Category Archives: Red Dirt Country

americana, Big Talk, bluegrass, Country and Western, Honky Tonk, Jarrod Dickenson, nashville, Red Dirt Country, texas country, Texas music scene, Troubadour, Waco, Texas

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S10 Ep 9 ~ Jarrod Dickenson

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In this 99th episode of the CloudwatcherUno Podcast we catch up with gentleman troubadour himself Jarrod Dickenson. The wandering minstrel originally hails from Waco, Texas and after spells in New York , this singing sensation has settled in Tennessee. Travelling all over Europe he met his wife and bandmate Claire Dickenson in Belfast and this versatile vocalist has become the special ingredient to his sound on stage and on record.

“Take It From Me” by Jarrod Dickenson

We have a “Big Talk” about Jarrod’s new album, his inspirations and his music. We also talk about Jarrod’s Battle Royale with a major label and the deal that went sour big time when the label did their utmost to sabotage the release of his album “Ready The Horses” but it took a Jarrod and Goliath battle to get the rights back to his own music. Jarrod’s musical riposte to all of these shenanigans is the song “Buckle Under Pressure” which you can hear on his latest album.

“Gold Rush” by Jarrod Dickenson

That wasn’t the only battle that Jarrod has been fighting, complications from Covid-19 left Jarrod with a lifelong health condition. All of this drama has been poured into Jarrod’s music and especially into the latest album. With the help of Jano Rix, Ted Pecchio, J P Ruggieri, Oliver Wood and Ethan Johns this album is a testament to the true grit of this southern artist.

Suave and sophisticated is this southern gem Jarrod Dickenson

Jarrod has recently been to these Isles of Britannia having done a tour of the UK and Europe. He’ll be back over here again to support Amanda Shires in June and performing on stage at Black Deer Festival – Americana & Country Music Festival in June 2023. So do your ears a favour and get you to a gig to listen to this magnificent Texan artist.

Jarrod Dickenson has a fine moustache….sadly it can’t compete with CloudwatcherUno!

Click below to join in with the conversation with CloudwatcherUno and Jarrod Dickenson. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

21st Century Folk, americana, bluegrass, Country and Western, Donny Van Slee, Red Dirt Country, UK Americana, UK Country, Western Swing

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S10 Ep 6 ~ Donny Van Slee

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Season 10 ~ Episode 6, of the CloudwatcherUno Podcast features the up and coming Donny Van Slee out on Friday 7th April 2023.

Raised in Florida but now living in Nashville, Donny is the only licensed chiropractor making his mark in the Nashville music scene.

We talk about his early years, his decision to reach out to the “World-Famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge” where after an audition they promptly hired him, through to being inspired by his peers such as Zach Bryan to explore his passion for music.

“Sip on Me” | Donny Van Slee

So come enjoy the conversation with Donny and CloudwatcherUno on @applepodcasts @spotifypodcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts or click the link below.

Play. Listen. Enjoy

americana, country, Country and Western, Honky Tonk, Kansas, Kentucky, nashville, Natalie Prauser, Red Dirt Country

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S10 Ep 4 ~ Natalie Prauser

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Natalie Prauser is a coffee aficionado, songstress and all round fabulous artist. We laugh, gasp and sit back in wonder on how this Kansas native is bringing her honky tonk music to life. Natalie’s album “Til The Sun Comes Up” is a veritable modern classic with all credit to her partner Marty Bush for mixing, producing and mastering the album. Let’s not forget also designing the look of the masterpiece as well.

“Til The Sun Comes Up” by Natalie Prauser

Natalie and Marty first met during Pre Covid times while Natalie was sleeping at a bar that Marty frequented. Plying him copious amounts of whiskey Natalie was determined to connect with Marty and that’s exactly what happened. The result is a relationship that has grown personally and professionally as musicians. There’s a to and fro of ideas and it’s a resource that Natalie draws upon Marty’s musical experience to decide which songs are EPIC and which are so so.

