Willi Carlisle is what the world wants, what the world is waiting for, he is the poet of the Ozark Mountains, the lyricist of Arkansas who has graced us with such songs as ‘Cheap Cocaine’, ‘The Cuckoo’ and ‘Stone County’ all of which you can find in this latest podcast with host CloudwatcherUno. If you were in any doubt to the talent of this folk singer then listen to his EP ‘Too Nice to Mean Much‘ and album ‘To Tell You the Truth‘ it will stir joy and happiness in even the most sceptical mind. There is no doubt that Willi is an artist that he belongs alongside the heroes of yesteryear.
Willi Carlisle ~ His music will touch your soul.
‘THE BEST AMERICANA ARTIST YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF’ ~ THE GUARDIAN
Willi is a musical poet, playwright and songwriter come down from the mountains to bring the music of the heavens to this world. His blend of old time music, banjo plucking, fiddle playing and accordion brings a southern sensibility to tunes that are timeless.
Willi Carlisle – Poet and Folk Singer
Following in the footsteps of Roscoe Holcomb, Janie Hunter, Ralph Stanley and Glenn Ohrlin. Willi has travelled the country, Canada and the UK to showcase his unique talent. A storyteller at heart he has gathered legion of fans by appearing on the coveted Western AF videos, this video channel has become a focal point for all those listeners who wonder where they can find true folk/country music.
The Grand Design by Willi CarlisleWilli Carlisle connecting with audiences across the globe.
‘THE MAN’S ENERGY IS BLINDSIDING, HIS SONGWRITING IS TERRIFIC, HIS HEART IS BIG ON EVERYONE’ ~ WESTERN AF
‘Cheap Cocaine’ by Willi Carlisle for Western AF
In the podcast we learn about Willi’s love for being a Square Dance Caller and an auctioneer and being able to find his voice and express that through his music. We talk about what it means to be singing folk songs at punk venues, protest songs in response to the death of Michael Brown Jr, reinterpreting traditional music for a younger generation and the relationships between rural and urban communities.
‘Van Life’ by Willi Carlisle for Western AFWilli Carlisle from the podcast. Photo: CloudwatcherUno
Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Willi Carlisle. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Allison Leah is a folk-pop singer originally from New York but now based in Nashville, Tennessee. 2020 may not have gone as planned but Allison wanted to carry on with her plans and to continue with her new music projects after her ‘Fly Home’ EP.
‘Coffee Cup’ by Allison Leah
In this podcast host CloudwatcherUno talks with Allison on being there every step of the way in the production of her new music and how she has grown as a songwriter. Concentrating on more mature stories and evolving into a more true pop sound. There’s more fusion of genres and as an independent artist Allison can experiment with what she wants to release. We get to hear ‘Colorado’ and ‘We Can Still Sing’.
Originally from New York, Allison Leah has moved to Nashville to continue her journey in music.
Last Spring was to be Allison’s biggest tour starting off in Kentucky but then the pandemic arrived and it was all cancelled. This lead to Allison being in lockdown with her family but also resulted in her writing and releasing her pandemic anthem ‘We Can Still Sing’ a response to what she was seeing from Italy and the lockdown that was happening there. The song was a family affair with Allison getting her siblings joining to do background vocals, Allison herself did all of the arrangement herself and her sound engineer father mixing the whole track. It’s a song for the world and has helped many people across the globe deal with quarantine.
‘We Can Still Sing’ by Allison Leah
Growing up in a musical household let Allison explore her fascination with music especially musical theatre. Allison really enjoyed playing piano and loved singing along to the radio and on stage and was influenced a lot by the music around here which was classic rock and jam bands and listening to artists such as John Mayer, Rachael Yamagata and Trevor Hall. Allison’s first break as a singer was singing in front of the school aged just 5, from there she was hooked on the adrenalin in performing for an audience.
Make sure to add Allison’s music to your daily playlist.
“IT’S THE GREATEST FEELING IN THE WORLD WHEN FANS LISTEN TO YOUR MUSIC”
For Allison it’s the joy of singing and performing that has led her to sing at the Blue Bird Music Cafe in Nashville, The Bitter End in New York, Sofar Sounds and House Shows. Allison’s plans for the future will be to release new music in the genres that speak to her from the heart and to her fans. This year is one of opportunity and being able to showcase her beautiful voice on her new records.
