Rochelle Mills

Nashville-based country/Americana singer-songwriter Mike Thomas is set to release his album, Diamonds, on July 21, 2023, via Electric 3 Records. An emerging artist steeped in tradition and drawing from a wide array of influences and experiences, Thomas and his music have been best described as “eclectic country with a vintage vibe.” Recorded at Tresland Studios in Franklin, TN, the album was produced by Tres Sasser (Will Hoge, Foxtrot & The Get Down, Cardboard Kids), engineered and mixed by Joe Costa (Ben Folds, Brad Paisley, Hank Williams Jr.), and mastered by Brian Lucey (Buddy Guy, Lucinda Williams, Ryan Bingham, Shania Twain) at Magic Garden Mastering. “This collection of songs is deeply personal for me, but I also believe this record will be very relatable for our audience,” says Thomas. “This record covers a lot of ground musically, from straightforward country to rock to bluegrass, but I think it maintains a continuity throughout that I have not yet achieved with prior releases. The band and our guest musicians really did some excellent work on this record, and Tres, Joe, and I have really learned how to work well together in the studio. I can’t wait to get this one out there and play a bunch of shows in support of it!” Thomas grew up listening to a wide array of artists such as John Prine, Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Bruce Springsteen, Otis Redding, Delbert McClinton, and others, but he admits he is inspired and influenced by all types of music, as long as the songs feel heartfelt and honest. One listen to Thomas’ music demonstrates the importance of authenticity in his art. Thomas’ raw vocals coupled with his genuine writing style give his songs a nostalgic feel that listeners cannot help but connect with. Mix that carefully crafted lyricism with real-life stories, and fans both old and new are sure to find that the music resonates on a deep level. For Diamonds, Thomas was joined by many of the same musicians who contributed to his previous releases, including Donald Bright on electric guitar, Mark Huhta on pedal steel, Dave Colella on drums and percussion, Michael Sharp on keys, Weston Woodford provided harmony vocals, and Tres Sasser played bass in addition to producing the record. Other guest musicians included Tania Elizabeth on fiddle and harmony vocals, and Micah Hulscher on keys. The title track, which was also the first single, is a poignant tribute to his father; it was released in June 2022. Thomas explained, “I wrote this song several years ago after my father lost his job of nearly 35 years. He temporarily lost his identity and his sense of purpose. It was difficult watching him go through this, but it was inspiring how he refocused himself and recalibrated his life during that period.” Several of the album’s tracks focus on similar topics. “Over the last couple of years many people have had their lives turned upside down by forces beyond their control,” Thomas says. “Many have lost jobs, careers, homes, family members, and more.” The song premiered at Amplify Music Magazine, who called it “[a] stunner of a tune… if this song is any indication, the album will be a fantastic listen.” A total of five singles have been or will be released before the album street date. The second single, “Breaking the Distance,” was released in July 2022. A track premiere at Glide Magazine earlier that week dubbed the song a “soaring Americana rocker… sure to appeal to fans of Jason Isbell as well as the more country-leaning work of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty.” Following that, the third single, “Bricks, Boards and Stone,” was released in October 2022, and a premiere several days prior at Wide Open Country praised the song, writing, “Singer-songwriter Mike Thomas explores the true meaning of home – and the pain of leaving one you’ve built.” Single number four, “Room on the Dance Floor,” came out in April 2023, and Americana Highways found much to love about the track in its premiere earlier that week, calling the song “a fresh breath of country rock air.” The fifth single, “Tryin’ Ain’t Enough,” is set for release on June 23, 2023. Growing up in Knoxville, TN, Thomas’ musical journey has taken a unique path. He moved to Nashville in 2004 intent on pursuing a career as a songwriter but quickly grew discouraged and set music aside for an extended period. He remembers one meeting with an industry executive that was instrumental in his decision to ultimately “put his dreams on the shelf,” as he sings in the track, “Before We Say Goodnight,” from Diamonds. After floating an EP around town, he decided to take a hiatus from writing and performing after that pivotal meeting. Over the next several years, Thomas did not write or pursue music at all. He settled down, started a family, and had a full-time job before founding his own small business in 2013. His passion for music did not disappear, and he would frequently play guitar and sing for family and friends. Thomas’ chance to get back into music came in 2017, when he was contacted out of the blue by a production company/booking agency that handled bookings for several venues in the Nashville area. They had found some of his music online and thought he would be a great fit for some of their venues. “Aside from the occasional writer’s night or charity function, I had not played with a band or released any new music in over 10 years,” Thomas recalls. His longtime friend, Donald Bright, joined him for that first show, and, shortly thereafter, The Mike Thomas Band was formed. Since then, Thomas and the band have been building a following by playing clubs and festivals in and around the Nashville area and regionally. “That first gig reignited a fire in me,” Thomas says. “I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed playing live music in front of a crowd.” Around the same time, Thomas met Sasser, who convinced Thomas to

