C2C Country to Country 2014 Pop-Up Acts Announced
Updated Feb 9, 2014: Jessica Clemmons Weekend Wogan Live session
* Updated Feb 19, 2014:
Carolynne Poole, Frankie Davies and Alan West added to Pop-Up stage list now 30 names! Scroll down for profiles
On Feb 5, 2014 C2C Country to Country announced the Pop-Up Stage news and the initial 27 act
line-up. An eclectic
selection of up-and-coming acts are due to appear on the Pop-Up Stages at C2C Country to Country at The O2.
 |
| C2C Country to Country 2014 Pop-Up Acts Collage CLICK to ENLARGE |
* It includes
some 30 names, 5 from the USA, 2 from
Germany, 1 from Sweden, 1 from Jersey, 15 from England, 3 Scottish acts and 2 Irish acts:
Ann Doka (Germany), Carolynne Poole (UK), Curran
(UK), Dexeter (UK), Frankie Davies
(Jersey), Gary Quinn (UK), Hometown Show (UK), Jessica Clemmons (USA), Jill & Kate (USA), Jill Johnson (Sweden), Lisa-Marie Fischer (Germany), Lisa Redford (USA), Luke and Mel (UK), Maria Byrne (Ireland), McKay
(UK), Raintown (Scotland), Star
Lane (UK), Stephen Kellog (USA),
Stevie Agnew (Scotland), Striking Matches (USA), The Diablos (UK), The Dirty Beggars (Scotland), The
Shires (UK), The Sonny Walters Band
(UK), Thorne Hill (UK), Tom Wright ( UK), Ward-Thomas (UK), Alan West
(UK)
Where: Millennium Dome/ North Greenwich Arena, more known in this modern branding world as the
London O2 Arena
The O2, Peninsula Square,
London SE10 0DX - How you travel to The O2
The Pop-Up stages
can be found in shopping area, themed marketplace, in the main entrance to the
venue and dotted along the boulevard within the O2.
NOTE: These
shows are FREE
and will follow the huge success of last year’s gigs where the cream of new
talent were given a stage to showcase their talents and prove that country
music has a very strong future in the UK.
When: Over the Weekend of Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th
March 2014.
NEWS!! #C2C2014 #popupstages Check out the line-up at http://t.co/ey0hfgk9Kf
— Country2Country (@C2Cofficial) February 5, 2014
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C2C on FACEBOOK
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C2C on TWITTER Don't forget to tag your tweets
with #C2C2014!
#C2C2014
Country To Country 2014 Pop-Up
Stage LINE UP
REVEALED!
According to the
C2C Festival organisers there is no shortage of talent on offer as all the
artists on the pop-up stages have really worked hard to earn their places at
the festival.
Jill & Kate from Nashville who have toured internationally as
Kelly Clarkson’s backing singers, Emma Jade a former contestant on BBC’s The
Voice, and Jill Johnson who is a platinum-selling artist in her native Sweden.
Also appearing are the duo Striking Matches who are in the UK courtesy of the
Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation and will also appear as part of
the recently announce CMA Songwriters Series on Friday 14th March.
Country Routes Blog shines the spotlight on the 27 Pop-Up Stage C2C 2014 acts with links to their Websites, Audio, Video and Available Online Music.
Country Routes Blog shines the spotlight on the 27 Pop-Up Stage C2C 2014 acts with links to their Websites, Audio, Video and Available Online Music.
>> Listen
to a SPOTIFY playlist of the Pop-Up Stage 2014 acts
using this ONLINE Web Player Link: C2C Pop-Up Stage Artists 2014
Note: The Playlist below requires you to already have your SPOTIFY application
installed and OPEN and is ONLY for users of the online music streaming service
using this ONLINE Web Player Link: C2C Pop-Up Stage Artists 2014
Note: The Playlist below requires you to already have your SPOTIFY application
installed and OPEN and is ONLY for users of the online music streaming service
MEET the #C2C2014 Pop-UP Stage Artists:
C2C Blurb: Singer-Songwriter Ann Doka combines the
drive and catchy pop hooks of modern Nashville country without losing sight of
the song or her own voice.
That sensibility is more than evident on her 11
track debut-album “Never Ending Road” released 20 July 2012) which won her
“Best country singer“ and “Best country song“ at the 2012 German Rock & Pop
Awards. >> >> Watch
her video "There
You Fly"
Curran - (UK; Born Oct 31, in London, England and
raised in the working class town of Navan, Ireland; Website - Facebook )
Rocker Mark
Curran is currently based in the UK promoting his 5 Track mini album 'Beginnings'
(self released Nov 5, 2013) Lead Singer
of Rocks best kept secret CURRAN.,
C2C Blurb: Mark was soon introduced to the sounds
of Elvis Presley, AC-DC, Status Quo, and Thin Lizzy. After graduating high school, Mark found
himself at a crossroads, go back to the cover band scene and end up God knows
where, or go on the road and learn the ropes! There wasn't much to think about,
Mark went to work for Maryland Sound. It was there he quickly found himself on
the road with the likes of Kid Rock, David Lee Roth, Faith Hill, and Whitney
Houston.
Dexeter (UK)
C2C Blurb: They play fresh contemporary country
with a rock and roll twist from deep within the folds of Leicestershire.
