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.
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.
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.
The 100th episode of the CloudwatcherUno podcast is out now with Robert Ellis. He is a special artist. To me, a true definition of a poet who captures the real everyday life of us mere mortals. Robert has a history of generating classic country and bluegrass songs but also mixing in some alternative pulsating melodies. His songs are dramatic folk-pop for the common man, a way of escaping these terra firma chains.
CloudwatcherUno Podcast 100th Episode with Robert Ellis
We caught up with this Texas Piano Man, in a recording studio where his skills as a listener and producer were being used to make beautiful music. His larger than life persona personified in his album of 2019 has now given way to a much more introspective sound that will be heard on his new album. Just listen to “Yesterday’s News” to see how this song adds to Robert’s musical vocabulary.
“Yesterday’s News” by Robert Ellis
Robert’s songs are awesomesaurous, they connect with you in a way that very few songs do, basically ear candy for those who want to listen to real music. It’s on stage that Robert truly shines and he recently supported Courtney Marie Andrews in the UK bringing a stripped back acoustic sound.
Texas Piano Man – Robert Ellis
Robert sings from the heart and his songs are an antidote for those who want to feel more than this earth can offer. He is fantastic live, you really need to see his show if you get a chance.
“Topo Chico” by Robert Ellis
So add some Robert Ellis songs to your playlist, get your friends to join in with the conversation with CloudwatcherUno and Robert Ellis. Click the link below and also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
In this 99th episode of the CloudwatcherUno Podcast we catch up with gentleman troubadour himself Jarrod Dickenson. The wandering minstrel originally hails from Waco, Texas and after spells in New York , this singing sensation has settled in Tennessee. Travelling all over Europe he met his wife and bandmate Claire Dickenson in Belfast and this versatile vocalist has become the special ingredient to his sound on stage and on record.
“Take It From Me” by Jarrod Dickenson
We have a “Big Talk” about Jarrod’s new album, his inspirations and his music. We also talk about Jarrod’s Battle Royale with a major label and the deal that went sour big time when the label did their utmost to sabotage the release of his album “Ready The Horses” but it took a Jarrod and Goliath battle to get the rights back to his own music. Jarrod’s musical riposte to all of these shenanigans is the song “Buckle Under Pressure” which you can hear on his latest album.
“Gold Rush” by Jarrod Dickenson
That wasn’t the only battle that Jarrod has been fighting, complications from Covid-19 left Jarrod with a lifelong health condition. All of this drama has been poured into Jarrod’s music and especially into the latest album. With the help of Jano Rix, Ted Pecchio, J P Ruggieri, Oliver Wood and Ethan Johns this album is a testament to the true grit of this southern artist.
Suave and sophisticated is this southern gem Jarrod Dickenson
Jarrod has recently been to these Isles of Britannia having done a tour of the UK and Europe. He’ll be back over here again to support Amanda Shires in June and performing on stage at Black Deer Festival – Americana & Country Music Festival in June 2023. So do your ears a favour and get you to a gig to listen to this magnificent Texan artist.
Jarrod Dickenson has a fine moustache….sadly it can’t compete with CloudwatcherUno!
Click below to join in with the conversation with CloudwatcherUno and Jarrod Dickenson. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
This is the CloudwatcherUno S8 Finale ~ Episode 10 with Jonathan Terrell and it’s a fantastic way to end the current season. JT is the ultimate renaissance artist he’s a cosmic cowboy, singer songwriter, film director, photographer and DJ.
We talk about his upcoming EP, “A Couple 2, 3,” his singles “Better For You” and “I Know”. His signing with Range Records @range.records Sharing his experiences touring with Midland most recently in Europe. When Jonathan’s not doing a million and one creative things all at the same time he’s finding time to playing golf with @markaroo (lead singer of Midland) and the one and only Arkansas troubadour @dylanearl.music
Photo: Mike Dunn
The EP comes out on September 9th 2022 although the final mix was done in January of this year. JT is excited to get this music out to the world. It’s a big step forward musically from his previous albums “Trails & Stimulation” (2008), “Past The Lights Of Town” (2015) and “Westward” (2020). JT never wants to put out the same album twice and takes inspiration from some of his favourite bands who stayed ahead of the curve and make new sounds to engage the audience.
Photo: CloudwatcherUno
JT is always looking to constantly refresh his music continuously to inspire his music and art and keep it all fresh. JT says that music is his forte and it was only after speaking to another artist who said that he needed to have other artistic endeavours such as photography. So he practised for over 3 years with his camera in hand taking photographs on the road and at his DJ residency. JT’s passion allows his creativity to stretch himself as a artist and musician.
Photo: Neil Perry
We talk about what it means to be a musician in this day and age when singers become Tik Tok famous but it doesn’t translate to the real world of live gigs and touring that traditional artists have gone through as a right of passage into the world of music.
Photo: CloudwatcherUno
JT’s next single release from the EP is “Texas” co-written with Jess Carson from Midland Then JT will be on tour with William Clark Green in September 2022 and will be promoting the EP and the singles out on the road.
Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring JT. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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.
