2022

Following the release of their last album on Snakefarm Records (Pressure) in 2020, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown decided it was time to return to their independent roots. This change in course was inspired both by urgency and an enduring sense of commitment to their audience. Their hope ultimately being that having a greater degree of ownership over the recording, promotion, and release of their music will strengthen the conviction of the band, while tearing down any barriers that could prevent fans from hearing their most earnest work. The decision was made, Rattle Shake Records was born. The first single Shakedown fans can look forward to is “Ain’t None Watered Down” which will appear on the label’s forthcoming inaugural full length, ‘Shake Your Roots.’  Watch the video HERE. Says Bryant, about the new single penned by Rebecca Lovell and himself: “When Caleb, Graham, and I started talking about what we wanted to do next, we kept kicking around the idea of getting back to our initial roots as a band. So much of that was steeped in low down blues and rock and roll. One morning I was kicking around a little song idea with my wife and “Ain’t None Watered Down” was born. Everything fell into place so naturally. Once the Shakedown got hold of it, it served as a road map of sorts for the new album.” Although the band has shared the stage with artists such as AC/DC, Guns N Roses, Aerosmith & Jeff Beck, to name a few, one doesn’t get the sense that any of these guys are above driving all day, pushing their own cases, and leaving it all on the stage when given the chance. This is a band that has something to prove and will go to great lengths to do so. ‘Shake The Roots’ is the bands fifth full length album. It encompasses the energy of their live show and is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Shakedown. The edges are not sanded down, but the attention to detail isn’t lacking one bit. It sounds as if they approached the writing and recording of this record with the same intention they approach their live ‘Shake The Roots’ is the bands fifth full length album. It encompasses the energy of their live show and is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Shakedown. The edges are not sanded down, but the attention to detail isn’t lacking one bit. It sounds as if they approached the writing and recording of this record with the same intention they approach their live performances with. It is evident that the band means it and wants it to mean even more to their fans. “We spend so much time writing and recording, it’s time we start spending more time sharing our art with the people who care. We’ve seen how the soup gets made and are confident that any ingredients we are missing will be obtained. That’s the spirit of this band and has been since day one. We’ve built our fan base in such a grass roots way that it only makes sense. They want to support us and OUR collective cause. When I say “our,” I’m including the fans. They are the reason we feel confident enough to make this leap. This is the next logical step in our trajectory as a band and we are thrilled to offer up ‘Shake the Roots’ as the first release from Rattle Shake Records.”  Tyler puts this pivot in their business model simply, “We want to release MORE music and we want our fans to know that their support is what is fueling it.” It’s one thing to choose to become the master of your own destiny, but it’s an entirely different animal to identify the adversity that may come your way in the process. Bryant has grown into the type of person who no longer sees that as a red stop sign. For him, it’s often a useful indicator to keep pushing forward. “I’ve dealt with a lot of anxiety over the years and there are certain techniques that you use to manage it. You learn how to breathe properly. That’s sort of what the Shakedown is doing right now. We’re learning these techniques that will allow us to breathe and thrive as a band. Sure, there’s some insecurity in what we’re doing, but that insecurity is fuel. If you know what you’ve gotta do in your heart, you’ve just gotta do it.” Bryant remains grateful for the journey thus far and is brimming with excitement for what lies ahead. In his mind, he, Caleb Crosby, & Graham Whitford are neither too far removed from the early days of the band playing clubs overseas, nor an enduring ‘DIY’ mentality for what lies ahead.