This motley crew
of six musicians is on a roll with regular Nashville radio play and interest
from the BBC, Dexeter are ready for 2014 and everything it brings.
Emma Jade (Garbutt) (UK; Doncaster; unsigned; Country Pop Website - Facebook & Facebook/EmmaJademusic - Twitter
5,335 Followers)
She is a unsigned 19 year old country/pop vocalist from Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
About: Emma Jade describes herself as ditsy and once broke a microphone
because she sang too loud! She is a HUGE country music fan, her idol is Miranda
Lambert and she also loves a bit of Dolly Parton.
Job: Beauty Consultant in Meadow Hall
Quotes: "There aren’t many country singers like me from Yorkshire!"
/ "When I was over in Nashville a producer said to me you could become the
first English country superstar and that has become the biggest goal for
me" / Ref Joe Nichols - "Theres a possibility i’d faint if i met this
man… jus’ sayin"
C2C Blurb: Her sound is best described as country
with her focusing on her emotional vocals.
In 2013 the attractive Emma was
chosen out of 30,000 artists for the blind audition stage of BBC 1's The Voice
UK, She was successful and joined Team Tom after the Welsh Legend turned his
chair. Her performance was seen by over 11 million people as they watched her
move forward. Emma's Battle round performance has been viewed by over 800,000
people on youtube alone.
The Voice UK
wasn't Emma's first big shot, she was scouted in 2011 by legendary country
music producer David Malloy. She flew out to Nashville in February 2012 to
perform at his show called The Teen Hoot, the show sold out. It was broadcast
worldwide and Emma gained a huge fan base. She is now working on her debut EP.
Claim to Fame: As a then 18-year old Emma appeared as a contestant
on 'BBC The Voice UK' after being chosen to join Sir Tom Jones' 2013 team Image after performing a cover of Guns N'
Roses' "Sweet
Child o' Mine" on Episide 2 broadcast on 6 April 2013.
Unfortunately Emma Jade left the competition at the third battle round stages
episode aired on 25 May,2013 pitched against Mike Ward (cousin of British The X Factor series 2 winner Shayne Ward)
performing Stevie Nicks' song "Landslide"
(also cut by The Dixie Chicks) - BBC Profile - BBC Photo HOT! -
Cowgirl Photo HOT!
Gossip: It was reported in May 2013 Emma was dating fellow hopeful Lex Flowers
(Twitter pic) who is 14 years older, one
half of duo De'Vide, who lost out to Danny County in the Battle Round stage in
Jessie J's team. The couple were said to have met during the BBC One show's
Blind Audition stage and had since been on a number of dates, The Sun reported.
On a country forum in August 2013 she stated she had “finally fully recovered from a chest
infection” and unfortunately “didn’t have the money to have more high tech videos
done” and was “literally living on pennies” and shared "she didn’t have “a laptop or
computer to record with my vocal microphone”.
In her blog you can find out all of her Beauty
secrets and fashion tips! Her 5 Must
Have Beauty Products!
You Be The Voice Judge, Would you turn around? >> Watch Full backstage and
live footage of Emma “Sweet
Child Of Mine” in
her blind audition on The Voice UK 2013, this Taylor Swift cover “Treacherous” and Live At The Granary "Stay" (Sugarland Cover)
C2C Blurb: Described as having a cool modern sound
with echoes of the past, Gary Quinn is an award winning singer-songwriter who
knows how to pull on the heartstrings of his audiences. Creating beautifully
crafted lyrics he draws you in with his performances of rock infused country
balanced with the traditional.
He was one of a handful of
artists who went to Nashville in 2012 to represent the UK at the CMA Music
Festival.
Quinn has shared
the stage with some of Nashville’s finest including Sugarland’s Kristian Bush
and Hall of Fame Songwriter Bob DiPiero as part of the CMA Songwriter Series
that visited Europe. He has performed at the CMA MUSIC FEST in Nashville as
well as playing shows all over the UK and Ireland.
Quinn
striking whilst the iron was hot” asked fans to dig deep into their pockets to
pledge their support to his Debut Album which was successfully funded. Signed
goodies and VIP experiences were traded in exchange for a pledge - www.pledgemusic.com
Quinn’s 10
track self penned album 'Gary Quinn', released
Oct 22, 2013 can be heard on radio stations in his native Ireland, UK, America
and Australia.
National
recognition was received when his song, ‘He Don’t Show Her Anymore’, was
awarded ‘Song of the Year’ by the British Country Music Awards in 2013.
C2C Blurb: Hannah is an emerging singer/songwriter
based in London, who is quickly making a name for herself with her twist on
modern pop/country music.
After moving to America at the age of fifteen, Hannah
was thrown into the world of country music, falling in love with the
storytelling nature of the lyrics. In her seven years of living there, she
soaked up as much of it as she could and is now determined to win the UK over.
She aims to
write and sing relatable stories that ring with refreshingly honest lyrics,
gaining inspiration from her own experiences and relationships.
On Nov 10, 2013
Hannah released her first for independent release self-titled 4 Track EP,
showcasing just a taste of what is to come. Come and join her on her journey so
far…
Prior to her C2C
appearance she will be performing with other C2C Pop-Up artists Gary Quinn and
Raintown:
Where and When:
At East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street, London on Thursday, 13 Mar 2014 (Doors: 6:45PM; Starts: 7:30PM – Event Detail)
Available MUSIC : Hannah Jane Lewis’ EP is available on Amazon UK (Rank: #58,398 in MP3 Albums) and UK iTunes
BIG NEWS! SOOO excited to announce that I will be performing on the pop up stages at @C2Cofficial this year at the @TheO2 #C2C2014 excited!
