Katrina Burgoyne hails from the land of Oz and clicked her heels to travel to Nashville. Music has been her passion, her life, her reason for living. Trying to squeeze everything into three suitcases, grabbed her guitar with her life savings of $15,000 dollars and landing in a country where she didn’t know a soul. Katrina took that leap of faith to follow her dreams.
Having grown up in Gunneda in north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. The young Katrina listened, played and absorbed country music into her DNA. An hour away was the town of Tamworth a city famous in Australia as an antipodean Nashville. Katrina was soon adopted by the musicians who would look back on awe as a 12 year old took to the stage.
In this episode Host CloudwatcherUno sits with Katrina and they talk all things lyrics, songwriting, the best way to grab the attention of cows, why it always rains in Manchester and channeling her passion for music into a way of life.
’25 Cents In The Ashtray’ by Katrina Burgoyne
Katrina talks about what it takes to make it in a new country and making her mark on the centre of country music that is Nashville. We talk about how focusing her energies on the positive has resulted in meeting her producer Steve Kinney (and partner).
Releasing her latest single ’25 Cents In The Ashtray’ and how she is trying to reverse the cliche of the struggling artist to a successful household names like Keith Urban and Morgan Evans. So dream big and believe you can make them a reality just like Katrina Burgoyne. An artist who will grow from strength to strength.
Katrina Burgoyne Photo: Steve Kinney
Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Katrina Burgoyne. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and many other platforms.
So Are We are songwriters Guro Vikingstad (L) and Stian Haslie (R)
So Are We are a phenomenal duo who are a refreshing change in the world of Americana music. Guro’s voice is precisely the breath of fresh air you need in your music streams. And add Stian’s dreamy guitar and you’ve got a killer combination to make sure you have their songs playing on repeat.
‘LA Love’ by So Are We
In this podcast CloudwatcherUno sits down with Guro and Stian to talk about growing up in their native Norway and being exposed to the English language in all its forms from movies, television and most importantly music. It’s their mutual love of music that brought them together not only as songwriters but as a couple. In this podcast we get to hear two acoustic songs ‘Be Alright’ and ‘Alive Again’ with ‘LA Love’ as a bonus track.
We also discuss what it takes for artists to create, produce and release music in these pandemic times and what drives Guro and Stian to want to showcase their sound onto the global stage. Norway has seen an explosion of singer songwriters who have carved out a place for themselves in this uniquely western of genres.
‘Alive Again’ by So Are We
Having just released their latest single ‘LA Love’ from their upcoming album ‘Piece of the Puzzle’ out on 9th October 2020 the talented duo are making sure their musical vision is being heard loud and clear.
‘Piece of the Puzzle’ is the upcoming album by So Are We.
Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring So Are We. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and many other platforms.
Tim Lee Jones (L) and Leroy Powell (R) from Whiskey Wolves of the West
Whiskey Wolves of the West is the best music you’ve ever heard. Don’t believe me? Before you jump in with your choices have you heard ‘I Can’t Take Me Anywhere’ or ‘End of Rope’ what about ‘Sound of the South’ you really need to hear ‘Poor Side of Town’ It’s a bold statement but it’s a statement of undeniable fact. Leroy Powell and Tim Jones are majestic singer songwriters in their own right. Accomplished instrumentalists and vocalists together they bring their musical personas to create the super band known as Whiskey Wolves of the West.
Whiskey Wolves of the West
In this podcast we talk to Tim and Leroy about what inspires them to write about the songs they have, what makes a song not just good but has ‘soul power’. We talk about their musical influences such as Jerry Garcia from the Grateful Dead and all the music in between that’s influenced them to write and perform on stage. And then there’s the special magic of collaboration between other souls who exchange their words, energy and passion to produce songs like Laura Evans ‘Take Me Back Home’. There was even a collaboration on the beginnings of a song with yours truly as well! Check out the podcast at 28:03 for ‘The Sun is a Long Distant Memory’
Whiskey Wolves of the West
We get to hear four songs in this podcast. ‘Ain’t Giving Up On You ‘, ‘Freedom’, ‘Friend of the Devil’ and ‘Lay That Needle Down’. It was a unique and special honour to listen to these two consummate musicians perform their songs with so much passion and joy in the heat of a Nashville garden.
