8 Must-See Acts at C2C London

C2C festival is taking over London’s mammoth concert arena, the O2, this weekend. The evening shows offer back to back performances from some of the biggest names in Country Radio with chart-toppers Kane Brown, Brad Paisley and Old Dominion taking the headline spots and earlier ones going to exciting talents like Drake Milligan and Elle King.

But what excites us most, is the chance to discover our future favourites on the smaller Festival Stages dotted around the arena providing all day music. These stages each have their own vibe, including The Saloon (an intimate room above All Bar One), a honkytonk styled marquee called the Barrelhouse, the Radio 2 stage (in the large Indigo concert venue) or any of the free ‘pop-up’ stages lining walkways hoping to convert the country curious.

With around 70 artists performing over the three-day festival in London there’ll be an act for wherever you sit on the country spectrum. Here are five we do not want to miss.

1. Angel White

We’ve not heard much music from Angel yet, just a few songs so far. But what we have has mournfully western instrumentals, poetic lyrics and hypnotic vocals. It’s been enough to make us start our day earlier than ever to ensure a front row for this intriguing talent.

2. Jake Worthington

The Voice USA is the gift that keeps giving to country music. Although Jake didn’t’ win, this runner up is on the list as a champion for us and anyone else who wants no doubt they’re at a Country Music festival. The Texan crooner is isn’t 30 yet, but evokes the 90s country sound reminiscent of Clint Black or George strait.

3. Hannah Dasher

Is Hannah the secret child of Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley? It would make sense. We once saw Hannah live in a honkytonk in Texas but – blame the margaritas – can’t remember much other than the brilliantly fun atmosphere. We’re expecting great stage presence and the kind of humorous lyrics you only find in country songs.

4. Shane Profitt

You may have heard Shane’s country radio single How it Oughta Be. And you may have for a second thought it was a Luke Combs single. His gritty voice, catchy songs about love and hard-working southern boys, and noticeable styling similarities to Luke must make it hard to get away from the comparisons. Of course there are worse things to be dubbed than ‘the next Luke Combs’, but we want to see him live to get to know Shane as a compelling songwriter and artist in his own right.

5. Matt Koziol

Matt charmed us in his takeover of the C2C festival account’s Instagram stories on Thursday – enjoying simple things like that Londoners Walk around the city of driving everywhere. Before that, he’d caught our attention for his impressive list of collabs including with Vince Gill and Isaac Gibson (0f 49 Winchester). We’ll be looking to Matt for versatility – from rich voiced pensive ballads to uplifting southern rock.

6. Lily Rose

Pop-country isn’t always a dirty word, and if you don’t mind your Country music a little more parking lot than farm or more cap than Cowboy hat, then check out Lily. Lily’s been on the scene since 2021 and is a must-watch for the Kane Brown fans, switching easily between light summer soundtrack songs to get your C2C party started and get your lighters out breakup belters like ‘Stronger Than I Am’.

7. Drayton Farley

This songwriter from Alabama is bringing the Americana troubadour vibes to the festival. He’s sure to appeal to Jason Isbel and Tyler Childers fans, but it’s that emotive ‘crack’ in the voice that gets to us.

8. Chapel Hart

This trios only scheduled show outside the main arena or ticketed aftershow party is in the town square’s The Barrelhouse stage on Friday afternoon. They’re one of those acts that need to be experienced live to fully appreciate the energy and vocal power, so catch them live if you can for the ultimate uplift.

Also noteworthy: Fancy Hagood, Mason Ramsey (the yodelling kid that went viral is almost all grown up), For Swifties Halle Kearns, Hannah Grace or Abbey Cole, while Morgan Wallen fans should check out Redferrin, Dylan Schneider and maybe even Tannel Addell who’s given us beautifully wistful song ‘Luke Combs’ but also marmite hit Buckle Bunny.

Make sure you download the official app (iOS or Android) to keep on top of the packed schedules.

P.s. please say hi if you spot us out and about!

@BritsinBoots