Category Archives: folk

americana, Appalachia, bluegrass, Country and Western, Female Artist, folk, Kristen Grainger + The True North, nashville, Women In Music

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S12 Ep 2 ~ Kristen Grainger and The True North

Leave a comment

Episode 2 of the CloudwatcherUno Podcast features Kristen Grainger and The True North. We talk about Kristen’s new album ‘Fear of Falling Stars’ is an authentic love letter to the world of bluegrass music, with heavenly songs full of love, loss, hope and heartbreak. On the podcast we get to speak about Kristen’s journey into music, her ‘Hallmark’ movie romance with Dan Wetzl a supremely talented multi instrumentalist songwriter and the possibility of playing in England in 2024.

Kristen Grainger’s vocal delivery is truly captivating, as she effortlessly infuses each lyric with soulful depth and genuine emotion. Her band complements her vocals with elegant yet understated instrumentation, skillfully weaving in delicate embellishments that enhance the overall sonic tapestry. This seamless combination of heartfelt vocals and tasteful musical accompaniment results in a truly immersive listening experience, inviting the audience to connect with the music on a deeply emotional level.


Kristen Grainger and True North – Big Little Songs (truenorthband.com) also features Martin Stevens and Josh Adkins. Kristen Grainger has taken top honors at some of the nation’s most prestigious songwriting competitions, including Telluride Bluegrass Festival @telluridebluegrassfestival , MerleFest and the USA Songwriting Contest. She also was named, alongside Dolly Parton and Brandi Carlile , one of the “Women Who Wrote Our 2020 Soundtrack” by The Bluegrass Situation. @thebluegrasssituation

 ‘Fear of Falling Stars’ is simply a modern masterpiece of an album. Their authenticity and passion shine through in each song, inviting listeners to join them on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. Kristen Grainger & True North’s music resonates on a deep level, weaving a tapestry of storytelling that captivates audiences worldwide. With their rich melodies and evocative lyrics, they craft an immersive musical experience that transcends geographical boundaries, tapping into universal emotions and experiences. As they continue to push the boundaries of folk and Americana music, their impact reverberates far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on the global music scene.

When it comes to podcasts, there’s something for everyone, and the one from CloudwatcherUno featuring Kristen Grainger and The True North is definitely worth a listen. So, whether you’re at home, on the go, or simply relaxing. hit play and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of CloudwatcherUno and his special guests.

Barcelona, folk, Independent Music, Mary Mahaffey, Songbird

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 9 ~ Mary Mahaffey

Leave a comment

From her adopted home of Barcelona, Mary Mahaffey speaks to CloudwatcherUno about the music that brings passion into her heart, love into her life and brings a new perspective into what it means to be human.

Mary released her debut album, Daydreams, in May 2023. Written while daydreaming from a window sill during the pandemic, her songs reflect on long distance love and affection, and mental health, exploring how we change and grow with the passage of time. 

Daydreams by Mary Mahaffey

Inspired by her experiences of living internationally, away from her family and loved ones, this album captures the aches of isolation and uncertainty, driven by the pandemic, and the persistence of love and hope in reaching across those distances. In the album, Mary’s earthy and soothing voice blends with pedal steel guitar, hammond organ, and violin to create a unique emotive texture.

Mary’s ability to convey raw emotional energy in her music and storytelling sets her apart as an artist. Her songs resonate with a sincere connection that deeply touches her audiences, creating a truly authentic and intimate experience.

The way Mary weaves elements of folk, pop, and Americana into her lyricism adds layers of richness and depth to her artistry, enveloping listeners in a tapestry of emotions and genuine expression. This unique blend of genres allows Mary to create a musical experience that is both familiar and refreshing, capturing the hearts of her audience with its raw and compelling honesty.

Mary with a copy of her album ‘Daydreams’

Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Mary Mahaffey. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

bluegrass, folk, Old Time, Punk Rock, UK Americana

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 6 ~ WaterTower

Leave a comment

CloudwatcherUno hangs out with the boys from LA as they tour around the UK. Water Tower is known for playing modern bluegrass music mixed with traditional, old time, and punk rock influences.  The guys recorded their episode live in London.

The legends that are a WaterTower

The current line up for WaterTower are Joe “Juice” Berglund (bass, fiddle), Tommy Drinkard (banjo), and Jesse Blue Eads (bass, banjo) became the main Water Tower line up with Kevin Feinstein in 2020. In 2021 they released a limited-edition bootleg album of all new songs called For the Owls. A live studio album called Live from Los Angeles is due to come out in 2023.

