49 Winchester

This Virginia band offer a unique and fresh alt-country – rock-n-roll meets Appalachian folk sound.

Listen to: Russell County Line

See them at: BBC Radio 2 Stage at Indigo, The Barrelhouse at Town Square, The Saloon

Adam Doleac

Listen to: Coulda Loved You Longer

See him at: The Barrelhouse at Town Square, The Saloon, Big Entrance

Ashley Cooke

Do not mistake Cooke for another TikTok sensation, she is much more than that, offering incredibly fresh songwriting, an easy and understated vocal and a modern country sound.

Listen to: Never Til Now

See them at: BBC Radio 2 Stage at Indigo

Catie Offerman

Listen to: Don’t Do It In Texas

See her at: The Saloon, Big Entrance, The Wayside

Corey Kent

Listen to: Wild as Her

See them at: BBC Radio 2 Stage at Indigo, The Barrelhouse at Town Square

Drake Milligan

Listen to: Sounds Like Something I’d Do

See them at: BBC Radio 2 Stage at Indigo, The Saloon

Kameron Marlowe

Listen to: Giving You Up

See them at: BBC Radio 2 Stage at Indigo

Mackenzie Porter

Porter burst onto the scene with her duet with Dustin Lynch, but Porter is a phenomenal solo artist, offering slick pop-country beats and an effortless vocal.

Listen to: These Days

See them at: BBC Radio 2 Stage at Indigo

Madeline Edwards

California-born and Texas-raised artist, Madeline Edwards released her astonishing debut album – Crashlanded – last year, a sensational introduction to an interesting and unique artist. Now, we can not wait to see how those songs translate in her live set.

Listen to: Mama, Dolly, Jesus

See them at: BBC Radio 2 Stage at Indigo, The Saloon

Nate Smith

Listen to: Whiskey on You

See them at: BBC Radio 2 Stage at Indigo, The Barrelhouse at Town Square, The Saloon

Smithfield

Smithfield are an underappreciated gem in the country scene, offering tight harmonies and an easy chemistry that comes through in their live recordings. Now, they’re making the trip to the UK to deliver those harmonies in person.

Listen to: Hope You’re Happy

See them at: Big Entrance, The Wayside, Icon Stage

Tigirlily Gold

Known for their faultless, tight harmonies, Tigirlily offer a fresh voice in country with their fun and upbeat tracks.

Listen to: Somebody Does

See her at: The Saloon, Icon Stage

The post The Ultimate Guide to C2C 2023: The Debut Artists appeared first on off the record.

Kameron Marlowe has released the new music video for his track ‘Tequila Talkin’ – the video is available on YouTube now everywhere, beckoning in the best summer joyful vibes. The track is the first of Marlowe’s new music since his debut EP, where he sings in this summery track of succumbing to emotions and letting the tequila have its way. The video was shot on the Florida Keys and was shot by Spidey Smith. It’s a stunning and fun video that puts the track at the forefront.

‘That ain’t the tequila talkin’ babe / The way you’re smiling’s got me thinking maybe / We should let the salt and the lime have its way / We’ll make up our minds tomorrow, but either way Baby, I’m fallin’  / And that ain’t the tequila talkin’.’

Kameron Marlowe has been making huge waves in the country industry since the release of his hit single ‘Giving You Up’ and the video continues to push his image in the industry and his position as a fresh new sound in the genre’s sonic landscape.

The post Kameron Marlowe Shares Music Video for ‘Tequila Talkin’ appeared first on off the record.

Kameron Marlowe has released his mammoth anthemic new track ‘Tequila Talkin’ available everywhere now. The track is  a swaying new track placing Marlowe’s honeyed vocal at the forefront. Of the track Marlowe jokes, ‘I always get a little extra confidence from tequila, and the line was really just a way to meet girls at the bar…We’ve gotten to play this one live a few times already and the reaction has felt so positive. I’m also such a sucker for a fiddle in a country song, so this is one of my favourite songs we’ve released so far.’ 

