1 December 2020

Jess and the Bandits have become the latest country act to get involved with the festive spirit, with the group releasing the ‘My Country Christmas’ album. You can listen to the record below. ‘My Country Christmas’ is the first full length record from the group, which consists of Texas born frontwoman Jessica Clemmons and her assembled band featuring four Brits, for three years, although they did release the ‘Riding Shotgun’ EP earlier this year. The album itself was recorded in Texas during the lockdown period – adding perhaps extra impetus to White Christmas in Houston – and features a plethora of classic Christmas tracks, including Happy Xmas (War Is Over) and I’ll Be Home for Christmas. Speaking about the record, Clemmons said that given her faith, she is naturally drawn more to Christmas anyway, but aside from that, December is always one of the best times of the year for her as she feels that everyone subconsciously gets wrapped up in the Christmas mood, thus making them happier as a result. “I absolutely love Christmas,” Clemmons said. “I am a Christian so this record has a special meaning to me. But, it feels like a time of year where you can’t help but be happy. People seem friendlier. Generally the best of who we are comes out during the Christmas season.” Jess and the Bandits continue to be a leading country music group, especially on this side of the Atlantic Ocean and have regularly featured on BBC Radio 2 playlists over the years.

Chase Rice has surprised his fans by releasing new track Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen‘ featuring Florida Georgia Line. You can listen to the song here. Rice has been abandoning the traditional release schedule in an attempt to be more active musically, releasing his most recent album in two different parts and singles as and when he pleases. Speaking about the track, Rice opened up on the meaning of the track, while FGL said it has been a dream of theirs to hit the radio with their close friend. “We actually wrote this song before the pandemic, which is crazy because it’s almost like God was intervening in the song just to say, ‘Hey y’all, get ready. You’re gonna have a lot of time to sit around a fire, drink some beer and hang out with me,’” Rice said. “It’s a special song in that way because it really is a celebration of what 2020 became for us and a lot of other people – slowing down to enjoy these moments with our loved ones and having deeper, more meaningful conversations with each other.” “We are so excited to be on this jam with our boy Chase,” Florida Georgia Line added. “We’ve dreamed of being on the radio together ever since we were roommates 10 years ago. “This song is the perfect one for us, as we often find ourselves drinking beer and talking God when we get together. We hope this brings lots of good times and great conversations. Cheers to making music with friends!” Prior to lockdown, Chase Rice toured the UK and included a date at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London.