Category Archives: Troubadour

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S12 Ep 7 ~ Vaden Landers

The Yodeling Country Bluesman aka Vaden Landers is the latest guest on the CloudwatcherUno Podcast. His voice takes you back to the golden era of Country Music, following in the musical footsteps of the great Hank Williams Sr.

From the hills and hollers of Eastern Tennessee emerges the incredibly talented troubadour, Vaden Landers. At the tender age of 17, Vaden Landers embarked on a nomadic exploration, traversing the American highways and railways to learn the art of a true traveler-musician.

The Yodeling Country Bluesman aka Vaden Landers

Vaden’s extraordinary talent and captivating performances have etched his name is etched into Asheville, North Carolina and into the city’s soul, creating an unforgettable legacy in its vibrant music scene. As a torchbearer of the classic country tradition, Vaden emanates authenticity, drawing audiences in with a timeless charm while infusing his music with a contemporary spark that resonates deeply with both long-time enthusiasts and new admirers. His exceptional fusion of tradition and innovation sets him apart as one of the most compelling and magnetic performers in the local music landscape.

‘Cream to my Coffee’ by Vaden Landers / Gems on VHS

Vaden’s journey, spanning the length and breath of America, carved the path for his songwriting, singing, yodeling, and picking skills. With an eclectic fusion of honky-tonk, rockabilly, folk, blues, ragtime, jazz, western swing, and old-time Appalachian influences, Vaden Landers emerges as a pioneer breathing new life into the traditional country music scene. His deep connection to the diverse landscapes and cultures of America is evident in the soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics that characterize his music. From the raw emotion of a blues tune to the foot-stomping energy of a western swing number, Vaden Landers’ music encapsulates the spirit of adventure and the rich tapestry of experiences garnered on his travels. As he continues to evolve as an artist, it’s clear that his unique blend of influences will continue to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the world of country music.

The podcast is truly a game-changer, packed with exciting upcoming news, the highly anticipated release of a new album, details about phenomenal shows, and the revelation of an upcoming tour that is set to captivate fans worldwide. Notably, the latest release “Goin’ HogWild” by Vaden is already creating quite a buzz.

‘Goin HogWild’ by Vaden Landers

Vaden Landers’ musical prowess extends far beyond the stage, as he effortlessly weaves a tapestry of sound that resonates with the depth and authenticity of a bygone era. His commitment to honoring the heritage of country music is evident in every note he plays, and his performances serve as a testament to the enduring power of tradition in a rapidly evolving musical landscape. With a commanding stage presence and a soul-stirring voice, Vaden Landers captures the essence of a time when music was raw, visceral, and deeply connected to the human experience.

Vaden Landers

In a world where trends come and go, Vaden Landers stands as a beacon of unwavering dedication to the soul-stirring melodies of classic country music. Through his evocative storytelling and masterful instrumentation, he ensures that the spirit of traditional American music lives on, captivating audiences and leaving an indelible impression on the hearts of all who have the privilege of experiencing his captivating performances. As he continues to carve out his unique place in the world of music, Vaden Landers embodies the timeless allure of country music and the enduring legacy of its rich storytelling tradition.

Vaden Landers

This electrifying podcast serves as a hub for all things music, offering a perfect blend of exclusive insights and thrilling announcements, making it a must-listen for music enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to embark on a musical journey like no other! Click below to listen to the podcast or on Apple Music, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S12 Ep 6 ~ Shawn Hess

Shawn Hess speaks with CloudwatcherUno for the latest podcast all the way from Laramie, Wyoming. We talk about Shawn’s music from ‘World Away’, ‘Hey Friend’ and his new album ‘Wild Onion’. Since ‘Hey Friend’ took so long to be released Shawn has got over two years worth of songs that he has written. With ‘Wild Onion’ it’s an album of greatest hits that have never been recorded.

‘Hey Friend’ took two years from start to finish over the pandemic while the songs for ‘Wild Onion’ started to be recorded in August 2023 and released in January 2024. Brian Joseph who runs 6th Street Records used his magic to record these songs (but in his studio in Boulder, Colorado. The Universe aligned to have all the artists from fiddle player, drummer, peddle steel player be able to not only be there for the recording and the whole album was live tracked which means that all the artists were able to play at the same time.

Shawn’s inspiration for his music comes from the beautiful landscape of Wyoming and ‘Tear for You’ is dedicated to his father. On their travels they would stop the car and would immediately be surrounded by the smell of onions and being shown the ways of nature from his father.