The track is Marlowe’s first release of 2021, and follows his self-titled EP last year. Marlowe co-wrote the charmer with Ray Fulcher and Dan Isbell – it’s a swaying and catchy new track that will prove an excellent addition to his live set. 2021 will be a mammoth year for the singer who has announced that he will be joining Brad Paisley on his 2021, kicking off in July.

Follow Kameron Marlowe: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

The post SINGLE REVIEW: Tequila Talkin’ – Kameron Marlowe appeared first on off the record.

Ashland Craft

Ashland Craft’s music delivers a straight up no bullshit approach to songwriting and country music. Having made her debut in the spotlight in 2017 on The Voice, she was signed to Big Loud Records (and is featured on label mate HARDY’s debut record). Her latest track ‘Two Wildflowers and a Box of Wine’ is the best exemplification of her rock/country sound and stunning, unique vocal.

For Fans of: Miranda Lambert

Brittney Spencer

We dare you not to be moved by the majesty of Spencer’s voice that contains more emotion in one breath than most can put into an entire speech. Her voice and songwriting have an almost unearthly capacity to move, ignore her at your peril.

For Fans Of: Carly Pearce / Mickey Guyton

Chase Martin

Chase Martin’s in good hands, now managed by Ash Bowers (Jimmie Allen, Matt Stell). Her explosive new single ‘Levi, Denim’ has earned her a name already – a sassy, empowering track that establishes her sound and brand from the off.

For Fans Of: Kelsea Ballerini

Church of Roswell

Candi Carpenter’s new band formed this year offers a folk-y, whimsical take on country music. The sound is as magical and alternative as the band’s branding (genius) and Church of Roswell are sure to be your next indie ‘I knew them before they were famous’ band.

For Fans Of: Jason Isbell

Emma & Jolie

Emma & Jolie exploded into the UK country consciousness with their debut single ‘I Don’t Need A Man’ and since then the duo have gone from strength to strength in their songwriting – just listen to their stunning sophomore single ‘Cry For You.’ 

For Fans Of: Maren Morris

Gabrielle Mooney

Gabrielle Mooney – sister of Shay Mooney – offers a stunning rock-punk-edged twist on country music, complete with layers of traditional production. Above all, her vocal rises sublime and is deeply engaging.

For Fans Of: Shania Twain

Halle Kearns

Toward the tail end of 2020, Kearns released her EP ‘Finally’ that was rammed with heart-felt range. Her vocal is effortless and songwriting insightful, suffice to say we can’t wait to see what’s next for Kearns.

For Fans Of: Carrie Underwood / Lee Ann Womack

Joey Hendricks

Although he has only released one track so far, it is clear that Sony artist Joey Hendricks is set for an immensely bright 2021 with his brand of indie-infused country music that seems to be right on trend for the current moment.

For Fans Of: Michael Ray / Josh Kerr

Kalie Shorr

Shorr has already earned a huge amount of critical acclaim with her debut record Open Book, but now with the backing of a label, the sky seems to be the limit for Song Suffragette Kalie Shorr.

For Fans Of: Tenille Arts / Kassi Ashton 

Kameron Marlowe

Since earning his name on The Voice, Marlowe was quickly snapped up by Sony, releasing his self-titled EP at the later end of this year that shows just how deep and broad his range is, with a sound that is universally appealing. Marlowe is one whose success will doubtless explode with the rebirth of live music.

For Fans Of: Ryan Hurd / Matt Stell

Kären McCormick 

Kären McCormick has an unusual background for country music – born in Congo and raised in Washington state – and it is this kind of fresh take on the genre that is needed to give it life. McCormick’s vocal is warm and instantly likeable coupled with tender, thoughtful lyrics. In 2020, her debut EP showcased her stunning vocals in whimsical tracks that hit the right note for the year. A follow-up release is expected in 2021 and we’re counting the days.