— Hannah Jane Lewis (@hannahjane001) February 5, 2014
Hometown Show (UK; Hometown:
Portsmouth, England/Bowling Green, Kentucky Website - Facebook )
C2C Blurb: Hometown Show is Matthew Harrison, Caz
Batten, Joshua Hibberd & Trevor Thwaites.
Their Kickstarter debut album project was successfully funded on Jul 18, 2013 (25 backers
pledged £595 of a £400 goal)
Available MUSIC : “This Side of the Ocean”, 13 tracks released
on 12 September 2011 is available on Amazon UK and UK iTunes
C2C Blurb:
Talented
singer-songwriter Jessica, honed her talent in her hometown of Houston, writing
and recording her debut album in London, Chicago and Aarhus, but it was London
where the beautiful collection of soulful and uplifting songs really came
together.
Jessica went on
to release 3 singles from the album: Permanent,
Relentless, and Here I Am in the UK, and a further release of Relentless in Germany
in 2011. She also released I Can Do
Anything With You as an exclusive in Ireland.
She loves meeting
her fans so much she enjoyed setting up some intimate Living Rooms Sessions via
a Pledgemusic Project in order to continue touring.
2013 proved a
big year for Texan Country Jessica Clemmons. Having spent an intensive week
writing in Nashville with Jeff Cohen (The Band Perry, Sugarland), Sherrie
Austin (George Strait, Tim McGraw) and James T Slater (Rascall Flatts, Martina
McBride), Jessica took to the road in the UK armed with a new 5 track EP 'What
If' (released Nov 20, 2013) she supported the one and only Boyzone on their 20th Anniversary UK Tour dates (see Wembley Arena review)
In this December
2013 >> interview
in Bournemouth prior to her
support at the BIC for the Boyzone tour she spoke about the audience's most
favoured songs, her most personal song and her musical career.
To celebrate it's release on Sunday Feb 9, 2014, Jessica was in the UK especially to perform live in the Weekend Wogan studio (See BBC Showpage for details and Listen Back 7 days).
Joined by Ricky
Riccardi (percussion), Louis Riccardi (guitar) and Steve
Williams on the
keyboards (Overtones Tour musicians) Jess performed “Single Tonight” [Live] and
a quite wonderful and classy cover of Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” [Live]
which drew an immediate reaction from Sir
Terry Wogan – “Well with the greatest
respect to Glen Campbell, that’s the most fabulous version of that song I’ve ever
heard, that was terrific...Jessica Clemmons sensational” . This was followed
by a great response from the BBC Radio 2 listeners.
Her success in
the music business means this bubbly songstress from Texas, now divides her
time between Houston and London.
>> Listen to her edited
Weekend Wogan session and interview with her best bits:
Tune in to @BBCRadio2 from 11am to catch me perform LIVE on @terry_wogan PLUS @MrPeterAndre will be in the studio!! http://t.co/3ZwVYeZopq
— Jessica Clemmons (@JessicaClemmons) February 9, 2014
Jill & Kate (USA;
Pop/Acoustic/Folk; Nashville, TN; Website - Facebook)
C2C Blurb: With lyrics inspired by real life,
seasoned with the simplicity of youthful energy and timelessness that is rarely
seen in today's pop music; that is "Jill and Kate".
Jill Pickering and Kate Rapier met at the Contemporary Music Center on Martha's
Vineyard, an invitation-only artists' colony that offers masters classes in
songwriting, recording, and performing. It was during their residency, they
formed "Jill and Kate". They spent six years touring the world with
Kelly Clarkson as her backing vocalists before leaving to concentrate on their
own career. They have even taken the stage with Keith Urban and Seal.
Their 10 track
debut album, HEART OF STONE, charted at #39 in the US iTunes pop chart and they
have two releases coming out in 2014.
After the Country
2 Country 2014 Festival they will also play 2 other shows…one at Matthews Yard,
Croydon (March 17) & at The Blind Tiger, Brighton (March 18) - Events
>> Listen to her music on Soundcloud
and SPOTIFY - Jill and Kate – Heart of Stone: Live from Nashville, TN
Jill Johnson (Sweden;
Hometown: Ängelholm, Current Location: Stockholm; Born 1973; Genre: Countrypop,
Countryrock) Current Location Stockholm Website - Facebook)
C2C Blurb: A platinum artist in her native Sweden,
Jill has spent a lot of time recording in
Jill returns to
C2C for a second year after rave reviews from fans in March 2013.
Her videos have
appeared regularly on The Phil Mack Country Show on Showcase TV (Sky/ Freesat)
>> Stream/
Download <<
her opening track "Rhythm Guitar”
(Written by Kennerly/ Harris) from her 2007 album MUSIC ROW (Catalog LHICD0054).