WaterTower in action.

The band has a DIY attitude and many of their albums are self-released. They prefer to book their own shows and tours, and a lot of their time is spent playing for passing cars at freeway off-ramps around Los Angeles.

New Logo for WaterTower

Water Tower is very active in the local bluegrass scene and the band hosts a monthly bluegrass jam event called Hillbilly Hype House. The band itself functions as a collective, with members playing in various side projects. 

WaterTower Band ~ Wilderness Festival

Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring WaterTower. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

21st Century Folk, americana, country, Country and Western, folk, Jazz, Music Row, nashville, Songbird, Stacy Antonel

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 2 ~ Stacy Antonel

Leave a comment

CloudwatcherUno catches up with Stacy at Maison Bertaux in London’s Soho. Over tea and cake we talk about Stacy’s recent UK tour, especially her gig at Green Note Music and her previous alter ego ‘Ginger Cowgirl’ We explore her latest album “Always The Outsider” and two of those tracks you can listen to in the podcast ‘Planetary Heartache’ and ‘Always The Outsider’.

CloudwatcherUno S11 Ep2 with Stacy Antonel

Stacy moved from San Diego to Nashville to get closer to Music City and in 2019 Stacy released her first self titled EP. Stacy talks about the pressure for artists to produce music to the algorithm’s of the music industry and how Stacy has carved her own musical identity as a modern retro country artist with her distinctive jazzy vocals. One of the stand out tracks is “Nashville”.

Stacy Antonel a kick ass retro country loving artist

Stacy, a talented singer-songwriter, made the bold decision to leave her sunny hometown of San Diego and set her sights on Nashville, the renowned Music City. With dreams of immersing herself in the vibrant country music scene, Stacy was eager to pursue her passion and become a part of the rich musical heritage of the city.

In 2019, after years of hard work, dedication, and honing her craft, Stacy proudly released her highly anticipated, self-titled EP “Ginger Cowgirl”. This project not only showcased her exceptional song writing skills but also captured her unique style and artistry. Each track on the EP revealed Stacy’s vocal prowess, creating a captivating blend of modern retro country music.

“Always The Outsider” by Stacy Antonel

One particular standout from the EP was “Nashville,” a heartfelt tribute to the city that had embraced Stacy with open arms. Through her poignant lyrics and captivating melodies, she painted a vivid picture of her experiences, the joys, and challenges she encountered on her journey to Nashville.

“Everything is a conversation with what came before it especially in the country genre”. Stacy Antonel

Stacy Antonel brings an outsiders perspective to the Nashville music scene.

One of the most striking aspects of Stacy’s music is her unwavering commitment to staying true to her artistic vision. In an era where artists often feel pressured to conform to the algorithms and trends dictated by the music industry, Stacy courageously carved her own path. Inspired by the timeless sounds of classic country and jazz, she fearlessly blended genres, creating a sound that was uniquely her own.

The name of Stacy’s latest album came out from her experiences as an artist, and looking at life on earth from an outside perspective and in a literal sense moving to Nashville not knowing anybody was hard, people relate to ‘Always The Outsider’ as they feel alienated in their day to day lives. ‘Kicking And Screaming’ is another stand out track that needs to be on your music radar.

Stacy Antonel is definitely an artist to have on your music radar.

As Stacy continues to make her mark in the Nashville music scene, one thing is clear – her passion for music and commitment to excellence are unwavering. With her distinctive style and undeniable talent, Stacy is poised to make a lasting impact on the country music landscape, captivating audiences far and wide with her soulful, modern retro sound.

“Planetary Heartache” by Stacy Antonel

So, grab a seat, turn up the volume, and let the enchanting melodies of Stacy’s music transport you to the heart of Nashville, where dreams are woven into heartfelt lyrics and catchy rhythms. Click the link below to listen to the episode and stream the rest of the eleven seasons on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

21st Century Folk, Acronym Records, americana, Canada, country, Del Barber, folk, Manitoba, The Juno Awards

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S10 Ep 8 ~ Del Barber

Leave a comment

Del and CloudwatcherUno talk about his new album “Almanac” out from Acronym Records on 28th April 2023. The 3 time Juno Award @thejunoawards nominee chats about his fantastic album from his farm in the Manitoban wilderness.

