19 October 2018

With country music influencing fashion features in Vogue and mainstream artists like Ed Sheeran, the time is now for the often-side-lined music genre. With an estimated five million country music fans in the UK, and millions across the world, there has been no dedicated country app until now. CountryLine brings technology to country, delivering on-demand performances, interviews, news, views and TV shows. With high profile investors including Sir Elton John, the new digital destination for country lovers will also deliver listings, bookings, mobile payments, loyalty and member benefits. There is eager demand for all things country. In 2017 a Country Music Association study found that tech savvy millennials are the biggest group of country fans in the UK, and CountryLine is launching, just ahead of Country Music Week, to meet that demand. CountryLine is founded by entrepreneur and country music super-fan, Nathalie Cox and award-winning media and tech entrepreneur Simon Walker, co-developer of BBC’s iPlayer. Their combined expertise and experience has led to investment from industry heavyweights, Sir Elton John, Eric Nicoli (former Chairman, EMI) and Ed Richards (former CEO, Ofcom). From the country crazy to the country curious the app has something for everyone. Featuring artists, old and new, CountryLine will even be breaking brand-new talent, kicking off with hosting the single launch party for Remember Monday’s new single, ‘Drive’ this weekend. To create the app’s unique mix of content, CountryLine has partnered with the world’s greatest country creators, from the UK’s ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris to the cream of Nashville’s music scene, including coverage from CMAFest, the CMT Awards, AmericanaFest and more. The team are even working on a new deal with Lionsgate, the Hollywood studio behind smash hit TV show ‘Nashville’, which will bring even more exciting content to the platform. Co-founder and Creative Director of CountryLine, Nathalie Cox, commented: “I’ve been a country music fan all my life. While friends were into The Spice Girls, I was listening to Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. I’ve always wanted an app that delivers everything there is to know about Country in one place, so we’ve made one. “It’s an exciting time for country and Americana, it is breaking through into the mainstream outside the US and it needs a digital home for fans to listen, watch, explore and discover all things country.” A CountryLine subscription costs £2.99 per month or £29.99 for a year. To celebrate Country Music Week and the launch of the app, half price membership is available using code CMW18.

Rising Scottish artist Katee Kross marked the release of her new album ‘Body & Soul’ on 13 October, with a sold-out gig at Nice N’ Sleazy in Glasgow, Scotland. The 21-year-old, performing with The Amberjax, played her third record in full to an audience who loved every second of the night, as her reputation as an upcoming artist continues to grow. Tommy McGuire, Mick Hargan and Kerry Fearon provided support slots on the night, before McGuire took up his role as one of the Amberjax for the headline set, which saw Kross dedicate a few tracks to some of those in attendance who have been incredibly supportive of her efforts from the start. Speaking in the aftermath of the gig, Kross said that she was delighted that the set was received as it was, and that it was a fantastic experience to perform the album in its entirety. “It was a outstanding night that all went very smoothly to plan,” Kross said. “I loved being able to finally play the full album live.” Reviewing ‘Body & Soul’, Maverick gave the album 4* and claimed that the record is “staggering”, whilst also adding that “the sky is indeed the limit” for 21-year-old Kross. You can read the full review of the album in the latest issue.   Picture credit: Scott Jackson