It is professionally and beautifully presented with a fabulous booklet full of
pictures which come in a Super Jewel Case Available on Amazon UK
>> Listen to her music on
SPOTIFY - Jill Johnson – Duetterna - Jill Johnson – A Woman Can Change Her Mind
Available MUSIC: “A Woman Can Change Her Mind” is
available on Amazon UK (Rank #127,487 in MP3 Albums) and
Lisa-Marie Fischer (Germany;
Hometown: Marburg; Record label: Stevja Records Website - Facebook - is a 22 years old country/folk
singer-songwriter)
C2C Blurb: In 2011 she has released her first CD
"Lisa-Marie Fischer" and her second CD "Sugar & Salt"
(13 tracks) was released in March 2013.
Due to major TV
appearances (ARD MoMa, ZDF Fernsehgarten, RTL, SAT1), radio appearances as well
as her tour with the singer/actor Tom Beck in October-November 2013 she became
well known to the public in Germany.
Lisa Redford (USA; Hometown:
Manhattan, NYC./ Norwich UK; Acoustic, Americana, Folk Pop Website - Facebook )
C2C Blurb: Described by BBC Radio 2's Bob Harris
as “one of our finest singer/songwriters” Lisa Redford has earned acclaim for
her heartfelt Americana with gorgeous melodies, stunning pure and soulful
vocals.
Lisa has toured the UK and Europe and
supported many country artists. As well as gaining airplay on Bob Harris's
Radio 2 show, she has recorded live sessions for the legendary DJ. "Bob
Harris, the patron saint of female singer-songwriters, has Redford has up there
at the top of the pile. It's easy to see why" - Americana UK
'Lisa Redford is a breath of fresh air.
Hers is a pure and quite lovely voice which delivers some sweet
Americana-tinged songs from the heart, all done to tasteful acoustic
arrangements including some nice fingerstyle guitar.' - Manchester
Evening News
"In a sea of smart female singer-songwriters,
Lisa Redford is an admiral.' Maverick
Magazine **** New EP 'Reminders' (4 tracks; self-released) May 20, 2012
>> Listen to hear songs on Soundcloud - Reverbnation and SPOTIFY Lisa Redford – Reminders - Lisa Redford – Clouds With Silver . She recently recorded a live acoustic version of Arctic
Monkeys ‘Do I Wanna Know?
C2C Blurb: Award-winning duo, Luke and Mel are
being hailed as the hottest young act in UK Country Music.
Combining haunting
harmonies and fine musicianship, they create a sound that is both unique and
authentic. The duo was formed in the summer of 2012 after they met whilst
performing together in the UK's most successful country music theatre show,
Country Legends.
Luke & Mel were voted the Horizon Act of the Year at the 2013 British Country Music Awards (BCMAwards), after just 18 months of touring together as a duo.
Up Country
Magazine called them "The most
exciting young act to grace UK country music in recent years"
Maria Byrne (Ireland; Website - Facebook London/Cork; is an Irish singer/songwriter, rooted in country and folk music)
C2C Blurb: Her music is a collection of intimate
yet infectious songs, showcasing Maria’s beautiful voice along with some
rousing harmonies and country fiddle. Based in London, Maria released her first
EP 'All You Need' in 2010 followed by her debut 10 track LP 'Little Basement' on
Oct 24, 2011. Both releases earned her live sessions with Janice Long (BBC
Radio 2)
Her next EP Graphic is due for release in March. Her EP Launch take place on 20th Feb
2014 - Event Detail.
Its members consist of Tim
McKay (Lead Vocals), Arthur (Keyboards), Henry (Lead Guitar), Jack (Rhythm
Guitar), Milo (Bass Guitar) and Nick (Drums). McKay have the backing of a big
team from CMA industry people, the CMA President of Europe and Garth Brooks and
The Band Perry’s managers - “The right people loved us and like what we do”
said Tim speaking to ex BBC Radio Sheffield presenter Allan Watkiss.
The Oct 2013 issue Country
Routes Magazine celebrated the "news of the decade for Brit Country":
Tim McKay
(front cover) and his band McKAY were signed to a major worldwide label
EMI/UNIVERSAL.
In 2012 Tim McKay, was on
the bill at the Wembley Festival of Country Music, and in interview he spoke of
keeping in contact with festival performer Richie McDonald of Lonestar for
songwriting sessions. In June 2012 McKay went on a mini tour in Europe with
Dwight Yoakham (headliner), Laura Bell Bundy and Joey & Rory with dates in
Scandinavian including Oslo, Norway and the famous High Chaparral Country Music
Festival in Sweden.
In May 2012 well known UK
country artist Darren Busby became Tim's father-in-law!
The McKay Band were then
slated to open for Brad Paisley and The Band Perry on the European leg of Brad
Paisleys Virtual Reality World Tour in November 2012 but sadly due to staging
issues, production complications and show timings beyond their control this
never materialized.
In Oct 2012 they were due to
head to a studio to work on an album and songs with a major label. Regarding
their progression Tim McKay said they have become “bigger, better and stronger”
and he believes they have the songs and the talent as a band to do it. McKay
are 6 best friends who “instantly gelled”, 2 are twins.
On March 16th 2013 McKay
opened for Brantley Gilbert at the Manchester Academy and in July supported
Rascal Flatts on their UK and European dates Shepherds Bush Empire on 10th
& 11th July.