For now the closest that we’ll get to having them play live in these pandemic times will be their ‘Welcome to the Backyard Party’ which they host on Face Book Live usually at 8pm CST on Saturday evenings. Looking forward they will be releasing a new single and playing outdoor gigs on September 4th in Augusta, Georgia and September 5th in Port Royal, South Carolina. They will also be releasing a second album in October 2020, the first was ‘I Can’t Take Me Anywhere’ which was released in April 2020.
So go pour yourself a drink and toast to Leroy and Tim, the Whiskey Wolves of the West who end the first season of this podcast and make it a finale to remember.
Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Whiskey Wolves of the West. Also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many other platforms.
Chase Crawford is the real deal. 100 percent Country and Western, born in Nashville, raised in Alabama, Texas and all the parts in between. As the son of a travelling Pentecostal Preacher who lead tent revivals across the country Chase absorbed all the musical influences from Southern Gospel, Honky Tonk, Rhythm and Blues and Appalachian mountain music which you can hear right now in the EP “The Neon Lights Go on Forever” The album was finished in 2019 but released in 2020.
Chase Crawford
In this podcast we talk about the history of country music from pioneers like Deford Bailey to modern artists such as Mickey Guyton. And how modern country and western music could not exist without such artists and how instruments such as the banjo hailed from West Africa play such a key component of bluegrass music. When hillbilly music became mainstream it was then marketed as that or as a race record. Eventually many of these black artists became overshadowed or forgotten but their influence can be seen in the music that we listen to every day.
Chase Crawford
We get to hear two acoustic versions of songs from the new EP ‘Be Your Johnny Cash’ and ‘The Problem With Angels’ These two songs showcase the breadth and scope of Chase’s talents. ‘Be Your Johnny Cash’ is a love letter to his wife and he sang this to his bride on their wedding day, it features exceptional word play and is crafted like a carpenter may craft an item of furniture from a block of wood with love care and attention. ‘The Problem With Angels’ is a ballad of love and loss in a relationship and the struggle to keep love alive between two souls.
The new EP “The Neon Lights Go On Forever”
The whole EP comes fully formed with not one note, lyric, guitar riff, banjo twang out of place. It took minutes of inspiration, hours of hard work and years of dedication to produce a stunning album such as “The Neon Lights Go On Forever” So go show some support to an artist who truly deserves your love and attention.
Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Chase Crawford. Also available on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many other platforms.
Lauren Jenkins has just released her new video to ‘Ain’t That Hard’ one of the first of many releases as an independent artist for her upcoming second album. The lyrics capture the fragility of the love and how easy it is to hurt or crush other peoples hearts. Our very nature, history, literature is wrapped around the heart as a living beacon of our desires and wants. A repository for all we are and all we will ever be to another human being.
‘Ain’t That Hard’ ~ Lauren Jenkins. Photography by Brooke Stevens
The video is an extraordinary showcase for Lauren’s talents as she wrote, produced, directed and edited the video with zero budget, crew or gear but with the help of long time friends and collaborators Brooke Stevens as Director of Photography, Gideon Klein as Cellist and Mixed by Howard Welling during a pandemic that has taken over the world. The result is a video that shows the whole world the unique voice that has captured the ears, minds and hearts of fans all over the world.
‘Ain’t That Hard’ ~ Lauren Jenkins. Photography by Brooke Stevens
Ain’t That Hard is the next chapter for Lauren Jenkins as life as a independent artist. After being abruptly dropped by her label Big Machine for reasons known only to themselves, Lauren has taken to the virtual world of Stage It shows and live streams to promote her music to an ever growing audience who can’t get enough of her songs. One of which has become the official anthem in these Covid-19 times ‘Dance In The Kitchen’.
