The Round-up
Friday 18th October
O&O Return With 'Here We Are' - New Single Out Nov 15th
“One of the most exciting acts” to emerge onto the international Americana/folk scene in recent years (CelebMix), London-based Israeli-American duo O&O have announced the release of their latest single ‘Here We Are’, available to stream/download on 15th November 2019; the first taste of new music since their “impressive debut” EP ‘Truth Comes Out’ was released last year (Building Our Own Nashville). Listen to the EP on Spotify / Apple Music / Amazon and check out the video for the lead track ‘Tears In The Rain’ here: https://youtu.be/_PGKhLlPDCw.
Described as “a very fine addition to the UK’s burgeoning Americana scene” by Folking.com, the duo - Orian and Obadiah - have spent the first half of this year working on new music, to be released over the coming months, as well as performing at various festivals including the first ever British Country Music Festival, and continuing to enjoy airplay across the UK, with ongoing support from multiple BBC regional stations and Country Hits Radio among others.
They have also built on their highly successful YouTube channel (approaching a million views to date and nearly 8,000 subscribers), with the recent launch of a new series featuring collaborations with upcoming homegrown Country & Americana artists, selecting singer-songwriter Joe Martin as their first guest - watch on YouTube.
O&O are currently preparing for a handful of shows between now and the end of the year, including a sold-out Country In The Afternoon performance on 17th November, and their own London headline show at the Finsbury on 7th November - limited tickets available here.
Described as “a very fine addition to the UK’s burgeoning Americana scene” by Folking.com, the duo - Orian and Obadiah - have spent the first half of this year working on new music, to be released over the coming months, as well as performing at various festivals including the first ever British Country Music Festival, and continuing to enjoy airplay across the UK, with ongoing support from multiple BBC regional stations and Country Hits Radio among others.
They have also built on their highly successful YouTube channel (approaching a million views to date and nearly 8,000 subscribers), with the recent launch of a new series featuring collaborations with upcoming homegrown Country & Americana artists, selecting singer-songwriter Joe Martin as their first guest - watch on YouTube.
O&O are currently preparing for a handful of shows between now and the end of the year, including a sold-out Country In The Afternoon performance on 17th November, and their own London headline show at the Finsbury on 7th November - limited tickets available here.
Thursday 17th October
ASHLEY McBRYDE RECEIVES CMT BREAKOUT ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD
Rolling Stone notes, Ashley McBryde is “emerging as one of the most exciting new voices in country music.” Prior to accepting the award for Breakout Artist of the Year, the Mammoth Spring, Arkansas native took the stage Wednesday, Oct. 16, at CMT’s Artists of the Year celebration to perform her latest critically-acclaimed single, “One Night Standards.”
Kid Rock was on hand to present the award to McBryde, commenting that CMT’s annual honors recognize “emerging artists who made a huge impact when they burst onto the scene.”
Continuing, “It’s daunting to tell you the story about this year’s breakout artist. Because she is the real storyteller…She’s an inspiration to everyone who risked everything to chase the dream that ignites her soul.”
McBryde stepped on stage at the Schermerhorn Wednesday night for the first televised performance of “One Night Standards.” It is the lead single off her upcoming album and first new music since her 2018 debut, praised by The New York Times: “McBryde sings and writes with a high degree of emotional acuity…[‘One Night Standards’] is cleareyed, unsentimental and a cold jot of tragic realism.”
Earlier this year McBryde took home the Academy of Country Music’s New Female Artist of the Year award as well as CMT’s Breakthrough Video of the Year award, celebrated a GRAMMY nomination for her debut album Girl Going Nowhere and earned an Emmy nomination for her performance on “CBS This Morning Saturday.” McBryde shared with Associated Press on the red carpet, “I do feel like it’s a breakout year, but for CMT and my friends and peers to feel that way is a completely different feeling.”
McBryde is up for the Country Music Association’s New Artist of the Year award at the Nov. 13 ceremony in Nashville, broadcast on ABC.
“One Night Standards” is available everywhere, and McBryde is currently supporting Miranda Lambert on her Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars Tour.
Kid Rock was on hand to present the award to McBryde, commenting that CMT’s annual honors recognize “emerging artists who made a huge impact when they burst onto the scene.”
