Interview: TWO WAYS HOME, Nashville Meets London, Canary Wharf

At festivals like Nashville Meets London (the Day 2 review of which you can read here), we’re all about international influences, and you can’t get much better than Two Ways Home, who hail from Austria and the UK. In our interview, we caught up about where the band name came from, hosting Nashville style rounds, writing songs about prison, and working with NML alumnus, Logan Brill. Hope you enjoy!

Ciara’s Country (CC): Welcome back to Ciara’s Country! I’m here with Isabella and Lewis from Two Ways Home after their set at the third annual Nashville Meets London festival in Canary Wharf. Thanks both for taking the time to talk with me!

Lewis Fowler (LF): Thanks for talking to us! Very nice to meet you.

CC: So, Two Ways Home, that’s a catchy name. Where did it come from?

Isabella Mariee (IM): We really like this New Zealand artist called Kimbra, and she has a song called Two Way Street.

LF: We had the previous band name which will go unnamed, and we decided we needed a new band name, and I think we had the song on at the time. Issy’s from Austria and I’m from London so wherever we are, there’s always Two Ways Home, and it fit with the song we were listening to. I guess the idea just came after a long search for it, and now it feels like a proper name.

CC: And of course, you do have quite different backgrounds. Has that helped to influence the music you create?

IM: I think definitely. For me, I did listen to country music a little bit when I was younger, but not so much because in Austria, we have more RnB, soul vibes; and my parents listened to a lot of Michael Jackson and Prince – those kind of Motown artists. I brought those melodies in and then I think Lewis listened to more of The Eagles and that.

LF: Yeah, I grew up on rock and roll. Sweet Home Alabama was one of the first guitar solos that I learnt. That was as country as I got growing up.

IM: But then when we sang together, that’s when we saw that we sound a little bit country. We had a lot of American friends who told us that and to check it out, and then we found a load of artists and fell in love with the genre. That’s how we got into country music!

CC: Given we’re at a country festival, you certainly fit in and got a great reaction from the crowd. Country fans must think you’re country enough!

LF: I think that’s good. I hope we’re treading a nice line.

IM: Country, Americana, something along those lines.

CC: Aside from this festival, what else have you been up to this year?

LF: It’s been a great year.

IM: We host this night called ‘The Round Up’ every month which is a writers round in the style of a Nashville writers round, and we always get our favourite artists or friends to play with us on the round. We do that every month. We also went to Nashville in April.

LF: We had an incredible trip. We started off in Nashville writing some great songs, I hope! And played some shows. We played a show in Las Vegas which was quite cool. We watched the ACM Awards, saw pretty much every top ten country act we could think of. And then we checked out Austin, Texas which was also an epic music scene.

IM: We have festivals coming up, we’re doing the Long Road, and then we’re doing Millport Country Festival, and then we’re gearing up to do a new project I guess!

LF: Which we are on the cusp of announcing! A body of work…

CC: Any hints?

LF: It’s pretty top secret stuff right now to be honest! But definitely watch this space. Watch the next few weeks.

CC: And having played to both US and UK audiences, how would you say the two cities compare?

LF: It’s hard to say, and I don’t want to generalise, but I feel like sometimes if we play Nashville, people go nuts and are dancing on tables.

IM: Yeah, they drink a lot!

LF: And know how to party. And the Brits also drink a lot and know how to party.

IM: But they do it more in a sombre fashion!

LF: If we played shows like The Round Up in the UK, I find the UK audience are incredibly attentitive and listen to every word. But then we’ve had both in both neighbourhoods!

IM: I feel it depends on what kind of show you’re playing. Here, if you play a full band show, you want people to dance and be loud, but when you’re in a little writers round, you’re hoping for people to be silent and listening. I feel like we’ve gotten that down now.

CC: In writers rounds as well, lyrics are hugely important – where does your inspiration for good lyrics come from?

LF: I like to read a lot of cereal packages… No, I’m just joking!

IM: You should actually write a song about cereal now. Or serial killers…eating cereal.

LF: Ease up now, this is backfiring on me!

CC: Is this the new project?

LF: Yeah, this is serious behind the scenes stuff! Seriously, I don’t want to say the cliché of ‘we right what we know’ because we don’t always do that. A lot of the songs are about personal experiences like anything relationship based, one of us has been through it I’m sure. I think everybody can relate to that kind of thing. We have a song in our set about going to prison which isn’t from personal experience.

IM: Although Lewis always says I’ve been to prison!

LF: She hasn’t, yet!

CC: Hopefully not pre-empting anything.

LF: Yeah, I’m trying to keep her on the straight and narrow. We tend to write a lot just the two of us, but just recently we’ve got more into co-writing. In a situation like that, somebody will bring an idea to the table and we’ll riff on it and talk about what that idea means to us.

CC: Speaking of co-writes, you’ve co-written with another Nashville Meets London alumnus. I loved her in the first year, so what an artist to work with!

LF: Yeah, whenever we’ve been to Nashville since we’ve known Logan we also go and write, and normally go for tacos afterwards.

IM: She’s coming to the UK soon, in September!

LF: Yes, we’ll be at the shows, for sure.

IM: She’s supporting an act at Bush Hall on September sixth – it should be fun.

CC: Is there any scope for a joint venture with you an Logan? Maybe a tour?

LF: I would love that! And last year at Country Music Week, she did get up and sing a song with us. Logan, if you’re reading this, we’d be well up for the tour!

CC: And in terms of your rounds, where do you find the artists to play for you?

LF: Mainly on the street…

IM: No! Basically we go to a lot of gigs, and then if we like an artist, we’ll ask them right then if they want to come and play. I think it’s very important for us to actually see the artists playing because it can be so different if you hear someone on a CD or the internet than if you actually hear them live. You know that they’re going to be great. That’s how we find our artists mainly.

