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!
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