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CloudwatcherUno Podcast S5 Ep 3 ~ Ingvild Flottorp

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Ingvild Flottorp is a fabulously talented 22 year old Nordicana (Norwegian Americana) artist from Åmli, Norway. Ingvild comes from a family of musicians that includes her older brother and sister Johanne and Tobias who play together in Ruby Red and the Moonshine Brothers while Johanne also plays in the legendary The Northern Belle band.

Ingvild is the next generation of singer songwriters to come out of Norway to carry the flame for the Nordicana music scene. Her voice and music are reminiscent of Iris Dement and Kate Bush but with lush country overtones.

Her debut album ‘It All Seems So Clear’ by Vestkyst Records came out in April 2021 and it’s a spellbinding display of virtuoso lyrics, heavenly vocals supported by sublime pedal steel and fiddle.

‘I Don’t Believe You Anymore’ by Ingvild Flottorp

In the podcast host CloudwatcherUno and Ingvild talk openly about the joys and lows of bringing an album to life only to have it nearly snatched away by the pandemic and the lockdown that followed not only in Norway but across the globe. It meant that the young star wouldn’t be able to promote her album by singing live to audiences across Norway.

With the help of Tobias who produced the whole album something magical has been born. Shania Twain was Ingvild’s hero and as a young girl dressed up and performed in videos for her siblings. This early exposure to country music from her father on road trips influenced her love for this genre. There’s also a rich folk tradition of making honest music that connects with audiences. The song writing process can sometimes take up to a year in trying to capture the sound that Ingvild is looking for.

The many faces of Ingvild Flottorp. Photos: CloudwatcherUno

Making and recording music brings joy to Ingvild and to us as fans of her imagination and you just have to listen to these magnificent songs. It took a year before Ingvild found a label that would champion her sound and promote it to a wider audience. Looking forward Ingvild has many more songs for her sophomore album which promises to be in a different direction.

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

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CloudwatcherUno Podcast S4 Ep 8 ~ Nick Garza’s Get Along

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Nick Garza comes from a long line of Texans and it’s this history combined with the music of the great state that influences his lyrics, songs and outlook on life. On this podcast CloudwatcherUno and Nick talk about the stories behind his songs ‘I’ll take another Margarita‘, ‘Muchacha‘ ‘Take me down to San Antonio‘ and ‘Denial‘, We also hear Nick sing acoustic versions of some of the songs and the collaboration process with other artists such as Augie Meyers and Los Texmaniacs.

Muchacha by Nick Garza’s Get Along (feat. Augie Meyers and Los Texmaniacs)

Nick also answers the life-and-death question of which city has the best tacos is it Austin or San Antonio? We talk about how it sometimes takes weeks and months to finish a song and how he uses a voice recorder memo function on his phone to put down ideas for his music. He currently has 2500 voice memos Which all could turn into fully fledged songs.

Denial by by Nick Garza’s Get Along (feat. Kelsey Wilson)

Now that the world is slowly opening up Nick is focusing on releasing singles all the rich would complete his first album and then being able to play those songs in front of a live audience. I for one can’t wait to hear new music from the Tex-Mex legend that is Nick Garza.

The legend that is Nick Garza’s Get Along

Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Nick Garza’s Get Along. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and many other platforms.

Nick Garza from the podcast. Photo: CloudwatcherUno

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CloudwatcherUno Podcast S4 Ep5 ~ Brandon Padier

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Brandon Padier sits down with host CloudwatcherUno as they talk about the inspiration behind his albums ‘Brothers Of The Flood‘(2020), ‘Rock and Roll Heart of Gold‘ (2019) and ‘To God Be The Glory‘ (2018) such songs as ‘Once Again (I’m Alone)‘ ‘The Hardest Thing‘ and ‘To God Be The Glory‘ his musical history of being in the band ‘Adopted Kids‘, and how being the guitar player led to him becoming a singer. His musical influences such as The Beatles, Jason Isbell, Neil Young, Tom Petty, The Band and The Grateful Dead are evident in the songs that he has released.

Brandon Padier ~ Stunning vocals combined with a spiritual soul makes for an original artist.
‘The Hardest Thing’ by Brandon Padier

For a self confessed introverted personality Brandon comes to life when talking all things music, art and culture. Taking that first step into song writing was only natural after having written the songs themselves. we talk about how music is a universal language and his love of playing instruments such as the piano and trombone and especially those that challenge him especially the fiddle and the sitar.

