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.
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.
On the Season 12 finale with Stine Andreasson and the story behind The Northern Belle’s fifth album, “Bats in the Attic,” is a compelling blend of personal experiences, historical inspiration, and musical creativity. The band’s evolution is evident in their ability to seamlessly weave together a diverse range of styles, from Cardigans-type pop to southern rock and delicate indie ballads, all executed with the finesse they are renowned for. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the band’s passion for live performance was a driving force during the album’s creation, with a focus on capturing the energy of their live shows in the studio.
Bandleader and songwriter Stine Andreassen’s inspiration for the album stemmed from 379 letters written by her grandfather while at sea and stationed abroad, which were sent to her grandmother in northern Norway. These letters, hidden in an attic for 30 years following her grandfather’s passing, provided the foundation for the album’s title and several of its songs. The album also delves into Andreassen’s experiences of motherhood, capturing the essence of creation and life, as well as the emotional weight of losing cherished friends. This depth of personal storytelling and emotional resonance infuses the album with profound meaning for both the band and their audience.
The Northern Belle
The Northern Belle’s musical journey has been marked by significant milestones, including the critical acclaim of their previous albums and their expanding international recognition. From their self-titled debut in 2015 to their well-received sophomore album “Blinding Blue Neon” and the international success of “We Wither, We Bloom,” the band has consistently captivated audiences and garnered praise from music industry heavyweights. Their collaboration with notable musicians and producers has enriched the depth and breadth of their musical expression, captivating listeners worldwide with their emotive and evocative sound.
The Northern Belle – Fresh Dew Drippin
The band’s lineup, featuring Stine Andreassen, Bjørnar Ekse Brandseth, Johanne Flottorp, Trym Gjermundbo, Ole-André Sjøgren, and Marie Tveiten, showcases their collective talent and vibrant energy. Their time in the studio, supported by guest musicians Snorre Kiil Saga and Solveig Wang, and guided by producer Marcus Forsgren, has resulted in an incomparable fusion of folk and Americana-inspired pop. With resonant harmonies, the enchanting sound of the hardanger fiddle, and the evocative presence of the pedal steel, The Northern Belle’s music continues to captivate audiences with its timeless allure and emotional depth.
Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Stine Andreassen. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
In this episode we get to chat with Christopher about his life, loves and music. He talks about building a community of like minded artists and how being a founding member of the Houston Honky Tonk Society is helping to bring this dream into reality.
Christopher talks about collaborating with artists such South Texas Tweek on songs such as ‘I Can Get off on You’ they first met at the Continental Club in Houston, and even tour managed Tweek while he was supporting Nick Shoulders. Christopher’s new release ‘Cheated On‘ the original song idea was Tweek’s when Christopher was over at his house for Thanksgiving and Tweek had the a killer line and then Christopher worked on the chorus and melody and after 6 or 7 months they had the final song.
“Everybody wants to be George Jones till there in the dark drinking alone”.
It’s fascinating how Christopher, as a songwriter, delves into the depths of human emotions to create compelling lyrics. His ability to tap into the essence of the human condition and express it through the power of music is truly remarkable. Through his songwriting, Christopher has the unique talent to capture the myriad of emotions that define our existence, from profound joy to deep sorrow, and everything in between. This remarkable skill enables him to connect with others on a deeply emotional level, resonating with the experiences and feelings of his audience. The art of songwriting is a profound and beautiful way for Christopher to channel and share the complexities of the human experience, touching the hearts and souls of those who listen to his music.
Old school Honkytonk and Hillbilly music is how Christopher describes his music. Over the course of twenty years Christopher has collected tattoos all over his body. His first was fromFamous Gabe from Pensacola Florida at a place called Through The Moon .
Christopher Seymore
Grew up singing in Church with his family and especially on his mothers side they are a musical family. His parents and his Aunts sang to him Old Country songs and hymns in Church. He always enjoyed singing and making up stories and wasn’t completely serious about a life of music until his late teens and early twenties. In Texas and the Two-Step culture is a whole another experience to connect with the audience. A true spiritual experience, as an artist he is developing himself and the challenge is to truly show himself. It’s all about trying to make a genuine connection between artist and the audience.
Dean Dillon, George Strait and Wayne Kemp are all musical heroes to Christopher and is part of his Country education. The development of a local music scene is directly connected to the availability of mid sized venues and the loss of these venues is felt to every independent artist. Stadium venues will always survive as they can bring in the top tier artists.
“Texas is the epicentre for HonkyTonk music”.
Nowhere else does anybody play a shuffle except a Texas drummer, there’s something in the air and water that makes Texas music awesome and is an alternative to what passes for county music these days . David Miner, Nicky Diamonds, Sam Turnerand the Cactus Cats, South Texas Tweek, Patrick B Ray, Nick Garza’s Get Along and Chasen Wayne are all making music there own way in Texas and it’s totally different from that polished Nashville sound. Tim Bolo, Hannah Juanita, Summer Dean, Brennen Leigh and Sterling Drake are exceptions to the this more commercialised music.