Shawn has been playing music since he was 12 years old and in metal bands and psychedelic bands, plated upright bass in a bluegrass band for a long time. He wrote a lot of music for those bands but was never the word guy and it was after a breakup his brother said he should listen to Daniel Romano and it blew Shawn’s mind. Shawn loved classic country music but this was a fresh take on those classic tunes and was a turning point for Shawn and his music.

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

Behind The Song with Adam Shoenfeld

Adam Schoenfeld and CloudwatcherUno talk about the inspiration behind his latest single ‘Breadcrumbs of Hope’.

During the unprecedented times of the pandemic, when the world seemed uncertain and anxiety loomed over our daily lives, a song was born. This soulful melody was crafted with heartfelt emotions, aiming to bring solace and hope to listeners within the confines of their homes. Its lyrics gently remind us that we are not alone in our struggles, and that the power of music can transcend physical boundaries, uplifting our spirits in times of darkness.

As the hauntingly beautiful notes resonate, they carry with them a message of resilience and unity, a call to endure and persevere. The poignant lyrics mirror the feelings of isolation and longing that many experienced during those strange and anxious times, creating an emotional connection with the listeners.

‘Breadcrumbs of Hope’ by Adam Shoenfeld

The song’s composition artfully blends melancholy and optimism, with heartfelt vocals evoking a sense of shared vulnerability and strength. Its captivating melody weaves a tapestry of emotions, transporting the listener to a realm where worries dissipate and optimism flourishes.

In the face of uncertainty, this song serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we can find solace and comfort through the universal language of music. It whispers softly to our souls, reminding us that amidst the chaos, there is still beauty to be found, and that together, we can emerge stronger.

So, let this song be a companion during those moments of uncertainty, as it resonates with our collective experiences and reminds us that we are not alone. May its melody bring calmness to your heart and inspire you to navigate through any challenges that lie ahead, for as the song softly fades, a glimmer of hope remains, illuminating our path towards a brighter future.

Behind The Song‘ is available on Monday 11th September 2023 to listen on @applepodcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 5 ~ Rodney Rice

CloudwatcherUno sits down to hear the story of Rodney Rice and his love of music. It was when he reached the tender age of twelve that Rice discovered his affinity for the guitar. Armed with only a rudimentary knowledge of a few chords, he eagerly began strumming the instrument, pouring his heart and soul into his every note. Little did he know that this humble beginning would mark the inception of an extraordinary musical journey.

S11 Ep 5 of the CloudwatcherUno Podcast features Rodney Rice.

While pursuing his burgeoning music career, Rice embraced various opportunities that came his way. At one point, he ventured into the world of oil and gas rigs in the heart of Texas. Yet, even amidst the gruelling and demanding nature of this work, his passion for music persisted. It was during this time that fate intervened in the form of an enlightening conversation.

‘Little Pieces’ by Rodney Rice

Taking a leap of faith, Rice embarked on a new chapter in his musical odyssey. It was within the hallowed walls of the Congress House Studio that he brought his artistic visions to life. With every strum of his guitar and every heartfelt lyric sung, Rice weaved together an intimate tapestry of emotions, pouring his soul into the creation of his first two albums, Empty Pockets and a Troubled Mind and Same Shirt, Different Day.

Rodney Rice the singing troubadour from the oil fields of Texas to Nashville.

However, it was Rice’s third album, simply titled “Rodney Rice”, where he truly found his stride. During the challenging times of the pandemic, Rice embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery and musical exploration. Seeking a new sonic palette for his music, he decided to work with the renowned Bomb Shelter studio in Nashville.

Embracing a more analogue approach, Rice and the team at the Bomb Shelter delved into uncharted territory, experimenting with different sounds, recording techniques, and instrumentation. The result was an album that stood apart from his previous works, both in terms of its production style and its lyrical depth.

‘Get To Where I’m Going’ by Rodney Rice

With his third album, Rodney Rice has solidified his place as a rising star in the Americana music scene. His warm, gritty vocals, ingenious lyricism, and dynamic melodies continue to captivate audiences and establish him as an artist to watch. As Rice himself sums it up, “The process was more analogue, and combined with changing all the variables, it’s no surprise there is a distinct difference between this one and my first two albums.”

Rodney’s self titled third album ‘Rodney Rice’ is a sensational emotional rollercoaster

Rice knows just how to capture the fleeting glimmers of an emotional moment in life and turn them into songs that evoke our own feelings of despair and hope; loss and love. And he delivers those lyrics with a knowing nod and wink, creating memorable characters in his songs whose foibles remind us of folks we know. As he says, “Music is a common language that reaches all and brings people from worlds apart together.”   

Listen in to the conversation between Rodney and CloudwatcherUno by clicking the link below. Stream the rest of the eleven seasons on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S10 Ep 9 ~ Jarrod Dickenson

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.