Natalie’s approach to songs varies but there was a time when she wrote “Cocaine” all on her phone while being a bouncer at Westport Saloon in Kansas City. Just imagine a 100 pound Natalie as a bouncer. Natalie’s mom recollects that as a child she was always writing songs and then at 13 she started playing at bars. For Natalie this was one of many paths that she could take, having dropped out of school, when Natalie was 16 she drove everywhere and slept in her car and be on the road as much as her finances would allow.

Natalie Prauser and Marty Bush

Natalie was living the vagabond existence and felt you don’t have to be Charley Crockett to live the life of a musician. Natalie’s musical heroes have been Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt, John Prine and Blaze Foley.

For the future Natalie will be on tour with Marty and will be enjoying the writing process and produce another Cabin Session album. There will be another video to showcase her music and will continue to be touring across the States for the next year.

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.

american, americana, bluegrass, Country and Western, Dance Hall, Honky Tonk, Montana, Music Row, nashville, Red Dirt Country

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S9 Ep 7 ~ Sterling Drake

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Season 9 Episode 7 features returning guest Sterling Drake an ambassador for new independent music who navigates being an artist in these modern musical times. Sterling released ‘Roll The Dice’ his first EP to much critical acclaim and wanted to try a different direction for his next EP “Highway 200”. Sterling is a three-time Billboard charting songwriter with work released via publishing powerhouse Extreme Music (Sony ATV) and has written with several Grammy award winning writers.

‘Roll The Dice’ by Sterling Drake

We also talk about working on a ranch in Montana, becoming a small part of the TV series @yellowstone and his fellow musical brethren @sierraelizabethferrell and @hannahjuanita_thehardliner

‘Highway 200’ by Sterling Drake

Then we also chat about what is the perfect length for a record, does that depend on the genre? Also Sterling’s plans for touring across the States and producing new music and deciding which direction that will take him. The future is not written and a path needs to be dug out by Sterling as to how his career will go forward. To that end Sterling will release EPs and singles in different styles so as to get a body of work together. Only when this is done will Sterling consider releasing an album in order to solidify his approach to this genre.

‘Highway 200’ by Sterling Drake

Sterling Drake plays timeless country music following in the footsteps of Bob Wills, Merle Haggard and George Strait. Sterling doesn’t put a label on his music, for him it’s just music that has a cultural heritage. Sterling’s peers such Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers are breaking from the perceived notion of what country music should sound like and Sterling is also breaking the mould when it comes to this style of country music.

‘In The Pines’ by Sterling Drake

Click below to join in with the conversation with CloudwatcherUno and Sterling Drake. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

americana, Country and Western, Honky Tonk, Red Dirt Country, texas country, Texas music scene, Yellowstone TV

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S9 Ep 5 ~ Isaac Hoskins

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Isaac Hoskins and CloudwatcherUno talk about his upcoming album, “Bender,” out this Friday 18th November 2022.

It’s his third album and we got an exclusive listen to this amazing record. It’s a showcase for Isaac’s storytelling, lyrics, melodies and hooks. Recorded at The Finishing School in Austin, Texas, and produced and engineered by Gordy Quist of The Band of Heathens. Stand out tracks are ‘Panhandle Wind’, ‘The Pistol and The Prayer’ and ‘H-Town Turnaround’. You can hear the influences of Guy Clark, Jack Ingram, John Prine and Blaze Foley throughout this album.

“Panhandle Wind” by Isaac Hoskins

 “Panhandle Wind.” All at once Country-tinged and Rock-driven, the baritone and steel guitar-led tune embodies Hoskins’ uncanny ability to match up a good story with a catchy refrain, leading to a windows-down, Sunday cruise sing-along. “The idea for this song came to me while driving to Lubbock to play a show,” remembers Hoskins. “That was just one of many very windy, dusty drives to and from the Panhandle of Texas and Northwest Oklahoma.” Last week, Outsider premiered “Panhandle Wind” along with an in-depth interview with Hoskins, noting, “his sound straddles the fence between folky heartland Americana and Texas country.”

