Showcase Highlights And Venues For UK Americana Music Week, JAN 20-23

UK AMERICANA MUSIC WEEK, POWERED BY SWEET HOME ALABAMA,

JANUARY 20 – 23 2025 IN HACKNEY, LONDON

Celebrating the Best in Americana Music with Performances, Awards, and Industry Insights

SHOWCASE HIGHLIGHTS AND VENUES

TUESDAY 21 & WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY

TICKETS NOW ON SALE: HERE

More details have been announced for the much-anticipated programme of showcases which take place on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 January in Hackney, London, as part of UK Americana Music Week, powered by Sweet Home Alabama.

Close to 50 UK and international showcasing artists have been revealed so far, with more to come. They will perform in Hackney venues Night Tales, Oslo, Paper Dress Vintage and Moth Club; all within a 5-minute walk of each other. Showcase tickets give access to all showcase events Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 January, providing an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy both established stars and up and coming artists performing original Americana music. Live music doesn't get any better than this!

Purchase showcase tickets – incredible value at just £55 for multiple performances across two nights – HERE

Highlights in a sensational line-up include Danni Nicholls, returning for her first showcase performance since the very first UK Americana Week in Hackney, about whom broadcaster Bob Harris said, “I absolutely love the elegance and beauty of her music.”

The Dreaming Spires play their debut showcase, following their multiple award nominations in previous years. They will be celebrating the 15^th anniversary of the recording of the alt country classic ‘Everything All The Time’. A must-see for fans of The Byrds and The Band.

Multi-award winner Robert Vincent, with his band, will make his first official showcase appearance since 2022. Robert recently completed a tour with Robert Plant’s ‘Saving Grace’.

The UK Americana Music Week showcases also give the opportunity to premiere some outstanding emerging artists such as Savannah Gardner, who is nominated for ‘Best Live Act’ at the annual UK Americana Music Awards on January 23 at Hackney Church. Savannah has played major festivals including Glastonbury, Black Deer, The Long Road, Maverick, C2C London and more. Catch her live and you will understand why.

Amongst many acts representing the USA are the sublime Viv & Riley, whose artistic rebirth came about in Durham (North Carolina), home to ground-breaking roots artists like Watchhouse, Sylvan Esso, and The Mountain Goats.

Also from the USA, Willie Watson (formally of Old Crow Medicine Show), who will be playing tracks from his International Album Of The Year nominated album ‘Willie Watson’, in an extended showcase spot. Watson is a skilled songwriter and performer with a unique ability to use his expansive understanding of an old lexicon to add his own new entries to it.

2025 sees the return of the hugely popular Canada House at Moth Club. Highlights on the CIMA stage include Prince Edward Island’s contemporary folk group The East Pointers, Newfoundland trio The Once and International Song Of The year nominee Julian Taylor, from Toronto.

SHOWCASE LINE-UP ANNOUNCED SO FAR:

Altameda ● Annie Dressner ● Annie Keating ● Beth Bombara ● Celeigh Cardinal ● Chloe Foy ● Chris Acker ● Daniel Kimbro ● Danni Nicholls ● Digging Roots ● Dom Glynn & His Sunday Best ● Ella Spencer ● Ferris & Sylvester ● Georgia van Etten ● Grayling ● Jade Turner ● James Hodder ● Jill Jackson ● Joe Harvey-Whyte & Bobby Lee ● Jonny Morgan ● Julian Taylor ● Liam Cromby ● Logan Richard ● Logan Staats ● Louis Brennan ● Madeleine Roger ● Malin Pettersen ● Our Man in the Field ● Peter Bruntnell ● Robbie Cavanagh ● Robert Vincent ● Rube & Rake ● Run Remedy ● Ryland Moranz ● Sarah Jane Scouten ● Savannah Gardner ● Simeon Hammond Dallas ● Steady Habits ● Tapes For Diane ● The Dreaming Spires ● The East Pointers ● The Once ● The Lucky Ones ● The Roseline ● Toria Wooff ● Trevor Moss & Hannah Lou ● Viv & Riley ● Willie Watson  

Stay tuned as AMA-UK will be announcing a special showcase collaboration with ‘Swedish Americana’ very soon, with more names to be revealed.

Snap up showcase tickets now at: https://americanafestuk.seetickets.com/content/ticket-options. UK Americana Music Awards tickets and Delegate passes are also available.