LF: We’ve booked some friends who are always awesome. We’ve made some friends from booking them. It’s a great way for us to socialise. We’re trying to build the UK scene up, the London scene in particular, and get acts from around the country and around the world to come and play. If people come to The Round Up, people are starting to know everybody, it’s a really good social night as well as the music.

CC: Well I think you’ll be the perfect people to ask this question – festivals like this are great to introduce people to lesser known artists and I’m sure you’ve seen loads of artists who fit that bill. Who out there do people need to be listening to?

IM: In the UK, there’s a girl who I really love called Izzie Walsh. She’s still quite unknown but I think she’s going to be really big. She’s quite young still, so she’s still growing but I think she’ll be one who’s going to shoot up.

LF: I’m going to give a shoutout to a friend who’s already coming up, but I do feel he’s one of the best male vocalists in the country – Robbie Cavanagh, he’s incredible. I always say his surname wrong! I saw him in the crowd today, and he’s very supportive of us and a great songwriter. People should check him out for sure.

CC: I thought I saw him!

My Nashville shoutout is Shawn McConnell – I’ve fallen in love with his voice. He’s written some incredible songs. We saw a writers round a few months ago, and it was Lucie Silvas, who played Nashville Meets London last year; Shawn McConnell, who was incredible; an artist Shawn McConnell is producing; and Dan Tyminski, who’s playing today! It did feel like a full circle of a round.

CC: Thanks for your recommendations! Final question, what’s an interview question you’ve never been asked but wish you were?

LF: Oh, mama! I mean there certainly is. There’s definitely a question out there…

IM: I’d like to be asked what the height difference is between us.

CC: What is it?

IM: I’m wearing really high shoes today!

LF: Eight foot heels! I’m about 6 foot, so if we do the maths…

IM: I think it’s a one foot difference.

CC: Good for the readers to know! Thank you both for chatting with me!

Both: Thank you so much!

Thanks for reading today’s interview! If you enjoyed today’s interview, or have any questions for me, make sure to leave a comment below, and follow me on Twitter @CiarasCountry. More interviews and reviews coming soon, stay tuned!

Interview: WORRY DOLLS, Nashville Meets London, Canary Wharf

Country music is so very varied – my last interview was with country/rock band Holloway Road, and today’s is with indie/folk band Worry Dolls, who wowed everyone at Nashville Meets London with their soft and haunting melodies (you can read my review here). I caught up with band members Rosie and Zoe after their set to discuss their unique sound, the next Adele, and representing redheads in country music – read on!

Ciara’s Country (CC): I’m joined by Worry Doll’s Zoe and Rosie here at Nashville Meets London in Canary Wharf! Fantastic set today, very different from some of the other stuff that we’ve heard. How did you find that unique sound?

Rosie (R): We started off as solo artists and we gigged for years on our own. When we got together, the sound that we create is very different to what we do solo. Our voices are quite different but when they come together it’s like one voice.

Zoe (Z): We found the sound from working together for so many years and being in tune with each other and bringing our different influences and fusing them together. And also writing together as well – we write differently when we write together.

R: Zoe comes from more of a folk background and I come from more of a country background so it’s a fusion of the two that makes it a bit different. It’s not straight country and it’s not straight folk.

CC: So you didn’t necessarily come into this partnership thinking ‘this is the type of music we’re going to make’?

Z: Not at all. We started off very indie/folk and it developed from there. Mainly with just influences – our trip to Nashville made a big difference.

CC: I was going to ask about your trip to Nashville – that’s where you recorded your debut album, right?

R: Yeah, we lived out there for three months. We recorded the album out there and wrote most of the songs out there, bar two I think.

CC: And we’re of course at Nashville Meets London – how do you compare the two cities?

Z: Well we live here! So it’s very different. When we go out to Nashville, we’re living in a dream world, but living somewhere is very different. We love London. In London, you just need to know where to go because it’s so big! And you’re not driving everywhere, you’re getting on the Tube. It’s a different experience.

R: London is London! It’s incredible. We never tire of London. The thing we love about Nashville is that it’s very kind of ‘small town’ – they call it Little Big Town, right? So we love being able to nip from one place to another, we can go to three or four gigs in one night and just drive to someone’s house and play, write a song, and then drive to somewhere else and play a gig.

Z: It’s so much more music focused too. In Nashville, everyone’s doing music so it’s easier to find it. In London, you just have to know where to go.

CC: But living there for three months didn’t convince you that that’s where you want to live instead?

Z: I think we just love being able to go out there and spend time there, because anywhere is different to live. For us, it means so much to keep going back to visit. We’d love to go out there for longer periods as we develop, but we love London as well. Home. We’re very lucky to be based here.

CC: I’m hoping for a London Meets Nashville festival.

Z: Yeah, that’s a great idea!

CC: I think you brought a lot of people into the festival today during your set, the crowd swelled. How did you feel about today’s set?

R: It felt amazing. We had so much fun out there.

Z: There’s such a buzz, seeing familiar faces in the audience. The sun kept coming out at point, it was really emotional! So great.

CC: As well as having beautiful voices, you’re also multi-talented instrumentalists – I saw a banjo and guitar, do you play any other instruments?

R: A bit of lots of things really. I actually grew up playing clarinet, but I can play a lot of things at a small level. Guitar’s my favourite instrument.

Z: Yeah, Rosie’s a multi-instrumentalist. She can pick up anything. We’re doing our demos at the moment for our next album and she’ll just pick up a bass or put some electronic drums on it. She’s super talented, she’s selling herself short to you! I’ve started playing the piano recently – I find it so relaxing and it’s a very different sound to what I do on the banjo. It’s really nice to be able to start performing with my new Roland.