“I Told You So” by Del Barber

Del is a blue collar artist who has lived the life of the working man and his love of the rural outdoors has been seen in his artistry as a musician through albums such as “Where The City Ends”, “Prairieography” and “Stray Dogs (Collected B-Sides / Vol 1 “.

Del Barber’s new album “Almanac” is out on 28th April 2023

For me the stand out tracks from the new album are “Jared”, “Jim and Me” and “Still Got You”. The album is a snapshot of the human condition, happiness, love and grief all rolled into one distinctive album. The album keeps the tradition of John Prine and Ian Tyson alive for a new audience. Make sure you buy a physical copy as Del Barber is out on tour all over Canada as we speak.

Del Barber

To listen into the conversation with CloudwatcherUno and Del click the link below. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

21st Century Folk, americana, blues, CloudwatcherUno Live Sessions, Country and Western, folk, Pop Music, rock, Songbird

**SOLD OUT**CloudwatcherUno Live Sessions | Live at The Camden Chapel Thu 13th July 2023 ~ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Leave a comment

In 2021 we launched the ‘CloudwatcherUno Live Sessions’ to bring independent singer songwriters at St Pancras Church, London an iconic venue. Now on 13th July 2023 we bring three amazing acts to perform acoustically live on stage at The Camden Chapel.

Rachel Croft headlines at The Camden Chapel supported by Amanda Pascali and Lucy Grubb.

RACHEL CROFT

Rachel Croft is a London based alternative artist, whose voice was described as “truly exceptional” by BBC Introducing. Blending the cinematic and soulful, Rachel’s multi-octave range flows effortlessly from fierce power to deep and deadly soft.

Her honest and varied self penned works have gained Rachel an impressive international fanbase, packing out venues across Europe on tours annually, and gracing the main stages of festivals including Wickham, Lindisfarne and Cambridge since 2017.

This potent and dark female forward repertoire, combined with Rachel’s formidable stage presence is one performance not to be missed.

“Only Dreams” by Rachel Croft

LUCY GRUBB

event_description_image_59002_1677590663_e1a73.png?_a=AAFIKDQ

Lucy Grubb is a singer/songwriter from Norfolk weaving her own way onto the British Americana scene since emerging with her debut EP in 2017.

After years of honing her skills at UK festivals such as Glastonbury, Latitude, Cambridge Folk Festival and AmericanaFest, 2021 saw the release of her third EP ‘Waste My Time’ with a string of Summer dates and a standout performance at Moseley Folk Festival.

Now with three EPs under her belt, her debut EP named Best UK EP of the Year by Country site Belles & Gals, and her second EP gaining 5* by Maverick Magazine, Lucy’s third EP recorded during lockdown showcases her musical progression and maturity.

“You Don’t Do Anything For Me” by Lucy Grubb

AMANDA PASCALI

event_description_image_59002_1677590709_2fc30.png?_a=AAFIKDQ

Internationally acclaimed, bilingual singer/songwriter and 2021 Houston Chronicle “Musician of the Year,” Amanda Pascali was born in Queens, New York, and is based in Houston, Texas.

Pascali, whose music has been described as “an auditory passport,” has performed internationally, from the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. to packed houses in Italy, Romania, and across the Eastern hemisphere. With a father who was thrown out of his home country for rebelling against the government, Amanda was driven from a young age to be a messenger of her family’s stories and diaspora.

As the rising voice of America’s most ethnically diverse generation of young people, 25-year-old Pascali writes songs that speak to the experience of growing up as a first-generation American.

“O Sole Mio” by Amanda Pascali

LOCATION

Doors at 19.00. Tickets available now.

 ** This venue is located on the second floor and requires climbing stairs. Sadly there is no lift or wheelchair access **

Buy tickets – Cloud Watcher Uno Live Sessions | Live at The Camden Chapel – Live at The Camden Chapel (Top Floor, London Irish Centre), Thu 13 Jul 2023 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (tickettailor.com)

americana, bluegrass, Country and Western, folk, Malin Pettersen, nashville, Nordicana, Pop Music, Songbird, Western Swing

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S10 – Ep 5 ~ Malin Pettersen

2 Comments

Malin Pettersen talks with CloudwatcherUno for S10 Ep 5 of the podcast. We hear about the inspiration that drives Malin’s music and her albums. From going to Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts , where she studied Popular Music and Sound Technology it was a great foundation for her becoming a musician. Growing up listening to Iris Dement, Gillian Welch and others drove her need to communicate through melodies, music and an outlet for her thoughts and be able to put these into her songs.