Here is the Showcase schedule for the 21st and 22nd January at ‘UK Americana Music Week: INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | VENUES 

Alongside the two nights of showcases, UK Americana Music Week, powered by Sweet Home Alabama will feature for 2025: a specially commissioned documentary film, “I’ll Take You There”, a co-production between the Americana Music Association UK (AMA-UK), The Romano Sidoli Consultancy and Northern Cowboy Films, which will premiere at Hackney Picturehouse on Monday 20 January.

The annual AMA-UK conference, the cornerstone of the week’s programming, which will be held at Night Tales in Hackney during the daytime on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22. Next year’s theme is “Can Songs Change the World? Americana in 2025,” covering a diverse range of topics tailored for Americana enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

The week’s events will then culminate in the prestigious UK Americana Music Awards, powered by Sweet Home Alabama, hosted at Hackney Church on Thursday 23 January, where standout achievements in Americana music from the past year will be celebrated. Special Awards include an International Lifetime Achievement Award for iconic, multi-platinum singer and songwriter Candi Staton, and Trailblazer Awards for four times Grammy Award-winning singer, composer and actor Lyle Lovett (International) and ground-breaking Irish singer, songwriter and musician CMAT (UK/Ireland).

Details on the nominations and Special Awards for 2025 follow below.

The event is proudly supported by Sweet Home Alabama, who are headline sponsors again for the fourth year, CIMA (Canadian Independent Music Association) , PPL, PRS for Music, Concord, Thirty Tigers, Uncut, Musicians’ Union, Americana Music Sweden, and the US Americana Music Association.

Award Nominations:

UK ARTIST OF THE YEAR

·         Elles Bailey 

·         Ferris & Sylvester

·         Hannah White

·         Katherine Priddy

·         Robert Vincent

·         The Heavy Heavy

UK ALBUM OF THE YEAR

·         Elles Bailey - Beneath The Neon Glow

·         Hannah White - Sweet Revolution

·         Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand - Willson Williams

·         Nina Nesbitt - Mountain Music 

·         The Hanging Stars - On A Golden Shore

·         The Heavy Heavy - One of a Kind

UK SONG OF THE YEAR

·         Blue Rose Code – “Sadie”

·         Brown Horse – “Stealing Horses”

·         Jack Francis – “Failure”

·         Nina Nesbitt – “Pages”

·         Our Man In The Field – “L'Etranger”

·         Robert Vincent – “Follow What You Love and Love Will Follow”

UK INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR

·         Ashley Campbell

·         Henry Senior Jr

·         Joe Coombs

·         Joe Harvey White

·         Joe Wilkins

·         Keiron Marshall

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

·         Bonny Light Horseman

·         Charley Crockett

·         Jason Isbell

·         Larkin Poe

·         Sierra Ferrell

·         Waxahatchee

INTERNATIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

·         American Aquarium - The Fear Of Standing Still

·         Bonny Light Horseman - Keep Me On Your Mind/See You Free

·         Gillian Welch & David Rawlings - Woodland

·         Kacey Musgraves - Deeper Well

·         Kyshona - Legacy 

·         Willie Watson - Willie Watson 

INTERNATIONAL SONG OF THE YEAR

·         Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – “Empty Trainload of Sky”

·         Hurray For The Riff Raff – “Buffalo” 

·         Julian Taylor & Allison Russell – “Pathways”

·         Kyshona – “The Echo”

·         Lizzie No – “The Heartbreak Store”

·         Sierra Ferrell – “American Dreaming”

LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR

·         Ben Ottewell & Ian Ball (of Gomez)

·         Campbell Jensen

·         Danny & The Champions of the World 

·         Kezia Gill 

·         Lola Kirke

·         Morganway

·         Savannah Gardner

·         Skinny Lister

·         The Heavy Heavy

·         Wunderhorse

AMA-UK Special Awards

International Lifetime Achievement Award

Selected by the board members, their highest honour is awarded to an international artist, duo or group in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the Americana genre over the span of their career and life in music. The 2025 recipient will be Candi Staton

International Trailblazer Award

Selected by the board members, this special award celebrates an international artist, duo or group that has taken an exceptional path, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps in developing the Americana genre. The 2025 recipient will be Lyle Lovett

Lyle Lovett: photo credit: Michael Wilson

UK/Ireland Trailblazer Award

Selected by the board members, this special award celebrates an artist, duo or group from the UK or Ireland that has taken an exceptional path, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps in developing the Americana genre. The 2025 recipient will be CMAT

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Tickets for UK Americana Music Week, powered by Sweet Home Alabama are available now: https://americanafestuk.seetickets.com/content/ticket-options

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of Americana music in the heart of London.