R: It’s really nice to have a band as well and switch between instruments, because when it’s just the two of us, you’re having to hold down the rhythm the whole time. When you have a drummer, you can move around a bit more.

Z: We can just stop playing!

CC: It’s nice that because you have this skill of being able to play your own instruments, you can switch easily from a band to an acoustic set.

Z: I think that was actually something that was really important with the album. We didn’t want to go out to Nashville and make a record that wasn’t us, with a bunch of Nashville session musicians (who are all absolutely incredible) but we wanted to be able to come back home and recreate as a duo. We’d been touring that album for a good few years just as a duo so it’s nice to be able to have the band for special moments like this, but we need to be able to recreate that live. I think we’ve got that balance because we’ve worked with a very sensitive producer, and he was all about female vocals and wanted to keep it very sparse – Neilson Hubbard – he was honestly the best producer we could’ve picked for our debut album. He was so in tune with us and I felt so comfortable working with him and that was super important going out to Nashville, working with these big time musicians and this producer, but it felt like home. We recorded all our parts in such a short space of time because we felt so comfortable.

CC: When you were recording and writing your songs, were you drawing on your London-based influences?

R: Yeah, I mean we’re very influenced by a lot of UK folk music, but also a lot of friends here who are in the folk and Americana scene that we’ve been hugely inspired by. Also, we took a lot of inspiration from bands in Nashville as well. It was definitely the case that we wanted it to feel like a British record by a British band but it drew influences from all over the place.

Z: The best of both worlds.

CC: Well that’s exactly why we’re here today! And you mention there that you were listening to different kinds of bands here and abroad – were there any lesser known artists you think need their time to shine who people should be listening to?

R: One of our favourite artists is Aubrey Sellers.

Z: We met her at Country 2 Country a few years ago when she was doing an acoustic set with her guitarist.

R: She’s Lee Ann Womack’s daughter. She’s just absolutely incredible. They need to bring her over here. She’s very busy over in the States touring with Chris Stapleton.

Z: We also got to tour with two wonderful guys called Robert Vincent and Dean Owens back in December last year. I think they’re both incredible.

R: I tell you who’s going to be the next superstar is Jade Bird. She’s going to be the next Adele. The next Americana Adele.

CC: High praise indeed!

R: We met her when she was 17, just did a show together in a tiny bar in Camden, and we were like ‘this girl is going to be mega.’

CC: And what about the next steps for you two then?

Z: Undecided! We’re off to Holland, then Portugal, and then Germany in November. We’re also going to be coming back and playing a couple of UK dates at Americana in a Day, the Long Road.

R: And then we’re going to Nashville!

CC: Nice for some! So a very busy rest of the year! And to finish up our interview, what’s a question you would love to be asked, but never have been?

R: I don’t know!

Z: That’s a really hard question!

R: I don’t know, I’m not an interviewer! What about you, what’s a question you’ve never asked anyone but have always wanted to?

CC: Well, I’ve never interviewed fellow redheads like myself. Good to see you representing!

Z: We actually have built quite a strong redheaded team.

R: No one’s asked me about my haircare routine… I wash it with shampoo and conditioner.

Z: A lot of people think Rosie has blond hair because when she’s next to me it looks a lot more blond.

R: It’s definitely red, I didn’t get bullied my entire life for nothing!

Z: Redheads have to stick together!

CC: Absolutely! Well thank you to you both for taking the time to talk to me today!

Thanks to Rosie and Zoe for chatting to me – I hope you enjoyed this interview! If you did, make sure to drop me a message in the comments letting me know who else you’d like to see me interview, and follow me on Twitter @CiarasCountry for more Nashville Meets London reviews and interviews coming soon. Thanks for reading!

Interview: HOLLOWAY ROAD, Nashville Meets London, Canary Wharf

If you hear ‘UK country’, one of the acts you probably think of is Holloway Road. They’ve been on the UK country scene for a fair while now, so it was great to catch up with them at Nashville Meets London this year (you can read my review of their set here). Read our interview for info on their *secret* upcoming EP, the evolution of UK country music, and the influence of Essex on their songs.

Ciara’s Country (CC): Welcome back to Ciara’s Country! I’m joined by Holloway Road’s Robert and Jack at the third annual Nashville Meets London festival in Canary Wharf.

Jack (J): Woohoo!

CC: I’m thrilled to meet you both – back on my radio show I used to play your stuff and the listeners loved it! It’s lovely to see how far you’ve come and watch you perform today.

J: That’s awesome. It’s great to be here.

CC: We’re halfway through the year now – how has 2018 been going for you guys?

Robert (R): It’s been busy. We’ve been doing a lot of behind the scenes type stuff this year – new EP, recording, that kind of thing. We’ve been trying to squeeze these shows where we can. It’s been good so far.

CC: You hinted on stage about this new EP.

J: Yeah, we’ve been hinting about this new EP for ages – ever since C2C I think we’ve been hinting about it. But it’s coming, we promise.

CC: Any more hints you can give us?

J: It’s going to be the next month or two. That’s all we can give you!

CC: That’ll have to do for now.

J: It’s going to be quite a long body of work for an EP.

R: All the bangers.

J: It’s going to be awesome. There’s going to be more tracks than the last EP.

CC: Have you decided on a name for the EP yet?

R: We have. We kind of have…

CC: So much secretiveness!

R: With a name, you’ve got to stick with it so we can’t get it wrong.

J: It’s coming. And it’s going to be great.

CC: I look forward to it. You kicked off today’s festival in the rain, how did you think the set went?

J: The rain was out but the people still came out so that was brilliant. We were a bit worried at first if people would show in the rain, but there’s loads of people here.

CC: You mentioned as well your quarter of a million streams on If She Falls – I saw some people singing along to that.

J: It’s good having people know the words. It never gets old.

