Tag Archives: New Podcast

Cloudwatcher Uno Festival Special with Brennen Leigh

Photo: Brooke Cooper

The rain gods had departed and we were blessed with a few golden rays of sunshine and it was at the green hills of Eridge Park at Black Deer Festival that I caught up with Brennen Leigh the shining light of country music all the way from Texas.

Brennen started coming to these British Isles in 2012 with Noel McKay and played a whole lot of rooms, folk clubs and listeners. Brennen loves the audience in England and how they appreciate the poetry in her lyrics.

With Brennen Leigh at Black Deer Festival. Photo: Nick Barber

In Scandinavia and Europe artists are treated as exotic creatures because you really have to be an acclaimed performer to tour over this side of the world so that fans will take an interest in your music.

‘Carole with an E’ by Brennen Leigh

Brennen explains the genesis of Wonder Women of Country the supergroup with Kelly Willis and Melissa Carper. Kelly got in contact with Brennen and Melissa and asked if they would want to play together, they said yes of course and the group was born! One of my favourite tracks on their recently released EP is ‘Another Broken Heart’ a song by Kelly Willis, Bruce Robinson and Monty Warden years ago and brought the song to the the rest of the group. It’s a classic 1940’s and 1950’s.

Wonder Women of Country will be playing a one of special at Huercasa Country Festival – 5, 6 y 7 Julio en Riaza, Segovia and looking to come over to this side of the pond in 2025.

Brennen Leigh on stage at Black Deer Festival. Photo: Nick Barber

Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Brennen Leigh. 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 S8 Ep 4 ~ Billy Hartman

Reverend Billy Hartman blesses us with a fabulous chat on the CloudwatcherUno podcast from his hometown in Stephenville, Texas. We catch up on his plans for his follow up album to “Beans and Cornbread” his 2020 release. We delve into the why’s and how’s of bringing such modern classics as “Cheese and Taters“, “Forrest“, “Railroad Blues” and “Divine Town” to life and the enjoyment of the listening public.

Divine Town” by Billy Hartman

On a particularly warm and humid day Billy talks about what it means to be an independent artist during the pandemic, living in Texas, becoming an ordained minister of The Universal Life Church, producing music with other musicians such as Zach Pack and by extension James Steinle who’ve now become friends and vice versa. Billy will be recording his new album at Melody Mountain Studios near the house which gives Billy more control around recording the album. Ben Hussey will record and produce the album.

The one and only Reverend Billy Hartman

After a period of self reflection and Billy uses his diary entries as his therapy and as the source for coming up with his lyrics and songs over the last couple of years. Billy’s musical heroes were pretty much the gold standard of country music from George Jones, Webb Pierce and Johnny Cash to name a few. Listening to these artists is what got Billy started on the musical path he’s been on rather than mainstream artists such as Garth Brooks. Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle and Guy Clark‘s “Together at The Bluebird” truly inspired and made Billy strive to capture that level of quality in song writing and musicianship. John Prine also figures largely in Billy’s songcraft.

Cheese and Taters” by Billy Hartman

What finally pushed Billy into writing was having problems with his high school girlfriend which got Billy started into writing songs and paying attention to alliteration in songs and wordplay. “Sunday Morning, Coming Down” by Kris Kristofferson from 1970 is a perfect example of what Billy is trying to achieve with his own songs.

There’s cool and then there’s Billy Hartman

Looking forward Billy and Zack Pack will be singing together for the Hico Steak Cookoff in Texas on Saturday 21st May 2022. There’s also local clubs that Billy will be playing live with Zack Pack.

Billy Hartman always recommends you smoke ’em if you’ve got them.

Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Billy Hartman. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.