Continuing, “It’s daunting to tell you the story about this year’s breakout artist. Because she is the real storyteller…She’s an inspiration to everyone who risked everything to chase the dream that ignites her soul.”
McBryde stepped on stage at the Schermerhorn Wednesday night for the first televised performance of “One Night Standards.” It is the lead single off her upcoming album and first new music since her 2018 debut, praised by The New York Times: “McBryde sings and writes with a high degree of emotional acuity…[‘One Night Standards’] is cleareyed, unsentimental and a cold jot of tragic realism.”
Earlier this year McBryde took home the Academy of Country Music’s New Female Artist of the Year award as well as CMT’s Breakthrough Video of the Year award, celebrated a GRAMMY nomination for her debut album Girl Going Nowhere and earned an Emmy nomination for her performance on “CBS This Morning Saturday.” McBryde shared with Associated Press on the red carpet, “I do feel like it’s a breakout year, but for CMT and my friends and peers to feel that way is a completely different feeling.”
McBryde is up for the Country Music Association’s New Artist of the Year award at the Nov. 13 ceremony in Nashville, broadcast on ABC.
“One Night Standards” is available everywhere, and McBryde is currently supporting Miranda Lambert on her Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars Tour.
First Listen: Christina Taylor and Brett Kissel Duet, “As Good As You Look”
"As Good As You Look," the sparkling new duet from rising singer-songwriter Christina Taylor and 14-time Canadian Country Music Association award-winner Brett Kissel, is now on Sounds Like Nashville (see here) and will be available worldwide Oct. 18.
Written by Christina Taylor, Kelley Lovelace and Brent Anderson, “As Good As You Look” tells the story of falling for someone from afar — and wondering what lies beneath the surface. Kissel, also a two-time Juno winner (equivalent to a GRAMMY), joined Taylor in the studio earlier this year to layer their vocals in this upbeat track.
“This is one of those songs that mean so much,” said Taylor. “There’s so much behind it, yet we wrote it in one session and recorded it pretty quickly too. It’s so real, it all just came naturally.”
"Christina and I had so much fun in the studio recording this single, commented Kissel. I am a big fan of Christina and this song. I can't wait for everyone to hear it!”
Nashville-based Taylor attributes the soulful side of her music to her Florida roots, where reggae and R&B music were prominent. When her family relocated to North Carolina she began drawing inspiration from an array of artists, among them Shania Twain, P!nk, Eric Church, Destiny’s Child, Miranda Lambert, and Tim McGraw.
Honest, unapologetic and fun, Taylor has already shared the stage with McGraw, as well as Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, PitBull, LoCash, and Scottie McCreery. Her music is heard regularly on Radio Disney and CMT and she will soon be seen as host and performer of “Dirt Road Divas,” a new series set to debut on The Country Network.
Written by Christina Taylor, Kelley Lovelace and Brent Anderson, “As Good As You Look” tells the story of falling for someone from afar — and wondering what lies beneath the surface. Kissel, also a two-time Juno winner (equivalent to a GRAMMY), joined Taylor in the studio earlier this year to layer their vocals in this upbeat track.
“This is one of those songs that mean so much,” said Taylor. “There’s so much behind it, yet we wrote it in one session and recorded it pretty quickly too. It’s so real, it all just came naturally.”
"Christina and I had so much fun in the studio recording this single, commented Kissel. I am a big fan of Christina and this song. I can't wait for everyone to hear it!”
Nashville-based Taylor attributes the soulful side of her music to her Florida roots, where reggae and R&B music were prominent. When her family relocated to North Carolina she began drawing inspiration from an array of artists, among them Shania Twain, P!nk, Eric Church, Destiny’s Child, Miranda Lambert, and Tim McGraw.
Honest, unapologetic and fun, Taylor has already shared the stage with McGraw, as well as Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, PitBull, LoCash, and Scottie McCreery. Her music is heard regularly on Radio Disney and CMT and she will soon be seen as host and performer of “Dirt Road Divas,” a new series set to debut on The Country Network.
Wednesday 16th October
MICHAEL RAY SHARES NEW VIDEO FOR "HER WORLD OR MINE”
Michael Ray says the heartbreak expressed in current single "Her World Or Mine" and poignantly brought to life in the song's latest video (watch here), “is the reason I got into country music.” The video premiered today exclusively with Good Morning America and ABC.com. Ray’s third single is the emotional centrepiece of his 11-song sophomore album 'Amos' and starkly contrasts the carefree theme and upbeat sound of his last single and third #1 hit, “One That Got Away.”
