitar and violin, with drums giving us the rhythm, the strings really add to the mood of the song, providing almost a second vocal.

The song contains strong emotion without being overly emotional, contains a message without preaching.

As before, despite being from the North East UK, Tommy has written about classic Country themes – the setting of a country fair, reference to a truck - the imagery is all there and it is easy to picture the scenes as they play out through the song almost as though watching it on a screen.  It’s a story of a relationship that meets with disapproval, two people fighting against parents and – in this case – against prejudice.  Finding those moments, away from everyone where you feel safe to ask “Kiss me, cowboy”. Tommy voice is quieter than normal, a hush effect that helps explain the situation.

Although the ending isn’t quite fairy tale, the story isn’t quite finished and there is certainly hope in there – hope that their love will survive distance and hope for acceptance.

Tommy has won awards and nominations not just for his music but for being a positive role model in the LGBT community, and surely, he will continue to be recognised in both fields.  Tommy’s first single – Cinderella’s Had a Drink – was nominated for our own Silverball Country Awards and lost out only due to very tough competition

 

The second new track - Wild In The Wind – is a very listenable relaxing track, showcasing Tommy’s voice against a varied instrumental, with drums, guitar, strings, pedal steel, and dobro.  In a way it’s another love song, but a tribute to a lost friend, quite wistful with the emotion again supported by the violin and very subtle backing vocals from Anna Pearson. 

It’s a song about wanting to go back and experience all those firsts again with your friend, looking on the brighter side of life. The friend in every memory, forever 17 in the shot gun seat and wild in the wind. The friend you miss and would give anything to see again. 

It’s a perfect ending to this 4 track EP

  

Kiss Me Cowboy, the new EP from Tommy Atkins is available to download and stream now on all major platforms

Find and follow Tommy on Facebook, his website and on Spotify

Single review - Front Porch - Emily Lockett

 

It is more usual to see and hear Staffordshire’s  Emily Lockett performing with just her and her guitar, but with her new single Front Porch we have a fuller, more produced sound – although still with her distinctive voice.

Emily often points out that her songs are written from imagination rather than actual experience as she hasn’t yet been through all the troubles that are the staples of Country Music – and on this occasion the topic is breakups, where both sides should have fought harder to save the relationship.  They should be on the Front Porch pleading and explaining.

Despite her lack of experiences Emily always succeeds in creating the image of the story she is telling as she is a talented song writer, and with her young age she has time and talent to simply keep improving.

Despite being mostly recorded and produced in lockdown with Tim Prottey- Jones and Honey Ryder’s Matt Bishop Front Porch has a very polished sound, adding to Emily’s usual simple style with drums, electric guitar and additional vocal

The song repeatedly asks “why weren’t you standing on my front porch” but with a twist it ends with “I should be standing right on your front porch” highlighting that you need to people to make a relationship work.

Currently studying at Manchester’s BIMM, Front Porch shows that Emily is still developing her style as a musician, not afraid to push on and try new things while still holding true to her traditional song-writing style and confident delivery – as she demonstrated just about a year ago at the British Country Music Festival where she not only performed one of the first sets but also on the outdoor stage for the people of Blackpool. 

Front Porch - the new single from Emily Lockett is available to stream and download from today

Find and follow Emily on Facebook, her website, Spotify - and on the front porch!

Single Review - Love at Night - Gareth Heesom

 

Songwriters take their inspiration from many places, but with his new single Love At Night, Gareth Heesom was inspired by an Instagram post of a piece of artwork that hangs on his wall next to his acoustic guitar, that sparked a conversation with the artist.

Opening – fittingly - with a gentle acoustic guitar, Gareth’s vocals and style are reminiscent of the 70s folk/country crossover artistes – especially Michael Nesmith’s Flying Down To Rio.

The song is a soft and relaxing, a gentle night-time feel, veering more to the folk side of Country music, Gareth himself describes it

For much of the song I wanted to blur the lines between painting and music, I wanted it to feel like a song you would hear in the middle of the night, a feeling, a moment.

You can almost feel that for Gareth the guitar is his paintbrush, his words are the colours of the artwork and for anyone who isn’t familiar with the Remi Labarre painting, the young man in the hat sat at the bar is not in a happy place tonight, but beyond the image the overall effect on the painting fading away with the whiteness of the background trying to claim back the canvas adds to the despair.