>> Listen to their song on Soundcloud and on SPOTIFY Tim McKays previous solo set Tim McKay – Chasing Dreams
Raintown (Scotland; Glasgow Pop/Country
duo; 28 year old Claire McArthur (born in Glasgow) and 34 year old Paul Bain(Born in Kirkcaldy, Fife moving to Cumbernauld when he was a baby) - Website - Facebook
The Kilsyth Chronicle referred to them as “Cumbernauld
Pop/Country duo”. They met in Glasgow when they were
both part of a company in a “big Las Vegas style show”.
This was about 7
years ago and it was how they started and how they got into performing. The
couple met working in Dennistoun at the Parade bar (A former cinema) – See PIC1
They went under the name of "OMNI" as a pop act making a living at weekends. They covered songs such as "It Takes Two", “Suspicious Minds” and "Warwick Avenue and their webpage and music still exists on Myspace
They went under the name of "OMNI" as a pop act making a living at weekends. They covered songs such as "It Takes Two", “Suspicious Minds” and "Warwick Avenue and their webpage and music still exists on Myspace
Seeing the success that Lady
Antebellum and Taylor Swift were having in the UK as pop crossover acts with
remixed singles it is thought that they saw an opportunity as a “country act”
naming themselves after the Deacon Blue album titled “Raintown”.
In November 2010 they
released their mostly pop leaning debut album HOPE IN TROUBLED TIMES.
They were dubbed as the “UK’s answer to Lady Antebellum” by Allan Watkiss CMA
International Broadcaster 2010 (ex presenter on BBC Radio Sheffield and station
head of UKCountryRadio.com).
In June 2011 they
represented Scotland at the ‘CMA Global Artist Showcase’ in Nashville as the
sole representatives for the UK.
They opened for McDonald Brothers (Craig and Brian, finished
4th to Leona Lewis in the 3rd series of X Factor) playing to 300 of their fans as a support.
The couple had an exciting
2012 winning the support (with fan voting) for Wet Wet Wet at their 25th
Anniversary concert in front of 15,000 fans with their 7 piece band.
They won two awards on 2nd Sept 2012 at the criticized and now defunct Scottish New
Music Awards, including Record of the Year (Traditional Folk).
In 2013 they supported C2C
main stage US star Brantley Gilbert at a Glasgow gig and performed 6 short sets over
the 2 days on one of the Pop Up stages at Country2Country at
London's O2 Arena.
Presenting on Internet station VOC
(Voice Of Country) they describe their own experience of C2C 2013
and gave the low down on the headliners performances >> Audio Link
On their website Raintown list as influences: Pink, Brad Paisley, Christina Aguilera,
Take That, Sugarland, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts.
Raintown also state they are
“fast gaining the reputation as one of
the hottest Country acts in Europe”! and “Wet Wet Wet had all agreed that Raintown were the real deal as far as
music was concerned”.
Raintown
were winners at the 2013 BCMAwards
snagging the Duo of the Year at
their first attempt.
“I was
told to look out for an amazing duo in Scotland called Raintown. A few tracks
were sent down and I was hooked on their original sound. We have since met and
I find them two of the most professional young musicians with the right
attitude that is going to give the UK their own hit Country/Americana act in
the very near future. ” - Lee
Williams, CMR Nashville (CMA International Broadcaster Award 2013)
They plan to release their
second album in 2014.
Contact for more on their music and info.
C2C Blurb: This
duo comprise Sarah
Lucy Dole lead singer/songwriter and
multi-instrumentalist Brian James
Langsdon who are an established and popular act in England and have a fast
growing fan base that stretches across the globe. Together they form a dynamic
and vibrant mix of Country/Americana with a Modern pop feel. Their debut 12
track album “Buckle Up!", written and arranged by Sarah and Brian, released Sept, 26, 2013 is loaded with original hit songs
and received 4 Stars in Maverick Magazine Jan/Feb 2014.
Their album launch took place on Thursday, 26 September 2013 at the Pavillion,
Harbour Street, Broadstairs in Kent
Sarah is a singer-songwriter
with a commercial music degree, from South East London who has played in with a
variety of different bands, playing a wide range of music, from rock 'n' roll
to bluegrass. Sarah who hails from Cheltenham has been praised for her
contribution to the music business since the tender age of sixteen, when she
first fronted her country band Buntline Special, covering songs from her most
influential artists such as Dolly Parton, Crystal Gayle, Billy Jo Spears,
Lorrie Morgan, Tanya Tucker and Don Williams.
Over the past 20 years, Brian Langsdon has had the privilege of
working with some great musicians in many different genres. He enjoys equally
both playing and engineering great music – whether in the studio or live
performances. Over the last ten years, Brian has have been immersed in some
truly wonderful British and American Folk, Blues, and Country music.
Sarah joined Brian Langsdon
in 2011, Starlane Country duo were born and they are creating a big following,
and are according to their Facebook Bio set for Super Stardom!
Listen to
"Rainmaker" at soundcloud.com and "There You Are" (written by Sally
Barris) and stream their album on SPOTIFY -
Stephen Kellog (USA;
Northampton, MA; Singer/Songwriter, Alt/Rock, Adult Alternative - Website - Facebook)
C2C Blurb: His music has been described as
Americana, Country-Rock, Folk and even pop but the singer-songwriter prefers to
think of it as American Rock 'n' Roll. After 10 years of playing with his band
The Sixers, the group decided to go on hiatus and Stephen has since released
his solo album Blunderstone Rookery.