The Remedy Club, an americana and roots duo, comprising of KJ McEvoy and Aileen Mythen have announced an all-new studio album, Back to You, set for release this summer on May 26th. Hailing from Wexford, Ireland, the husband-and-wife duo have over the years moulded a unique sound, spanning from roots to R&B, with soul influenced vocals, whilst keeping rhythmical americana at the heart of it all. Their first two albums, ‘Lovers, Legends and Lost Causes’ and ‘True Hand True Heart’ were independently released by the pair and received notable critical acclaim in the UK, Ireland, Europe and the US. The duos second album ‘True Hand True Heart’ was recorded within the Room and Board studios in Nashville, all in conjunction with 5-time Grammy award winning producer Ray Kennedy, who has previously produced works for Steve Earle, Sheryl Crow and Lucinda Williams. Back To You, the band’s third album, which will be launched in The Workman’s Club, Dublin on the 28th May sees them broaden their sonic palette with strings and brass and features some notable Irish musicians including Aongus Ralston on bass (The Waterboys), Binzer Brennan on drums (The Frames) and Michael Buckley and Ronan Dooney on brass (Van Morrison). The album was co-produced by Gavin Glass in Orphan Studios, Wexford. While their second album was recorded in Nashville, musically this new chapter sees them heading towards Memphis and New Orleans with nods to Fleetwood Mac along the way, carving out their own authentic path in Irish music.

Nashville, TN– RECORDS Nashville artist and Texas native Erin Kinsey has released her highly anticipated EP Bet My Heart, available everywhere today. The new project features songs all written by Kinsey, including the title track, and fan favorites “Always Never,” “Vegas” and “Boys In Boots.”    After a whirlwind week around the ACM Awards in her home state of Texas, where she performed at the ACM Country Kickoff, hit the red carpet at the awards show, appeared on Good Morning Texas and taped an episode of Texas Today (airing 5/25), Erin stopped by the Today In Nashville this afternoon to talk about her new music.  Matching youthful effervescence to beyond-her-years wisdom and a heartening, blue-sky country sound, Bet My Heart finds Kinsey taking the next steps of her personal journey – and doing so right alongside her fans. Getting more vulnerable with time, she’s spent the last year writing out her life in real time, exploring ups and downs and coming away with an empowering truth. Life rarely turns out the way we expect, Kinsey explains, but with a shoulder to lean on, it can be a beautiful ride. “The last EP was honest, they were all my stories, but I definitely left out a lot,” she says. “I’m not leaving out anything on this one.” Bet My Heart follows her critically-acclaimed debut EP 40 East, which she released last year, just before making her Grand Ole Opry debut.  “This project is one that really wraps up so many feelings I’ve had since my first EP – the good, the great, and the difficult,” confides Kinsey. “’40 East’ features so many fun songs that I’m still very proud of, but in hindsight, it’s felt like maybe I left some things out. ‘Bet My Heart’ shows all of my angles, and in such an honest way, that I wasn’t able to lean in half way. Even though it might have saved me from some heart break along the way, there’s no reward like the one when betting it all actually works out!”   Erin may be a country music newcomer, but she’s been hard at work since she was 11 years old. Now 22, she is the epitome of a 10-year overnight success who has established herself as a Nashville singer-songwriter with a bright future ahead of her. Having moved from Texas to Tennessee the morning after her high school graduation, Kinsey quickly immersed herself in country music, and in return she was embraced by music insiders who’ve helped her reach her larger-than-life goals.   Erin consistently receives close to ten million views when she posts an original song on TikTok, where she’s amassed nearly a quarter million active followers. Erin has accumulated over 70 million streams across her catalog to date.

