Category Archives: Songbird

americana, Country and Western, Eric Paisley, Female Artist, House Concert, lauren jenkins, nashville, Original Music, Songbird, Women In Music

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S12 Ep 1 ~ Lauren Jenkins

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Season 12 kicks off with a very special podcast with Lauren Jenkins all the way from Nashville. Lauren hadn’t been back to the UK for three years after the whole pandemic swept the world. Lauren was supporting Eric Paisley on his European tour and would accompany him in Germany. Lauren reached out to fans of her music to see if anyone would be willing to host her while she arrived in the UK before the tour started in the mainland. This was a complete no brainer and I reached out to Lauren to say that she should hold her first House Concert in London.

Lauren Jenkins first House Concert in the UK after three years

So preparations were made to do this very special concert. Just imagine your favourite artist playing in your very own living room. Mind officially blown. To make sure that Lauren’s voice reached the intimate crowd I reached out to my good friend and all amazing blues guitarist Kaspar ‘Berry’ Rapkin for Amps, speakers and microphones.

LJ in action in London.

There was still the small matter of promoting the house concert to all and sundry and the word was carried across the Isles of Britannia that an Angel of Nashville was going to be gracing our shores.

Then the night of the concert arrived and it was a most surreal experience having the Lauren Jenkins knock on my front door. With the most dazzling smile Lauren entered into the house (I’d forgotten how tiny she is in real life). Having Lauren soundcheck in your living room is extraordinary, it’s a true privilege to be behind the scenes at this point .

CloudwatcherUno with the one and only Lauren Jenkins

As the night grew darker, fans started coming to the house from all over the UK to enjoy this amazingly intimate evening. Lauren was the perfect combination of host, artist and musician.

Finally the moment we had all been waiting for was upon us and Lauren took centre stage in the living room and bewitched and entranced all her fans with stories songs and anecdotes

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

Barcelona, folk, Independent Music, Mary Mahaffey, Songbird

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 9 ~ Mary Mahaffey

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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.

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

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 2 ~ Stacy Antonel

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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, bluegrass, Country and Western, Jazz, Robert Ellis, Songbird, texas country, Texas music scene, Texas Piano Man

CloudwatcherUno 100th Episode ~ S10 Ep 10 ~ Robert Ellis

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The 100th episode of the CloudwatcherUno podcast is out now with Robert Ellis. He is a special artist. To me, a true definition of a poet who captures the real everyday life of us mere mortals. Robert has a history of generating classic country and bluegrass songs but also mixing in some alternative pulsating melodies. His songs are dramatic folk-pop for the common man, a way of escaping these terra firma chains.

CloudwatcherUno Podcast 100th Episode with Robert Ellis

We caught up with this Texas Piano Man, in a recording studio where his skills as a listener and producer were being used to make beautiful music. His larger than life persona personified in his album of 2019 has now given way to a much more introspective sound that will be heard on his new album. Just listen to “Yesterday’s News” to see how this song adds to Robert’s musical vocabulary.

“Yesterday’s News” by Robert Ellis

Robert’s songs are awesomesaurous, they connect with you in a way that very few songs do, basically ear candy for those who want to listen to real music. It’s on stage that Robert truly shines and he recently supported Courtney Marie Andrews in the UK bringing a stripped back acoustic sound.

Texas Piano Man – Robert Ellis

Robert sings from the heart and his songs are an antidote for those who want to feel more than this earth can offer. He is fantastic live, you really need to see his show if you get a chance.

“Topo Chico” by Robert Ellis

So add some Robert Ellis songs to your playlist, get your friends to join in with the conversation with CloudwatcherUno and Robert Ellis. Click the link below and 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

nashville, Pop, Pop Music, Songbird

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S9 Ep 8 ~ FAÏNN

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S9 Ep 8 is out Friday 16th December 2022 featuring @fainnmusic We chat with Nashville based indie-pop singer/songwriter, Faïnn, who released her fabulosouros pop ballad, “Sometimes” on 7th October a fantastic example of this genre of music.