Allison on the podcast. Photo:CloudwatcherUno
Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Allison Leah. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Matthew Fowler’s first album ‘Beginning’ was released when he just turned 19 and he hasn’t looked back since. That’s the record that made his name in music. In this podcast host CloudwatcherUno sits down with Matthew to talk about his journey not only as a musician but as a documentarian, his love for all things Japanese including Godzilla and Akira, why modern movie trailers ruin the movie going experience, Star Wars and his love of Glen Hansard’s music. We get to listen to ‘Blankets’ and ‘Beginners’ from that first album. His next album will be released by Signature Sounds in Massachusetts later this year.
‘Cassie’ (Live in Japan) by Matthew FowlerMatthew Fowler. This above all: to thine own self be true.
‘Rooftops’ by Matthew Fowler for GemsOnVHS
Matthew started his life as a touring musician with fellow singer and friend Reggie Williams and got see the great American landscape. He’s also collaborated with The Prado Sisters on his first album ‘Beginning’ and have played woodwind instruments on the the upcoming second album. Another passion of Matthew’s is being as a videographer/documentarian and it’s his favourite way to travel filming bands such as ‘Just Neighbors’ on tour in Japan.
‘I Fall Away’ performed by Matthew Fowler and The Prado Sisters.
“PLAYING MUSIC LIVE IS A VERY FULFILLING EXPERIENCE”
Matthew’s music is authentic and you get an immediate reaction that connects you as an audience to something that’s real and fills your head with the music that dreams are made of. It’s like having your life put to music and the soundtrack is one that other travellers can enjoy. Matthew follows in the footsteps of Ryan Adams, Damien Rice, Ray LaMontagne and especially Glen Hansard.
Glen’s music has been such an influence on Matthew and how you can be a vulnerable artist working in the top tiers of music but still remain a normal human being who you could drink and hang out with. Having met Glen quite by accident when going to one of his gigs, Matthew is determined that one day he will collaborate or tour with his idol.
Matthew Fowler from the podcast. Photo: CloudwatcherUno
Music is a language that is spoken all over the world and Matthew can speak it fluently. For the future Matthew is excited for the world to open up again so that he can start touring and promoting his sophomore album when it is released.
Matthew Fowler ~ Bringing joy to your listening world.
Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Matthew Fowler. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and wherever you listen to your podcasts
Darling West are the cosmic folk duo hailing from the land of Norway who have released Spelleman-winning (Norwegian Grammy) album ‘Vinyl and a Heartache’ and such hits as ‘Rolling On’, ‘Traveller’ and ‘The Sweetest Tune’. Host CloudwatcherUno sits down with artists Mari and Tor Egil Kreken to talk about their music, gorgeous lyrics and phenomenal harmonies and melodies. In the podcast Darling West perform live acoustic versions of ‘Rolling On’ and ‘Loneliness’ and there’s also the album version of ‘The Sweetest Tune’ that starts the show.
Mari and Tor Egil Kreken are Darling West.
Darling West started life as folk trio with very dramatic thoughts on how they would be a band and ended up more into cosmic folk territory with electric guitars, drums and the banjo. Tor plays claw hammer style banjo like his Appalachian heroes of the US. Darling West’s sound started out as an interest in old fiddle tune time songs with mountain folk vibe similar to the music from the film ‘O Brother Where Art Thou?’ It was a jumping off point for the band to start their exploration of building and writing their songs.
‘O Brother Where Art Thou’ (2000) Directed by Joel & Ethan Coen
The last EP ‘Interpretations’ explores their love of pop tunes through a country landscape. The music on the EP brings them joy and that translates to the listener when they hear the tracks ‘Don’t Start Now’, ‘Pamela’ and ‘Bulletproof’. It’s a way of expanding their audience’s expectations of the band. It was a challenge to find the tenderness within the original lyrics and the almost harsh production style and reimagine with a much softer gentler interpretation.
‘Bulletproof’ from the Darling West’s Interpretations EP _ Video from their Friday Sessions series
Darling West also bring their sound to life by showcasing their music through their Friday Sessions cover videos available on YouTube and Instagram. They bring the joy of their music by collaborating with fellow artists such as Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra. The ‘Friday Sessions’ started out as a response to the duo experiencing the lockdown in Norway and not being able to go out but still wanting to connect with their fans and audience. It’s a lot of work learning a new song every week and then record it flawlessly as a live video to such a high professional standard. Don’t expect the sessions to continue forever though as the duo need to work on releasing their own original music.
‘Gold Dust Woman’ performed by Darling West featuring Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra
One of my favourite songs from the album ‘We’ll Never Know Unless We Try’ is ‘Home’ written by Tor Egil with Mari in their family’s cabin and was a song that just came out so easily and encapsulates the cosmic folk catalogue of Darling West. You can feel the influence of Gillian Welch in the lyrics and it sounds like poetry put to music.