CC: What’s your favourite song to perform live?

J: We’ve never been asked that! My new favourite is a new one called Get The Girl, that’s my favourite to play live at the moment.

R: I quite like Broke, the other new one.

J: Yeah, I think both of those are fun to play.

CC: From my perspective, Holloway Road has been a staple of UK country over the years.

R: Thank you!

CC: How has the UK country scene evolved since you’ve been in it?

R: The amount of it is the most obvious thing I would say. I think it’s just changing towards a more commercial direction.

J: I think people are stepping up a lot more now. A few years ago, UK country was finding its feet. It’s really getting there now.

CC: And you guys proudly announce you’re at the crossover of country with pop and rock.

R: Yeah, quite proudly announce that.

CC: So must be good with the direction the genre’s going.

J: Yeah, absolutely.

CC: Who are you listening to at the moment?

J: Russell Dickerson, Morgan Wallen. They’re our two favourites at the moment.

CC: Well, Nashville Meets London is a great opportunity for lesser known acts to make their names, is there anyone who falls into that category you think people should be listening to?

J: Everyone we like has got a bit of a fanbase already!

R: You’ve stumped us!

J: If you haven’t listened to Russell Dickerson, listen to him.

R: He played here last year as well.

J: We’ve got a great friend from Essex called Lisa Wright, she’s awesome. Check her out. Nashville Nights, that was where we started – we were the first band to play. That’s a good place to find people.

CC: Speaking of Essex, has growing up there influenced your music?

J: Yes, absolutely. People always say ‘you don’t look like you’re country stars, you look like a couple of guys from Essex,’ that’s because we are! Country’s all about being real, and we’re just being ourselves, so if we can put a bit of that into what we do, or a lot of that into what we do, then we’re doing something right.

CC: Is there a song that you’ve written that you’re particularly proud of?

J: All of them.

R: Apart from that one we wrote the other day, that was toilet.

CC: So that one’s not on the upcoming EP, then?

J: No. But all the one’s you’ve heard, we’re proud of!

CC: Okay, final question! What’s one question you’d love to be asked in an interview but never have been?

J: Ooh! See if you asked us what question we’d not want to get asked or get asked all the time, we’d be able to tell you, but I’ve never thought of that.

CC: What’s that question then?

J: Where’d you get your name? Why country music?

R: One question I’d like to be asked is what my favourite crisp product is.

CC: And the answer is?

R: Wheat Crunchies every day of the week.

J: My favourite crisps are Salt and Vinegar Squares. And Discos.

R: Or Roysters. I like them too.

CC: Well when you hit it big time, all the fans will just be sending you loads of crisps then.

R: Good, I don’t do one pack of crisps, it’s got to be two.

J: At least!

CC: Thanks for the tip! And thanks for answering my questions today!

All: Thank you.

And if you’re wondering, my crisp picks would be Doritos Chilli Heatwave or Paprika Pringles! I hope you enjoyed today’s interview – if you did, be sure to drop me a message in the comments below and follow me on Twitter @CiarasCountry. More interviews and concert reviews coming soon – thanks for reading!

Interview: FRANKIE DAVIES, Nashville Meets London, Canary Wharf

Do you ever see an artist and think ‘now that’s a star in the making’? That was exactly how I felt about Frankie Davies, who performed at this year’s Nashville Meets London festival (read my review here) and kindly agreed to have a chat with me afterwards. Read on for her thoughts on the festival, having an all girl band, and crying every time she sees the Dixie Chicks. Hope you enjoy!

Ciara’s Country (CC): Welcome back to Ciara’s Country – I’m here with the lovely Frankie Davies at Nashville Meets London 2018. Frankie, thank you so much for joining me today!

Frankie Davies (FD): Thank you very much for having me!

CC: So I last saw you when you opened for Maddie and Tae at Koko (check out the review here), and honestly I thought you couldn’t get better but you’ve proven me wrong today!

FD: Aww, thank you, you’re so sweet!

CC: Everyone was so impressed with the beautiful pure voice you have – did you take singing lessons?

FD: I actually didn’t. When I went to university to study music they asked if I’d had singing lessons because we’ll need you to take them, and I said ‘no!’ I did pick a few things up with the singing lessons but it wasn’t something I’d ever done before. I just love music, that’s all!

CC: I’m impressed! It’s been a while since I last saw you, what have you been up to since then?

FD: Lots of things! I was on tour with Josh Kelley, I’ve moved into a house and have been decorating, but mainly and most importantly I’ve been recording and getting ready for something real soon…

CC: That’s what I like to hear! Any hints?

FD: Everything you heard today will be out into the world soon!

CC: Good, soon! Fantastic set today, I saw everyone really engaged with it, how did it make you feel?

FD: I just loved it and the crowd was so lovely. I was in such a different world because when we were running out of time I didn’t even realise because I was having so much fun! The crowd were just magical. There’s so many people here! I didn’t realise there would be this many people, it was really lovely, I enjoyed myself so much!

CC: This is the biggest the festival has been, probably because people like you are on the bill!

FD: No, shut up! You’re just being kind!

CC: Do you have a favourite song to perform live?

FD: Oh there’s too many for so many reasons. I’m really enjoying The Sweetest Sound at the moment, I played it on my own today, because I’m really enjoying trying to get the crowd into the ‘oh my oh my’ bit. It was really good today.

CC: You did a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain.

FD: Yeah, that’s become a bit of a staple of ours. I think everyone gets annoyed if we don’t do it because we’ve done it so many times as a band. That was our first time as a proper band together. Normally we have a female guitarist but she’s on the West End at the moment, so we’ve got two new guys.

CC: Lucky her! I was commenting on the fact you have an almost all female band.

FD: Normally it would be!

CC: How cool!