Wildhorse Saloon, with support from Nashville Meets London, is proud to announce Country Goes Global. Taking place from June 9 to June 11, 2023, at the iconic Wildhorse Saloon, located in the heart of downtown Nashville (120 2nd Ave. N., Nashville, Tennessee), the three-day showcase series will host an extraordinary lineup of talented Country artists from around the world, representing the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, and beyond. Throughout the three days, Wildhorse Saloon will come alive with the vibrant sounds of Essex County (United Kingdom), Tayler Holder (United States), Levi Hummon (United States), Callum Kerr (Scotland), Brett Kissel (Canada), Sasha McVeigh (United Kingdom), QUEEVA (Ireland), Lydia Sutherland (Canada), and Track45 (United States). Country Goes Global aims to transcend borders and bring together artists from different territories, paying homage to the rich diversity of Country music. FREE and open to the public, the event series will offer an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts, blending top-notch talent from around the world and bridging the gap between continents. From 2-5 p.m. CT each day, audiences can enjoy captivating performances that capture the heart and soul of the genre. In addition to artist performances, fans will have the opportunity to line dance, cool down from the summer heat, and indulge in the diverse menu offerings of Wildhorse Saloon. Established in 2016, Nashville Meets London (NML) has grown into an international entertainment brand that supports the globalization of Americana and Country music. As the producer of this year’s event, Wildhorse Saloon and NML are thrilled to collaborate to provide opportunities and support for talented artists while driving the growth of the Country music industry on a global scale.

A new band formed by Kelly Jones of Stereophonics with Patty Lynn and Dwight Baker from The Wind and The Wave, Far From Saints have already made a striking introduction. Their first two releases, ‘Let’s Turn This Back Around’ and ‘Take It Through The Night’, have won strong radio support from the likes of Bob Harris and Jo Whiley with a groundswell of initial critical acclaim emerging.  Far From Saints’ ride now continues as they share the new single ‘Screaming Hallelujah’. It is the opening track from their eagerly anticipated self-titled debut album which follows on June 16th and is available to pre-order or pre-save HERE.  Opening with a gentle acoustic riff from Dwight Baker, ‘Screaming Hallelujah’ begins with soulful, bittersweet call-and-response vocals from Patty Lynn and Kelly Jones before their harmonies intertwine with an audibly organic bond on the song’s soaring, dramatic hook. As the two singers explain, ‘Screaming Hallelujah’ offers a message of acceptance and grace towards a loved one who is experiencing a difficult period of transition. The song was written and produced by Far From Saints, and then mixed by the Grammy-nominated Al Clay (Blur, Pixies). Patty says, “I was thinking about how we should try to grow right along with them, because they’re still here.” Kelly adds, “It’s about change and growth, but with all the struggles that come with that. With every song I write, I try to write about the whole struggle but leave a light at the end of the tunnel.” The accompanying official video, directed by Kelly Jones, features live footage from Far From Saints’ first major show during the Teenage Cancer Trust gala at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Watch HERE. Next up for Far From Saints are two warm-up shows in Glasgow and Leeds which immediately sold-out, as did next month’s debut full headline show at London’s EartH Theatre. Their summer plans continue with festival sets at Glastonbury and Black Deer as well as large outdoor shows as special guests to Kings of Leon, Paul Weller and Hozier. Expect more summer shows to be announced soon. MAY25th – Glasgow, Oran Mor (warm-up show – SOLD-OUT)26th – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club (warm-up show – SOLD-OUT) 27th – Wrexham, Racecourse Ground (special guests to Kings of Leon)28th – Wrexham, Racecourse Ground (special guests to Kings of Leon) JUNE5th – London, EartH Theatre (headline show – SOLD-OUT)8th – Westonbirt Arboretum (special guests to Paul Weller)9th – Cannock Chase Forest (special guests to Paul Weller)16th – Black Deer Festival17th – Thetford Forest (special guests to Paul Weller)25th – Glastonbury, Avalon Stage JULY22nd – Latitude Festival 23rd – Pangbourne, Englefield (special guests to Hozier)