Concert Review: C2C COUNTRY 2 COUNTRY 2023 (Day 2), The O2, London

Feeling more refreshed than expected, I returned to the O2 for day two of C2C Country 2 Country. Day one had set the bar high, but I had a feeling that day two would offer its own unique blend of musical magic. Armed with my trusty notebook and a cup of coffee, I headed straight to catch the artists on the BBC Radio 2 stage.

The day began with an artist that I had loved the first time I saw her back at C2C in 2016, and I knew I would enjoy just as much the second time around: Brooke Eden. Despite the venue being less busy than it had been the day before, Brooke certainly didn't disappoint those of us who were there. Taking us on a chronological journey through the last few years, she kicked off her set with Whispering, a heartfelt ode to falling in love with her girlfriend while keeping it a secret. I loved how much Brooke interacted with the crowd, sharing stories and anecdotes between songs which really helped to create an intimate atmosphere in the indigo2. From the soulful Act Like You Don't to the empowering Left You for Me, Brooke's set gave us a glimpse into the progression of her life over the past few years. Each song was delivered with passion and crystal-clear vocals, before ending on the infectious Outlaw Love. Just as good now as she was eight years ago, I can’t wait to see her back on our shores again.

Next on stage was Shane Profitt, who took the stage with just him and his guitar. His down-to-earth demeanor and genuine passion for his craft immediately endeared him to the crowd. As he launched into songs like I Am Who I Am, both Shane's style and vocals reminded me of country heavyweight Luke Combs, so any Combs fans out there – Shane’s one for you! He shared with us his unconventional introduction to the music industry, running into Chris Janson in a sushi shop, sending him some songs, and being told to hand in his two-week notice and head on tour with Chris. How cool is that! His heartfelt performance of Good Luck and God got everyone illuminating the venue with their flashlights, whilst breakout hit How It Ought to Be had the audience swaying along. Humble beginnings and a bright future ahead – go Shane!

I was super excited to see the next artist – Abbey Cone – a name which had graced my Spotify Playlists more than a time or two. Making her debut appearance in Europe, Abbey brought a fresh energy and undeniable talent to the stage. She began with Who I Am Without You, her youthful voice filled the venue with a sense of raw emotion and authenticity. Het set really showcased her versatility as an artist, effortlessly transitioning between poppier songs like Hate Me to soulful ballads like the unreleased Beginning of the End (probably the best song I heard at the festival). The crowd hung onto her every word as Talk of This Town provided a poignant reflection on the highs and lows of chasing dreams in Nashville; and of course we had to finish with hit If You Were a Song which sounded just the way it does on the record. Abbey clearly has a rare talent that transcends boundaries, which undoubtedly made her one of the standout artists of the festival. Abbey’s star is on the rise, and I can't wait to see where her musical journey takes her next!

Saturday proved to be an excellent day for amazing artists, because next up was none other than Carter Faith. Despite battling food poisoning, Carter delivered an unforgettable set. With her ethereal vocals, she mesmerized the audience, drawing us into her world with songs like Cowboy Forever and Greener Pasture. If you want to get transported to a new universe, definitely check out her music. Throughout her set, Carter revealed different facets of her personality, from her crazy side in Already Crazy to her introspection in Missing You, a song she had written just two weeks prior. One of the highlights of her set was Lasso, a song inspired by the TV series Yellowstone, which showcased Carter's ability to craft compelling narratives through her music. As she closed her set with Man, a powerful anthem prefaced by her candid remarks, it was evident that Carter Faith had left an indelible mark on the festival. Carter, we’ll have you back on the Main Stage next year please.