FD: It is cool, and I love it. The girls are just so talented that it’s really hard to find some people to replace them! But the guys, Dan and Jonny, are so great too.

CC: And it was great to see you play on your own too, we got the best of both worlds.

FD: Thank you very much!

CC: So Nashville Meets London – you’ve been to Nashville many times.

FD: Yes, about four times.

CC: Making us all jealous! What’s your favourite thing about Music City?

FD: Everyone is involved in or connected to music. It’s just mental, it really is because you’ll meet one person and they’re friends of a friend that you know, and they’re in the music industry too. Everyone is involved, they’re all songwriters or musicians or producers. It’s so connected, it’s really magical. I don’t think I could live there because I need to live by the sea, but I think I went there for a month and a half once, and it flew by because I just loved every single day. It inspired me to write more, to be more proactive, it was great.

CC: Tell me about the inspiration behind your writing – some from Nashville, where else does it come from?

FD: Yeah, all of it is personal. I used to do a lot of more ‘made up’ stuff which is on my EP that I released, but lately I’ve just been tapping into everything I’m feeling and putting it all down. Stories and maybe even using other peoples experiences and using them in a more personal way, because then I feel more tapped into it and more passionate about the song.

CC: What’s a big theme that you tend to write about?

FD: Family’s a big one. Also travelling around and experiencing new things, that’s a real big one. Also just stories about what I’ve been through.

CC: I read as well that you grew up listening to country music. Were there artists who were particularly formative in finding your voice?

FD: Yes! Dolly Parton was the songwriter I was looking up to. Her songs are just incredible. I love her so much! But also the Dixie Chicks were a main part of my childhood. Alison Krauss as well, but mainly the Dixie Chicks and Dolly Parton.

CC: To me you’ve become known as ‘the person who tours with big US artists’ – Maddie & Tae, Josh Kelley, Chris Young, Charlie Worsham – is there a dream artist you’d like to tour with?

FD: The Dixie Chicks. I would cry. I went to see them when they played Country 2 Country and then also went to their own gig at the O2. I cried! The whole way through! Every time they would sing a song and I’d sing along with them, I cried. It’s so sad! But that’s how much I love them. I don’t do that for anyone else, just the Dixie Chicks.

CC: Aww, bless! Maybe even more so than C2C, I think Nashville Meets London is great for bringing lesser known artists into the spotlight – is there someone you think everyone should be listening to?

FD: Oh, there’s so many people on this country scene who are great. I honestly can’t think of one off the top of my head. I love Laura Oakes so much.

CC: She played here a couple of years ago.

FD: Did she? I love her so much! She needs to be bigger. So does Debbie Mariner. There’s so many that all need more recognition.

CC: And you too, but hopefully after today you’ll have got plenty more fans.

FD: Thank you very much!

CC: Well I hope to see you play soon. And to finish up, in an interview, is there a question you’ve never been asked but would love to be?

FD: No! I don’t know, I’ve not really thought about it! I’m just there answering the questions. I’ll have a think and let you know next time.

CC: Perfect, I’ll keep that in mind! Thanks for answering my questions!

FD: Lovely to meet you!

What a lovely interviewee! I hope you enjoyed today’s interview as much as I enjoyed chatting to Frankie – let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to follow me on Twitter @CiarasCountry for interviews of more Nashville Meets London artists and further reviews of concerts to come. I’m sure we’ll be seeing Frankie at many more!

Interview: KEYWEST, Nashville Meets London, Canary Wharf

I love finding serendipitous moments when it comes to music, and my most recent experience with that was at Nashville Meets London (my review of which you can read here), where I got to see a band I’d caught by chance many years before busking on the streets in a different country! Lots has changed since then, and Keywest have made a name for themselves and are now headed for success in the UK too. Read on to find out what they think about playing in the UK, updating their Wikipedia page, and sharing the love for a fellow NML artist.

Ciara’s Country (CC): Welcome back to Ciara’s Country – I’m joined today by Keywest at the third Nashville Meets London here in Canary Wharf! The last time I saw Keywest was playing on Grafton Street in Dublin many years ago so I’m thrilled to be here with you guys today! What a ride coming from busking to playing on today’s stage. What’s that journey been like?

Kav (K): It’s difficult, but getting the opportunity to come over and perform is great. That’s the payment at the end of it all. We hope to continue to do shows like this and expand and travel as much as we can.

CC: The only way is up for you guys!

K: That’s where we’re aiming! We’re going to keep on going, keep writing music and if people keep listening to it then hopefully that’s the direction we’ll keep going.

CC: How’s the year been for you guys so far?

K: It’s been a very busy year. Lots of festivals, lots of shows. We have a lot of obligations in Ireland because the band has established itself there. A lot of touring and of course the release of our new album True North which we spend a lot of time travelling around and promoting in Ireland. We’re going to knuckle down now and get working on some new music and try and get ourselves back over to the UK soon to establish ourselves here.

CC: You’ve been fairly popular in Ireland, winning a couple of awards – hopefully you’ll be able to emulate that in the UK as well.

K: That would be amazing. It’s not what we’re thinking about, we’re just focused on making more music and getting it out there, but if that leads to an award, happy days!

CC: I’d say after today you’ll have gained a lot of UK fans as well. Everyone seemed to really enjoy your set.

K: This is why we do it!

CC: On days like today, is there a song you love to perform live?

K: I mean it changes from performance to performance. Today I enjoyed performing the last song which is called Somebody To Love cause it’s got nice energy and everyone got involved.

CC: So your Wikipedia page describes you as rock/pop and yet here you are at a country music festival.

K: Yeah, we started out as rock/pop and we just haven’t updated Wikipedia!

Harry (H): I’ll do it when I get home!

CC: Would you say you have country in you then?