At C2C Festival in London 2022 CloudwatcherUno got an exclusive with Jaret Ray Riddick on his press tour to promote his new country album “Just Woke Up“. The frontman for the pop punk band “Bowling For Soup” Jaret was inspired during lockdown to explore his country roots after speaking with his friend Zac Maloy who also produced the album. The Texan is very familiar with the genre having listened to and grown up with the greats of country music such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, George Jones as a child.
Jaret was convinced that this is what he needed to produce so much so that he brought his band to play for the first time in Europe’s biggest country festival for the first time. For those who may have doubted whether this was a good idea , I for one can report that when Jaret went onto the Town Square Stage it was completely sold out.
“One Of The Good Ones” by Jaret Ray Riddick
We talk together in his hotel room in Greenwich, London and talk about album and how he wants to showcase red dirt country music, great lyrics and a story to grab fans hearts and minds. Jaret collaborated with artists such as Frank Turner who features on “Drunk As It Takes“. There’s also a cameo for Uncle Kracker on the album opener “Way More Country“, Descendents guitarist Stephen Egerton features on Natalie, and Cody Canada of The Departed appears on “You And Beer“.
With Jaret Ray Riddick
We talk about the inspiration for his songs and in particular “Royal Family” which is based on his real life biological sisters tracking him down four years ago and Jaret connecting to a family he never knew he had. Going forward Jaret is looking to get established as a country singer as well as his more well established pop punk band.
Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Jaret Ray Riddick. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Sean and Sal talk about how they came up with the name of ‘The Ransom Brothers‘ . They changed the name from Good Springs to a name inspired from the Jimmy Stewart’s character Ransom Stoddard in the movie The Man Who Shot Liberty Vallance. Their new song ‘Talk Of The Town‘ is a very honest roots rock kinda sounding song and needs to be played in your kitchen at the loudest volume you can!
‘Talk of the Town‘ by The Ransom Brothers.
Sean is the main songwriter of the band with input from the rest of the musicians for various verses and riffs. For a change fiddle and peddle steel were added to bring an extra dimension to their sound. Opening up for the ‘The South Austin Moonlighters‘ led to an opportunity to meet producer Chris Beale and then come up with a game plan of choosing 4 songs from 20 tracks and release these to radio stations.
Brothers together in the world of music ~ The Ransom Brothers
Harmoni Kelly did the bass tracks on the records and the band are grateful for what she brought to the mix. Sean and Sal talk about growing up in the North Austin and the country lifestyle of barn dancing, bull riding and the allure of cowboy movies and country music. They explain that ‘Texas Country’ is a stripped down country music rather than the Nashville country pop music. Whiskey Myers, Turnpike Troubadours and Jason Isbell are definite influences on the band.
Sean and Sal have very different approaches to writing song, adding harmonies and making sure they don’t use country music clichés. Their next release will be coming out in November 2021 followed by live recordings of songs recorded at 512 Studios in North Austin. Then booking shows in central Texas with a view to more live performances out of the Lonestar State.
Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring The Ransom Brothers. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Dallas Burrow’s voice will take you away to a country that only exists in his heart and his music. It’s called Texas, the Lone Star State that is so mythical in the world of music it seems to fill the listener with dreams of how they too could live the life of an adventurer without a care in this world.
Dallas Burrow follows in the fine song writing tradition of Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark.
Born and raised in Texas, his first experiences of the country music world were from his father (a blood brother of Townes Van Zandt and friend of Guy Clark). Dallas Burrow continued the song writing tradition with his first album like 2019’s ‘Southern Wind‘, and now his sophomore self titled album ‘Dallas Burrow‘
‘Country Girl‘ by Dallas Burrow
To record the album, Dallas went old school in the production of the album by recording to two-inch analogue tape by producer Bruce Robison. He met Bruce while going on tour with the living legend that is Charley Crockett. The end result is the nearest you’ll get to hearing Dallas and his band play live. Dallas recorded the album with bassist Sterling Finlay (Todd Snider), guitarist Larry Chaney (Steve Earle), pianist Kullen Fox (Charley Crockett, Paul Cauthen), violinist Bryan Duckworth (Robert Earle Keen), steel guitarist and dobro player Dan Johnson (Hank III), slide guitarist Chad Pope (Dale Watson), pedal steel guitarist Cody Angel (Jason Boland), drummer Josh Blue (Bruce Robison’s band), and guitarist Chris Kues (Burrow’s own touring lineup).
Dallas Burrow, Texan through and through.
“ I’ve realized that being a family man is perhaps life’s greatest adventure so far. I’m still writing about the adventures I’ve had… I’m just embracing a new kind of adventure.“
‘American Dream‘ by Dallas Burrow
Stand out tracks are ‘American Dream‘ and ‘Country Girl‘ with the epic ‘Outlaw Highway‘. It’s an album that brings fire to the soul, showcases how much travelling around the world as influenced this Texan adventurer and presents a man reborn and this is the soundtrack to his new life.
‘Dallas Burrow‘ out on Friday 23rd July 2021
Click below to hear the podcast from CloudwatcherUno featuring Dallas Burrow. Also streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
CloudwatcherUno PLAY.LISTEN.ENJOY. 