The next name on the lineup might have surprised a few people – Mason Ramsey, formerly known as ‘Walmart yodeling kid’. 25 million views later and it was clear he was ready to showcase his talent on a bigger stage than the Walmart aisles could provide. Kicking off with Next Right Thing and the charming Falls Into Place, Mason's performance exuded a sense of maturity beyond his seventeen years. While his cover of Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road may have seemed out of place (but again, I feel like this song is one of the ones that comes up at every country festival), Mason quickly found his footing with his original track Famous, much to the delight of the crowd. However, it was his latest release, Blue Over You, that truly stole the show, transporting listeners to a bygone era of music with its nostalgic charm. It's evident that Mason shines brightest when he delves into timeless melodies. With more songs like this and a few more years under his belt, and I’m sure he has the potential to become a star in his own right.

I headed off to do some interviews with Carter Faith (check that out here) and Lakeview before returning to the indigo2 for Dylan Schneider's performance. From the moment he took the stage, it was clear that he knew how to command the crowd's attention. With boundless energy, he ran on stage, shouting at the audience, "Are you ready?”, full band behind him. Talk about late-night energy for an afternoon spot! Launching into songs like Right Girl and the poignant Two Black Exes, Dylan set the stage on fire, whilst his performance of Dustin Lynch’s Momma’s House, which he wrote, proved his skills as a songwriter. What impressed me most about Dylan was his ability to engage the crowd effortlessly, using the stage like he owned it during tracks like Bad Decisions and Ain't Missing You. Closing his set with his most famous track to date, How Does It Sound?, Dylan left the audience buzzing. With that kind of stage presence, there's no doubt that Dylan Schneider has what it takes to become one of country music’s Next Big Things.

Half of Day 2 in the books, there was still the Arena show to come. Keen to find out my thoughts on Brian Kelley, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley and more? Coming soon to this blog!

Interview: CARTER FAITH, C2C Country 2 Country (Part 2)

I loved chatting with one of my favourite country stars, Carter Faith, about her time in Europe; and we had so much more to talk about (check out Part 1 here first!). Let's talk new music, who she thinks we need to be listening to, and more...

CC: I am so excited for this new music, can you give us a little bit of an insight as to what we might expect?

 

CF: I think just more vulnerability. I think the songs I want to put out now, I'm not trying to satisfy anyone else with them. I don't have a label at this moment so I really have full rein to decide. And I have a really amazing team. I really just want people to know me when they listen to my music and feel like they also are getting to know themselves. So there’s gonna be a lot of emotions, which I think is my forte.

 

CC: That's so nice that you can write for yourself and not because of label requests or the need to please other people.

 

CF: Yeah, and I think that's how I started writing, just to make sense of my own mind and my own emotions. So I'm really trying to stick to that forever, go back to that always.

 

CC: And who is the Carter Faith you want the world to see - can you tell us in three words?

 

CF: Oh my god. Emotional, crazy, and a dreamer, for sure.

 

CC: Three things which we get in your music, right?

 

CF: I think so. I think you have definitely a lot of emotional songs!

 

CC: Yeah, I’ve cried to plenty of them! Okay, sticking with the theme of threes, top three highlights of your career so far?

 

CF: My number one is my Grand Ole Opry debut. I just love country music, especially classic country music, and so getting to step into that circle for the first time was definitely one of the best days of my life ever.

 

Then probably the first time I came to Nashville, first day I stepped foot there. I was like, I will do whatever it takes to be here. I had no idea that I would feel that way but I went with my family to see colleges and I was just doing thhe college tours like, ‘yeah, I'm not really thinking about college. I'll go, but I need to be here, right?’

 

And then probably the first time I ever wrote a song and it clicked for me. I can get emotional thinking about that, because that's just who I am as a songwriter and a writer. I just remember vividly the first time I was like at the beach with my family where I grew up, and I could not get over this breakup. I just had toget my own words out. And when I put it all together, it was just like, oh, this might be why I'm on Earth, like what I'm supposed to do. I probably didn't realize all that at the time, but I remember it being the most impactful day of my life up till then. So dramatic, but that's true.