‘Ain’t That Hard’ ~ Lauren Jenkins. Photography by Brooke Stevens
So go and spread the word of an artist who has risen from the flames like a phoenix, stronger than ever to shine who has captured the essence of human emotions with her lyrics, guitar hooks and melodies.
Lauren Jenkins on stage in Cologne, Germany ~ January 2020. Photograph by CloudwatcherUno
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.
‘Bluebird, Blue Flew by caught my eye and I fell in love with blue Don’t know what to do Sweet song lead me on I just wanna follow you.’
‘Bluebird’ by Dawn Landes.
Harking back to the best of country and bluegrass, Dawn Landes follows in the tradition of Hank Williams and Jimmy Driftwood. On 7th December 2019 Dawn Landes performed at The Grace, London and brought with her the echoes of those musical heroes on a grey night. A voice that carries you to a land of harmonies, love and laughter.
Songs that evoke feelings of the open road, travelling across wide open skies, the joys of whiskey and the downfalls of that mercurial liquor. Fleeting memories of heartbreak brought vividly to life on stage by an artist whose dextrous finger picking skills on the guitar are sublime.
Dawn sang songs from ‘Bluebird’ and ‘Meet Me at the River’ starting with the title track ‘Bluebird’, ‘Keep on Moving’, ‘Bodyguard’, ‘What Will I Do’, and ‘Wind and Rain’ which is a stunning song about the effects of the elements not just on the landscape but as a metaphor on the eternal battles that swirl within us all.
The song that brought Dawn to my attention was ‘What Is The Color Of The Soul Of Man’. A song about the politics of colour, race and belonging. An extraordinary song considering it’s origins are from the 1960’s. A time of racial upheaval which still continues to be felt now sixty years later.
This was followed by ‘How To Say “I Love You”‘ and ‘Why They Name Whiskey After Men’. A real show stopper was when Down took off her right shoe to sing ‘I’m Your Mamma’ acapella and create the percussion elements of the song by stamping her feet and her thighs. A truly original way of bringing the song to life and using her own body to be the instruments!
Dawn ended the evening with two songs the first was the classic ‘Lost Highway’ a phenomenal performance which showcased Dawn’s vocal abilities and kept the hearts and minds of the audience captivated.
The final song was ‘Silent Night’ which Dawn performed had only recently added to the setlist. This was the second time that I had heard this sung by an american artist that week. The first had been by Sarah Darling at Union Chapel and now again in a smaller venue but one no less potent or sung with such emotion.
I had been waiting to hear Dawn sing her songs and perform live for more than a year. Now meeting Dawn in person was an absolute pleasure and was the perfect way to end a year of seeing live music and supporting artists from a music genre that is thriving and brings to life a feeling of love and genuine affection from fans from this grey island.
With Dawn Landes at The Grace, London on 7th December 2019.
‘Blue skies smiling at me. Nothing but blue skies. Do I see Bluebirds? Singing a song nothing but Bluebirds all day long.’
Signed album from Dawn Landes at The Grace, London.
When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts. It was billed as the concert to end all Christmas concerts, something for the history books, a point in time forever etched onto the minds of those who were there.
When Sarah Darling stepped onto the Union Chapel stage on 2nd December 2019 no one could have predicted the joy and happiness that erupted and burst through the winter gloom that had started to grip the capital city.
Opening the evenings entertainment with ‘Where Cowboys Ride’ this ode to the frontiersmen of the west which has over 3 million plays on Spotify exemplified all the best of Sarah’s vocal talents. Backed by her band of brothers the song carried you away to those open skies where horses run and prairie landscapes.
England and more specifically London has been the second home for the Iowan native who has spent so much time touring these isles that when she returns to Nashville friends believe she has an English accent. You know that Sarah has turned native when she sings about the weather, a national obsession for anyone who lives on this emerald isle.
Sarah’s songs such as ‘Blue Sky’ and ‘London Fog’ dramatically conjure up all those feelings associated by being in wide open spaces with azure blue skies and the silvery dusky fog that still settles in London mornings.
