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.

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S12 Ep 5 ~ Sasha Adrian

CloudwatcherUno speaks with the Danish singer songwriter Sasha Adrian about Sasha’s EP ’Token’, her use of the ‘fictionalised truth’ in her songs, wanting to be the lead singer of a band rather than being in the background, her experiences of the Danish mental health system and surrounding herself with other artists who shared her vision for her music.

Sasha Adrian’s ability to blend raw, emotive storytelling with captivating melodies and intense instrumentals creates a captivating sonic landscape that draws listeners into her world. Her fearless approach to embracing imperfections and vulnerabilities within her music fosters an authentic connection, allowing her audience to resonate deeply with the emotional core of her compositions. This unique interplay between raw, unfiltered expression and melodic allure establishes Sasha Adrian as a compelling and unapologetically genuine artist, capable of evoking a wide range of emotions through her music.

Drawing from the influences of acclaimed artists such as Julia Jacklin, Phoebe Bridgers, and Louien, the music resonates with a profound depth, encapsulating a narrative that delves into the complexities of human emotions and experiences.

Sasha Adrian, an emerging talent in the music industry, is captivating audiences with the release of her debut EP ‘Token‘ in 2023. The EP embodies the poignant exploration of love, the sting of betrayal, the emotional bruises left behind, and the resilient pursuit of healing and self-restoration after one’s personal boundaries have been transgressed. This evocative blend of sound and lyrical artistry reflects the raw, unfiltered essence of the human spirit, creating a compelling resonance that speaks to the shared struggles and triumphs of the human condition.

Listeners can enter the world of Sasha’s music with the recent release of her captivating new single, “IMDB‘. This track has been resonating with fans and critics alike, further solidifying Sasha Adrian as a rising star to watch in the music scene.

Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Sasha Adrian. You’ll get to hear ‘Exorcism’ and ‘Token‘ and on the podcast. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

On February 15th 2024 Sasha will be headlining her first show with her full band at the Ideal Bar which is a small, integrated part of the venue VEGA, located in Vesterbro, Copenhagen.

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

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S12 Ep 4 ~ Ags Connolly

Ags Connolly is the honkiest tonkin’ homegrown outlaw we’ve had on the CloudwatcherUno podcast. Ags Connolly is a traditional country singer-songwriter from Oxfordshire but in his soul beats the heart of a native Texan artist. His debut album ‘How About Now’ was released in February 2014 and received fantastic reviews, Maverick magazine hailed it as a ‘masterpiece’.

Ags talks about how vitally important it is for investment in the arts to support UK artists and how that differs for musicians in mainland Europe. We’ve lost so many venues over the last couple of years which impacts music in the UK including the iconic ‘Borderline‘ in London where so many legends of country played but sadly no longer exists.

Ags explains the importance of having a producer such as ‘Dean Owens‘ who is as passionate and whose skill and experience transforms an ordinary album into a modern masterpiece. Dean worked with Ags on his first two albums and his legacy can be heard on Ag’s self produced third and fourth album.

On ‘Siempre‘, Spanish for ‘always’, his latest album he fully embraces the border country Tex-Mex sound, Ags wanted a completely authentic sound and that meant learning to play bajo quinto, the instrument is similar to a guitar but infinitely harder to learn how to play. Ags even sings in Spanish, no mean feat for this British artist.

If you resonate with the sound of Texas-style music, flawlessly sung and exquisitely played, then Ags is the artist for you. The seamless fusion of captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics creates a mesmerizing musical journey that’s perfect for a summer evening spent on your porch, in your garden, or anywhere you can unwind.

‘Siempre’ is not just an album; it’s a mesmerizing journey through time and space, a sonic exploration that captures the essence of longing and wanderlust. From the first note to the closing melody, this masterpiece weaves a captivating tapestry of emotions that resonate deep within the soul, drawing on the nostalgia of distant places and heartfelt stories. Each track in this musical opus is an indispensable addition to your collection, enriching your playlist with its enchanting melodies and evocative harmonies.

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

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

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.

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

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.

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 9 ~ Mary Mahaffey

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.

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 8 ~ Stefan Oluvsson

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.

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 7 ~ Cruz Contreras

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.

CloudwatcherUno Podcast S11 Ep 6 ~ WaterTower

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.