Deriving its
title from Charles Dickens' David Copperfield, the 11 track Blunderstone
Rookery is Kellogg's third solo album, and his first in some ten years.
There are
several guests on hand, including Travis McNabb and Annie Clements of
Sugarland, Jerry DePizzo from OAR, and Sean Watkins from Nickel Creek.
C2C Blurb: For the past 20 years, Stevie Agnew has
gigged relentlessly around his native
His 13 track
debut album 'Wreckin’ Yard' (released Jan 26, 2013) reached No.2 in the
European Americana Chart in December 2013 and was described by top U.S
Americana Magazine No Depression as “In the company of the pens of Tom Waits,
Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and Springsteen”
Available MUSIC: 'Wreckin’ Yard' is available on Amazon CD - MP3 (Ranked #89,321 in MP3 Albums) and UK iTunes
C2C Blurb: Simply stated, Striking Matches, made
up of Sarah Zimmermann and Justin Davis, came to Nashville to play music.
Sarah, a Philadelphia native and Justin, from Atlanta,
Their 4 Track
debut self-titled EP (UK iTunes) was produced by Luke Wooten (Dierks Bentley, Dustin Lynch) with
all four tracks co-written by the band. The EP released Oct 2, 2012 was named
among iTunes "Best of 2012" and enabled the duo to score features
with NPR and The Wall Street Journal. In December 2012, Striking Matches made
their debut on the Grand Ole Opry where they have subsequently played more than
fifteen times.
The duo has also
had five songs featured on ABC's hit show "Nashville.”
They will be
sharing the stage with Martina McBride, Brett James and Bob DiPerio at the CMA Songwriters event on Fri March 14th
Event Detail
>> Watch Striking Matches perform "God
And You"
live at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN (Oct 2013)
>> ** Listen to their music on
SPOTIFY Striking Matches – Trouble Is As Trouble Does
- Striking Matches – Striking Matches EP
C2C Blurb They are a five piece country rock band
(François DeVille, Chris Nieto, Geoff Ansell, Danny O'Loughlin, Terry
O'Loughlin), who all hail from Brighton. A rarity in the UK - a Real British
Country Rock band playing original songs and taking on the Americana thang at
its own game.The current line-up formed in 2006 and quickly established
themselves as a major force on the British Country music scene. Their self penned debut album 'Welcome To The
Club' wowed critics and from it the single 'Whiskey Women and Wine' won the Best
Original Song at the 2008 BCMA Awards.
Their next two
albums Rhinestones & Diamonds (2011) and Riding The Long Road (2013)
spawned three Number One’s on the British Hotdisc Country Chart: “Truth And
Consequences” (2012-01-22), “I Don't Like Country” (2012-06-24) and “Bad Chrome
Job” (2014-01-12). Both albums received four star reviews in Maverick and
Country Music People.
In 2012 they
were also recipients of the Hot Disc Horizon Award .
C2C Blurb: They an outfit who comprise Kieran
Begbie (Vocals, Guitar), Finn Begbie (Vocals, Harmonica, Mandolin, Guitar),
Pete Begbie (Vocals, Banjo, Guitar), Stuart Printie (Double Bass, Dobro,
Mandolin) and Pedro Cameron (Fiddle). They hail from Central Scotland with the
The Dirty
Beggars toured the US in 2011, playing a session at The Station Inn in
Nashville and garnering attention from CMT while there.
On Nov 29, 2013
The Dirty Beggars released an EP 'Time to Reminisce' - featuring 3 new tracks.
” …delicate, country-infused and beautiful.
The banjo and fiddle compliment completely the stunning block harmonies. CSNY
can rest easy, The Dirty Beggars have got it from here” -- MTV UK
>> Watch them play an
unplugged version of "Unforgiven" on the rooftop of Studio Fàs on
the Isle of Skye.
>> Listen to their music on Soundcloud and SPOTIFY The Dirty Beggars – Time to Reminisce - The Dirty Beggars – Bite the Bullet
Available MUSIC: waywardsounds - Amazon UK - UK iTunes (currently Bite the Bullet
is #292 on UK Top 1500 Country Albums)
C2C Blurb: They are a New Country duo (Ben Earle
& Crissie Rhodes) from the UK who formed in mid 2013, meeting through a
friend on Facebook. After playing a number of shows during the second half of
2013, they are just in the process of inking a record deal with a major record
company and plan to release their debut single in Spring 2014.
The band are in
the process of writing their debut album, having already written with hit
Nashville songwriter Steve Mcewan.'We can build our own Nashville underneath
these Grey Skies' (from their song "Nashville Grey Skies"
https://soundcloud.com/theshiresuk/nashville-grey-skies) sums up the duo's
dream of bringing New Country to the UK and taking The Shires to Nashville!
>> Listen to their music on Soundcloud
Watching @taylorswift13 last nite #REDTourLondon #taylorswift #theshires #countrymusic pic.twitter.com/xHXnSlV7rW
—
The Shires (@theshiresuk) February 5, 2014
The Sonny Walters Band (UK; Website
- Facebook)
C2C Blurb: They were born out of The album “I
Think I’ve Gone Country” that has taken them from the studio to the road and
across the country.
They comprise
Sonny Walters (Vocals and Guitar), The Reverent Green ( Guitars n Vocals) Rich
Bateman (Drums n Perc), Joe Neal (Bass n Vocals) Nick Zala (Peddle Steel n
Banjo), and Justin Durrant (Piano n Hammond n Vocals). They play and write
songs about love, heartbreak, dumb ass’s and true stories that will make you
laugh and sing along.