K: The thing is we’ve kind of evolved on the street since that Wiki was written. On the street we only have the instruments we have, which is mainly acoustic guitar driven and rhythmical with the drums. We’ve evolved to become what we are now which is a pop/folk/country cross of everything.

CC: I think as well a lot of country music is about the lyrics and songwriting and you certainly have that kind of vibe to you.

Glover (G): Yeah, I hope so. Hopefully the stories are getting across.

CC: Would you say your backgrounds have influenced the music you’ve come out with?

K: Not necessarily. I definitely always listened to country and Glover listened to a little bit of country but I don’t think individually that happened, I think it came about because of a joint effort and the influence of performing on the streets. We’ve grown to understand the music and enjoy making it.

CC: What’s been your highlight of those years playing as street performers?

K: There’s no one stand out but as I said on stage earlier on, we’ve had a number of proposals and one particular proposal was particularly elaborate. The guy waited for a year with his ring and proposed to our song. Everyday they were in town they were hoping we’d be there, so that was nice, the effort that he went to and what the song meant to him. That was a nice moment.

CC: How lovely! Any chance we’ll be seeing you guys back on Grafton Street?

Jimmy (J): Maybe at Christmas! With U2 too, if Bono ever answers my phone call!

CC: Well it’s great to have you here. Festivals like this are a great opportunity for up and coming artists to play. Is there a lesser-known artist you think people should listen to?

K: The Adelaides were on today, they’re very good.

CC: You know they actually cited you as their answer to a similar question!

All: Aww!

K: I mean we’ve crossed paths a few times so you get a good feel for what they’re doing. We’ve watched them grow in terms of their sound. I always enjoy them, really good harmonies. Nice bit of love there!

CC: Hopefully we’ll see the two of you back another year.

G: Hopefully, yeah!

CC: So to finish up, what’s one question you’ve never been asked in an interview but wish you had been?

K: Never been asked but wish we had been? How about ‘do you want to join our threesome?’ Is that not allowed?

CC: I wonder why that’s never been asked!

K: How about ‘do you want this million dollars in the case that I have?’

CC: And what would your answer be?

K: I’d have to say yes to that. Yes I do want that million dollars.

CC: I’ll see about bringing it along next time. Thanks for answering my questions!

All: Thanks Ciara!

What lovely fellas to chat to! I hope you enjoyed today’s interview, if you did make sure to leave me a message in the comments below and follow me on Twitter @CiarasCountry for plenty more interviews and reviews coming soon, including from other Nashville Meets London artists – stay tuned!  

Interview: THE ADELAIDES, Nashville Meets London, Canary Wharf

What happens when you take three talented solo artists and mesh them together, complete with fantastic style and stunning harmonies? The Adelaides, that’s what! I was lucky enough to catch up with them at Nashville Meets London this year (my review of which you can read here) for a quick interview – read on for the inspiration behind their name, why three is better than one, and sharing the love for another NML artist.

Ciara’s Country (CC): I’m joined today by The Adelaides after their set at Nashville Meets London in Canary Wharf. Lovely to meet you all! First things first, where did you get your name?

Paris Georgia (PG): The name actually came from a film musical from the 1950s called Calamity Jane.

CC: Ah, Doris Day!

PG: Yes! There was a character called Adelaide Adams and she was a really popular singer, showgirl and actress, so we just took inspiration from her really.

CC: What a fantastic idea! Your outfits certainly fit the vibe – I wish this was the style we had all the time. You definitely have the stage presence to fit the name too!

Abi Phillips (AP): We do try!

CC: How’s this year been going for you guys?

Alicia Alba (AA): It’s been like a whirlwind, it’s been non stop.

AP: The summer’s just been very good. I feel like since C2C it’s been like a snowball effect. It’s been so good because we’ve only been together a year – it was our year anniversary yesterday – and we’ve done all these festivals. They’re ones we’ve all wanted to do for years and it’s just so amazing to be able to perform here.

CC: That’s incredible that in a year you’ve managed to play C2C and Nashville Meets London. And you even had solo careers before this?

PG: Yeah, we all used to do solo, and I think it really helps that we’ve done that because we all know our own niches, and we can all write individually so when we come together it’s even stronger.

CC: How does it compare being in a band than playing solo?

PG: It’s just so much more fun.

AA: It’s boring on your own!

AP: I feel like you vibe off each other a lot more, and when you’re on the road it’s a lot less lonely. Three’s better than one. Everyone’s got different ideas, it’s just so much more fun. I feel like we all know what each others going through, so no one’s ever alone in anything.

CC: I’d say three is better than one particularly with your harmonies today! Jolene, which you just played for us is such a tough song to sing, but you absolutely nailed it.

AA: Thank you so much. We love that song.

CC: And what a song to sing at Nashville Meets London – have you visited the home of country music?

PG: No, but we’re going to in September.

AA: We can’t wait to see what it’s like playing to a Nashville audience.

CC: Exciting! This festival is a great place for new bands like yourselves – are there any underrated artists you think people should be listening to?

AP: Keywest. I wouldn’t even say they’re underrated but they’re incredible and they definitely deserve success.

CC: As do you guys! Hopefully we’ll see lots more of you soon. To end our interview, what’s a question you’ve never been asked in an interview but wish you had been?

PG: That’s a hard one, wow! Probably that question!

AP: My mind’s just gone completely blank…

PG: We’ve never been asked about our styles really. We’ve all got our own individual styles. I personally love Carrie Underwood and Kelsea Ballerini’s type of style.

AA: I’m the same really.

AP: ‘We all have our own individual styles’ ‘I’m the same really!’

AA: I know! I like to change things up a bit and try new things. I don’t really stick to one thing. I like to be adventurous with my style.

AP: I just wear the same thing in different colours.

CC: Well thank you all so much for taking the time to chat with me today.

