2015

Sidmouth FolkWeek returns for eight days of summer, seaside festival fun from July 31 – August 7, in its idyllic setting amongst East Devon’s red cliffs. This year the festival has an ear to the past, and an eye on the future! Building on the success of last year’s Diamond Anniversary celebrations, the quality bar remains high – with major names from the folk music scene as well as fantastic emerging talent – moving forward into the next generation of the festival. FolkWeek offers a diverse range of events to suit all interests – from major concerts to intimate sessions, from fantastic folk dance to cracking ceilidhs, from high quality Children’s Festival family fun to Shooting Roots’ youth sessions, storytelling to special shows, spectacular displays and processions and an unrivalled 200+ event workshop programme. This year a revamped Bulverton Marquee, where evening roots and dance parties are held, includes a new late night Betsy’s Lounge chill-out venue, with a new special ticket deal available for 18-25 year olds. What’s on offer in 2015? Pre-festival concerts Two amazing pre-festival concerts feature South West shanty-singing favourites Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends (with support from Devon’s creamiest singer Jim Causley) on Fri 31st July at 3pm, and darling of the British folk scene, and its most famous contemporary singer Kate Rusby (with support from Dorset’s Ninebarrow) on Thurs 30th July at 8pm. Headliners throughout the week include: Irish stars Altan; Festival Patrons and outstanding acoustic trio Show Of Hands; Australian vocal tour-de-force The Spooky Men’s Chorale; Gaelic singing sensation Julie Fowlis – of Pixar’s Brave fame; Skye-based party starters Peatbog Faeries; radical English and reggae roots from Edward II; the spectacular and athletic Demon Barber’s XL new show Disco At The Tavern; Bristol’s minimalist masters Spiro and The Poozies featuring Sally Barker from BBC One’s The Voice amongst many others. Upcoming artists are featured in the EFDSS Folk Rising Plus concerts with Ange Hardy, Maz O’Connor, Jaywalkers and more, as well as fRoots Cellarful of Folkadelia sessions Stick In The Wheel, Martha Tilston, Heg & The Wolf Chorus, Amadou Diagne, Lynched and the new up-tempo Hootenanny@Carinas evenings with the likes of Keston Cobblers Club, Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra and Harp and a Monkey. As well as concert and roots party fun, expect diverse dance traditions taking to the streets – from the Tibetan Tashi Lhunpo Monks to Bacup’s Britannia Coco-nut Dancers! The Taster Programme is now available at www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk, giving a flavour of what’s on offer throughout the week. The full programme will be available in July.

Taylor Swift has been ranked number 64 on the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women list. At 25 the singer is the youngest woman to be put on the list. Swift is known for her truthful songs and dedication to her fans. Swift was one of four artists to have a platinum album in 2014 with 1984 and this ranking further cements her transition from ‘country starlet’ to ‘pop superstar’. Swift continues to go from strength to strength and we look forward to seeing what she has to offer in the future.

Kip Moore has been generating speculation recently with cryptic tweets that are leaving fans confused and excited. Moore has been tweeting things such as ‘Get Ready// 1 Day’ amd what appear to be letters which so far are ES, LD and what appears to be WI. This has led fans on Twitter to speculate that it will be the release of his song Wild Ones. However, as it has been three years since his debut album UP ALL NIGHT people are also wondering if Kip is hinting at something more, as could be suggested by a tweet which read: ‘Keep hearing no one wants full albums anymore..I still believe there’s enough people that do’. Is Kip about to fulfil his fans dreams? We hope so.

CMA Fest (June 11-14) is one of the biggest events in the country music calendar and tickets have been sold out for months. But fans have been given an extra treat with Carrie Underwood being announced as a special guest on the Saturday (June 13). Underwood will be appearing alongside acts such as Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum and Florida Georgia Line. The performance will mark the tenth anniversary of her first appearence at CMA Fest after winning the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. She shared the news on her Instagram (pictured) by posting a neon-filtered picture of herself wearing ‘I heart CMA Fest’sunglasses with the caption: ‘Hey #CMAFest! Looks like I will be seeing you real soon!’. Underwood is nominated for Best Female Vocalist, Best Music Video and Best Musical Event at the CMA Awards where she is due to make her first post-baby television appearence. Before the CMA Fest Underwood will also take to the Grand Old Opry for two nights (9 and 10 June) and host her official fan club party at the Opry house afterwards. The CMA Fest already has a wonderful line up and Underwood is a brilliant addition that fans will be very exicted about.