They played the
main stage at the Americana Festival on Saturday 13th July 2013
>> Listen to their music on Reverbnation and Soundcloud
and SPOTIFY The Sonny Walters Band – I Think I've Gone Country
As a solo artist
he has already had a number of successes, including the release of two singles,
the 2011 Top 20 UK & Irish Country iTunes Chart hit, Come Undone, and the
equally successful 2012 hit, Help Me Find The Strength.
More recently in
2013, Thorne released his much anticipated EP, 'Tomorrow', All five songs were
self penned and this makes quite an impressive list of achievements.
Thorne Hill
released his 5 Track EP titled TOMORROW (EmuBands)
on November 3rd, 2013 with the help of producer
Christopher Barn which is available for download from Amazon.UK and UK iTunes.
It made a very brief debut
at No.61 on the iTunes UK Country Album Chart before descending to #1169 a
week later.
The popular Thorne was a
finalist in September 2013 at UKCountryRadio.com's Listeners Club Awards. His
single “Tomorow” is included on the November Promotional Hotdisc 179.
It moved up to No.28 on the Hotdisc Top 40 and fell short of making the
Top 10 British placings on his fourth chart week.
On the chart Dec 15, 2013 Thorne finally made the Top 10 of the Hotdisc British
& Irish Chart after 2 months whilst promoting his second self penned single
“All My Days” which made a 34-27 move and snagged the No.9 slot.
>> Listen to his music on Reverbnation
and SPOTIFY Thorne Hill – Tomorrow - Thorne Hill – Help Me Find the Strength
Still can't quite believe it!!! http://t.co/8he3Z8UzHq
— Thorne Hill (@Thorne_Hill) February 7, 2014
Tom Wright (UK; Cambridgeshire; unsigned Website - Facebook - Twitter)
C2C Blurb: Tom is a kid who has lived in
Peterborough all his life, but dreams of Nashville.
At 19 years old, he’s
already played all over the country and part of Europe. He’s played the guitar
since he was just seven, and has been massively influenced by the great
guitarists of Country music, from Don Rich to Brad Paisley.
Currently
touring with The Johnny Cash Story and Elio Pace (providing backing vocals and
lead guitar), he is also recording his first EP, comprising of four original
songs, and the old Carl Perkins’ classic ‘Restless’. The successfully funded
fan funded Kickstarter Project (23 backers pledged £1,050 pledged of a £1,000 goal) on Dec
10, 2012
Regarding his C2C
call up Tim excitedly posts on Facebook "This is going to such a great gig, as I am literally on the same bill
as Brad Paisley, Rascall Flatts, The Band Perry, and Chris Young. AND as many
of my friends know, The O2 is pretty much a dream come true gig for
me......*Dances round the room aked* :D:D:D "
Ward Thomas (UK; Petersfield, Hampshire;
Catherine and Lizzy Ward-Thomas Website - Facebook - Twitter)
C2C Blurb: They are a Country/Americana duo from
Hampshire, England. Catherine and Lizzy Ward-Thomas are 19 year old “Testube”
twin sisters who grew up on a livestock farm and who fell in love with country
music when they were introduced to the music of the Dixie Chicks in their early
teens.
The girls, who
have been singing together since childhood have a fantastic vocal blend and
already the likes of Alan Cackett from Maverick Magazine has given them his
seal of approval: "Young,
country-pop duo with terrific original songs, and the delivery to make them
unforgettable.
They represented the UK at
the CMA
Presents The Aristo Global Show on Tuesday, June 4 at The Second
Fiddle in Nashville during the CMA Festival week activities.
The lovely Catherine
and Lizzy were the support for Mindy
Smith on Sun 30th June 2013 at The Bush Hall in London.
The singer songwriting duo spent
time in Music City during 2013 recording a country/folk/pop album in Nashville
TN, co-writing with Matt Greaves and Ann Bailey. An EP has been released ahead
of an album launch. They have completed their debut album with Chris Rodriguez (Producer, previously
guitarist in Keith Urban’s band), Bobby Blazier (Producer), Jeremy Hunter and Dan
Dugmore (Lap steel, Acoustic Guitar) and Vince Gill (Electric Guitar)!
They have a live band
7-piece band of UK Musicians – “None of this backing track gubbins!” they said
on their Facebook
Listen to their super song "Take
that Train" at soundcloud.com
Their most
recent visit to Nashville in the late autumn of 2013 saw a series of radio
appearances in Tennesse and Kentucky
>> Video and further
recording.
According to their website they
are touring throught the UK during February and their Footnotes EP will be out
7th April in UK
Summer 2014 will
see the UK release of their debut album.
C2C Pop-Up ADDITIONS (Feb 17)
Carolynne Poole (UK , Leeds, "A little bit Country..A little bit Rock n
Roll" TWITTER , FACEBOOK , FACEBOOK (Fan Pages) - PHOTO !!!
C2C Blurb: Is now performing at venues across the
UK and building on her already strong 140,000 followers and fan base.