“I wanted to tell the story of my parents’ divorce and that part of my life – the confusion and the fact that it wasn’t easy for a while. And losing my grandparents was a massive hit, not only to me, but my whole family,” explains Ray.
The new video features film and television star Chad Michael Murray in the role of Michael’s father. The two met at the CMT Awards four years ago and have been friends ever since.
“This song touched me. It’s my favourite, personally,” Murray said. “Watching the song play and seeing everybody react and seeing them go through their own honest memories is trippy. It’s really fun to watch.”
The video for “Her World Or Mine” is based on Ray’s experience as a child of divorce, with his entire family and himself as a child portrayed, as they navigate hard life changes and separation until the death of Ray’s grandmother brings them together.
“It’s so relatable and it deals with so many issues that everybody’s going through,” continued Murray. “You’re going to see so many people come up to you and say, ‘That’s my song.’ And it will be for different reasons because they went through different trials and tribulations to get them there. That’s what’s cool about it.”
Ray was raised in rural central Florida and was very close with his grandfather, who taught him how to play guitar.
“When my parents were going through their divorce is when my grandfather started teaching me guitar chords – it was my outlet. It was my way to get away from all the hell and chaos that was going on,” shares Ray.
However, this year has brought the singer new-found happiness with his love Carly Pearce. Earlier this month, Ray married the country star in Goodlettsville, TN. The pair’s nuptials were featured in PEOPLE Magazine with all the details of their big day.
Ray is currently on the road with his popular Nineteen Tour, which brings him to the UK for five headline shows next week:
Tue 22nd October – London Bush Hall
Wed 23rd October – Birmingham Institute 3
Thu 24th October – Liverpool Arts Club Loft
Fri 25th October – Manchester Night & Day Café
Sun 27th October – Glasgow Stereo
“I wanted to tell the story of my parents’ divorce and that part of my life – the confusion and the fact that it wasn’t easy for a while. And losing my grandparents was a massive hit, not only to me, but my whole family,” explains Ray.
The new video features film and television star Chad Michael Murray in the role of Michael’s father. The two met at the CMT Awards four years ago and have been friends ever since.
“This song touched me. It’s my favourite, personally,” Murray said. “Watching the song play and seeing everybody react and seeing them go through their own honest memories is trippy. It’s really fun to watch.”
The video for “Her World Or Mine” is based on Ray’s experience as a child of divorce, with his entire family and himself as a child portrayed, as they navigate hard life changes and separation until the death of Ray’s grandmother brings them together.
“It’s so relatable and it deals with so many issues that everybody’s going through,” continued Murray. “You’re going to see so many people come up to you and say, ‘That’s my song.’ And it will be for different reasons because they went through different trials and tribulations to get them there. That’s what’s cool about it.”
Ray was raised in rural central Florida and was very close with his grandfather, who taught him how to play guitar.
“When my parents were going through their divorce is when my grandfather started teaching me guitar chords – it was my outlet. It was my way to get away from all the hell and chaos that was going on,” shares Ray.
However, this year has brought the singer new-found happiness with his love Carly Pearce. Earlier this month, Ray married the country star in Goodlettsville, TN. The pair’s nuptials were featured in PEOPLE Magazine with all the details of their big day.
Ray is currently on the road with his popular Nineteen Tour, which brings him to the UK for five headline shows next week:
Tue 22nd October – London Bush Hall
Wed 23rd October – Birmingham Institute 3
Thu 24th October – Liverpool Arts Club Loft
Fri 25th October – Manchester Night & Day Café
Sun 27th October – Glasgow Stereo
JULIA COLE ANNOUNCES NEW MUSIC AND DATES ACROSS THE UK & EUROPE IN NOVEMBER
UK fans will be among the first to hear Julia Cole’s brand new single: ‘Be Where We Are’, thanks to a special early release on October 28th 2019 and a world exclusive first play from Baylen Leonard on Country Hits Radio. The official worldwide release is November 1st (pre-save / pre-add here) with the release of an additional single, ‘Call It’. The sneak preview celebrates her return to the UK & Europe later in November with the James Barker Band (dates below), as well as a one-off full band headline show at the Buck ‘n’ Bull Saloon - limited tickets remaining.
