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

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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.

bluegrass, Canada, Canadian Country, Country and Western, Independent Music, Sean Burns

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 10 – Season Finale – 110th Episode ~ Sean Burns

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The Season finale of the Season 11 CloudwatcherUno Podcast is with Winnipeg based artist Sean Burns. CloudwatcherUno speaks with Sean about his new album ‘Lost Country’ out 27th October 2023 and his love of music and the Bakersfield Sound. Check it out when it’s released.


‘Lost Country’ is a Honky Tonkin’ tribute to Canada’s lost country music artist’s such as Roy Payne and Mickey McGivern. Sean’s passion for Canada’s country music heritage flows from his over five years as host “Boots and Saddle” on Winnipeg’s CKUW and his own podcast ‘The Northern Report’.

Sean Burns homage to the Lost Country music of his native Canada.
Sean Burns making heavenly music on stage.

Some call it Alt-Country, Americana or Roots, but however you shake it, Sean Burns is a  Country music singer. A dedicated Country Music historian and preservationist, Sean waves the flag of hardcore Honky-Tonk in a fashion unmatched by most of his peers.

Regularly touring coast-to-coast across Canada and into the United States since 2010, it’s not often Sean sits below the 125 show mark annually. “This is not a hobby”,  proclaims the Winnipeg-based Honky-Tonker.  With a dedicated following across Western Canada, Sean continues to passionately spin tales of highways and heartbreaks, of drinkers, drunks, trains and trucks in every imaginable live performance scenario. Sean’s time is taken up as bassist for Corb Lund and the Hurtin’ Albertans. A fantastic way to nurture and develop his own voice in Country Music.

Click below to hear the Sean Burns. 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.

Nordicana, Stefan Olovsson, Swedish Americana, Swedish Country

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 8 ~ Stefan Oluvsson

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Stefan Oluvsson and CloudwatcherUno talk about his music from his home in Stockholm.

Stefan’s music enchants listeners once with his latest single, Beautiful Dancer. This poignant piece masterfully portrays the story of a dear friend who found pure joy in dancing. If you love country and Americana, this track will captivate your heart with its exquisite lyrics.

Beautiful dancer‘s mesmerizing melody invites us to sway and move in harmony with Stefan’s music, as if we are gracefully gliding across a dance floor, immersed in the enchanting atmosphere created by the intertwining notes and beats.

Stefan Olovsson brings his haunting voice and lyrics to life in his music.

With each lyrical stroke and rhythmic pulse, the music weaves a story that resonates deeply within our souls, igniting a sense of joy and exuberance. Stefan’s artistry comes to life through the harmonious blending of instruments, drawing us into a world where the evocative melodies and captivating rhythms hold us in their embrace, inspiring us to lose ourselves in the sublime dance of life.

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

americana, country, Cruz Contreras, nashville, Original Music

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 7 ~ Cruz Contreras

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Cruz Contreras sits down with CloudwatcherUno to talk about Cosmico, his new album. From beginning his music career at the ripe age of fifteen, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Cruz Contreras has consistently found himself in bucket-list musical moments; from picking fiddle tunes at a house party with the father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe, to a stint as the keyboardist with Barnum & Bailey Circus, to late night TV with the CCstringband, to more than a decade of topping charts and festival lineups fronting his band, The Black Lillies. Until now, though, Contreras has never branded anything with just his name.

Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer Cruz Contreras has roots in Tennessee and Michigan, but has impacted Americana music worldwide. The frontman, founder, and driving force behind The Black Lillies’ raw and rootsy sound also co-founded Robinella and the CCstringband, and has collaborated with musicians ranging from John Oates and Jim Lauderdale to Langhorne Slim and The Turnpike Troubadours.