It was a grrrrreat talk with Faïnn about her life and musical influences. Faïnn’s impressive vocals showcase her fantastic talent. Such a wonderful soul. Make sure to pre-save Faïnns latest upcoming release “Baby Please Come Home” out this Friday (16/12/2022) as well.

Faïnn focuses on dreamy production aesthetics with soulful vocals. She has been described as, “a skilled lyricist and vocalist who has shown time and time again that she has what it takes to become a leading voice within the genre” (I KNOW A WOMAN Official).

“Sometimes” by Faïnn

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

country, Pop, Pop Music, Songbird

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S9 Ep 6 ~ SJ Mortimer

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SJ Mortimer sits down with CloudwatcherUno to talk about SJ’s new single release “Hear Me Lover”, her life as the lead singer of @morganwayband and SJ’s Songwriters Sessions with @poppyfardell and @elibremusic which will be happening on 8th December 2022 @talltreescambridge so make sure you get a ticket for that!

In the podcast you’ll find out how SJ met @kieran_morganway and the fiddle playing legend that is @nicolejterry and how Morganway the band came together to take on the UK americana/country music scene. Morganway have also released new tour dates for 2023 as well!

We talk about how SJ travelled to Nashville to record her country album “Nashville Sessions” recorded in Nashville and released in 2015. We explore how the band had only recently got together as a group and released their self-titled album “Morganway” in 2019 before the pandemic brought music to a standstill.

“Hear Me Lover” by SJ Mortimer

When things started opening up SJ’s first live experience was at Tennessee Fields Festival and in 2022 the band played at The Long Road Festival. Now there’s a chance for SJ to explore her own musical career apart from the band and it’s taking SJ into a whole new genre. With the help of her brother and friends in the music business SJ’s sound is coming to life.

SJ Mortimer with CloudwatcherUno at The Long Road Festival in Summer 2022

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

country, Country and Western, nashville, Songbird

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S9 Ep 3 ~ Alyssa Bonagura

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Alyssa Bonagura chats with CloudwatcherUno about her life as a travelling gypsy touring from a very young age, being an in demand session singer and opening for international music legends Ringo Starr, Marty Stuart and Rod Stewart. Alyssa recently played to a sold out show at The Slaughtered Lamb in London.

We catch up with Alyssa while working on her music for her new album in London and performing at shows across Europe. We talk about her life growing up in Tennessee raised by parents who had hits on the Billboard charts as leaders of the country band Baillie & the Boys. Alyssa was grew up on the road travelling with her parents on tour across America.

The travelling gypsy Alyssa Bonagura

Alyssa has been in love with music from such a young age that it was written in the stars that she would become a musician. Alyssa’s love of music found her relocating to England to study sound technology at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. When she graduated in 2009, she received her diploma from the school’s co-founder, Sir Paul McCartney.

“I Make My Own Sunshine” by Alyssa Bonagura

Alyssa’s voice and skill as a multi instrumentalist having learnt to play piano, guitar, mandolin, bass and drums are showcased in her albums “The English Diaries”, “Love Hard” and “Road Less Traveled”. Alyssa’s time in Liverpool, England has greatly influenced her as an artist, singer and songwriter. Alyssa’s songs have been covered by artists such as Steven Tyler, has co-written many other hits and landing singles with Jana Kramer, Sarah Jarosz , and Jo Dee Messina.

Alyssa also spent time as one half of The Sisterhood Band, a major-label country duo whose whirlwind career included two EPs, critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, and a run of UK stadium shows as Rod Stewart’s opening act. Alyssa’s talent is in no doubt and now she is concentrating on her own solo career. With four singles released between 2021 and 2022 Alyssa’s latest single “Other Side Of The World” showcases her exceptional qualities as an artist.

Alyssa will be recording a special performance for Nashville Meets London live at Pizza Express, Holborn on Monday 7th November 2022. 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.