Bob Harris (OBE) had this message for Americana UK readers: “I am absolutely thrilled that The Country Show has been voted No.1 radio programme again. Thank you to Mark Hagen and Paul Mann for all their brilliant work behind the scenes, to BBC Radio 2 for the support they give us and to the musicians who create the music we love. But above all, thanks go to the listeners and to everyone who voted for us again this year. It means the world to know you’re enjoying what we do. I love the Americana UK community. Thank you for everything” 

About the AMA-UK

The Americana Music Association UK (AMA-UK) is a professional trade association representing and advocating for the voice of Americana music in the UK. It’s membership comprises musicians, both from the UK and overseas, plus individuals and organisations from all sectors of the music industry, including; agents, promoters, venues, festivals, labels, distributors, retailers, management, touring crew, journalists, broadcasters and publicists. 

The AMA-UK is committed to treating all artists and associated parties equally regardless of their gender status, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, age or disability.  It is always listening and learning from its membership and strives to ensure it provides a safe environment that allows all to feel welcome, safe and able to contribute.  

Previous recipients of the AMA-UK Board’s Special Awards include: Robert Plant, Mumford & Sons, Billy Bragg, Van Morrison, Richard Thompson, Albert Lee, Graham Nash, Joan Armatrading, Lucinda Williams and many more. Awards have been presented by Sir Patrick Stewart, Jools Holland, Bonnie Raitt, Chris Difford, Ricky Ross, Harry Shearer, Timothy B. Schmidt, Jim Lauderdale and Kiki Dee, amongst many others.

UK Americana Music Week, powered by Sweet Home Alabama is delivered under the leadership of the Americana Music Association UK's newly appointed Board, comprising Ian Thomas, Kristen Nielsen (Creative Consultant), Brendan McCarthy (Why & How), Paul Fenn (Asgard), Luke Hill (Grey Seal Media), and Anton Lockwood (DHP). UK Americana Music Week Festival Producer is Jim Walker (Brighthelmstone). The UK Americana Music Awards are produced by Adrian Basketfield. Commercial partnerships are handled by The Romano Sidoli Consultancy.

What is Americana music?

We find it best described as the genre that incorporates elements of various roots music styles resulting in a distinctive sound that lives in a world apart from the pure forms of the genres upon which it may draw. 

CONNECT with Americana Music UK:

Chloe Chadwick Unleashes Nostalgic Charm with New Single, "Shoot to Run”

Chloe Chadwick Unleashes Nostalgic Charm with Upcoming Single, "Shoot to Run" and whisks listeners back to the innocence of childhood.

It dropped on Friday 1^st December!

 STREAM on your preferred platform HERE

“I Absolutely Love That Song, I Think Its Terrific, A Real Lighthearted And Fun Exploration Of The Classic Rivaly, Brilliant!” - Tim Prottey-Jones CountryLine Radio (Homegrown Country Show Episode 174)

 

Acclaimed Americana artist Chloe Chadwick is back with a delightful new release that's bound to take you on a nostalgic journey through the iconic and cherished childhood games of "Cowboys and Indians." "Shoot to Run" (tagged Americana), Chadwick's latest single, is a light-hearted and fun exploration of this classic rivalry that has captured the imaginations of generations.

We all remember those days of sweet innocence, playing in the backyard, dressing up, and immersing ourselves in the captivating world of make-believe. Cowboys and Indians were the characters who stood at the centre of our imaginative adventures. Chadwick brings these cherished memories to life in her own unique style, reminding us of the days when choosing to be a cowboy or an Indian was the ultimate decision, as both held equal fascination and awe.

Song Credits: Written By Chloe Chadwick | Recorded At Inspire Recording Studios, Staffordshire

Produced By Tom Bishop & Matt Bishop | All Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Rhythm Guitars By Chloë ChadwickLead Guitars By Matt Bishop | Drums, Fx And Bass By Tom Bishop. | Mixed And Mastered By Matt Bishop & Tom Bishop @ Inspire Studios 2023

While Hollywood often portrayed these iconic characters as being at odds, locked in bitter conflict, and engaged in fierce battles for vast territories, Chloe Chadwick's "Shoot to Run" takes a different approach. Her goal is not to pass judgment, search for historical accuracy, or delve into metaphorical depths, but rather to unveil the playful and enjoyable side of Cowboys and Indians that resonates with people across the globe, irrespective of Hollywood's often stereotypical representations.

"Shoot to Run" is a musical journey that captures the essence of the Cowboys and Indians game and the fond memories associated with it. With her soulful Americana style and evocative storytelling, this latest single is sure to strike a chord with audiences of all ages. Through her music, she encapsulates the joy, wonder, and innocence that we all once experienced while embracing these timeless characters.