With the release of her debut single ‘Trust You’ which has had well over one million streams to date, Cole has proven herself to be one of Nashville’s brightest new talents, capturing the attention of fans across the world and sharing stages with the likes of Dan + Shay, The Chainsmokers, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Chris Lane and many more; and these two new songs are set to show another side of her music and build on that success.
With the release of her debut single ‘Trust You’ which has had well over one million streams to date, Cole has proven herself to be one of Nashville’s brightest new talents, capturing the attention of fans across the world and sharing stages with the likes of Dan + Shay, The Chainsmokers, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Chris Lane and many more; and these two new songs are set to show another side of her music and build on that success.
Tuesday 15th October
HOLLOWAY ROAD SIGN WITH ITB & SESAC, AND ANNOUNCE NEW SONG
Holloway Road have announced two significant industry moves this month: signing with International Talent Booking for worldwide (ex-US) live representation, and affiliating with SESAC for US collections across their catalogue, to include songs written both for their own projects and recorded by other artists.
Later this week they will play one of their biggest UK shows to date, joining the CMA’s Introducing Nashville tour in Manchester on Weds (16th Oct), opening for Walker Hayes, Danielle Bradbery, Travis Denning and Rachel Wammack at RNCM - limited tickets remain. This extends their involvement with the association’s live events following their first official appearance at CMA Fest in Nashville earlier this year, and follows a summer of shows which has seen them share stages with Lauren Alaina, fellow British duo Ward Thomas, and pop/rock acts including Clean Bandit, Razorlight & Will Young.
Additionally, their new track ‘My Love’ will be released on November 1st 2019, available to stream and download worldwide. Self-produced, and co-written with Greg Bates - whose credits include Chase Rice & William Michael Morgan, as well as a country radio Top Five hit of his own - the song builds on the sound of Holloway Road’s recent standalone singles ‘Lightning’ & ‘Get The Girl’ which total nearly half a million streams to date
Later this week they will play one of their biggest UK shows to date, joining the CMA’s Introducing Nashville tour in Manchester on Weds (16th Oct), opening for Walker Hayes, Danielle Bradbery, Travis Denning and Rachel Wammack at RNCM - limited tickets remain. This extends their involvement with the association’s live events following their first official appearance at CMA Fest in Nashville earlier this year, and follows a summer of shows which has seen them share stages with Lauren Alaina, fellow British duo Ward Thomas, and pop/rock acts including Clean Bandit, Razorlight & Will Young.
Additionally, their new track ‘My Love’ will be released on November 1st 2019, available to stream and download worldwide. Self-produced, and co-written with Greg Bates - whose credits include Chase Rice & William Michael Morgan, as well as a country radio Top Five hit of his own - the song builds on the sound of Holloway Road’s recent standalone singles ‘Lightning’ & ‘Get The Girl’ which total nearly half a million streams to date
Monday 14th October
LARKIN POE ANNOUNCE 2020 EUROPEAN TOUR
Nashville-based sister duo Larkin Poe have today announced a European Tour throughout May 2020. Following their sold-out show at London’s Islington Assembly Hall late last year and an appearance at Black Deer Festival this summer, Larkin Poe - Rebecca and Megan Lovell - will play their biggest UK headline show to date when they headline Shepherds Bush Empire on May 7. The extensive 2020 tour will also take in shows in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Czech Republic.
LARKIN POE EUROPEAN TOUR 2020
May 1 - Birmingham, O2 Institute
May 2 - Dublin, Button Factory
May 3 - Glasgow, SWG3
May 5 - Manchester, Ritz
May 6 - Bristol, SWX
May 7 - London, Shepherds Bush Empire
May 9 - Amsterdam, Paradiso Main Hall
May 10 - Cologne, Live Music Hall
May 12 - Brussels, Ancienne Belgique
May 13 - Paris, La Trianon
May 15 - Barcelona, Apolo
May 16 - Madrid, Sala But
May 19 - Milan, Santeria
May 20 - Zurich, Dynamo
May 22 - Munich, Technikum
May 23 - Vienna, WUK
May 25 - Prague, Lucerna Music Bar
May 26 - Berlin, Huxley's
May 27 - Hamburg, Markthalle
May 29 - Copenhagen, Vega
May 30 - Gothenburg, Tradgarn
May 31 - Oslo, Rockefeller
June 2 - Stockholm, Berns
Tickets available from larkinpoe.com/tour
Ahead of the tour, Larkin Poe will be performing at Byron Bay Blues Festival in Australia (April 9 – 13).