 

CC: I’ve learnt so much about you, Carter, thank you for being so open! So I really love festivals like C2C because they allow us to see artists we've been waiting for years to see, but also ones that we didn't know we wanted to see. Are there any up and coming artists out there that you think people should be listening to?

 

CF: There's this thing on Spotify called the day list, and it just gives me random music every day. And recently, I was listening to this song called I'm So Hooked by this artist Kier, she's from England. I was obsessed with this song and I’m like if I ever do a UK tour, I'm gonna hit her up to open for me cause I'm just obsessed with her music now. Definitely look that up,I just love it. There's UK artists doing country and I feel like people are realizing that. So definitely her.

 

CC: Added to my playlist! I have one more question for you, Carter - what is one question you've never been asked in an interview but would love to be?

 

CF: A good question. Also, you asked really good questions.

 

CC: You write really good songs!

 

CF: (laughs) I think maybe ‘what do you want out of your life that has nothing to do with music?’

 

CC: Tell me.

 

CF: Honestly, I just want to be happy. I want to live in a beautiful place where I can wake up, drink my coffee on my porch, see no other houses, see no other person and just turn on a record or something and just be happy with my life.

 

CC: I can’t wait for the song about that.

 

CF: I'll give it to you!

 

CC: Carter, thank you so much for your time.

 

CF: It's been such a pleasure, thank you!

Carter Faith, killing it as always! I hope you'll check out more of her music, and stay tuned for even more artist interviews coming soon :) 

Interview: CARTER FAITH, C2C Country 2 Country (Part 1)

One of the best things about attending Europe's biggest country music festival? Getting to chat with all of the amazing acts! Without a doubt someone I was SO excited to talk to was rising country star Carter Faith. If you don't know her music, get on that! If you don't know her, keep on reading...

 

Ciara’s Country (CC): I feel like I’ve been waiting years for today's guest - the voice behind some of my favourite songs from the past few years like Wild and Greener Pasture, and definitely one to watch in country music, it’s Carter Faith! Welcome, Carter.

 

Carter Faith (CF): Thank you Ciara, that’s so sweet. It's crazy to come over here and people even know my music.

 

CC: We've been waiting a long time for you! You're finally here in Europe playing a bunch of shows as part of the C2C festival in the Netherlands and Germany. How has your time in Europe been?

 

CF: So fun! I'm sure every American says it, but the fans over here are just so special. The shows have been so special. Getting to see the Netherlands - I've always wanted to go there, so getting to go there because of country music is crazy. Then seeing places in Germany, just crazy. I think there's something special to that, having fans all over the world. I’m just loving every second of it.

 

CC: Have you been able to enjoy your time in Europe outside of the shows too?

 

CF: I really have. I'm grateful that we've been very busy but my amazing team booked me time to see the world too, which is really awesome. I’m such a long way from home so I need to see it. I got a day off in Amsterdam and one in Hamburg too, which was just so cool.

 

CC: I think it's fantastic that you get to do what you love and travel the world. Was this always the dream or did it hit you later?

 

CF: I'm from a small town in North Carolina so this wasn't really anyone's dream! I was in high school when I wanted to decide to do music for my job and I didn’t even picture going overseas. I was like maybe I’ll get to tour around North Carolina, but this is just like exceeding all my expectations for sure.

 

CC: Yes, pretty far away from North Carolina! And now we’re here in London – how’s it going?

 

CF: I love it. I had the whole day off yesterday so I saw Covent Garden and we saw a play on the West End, which was cool.

 

CC: Which one?

 

CF: The Book of Mormon, which I've never seen. It was so funny, it was my first hard laugh in a while. So good.

 

CC: I love that you have been making the most of your time here, especially since the West End is such a core part of London culture. Is there anything else particularly British that you want to do or have done?

 

CF: Well, we went to Dishoom. I was very excited about that. I feel like everyone has gone! I'm sure that it’s not the place that the locals go to, but I just had to go at least once because I love Indian food and it's just hard to find good Indian food in America.