This isn’t a song to rock a festival stage, but it is certainly one to sit back and listen to, allow to wash over you. The song and those long lingering notes, and the dark imagery of the dark lack, loneliness and thoughts of disappearing and overflowing red wine are one take on the painting but they compliment each other.  There is an accompanying video that Gareth thinks is the best way to fully appreciate the song alongside the artist that provided the inspiration.

Love at Night has already been played as our single of the Week – and you can stream and download it this week from Friday

Find and follow Gareth on Facebook, Instagram, on his website and on Spotify

Single Review - Way Past Words - Jesse Lopez

 

This is a love song, it’s a dedication to a girl that he really likes, to him, she already holds his heart in her hands.  However, he finds it easier to show his love than talk about it. His feelings are way past words

Way Past Words is the new single from Jesse Lopez.

Opening with a slow acoustic guitar and gorgeous soaring steel, Jesse’s vocals have a unique sound, reflecting his Mexican-Italian heritage as he tells his own love song.  While the underlying style is country, this isn’t chewin’ tobacco country, it’s a softer, more gentle song but very much in the storytelling style that we expect from Country music.

Its love song from personal experience, it’s his truth and perhaps it might be yours too.  In Jesse’s own words

I was in love with my girl long before we had ever even kissed. I’m such a physical touch type of person, that sometimes expressing my love comes down to an intimate setting... cause I guess from my perspective, nothing says I love you like a little physical attention.

Jesse’s vocals very much carry the whole song, the instrumentation doesn’t overpower but provides a background melody allowing the focus to be on the words and the story.

Its not big night out music, but easy listening, one to relax to and share with someone you like…

Way Past Words, the new single from Jesse Lopez is available to download and stream from all major platforms

You can find and follow Jesse on Facebook  on his website and on Spotify

Single Review - Come On Over - Kyle Elliott

Not to be confused with the Shania Twain hit, Come on Over is a tale of romancing the girl and regretting missed chances.  Opening with drums and a very Country electric guitar riff, Kyle has a gruff Southern accent telling us about the pretty girl he is longing for – in fact   he’s made a real effort by arranging “a bottle of wine and candlelight”.

Whatever went wrong, he admits to being “same old me, same old fool” but he’s hopeful, almost pleading, that she will come on over, particularly as he drives by her house. There aren’t many alternatives in a small town.

It’s not just about the romance though, as Kyle reminds us that you can’t turn back the hands on the clock, and in fact he’s thinking back to the past and wishing he could have a second chance.  We aren’t told what went wrong, but “the old bottle of wine’s empty and the candles burned down too”.

It’s an all too recognisable tale and maybe you are rooting for him – Kyle says: 

Come On Over’ describes a scenario that I think a lot of us can put ourselves in. Wishing we could go back and get a second chance. This was an easy song to write and I must admit that songs that are true and come from within are typically the ones that write themselves like ‘Come On Over’ did.

Kyle is influenced from the likes of Randy Travis, Chris Stapleton & Eric Church, but this song reminds me of Jake Owen – The One That Got Away

It is smoother than Love hangover released earlier this year but on the same topic.

Despite the regret and loss, the song has a strong beat, drive for driving along to bit also worth a spin on the dance floor.

Truth, lost love and an old Ford; sure sounds like a winning Country song!

Can he come on over to the UK soon please?

Come On Over, the new single from Kyle Elliott is available on all major platforms from Friday 7 August

Find and follow Kyle on Facebook, his website and on spotify

EP Review - Firecracker - Emilia Quinn

If you’ve ever met Emilia Quinn in person or followed her career you might think that Firecracker is a great way to describe this feisty little Leeds Tyke – so its an obvious choice for the title of her new EP

Ready Right Now opens the EP with a statement of intent.  From the urgent acoustic guitar intro which builds in volume, power and pace into Emilia’s softer, folky vocal to the picked up drum beat the song shows Emilia’s song writing skills and style, using changes of pace and repetitive phrasing where the words vary ever so slightly with each line to make a point

Ready right now, ready to find out, ready to fight now

As the song builds the instruments build with it - from acoustic guitar to drums to electric guitar dropping back to that repetitive beat for the chorus

The song also showcases Emilia’s range from that mellow vocal at the opening to her rocky country voice – it’s a great choice for the opening track

We sent the EP over to the Queen of crossing genres Sam Coe for a listen, and in her words

I love it! I would refer to this as new outlaw country 

She’s got loads of traditional influences in there, it’s just got proper grit. Could hear it on lots of tv shows... feels like her voice is held back throughout then you just get those WHAM moments when she lets the gruffness out.