YOUTUBE In her own words, Chloe talks about the inspiration behind writing the song "I remember as little as 6 or 7 years old, there was always a western film on the TV being played whilst the Sunday dinner was cooking or when we got back from a Saturday afternoon of sports and we were waiting for the bath to run, hoping there was no hot water so we could play a bit longer. 

I used to get engulfed in the adventures of the Wild West being played out in black and white on channel 4. It was somewhat exciting seeing cowboys on horses, and Indians protecting their lands in an adventure of seeking the promise land and freedom. I would be engulfed for hours on an afternoon (or minutes so my mum would probably claim!). The thought of those childhood days dressing up as cowboys and Indians and watching those films as a kid on a weekend, somehow brings back a calmness and warm feeling inside, reminding me of a pastime that was peaceful, even though ironically they were films of bloodshed and war. The characters you warmed to, the stories were adventurous, the rivalry you fell in love with. You wanted to be them, ride with them, and see where the adventures would take you! That was my inspiration behind writing 'Shoot to Run".

"Shoot to Run" is a delightful departure from the everyday, offering a refreshing and heart-warming perspective on our beloved childhood pastime. The single is a testament to Chadwick's ability to connect with her audience on a personal and emotional level, making it a must-listen for fans of both Country and Americana and those who appreciate music that touches the heart.

RELATED POST: Chloe Chadwick releases new single ‘Soulmate’

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The Wandering Hearts: Christmas Headline & Spring 2024 UK Tour

COUNTRY AND AMERICANA TRIO THE WANDERING HEARTS SPRING TOUR

Christmas Headline in December , UK Tour in March/ April 2024

                                        ** See Dates Below **

Check out their latest tracks “About America” and “Not Misunderstood”

Following a huge tour with Jack Savoretti, renowned Americana trio The Wandering Hearts are set to treat us to a set of folk-tinged acoustic wonder in March and April 2024.

The Wandering Hearts achieved their second consecutive #1 on the UK official Americana Chart as they built on the breakthrough success of their WILD SILENCE debut with 2021’s self-titled second album, recorded between Woodstock and Omaha with producers Simone Felice, David Baron and Mike Mogis.

Arriving to a second wave of critical acclaim and again championed by Bob Harris at BBC Radio 2 (who previously awarded them his Breakthrough Artist at the UK Americana Awards), the album cemented the trio’s reputation as one of the leading lights in British Folk-Americana  – as underlined by their further nomination for Album Of The Year at the UK Americana Awards 2022, alongside Yola and The Staves.

The only British act to debut at both the iconic Ryman Theatre and The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in the same week, The Wandering Hearts have shared stages and tours across the UK and US with artists such as the late greats Tom Petty, John Prine and Justin Townes Earle, and Margo Price, Lukas Nelson, Robert Plant and Eagles.

Signed to Chrysalis Records for their third album, the band have had a busy 2023 with standout performances at SXSW in Austin, Black Deer Festival, and a Americanafest show in Nashville, as well as extensively supporting and performing on stage alongside Jack Savoretti on his summer tour.

The release of their EP HESPERUS in May, followed by their addition of ‘Voices’ to the much-lauded Nick Drake anthology ‘The Endless Coloured Ways’ in July (alongside Bombay Bicycle Club, Feist, Aurora, Emile Sande, Self Esteem and more), all hint at a flavour of their forthcoming album (due 2024). The new material puts sharp focus on their world-renowned three-part harmonies to explore their Folk-Rock influences, blending flavours that bring to mind Simon & Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac and contemporaries like Milk Carton Kids and First Aid Kit.

The Wandering Hearts Live Dates

Friday 15 December 2023 - Christmas Special Headline Show at Sage Gateshead @ 7:00pm (The Glasshouse, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR) £20 Event We were Sage Gateshead

UK TOUR 2024

Tuesday 26 March 2024 - Queens Hall, Edinburgh (85-89 Clerk St, Edinburgh EH8 9JG WEBSITE Capacity: 900) £18 Ticketmaster UK

Wednesday 27 March 2024 - The Deer's Head, Belfast (1-3, Lower Garfield Street, Belfast BT1 1FP WEBSITE) £17.50 Ticketmaster IE

Thursday 28 March 2024 - The Workman's Cellar, Dublin, Ireland (The Workman's Cellar, Dublin) €20.00 Ticketmaster IE

Sunday 31 March 2024 - XOYO Birmingham, Birmingham (Formerly known as The Mill 29, Lower Trinity Street, Birmingham B9 4AG) £20 ticketweb.uk