 

CC: Well if that's what it takes to get you back here more often, we'll just open more Indian restaurants! With so many great songs under your belt, what can we expect to see from you at this festival?

 

CF: I just want to play! I've been really watching people message me about what songs they want to hear and I really care about that so I've been trying to play people's favourites because I don't get to come over here very often. Then new ones too, I have a lot of new music coming out this year that I'm excited about. It's taken a long time for me to write, create and figure out a plan so I want to play all past, present and future songs that I'm proud of. It's fun to switch up the set every show and play what people want to hear.

 

CC: I think I’ve listened to your entire discography and what I find amazing is that you really don’t seem to be able to put out a bad song! How do you manage that?

 

CF: I write like crazy. I write so many songs, because that's just what I wake up thinking about and I think that has helped me. I mean, I have written hundreds of bad songs. But I feel like I've made a team around me that cares about music and knows what I'm trying to get out of this and has said yes or no to stuff. Just listening to your team and your friends, even your family when they tell you to put out songs that really feel like you and not put out songs for other reasons. I think that's probably why - just writing my ass off, and picking a few that are good, really!

 

CC: Is there one song that you wrote and you were just like ‘absolutely not’?

 

CF: Oh my god, yeah. So many! I swear to you, I have hundreds, like definitely the first two years of writing, all of them are shit. But you have to go through all the bad ideas to get to the good ones. So I'm not hard on myself about that. But I definitely don't put those out.

 

CC: Considering you've written so many songs, how do you even choose?

 

CF: I change my mind a lot, honestly,. I want to put out a record, that's one of my biggest dreams as a songwriter, put out a full record. Usually I don't have that hard of a time picking songs, but this is just so important to me that I keep going back and forth. But usually I keep coming back to the same ones, and that helps you decide. You're just throwing a Hail Mary and being like, ‘universe, tell me what ones!’

Keen to find out more about Carter's upcoming music, top career moments and what she'd love to do outside of music? Stay tuned for Part 2, coming very soon! 

Concert Review: C2C COUNTRY 2 COUNTRY 2023 (Day 1 Headliners), The O2, London

After a productive morning watching the BBC Radio 2 acts in the indigo2 (check that out here), it was time to head into the Main Arena for the evening show. In comparison to my last experience at C2C Netherlands at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena, the O2 seemed incomparably large – I just hoped that the atmosphere would be as pleasant as it had been in Rotterdam.

Kicking off the Main Stage festivities was the "Introducing Nashville" segment, featuring a songwriters' style round with Lauren Watkins, Karley Scott Collins, and Conner Smith. Each artist brought their own unique style and flair to the stage, taking it in turns to share some storytelling and heartfelt performances with the audience.

Lauren Watkins started us off with her soulful rendition of Mama, I Made It, the ‘sweet and simple’ Shirley Temple and heartfelt ballad Anyone But You. She was a name I was unfamiliar with before, but following her Kacey Musgraves-like vocals and storytelling, I’ll certainly be listening to more! Karley Scott Collins followed with the poignant ode to her grandmother Marlboro Reds, the achingly beautiful Quit You, and deep and emotive Heavy Metal, about the stigma around getting a divorce, even if you’re unhappy. With a raspy voice and deep lyrics, she reminded me of Morgan Wade. Conner Smith rounded out the trio with his Take It Slow, I Hate Alabama and one that the crowd absolutely loved – Creek Will Rise. Fans of Sam Hunt, he’s your man!

 
The Arena also had the smaller Spotlight Stage, where up-and-coming artists were given the chance to shine. Fancy Hagood brought a burst of energy to this stage with soulful vocals and infectious charisma. With songs like What A Life and Can’t Put Me Down, he had powerful stage presence that  left a lasting impression.

