2018

The 24th Millport Country Music Festival is just weeks away and the line-up for the Maverick Magazine presents “Millport Emerging Talent Showcase” has just been announced. The showcase, sponsored by Maverick Magazine, is brand new to the festival this year and is offering emerging artists the opportunity to play at Millport Country Music Festival alongside the likes of Jesse Dayton, Ashley Campbell, The Wandering Hearts, Raintown, Jarrod Dickenson, Liv Austen, American Young, Shane Richie and more… 10 artists have been selected from Scotland and beyond to each play a 15 minute set on the stage of the “Maverick Acoustic Venue” on Sunday 9th September. With the chance of playing after that on the Nashfield Concert Stage immediately before Sunday headliner Shane Richie, a £200 recording session with Katee Kross Media and a guaranteed full slot at MCMF2019 up for grabs. Who is appearing? John Rush Glasgow based singer-songwriter John Rush with his country and folk tinged pop songs, washed down with some amber nectar is a regular feature in some of Glasgow’s top venues including King Tuts, O2 Academy and Barrowlands with previous support slots including Ocean Colour Scene, Mark Morris of the Bluetones,  Declen O’Rourke, Jam legend Bruce Foxton and Steve Pilgrim. Green and Gold by John Rush: https://youtu.be/EtSGOvWKUPs Emma Sarginson 18 year old singer-songwriter from Kilwinning in Ayrshire, Emma is a regular face at some of the top venues on the West of Scotland including past performances at Captain Toms, The Clutha and the Barrowlands. Emma Sarginson Live at Captain Toms: https://youtu.be/82iidnbYwEU Scott Ashworth Based in Denny, Stirlingshire but originally hailing from Salford, Gtr Manchester. Scott started his life as a military musician in the Royal Air Force but now performs widely across Scotland as a solo country/americana artist with support slots with Grammy nominated Belfast singer songwriter Gareth Dunlop as well as Scotlands own Ashton Lane to his name. Drifting Away by Scott Ashworth: https://youtu.be/0wBDNA2HLBA Hollie Robinson A bright, bubbly, fun loving 14 year old singer-songwriter and the youngest artist to feature in the showcase. In 2017 Hollie represented the UK at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles returning home with 3 bronze medals and an Industry award in her vocal categories. Hollie performs Piece by Piece by Kelly Clarkson: https://youtu.be/PCCes-lwApI Riley 19 year old singer-songwriter based in Glasgow, Riley has been working on her own songs since she was only 11 years old. She has built up a following due to her great contemporary folk style songs with poetic lyrics all sung in a beautifully understated style. Mr Gray by Riley: https://youtu.be/wlkUtLEsZzw Joseph Miller In early 2014 Joseph independently released an acoustic collection of songs titled The ‘One-Take’ sessions. The tracks were originally recorded as demos in one take with just an acoustic guitar and vocal. These lead to Joseph being personally selected by Christina Perri (‘Jar of Hearts’/’A Thousand Years’) to open for her on the Glasgow stop of her ‘Head or Heart Tour’. Think of Me by Joseph Miller: https://youtu.be/TP_mePo6GDI Zoee An Aussie singer-songwriter now living in Larnark in Scotland and a rare Alternative Country/Pop phenomena. Since moving the UK in 2015 Zoee has featured on the BBC Introducing stage at Brentwood Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the UK Open Mic songwriting competition. Just A Little Bit Longer by Zoee: https://youtu.be/uipDJj6eh7M The Blue Highways Named for the forgotten highways and roads that linked American towns and cities, The Blue Highways take inspiration from American roots music and infuse it with their British sound and background. Formed in early 2018 they recently recorded their debut single, Take Me Away, at Reservoir Studios in London with Chris Clarke (Danny and the Champions of the World). Take Me Away by The Blue Highways: https://youtu.be/lvF1G_So-pw Zoe Tait – The LadyBugg  From Johnstone in Scotland, Zoe is a 16 year old singer-songwriter that plays all her own music, and has already announced playing at “Party At The Palace” this year. With a nickname like “The LadyBugg” unsurprisingly Zoe quotes Jake Bugg as one of her biggest influences. Callum by Zoe Tait: https://youtu.be/IZgjEE7TL8M Robyn Taylor With over 30 years performing across the UK and abroad, Robyn Taylor has found her voice in country music and her amazing stage presence really connects with audiences. Here first single ‘Stop My Heart’ went straight in at No.6 on British & Irish Hot Discs Chart, and In The Arms of Love has been nominated for ‘Listeners Choice Award’ on UK Country Radio in 2018. Stop My Heart by Robyn Taylor: https://youtu.be/w6jGdqmHBIk

