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.
Alaska-based Josh Fortenbery is a gravel-voiced singer and guitarist who possesses the rare ability to capture the raw essence of life through his music. With his debut album No Such Thing As Forever (March 8), Fortenbery delves into the depths of human emotions and experiences, weaving a tapestry of poignant stories that resonate with the soul.
Within the 12 tracks of this exceptional album, Fortenbery’s lyrical craftsmanship shines as he navigates through themes of ennui, existential dread, and the complexities of family dynamics. His sound effortlessly transcends genres, moving between country, folk, and bluegrass with captivating ease. Each song is a masterful exploration of modern anxiety, self-doubt, and the intricate layers of human relationships.
Josh Fortenbery
The album encapsulates the relentless pursuit of self-improvement amidst the fear of repeating past mistakes. Fortenbery’s thought-provoking lyrics resonate with anyone navigating the uncertainties of a new year, tapping into the universal desire for growth and personal evolution.
A true storyteller, Fortenbery infuses his music with the rich tapestry of his experiences, grounding it in the landscapes and communities that have shaped him. His collaboration with fellow Alaskan Justin Smith, the co-producer of the album, reflects a deep-rooted connection to his local environment, adding a layer of authenticity to his artistry.
‘Heirlooms’ – Josh Fortenbery
As a songwriter, Fortenbery fearlessly exposes his vulnerabilities, crafting songs that unravel the complexities of human emotions. Tracks like “Bored to Death,” “Nepotism,” and “Bitter” lay bare the raw intensity of his feelings, juxtaposed with a wry sense of humor that serves as a guiding light through the darkness. In “Another Existential Crisis,” he cleverly intertwines self-awareness with buoyant melodies, offering a glimpse of hope amidst existential ponderings.
But it is Fortenbery’s unwavering dedication to honesty and introspection that truly sets his music apart. His deeply personal exploration of family dynamics, as seen in “Heirlooms” and “Siblings,” unveils a captivating depth of emotion, painting a vivid portrait of love, connection, and the profound impact of familial bonds.
‘Sewing The Same Seam’ – Josh Fortenbery
Through his evocative storytelling, Fortenbery pays homage to his late grandmother, infusing his music with a sense of reverence and nostalgia. Tracks like “Nothing” and “Honey” serve as heartfelt tributes, offering a glimpse into his emotional landscape and celebrating the indelible mark his grandmother left on his life and art.
In a world marked by increasing disconnection, Fortenbery’s music serves as a beacon of authenticity and emotional resonance. His introspective journey resonates with a universal audience, offering a sense of solace and connection amidst the turmoil of the modern world. As Fortenbery himself reflects, his music is a testament to the enduring ties that bind us, bridging the gap between isolation and genuine human connection.
Click below to listen to the podcast or on Apple Music, Spotify or wherever you get 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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