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) has announced its 2014 winners selected from over 18,000 entries. Country artists and songwriters Bonnie Pine, Dean Dillon (pictured), and Casey Beathard have earned a First Place; The Morrison Brothers have taken Second Place; and Nikki Boon and Ryan Nelson of the band Haven Drive have garnered Third Place wins in the Country category. Judges included Sara Evans, Craig Morgan, Bryan Stewart (VP of A&R, Curb Records), and more. “The Country category is consistently one of the most competitive and popular categories in ISC,” says ISC Founder and Director, Candace Avery. “The Country music winners embody the level of musical skill that ISC is looking for, and we are so pleased to be able to honour them for their remarkable songwriting talent.” The overall Grand Prize is awarded to Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy for his song Riptide. This marks the first time in the 14-year history of the competition that any song has received perfect scores from every judge. The song is being called an instant classic by both critics and fans alike, not only in the USA but also across the world. Joy’s career is clearly on the rise, with sold-out tours, worldwide chart success, and critical acclaim. Joy will be embarking soon on a seven-month tour as the support act for pop superstar Taylor Swift. Created in 2002, ISC awards more than $150,000 in cash and prizes to winners of the competition. Winners range from amateur songwriters who are just starting their careers to professional songwriters who have years worth of experience. The Grand Prize winner is awarded $25,000 in cash, in addition to more than $45,000 in merchandise and services. Previous ISC winners include Bastille, Passenger, Kate Miller-Heidke, Lindsey Stirling, Gotye, The Band Perry, Kasey Chambers, Gin Wigmore, King Charles, Kimbra, Gregory Porter, Omar Sosa, For King & Country, and many more. The complete list of judges includes recording artists: American Authors; Sarah McLachlan; Pat Metheny; Sara Evans; Bastille; Casting Crowns; Avicii; Wayne Shorter; Keane; Robben Ford; Danilo Perez; Kenny Wayne Shepherd; Natasha Bedingfield; Newsboys; Afro Celt Sound System; London Grammar; Craig Morgan; Gerald Casale (Devo); Jean-Luc Ponty; James Cotton; Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes); Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C.); Chayanne; and Bela Fleck. First Place Stuck – Bonnie Pine, Dean Dillon, Casey Beathard – Dallas, TX, USA and Nashville, TN, USA Bonnie Pine grew up in a big, musical family on a dairy farm in Minnesota until her daddy died when she was eight years old. Her family then moved to the city, and she took up playing the classical violin for many years. She didn’t start writing lyrics until she was 31 years old. Pine says, “The most exciting thing that has ever happened to me was the day I received a reply email from the legendary Dean Dillon regarding the rough draft lyric I had sent him for the winning song “Stuck.” I just about ran off the road when reading that he said he loved the idea, hook, and parts of the lyric! Then Dillon asked another one of my favorite writers, the great Casey Beathard, to write on the song also. It was all like a dream!” Co-writer Dean Dillon is an award-winning singer and songwriter and is one of country music’s most prolific writers (including having written more than 50 songs for George Strait). Having been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002, he has had countless songs chart on Billboard and has also written songs for artists such as Kenny Chesney, Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Lee Ann Womack, Toby Keith, Vince Gill, and many more. Co-writer Casey Beathard is also an award-winning singer and songwriter, having co-written singles for several country music recording artists, including Top Ten singles for Gary Allan, Billy Ray Cyrus, Trace Adkins, and Kenny Chesney. In 2004 and 2008, he received BMI’s Songwriter of the Year award. Second Place Little Miss Whiskey – The Morrison Brothers Band – Nashville, TN, USA Second Place in the Country category is awarded to the Morrison Brothers Band. Founded in 2007 by brothers Truman and Willie Morrison, the group’s award-winning sound took form in their hometown of Washington, DC with the additions of brothers Matt and Kevin Nolan. The band is currently based out of Nashville, and in the last few years, they have opened for or shared stages with Merle Haggard, Leon Russell, Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss, Tim McGraw and more. In 2014, the band also won First Place in the country category in the Unsigned Only Music Competition for the same song, “Little Miss Whiskey.” Third Place Hopeful Heart – Nikki Boon, Ryan Nelson (Haven Drive) – Grand Rapids, MI, USA Both Nikki Boon and Ryan Nelson are Grand Rapids, MI natives who reunited in Nashville, TN. They began writing together as a side project but quickly realized it would turn into something bigger. Guided by producer Jeff Braun, they released their debut EP in February, 2015; the songs are filled with crafty lyrics, anthemic hooks and captivating performances. They have had the opportunity to open for Jarrod Niemann, Love and Theft and Lee Brice, among many others. In addition to these winners, 14 other deserving Country songs garnered Honorable Mentions within the category: 29 Angels – Adam Avery, Michael Lee Collins – Burlington, VT, USA Give Her The World – Adam Eckersley, Jason Reeves, Danelle Leverett (Adam Eckersley Band) – Mannering Park, NSW, Australia Dance – Ben Glover, Amy Lewis, Ali Raney, Zoe Neuman, Mitch Merrett (The Lovelocks) – Toronto, ON, Canada Twenty Once (Too) – Billy Dawson, Rivers Rutherford , Glenn Rutherford – Sunray, TX, USA Wings – Brad Cunningham (Man In The Ring) – Columbia, MO, USA Lonely With Me – Brandon Chase, David Lee, Tony Lane – Brentwood, TN, USA Someday – Codie Prevost, Adam Wheeler – Archerwill, SK, Canada If You Can’t Be Mine – Jessica Clemmons, Victoria Banks, Jeff Cohen – Highlands, TX, USA Country Girl Swag – Kyle Lowrey, Jake Lowrey (2 Steps Back) –