The countdown is on to Millport Country Music Festival 2018. Back for it’s 24th year this community event remains Scotland’s biggest independent country music festival and will take place between 7th and 9th September. Last year saw nearly ten thousand country music fans of all ages come to the island on the West of Scotland to enjoy the music, soak up the atmosphere and experience the beautiful seaside town of Millport in a different light. 2018 however will see the festival’s biggest line-up yet. With 50 artists representing some of the best country music talent from Scotland, across the UK, Ireland, Sweden and the USA; appearing on 4 live music stages within the grounds of Garrison House at the heart of the town. Jesse Dayton, the ‘hardcharging’ Texan Outlaw Country star, will headline Nashfield on the Saturday, while Eastenders star Shane Richie will feature his new album, “A Country Soul”, during his headline spot on Sunday. From traditional to modern, from Americana to country rock, and just about every country taste in between. Including music from the daughter of the legendary Glen Campbell, Ashley Campbell; with their amazing harmonies, the UK’s hottest country offering this year The Wandering Hearts; singer-songwriter Jarrod Dickenson, Appalachian story-teller Jerry Harmon, Nashville duo American Young, The Remedy Club, Liv Austen, Jess and The Bandits, Gary Quinn and more… The offering from local Scottish bands is equally as impressive with Glasgow based Ashton Lane returning following their much talked about performance at last year’s festival, Glasgow country-rock duo Raintown, Kevin McGuire, Katee Kross, Red Pine Timber Co, The Logans, Jim McLean, James ‘N’ Wood, Stillwater, Stateline and the amazing story of now US based blues and country guitarist Joshua Roberts (aka Kid Millport) returning to the place he was born and spent his infant years. A first for this year will be the Millport Emerging Talent Showcase on Sunday 9th September, sponsored by Maverick Magazine and hosted by Scottish singer-songwriter Katee Kross. Scott Watson of the festival organising team said, “This was our chance to go out and find 10 great up and coming artists and offer the opportunity to play on a festival stage as well as win a recording session with BlackRoom Sessions and a guaranteed slot at next year’s festival. We were overwhelmed by the volume and standard of the response we received to this, and the concept of potentially finding and helping an artist that could in future years be back headlining one of our stages, has been really exciting.” As was the case in 2017, there will be an extended ferry service  from Largs to Cumbrae Slip operated by Calmac on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th, enabling day visitors to enjoy even more of the music into the evening. Camping and Glamping for those that wish to stay, with showers and toilets, will be available at Millport Golf Club; and a superb food, drink and entertainment offering from local businesses both on site and throughout the town as Millport once again becomes Nashville for the weekend. Tickets are on sale now at millportcountrymusic.com/ticket-info/

Country music duo Maddie & Tae are firmly of the belief that females within the genre are “neglected” and find it “trickier” than their male counterparts to succeed. The duo, made up of Madison Marlow and Taylor Dye, famously smashed through the doors of Nashville with their debut single, ‘Girl in a County Song’ from their ‘Start Here’ album, which is all about how women are regarded within the country music genre. Speaking to All Access in the aftermath of their latest single, ‘Friends Don’t’, the duo insisted that their experiences are no joke, and lifted the lid on how females are treated behind the scenes in country music.   “We released ‘Girl In A Country Song’ to kind of wake people up,” Marlow said “It talks about not being a girl in a country song, but also about how we’re being neglected in this genre. “I do think it’s gotten better since we first came onto the scene, but it’s still hard. Even right now with ‘Friends Don’t,’ it’s really hard out there. “It’s hard for any artist to get their song played, but I think it’s trickier for women. A lot of that stuff you just can’t control – if a station wants to play your song or not – you just have to make great relationships and be kind. “We just hope that we’re making music, as females, that people – men and women – can connect with and relate to, because that’s our job as songwriters. “So, hopefully we make that connection with people through music. It’s a mystery to me, because there are great female artists that aren’t getting airplay, and it blows my mind.” Maddie & Tae have a concept album on the horizon, which will be their first under the Mercury Nashville label, and have plans for a tour in the autumn of 2018.

A Billboard Hot country songs chart record has been broken, with country duo Florida Georgia Line and pop star Bebe Rexha’s crossover hit, ‘Meant to Be’, remaining as number one for the last 35 weeks. The song has overtaken Sam Hunt’s ‘Body Like a Back Road’, which was in the number one position in 2017 for a staggering 34 weeks. Florida Georgia Line drew their line in the sand and have opted to go for a more pop based sound in, and the song with Bebe Rexha has been a monumental hit, to put it mildly. The chart itself takes into account airplay, sales and streaming, and the song was written by Rexha, Josh Miller, David Garcia and FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. The song also peaked at number two on the Hot 100 chart by Billboard. Bebe Rexha has included the song on both her 2017 EP, ‘All Your Fault: Pt 2’ and her debut album, ‘Expectations’, which was released in June.    