The duo have adapted as well as they can to having to put touring to one side and have now been able to focus on the Friday Sessions, their songcraft and building a nice home for themselves to create an atmosphere conducive to blossoming their creativity. Without the pressure of trying to make a Darling West record has enabled them to explore different genres, sounds and musicality.
Darling West showcasing the best that Nordicana music has to offer to the listening world.
Growing up Tor Egil started off wanting to play football but that obsession was overtaken by learning to play the guitar while listening to his older brothers record collection. In junior high school reading about musicians playing their instruments and touring with their bands, Tor Egil knew this was going to be his life. When Mari and Tor met 15 years ago, Mari didn’t even play an instrument. Mari always enjoyed singing and her father always sang as a way to relax. There was always country music on the radio. After 7 years together Mari also wanted to become a part of the musical community in a real way and bought her first mandolin. It took a lot of practice before Mari felt that she had the sound she wanted from her instrument and could call herself a musician. It was all worth it as the duo have released four albums showing their incredible virtuosity, skill and range in producing stellar music.
Lockdown has brought Darling West the time they need to craft their songs and focus on their sound.
Mari and Tor Egil don’t right formulaic music or middle of the road tunes for them there is no formula that they stick to. They want to keep their music as alive as possible and act as a homage to the Norwegian mountains. Speaking metaphorically if they found themselves in lifeboat having to recue their songs then they would save ‘Darling West’, ‘Vinyl and a Heartache’, ‘Someone Like You’, ‘Rolling On’, and River.
Mari and Tor Egil from the podcast. Photo: CloudwatcherUno
Darling West are at the forefront of the Nordicana music scene and bringing their own twist to the traditional Americana/ Appalachian music that’s been produced and being released. Their music is full of guitar, banjo and pedal steel which envelops the listener transporting them to a mythical country and western world. Going forward the duo want to focus more on their own song writing and they have more time to really record the songs they want in the style and production that showcases their music the best. A new album will arrive and when it does you know it’s going to be fantastic.
Darling West partners in music, life and storytelling.
Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Darling West. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
John-Arne Gundersen and Anne Mette Hårdnes from Sweetheart
The Spellemann (Norwegian Grammy) award winning Sweetheart have just released a new self titled album ‘Sweetheart’ released by the label Mother Likes It Records It’s a phenomenal achievement for this band and one that places them on the music map. Sweetheart are John-Arne Gundersen and Anne Mette Hårdnes and hail from Norway. In 2003/4 Sweetheart was a three piece collective and then more of a country rock band. After a 14 year absence in 2018 the band was reformed into a more melancholic sounding band that currently tugs at your heart strings that carries you along into a different universe full of longing and memories of what could have been.
Sweetheart performing live on stage.
The new self titled album ‘Sweetheart’ explores the sense of missing something or someone. The songs feel like poems brought to life by the intense ghostly vocals that lay open the human condition.
‘Ghosts’ by Sweetheart from the self titled album ‘Sweetheart’ released by Mother Likes It Records
We get to hear the acoustic version of ‘Leaving for Stockholm’ which describes the true life experience of what it feels like when someone you love leaves to travel away from the family home. We also hear the acoustic track ‘Can We Make It Out Of Here Alive’ a song that could be an anthem for 2020. There’s also a favorite of mine ‘The Pines By The River’ that opens the podcast.
You need to add Sweetheart to your playlist.
Being a musician was always a childhood dream for Anne Mette and one that she always wanted to follow through into adulthood. Meeting John-Arne has focused her energies with his in producing an album that channels her beautiful voice to full effect. The turning point for John-Arne was listening to the album ‘Heartbreaker’ from Ryan Adams.
Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Sweetheart. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and many other platforms.
CloudwatcherUno sits down with Jason Michael singer/songwriter from New Ellum. The band may be new but these are all experienced musicians who’ve paid their dues to the gods of music. To make the sound of New Ellum you have singer/songwriter Sabrina Taylor-Mesh, drummer Ed Chaney, guitarist Mick Tinsley, bass player Randy Morris and fiddle player Orion Pitts. With Jeff McMullen on keys and John Solis on drums to round out the tracks with other musicians.
New Ellum the band your ears have been waiting for.
Born in Lakenheath, Suffolk, England Jason and his family moved back to Texas, where Jason followed his passion as a working musician. Having spent his formative career in Texas, Jason travelled to New Orleans and Los Angeles, coming back to live in Dallas. Returning to his roots Jason wanted to record new songs for a solo album but as it progressed with fellow musicians and players on the tracks New Ellum was formed. A brilliant twist to promote their music New Ellum have produced unique videos for ‘Devil’s Band’ featuring stop motion Lego animation and the comic book animation of ‘Wedding Ring’.