 

You know it's always going to be a good time when Lauren Alaina is on the lineup. She bounded onto the Main Stage with a cheerful "Hello, London! How are y'all doing tonight?" I’d been long awaiting her return to the UK since her last performance at C2C in 2016. And yes, she didn’t disappoint!

From the moment she launched into her set, Lauren showcased her immense talent and infectious energy. Opening with the spirited Georgia Peaches and a stunning cover of Queen's Fat Bottom Girls, her vocal prowess and versatility were clear for all to see. From older tracks like Next Boyfriend and One Beer to newer numbers like Taking My Bar Back and Small Town, Bigger Heartbreak, it was evident that Lauren's microphone was well and truly on, each note resonating with clarity and emotion.

One of the highlights of the evening was Lauren's heartfelt interactions with the audience and her genuine warmth onstage. She took the time to introduce her band, engage in playful banter, and joke around with fans. It's this authenticity and connection with her audience that I think really sets Lauren apart as a performer and leaves a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of seeing her live. As the set continued, Lauren treated the crowd to a mix of fan favourites and personal faves, including the infectious mashup of Ladies in the '90s and Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody before ending on the anthemic Road Less Traveled. Talk about a fun night! Let’s finally give Lauren the credit she deserves.

Keeping the girl power going, over on the Spotlight Stage, rising stars Chapel Hart took center stage with their unique blend of country and gospel music. As the winners of America's Got Talent's Golden Buzzer, they truly captivated the audience with their infectious energy and soulful harmonies. Highlight? Without a doubt their acapella rendition of Dolly Parton's Jolene mashed up with their own track You Can Have Him Jolene. A real treat!

If you’d asked me who the crowd were most looking forward to seeing at C2C, I would’ve said there were too many options to choose from. If you asked me now, I’d without a doubt say Carly Pearce. From the moment she stepped onto the Main stage, it was clear that Carly was a crowd favorite, with fans singing along to every word of her hit songs.

Kicking off her set with the upbeat Next Girl, Carly wasted no time in captivating the audience with powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence. Hits like Easy Going and Should've Known Better had the crowd swaying along to the music, while her cover of Faith Hill's Let's Go to Vegas brought a touch of nostalgia to the evening. Commanding the stage, it was clear that she was in her element with the crowd handing onto every word. And with a new album on the horizon, including the heartfelt ballad My Place, Carly Pearce proved that she well and truly deserved her place on the Main Stage that night.

Almost at the end of the night, it was time for our final act on the Spotlight Stage, Restless Road (check out my thoughts on their indigo2 performance here!). This time, we heard Bar Friends, Growing Old With You, and Last Rodeo. With a show-stopping performance that left the crowd cheering for more, I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if these guys are up on the Main Stage next year.

The anticipation reached its zenith as the controversial yet undeniably charismatic Kane Brown took the Main Stage. Known for his fusion of country with elements of rock and hip-hop, Kane kicked off his set with an extravagant two-minute countdown, setting the stage for a spectacle that would challenge traditional genre boundaries. The ensuing pyrotechnics and flames illuminated the arena as Kane burst into the energetic Lose It.

Critics may question Kane Brown's alignment with traditional country, but his prowess as a showman is indisputable. The production values were nothing short of extravagant, with heavy pyrotechnics and elaborate visuals accompanying each song. The setlist, a diverse blend of country, rock, and rap-infused tracks, mirrored Kane's eclectic musical identity. Songs like Like I Love Country and Famous Friends showcased his country roots, while tracks such as Be Like That ventured into hip-hop territory, complete with a confetti cannon.

Kane also used his set as a chance to bring many of his own famous friends back on stage, including Lauren Alaina for What Ifs (yes!), Carly Pierce for Thank God, and Restless Road and Dylan Schneider took the stage for One Mississippi. I also enjoyed the karaoke style Short Skirt Weather that helped those of us who don’t know every Kane song still get involved. The night concluded with the anthemic Good For You, culminating in a confetti-filled finale. Does Kane need to be this extra? No. But was it an entertaining show? Undoubtedly.