Contreras shares a peek into Cosmico: the hypnotic groove and simple message of “Let Somebody Love You.” Speaking to Western adventure, broken dreams, moonshine-inspired journeys, and psychedelic realizations, “Let Somebody Love You” delivers a driving verse and grand chorus that encourages listeners to overcome their fears, whatever they may be. “The syncopated guitar riff creates a transcendental meditation that takes the listener to another plane where rock and roll and grooves make all things right,” says Contreras. A huge amalgamation of influences and personal styles from throughout Contreras’s career, “Let Somebody Love You” is the perfect track to ease fans into Cosmico. 

Cruz on stage, his live performances are legendary.

Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Cruz Contreras. 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

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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.

Adam Shoenfeld, americana, Country and Western, Music Row, nashville, Original Music, rock, Troubadour

Behind The Song with Adam Shoenfeld

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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.

Female Artist, Gothenburg, Independent Music, Original Music, Soul Singer, SwedishSoul, Tilde, Women In Music

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 4 ~ Tilde

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On this episode CloudwatcherUno sits down with Tilde the n this episode CloudwatcherUno sits down with Tilde the Swedish Soul Singer for a nice cuppaaa of tea. From her home in Gothenburg we get to talk about her English/Swedish heritage, singing her songs as an expression of who she is on a DNA level and the story behind her two albums ‘Nothing Gold Can Stay’ and ‘Pink Moon’ and upcoming third studio album.

The Swedish Soul Singer ~ Tilde

When Tilde first stared writing songs she was a teenager and the artists that she was listening to sang in English so it came to her naturally, it’s the language that she writes her songs in. Music has always been a part of Tilde’s life, her father went to the Royal Academy of Music in London to play violin, her grandmother was an opera singer. As there was a piano at home, Tilde started playing this at a very early age and it was her first instrument for many many years. Then at age 14 Tilde sang at her School Concert, then sang at music school and performed in bands.

‘Nothing Gold Can Stay’ by Tilde

Singing is part of Tilde’s identity, an essential component of her DNA. Tilde has expressed all the things inside her through music. Nina Simone has been a big influence on Tilde’s writing and has helped to shape her as an artist. Tilde needs music as an outlet and it is a form of therapy for her. She’s written songs that she isn’t consciously aware of and even predicts what may come to pass such as an eventual breakup. During the pandemic Tilde felt like she had lost her identity because she couldn’t perform and had many gigs planned in Denmark and was starting to build an audience. It was heart-breaking to see all the hard work just go up in smoke.

‘Pink Moon’ by Tilde

There are many stories in her life that have been translated into music and tries to capture that in her albums. Tilde has been back in the studio for her upcoming third album and is at least 80% there in terms of bringing the songs to life just the way she has imagined them.

Tilde, a sensational singer whose voice is like liquid gold.

Listen in to the conversation between Tilde 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.

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.

americana, Louien, norwegian, Pop

CloudwatcherUno Podcast Season 11 Ep 1 ~ Louien

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CloudwatcherUno Season 11 begins with Louien who is singer, songwriter and artist Live Miranda Solberg. Recently a nominee for Spellemannprisen, often referred to as the Norwegian Grammy Awards in English. CloudwatcherUno speaks with Louien about her music and her inspirations from traditional North American and British folk music; to Laurel Canyon-style americana; to Country and Roots.

CloudwatcherUno Season 11 Episode 1 with Louien

Live is also part of the super group Silver Lining a musical phenomen bringing together members of two prominent Norwegian acts, The Northern Belle and Louien, folky americana quartet Silver Lining have sometimes been dubbed a super group in their native country. Louien, shared a demo on her Soundcloud page in 2016, she had no idea she would quickly find success in her home country of Norway. Solberg earned widespread acclaim and performed at some of the region’s largest music festivals.

“No” by Louien

That collective success led her to create her first solo record, None of My Words. Where None of My Words explored the many emotional layers of loss, Louien’s latest creative endeavor acts as a stepping stone toward a new normal.

“Second Best” by Louien

Louien’s singles No Tomorrow and Figure Me Out is produced together with her collaborator Øyvind Røsrud, and shows off her virtuosity as an artist.

Louien a superstar of the Norwegian music scene.

Click the link below to listen to the episode and also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.