“Pause” by Malin Pettersen

We meet at Franze & Evans Cafe Hackney after her show performing at The Americana Music Association UK festival. A great opportunity for artists from America such as Brennen Leigh, Norway Thenorthernbelle and beyond to meet up and share, songs, stories and the stage.

Malin Pettersen

At 3 and half years Malin went to dancing school, she learnt about performing on stage but it didn’t matter if mistakes were made or lyrics forgotten. The most important thing that matters most is to go on stage, play the music together and share her songs and have fun with friends on stage. Growing up Malin found that others didn’t appreciate her need to express herself through talking and communicating her thoughts and channelled this energy into her music instead.

“Queen of the Meadow” by Malin Pettersen

Malin will be revisiting the music of her youth and Justin Timberlake, TLC, Destiny’s Child by consciously using these formative listening experiences to influence the sound of her new album. The new album is being produced and mixed as we speak and will be a departure sonically from her last album Wildhorse with R&B, Pop and other aural adventures added to her new album’s soundscape.

Malin Pettersen

Being with Die With Your Boots On Records gives Malin the freedom that she wants to express herself and would rather be playing at intimate venues so that she connects with the right people who will appreciate her music. Malin has been fortunate to meet people who have supported her through her music, be a good person who cares about others and a dedicated mother to her children. Malin acknowledge the support of her mother Bente Helenesdatter Pettersen and her partner in enabling her to pursue her dreams as an artist.

“California” by Malin Pettersen

Malin will be playing at static roots festival and The Long Road Festival and a release tour to celebrate the new album in November 2023. Click below to join in with the conversation with CloudwatcherUno and Natalie Prauser. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

21st Century Folk, americana, folk, Songbird

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S10 Ep 2 ~ Amanda Pascali

Leave a comment

Amanda Pascali talks with CloudwatcherUno from Palermo, Sicily where she is currently engaged on a Fulbright Scholarship fellowship to translate and revitalise Sicilian folk music. Born in Queens, New York, Pascali’s family moved to Texas where she grew up listening to all genres of music.

In the podcast we find out more about ‘Immigrant American Folk Music‘, its’s what genre best describes Pascali’s music. It’s a mix of a lot of different styles and cultures from all over the world and it’s a genre of music that is unique and exciting. We also get an exclusive listen to an unreleased track called “Colonist Tango” and one of my favourite tracks “Not Today“.

“Over The Sea” by Amanda Pascali.

Pascali started playing instruments in middle and high school to make pocket money and performed in cover bands. Once Pascali hit 17 she wanted to perform her own songs and get out there as a singer songwriter and so she released her self titled EP in 2016.

This was a transition from being in rock bands to being an authentic version of herself. as with every song that Pascali writes those songs were based on her own teenage experiences, very personal feelings got turned into broader themes so that the listener can mold the song to their lives.

“Uccellino (Little Bird) by Amanda Pascali & The Family

Gianfranco Rosi the filmmaker inspired Pascali to write her song “Over The Sea” when she watched his documentary about African immigrants crossing the sea to reach Italy. Fans and family thought the song was written about them and their journey to the promised land.

The filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi

Pascali’s way of writing her songs can be hard work and it’s a struggle to jump start her song writing songs. Artists borrow lots of things, and sometimes Pascali is not above to saying that she has been inspired by the best of world music. It took over a year to record her sophomore album “Still It Moves” in Texas. Pascali played the Electric Bass, Toy Piano, Piano and many more besides.

Pascali sees it as a privilege to travel, learn about different cultures and bring all of that into her writing and music. Listen to Pascali’s latest EP “The Messenger” to hear her fabulous music. Pascali will be playing her first ever UK show in London for the CloudwatcherUno Live Sessions on Thursday 13th July 2023. Pascali will be opening up for Rachel Croft | with support also from Lucy Grubb Tickets available at the link below.

Buy tickets – Cloud Watcher Uno Live Sessions | Live at The Camden Chapel – Live at The Camden Chapel (Top Floor, London Irish Centre), Thu 13 Jul 2023 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (tickettailor.com)

To listen into the conversation with CloudwatcherUno and Pascali click the link below. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

21st Century Folk, american, americana, country, Country and Western, Dance Hall, Dirt Wave, folk, Honky Tonk, texas country, Texas music scene

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S9 Ep 10 – Season Finale ~ Gus Clark

Leave a comment
Photo: Connie Aramkai

Season 9 Episode 10 Finale is with the legendary Gus Clark. We catch up with him from his home in Texas. We start the conversation talking about “Some Of My Songs” released by Gus in 2022. The album was actually all done before the pandemic and then couldn’t release the record or do anything with it and not knowing how long the pandemic would last and finally decided that he was going to put it out to the world. So it was released before Gus went out on his Spring Tour in 2022.