2014
looks to be a big year for Carolynne she will be heading to the States in the
early part of the year to continue song writing in L.A & Nashville
on her pending album and is hoping to showcase her talents to the American
Country Music fans and represent UK in having a worldwide Country hit record.
 |
| CLICK to ENLARGE! |
This absolutely
stunning lady is a trained actress and played the role of Talia in ITV’s
Emmerdale (June 2012) A source said: “Carolynne is very
sexy and will turn a few heads in the Dales”
The Sun Newpaper (Sept 16, 2012) described Carolynne as a “WAG” saying she dated Rio Ferdinand the Manchester United and former
England International footballer.
She finished in third place in the second series of Fame Academy and on the weekend Oct 6th
to 7th, 2012 we witnessed the first time on X Factor UK that a contestant describing themselves as a “country”
artist had made it through to the live TV stages of the ITV competition.
>> Watch “EverythingHas Changed”
(Taylor Swift & Ed Sheeran Cover) Ont' Sofa session and her X Factor 2012
Sing-off "There You'll Be" (by Faith Hill)
>> Listen to Carolynne on
Spotify Carolynne Good – Underneath Your Clothes (Fame Academy)
Carolynne is playing
both days at the Free C2C pop up stages on 15th and 16th March 2014!
Read more about Carolynne and her X Factor journey in this Blog Post: UK’s X Factor Goes Country
Excited to announce I will be playing both days at @C2Cofficial Free entry to watch artists on the pop up stages!! pic.twitter.com/BrxRh6pKy3
— Carolynne Poole (@CarolynnePoole) February 17, 2014
C2C Blurb: Having already performed with the likes of Nerina Pallot at Jersey's famous Opera House
Frankie and Lindi Ortega in Cornwall, lovely 21-year old Frankie is developing
an enthralling set, after four years of live performance it is clear that she
loves what she does and her gigs are full of beauty and emotion. Also a talented
film maker you can find artful self-directed videos of Frankie performing on
her blog.
An EP is slated
to be in the pipeline (?) with full band post production done in a studio in
Oct 2013 that will combine "her
signature country and folk sounds". She has visited Nashville and
played a few open mic gigs.
Her music sets
her apart, inspired by the country sounds of southern USA it is a genre that
enjoys little interest in Britain, but what better an
ambassador then Frankie - Source frankiedavies.blogspot
She put together
a Live band (The Lovely Ladies - Photo : Laura Shea, Emily Linden, Charlotte Haining, Jessie Whitehead = WOW!) which
she says "is loads of fun".
The
sweet-sounding singer-songwriter Frankie performed live in session and talks to
BBC
Radio Jersey's Ryan
Morrison about Country 2 Country ! She
says she will be playing both in band format and solo and has C2C tix to see
one of her influences The Dixie Chicks!
Listen here:
Listen here:
>> Watch "Hide No More" (Live) published on Jun 21, 2013 (690+ Views) joined by The Lovely Ladies in the Paul McCartney Auditorium
>> Listen to her demo songs
on Soundcloud
Available MUSIC: Get an immediate FREE
download of
"One Day", high-quality MP3 (206kbps) with lyrics for an email share (Vocals and
guitar: Frankie Davies; Slide Guitar and acoustic guitar: Emily Linden; Violin:
Emily Roe)
SO EXCITED to announce ill be playing at @C2Cofficial at the @o2arena in March. Bring on #C2C2014
— Frankie Davies (@frankierdavies) February 11, 2014
Alan West (UK; Seaton,
Devon; Americana/Country Website - Facebook - Twitter)
C2C Blurb: For many years, has been regarded as
having one of the greatest voices to come out of the UK.
 |
| Alan West (2nd from Left) with Bob Harris (OBE) |
“West and
Elliott” was to provide Alan with his first real taste of success having won
the British Country Music Association award for “UK’s Finest Duo” two years
running as well as receiving the “Album of the Year” for their debut album “The
All Day Session”. This led to frequent tours with such songwriting legends as
Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Sonny Curtis, Hal Ketchum and Hugh Moffatt.
Since the duo
went their separate ways Alan has gone on to record two solo CD’s the first of
which was recorded in Nashville.
Alan’s CD’s “Songs from a Neophyte”, “The Way of The
World” and “The Way It Is” feature a host of great musicians of the genre.
Alan’s frequent
songwriting collaborator has been west country pal and recording artist Steve
Black
On Monday 27th
January, Alan (joined by Adam Sweet & Dean Barne) was honoured, privileged
and very proud to have recorded a session at BBC Radio 2 with #C2C 2014 compere
'Whispering' Bob Harris, which will be broadcast in the early hours on Sunday March
23rd.
“Alan West is a UK Treasure” - Alan Cackett (Former editor, Maverick
Magazine)
>> Watch "You're
On Your Own"
(Song by Steve Black)
>> Listen to his music on Reverbnation and SPOTIFY - Alan West – the way it is - Alan West – The Way of the World
On Sat 15th March we'll be playing at @C2Cofficial at The O2 in London....Mega chuffed!!... http://t.co/oQ6MFhmkBI
— Alan West (@AlanWest65) February 11, 2014
MAIN STAGE LINE UP!:
Brad Paisley, Zac Brown
Band, Dixie Chicks, Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Chris Young & Martina McBride confirmed to appear
across the weekend.
Tickets: Went on sale at 9am Friday 11th October 2013.
Possibly
a few tickets left for Sunday:
SOURCE
– www.c2c-countrytocountry.com
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