Looking forward to the new album from Brandon Padier.
‘To God Be The Glory’ by Brandon Padier

Brandon is working on his new album and is being influenced by The Byrds, Wings era McCartney. The songs for this album are akin to tackling life in these pandemic times and universal concepts of isolation. The magic will be turning these simple concepts but turning them into something incredibly profound.

‘Everything Falls Apart’ by Brandon Padier
Brandon Padier from the podcast. Photo: CloudwatcherUno

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

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CloudwatcherUno Podcast S3 Season Finale Ep10 ~ Ottoman Turks

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Ottoman Turks are (L-R) Nathan, Will, Josh and Paul

CloudwatcherUno exclusively got to sit down with the whole band to talk about their songs, the new album and music influences. One of the first to hear the full album outside of the label ‘Ottoman Turks II’ is that rare beast where the sequel is even better than the original. Think Empire Strikes Back meets the Godfather 2 as a guide to how awesome this album is. In 2019 the first album was released there were so many unrecorded and unreleased songs that a part 2 was always on the cards. Ottoman Turks new album ‘Ottoman Turks II’ is released in April 2021 from State Fair Records.

‘Wound Up’ from the upcoming album Ottoman Turks II

Many many moons ago Paul and Nathan met each other in the seventh grade and then Nathan met Will at the same high school while Will and Josh have know each other since first grade. Paul, Will and Nathan came together to play music after being in a few bands where they were influenced by americana music and jazz music. Josh wasn’t a part of the band initially but was writing guitar parts for the band but the band didn’t truly start until Josh became part of the band in September 2012.

The goth country band that are Ottoman Turks!

Tracks that stand out on the album are ‘Travelin’ Blues’, ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’, ‘Zootstack Lightnin’, ’35 to Life’ and the goth country classic ‘Militant Preacher’. Most of the album was recorded in February 2020 before the lockdown.  The band tried to be a straight country act but the band and much more fun breaking down musical genres and mixing it up and making it a sweet Ottoman Turks sound. Its good to be different but its also difficult to be different it makes for interesting mix when playing under a country banner even though they not be your middle of the road country band.

Ottoman Turks are always looking to make new headways with their music.

Ottoman Turks videos are something that the band take immense pleasure and  joy in. A fantastic example is 35 To Life video is based on JFK coming back to life and taking revenge on Dallas the city where he was killed.

’35 to Life’ from Ottoman Turks

Glass Bottles was one of the first videos that band did where they thought the visual media could fully express their joy. They are a unique band that will continue to put in as much effort into their videos which act as a calling card to their fans in these pandemic times. Within the band there are various musical adventures that all support each other and the band with their live shows. What the band excel at is their live shows and pretty much given the opportunity will blow any other act out of the water.

Having laughs with the band on the podcast. Photo: CloudwatcherUno

Nathan may write pretty much all the lyrics for the band but musically the songs would not sound as they do without the full Ottoman Turks treatment. Joshua might add guitar, Will may change the arrangement while Paul will add drums into the mix. Zootstack Lightnin’ is the first example where Nathan, Josh and Will all get to sing on one song. ‘Militant  Preacher’ is a very old song written by Nathan inspired by old spiritual and blues music such as Robert Johnson. It’s a spiritual battle to prepare for whatever the day begins. The music that inspired Ottoman Turks ranges from Tom Waits to Jack White. In this podcast we get to hear ‘Wound Up’, ‘Vaquero’ and ’35 to Life’ which are totally sublime and will make you wish you were back to a time where it was safe to spend time with complete strangers at a mosh pit.

Make way for new music from Ottoman Turks coming at you in April 2021

It’s been a struggle to try and reproduce the same live energy and songs that fans that follow the Turks will be familiar with, in this sophomore album they have succeeded in bringing a complete oral history of the Turks music to life. Getting the test pressing of the vinyl and holding that in their hands has been a lifelong dream for all the band. It’s a culmination of the dreams and aspirations of each of these amazing artists. World watch out Ottoman Turks are coming for you be prepared for a musical experience like no other.