The sisters recently performed at the Singapore Grand Prix, and on November 1 they will join Mavis Staples, Chris Robinson, George Porter Jr., Anders Osborne and others for Tipping Point 2019, special concert at The Fillmore New Orleans in celebration of New Orleans and Tulane University.
Steeped in the traditions of Southern roots music, the Atlanta-born sisters released their critically acclaimed fourth album ‘Venom & Faith’ last year. The album showcases their mastery in orchestrating, harmonizing and breathing new life into the musical heritage of their upbringing as they create a powerful, modern-day depiction of what roots rock should sound like.
Descendants of celebrated US writer Edgar Allen Poe, since forming Larkin Poe in 2010, Rebecca and Megan have proven a formidable duo both in and out of the studio. In 2014, producer T-Bone Burnett enlisted them for ‘Lost On The River: The New Basement Tapes’, a project that also saw contributions from Marcus Mumford (Mumford & Sons), Elvis Costello, Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), and Rhiannon Giddens. The sisters have performed at Glastonbury Festival twice, and were named ‘Best Discovery Of Glastonbury’ in 2014 by The Observer. They have opened for and been in the backing band of Elvis Costello and Conor Oberst; and supported the likes of Gary Clark Jr and Bob Seger among others.
Larkin Poe are currently writing their fifth album, slated for a Spring 2020 release.
LARKIN POE EUROPEAN TOUR 2020
May 1 - Birmingham, O2 Institute
May 2 - Dublin, Button Factory
May 3 - Glasgow, SWG3
May 5 - Manchester, Ritz
May 6 - Bristol, SWX
May 7 - London, Shepherds Bush Empire
May 9 - Amsterdam, Paradiso Main Hall
May 10 - Cologne, Live Music Hall
May 12 - Brussels, Ancienne Belgique
May 13 - Paris, La Trianon
May 15 - Barcelona, Apolo
May 16 - Madrid, Sala But
May 19 - Milan, Santeria
May 20 - Zurich, Dynamo
May 22 - Munich, Technikum
May 23 - Vienna, WUK
May 25 - Prague, Lucerna Music Bar
May 26 - Berlin, Huxley's
May 27 - Hamburg, Markthalle
May 29 - Copenhagen, Vega
May 30 - Gothenburg, Tradgarn
May 31 - Oslo, Rockefeller
June 2 - Stockholm, Berns
Tickets available from larkinpoe.com/tour
Ahead of the tour, Larkin Poe will be performing at Byron Bay Blues Festival in Australia (April 9 – 13).
The sisters recently performed at the Singapore Grand Prix, and on November 1 they will join Mavis Staples, Chris Robinson, George Porter Jr., Anders Osborne and others for Tipping Point 2019, special concert at The Fillmore New Orleans in celebration of New Orleans and Tulane University.
Steeped in the traditions of Southern roots music, the Atlanta-born sisters released their critically acclaimed fourth album ‘Venom & Faith’ last year. The album showcases their mastery in orchestrating, harmonizing and breathing new life into the musical heritage of their upbringing as they create a powerful, modern-day depiction of what roots rock should sound like.
Descendants of celebrated US writer Edgar Allen Poe, since forming Larkin Poe in 2010, Rebecca and Megan have proven a formidable duo both in and out of the studio. In 2014, producer T-Bone Burnett enlisted them for ‘Lost On The River: The New Basement Tapes’, a project that also saw contributions from Marcus Mumford (Mumford & Sons), Elvis Costello, Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), and Rhiannon Giddens. The sisters have performed at Glastonbury Festival twice, and were named ‘Best Discovery Of Glastonbury’ in 2014 by The Observer. They have opened for and been in the backing band of Elvis Costello and Conor Oberst; and supported the likes of Gary Clark Jr and Bob Seger among others.
Larkin Poe are currently writing their fifth album, slated for a Spring 2020 release.