Isaac Hoskins has lived many lives, and these have all influenced his music.

One of Isaac’s fans is a certain Taylor Sheridan co-creator of @yellowstone Once he heard the album played at a private party he wanted Isaac’s music in the show. Isaac will have two songs on the show. Tune in and listen up to Isaac sing ‘Off The Wagon’ in Episode 3 airing Sunday 20th November 2022.

Yellowstone Season 5 Official Trailer

Of his music, Hoskins has said that every song comes from his roots. The people, places, and events that unfold around him provide the resonance, and Hoskins himself draws those memories into stories about love, loss, and everything in between. The music is how Hoskins participates in the culture that has shaped him. Country music is known for its traditions and conventions, but Hoskins feels there is a way to honor these without reducing the audience to a caricature of itself. For Hoskins, the work is keeping one foot squarely in country and “roots” music while still exploring new ways to express yourself as an artist. 

The ‘Larger Than Life’ Isaac Hoskins.

Click below to join in with the conversation from CloudwatcherUno featuring Isaac Hoskins. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

americana, bluegrass, blues, country, Country and Western, Honky Tonk, nashville, Red Dirt Country

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S8 Ep 6 ~ Kristina Murray

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Kristina Murray sits down with CloudwatcherUno in her Nashville home to talk about her albums “Southern Ambrosia” and “Unravelin” and the latest project of killer covers featuring Logan Ledger “That Just About Does It” (a Vern Gosdin classic) and “I’m Gonna Hurt Him On The Radio” (based on Keith Whitley‘s original).

“I’m Gonna Hurt Him On The Radio” by Kristina Murray

We talk about Kristina’s development as an artist between her first album and the new songs that she has released, how she has become a better songwriter, collaborator with other producers and musicians and working on her new songs for her new album.

Kristina Murray has grown and developed as an artist since moving to Nashville.

Kristina got a chance to sing at The Ryman recently and felt really good at how her voice sounded, and is looking forward to going on tour with Jamie Wyatt in 2022, a true champion of great country music on the west coast.

Kristina is a kick ass musician. Go do your ears a favour and listen to her music.

Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Kristina Murray. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

https://linktr.ee/CloudwatcherUno

americana, Arkansas, bluegrass, blues, Canada, country, Country and Western, Music Row, nashville, Red Dirt Country, texas country, Western Swing

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S8 Ep 5 ~ Stefanie Joyce

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Stefanie Joyce joins CloudwatcherUno from Nashville where she has carved out a career as a songwriter on Music Row. Stefanie’s 2021 single “Treasure” charted on Billboard @billboardcharts (co-written and performed by @maryheatherhickman ) debuted on country radio and was featured on the Bobby Bones show @bobbybonesshow

Stefanie Joyce – Ballerina, Wordsmith and Country Artist

Now it’s Stefanie’s turn to shine in the spotlight as a singer in her own right. Just listen to her latest single “Presidio” to see why Stefanie should be at the top of your listening playlist. Stefanie describes her music as the love child of red dirt country music meets music row. Stefanie describes how working on Music Row for so many years has resulted in her lyrics being born as linear songs but then using that to produce something more poetic and rough for listening audiences.

“Idle Hands” by Stefanie Joyce

Born in New York, raised in Canada and now living in Nashville, Tennessee, the young Stefanie was in love with storytelling, especially southern literature and used that passion to write songs. In the podcast we talk about how in the country music coming out of Nashville songs are written not by the band performing them but by other artists or in collaboration with other artists. It’s a tradition that is uniquely cultivated within this genre.

Singer Songwriter is a music nerd of the highest order.

Stefanie moved to Nashville initially to join the song writing industry that has grown in Nashville and provides the hits for the biggest names in country music today. Stefanie built up her network and her community and now feels it’s time to release her own songs. A new EP will be released in the summer featuring “Idle Hands” and “Love Thy Neighbor“.

