UK and Irish Country Music Artists: Round 2
Hi everyone,
Summer is finally here! For those that went, I hope you enjoyed Black Deer Festival. Now it's officially festival season, look out for some amazing U.K. and Irish Country Music artists hitting the stage. If you're heading to Glastonbury Festival this weekend, hopefully you'll catch the amazing Carrie Underwood, look out for Jessie Buckley who starred in Wild Rose and also Catherine McGrath just two of the artists featured below.
In one of my previous blogs I really want to focus on some of the U.K. and Irish acts including The Shires, Ward Thomas, Una Healy, The Wandering Hearts and Katy Hurt playing some of the gigs this summer. In my next round of ones to watch, look out for the following;
Catherine McGrath
Irish singer Catherine McGrath's music has taken off like a rocket the last few years. I saw her play C2C in 2018 and also on her first headline U.K. tour last year and I was blown away. A big fan of Taylor Swift, she likened her music and songwriting process to a similar style to Swift's early years but this McGrath alone has it all. Her own style of a new country music combined with Irish roots come through in her unique and beautiful voice.
Top 3 songs: Lost In The Middle, Wild, Don't Let Me Forget (with Hunter Hayes)
Raintown
If you listen to Chris Country radio or Bob Harris Country then I'm sure you would have heard Raintown's hit song 'If This Was A Love Song'. This critically acclaimed dynamic duo, Paul and Claire are based in Glasgow and they've performed at C2C Glasgow and with my latest interviewee Jessica Lynn on her tour last year. A stunning vocal duo, keep your eyes and ears out for them.
Top 3 songs: If This Were A Love Song, Run With The Night, Writing On The Wall
Jessie Buckley
You'd be forgiven for thinking Jessie Buckley was another emerging Scottish talent and this wonderful singer and actress who made a very convincing Glaswegian in Wild Rose is in fact Irish. I know her from watching Wild Rose but I also didn't realise that she came second in the BBC Talent Show 'I'd Do Anything' which I did watch at the time! Small world. I'm excited to see what Jessie is going to bring us over the next year, this is such an exciting time for her.
Top 3 songs (Wild Rose soundtrack): Glasgow (No Place Like Home), Boulder to Birmingham, Born To Run.
Twinnie
I first saw Twinnie play at C2C 2018 in London at the same time I first saw Catherine McGrath along with Andy Brown as well. I was completely blown away but her stunning voice and heartfelt yet fun uplifting songs. Twinnie stardom is on the rise both here and in Nashville and I'm excited to watch her journey.
Top 3 songs: Better When I'm Drunk, Hollywood Gypsie, Type of Girl
Two Ways Home
This alt-country and Americana duo are ones to watch out for. Their supporters have pledge funded their debut album and I can't wait to hear it. I was delighted to interview Isabella and Lewis last year and talk about their eclectic mix of uptempo songs to slower and deeper heartfelt music. Check them out!
Top 3 songs: As I Leave, Outlaws, Just For Now
I hope you enjoyed this latest rounds of UK and Irish Country Music Artists to watch. We're so lucky to have such a talented bunch amongst us so I'll be recommending some more artists soon.
Have a great week and keep it country,
Sammi x