Emilia loves to put a twist in her songs, demonstrated in Nothing To Lose – opening with a slow vocal , then the powerful voice takes us up a gear and into a faster toe tapping rhythm, but that doesn’t disguise the emotion in the song, punctuated by that powerful voice Emilia has.  Able to change tempo at will, you just have to listen to what she is telling you.

Drunk has a heavy beat from the abrupt spoken intro, the song shows the power of Emilia’s voice and the raw edge to her music. Every EP, every album needs the song that you can visualise being blasted out from a festival stage, and for Firecracker this is the one.

Emilia’s own favourite track on the EP is Outlaw. it starts almost stripped back, with a great, solid beat and Emilia’s sass all over it.  If Drunk is the “blast it from stage” track then this is the live show encore that will have you stamping your feet rather than tapping your toes and singing along by the first chorus

Outlaw Outlaw show me what you got

sounds like a direct challenge – and you get the feeling that Emilia can issue and stand up to any challenge!

Show me who’s the baddest bitch in the land

Judging by this track, and this EP – its you Emilia!

Firecracker, the new EP from Emilia Quinn is available on all major platforms from Friday 24 July

You can find and follow Emilia on Facebook  her website  and on Spotify

Single Review - Safest Place - Phoenix Morby

Phoenix Morby’s latest single Safest Place is very much on the folk side of country, the track features just his voice and an acoustic guitar with some little bits of electric guitar serving as a sort of “highlight” in places.  Phoenix’s singing style is very reminiscent of Bob Dylan, again with that folk edge to it.  It is deep, measured and quite soothing – which suits the feel of the song.

The lyrics use great imagery describing the feeling of being lost – “the roads you walk become crossed” “when the volcano erupts around you, your life is in a whirl” and the safest place in the world is in his arms – the singer is telling is that whenever we feel like we need some help, then he will be there ready to hold you to make you feel safe.  Its not about making things better, just about being there to support.

You feel like the singer is singing about something he has experienced – and perhaps the song is coming from a personal experience, it sounds genuine both inside and outside the story being told.

The song is a warm soothing hug, perhaps quite needed at the moment.

Safest Place, the new single from Phoenix Morby is available on all platforms from 29 May

You can find and follow Phoenix on Facebook  and his website

 

Single Review - Devil You Know - Megan O'Neill

With her new single Devil You Know from her forthcoming album Megan has addressed the popular topic of relationships. – Unlike many country songs this isn’t about the sliver lining, loss or remorse but a reflection on reality, but it is probably more honest than many would care to admit.

A slow, melancholy start with a wailing guitar as our storyteller reviews her relationship, looking at the way they fight, with the tempo reflecting the slow plod of a familiar but pointless relationship. It’s a heavy load to carry; you can feel the weight in the song.

As she starts to look at other men, starts to wonder “if they could do a better job than you” the tempo lifts to reflect a hope, a possibility!

The honesty comes in when Megan sings that even a new relationship will still end up the same, it just a matter of time before the cracks will emerge.  

The song asks questions but gives no answers 

What happens to relationships?

Would it really be different with someone else? 

Would it be better?

The great slide guitar riff halfway through really punctuates the statement its better the Devil You Know.

Repeating the chorus. She reflects some more

Sadly, like too many people she’s not prepared to risk it. History will only repeat itself, so it is better to stick with what you have - stay with the Devil You Know!

In a bizarre way, it is a declaration of love to the man she has. 

This is a great example of a modern country pop song. Well written, well-paced and well performed

Devil You Know, the new single from Megan O'Neill is available now to download and stream

Find Megan on Facebook and on her website  

Single Review - No God Of Mine - Taynee Lord

Taynee wrote No God of Mine when she suddenly realised all her failed past relationships shared the same zodiac sign & bad traits. Everybody knows someone who is arrogant enough to think they’re God’s gift. The song is inspired by a guy whose charm works wonders on many but when faced with someone who isn’t falling for his usual games, he isn’t too sure how to handle her. 