Tuesday 2 April 2024 - Gorilla, Manchester (54-56 Whitworth Street, Manchester M1 5WW) £19.90 Ticketmaster UK

Wednesday 3 April 2024 - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds (Queens Road, Leeds LS6 1NY WEBSITE Capacity: 400) £17 Ticketmaster UK

Thursday 4 April 2024 - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham (Masonic Place, Goldsmith Street, Nottingham NG1 5GG WEBSITE Capacity: 450) £19 Ticketmaster UK

Friday 5 April 2024 - The Leadmill, Sheffield (6-7 Leadmill Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Sheffield S1 4SE) WEBSITE) £19.15 Ticketmaster UK

Sunday 7 April 2024 - The Fleece, Bristol (12 Thomas Ln, Bristol BS1 6JJ WEBSITE Capacity: 400) £20 ticketweb.uk

Monday 8 April 2024 - Brighton Komedia, Brighton (44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1UN WEBSITE) Capacity: 400) £20 ticketweb.uk

Tuesday 9 April 2024 - O2 Academy2, Oxford (190 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1UE WEBSITE) Ticketmaster UK

Thursday 11 April 2024 - Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich (51 St. Benedicts Street, Norwich NR2 4PG) WEBSITE capacity 290 ) £20 ticketweb.uk

Friday 12 April 2024 - Electric Brixton, Brixton (Town Hall Parade, Brixton SW2 1RJ WEBSITE Capacity: 1,500) £22.85 ticketweb.uk

Saturday 13 April 2024 - Tramshed, Cardiff (Clare Road, Cardiff CF11 6QP WEBSITE Capacity: 1,000) ticketweb.uk

Tickets available on Ticketmaster UK

In September the trio excitedly share TWO new tracks “About America” and “Not Misunderstood”

The Wandering Hearts - About America (Official Music Video) written by Alexander John Dean-Revington, Emily Phillips, Francesca Whiffin, Tara Wilcox 37,306 views, published Sept 13, 2023 | 8,784 Spotify Streams 

The Wandering Hearts - Not Misunderstood (Official Video) written by Francesca Whiffin, Rose Cousins, Tara Wilcox 8,841 views  published Sept 13, 2023 | 7,730 Spotify Streams.

ABOUT The Wandering Hearts:

At the start of 2017 Decca hosted a London showcase for several of their impressive new signings and the then British folk-Americana quartet (Chess Whiffin, AJ Dean, Tara Wilcox and Tim Prottey-Jones who left the band) immediately stood out for them. They were  discovered within half-an-hour of uploading their first demo online, then signed up shortly afterwards by the label. It’s easy to understand why on their glorious debut single, Wish I Could (released May 5, 2017).

Their music has been described as a British twist on everything you love about the classic Fleetwood Mac sound, with folk and country influences from the likes of First Aid Kit, The Lumineers and Chris Stapleton in their too, plus some of the finest harmonies of any emerging act that you’ll have heard in years.

With their blissful three-part harmonies and blend of folk, country, and Americana influences, The Wandering Hearts are breathing new life into roots music. The UK trio of Chess Whiffin, AJ Dean, and Tara Wilcox emerged in 2017 with their acclaimed debut album WILD SILENCE, which hit #1 on the UK Americana chart, debuted at No.1 on the Official UK Country Album Top 20 (Week Ending 22 Feb 2018) and made a debut at No.85 on the Official UK Top 100 Albums Chart with estimated sales of 1,000 copies.

As they worked on their second album, the group -- reduced to a trio with the departure of Prottey-Jones -- continued performing, including the C2C Country to Country festival at the O2 in London, CMA Fest in Nashville.

Their self-titled 2021 follow-up continued their success, earning more praise from critics and another Americana #1.

The band has toured extensively, supporting legends like Tom Petty and Robert Plant while making history as the only British act to debut at the Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry in the same week. 

Their soulful take on the folk-rock trio earned The Wandering Hearts nominations for UK Americana Awards Album of the Year.

At the UK Americana Awards 2018 they snagged the Bob Harris Emerging Artist Award.

At the British Country Music Awards for 2018 they won UK Album of the Year for WILD SILENCE and a year later won  Group of the Year at the BCMA 2019 Awards.

After signing to Chrysalis Records, 2023 brought more milestones like standout SXSW and Black Deer Festival sets as they gear up for their eagerly awaited third album.

Spotify 35,962 monthly listeners

Most streamed songs:

Wish I Could 4,422,668 (released Feb 9, 2018)

Devil 2,042,995  (“B” Playlisted by BBC RADIO 2)

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