Millport country music festival returns this year and with a truly fabulous line-up! 37 artists will appear on five stages at this year’s festival, of which 11 will be from the US, 11 Scottish and the remainder from the rest of the UK and Ireland, representing a huge range of the country, Americana and roots genres. The focal point of the Saturday will be the Nashfield main stage which is headlined by the one and only Drake White and the Big Fire. However, there are some fantastic acts on stage in the Maverick acoustic tent. Sandy McLelland Millport have done a fantastic job of promoting the talented country artists that come from the home nations and Sandy McLelland is one of those. McLelland has a wealth of experience within the music industry having worked across numerous genres including pop, rock, film music and symphony orchestras. Although McLelland says it was all rewarding, going back to his routes it’s country and soul music that really captivates him. His latest single, ‘When The Hurt Is Done’ is a real gem in his repertoire. Jessie G Coming from a family of fishermen, Jessie G is used to working hard for what you want, but her life was changed after she entered a Battle of the Bands contest which she won. She went out on tour with country icon Gretchen Wilson who encouraged her to make the move to Nashville and now she is signed to her Redneck Records label. Robert Vincent With a new album coming at the beginning of September, we may hear some new music from Vincent! He was crowned 2021 UK Artist of the Year by the Americana Music Association UK and won 2021 UK Album of the Year as well. Since his debut album in 2013, the Liverpudlian has been one of the leading lights of the UK scene. Candi Carpenter Candi Carpenter made her UK debut last year at The British Country Music Festival where the audience found her humour and charisma endearing. She stayed behind for hours signing autographs and taking photographs with the crowd. She has famous fans such as Dolly Parton and Brandi Carlile, the latter of which worked with Carpenter on her song ‘Dirt Around The Tree’. Chris Mossop Chris is about to become a father but as he prepares for parenthood, the Edinburgh native has chance to showcase his brand of acoustic country music as he kicks off the Maverick stage on Saturday afternoon! Again, it’s another example of the talented singer/songwriters that Scotland has and we’re really looking forward to hearing what Chris has to offer. Emma Moore Emma is one of my favourite UK singer/songwriters. Her brand of country music isn’t just honest and heartfelt but it also packs a punch and is so relatable. Her album ‘The Table’ was nominated for Album of the Year at the BCMA Awards, it is a fantastic record with some great lyrics throughout. Chase Stapleton Chase’s songs combine modern country with American roots music and a little southern California soul to create an engaging and thoroughly entertaining experience for his audiences. His performances combine the best of intimate acoustic moments with a genuine toe tapping party vibe. Arbor North This husband and wife duo based in Nashville Tennessee will capture the scottish hearts with their chemistry and harmonies. I remember seeing AC Jones in Scotland at a festival called Vamos and fell in love with her voice and songwriting but having teamed up with husband Michael Boris their is no limit to what they could do within the country music scene. They will be the talk of the festival I’m sure! Robyn Red Robyn Red is another homegrown talent set to grace the Millport stage. A successful cover artist, Robyn in the last few years, has begun to share her own songs to the praise and admiration of country fans across the UK. Her debut single, ‘Like A Bullet’ came out in June. Kezia Gill Kezia is one of my favourite UK Country artists. Known affectionately as the whiskey drinking woman, Kezia’s voice is perhaps the most powerful on the scene and her songwriting is compelling. Influenced and inspired by her father, a musician himself, Kezia was introduced to a wide range of artists and genres that has helped shape her unique style of country. Recently opening for The Shires, Kezia has impressed as she toured extensively across the UK. Kevin McGuire I first saw Kevin one year at C2C and was impressed by his stage presence. In fact, he is the full package – an entertainer, a songwriter and singer plus he too is from Scotland. Each time I have seen him since, he has gone from strength to strength and he is currently writing and releasing some of his best songs to date. Songbyrd Songbyrd is an Irish country trio that formed during the pandemic at the beginning of 2021. Kav, Michele and Glover have known each other for many years as friends but only ever worked together musically on a few occasions. But on those occasions the results were always explosive. During the pandemic, brought together by their love of country, Songbyrd was formed. Three very experienced stage performers and songwriters result in beautiful performances filled with pitch perfect harmonies and sophisticated story telling. Gary Quinn and friends Gary Quinn’s reputation proceeds him! A 7 time British Country Music Association Awards winner including most recently retaining ‘Male Vocalist of the Year’ in 2021 with previous ‘UK Songwriter of the Year’ and consecutive ‘Song of the Year’ honours under his belt, Northern Irishman Gary Quinn has become one of UK Country music’s more established performers.

Multi-Platinum MCA Nashville hitmaker Jordan Davis continues to rack up streams and engage his fans with his latest music. The chart-topping entertainer’s new single, “What My World Spins Around,” has garnered more than 50 MILLION streams since hitting country radio airwaves in June. Written by Davis, Matt Dragstrem and Ryan Hurd and produced by Paul DiGiovanni, Davis performed the hit on NBC’s TODAY this week (8/9). Watch the performance here. Today, Davis shared his new track “Next Thing You Know” as a continuation of releases from his highly anticipated upcoming album. Written by Davis, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne, and Greylan James, “Next Thing You Know” is available everywhere here. “Next Thing You Know” follows his current single “What My World Spins Around” and is the latest glimpse at new music from Davis, who, with his 2X Platinum-Certified single “Buy Dirt” (feat. Luke Bryan), topped the Country radio airplay charts for two weeks and amassed more than 626 MILLION global streams. “Buy Dirt” tallied multiple awards nominations as a finalist for Top Country Song at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, nominated for Musical Event of the Year at the 55th  CMA Awards, and for Music Event, Single, and Song of the Year at the 57th ACM Awards. Davis delivered high-profile performances of the song on both The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Read the story behind “Buy Dirt” here. In addition to releasing new music, Davis is set to headline back-to-back nights at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this fall (9/27 and 9/28) for the first time, and will join Luke Combs as direct support on The Middle of Somewhere Tour through December. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit jordandavisofficial.com/tour.