This time I really mean it. I know, I know; there have been countless times over the last few years that I’ve claimed the Country Music Takeover has succeeded. When both C2C Festival and Chris Country started back in 2013, and again when both The Shires and Ward Thomas became chart stars. Then, when Country... Continue Reading →
Opportunity Knocks: 6 Chances to Get Your Music Heard
In a world where overnight pop sensations are created based on 'likeability' and/or having the X-Factor, a new Channel 4 TV series looks set to focus on the music (fingers crossed). The series is offering unsigned songwriters the chance to have their song heard by huge audiences and recorded by an established singer. Since it's... Continue Reading →
Country and Irish: 5 Artists You Should Hear
This is a potentially confusing one. There are country and Americana singers who happen to be Irish, playing music similar to that coming out of modern Nashville. But there is also Irish Country Music, its own separate world playing more traditional country and western sounds, ideal for country dancing. Replace those guitar instrumental sections with... Continue Reading →
5 Lessons I Learned from Lyle Lovett
I first heard of Lyle Lovett when he was mentioned as Mary Chapin Carpenter’s fantasy man in I Feel Lucky. Between that and a career of both music and acting spanning almost 40 years, there was no doubt of Lyle Lovett’s legend status when he was announced as part of the C2C Festival lineup. There... Continue Reading →
Best of the C2C Fan Fashion
What a difference seven years make. From timidly stepping out in cowboy boots back in 2013, wondering if anyone else at this ‘new festival’ might also have a pair, to 2019's full on parade of fringe, plaid and sparkles. The country fan infiltration of the UK has gone from a stealthy whisper to a loud... Continue Reading →