‘Devil’s Bail’ by New Ellum. Director KJ Calderone ~ Stop Motion Animation Genius
In this podcast we get to hear ‘Wedding Ring’ with acoustic versions of ‘Houston Radio’ the new single from the band released on 16th October 2020. We also get treated to an acoustic version of ‘One Short Minute’ an unreleased track.
New Ellum is a refreshing blend of old school folk music with alt country rhythms
The pandemic might have brought many plans to a halt but it can’t stop music. Music comes from the soul and its a universal language for the world to enjoy. If your looking for a true music connection then go listen to New Ellum. They are a band who deserve your full undivided attention.
‘Houston Radio’ is released on 16th October 2020
Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring New Ellum. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and many other platforms.
Lady Nade is a singer-songstress par excellence. With a smooth velveteen voice she creates audio magic. Pouring heart and soul into her lyrics, ever the perfectionist she has been known to take weeks to craft the perfect song. Lady Nade feels a responsibility to be a voice to those who’ve experienced lifes battles and have come out the other side.
‘Heart Beats Strong’ by Lady Nade
In this podcast we talk about using her voice to send a message to the audience to pay attention and respect the artist and their craft. You would never speak through a movie or the theatre then why do some ticket paying ‘fans’ feel the urge to talk over the live music experience and ruin it for those who are there to listen to these beautifully crafted songs?
Lady Nade performs an exclusive unreleased performance of her song ‘Josette’ which is being played acoustically for this podcast. It forms part of three albums that Lady Nade is working on during these pandemic times. Yes you read that right three albums one of which is an EP another with Ivor Novello songwriter. It seems that Lady Nade is thriving in these strangest of times.
Lady Nade photograph by Josette Bush
Lady Nade gives thanks to the essential work of The Musicians Union which have been supporting artists through these Covid-19 times and feeding body and soul so that the music we love can still be made. On Saturday 18th July 2020 Lady Nade will be giving back by performing in Sheffield for The Musicians Union – Summer Of Live Online Festival.
Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Lady Nade. Also available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many other platforms.
Sara Douga is The Pistol and The Pistol is Sara Douga. A phenomenal country artist from Southwest Louisiana who moved to Nashville but hasn’t lost her Cajun roots. An artist ready to show the music capitol that this country artist has the blues running through her veins and delivers lyrics with a stunning voice and unique sound. Whispering Bob Harris, legendary country BBC radio host said “Her music defines 3 chords and the truth”.
Collaborating with country heroes such as Jim Lauderdale and Lane Mack has opened up new experiences for Sara with other legendary singers and songwriters. In this podcast Sara sings the acoustic versions of two songs, the first is ‘I’ll Forgive You If You Don’t’ and and an exclusive first performance anywhere of Sara’s collaboration with Jay Knowles of an unreleased song.
With Sara at Bush Hall, October 2018. The first time that I got to see The Pistol perform.
That collaboration with Jim Lauderdale also led to Sara performing on stage at The Grand Ole Opry. Next time she’ll be performing not as a guest but as a star in her own right. We talk about her passion for singing and songwriting from the age of 8 and how in high school Sara had already written all the songs for her debut album ‘Boots, Bras and Drawers’.
Before that was released Sara spent time playing with the lead singer from the Cajun Band ‘High Performance’. And it was while playing with Jamie Beard at a private event that she met the love of her life.
Fast forward years later and the whole family have moved to Nashville providing the support and love that lets Sara focus on her music, and this has led her to perform at The Bluebird Cafe.
The first album by Sara ‘Boots, Bras and Drawers’released in 2018
On 26th June 2020 Sara releases her brand new 3 track EP ‘Lines’ with ‘Fair Warning’, Playbook and Lines. For Sara her next goal is to be signed to a bigger label and publishing deals so that she can share her songs with a wider audience.
Sara Douga performing on her livestream.
Sara has many projects, song collaborations and new music coming out towards the end of the year and February 2021. One song. to look out for is Joe and Gin towards October 2020 with back vocals from the one and only legendary Melanie Cannon.
Sara Douga is ready to entertain you with her smokin hot vocals, killer hooks and timeless lyrics. Go do your ears a favour and open your heart and listen.
Sara Douga’s new EP ‘Lines’ is released on 26th June 2020 ~ Photograph @NomadSoulPhoto
Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Sara Douga ~ The Pistol. Also available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many other platforms.
CloudwatcherUno PLAY.LISTEN.ENJOY. 