For Fans Of: Kree Harrison / Madison Kozak

Kylie Morgan

Whenever we hear a track from Morgan we instantly want more, this year has seen her release a handful of singles, each better than the last. Having been taken under the wing of Shane MacAnally at SMACK, her songwriting career is in good hands. Coupled with a stunning and unique vocal, her path to success seems clear.

For Fans Of: Tenille Townes

Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson has been grafting for years and the work is all paying off throughout 2019-20 and so, 2021 seems to be the year her career explodes with the hopeful promise of an album. Lainey’s signature and thick Southern vocal alone makes her likeable, but couple that with empowering, witty and clever lyrics and rip-roaring production and something magic happens.

For Fans Of: Ashley McBryde

Laine Hardy

Since his time on Idol, Laine Hardy has earned a legion of fans to his cause and with a host more promised releases in his future, he is set to lead out in 2021.

For Fans Of: Scotty McCreery

Manny Blu

Manny Blu’s sound has definitely changed in 2020, he has moved toward a more authentic sound that shines through. With the release of a new EP under his belt, all we have to do is wait for live music to return and Manny Blu to make his mark.

For Fans Of: Jason Aldean

Parker McCollum

Earning his first #1 with single ‘Pretty Heart,’ it is clear that McCollum has captured something pretty special already. With a 90s rock-esque vocal, coupled with humble and authentic country songwriting, McCollum is nothing if not likeable and it is perhaps this that has caused the spotlight to turn in his direction already.

For Fans Of: Dustin Lynch / Ryan Hurd

Priscilla Block

Having shot to fame on TikTok with her single ‘Thick Thighs,’ Block has pivoted to more heartfelt lyrics with every release she has put out. With her easy charisma and sunshine-y personality, 2021 may be her year.

For Fans Of: Rae Lynn

Restless Road

Restless Road have excelled in a challenging year – recently featured in Billboard, Music Row, Country Now and in CMT’s “Off The Road” digital docu-series with Kane Brown. Having released their debut EP earlier this year, the trio’s tight harmonies and modern sound combine to provide a much-needed fresh take on the country genre, whilst staying true to their roots. 

For Fans Of: Kane Brown

Shy Carter

Having already earned a legion of hits in pop and hip hop (Charlie Puth, Meghan Trainor, Nelly), Carter brings positivity to the country genre – penning hits already for Brown and Urban. Now, taking his turn in the spotlight, Carter brings a joyous take on the genre with his modern country soul sound combined with hints of RnB.

For Fans Of: Kane Brown

Tiera

Tiera is one of country’s most promising emerging talents – her songwriting range is enormous from odes to her fiancee to more upbeat new single ‘Shut It Down’ – Tiera really can do it all.

For Fans Of: Hailey Whitters / Mickey Guyton

The post 20 Country Artists to Watch in 2021 appeared first on off the record.

Hello! How are you holding up?

It’s been a wild ride but I’m holding on in there.

I can imagine that this is not how you envisioned the release of this EP. You must be thrilled though to see the reaction to it, even if it is online rather than in person?

Absolutely. It’s been a blessing for sure.

How long has this project been in the works? It’s so well-rounded and there’s so much lyrical and sonic depth in there, so what’s the journey been like to get here? 

So, all of these songs are songs that I wrote before my record deal, these have been in the works for about a year and a half, so to finally get them out is amazing. I’ve been wanting to get them out for a while, so I’m very blessed to have them out now. They’re all songs that just embody the path that it took to get me to Nashville, a lot of heartbreaks, one or two party songs too…

‘Giving You Up’ was the first song of yours that I heard, when you hear the entirety of the project that’s when you can kind of see who you are as an artist. ‘Leaving To Me’ is just a different sound, you’re creating so many layers to your music. Can you talk a bit about that track?