Christopher Seymore
Christopher is working on a new album and has enough material for two albums. He will be back in the studio recording albums, one album is more outlaw and darker and another album has a seventies dancehall honkytonk feel.
So listen into this fascinating podcast with Christopher Seymore and CloudwatcherUno by clicking the link below or streaming on Apple Music, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Dani-Rae Clark and CloudwatcherUno talk together on S12 Ep 8 of the podcast. Speaking from their home in Nashville. We talk about their EP ‘Notes on A Crisis’ and especially their videos ‘Ain’t It Convenient’ with their friend Producer and Videographer Max Harms in Arizona. Originally from Vancouver, Canada they would go on tour once a year and would pass through Nashville, Tennessee and fell in love with it and they would always say they were going to move to Nashville.
During the pandemic the Canadian/American border was closed but because they have a dual citizenship, they were able to cross the border with their dog. It was a liberating moment as they packed everything they could into their very old pickup truck and just drove very slowly from North Idaho. The whole road journey took a month as they drove all the back roads.
They listen to a lot of old country, gospel and soul music and doesn’t listen that much to contemporary artists and their music. When it comes to writing a song, they aren’t sure how it happens, it’s a language that she has learnt how to use without being conscious of it. They feel strongly that songs should not have filler lyrics, each song needs to be crafted in a way that says what they feel needs to be said.
They are on tour and will be travelling to Arizona to record a new album later this month at Max Harm’s studio ‘The Garage’ and you can support them through their Kickstarter. They move around a lot as an artist so will have a band/bandmates all over the place and an absolutely fabulous performance from them and ‘The Let Downs‘ can be seen in ‘Make Me a Sinner’ filmed in Vancouver. A lot of these artists will be playing on the new album including their partner who is from Nova Scotia. The song is a Queer love song and one that challenges the hypocrisy about how women’s sexuality is demonised outside a very ladylike stereotype of marriage.
To afford to go on tour and produce the new album they have five jobs to make ends meet and make the music that brings them and us joy. When writing music, it takes them a lot of solitude so that they can give it their full attention. Lately they have been writing a lot of cheesy country duets, this included Christmas songs which they hate. Despite this they wrote a song for their favourite band ‘Big Fancy & The Shiddy Cowboys’.
They take a lot of inspiration from Tammy Wynette and George Jones and especially the classic track ‘Stand By Your Man‘. They really want to have similar solid duets in the future. Tammy and George made the saddest music of all time especially in country music. Sad music has such an important part in our lives and helps us access emotions that we aren’t able to access. Music lives in a different part of our brain than other information and the way a song can instigate a feeling that we weren’t even expecting.
To hear more from Dani-Rae Clark’s conversation with CloudwatcherUno click the audio below or listen to it on Apple Music, Spotify Music or wherever you get your podcasts from.
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.
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.
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.
With Ags when supported Charley CrockettWith Ags when he supported Jaime WyattWIth Ags when he supported Summer Dean
Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Ags Connolly. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Season 12 kicks off with a very special podcast with Lauren Jenkins all the way from Nashville. Lauren hadn’t been back to the UK for three years after the whole pandemic swept the world. Lauren was supporting Eric Paisley on his European tour and would accompany him in Germany. Lauren reached out to fans of her music to see if anyone would be willing to host her while she arrived in the UK before the tour started in the mainland. This was a complete no brainer and I reached out to Lauren to say that she should hold her first House Concert in London.
Lauren Jenkins first House Concert in the UK after three years
So preparations were made to do this very special concert. Just imagine your favourite artist playing in your very own living room. Mind officially blown. To make sure that Lauren’s voice reached the intimate crowd I reached out to my good friend and all amazing blues guitarist Kaspar ‘Berry’ Rapkin for Amps, speakers and microphones.
LJ in action in London.
There was still the small matter of promoting the house concert to all and sundry and the word was carried across the Isles of Britannia that an Angel of Nashville was going to be gracing our shores.
Then the night of the concert arrived and it was a most surreal experience having the Lauren Jenkins knock on my front door. With the most dazzling smile Lauren entered into the house (I’d forgotten how tiny she is in real life). Having Lauren soundcheck in your living room is extraordinary, it’s a true privilege to be behind the scenes at this point .
CloudwatcherUno with the one and only Lauren Jenkins
As the night grew darker, fans started coming to the house from all over the UK to enjoy this amazingly intimate evening. Lauren was the perfect combination of host, artist and musician.
Finally the moment we had all been waiting for was upon us and Lauren took centre stage in the living room and bewitched and entranced all her fans with stories songs and anecdotes
Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Lauren Jenkins. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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.
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 PLAY.LISTEN.ENJOY. 