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

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CloudwatcherUno Podcast S3 Ep9 ~ South Texas Tweek

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South Texas Tweek

South Texas Tweek is the hero for these uncertain times. His music takes you away and wraps you up in an unique honky tonk blanket of tejano goodness. With a voice of a bygone era he has simultaneously given us something new and delivered us to the time when artists like Webb Pierce roamed the country and western musical landscape. Just like his musical heroes South Texas Tweek has a genuine love for this genre of music. And it shows from his hours and hours of dedication to his craft of singing and song writing.

Growing up in the Deep South Bible Belt certainly shaped his early years but growing older has meant that his view of the world has both matured and flourished musically. With his first official single ‘Count On Me’ released on his birthday December 2020 Tweek blew the status quo of what listeners were used to out of the water. An acoustic version was out in August 2020 but this fully formed version with the pedal steel and breaks is a different beast altogether.

‘Count On Me’ The sensational debut single by South Texas Tweek.

Its not the first time for Tweek and Charley Crockett to co write a song together. On Charley’s album ‘Welcome to Hard Times’ the track ‘Lily My Dear’ was written with Tweek, Vincent Neil Emerson and Colin Colby on Charley’s tour bus outside a gig at Greek Bros, in El Campo, Texas. Vincent and Charley already had the hook with Charley playing on his banjo. After 30 minutes the song was complete! Tweek and Charley’s friendship has been growing for many years. At first Tweek wanted to be just a songwriter but the urge to stand in front of an audience took over. In September 2020 Tweek took the plunge into the country and western music world.

Hard work and passion for country and western music is what drives South Texas Tweek.

Tweek’s life and music is an inspiration and this is reflected on his entry into the Texas Music Charts. Patsy Cline, Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark have all been part of Tweek’s musical education but George Jones is first among equals in his admiration and love for his musical legacy to upcoming artists. In this podcast we get to hear Tweek sing live and acoustically two songs ‘Living Low’ a folk inspired singer songwriter Texas inspired song and ‘Count On Me’ his knockout calling card in the world of music.

‘Count On Me’ by South Texas Tweek

The pandemic hasn’t slowed Tweek’s love of hunting and fishing and it’s his way of escaping the isolation of the pandemic. It’s a reminder of a life filled with friends and family that we all strive for. Tweek is looking forward to going out on the road and play some shows. Tweek’s put everything into his music and has an audience that is hungry to see such a new stellar artist live. 2 more songs are coming out from the session he recorded last October 2020. He hopes to tour in the later half of the year with a possible full album by the end of the year. His next release will be ’50 Dollars A Week’ which he co wrote with Charley Crockett coming out on Valentines Day 2021.

’50 Dollars A week’ the new release by South Texas Tweek out on Valentines Day 2021.

Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring South Texas Tweek. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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CloudwatcherUno Podcast S3 Ep6 ~ Third Way

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Xander Edwards and Paul Vilas are Third Way.

Third Way combine the best of synth pop and indie electronic music with an alternative spirituality in their sound. Their music is highly addictive, danceable and has mega melodramatic outpouring of emotion in their songs. They have been gigging for about a year at open mic evenings amongst the people and communicating their emotions and making the audience feel each and every track.

Paul and Xander from Third Way.

In this podcast host CloudwatcherUno sits down with Paul and Xander. Paul handles the synth and Xander handles all the vocals, combined they make dance floor heaven. They have played at The Finsbury in February 2020 (practically a club night), Cafe 1001 and Northcote records before the pandemic stopped them in their tracks. Everyone the musicians and the fans get to benefit on an atomic level from the sounds that emanate from the band.

In this podcast we get to hear two tracks, an acoustic version of their enormous hit ‘Guru’ and studio version of Tides. In 2020 they haven’t been able to be in the same physical space so they have concentrated on producing and evolving their music. ‘Tides’ was released just as the first lockdown came into force so they could only communicate remotely.

Xander and Paul from the podcast. Photo: CloudwatcherUno

There’s a possibility of releasing a fun track called ‘Baby Jesus’ which was composed in a light hearted way but according to friends of the band is the best thing they have have ever produced. There is an originality and honesty to their music. Paul and Xander have been together for the last 7 years and as partners in music their relationship has blossomed. Having played together in previous bands such as ‘The Next De Niro,

‘Guru’ by Third Way

Music is a fabulous outlet for these two musicians and helps them to connect on a metaphysical level with themselves and making the best of an isolating situation where luckily they can make music from their home studio. There is a lot of positives on being able to concentrate just on their music and the result will be a release in the form of a new EP later in the year. Watch this space!