Yeah, so ‘Leaving To Me’ was actually the first song that I wrote with a co-writer in Nashville. I wrote it with a guy named Kyle James, we were trying to write a different title and it just wasn’t clicking. We stepped outside and smoked a cigarette and we were trying to figure out what we were going to write that day. He had this story about a friend of his who was going through a break-up, he didn’t really want this girl to leave but she had already cheated on him. We took that idea of that story and wrote the song, so it just came out of nowhere to be honest with you.

You’ve clearly always had this gift for songwriting, but have you always had that country sensibility in there or have you ever had times when your songwriting leaned into other genres?

I write mostly country but I do enjoy writing pop and rock music. I do broaden past country as well. I would love to have music in all genres, or at least my name attached to them – hopefully one of these days…

A big change in your career came on ‘The Voice,’ what do you feel like you learned from your time on that show? Everyone always talks about those shows and how much you learn in a short space of time, so what were your key takeaways?

What I learned was I guess not what everyone else learns there, I learned that I wanted to do music for the rest of my life, that was kind of the point where it switched for me and playing music was my only option. I had worked in bar jobs before and that was going to do it. (laughs) Once I left The Voice, it was full head down to make this work.

Were you in Nashville before that or was that the point when you decided to make that move? 

I had been to Nashville maybe once or twice and I had met a lot of songwriters when I was out there, those were the people that I relied on when I started going back and forth to Nashville and had a place down here.

Everyone again says that being in Nashville does change your songwriting and artistry, because you’re surrounded by musicians all day and everyday. Do you agree with that, do you think that it did change the trajectory of your sound? 

Absolutely. It definitely taught me a lot more about songwriting, I came in as a rookie, I had no idea what I was doing. I just knew how to put words on paper, but being in Nashville helped me learn how to write songs properly and songs that would impact more. You can write a hook but if you don’t set up the hook well enough, then it doesn’t impact the way that you want it to. Learning how to do that was the main step that I had to take here.

How did you go about picking the songs then for this project? How many songs got left by the wayside?

I think I have about 40 demos of songs that are still waiting, but these were just songs that I felt embodied my path to Nashville and embodied my story, so that’s why I went with the songs I did.

So do you think these songs will be a part of a longer project?

This one is probably going to be the end of this one, then we’re going to put out another EP or a couple of other single releases then maybe a full-length after that. I want to keep them separate, because every piece of music I put out is a story in and of itself.

Have you managed to write a lot this year or have you found it really hard?

So we did the Zoom writing quite a bit, which was a challenge for sure. One of my favourite songs out of the whole year though I wrote over Zoom, with Jessi Alexander and Dan Isbell, we wrote a song called ‘Steady Heart’ and I just recorded that with Dan Huff. Hopefully that’ll come out sooner rather than later, but it has definitely been a challenge to really connect over Zoom, you get those awkward silences and you can’t fill out the room. It’s hard to get in the same headspace over the computer.

I can imagine it’s more ok with people that you’ve met already? 

Absolutely, and I had so many new writes and I was at the point where I was like ‘I don’t know how I’m going to do this.’ So I focussed on writing by myself and just trying to hone in on my own personal skills.

Obviously you are first and foremost a songwriter, so how do you decide when to take those external cuts?

On this project, I have two external cuts – ‘Sober as a Drunk’ and ‘Goin’ There Today’ – and as soon as I heard ‘Sober as a Drunk’ I knew I had to record it, because it’s honestly a part of my story. I think it embodies what other people had felt as well, I felt like it was important to incorporate what people have actually felt. It takes a while to find the right songs when you’re looking for outside cuts and I wouldn’t actually say that I was looking for outside cuts – we just took the meeting and in the meeting they were just playing me some songs and that song came on.

Well, we can’t wait to hear the new music and when all of this is over, hopefully get you over to the UK because I think your music would go down so well over here. Thank you Kameron for taking the time.

Thank you, enjoy the rest of your day.

Follow Kameron on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

The post INTERVIEW: Kameron Marlowe on his debut EP appeared first on off the record.