Matraca Berg tells the stories behind You and Tequila and Strawberry Wine and why voicing your polit
On the night Merle Haggard died songwriting festival Tin Pan South was in full swing and music city paid tribute to the Country music legend in the only way it knew how, to carry on playing country music. I was at a place called The Country for the most magical songwriters round with Waylon Payne, Brent Cobb and Matraca Berg, they all knew Merle and played not only the hits they had written for other artists but also included a song or two of his in their set and talked about
Hit Songwriter Chris DeStefano discusses his writing process and the first song he ever wrote!
Last week at the CMA Songwriters in Gateshead I had the pleasure of interviewing all four Songwriters before the show. I was really excited to sit down with Chris DeStefano who has a string of number 1s under his belt recorded by other artists and who had written some of my very favourite Country songs. After just releasing a single himself just a week before I was eager to talk to him about his songwriting career and where he was heading next and his performance in the round
The who's who of C2C 2019!
So it’s official C2C 2019 is looking good! In an announcement celebration tonight before the CMA Songwriters Series hosted by Bob Harris in London next March’s line up was finally revealed before a surprise guest appeared, Chase Rice, who is on the bill! So as we’re all buzzing from the big reveal I thought I’d bring you more information about each artist and a suggested song or two in case they’re new to you. I know the majority are over the moon, some may be disappointed bu
CMA Songwriters impress at The Sage!
Each time the CMA Songwriter’s Series comes to the UK I leave the room at the end of the night slightly aww-struck at the talent on stage. This year was no different. Not only was the musical talent there for all to see but once again the songwriters doubled up as comedians particularly Kassi Ashton who regularly had the audience roaring with laughter. What had been a perfect day in Gateshead, chatting to the four writers turned into a perfect night as they shared the stories
Lainey Wilson talks about her first trip to the UK!
On Friday evening I had the pleasure of talking to Lainey Wilson. When her name first cropped up on the Country Music Week posters I'd not heard much about her but on listening to some feisty tracks on her latest EP I was impressed, and looking forward to catching up with her. The determination to succeed in this business was evident when I spoke to her on the phone and the excitement she felt about coming to the UK was uncontainable! First of all, could you tell me about you
A Star is Born! - Film Review
When sat in the cinema waiting for Christopher Robin to begin a few weeks back I saw a trailer, the soundtrack sounded good and it mentioned Bradley Cooper playing a Country singer, then Lady Gaga’s voice kicks in and the trailer alone had me muttering “wow” under my breath. I had to see that film! Not long after I received the invite to the preview screening the night before release organised by Entertainment Focus Country and Warner Bros. Anybody who is anybody in the UK Co
Day by Day of Country Music Week!
Country music fans in the UK only ever used to have one weekend of the year to look forward to, granted it was so good that the excitement and memories used to last the whole year round! Of Course I’m talking about Country 2 Country Festival. But with it’s growing success year on year the festival grew from two days to three and as other festivals began to pop up around it C2C expanded once again and last year saw the very first Country Music Week come to life in October. I c