Stefanie is 100 per cent Country through and through.

We talk about her interest in murder ballads and how she came to co-write “Ouachita River” with Mary Heather Hickman and how this subverts the usual tradition by having a male protagonist perish within the song. Murder Ballads originated within the United Kingdom and were brought over by Scottish/Irish immigrants who then used real places within their ballads. This song has been nominated for the Arkansas Country Music Awards 2022 for Best Song, Vocal Duo/ Group and Mary for best Female Vocalist. Nominees (arkansasmusic.org)

“Ouachita River” by Stefanie Joyce with Mary Heather Hickman

Stefanie explains that she wants to be able to play for bigger venues and audiences and when that opportunity comes she’s going to grab it with both hands. Stefanie has played both The Listening Room and Bluebird Cafe and will be doing more Nashville shows and a tour in The Fall of 2022.

Watch out for Stefanie touring in the Fall of 2022

Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Stefanie Joyce. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

americana, country, Country and Western, Red Dirt Country, texas country, Texas music scene, Western Swing

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S8 Ep 4 ~ Billy Hartman

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Reverend Billy Hartman blesses us with a fabulous chat on the CloudwatcherUno podcast from his hometown in Stephenville, Texas. We catch up on his plans for his follow up album to “Beans and Cornbread” his 2020 release. We delve into the why’s and how’s of bringing such modern classics as “Cheese and Taters“, “Forrest“, “Railroad Blues” and “Divine Town” to life and the enjoyment of the listening public.

“Divine Town” by Billy Hartman

On a particularly warm and humid day Billy talks about what it means to be an independent artist during the pandemic, living in Texas, becoming an ordained minister of The Universal Life Church, producing music with other musicians such as Zach Pack and by extension James Steinle who’ve now become friends and vice versa. Billy will be recording his new album at Melody Mountain Studios near the house which gives Billy more control around recording the album. Ben Hussey will record and produce the album.

The one and only Reverend Billy Hartman

After a period of self reflection and Billy uses his diary entries as his therapy and as the source for coming up with his lyrics and songs over the last couple of years. Billy’s musical heroes were pretty much the gold standard of country music from George Jones, Webb Pierce and Johnny Cash to name a few. Listening to these artists is what got Billy started on the musical path he’s been on rather than mainstream artists such as Garth Brooks. Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle and Guy Clark‘s “Together at The Bluebird” truly inspired and made Billy strive to capture that level of quality in song writing and musicianship. John Prine also figures largely in Billy’s songcraft.

“Cheese and Taters” by Billy Hartman

What finally pushed Billy into writing was having problems with his high school girlfriend which got Billy started into writing songs and paying attention to alliteration in songs and wordplay. “Sunday Morning, Coming Down” by Kris Kristofferson from 1970 is a perfect example of what Billy is trying to achieve with his own songs.

There’s cool and then there’s Billy Hartman

Looking forward Billy and Zack Pack will be singing together for the Hico Steak Cookoff in Texas on Saturday 21st May 2022. There’s also local clubs that Billy will be playing live with Zack Pack.

Billy Hartman always recommends you smoke ’em if you’ve got them.

Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Billy Hartman. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

americana, bluegrass, country, Country and Western, Honky Tonk, Red Dirt Country

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S8 Ep 2 ~ Jade Brodie

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Jade Brodie is a Cowboy, Songwriter and Musician. Jade speaks to CloudwatcherUno after travelling from a gig at The Western Folk Life Centre in Elko, Nevada after playing eight or nine songs for a round robin set. We speak about her Magnolia Sessions album from Anti-Corp. We talk about the difference between Jade’s diary songs (more personal songs) rather than her attention grabbing songs. Jade has a big motivation to be up there surrounded by people dancing and bringing them a good time. Jade appreciates the shows where people pay attention to her songs whether they be based on the working man or explore issues of love.