Paul and Xander from Third Way looking forward to their musical future.

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

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CloudwatcherUno Podcast S3 Ep5 ~ The Last Heartbeats

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The Last Heartbeats (L-R) Frank Smiley (guitar) , Ricky Hill (lead singer and bass) and Chris Pate (drummer)

The Last Heartbeats are a trio of musicians from Texas who have been travelling along the road of music for quite a while and have now joined together to showcase their unique brand of alt country music. In this podcast CloudwatcherUno sits down with Frank and Ricky to talk about how the band got their name, their experiences of coming through high school bands and different bands. In 2005 Ricky finally decided to take centre stage as other musicians ego’s and attitudes kept getting in the way of making music. People put on a show personality unfortunately that personality takes over their day to day life.

Ricky Hill from The Last Hearbeats

We get to hear an acoustic version of ‘Afraid’ an unreleased track and ‘TexaCali’ the future release for the band. Both songs showcase the bands knack for delivering a killer tune with melodies that reverberate around the space between your ears. It’s a big rock song originally an acoustic song but when Frank plugged into his guitar into Marshall amplifiers did the song come to life. This band has melodies and hooks to spare.

‘The Deep End’ by The Last Heartbeats
The Last Heartbeats in action.

Country today you have ‘Pop Country’, ‘Old School Country’ the band have more layers and textures and the art of the song. They fit into the ‘Alt Country’ but the genre is so wide it gives them the freedom to be a pure country band but at the same time they can release their version of Southern Rock sensibilities.

Frank Smiley (L) and Ricky Hall (R) from The Last Heartbeats. Photo: CloudwatcherUno

For the future The Last Heartbeats are looking forward to releasing ‘TexaCali’ in February 2021, laying down some tracks in the studio, making an album and to performing live to an actual audience in a regional basis.

Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring The Last Heartbeats. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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CloudwatcherUno Podcast S3 Ep4 ~ James Steinle

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James Steinle ~ A musician to warm the darkest parts of your heart.

James Steinle is a kindred spirit, a spirit that fills your ears with warmth and wonder. In this first episode of the New Year get ready to really listen to a singer whose voice reaches out from the darkness of the ether to transport you to a magical land. A land of music that runs parallel to ours but echoes the long lost songs of yesteryear. His lyrics and songs sound like lost songs from childhood or something that was on the radio when you were growing up but in fact was released in 2020. In this most horrendous of years music has been our saviour and one of those knight errant taking you on adventures is a boy who grew up in Saudi Arabia, lived in Germany and has now gone back home to South Texas.

James Steinle in action.

CloudwatcherUno sits down with James to talk about ‘Cold German Mornings’ his album released in what conventional A&R thinking would be a complete non starter but for James it made perfect sense when else should you release an album that has songs set in snowy Germany than in winter? The album itself is full of gems that sparkle in the night sky, these are not filler songs but ones that have been polished with care and attention, so that a professor of song writing would mark this album with distinction.

‘Cold German Mornings’ by James Steinle from the album Cold German Mornings.

We talk about his thinking behind such songs as ‘ Three Dark Kings’ in which James effortlessly switches between his western cowboy drawl to German. Even though you might not know it is being sung and subtitles would be welcome they aren’t necessary as the feeling and music carries you along with this nativity set song.

Then you have ‘Ein Schnapps, Ein Bier’ a song that wraps its way around your consciousness to make you get up and dance and has so infectious a melody that you’ll be singing it in the shower in no time. Then we switch direction again when we listen to ‘The Lusitania’ about the tragedy that befell this ship and the consequences it had not only for those who lost their lives but for the world as it was the catalyst for ensuring that America joined the western powers in WW1 and bring about the defeat of Germany.

On the album James gets to sing with Juliet McConkey whose voice complements his on so many levels. The couple also join forces on the video for their version of “Christmas on the Line” by Michael Martin Murphey.

James Steinle a knight errant looking for adventure in the world of music.