Two CMA International Awards recipients were recently presented their trophies in Nashville and London. The 2014 recipient of the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award, Ricky Ross, received his trophy today from CMA Board Chairman Frank Bumstead, CMA Board President John Esposito, CMA Board President-elect Sally Williams, Chairman of the CMA Awards and Recognition Committee Jon Loba, and Board member Brett James at CMA’s corporate office in Nashville. “I’ve been coming to Nashville over the last six to seven years and have been fortunate enough to walk away with several songs,” Ross said. “This time I’m fortunate enough to walk away with this award. It’s quite an honor. We love Country Music and think it’s important to celebrate all that it stands for.” “Supporting the international expansion of Country Music is important to the CMA Board and I was honored to present this trophy to one of our most ardent supporters,” said Bumstead. The CMA International Country Broadcaster Award recognizes outstanding achievement by radio broadcasters outside the United States who have made important contributions for the development of Country Music in their country. Ross, a broadcaster, singer, and songwriter who has had cuts by James Blunt and Ronan Keating to name a few, regularly visits Nashville. He presents BBC Radio Scotland’s “Another Country,” a mix of classic Country and Americana and the show has won two Sony Radio Awards, the first in 2011 and the second the following year. When Hunter Hayes was in London last week for the first of a series of U.K. shows, he stopped by the BBC to present Bob Shennan, Controller Radio 2, 6 Music, Asian Network, and Director, BBC Music with the CMA Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award, which had been announced earlier in the year. “Bob is a tremendous ambassador for Country Music and the international growth of the format,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “And as a CMA Board member, he is a trusted and valued resource as we continue to explore and develop new ways to expand the format abroad.” The Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media, which contribute to the development of Country Music outside the United States. Radio, TV, print journalists, authors, editors, television writers, producers, and PR companies who reside outside the U.S. are eligible to win this award. Since Shennan took over as Controller of BBC Radio 2 in 2009, he has driven exposure opportunities and was instrumental in bringing Country Music into the mainstream arena. In his capacity of CMA Board member, Shennan also chairs the newly formed CMA U.K. Task Force. Shennan said on being presented with the trophy, “It is a great privilege to serve on the Board of the CMA and this award is a wonderful honor. Country Music is enjoying a golden age in the U.K. The BBC is here to support great music, and I am proud to do my bit.”

The Americana Music Association has announced its nominations for the 2015 Americana Honours & Awards, during a press conference held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Ford Theater and streamed live via Music City Roots. 2014 Americana Music Award for Duo/Group of the Year winners the Milk Carton Kids hosted the event and revealed the nominees of the six categories – Album, Artist, Duo/Group, Emerging Artist, Instrumentalist and Song. The celebration also featured stripped down, acoustic performances from the Milk Carton Kids, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn, and John Hiatt preceding the nominees reveal. Nikki Lane closed out the one-hour program with a high energy, full band performance of Right Time. 2015 Americana Honours & Awards Nominees: Album of the Year (Award goes to Artist and Producer) And The War Came – Shakey Graves; Produced by Alejandro Rose-Garcia and Chris Boosahda Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone – Lucinda Williams; Produced by Lucinda Williams, Tom Overby and Greg Leisz Metamodern Sounds In Country Music – Sturgill Simpson; Produced by Dave Cobb The Way I’m Livin’ – Lee Ann Womack; Produced by Frank Liddell Tomorrow Is My Turn – Rhiannon Giddens; Produced by T-Bone Burnett Artist of the Year Rhiannon Giddens Jason Isbell Sturgill Simpson Lucinda Williams Lee Ann Womack Duo/Group of the Year Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn The Lone Bellow The Mavericks Punch Brothers Shovels & Rope Emerging Artist of the Year First Aid Kit Houndmouth Nikki Lane Doug Seegers Shakey Graves Instrumentalist of the Year Hubby Jenkins Laur Joamets Greg Leisz John Leventhal Stuart Mathis Song of the Year (Award goes to Artist and Songwriter) Dearly Departed – Shakey Graves; Written by Alejandro Rose-Garcia and Esme’ Patterson East Side Of Town – Lucinda Williams; Written by Lucinda Williams Terms Of My Surrender – John Hiatt; Written by John Hiatt Turtles All The Way Down – Sturgill Simpson; Written by Sturgill Simpson You’re The Best Lover That I Ever Had – Steve Earle & the Dukes; Written by Steve Earle The Americana Honours & Awards, presented by Nissan, will return to the historically cool Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, on September 16, 2015 (during AmericanaFest – September 15-20, 2015). The iconic Jim Lauderdale will once again host the Honours & Awards, while the incomparable Buddy Miller will lead the All-Star House Band. Tickets to the Honours & Awards show are only available with the purchase of an Americana Music Festival & Conference registration.

