Out today are two live recordings from the CloudwatcherUno™ Live Sessions at The Camden Chapel in London in October 2022. Showcasing the very best of independent artists we feature Afreine and Blue Violet. Singing in her first sold out London show Afreine captures the hearts of the audience with her stunning vocals.
The main act of the evening were Blue Violet a phenomenal duo who bring a stripped back acoustic performance that focuses on their harmonies, guitar skills and killer lyrics.
So let yourself be transported to a front row listening experience as you hear these amazing artists sing live on stage in London. These incredible recordings are available on Spotify, Apple and all streaming platforms.
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.
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.
CloudwatcherUno PLAY.LISTEN.ENJOY. 