We explore the genesis of “Split My Tooth ” it’s one of Jade’s oldest songs and marks a new development in Jades song writing style.

“Split My Tooth” by Jade Brodie

Free spirited and working hard personalities are fully explored in Jade’s ‘Making History’ video. There’s a fairy godmother character within in the video that is just delightful.

“Making History” by Jade Brodie

Jade has been living independently since a young age and working hard for the railroad. Jade was forced to make a difficult decision when the railroad wanted her to move back to California. Jade was wholly deducated 24/7 working 12 hour shifts for the railroad and songwriting was ushed abck for over three years until she was able to buy herself land to build her own house.

Jade was fortunate enough to get a job on a ranch which has allowed her to ride horses, keep dogs and deal with life on a ranch. Jade enjoys being at peace in Nevada and taking the time for self refection and puts things in perspective as to what matters. Jade has written a lot of new songs while living in Nevada. Jade wrote a new song about her horse, it’s the first song she’s written in a while. Jade grew up in New York and being on a ranch and working within this mountain landscape is a deam come true.

We explore Jade’s tattoos and how they are an expression of her personality and how they are atheistically pleasing. While they are not an indication of who Jade is and people do judge her based solely on these which is fine but Jade earns their respect because of the good job that she does.

We talk about “Travelling Man” the epic Western As Fuck video that she collaborated with. Riddy Arman recommended Jade Brodie for WesternAF and when they came through town they met up and musical history was made. Jade is proud of that song and loved recording this song with them and will also be on the new album. Jade should have finished her album last year but the timing has been pushed off for a year.

“Traveling Man” by Jade Brodie with WesternAF

Jade was half way through her tour in 2020 when the pandemic hit and had to go back home. Jade had to take risks on herself, her music and after 2 years later is getting back to where she wants to be in her career. Having a creative side gives Jade a purpose and loves that her songs can bring people joy and it’s fun to be on stage and enjoy her music for an hour or so. John Curtis is the producer who is helping Jade produce her next studio album. We cannot wait for this to come out next year.

Jade will be playing at a few music festivals out of town and especially excited about people reaching out and asking her to perform based solely on hearing her music.

Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Jade Brodie. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

american, americana, country, Country and Western, Red Dirt Country

Artist Showcase with Jaret Ray Riddick

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At C2C Festival in London 2022 CloudwatcherUno got an exclusive with Jaret Ray Riddick on his press tour to promote his new country album “Just Woke Up“. The frontman for the pop punk band “Bowling For Soup” Jaret was inspired during lockdown to explore his country roots after speaking with his friend Zac Maloy who also produced the album. The Texan is very familiar with the genre having listened to and grown up with the greats of country music such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, George Jones as a child.

Jaret Ray Riddick at C2C Festival, London. Photograph : CloudwatcherUno © 2022

Jaret was convinced that this is what he needed to produce so much so that he brought his band to play for the first time in Europe’s biggest country festival for the first time. For those who may have doubted whether this was a good idea , I for one can report that when Jaret went onto the Town Square Stage it was completely sold out.

“One Of The Good Ones” by Jaret Ray Riddick

We talk together in his hotel room in Greenwich, London and talk about album and how he wants to showcase red dirt country music, great lyrics and a story to grab fans hearts and minds. Jaret collaborated with artists such as Frank Turner who features on “Drunk As It Takes“. There’s also a cameo for Uncle Kracker on the album opener “Way More Country“, Descendents guitarist Stephen Egerton features on Natalie, and Cody Canada of The Departed appears on “You And Beer“.

With Jaret Ray Riddick

We talk about the inspiration for his songs and in particular “Royal Family” which is based on his real life biological sisters tracking him down four years ago and Jaret connecting to a family he never knew he had. Going forward Jaret is looking to get established as a country singer as well as his more well established pop punk band.

Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Jaret Ray Riddick. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.