“Sing A Song” by Gus Clark And The Least Of His Problems

As other artists were working on new albums and new material during the pandemic Gus struggled with being creative and working on new songs. Creativity isn’t just something that you can just switch on like a tap, if the well is dry than nothing will come out. It wasn’t until 2022 that Gus decided to get back to it and flex his musical muscles and work on new music.

“You have to learn your own material. Even after playing a song 100 times it still changes”.

Photo: Connie Aramkai

You have to reach a point where you are almost sick of your songs because you’ve played them so many times but you have to get to that point where you are comfortable paying them. The experience of listening to a song changes from day to day because of how you feel. Listening to old 78’s and the arranged Nashville sound that Gus has made his own, Gus muses that there needs to be room for subtlety and improvisation and it’s interesting how a song can morph into something else when playing with different musicians from when it was originally recorded.

Photo: Connie Aramkai

Gus has been into music since his late teens, playing in punk rock bands and in his early twenties playing on the streets and hitchhiked a lot travelling to where the music he grew up on was actually born. Gus loves to connect with people and throwing himself out there and as a performer he loves it when the audience loves his songs but won’t take it to heart if they don’t.

“Go Down Swingin'” by Gus Clarke and The Least Of His Problems

Touring has changed for Gus, no longer is he sleeping rough and eating terribly. Now he’s eating alright food and sleeping in a van. Gus did 22 states in 2 months in early 2022 with the band and came to the realisation on how touring restores his faith in humanity and playing music to new rooms hundreds and thousands of miles away from home. It’s a reminder on how easy it is to connect to someone through music after being so isolated because of the pandemic.

“People do want to engage, people do want to connect and be generous in what they have to give emotionally from a heartfelt place. in true and honest support”

Gus is always wanting to engage with new people and grow his audience through touring , producing new albums and and adapting his sound so that it not only showcases the best of his talent but also all the musical influences that have shaped him as an artist. I for one am glad that Gus Clark’s musical vision is being shared with the world and would hope that listeners educate their ears by listening to a unique voice in country music.

To listen into the conversation with CloudwatcherUno and Gus click the link below. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

21st Century Folk, americana, folk, Minneapolis, Minnesota

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S9 Ep 2 ~ Humbird

Leave a comment

This is a special live interview with Humbird (Siri Undlin). It took place on the last day of her tour at Green Note, Camden, London. There’s a live recording of “On The Day We Are Together Again” with l u k e c a l l e n There’s also the album version of “Pink Moon for John Prine” from the amazing “Still Life” album from 2021.

Humbird: Photo by Dahli Durley

“The places that I’ve learned from and the people who’ve changed me are inherently part of the music and have shaped me and my understanding of myself.”

Humbird is now on the “Humbird Rocky Mountains and Then East Tour” across the States until December 2022. Make sure you catch her live shows your ears will thank you later.


Humbird is the genuine article, a beautiful singer and a phenomenal songwriter who explores what it means to be a musician in this modern age. Humbirds music and lyrics explores with an infinite passion and curiosity, the human condition and an honest exploration of love, loss and happiness. Songs such as “Pharmakon” and “Pink Moon for John Prine” showcase a unique ability to meld together melody and melodrama in equal measure.

“May” by Humbird

Siri is passionate about songwriting and for her it’s an infinitely ineffable mysterious process and one which she’s not really interested in figuring it out as it takes away some of the fun out about it.

Humbird (Siri Undlin)

Siri has been writing music since she was nine or ten and has always been pretty focussed on performing and is one of those weird people who wanted to do this as long as she can remember.

Luke Callen and Humbird

Siri has been travelling all over the States and believes you have to be willing to meet people where they are at, you don’t have to do that but for Siri it helps to turn up to a place without preconceptions and see what happens. The more relaxed and open Siri is the better experience it is.”

Lifting Siri after the show at Green Note, Camden, London.

Just listening to the podcast brings a smile to my face and I hope it does to you. Enjoy our conversation on the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Humbird. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.