Luke Bryan created history on the 28th of July, by becoming the first country music artist to headline a date at the LA Dodgers stadium, which was a sell-out. More than 50,000 people packed into the stadium to watch the 42-year-old, donning LA Dodgers merchandise, perform a career-spanning set, which brought the house down. The American Idol judge has frequently played in big venues in Los Angeles, but this was the first time he – or any other country music artist – headlined the Dodgers’ stadium. Luke Bryan played: Country Girl (Shake it for Me) Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day I Don’t Want This Night to End This is How We Roll (Florida Georgia Line cover) All My Friends Say Light it Up Someone Else Calling You Baby Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye Most People Are Good Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset What Makes You Country Kick the Dust Up Strip it Down Drunk on You Crash My Party Home Alone Tonight Do I Good Directions (Billy Currington cover) Mountain Music (Alabama cover) Drink a Beer Roller Coaster Play it Again Rain is a Good Thing Move That’s My Kind of Night

Country music royalty and a fifty year member of the Grand Ole Opry, Jeannie Seely, will be honoured with a star on Music City Walk of Fame during an induction ceremony on Aug. 21, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. in Music City Walk of Fame Park. Jeannie’s vivacious stage presence and sultry voiced combined with her deeply moving vocals earned her the nickname of “Miss Country Soul,” a title that’s still used today. Inductees are recognized for their significant contributions to preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and for contributing to the world through song or other industry collaboration. In addition to Ms. Seely, Brenda Lee, Ray Stevens and Ben Folds will also be inducted into the Walk of Fame. “I’m so thrilled, honored and blessed,” states Jeannie Seely! “ To be recognized for your contribution to the Country Music industry with your own star on the Walk of Fame Park is more than I could ever have dreamed” Jeannie Seely’s recordings have spanned six decades and she continues to entertain at full speed today. Seely is a host on SiriusXM “Willie’s Roadhouse,” where she shares personal memories and fun stories about the songs she spins. Jeannie was recognised for ranking #2 in Billboard’s Top TV Songs Chart in January 2018 for her composition, “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand),” written in 1964 and recorded by Irma Thomas. The familiar song has been featured consistently in numerous episodes of the Netflix science fiction anthology series, “Black Mirror.”  Acclaimed music artists Seal and Boyz II Men recorded their own versions in 2017, and the song is the trailer theme for the new “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.” She is a prolific songwriter who recently released “Written In Song,” a CD project with 14 tracks all co-written or self-penned by Seely. Many of the songs were recorded by Hall of Fame members. Jeannie earned a Grammy for her recording of “Don’t Touch Me” in 1967. A country music legend and trailblazer, Seely became the first female to regularly host segments of the weekly Opry shows and is credited for being the first to wear a mini-skirt on the Opry stage. She hosted a show on the Armed Forces Network, wrote a book and starred in several major stage productions.

CountryLine (www.countryline.tv) has launched the world’s first and only global digital fan club for country, Americana and roots music. Serving up a world class proposition of music, interviews, sessions and features, CountryLine has been designed to connect country artists and their fast-growing global community of fans more intimately than ever before. Available on web, iOS, Android, tvOS and Amazon Fire, CountryLine works as a digital membership club for country lovers and the ‘country curious’. Alongside an exclusive mix of premium video content, CountryLine will add further membership features in 2018 including gig guides, ticketing and rewards. CountryLine has partnered with Sir Elton John to celebrate the release of Restoration, the acclaimed album featuring thirteen country stars re-imagining the songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, which was featured as BBC Radio 2’s Album of the Week. Nathalie Cox, CountryLine’s co-founder and creative director, sat down with Elton to talk exclusively about the album and its stars from Little Big Town and Chris Stapleton to Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. You can watch that here: Nathalie said, “At CountryLine we try and get behind the music, so it was truly special to hear first hand from Elton why he loves country music and what this record means to him. “As a fan, what drove me to create CountryLine was the same passion for the genre and desire to build a platform for up-and-coming artists alongside the world’s greats. “Elton is a legend, but what makes him truly special is that relentless and generous focus on new talent. Restoration is CountryLine’s favourite album of the year, and we couldn’t have dreamt of a better project to showcase for CountryLine’s launch.” Sir Elton John said: “I’m just delighted to support CountryLine – a wonderful innovation whose time has come. Restoration was a passion project for Bernie and me, and the artists on the record are simply amazing – the musicianship out of Nashville is the best. “The country music scene has never been healthier and it’s growing so fast in the UK with an exciting new audience. It’s about time the world had something like CountryLine and it’s so great that it’s come out of the UK.” CountryLine is now live in the UK and US with plans to roll out globally in 2019.