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Ben Earle and Decca launch exciting new collaboration showcasing UK country acts

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4 singles set to be released Friday 9th September through Decca universal across all online retailers. “It was an incredible opportunity to be able to work with Ben Earle and Dan McDougall on such an exciting project and we are thrilled with the end result.” – Dexeter It’s an exciting time for UK Country Music and none more so than this Friday. Four brand new songs all written by Ben Earle of The Shires, the pioneers of UK Country, are set to be released through Decca in a bid to showcase the best new acts in the UK Country scene. The songs, recorded with Dan McDougall, who has co-writing credits on Made in England, Beats To Your Rhythm and Not Even Drunk Right Now, are set to be released Friday 9th September by artists Dexeter, Dahlia, Megan O’Neill and Liv Austen. This won’t be the last of the collaborations though as plans are being made for an “in the round” style event to further showcase the songs live. Undeniably the facts speak for themselves regarding Ben’s success as part of The Shires but this new project will no doubt showcase his talent as a writer as well as help the artists and the genre gain more exposure. Speaking about the project, it’s creator Ben Earle had this to say; “It’s been such a fun process recording with Dexeter, Dahlia, Liv and Megan. I had a vision for this project but they all brought the songs to life so much in a way I never imagined. They really put their individual spin and personality on each song. I really want to thank each of them for their amazing artistry. It’s such an exciting time for UK Country, and I’m so thankful to Decca too for helping support and showcase these wonderful musicians. Hopefully it’s just the first of many to come” Though all four songs are written by Ben, they showcase each artists strengths, the acoustic Only Human and its beautiful melodies suit the voices and three part harmonies of Dahlia, who have not released anything prior to this. Nashville, You and Me is an upbeat, fun, foot stomping song which Dexeter say they’d “defy anyone not to be tapping away after the first four bars.” Over demonstrates a vulnerable side and speaking of the moment she first heard the song, Liv said “I got tears in my eyes! I am truly honoured that he trusted me with both singing and playing on this song, I’m completely in love with it.” Last but by no means least, the poignant Can’t Put A Price On That sung by Megan O’Neill tells a beautiful story and a powerful message lies behind it – “The song spoke to me the minute Ben played it for me – a beautiful story.” It’s an exciting time to be involved in UK Country both for artists and fans alike, Dahlia spoke of Only Human saying “Its an honour to have recorded it and its quickly become a favourite in our live set both for us and listeners in the audience.” This project is a beacon of what the UK Country scene is about, supporting and collaborating with fellow artists. Dexeter were full of praise for everyone involved stating “We’d love to thank everyone involved in the project, especially Ben for his faith and support.” All four songs will be available from all online retailers as of the 9th September. “Being a part of the UK country music scene is an honour! Everyone is treated like family & in this instance things are no different.” – Megan

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Show of hands invite you to walk with them this autumn on UK tour

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Heading fast towards 25 years in the business (to be celebrated at Royal Albert Hall next Easter), the incomparable Show of Hands reunite for a bumper autumn-winter tour of England and Wales starting November 1. The multi award-winning, Albert Hall quadruple sell-out duo (stand-out singer songwriter Steve Knightley and inspired instrumentalist Phil Beer) will be joined by their long-standing double bassist/vocalist Miranda Sykes for the 23-date  Walk With Me tour (named after a track on their latest album). Kicking off at Taunton’s Brewhouse Theatre in Somerset the tour finale will be no less than three nights back in their home county of Devon on December 8, 9 and 10 at Exmouth Pavilion – just yards from the folk club where they first started playing. They will also play a flagship gig at London’s Hackney Empire and venues including Cardiff’s St David’s Hall, The Sage Gateshead, The Alban Arena, Birmingham Town Hall and Truro’s Hall for Cornwall. Opening for them will be 27 year-old singer songwriter Megan Henwood. Her boundary and niche-defying music has come to fruition in her acclaimed latest album Head Heart Hand and in her sublime new duo with fellow songstress Jackie Oates.

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Paulette Carlson celebrates 30th anniversary as the voice of highway 101

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It’s been exactly 30 years since Paulette Carlson formed the ground-breaking country group, Highway 101. After collecting four total ACM and CMA awards for “Vocal Group of the Year,” along with multiple Grammy nominations, Highway 101 led the field in the late 80’s and early 90’s, fueled by Carlson’s distinctive vocals, which would lead the group to 10 Top Ten hits. “Wow, it’s such a wonderful feeling looking back and remembering all the great times we had,” says Carlson. “I remember at the time, I had such a certain feeling that this was really going to be a successful endeavor. And of course working with Warner Brothers, Chuck Morris and Paul Worley, how could it not be? Hats off to my fellow cohorts in Highway 101… didn’t we have fun!” After forming in 1986, Highway 101 would go on to release their debut single, the Paulette Carlson-penned anthem, The Bed You Made for Me. The song burst onto the country charts, establishing Highway 101 as the premiere vocal group in the genre. From that point, Highway 101 would go on to release hit-after-hit, with timeless tracks like Cry, Cry, Cry and Somewhere Tonight After spending five years with the band and leading them to multiple Grammy nominations, Carlson moved on from the group. Paulette Carlson continues to make music today. The heartfelt vocalist has shifted her efforts to raise attention to issues near and dear to the award-winning singer’s heart. Her song, Thank You Vets was created to honor military servicemen and women. The song was specifically dedicated to Carlson’s brother Gary, who served in the 82nd Airborne and 173rd Division in Vietnam as a paramedic. The track was featured on Carlson’s album, It’s About Time. The country chart-topper continues to make music that will remind fans of the voice that they fell in love with exactly 30 years, with many surprises in store as Carlson begins the next chapter of her career.