From the rising stars on the Spotlight Stage to the chart-topping headliners on the Main Stage, each artist had delivered a performance to remember. Until tomorrow, C2C!

Concert Review: C2C COUNTRY 2 COUNTRY 2023 (Day 1), The O2, London

As the March rain trickled down over London, country music fans from all corners of the UK descended upon the iconic O2 Arena for another edition of C2C Country 2 Country. With a lineup featuring some of the hottest names in country music, anticipation was at an all-time high for what promised to be a weekend filled with electrifying performances, heartfelt ballads, and unforgettable moments.

Arriving just before the festival was about to kick off, my first stop was the Barrelhouse stage in the Town Square, a quaint Western style town they’ve built with stalls selling food and everything a cowboy and cowgirl could need. Despite how early it was in the day, the venue was already teeming with eager fans ready to kick off the festivities, and who better to start the day than the dynamic duo, Lakeview, who I'd had the privilege of seeing the previous weekend in Rotterdam. Known for their infectious party anthems, Lakeview wasted no time in getting the crowd hyped up with their energetic performance.

Opening with the lively Poor Me, Lakeview set the tone for their set. Their acoustic rendition of Loser showcased a different side of the duo, highlighting their versatility as artists. As they moved through Do It All Again and Hometeam, Lakeview proved that it's never too early to start the party. A great start to what would hopefully be an unforgettable day of music.

Making my way to the BBC Radio 2 stage at the indigo2, it was time for another act I was excited to see – Restless Road. Opening with the anthemic Bar Friends, the trio wasted no time in showcasing their stage presence and powerhouse vocals. Hits like Sundown Somewhere and new song Go Get Her had the audience singing along at the top of their lungs, while their soulful rendition of Growing Old With You tugged at the heartstrings. With their unique blend of country rock and stunning harmonies, Zach, Garret and Colton delivered a high-energy performance that had the crowd hyped up and wanting more. As they closed out their set with the infectious Head Over Heels and Lost Rodeo, it’s clear that Restless Road deserve their status as one of country music's rising stars.

Next up, multi-C2C performer Charlie Worsham, who was also serving this year as indigo2 co-host. Launching into Things I Can't Control, Charlie showed off his impressive guitar skills and soulful vocals from the moment he came on stage. As he performed Rubberband and the satirical Great Again, I got the impression he was very much like Keith Urban, and it seems I’m not the only one who thought so, as it was at this point that Charlie himself told us about Urban being his biggest inspiration before sharing his own version of Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me. Ending with Kiss Like You Dance, it was clear that he had won over the crowd with his infectious charm and undeniable talent.

C2C aims to show not only US talent but homegrown too, which is why next up we had female trio Remember Monday. Dressed in matching pink hats and slinky black outfits, Remember Monday may have looked like fans who had stumbled onto the stage, but their music spoke for itself. It was impossible not to bop along to tracks like Jailbreaker and Find My Way, while their rendition of Alanis Morrissette’s Hand in My Pocket offered a fun twist on a classic. As they closed out their set with the infectious Laugh About It, a song about wishing just the mildest of inconveniences on someone you don’t like, they left a lasting impression, proving that sometimes the best surprises come in unexpected packages.

If you were listening to music in the early 2000s, the name Colbie Caillat will not be unfamiliar to you. Dressed in an ethereal ensemble, Colbie looked every bit the part of a country music goddess as she kicked off her set with the enchanting Falling for You. Her angelic vocals and heartfelt lyricism shone through on Try, whilst her duet recorded with Sheryl Crow, I’ll Be Here was a real highlight, showing a much more mature view to a breakup than a lot of songs out there. As she closed out her set with the bubbly Bubbly (of course), I’d say that there were more than a few people in the audience more than happy that Colbie had decided to take the step and come and join us in the country music world.