Having acted as her own warm up act Sarah introduced Jamie Lawson a phenomenal singer songwriter who was the first artist to signed up to Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records. Singing ‘I wasn’t expecting That’ and ‘Hallelujah’ he blew away the crowd with his passion and intensity of delivery to produce a stunning performance.
Now this evening was beginning to look like we had been transported a million miles away to the Grand Ole Opry. Where rising stars of country perform to showcase their unique contribution to the pantheon of country legends that had stepped on stage before them.
The answer to that came in shape of new songs that Sarah had been working on in Los Angeles and the Campfire Sessions. ‘Hungover’, ‘Waves’ ‘Drive away with You’ and ‘Leave the Pieces’
After an intermission Sarah came back onstage in a new sparkly black dress which shimmered in the lights. This was not the only thing that sparkled as Sarah introduced the sister duo Ward Thomas onto the stage to sing three songs ‘Landslide’, ‘River’ and her new single also featuring Ward Thomas ‘Divide’.
Ward Thomas were simply divine and the harmonies that they produced with Sarah on these songs weer breathtaking. It was my first time hearing and seeing Ward Thomas perform and I am forever grateful to Sarah for this gift. Truly the evening was one musical gift after another especially with the three guest star artists that had performed this night.
Then as this was a Christmas concert Sarah sang such Christmas hits as ‘Santa Baby’, ‘Have yourself a Merry little Christmas’, ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Silent Night’. Now when Sarah sang this last song she did so unplugged and acoustically. What better venue to sing ‘Silent Night’ then at Union Chapel. The audience were silent, all were mesmerised by the pure sound coming from the angel praising the birth of Christ.
Sarah left the stage to rapturous applause from the audience. What an extraordinary night had been enjoyed by all who were lucky enough to attend. Would there be anything else left for Sarah to showcase?
The answer came when Sarah appeared on stage again and delivered two more songs ‘Monmatre’ and Hailey’s Comet’. ‘Monmatre’ is Sarah’s love song to the city of love, Paris. It exquisitely captures the essence and magic of that eternal beacon of romance.
What a way to end the nights performance than with this song. A once in a lifetime natural phenomenon that lights up the universe with its fiery approach emblazoned across the night sky.
Sarah lit up the sky’s tonight with her whole soul. A messenger from the Heavens, a traveller from Nashville, tonight heralded the return of the native. The musician who belongs to two cities but who had captured the heart of London this night and every night.
A little bit of magic happened last night when Lauren Jenkins stepped on stage last night (September 18th 2019) at the re-branded ‘The Grace’ venue. The last date of her latest European tour Lauren showcased her stunning vocals and joie de vivre to an audience hungry to see their musical hero. In a sold out venue the magic began to sparkle in front of people’s eyes.
Lauren Jenkins opened her act with ‘Twenty Years from Now’ a song originally sung by her friend Kylie Rae Harris who tragically died in an automobile accident in New Mexico while Lauren was on tour. The two had met while in Barbados and had become fast friends (incidentally this is also where Lauren met her manager Whitney Pastorek).
Lauren told the audience how she had found it difficult to grieve for her friend while touring abroad but was grateful for the support of her fans across Europe who had supported her by coming out to her gigs. At the end of the song tears flowed from Lauren as she also sung ‘You are my Sunshine’ in dedication to Kylie. The audience joined Lauren in singing this song in remembrance of her lost friend.
Lauren then brought her album ‘No Saint’ to life in front of an audience who matched her word for word on songs from ‘Maker’s Mark and You’, ‘Cadillac’, and ‘All Good Things’.
Lauren told of how all that glitters isn’t gold in the world of country music artists. Having moved from New York to Nashville. Lauren had played at many, many gigs across the states where being the opening act meant using Porterloos as a dressing room and trying to explain to her family that she may be a country artist but that didn’t mean she was rolling in dollars. At least not yet.
Give Up The Ghost by Lauren Jenkins
Lauren also told the back story of how she had difficulties with an ex-boyfriend who had cheated on her and how that had inspired her to write the song ‘My Bar’ Working behind the bar she had thrown out the ex when he had brought the other women to the bar she was working in.