Other topics of conversation range from he who must not be named who is currently in The White House, to Gun Control, The reality behind The Bluebird Cafe and it’s lack of authenticity and how to reach a global audience for your music in the age of a pandemic. For more of what we discussed you’ll just have to listen into the podcast! So what are you waiting for an invitation? Go listen to James’s music even better go buy his music because we most certainly want more unique melodies and songs from a one of a kind Texas artist.

Having fun with James Steinle on the podcast. Photo: CloudwatcherUno

James has also just released a new song ‘The Ballad of Wan Hu’ to kick off 2021 in style. It tells the trueish story of the Chinese astronaut Wan Hu and his attempt to leave the earths atmosphere on a chair propelled by 47 rockets!

‘The Ballad of Wan Hu’ by James Steinle

Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring James Steinle. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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CloudwatcherUno Podcast S3 Ep3 ~ Sandee June

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Sandee June is living her life singing and performing country and western music.

Sandee June’s journey into music is an inspirational story that shows it’s never too late to follow your dreams, take up an instrument and make music. In this podcast we get hear an acoustic version of ‘Somewhere Between Hell and a Honky Tonk’ supported by Craig Phillips and Jennifer Rose Toler. Sandee’s natural gift for singing a melody and her fantastic voice are on display in this podcast. 

Growing up music was an important part of Sandee James life whether it was James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Linda Ronstadt, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard. When Sandee turned 50 and ‘Empty Nest Syndrome’ rearing its head in her life she taught herself to play off You Tube. After a year of practicing Sandee wanted to play live. That’s where she was fortunate enough to meet Craig and Jennifer who showed her the way to go as hard and as fast as she could into this new chapter of her life.  Sandee plans to keep going from strength to strength from just playing with her guitar to a full band sound.

‘Don’t Die with your music inside’ is the motto that drives Sandee to produce the music she loves.
‘Somewhere Between Hell and a Honky Tonk’ by ‘Sandee June’

Sandee has a gift for singing and her love and passion for music radiates from her every pore. Sandee is planning to release an EP in January 2021 and her album in Spring 2021. It’s truly amazing what you can do when you have faith in your own abilities and the passion to deliver on your ambition.

Sandee June from the podcast with Craig and Jennifer Phillips. Photo: CloudwatcherUno

Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Dalton Mills. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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CloudwatcherUno Podcast S2 Season Finale Ep10 ~ Veers

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Veers are (L – R) Andy – lead vocals and guitar, Chris – drums and backing vocals, Nick – bass and Spencer – guitar and backing vocals,

Veers are an Anglo – American band based in Los Angeles. They are a fully formed stadium sounding rock and roll band. Their music is dialled up past 11 and you will want to put to volume way way up on your speakers! The band met through high school and a pool party at Los Angeles. Chris was bar backing when Spencer came in and bemoaning the lack of a great drummer. The rest as they say is history and the current line up has been together for 2 years.

Veers music is full of passion and delivers electrifying hooks to your ears.

We get to listen to two tracks ‘Dials’ and ‘Universal Reversal’ which are off the new album that isn’t released yet. During the podcast CloudwatcherUno discusses with the band the benefits of drinking whiskey as a pre vocal warm up. The sound of Veers is aggressive rock and roll that projects the big rock sound that fills auditoriums with a life affirming way. Everyone brings their unique talents to the band which delivers a chunky jagged melodic sound.

‘Dials’ by Veers

Melody is a key to these heavy songs and that connects these musicians to their fans. Beat driven, harmonies abound throughout their music. Good tones are what will hook you into this band. Their music provides a smile on your face which in these pandemic times is a rare commodity.

Veers performing live in concert.

You can find the influences of Nirvana, Cream and Pete Townsend in these artists. Its the camaraderie between the band that brings out the best in Veers music. It’s a loud heavy music connection that will make the cells in your body crackle with electricity.

Nick, Andy and Spencer from Veers. Chris is pictured below. Photo by CloudwatcherUno from the podcast.
And Chris the Drummer from Veers. Photo by CloudwatcherUno from the podcast.

You can catch the band with new live videos every Friday on YouTube which displays their pyrotechnic guitar playing, heavy drums and vocals to their best. Listening to their music will make you lift your body from this mortal realm and reach musical heaven.

Veers are the real rock and roll deal. Go listen to their music to shake up your playlists.

Click down below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Veers. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict and many other platforms.