A varied range of music, and the day was only half done! Still to come – Lauren Alaina, Carly Pearce and Kane Brown on the Main Stage. Interested? Stay tuned for that review, coming soon!

Concert Review: C2C COUNTRY 2 COUNTRY NETHERLANDS 2024 (Day 2), RTM Stage, Rotterdam

After much too long away, C2C Country 2 Country returned to the Netherlands, gracing the Rotterdam Ahoy RTM Stage with the best of country music. With a well-laid-out venue that brought back memories of the early days of London's C2C, this year's festival promised to be a treat for country music enthusiasts from the Netherlands and beyond. From the main arena to the smaller spotlight stage and the second stage outside, there was something for everyone.

I arrived just in time to catch Ben Chapman kicking off the festivities on the second stage. Greeting us all with his southern drawl, his performance gave the audience a proper introduction to country music. Starting with a heartfelt song about his mother and showcasing his musical prowess with tracks like Georgia Dreaming, Ben captivated the crowd who remained quiet and respectful during his set - you could have heard a pin drop. His soulful rendition of Temporary High and the Chris Stapleton-like The Shape I’m In highlighted his versatility as an artist, whilst songs like Kentucky Deluxe and Baby Don’t Cry, It's Saturday Night showcased the raw emotion and grit in Ben's music, painting vivid pictures of life's harder side. Wrapping up his set with a heartfelt cover of Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys, Ben left a lasting impression, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Song to listen to: Baby Don’t Cry, It's Saturday Night

After this, we made our way into the main arena, which was both large enough to make this feel like a true festival, but small enough to seem like you were up close and personal with the artists. First up: Drake Milligan, who burst onto the stage full of energy. Embodying the spirit of Elvis Presley, Drake captured everyone's attention from the get-go with classics like Blue Suede Shoes and George Strait's The Fireman. His infectious charm and playful stage presence shone through on tracks like How Much Beer Can One Man Drink and the crowd-favorite Tipping Point. By this point, the who crowd was already on Drake's side! His soulful vocals and dynamic range were on full display as he treated the audience to a mix of original tracks and covers, with highlights including a captivating rendition of Folsom Prison Blues and an Opry-style performance of Going Down Swinging with the whole band gathered round one mic. Leaving the audience breathless and happy, it's clear that Drake Milligan is a force to be reckoned with in the country music scene, and not a name Dutch music fans will forget anytime soon!

Song to listen to: Let's Kiss Goodbye All Night

As well as the main stage, the RTM Arena also had space for a smaller spotlight stage, where smaller artists could show off their talent. Gracing the stage for the first time that night, Redferrin. With a powerful voice that seemed naturally auto-tuned and bro-country songs reminiscent of my old favourites, Florida Georgia Line, Redferrin was a great choice for a little something different. His laid-back style and authentic storytelling resonated with the crowd, particularly on songs like Just Like Johnny and Champagne in the Morning. His final song, Jack and Diet Coke left a lasting impression, showcasing his ability to infuse emotion and depth into his songs whilst still making them the type you'd love to listen to with the windows down.

Song to listen to: Just Like Johnny

Making his mark on the main stage, Jackson Dean brought his signature cool vibes and stylish guitars to Rotterdam Ahoy (have you ever seen a snake-embossed guitar before? With Jackson Dean, you have!). With a repertoire of darker, edgier songs like Trailer Park and Big Blue Sky, Jackson captivated the audience with his raw energy and stage presence (although I did find him a little difficult to understand!). His cover of 4 Non Blondes What’s Up and the party anthem 1971 were definite highlights, showcasing Jackson's versatility as an artist. I also appreciated that Jackson was a 'Netherlands-only' artist, not appearing at C2C London; which helped to give C2C Rotterdam its own space as a great festival to attend.