All: You’re welcome!

Thanks so much to The Adelaides for chatting to me! I hope you enjoyed reading this interview as much as I enjoyed doing it – if you did, drop me a message in the comments below, and be sure to follow me on Twitter @CiarasCountry for even more interviews still to come.

Interview: JADE HELLIWELL, Nashville Meets London, Canary Wharf

The Nashville Meets London festival in London is a great breeding ground for up and coming artists from the UK and across the pond to show off their skills to country fans and music lovers (you can read my review of Day 1 here). I was lucky enough to catch up with first act of the weekend, Yorkshire-born Jade Helliwell. Read on to find out how she ended up in the music industry, being infatuated, and moving to Nashville (maybe!)

Ciara’s Country (CC): Hi Jade! I just saw your set on the stage – what a fantastic kick-off for this year’s festival!

Jade Helliwell (JH): Thank you!

CC: I have to say, we’ve only just started the festival and I think I’ve already got one of my weekend highlights in the form of your cover of Hallelujah. What a difficult song to cover – what made you decide to tackle that song?

JH: Well, last year when I was on a night out, I teamed up with a street busker in Leeds and sang that song – the video went viral, and off the back of the attention that the video got, I quit my day job to do music full time. While at the time it was a song that I didn’t actually know that well, I think it’s quite a personal thing for me because that was the start of me going full time in music. This being such a big crowd and a big gig to do, I just wanted to put in a sentimental touch I suppose!

CC: I’m not at all surprised it went viral! Given that that was your introduction into music full time, what has your journey been like since then?

JH: So I started with the video and then went on to do more gigs, travelling around a bit further than where I’m based in Leeds. Off the back of that, I booked a few gigs down here in London, obviously today at Nashville Meets London. Going full time and leaving the security of a full time job was a bit scary at first but days like today make it clear that that was a good decision!

CC: Absolutely! Have you been quite busy with all the gigging since then?

JH: Yeah, definitely. As I say, it was a bit of a scary decision and I wasn’t sure – I was like ‘what if I never get a gig again?’ but luckily that hasn’t happened.

CC: The crowd seemed to take to you very well today. How did you feel about performing at this kind of festival?

JH: It’s really good. I’ve been really looking forward to it since I found out I had a slot in it, so it’s definitely been a highlight of the year so far. The crowd were really nice, and I was surprised there were so many people here it only being two o’clock in the afternoon, but it was packed out!

CC: It’s always nice to see the crowds singing along to your songs and I could see when you were on stage that you really enjoy performing. Is there a particular song you’d say is your favourite to perform live:

JH: It changes depending on what the gig is like if it’s a festival or outdoor, I really like to do Repeat because it’s really easy for people to sing along. Even if people haven’t heard it before, it’s easy to pick up and you find people singing along by the final chorus which is really nice to see.

CC: I read as well that you write your own music – can you tell me a bit about your creative process when it comes to songwriting?

JH: It’s different with every song. Sometimes I have a hook in my head and I’ll base an entire song around it, sometimes I’ll just get a melody or an idea, so with every song, it changes. I’ve started doing quite a bit of co-writing, and on my new EP there are a couple of tracks on there which were co-writes. It depends on who you write with as well – you could end up with somebody who’s already got an idea of a hook or a melody and then you’ll come up with other stuff to go on with it.

CC: Tell me about your EP.

JH: The EP is called Infatuation, and it’s got 5 tracks which are all about infatuation in some way or another. You’re with somebody and you’re infatuated by then, or you’re infatuated by someone and they don’t know you exist, or you’ve been infatuated and then you’re heartbroken when it’s ended. The songs fit well together as different stage of love.

CC: That’s quite an intense topic to focus your music around.

JH: Yeah, I think I’m quite an intense person!

CC: It does make for good songwriting though! Country artists as well tend to draw on themes like that or parts of their background – is there anything from your background that you’ve used to help write?

JH: Definitely. Most of the songs on the EP come in some way from something I’ve been through or a past or current relationship. I think it needs a bit of a personal touch.

CC: In that respect, has there ever been any particularly hard songs to write because they might dwell on issues that you find difficult to talk about?

JH: Yeah, I have a song called Numb about when I went through a break-up with an ex-boyfriend, and I was very dramatic going ‘I’m never going to leave the house again!’ But once I got over it and started writing again, that’s what came out. So that’s probably the most personal song I’ve written but it’s good to get it out and go out and sing it. It’s like a healing process.

CC: Catharsis.

JH: Yes, definitely!

CC: I noticed today that you’re a great example of new country in the way your style of music crosses the boundary between traditional country and pop. Do you find it helps that that’s the direction the genre is tending to move towards?

JH: Yeah, I’m really into modern country like Maddie & Tae, Kelsea Ballerini, and those who are really pop-influenced, so I take influence from that with my music, but I also think it has a bit of a British twist to it.

CC: Speaking of British country, you’ve been on the same bill before as another of today’s artists, Frankie Davies.

JH: We’ve done a few gigs together. She’s really good! We’ve been messaging each other because we have to miss each other’s sets today!

CC: I think festivals like this are a great way to introduce new country artists to a UK audience and there are so many out there – are there any underrated artists you’d say people need to listen to?

JH: Ooh, so many! There’s a girl I love from Nashville who used to go by the name Ella May Bowen but she’s gone back to her normal name Kate Bowen now – she’s really good on the songwriting side of things. The new Catherine McGrath album came out recently so that’s what I’ve been listening to for the past few days too.

CC: What great taste!  And a good mix of Nashville and London, which is of course why we’re here today.

JH: It’s great to have people from Nashville coming over here to perform for us, but I think it also encourages people from here to go over there whether on holiday or musicians going out to work.

CC: Would you want to go?

