In a Nut Shell: The Country Music Week Hub
More often than not, especially the songwriters, it's good to get a feel for the artists and stories behind the songs. The Country Music Week Hub is more than just a stage, last year it proved to be one of the most popular attractions of the weekend with people queuing for hours to get in so they could not only hear the artists perform but also get to know them a little better in this Q&A style set up. So who will be appearing this year and what songs should you listen to in advance? (Timings to be updated shortly)
Abby Anderson
Potentially my favourite pop-up artist! I met her at a writing workshop and was told she was the next big thing, sure enough six months later she was signed to Black River Entertainment, was singing at the Ryman and the Opry and was touring with label mate Kelsea Ballerini who co-wrote one of her singles Dance Away My Broken Heart. She released her debut EP last year and this Texas girl has a lot of Sass but a very big heart!
Recommended Song:
Make Him Wait
Stages and Timings:
Radio 2 -
CMW Hub -
Spotlight -
Afterparty -
Jimmie Allen
Jimmie Allen’s career in Nashville took a while to take off and he lived in his car for quite a while! After being rejected by American Idol, Allen kept his chin up and ended up signing with Broken Bow Records. His debut single Best Shot topped the Country Airplay charts making him the first African American to reach the number 1 spot on that chart with his debut single.
Recommended song:
Best Shot
Stages and Timings:
Radio 2 -
CMW Hub -
Spotlight -
Runaway June
Another trio made up of three lovely ladies, Hannah, Naomi and Jennifer. They were nominated for best new vocal group at the ACM’s in 2018 and are signed to Wheelhouse Records an imprint of Broken Bow. They have released a series of low charting singles as a group but Jennifer is the granddaughter of John Wayne and she co-wrote Eric Paslay’s hit song She Don’t Love You. They are supporting Carrie Underwood on her Cry Pretty Tour.
Recommended Song:
Buy My Own Drinks
Stages and Timings:
Radio 2 -
CMW Hub -
Spotlight -
Afterparty -
Adam Hambrick
If you don’t know Adam Hambrick you’ll almost certainly know some of his songs as he penned Dan and Shay’s #1 hit How Not To and Justin Moore’s Somebody Else Will. Signed to Buena Vista Records Adam has turned away just slightly from the writers room to focus on his own artist career. His voice is beautiful especially on the song I’ve chosen!
Recommended song:
Table For One
Stages and Timings:
Radio 2 -
CMW Hub -
Spotlight -
James Barker Band
The Canadian band, formed in Ontario consists of James Barker, Taylor Abram, Connor Stephen and Bobby Martin. They are signed to Universal Music and have released one EP to date. Their single Chills got to number 1 on the Canadian Country chart whilst four other singles made the top ten. They have won a Canadian Country Music Award and a Juno for their work.
Recommended Song:
Lawn Chair Lazy
Stages and Timings:
Radio 2 -
CMW Hub -
Late Night Saloon - Friday - 10pm
Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson’s voice is recognisable anywhere, it’s so unique and it’s not just her voice but the Country sound she has crafted too. She is a feisty girl, full of determination which is what you need to make it in Nashville when you’re living out of a camper! Signed to Broken Bow she is spending part of 2019 out on the road with Morgan Wallen.
Recommended Song:
Middle Finger
Stages and Timings:
Radio 2 -
Town Square -
CMW Hub -
Late Night Saloon - Saturday - 10pm
Lauren Jenkins
Finally a Big Machine Recording Artist! No Country Festival is complete without a few rising stars from one of the biggest Country labels ever! Her album No Saint coincides with C2C as it is released in March. She was chosen as a member of the class of 2019 by DJ Bobby Bones and has just finished writing, co-producing and starring in a short film.
Recommended Song:
Give Up The Ghost
Stages and Timings:
Town Square -
Logan Mize
When your great uncle is known for crafting a whole sound you know music is in your blood, at least that’s the case for Logan Mize who’s great uncle Billy Mize crafted the Bakersfield sound. He has a publishing deal with Big Yellow Dog and has released a series of records his latest landing in the top 20 of the billboard country albums chart!
Recommended song:
Ain’t Always Pretty
Stages and Timings:
Radio 2 -
Town Square -
CMW Hub -
Noah Schnacky
Noah Schnacky is certainly a new name to me and there is limited information about him on the World Wide Web but what I do know is that he’s a young heart throb who’s making waves in the States! His latest releases have been playlist on Spotify and received support from Shazam. He likes to reward and surprise his fans particularly when out on the road and he has supported Brett Eldredge and Hunter Hayes.
Recommended Song:
Hello Beautiful
Stages and Timings:
Radio 2 -
Town Square -
CMW Hub -
Sam Palladio
Ah potentially the most famous name of the pop-up stage artists. Sam Palladio who played Gunnar Scott in the TV program Nashville has been working on his own record since the show ended after six seasons. Last year the Englishman played a number of festivals in the UK including Black Deer and SummerTyne Americana Festival. He is bound to play a mixture of originals and songs from the soundtrack of the hit US Drama.
Recommended Song:
Wake Me Up In Nashville
Stages and Timings:
Radio 2 -
Town Square -
CMW Hub -
Sarah Darling
Sarah comes over to the UK multiple times a year, especially to play festivals! She has had a successful career as an independent artist in Nashville and has some beautiful songs. She has written with some top writers too such as Brandy Clark and Josh Osborne and her story telling lyrics are perfect for every kind of Country fan.
Recommended Song:
The Boy Never Stays
Stages and Timings:
Radio 2 -
Town Square -
CMW Hub -