Lauren freely admits that she is herself ‘No Saint’ and is only doing the best that she can on a daily basis. Sometimes she’s winning sometime she losing.
With the night coming to an end Lauren opened out to the audience as to what songs they wanted her to sing? The requests came thick and fast. Lauren sang ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac and Robert Palmer’s ‘Addicted to Love’ This was a consummate performance of the song by Lauren bringing a real cheer from the audience. A re-imagined take on the classic with Lauren’s smoky voice replacing Palmer’s distinctive timbre.
Then Laura produced something extra special two new songs ‘American Spirits’ and ‘It Ain’t Love Any More’. Both were phenomenal and I can see these being added to a future album and definitely on Lauren’s next tour.
Lauren ended the evening with ‘Running out of Road’ one of the breakout hits of her album. Audience participation at its maximum and the effect was electric. ‘All Good Things’ have to come to an end and Lauren’s journey through Europe did just that but with a celebration by the artist of her songs and the life she has lived so far.
Lauren Jenkins gave the performance of her lifetime at parts, raw, emotional, in others full of bravado and soaring vocals. A true magician who cast a spell over this audience and gained fans old and new.
After the performance Lauren was warm, enthusiastic and genuine in her appreciation of the fans who had come to see her sing. I had waited 7 months to see Lauren sing and she didn’t disappoint. Looking forward to the seeing Lauren when she returns to the UK and seeing a true magician in action.
Lifting Lauren Jenkins off the floor at The Grace, London, 18th September 2019 Photograph: Whitney Pastorek‘No Saint’ signed album by Laura Jenkins. I ordered this vinyl as it was the only way to hear Lauren’s voice old school and analog.
Kip Moore has written over a thousand songs some of which have seen the light and have been breathed into existence and played before the audience at Roundhouse London on 2nd September 2019. Kip Moore had only just played out to sold out audiences at Cadogan Hall in May of this year and was worried that UK fans would be sick of him. There was no fear of that as the atmosphere was electric. Fans had just seen Jillian Jacqueline perform (see previous post) and were left hungry for more outstanding music from artists at the top of their music game.
‘She’s Mine’ Kip Moore’s latest single.
Entering onto the stage in darkness and opening with ‘Crazy One More Time’ Kip Moore performed for nearly 2 hours for the audience who had packed out the concert hall. Taking sips from his bottle of Jack Daniels Kip rattled through songs at a break neck pace. His voice resonating deeply with a voice that carried effortlessly through the auditorium. I’ve never seen a country audience that energised by a performers music and on stage presence.
Supported by a full band and charismatic guitar players who lifted the songs to even higher levels of energy. This was not just country music this was country rock at it’s best. Having seen Brothers Osborne up live and personal I didn’t believe there was an artist who could match the brothers in a live performance. Kip Moore did that and more on this Monday night. My ears are still ringing from the auditory experience.
Thanking the audience for being so supportive of his music and for selling out his UK shows Kip Moore walked off into the darkness from which he had emerged. The audience were in shock surely their night of pulsating guitar riffing country rock couldn’t be over could it?
The audience shouted out ‘Kip! Kip! Kip!’ for what seemed an eternity and then Kip returned to the stage for an encore starting with the country rock ballad of ‘Bittersweet Company’
‘Bittersweet Company’ by Kip Moore
Between the final songs Kip shared with the audience that he had been born with congenital defects which continues to affect his hearing so much so that he wasn’t sure how long he could continue playing live to audiences.
Kip ended the night with his personal anthem ‘Guitar Man’. This song more than others captures the spirit of the man and his music.
“Well, I woke to the rise, sun going down Still taste the whiskey, still fresh on my mouth Hot cup of coffee, smoke in my hand Another day in the life of the guitar man La de da”
For two hours the boy from Tifton, Georgia had transported world weary Londoners to the sunshine of Nashville. Bravo Kip Moore! You absolute legend.
CloudwatcherUno PLAY.LISTEN.ENJOY. 