JH: Definitely – looking on my phone for flights right now!

CC: I’ll meet you there! So final question, what’s a question you’ve never been asked in an interview but wish you were?

JH: I don’t know! I think you touched on it by asking if I was supportive of the way country is going more towards modern pop – most people tend to ask if I think it’s not changed too much from the traditional style it used to be.

CC: I think that’s integral to country though, the evolution of the genre and having people like you to drive the way here in the UK! Thank you so much for answering all my question!

JH: Thank you!

I hope you enjoyed today’s interview – plenty more from other Nashville Meets London artists coming soon! Make sure you stay tuned on the blog and follow me on Twitter @CiarasCountry and @ThinkCountry. Drop me a note in the comments below with any questions you have for Jade and I’ll be sure to ask her next time!

Concert Review: NASHVILLE MEETS LONDON (Day 2), Canary Wharf, London

Photo credit: Time Out

*If you've not read my Day 1 review, check it out here; and make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this article for a photo gallery of all the artists!*

The following day, we returned to Canada Square Park – well, some of us, as it seemed the rainy weather had put a lot of people off and there were significantly less festival-goers than the day before. Nevertheless, those of us who were there were ready for another day of live music, no matter the grey skies.

First on was two piece band Holloway Road, who I had heard plenty about over the years but never actually seen. They were quite rocky with songs like A Little Harder and Under Cover heavy on the guitar and drums, making it difficult at times to distinguish them as country. But hey, that’s part of the fun of the genre, right?

The long sets of roughly an hour gave acts time to play a good deal of songs, with Holloway Road giving us hints at their upcoming EP with Get The Girl, showing off a new song written by US artist Levi Hummon called Reckless (which the wind wisping away the sound quality had initially led me to believe was called Breakfast), and their most popular song to date If She Falls. However, it was actually when they suffered sound issues and were forced to play Good Thing Go Bad acoustic that I enjoyed the most as we got to hear how they sounded just by themselves.

The following act was quite the change indeed, with Worry Dolls being much more folk/Americana. The two girls took to the stage with banjo and guitar in hand, and started singing in breathy voices, almost lullaby like. Their soft songs were good as in spite of the band, it was clear to hear what they were singing, a nice change from some of the more ‘band-heavy’ acts.

With songs like Miss You Already, you could almost hear a pin drop, with the crowd entranced by the duo. Again, something quite different than what you might hear on commercial country radio, but what a great opportunity at Nashville Meets London to introduce new listeners to all facets of country and beyond.

We went even more international with next act Two Ways Home, with one half of the group hailing from Austria and the other half from the Cotswolds. These two were an enjoyable blend of infectious country pop with songs like Short Years and Still In Love actually getting people to get up and dance.

A highlight for me was a song written with Nashville Meets London alumnus Logan Brill who had been the standout star of the first year of the festival. Together they had penned the beautiful Don’t Give Up On Me Tonight, a clear sign of great songwriters meeting great songwriters.

The bar was set high after that, so I was expecting good things from following act The Sisterhood Band, and was certainly not disappointed. The two girls have music in their DNA, with Ruby being the daughter of Rod Steward and Alyssa the daughter of members of 80s country music group Baillie and the Boys.  

They came right in with fun tracks that matched their really strong voices like Walk Away and Thirteen from new record Summer Setlist. What particularly impressed me was their showmanship, as some of the other artists had chosen to stay at their microphone and that was that, but these two moved around the stage constantly, singing together and shaking colourful tambourines for dear life.

The set had great variety, from guitar thumping Irish inspired song Tenderize My Heart to breakup song Half Way and the most beautiful cover of Dixie Chick’s Landslide – again, another song that you have to know you’re good to tackle, and they certainly showed that they can take a hit like that above and beyond. What a band to watch – I hope they’ll be back soon.

Before we knew it, we’d come to the final act of the festival, Tyminski. Now if you don’t know who he is by name, you’d certainly know his songs – country fans know him as a member of Alison Krauss and Union Station; movie buffs would have heard him as the singing voice of George Clooney in O Brother, Where Art Thou; and just about everyone would recognise his voice as that from Avicii hit Hey Brother.

Tyminski’s voice was quite reminiscent of Chris Stapleton, very hearty and strong and one that worked both on upbeat tracks to ballads. He shone on songs like Devil is Downtown, the groovy Hollow Hallelujah and fun Good For Your Soul. Having read about his album Southern Gothic online, I’d been expecting darker songs, but in fact even tracks like Haunted Heart were catchy as anything.

He engaged well with the crowd too, telling us about being disallowed from playing a song against drugs on a morning TV show because even having the lyrics “getting high” in the song were seen as too risqué, so chose to play the somewhat saucy Wanted instead. Hardcore fans loved Alison Krauss & Union Station’s song Dustbowl Children and new fans loved Tyminski’s genuine nature with comments like “I’m not really a songwriter, I’m just a guy who writes songs” and, whilst tuning his guitar, “If it doesn’t sound good, it’s okay, it’ll still sound good.” And yes, for those wondering, he did perform Hey Brother and I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow! What a star. You can count me in as a new fan!

All in all, another great festival from Nashville Meets London. The organisers have a knack of picking great but lesser known acts to come and play for us, who we then tend to see a few months later playing bigger festivals or their own tours – and you’re telling me we get to see it all for free? I love festivals like this where most of the acts are a mystery to me, and by and large, I’m impressed and go home having liked them on Facebook and put their albums on my wish list. Long may Nashville Meets London continue – I’ll be there as long as it does.

Thanks for reading today's review! More festivals and concerts lined up soon so make sure to stay tuned to the blog and follow me on Twitter @CiarasCountry - if you were at NML, I'd love to know what you thought of the weekend. Interviews from Nashville Meets London artists coming very soon!

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