An electric guitar and drum intro leads into Taynee’s distinctive voice which has been described as high octane country twang. When she reaches for the top notes, I picture those American series about vampires and voodoo. Not a sound you expect from a girl from Bristol. Her voice commands your attention, it has a tough edge to it, which gives an air of control and really suits this song. Taynees’s voice helps to give an image of this strong, in control woman who is done with taking nonsense from men.

I’m not a puppet, you can’t pull my strings…You ain’t no Zeus…if you let me loose I may never come back

The instrumental breaks, which are in fact more like clever musical interludes, fit well with the lyrics. 

This is not a song full of self-pity, it’s upbeat, she knows this guy isn’t all that; she’s smarter than the other girls.

No God Of Mine, the new single from Taynee Lord is available to stream and download from 10 April

Taynee can be found on facebook, Instagram and checking your zodiac…

Single Review - The River - Megan Dhalai

Hailing from the North East, Megan Dhalai is a singer songwriter who has already gained some interest and success despite this being her debut single!

After being nominated as best songwriter at the U Beat Awards as far back as 2016 and already playing major venues in Newcastle,  Megan has now released her debut track The River, and sent us an advance copy.

It is hard to know what to expect from any artist who is brand new to us, and Megan’s mature, deep vocal came as a very pleasant surprise.  Coupled with mournful pedal steel under the fabulous acoustic guitar the song  is very emotive 

The tempo is slow paced, rather like a slow flowing river, and the story takes you long with it, like a lazy river current!

Singing about holding on to memories while you are apart from your love, using those memories to prove to yourself that the love was and is real. The instrumentation and almost ethereal layering of vocals gives the song a fairly unique sound – not traditional Country but blending emotion with traditional  celtic  sounds and that haunting, folky voice. The use of pedal steel is close to perfect for this track. 

There is a definite vibe of Julee Cruise (Twin Peaks) in both voice and style here!

The River, the debut single from Megan Dhalai is available to stream and download from 3 April. 

Find Megan on Facebook, on Instagram and reminiscing by The River

Single Review - Another You - Kezia Gill

Another You, the new single from Kezia Gill is quite obviously a collaboration, as the instrumentation and production is quite a departure from her usual style, with much use of effects and the mixing desk, rather than her usual acoustic guitar and traditional sounds.

After quite a poppy, jangly opening Kezia’s voice comes in, and when Kezia sings you listen because you know she has something to say.  The song is a declaration of love, and this time it is for real, it is forever.  This is not some sickly love song though, this is powerful, raw and emotional through the vocal.  It is a shouted declaration she wants him to hear it and know it, she wants the world to hear it and know it

The feeling is mutual – he only has eyes for her, he is making her feel loved

The song is sung in such a way that it needs to be played loud – or at least the vocal part.  Kezia has such a voice that the backing instruments are almost superfluous, although the rocking guitar break does strike the right note and the inclusion of just a kick drum may have helped to drive the track

We are lucky as DJs that we have the kit to play this song loud, for everyone else when Kezia plays this loud and proud with her band at a gig or festival, we are all in for a treat!

Another You, the new single from Kezia Gill, will be available to download and stream from 17 April 2020

Keep Kezia company on facebook and her website

Single Review - Tip Of My Tongue - Gary Quinn

Gary Quinn writes a lot of his songs about love and romance – and we are never sure how many of them are autobiographical!  What Gary does particularly well is to take the emotions and feelings of relationships and putting them into words.

This is demonstrated in Gary’s latest single Tip Of My Tongue, where he is singing about all of those first feelings – first meeting, first dance, first kiss - are all you can think about. With his usual incredibly clever word craft, using the tip of the tongue represents not just how the memories consume you but how important  the senses are, and your tongue being not just sensory but also trying to put into words how you feel in all this excitement.

Playing live, Gary seems quite happy to be on stage with just a guitar and his stories – and even with a full band, or on a single like this, what you are really hearing is his voice and his words, although there is a great attention grabbing opening note to Tip Of My Tongue.

A fantastic ambassador for UK Country, it is a pleasure to hear new music from one of the hardest working singers, both on and off stage.

These are tricky times in the music and festival world, but we can be sure that Gary Quinn will always be around, making things happen and making great music.

Tip Of My Tongue is available to download and stream now on all digital platforms.  

You can find Gary on facebook, online, and out and about representing UK Country!