Texas xountry-rocker Suzette Lawrence is making a name for herself with her debut CD TEAR UP THE HONKY TONK. In July 2015 Suzette and her band The Neon Angels will return to Europe, featuring appearances on July 11 at the Americana International Festival, and on July 18 at the Summertyne Americana Festival. Additional club dates, peppered through Europe and the UK, include shows at The Water Rats in London, and Maloe Malo in Amsterdam, with more tba. Suzette’s performances in the UK will feature original tunes from her acclaimed new record, as well as classic rockabilly and honky-tonk favourites.

Shrewsbury Folk Festival, held on four days over the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 28-31), has worked hard to earn and retain its title as one of the UK’s top folk festivals. Known for its inventive programming and high production values, it regularly sells out in advance. Dubbed a ‘key date in the UK folk music calendar’ by the Daily Telegraph and recognised by the Sunday Times as a ‘family friendly folk staple’, Shrewsbury has it all whether you’re a fan of traditional or contemporary folk or are more into the roots and acoustic scene. Based in a glorious riverside setting within walking distance of the town centre, there’s four music stages including two main stages seating thousands, down to the smaller outdoor village stage. This year’s headliners include Sharon Shannon, Oysterband, and Kate Rusby. But the festival is renowned for bringing North American and Canadians acts to these shores. As the Shrewsbury Folk Festival motto goes: “you can’t imagine how much you will discover” and over the past few years, it’s introduced its audience to Barnstar!, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Sweetback Sisters, Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, and Mark Erelli. Organisers always add something a bit different into the mix and that’s included 17 Hippies, Kepa Junkera, Nidi d’Arac, and Molotov Jukebox. This year, they’ve enticed Canadian folk legend La Bottine Souriante to pay its first visit to the Shropshire festival. Joined by countryfolk The Barra MacNeils, Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys, and Ten Strings and a Goat Skin, the international flavor will be continued with Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita and Amadou Diagne. Los Angeles based Dawes, who have toured with Bob Dylan and Mumford and Sons, are also on the bill. But what makes Shrewsbury special, besides the always-innovative line up, is the overall ambience of the festival. You can pitch up your tent or caravan for the weekend and relax – everything is within easy reach and the site never feels overcrowded. Children’s festival Pandemonium! offers everything from storytelling to crafts, circus skills, lantern making, drama, dance and music workshops for the younger festivalgoers. Coupled with the ever-popular Panic Circus, it’s an integral part of any family festival experience! The Refolkus youth programme is always in demand. The Big Band will be back this year alongside all manner of other folk related fun for 11 to 20-year-olds. There is a huge dance tent with specialist flooring for ceilidhs, workshops and dance shows. This year Blowzabella will be among the dance bands on the bill and a range of morris sides representing a variety of dance will entertain the crowds. With more than 100 workshops every year from yoga to music sessions, dance classes, and songwriting, and there never needs to be a dull moment. There is a free bus into the town centre on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the fringe events, including a dance parade, displays and pub sessions. There’s also an extensive craft fair, food village, real ale bars, a wine and cocktail bar & hot showers! Visit www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk for a full line up and to book tickets.

With their May date at London’s Scala sold out, Norwegian alt-folk-country-rock mavericks Katzenjammer will return to the capital in November for their largest UK headline show to date. One of the most accomplished, instinctive, charismatic and nonconformist bands around, Katzenjammer are all impressive singers and multi-instrumentalists, sharing lead vocals, instruments, song-writing duties and, as The Guardian observed at a recent London gig, an enormous sense of fun. Prior to the Shepherds Bush Empire gig Katzenjammer will bring their genre-mixing, full-on riotous show to Britain for a headline May tour and summer festival dates Nothing if not utterly distinctive, four smart and super-talented Norwegian musicians – Anne Marit Bergheim, Turid Jørgensen, Solveig Heilo and Marianne Sveen – met at music college in Oslo and have mastered a thrillingly diverse blend of country, folk, blues, pop and rock. Katzenjammer released their third studio album ROCKLAND in March to great acclaim and, as well as notching up sales throughout Europe, received long-overdue nods of approval from the British press. Produced by Victor Van Vugt (Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Beth Orton) the album is a joyous and uplifting record, refreshingly lacking in pretention, nigh-impossible to define and, as Songlines wrote, “a peppy life-enhancing joy from start to finish”.