Song to listen to: 1971

Back up on the spotlight stage, Dylan Schneider brought youthful energy and charm to the forefront. With tracks like Bad Decisions and Ain’t Missing You, Dylan set was full of relatable lyrics and catchy melodies. His first-time performance in the Netherlands was met with enthusiasm, and it seemed like he already had fans here if those singing along in the crowd were any indication. With good stage presence and a genuine passion for music, I'd say he's got good potential to go pretty far in the country music scene.

Song to listen to: How Does It Sound

However, I had other places to be, and headed back out to the second stage to watch Lakeview. With infectious energy and down-home country feel, best friends Luke Healy and Jesse Denaro delighted the crowd with their camaraderie and musical chemistry, performing fun songs like Drink with My Friends and Home Team. If you're into drinking songs and a duo with an authentic sound, Lakeview are your guys!

Song to listen to: Poor Me

Without a doubt my most anticipated act of the evening was Lauren Alaina. Having last been to Europe for C2C many years ago, her return to our shores was long overdue. Despite not achieving the commercial success I would have expected after her American Idol win (and really, why not? She's incredible!), Lauren's talent is undeniable. Opening her set with the spirited Georgia Peaches and a jaw-dropping cover of Queen's Fat Bottom Girls, Lauren showcased her incredible vocal range and stage presence. Songs like Taking My Bar Back and Small Town, Bigger Heartbreak provided a glimpse into Lauren's personal journey, while tracks like Next Boyfriend and One Beer highlighted the versatility of her vocals. For some reason, my favourite tracks of hers are her duets, including What Ifs with Kane Brown and Getting Over Him with Jon Pardi, both of which she performed amazingly solo, leaving me wondering why she hadn't just recorded them alone in the first place! Highlights of her set? The way she always checked in and joked with her band, and took the time to sign various shirts, hats and more from the crowd. A super fun girl, and an incredible vocal powerhouse too.

Song to listen to: Seen You In Your Hometown

Speaking of vocal powerhouses, it's about time we talk about Alexandra Kay, next up on the spotlight stage. From the first note, she made her mark with her soft voice and beautiful tonality. Songs like Back Road Therapy and Ever Leave showcased her raw talent and ability to captivate an audience effortlessly. Out of all of the spotlight acts, it was for her I saw the most fans singing back - perhaps time for a solo show in the Netherlands, huh Alexandra? We finished up with the playful Best Worst Ex, the perfect prelude for what was sure to be an impressive headlining act...

Song to listen to: Tall Boys

You can't go wrong with Old Dominion. As the night's headliner, the band wasted no time in delivering an unforgettable performance. From the moment they took the stage, their infectious energy and dynamic stage presence were palpable. Opening with the melodic Make It Sweet, it was clear that this was going to be an act filled with hits old and new. Matthew's mullet may have been a surprise, but it was the band's musical prowess that truly stole the show. Old favourites like Written in the Sand and Break Up with Him had the audience singing along, while newer tracks like Should Have Married You and No Hard Feelings showcased the band's evolution as songwriters. A highlight of the night was One Man Band, which Matthew told us he had thought 'we could do better' when the band first wrote it, but has since become a crowd favorite that had everyone from the front row to the back on their feet. And just when we thought it was over, the boys returned to close their set with a song they had written for Kenny Chesney, Save It for a Rainy Day, and one that had us all wishing this weekend would never end, I Was On A Boat That Day. I couldn't think of a better headliner to close off C2C weekend than OD - a band still as good now as when they set out and a surefire to bring everyone together to end a fabulous weekend.

Song to listen to: Song For Another Time

All in all, I had a fantastic time at C2C Rotterdam. This is what C2C London used to be - a laid-back, relaxed event that brings us the best of country music and that's it. With a diverse lineup, a 'gezellig' atmosphere, and songs that I'll have stuck in my head for the next month, I really have nothing bad to say about this festival. Will I be back next year? You bet, and I hope to see you there too.

Stay tuned for more C2C content coming soon, including interviews with artists and more - thanks for reading!