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Sarah Darling to release new single You Take Me All The Way September 23

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Though new to most UK ears, Sarah Darling is no stranger to the music industry. A well-known name in Tennessee, the Nashville based singer-songwriter has years of experience as a songwriter and a performer behind her. Since moving to music city when she was 19, Sarah’s long list of achievements is impressive. She has supported stadium fillers such as Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Vince Gill and Tim Mcgraw, accumulated over a million downloads and performed at the legendary Grand Ole Opry over 80 times. With US radio successes under her belt, including singles Home to Me, and Little Umbrellas the Iowa native has solidified her place as one of country music’s breakout performers and elite vocalists. Sarah has returned to the UK to explore the positive momentum following her C2C visit earlier this year – where she performed on the BBC Radio 2 stage at indigo at the O2 – with a tour and single release, You Take Me All The Way  is released September 23rd. The single features on Sarah’s upcoming transatlantic debut record DREAM COUNTRY set for release spring 2017. “My first single off the new album, ‘You Take Me All The Way’ has a bit of cheekiness – my favourite word I’ve picked up on since going to the UK! – you can’t get it out of your head and it’s a favourite to play live”, says Sarah.  Sarah’s UK tour – alongside her friends Jenn Bostic and Kyshona Armstrong – which is under way, is bringing a taste of Nashville to the UK. It is a musical ‘in the round’ experience – a regular and age-old occurrence in Nashville – that spans two weeks across the UK. It kicked off September 3rd in London and closes September 15th in Northern Ireland.  Sarah’s upcoming album DREAM COUNTRY takes the listener on a journey through aspirational, cinematic songs about stars, romance and dreams in her escapist style which crosses country, Americana, jazz and traditional pop. Following a long term record deal, this album was chance for the singer-songwriter to make a record that paints a picture of where she is artistically, professionally and personally, without any of the restraints that can come with a major record deal. “I’m so grateful for the time I spent signed to a label. Over the years I wrote so many songs, some of which the world has never got to hear. That’s part of it and it can be creatively stifling,” explains Sarah, “this has been an opportunity to make a record with everything I’ve ever imagined from top to bottom”. Single ‘You Take Me All The Way’ released September 23rd 2016 New album ‘Dream Country’ will be released January 2017  

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Jenn Bostic is back with a soulful new record, What Love Feels Like and an acoustic tour of the UK.

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Critically acclaimed U.S. singer songwriter Jenn Bostic is back with a soulful new record, WHAT LOVE FEELS LIKE and an acoustic tour of the UK. Bostic debuted the new version at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, on the 23rd of July,” along with her song Little Grace, both tracks speaking louder than ever in the midst of current events. It is set to release with an official music video on the 2nd of September. Jenn Bostic appeared on BBC Breakfast in 2012, performing her #1 single Jealous of the Angels, and on Songs of Praise in 2015, singing her track Little Grace from her current album Faithful. She was the First American Independent Artist to have their first three singles playlisted at BBC Radio 2. In 2012 she was the recipient of five Independent Country Music Association Awards including “Best Songwriter,” “Best Female Artist” and “Overall Winner.” She had the honor of performing on Weekend Wogan for the late Sir Terry as part of a special St. Patrick’s Day show, as well as Good Morning Sunday. WHAT LOVE FEELS LIKE , is a reminder that every human being wants to feel loved and appreciated, regardless of social class, religion, or geographic location.  It features a gospel choir out of Nashville, Tennessee, and was produced by six time Grammy Award winning mix engineer Paul Salveson. This pop, gospel track will leave you singing  “Nanas” for the rest of the day. “Since the release of my 14-track full length album, ‘Faithful’ last June, I’ve performed 150 shows in the US and Europe. People have connected with ‘What Love Feels Like’ in a way I hadn’t anticipated. The more I performed the song, the more the arrangement changed, and the more soulful it became. In a time when there’s so much division and tragedy in the world, I pray this record spreads a little love.”

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'Great Country Moments' presented by Springer mountain farms® featuring country legends in September

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The month of September brings new releases, CMA memories, and some great Springer Mountain Farms® chicken recipes from featured artists on Great Country Moments. September episodes will feature Moe Bandy, Bill Anderson, Lee Greenwood, T. G. Sheppard, Jimmy Fortune, Mark Wills, Exile and Jennifer McCarter. Through the one-of-a-kind story segments, the featured country stars will take viewers through some of the best times of their career and reveal emotional, exciting, and memorable moments that fans have never heard first-hand. Along with the videos will be trivia questions that viewers can answer to enter a contest to win a variety of prizes. A grand prize of a free FREEZER FULL OF CHICKEN will be given away to one lucky winner who participates in the trivia contest. “Springer Mountain Farms® enjoys many wonderful partnerships with the country music community. Great Country Moments is another great outlet to feature some of country music’s finest with an added bonus, their favorite chicken recipe! We have created a living cookbook that fans and Springer Mountain Farms® chicken lovers can follow along with. I can’t wait to try the recipes out in my kitchen!” said Gus Arrendale, President of Springer Mountain Farms®. The Great Country Moments series features a new video being released each week. The recipe segments will reveal the artist’s favorite homemade recipes using Springer Mountain Farms® chicken, along with a written recipe that will be available to viewers. Some of the stars featured in the series include Johnny Lee, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Ronnie McDowell, Jeannie Seely, Deborah Allen, Jimmy Fortune and many more. September Episodes of Great Country Moments Tuesday, September 6 – Moe Bandy Chicken Fajitas Recipe, Bill Anderson New Releases Moment Monday, September 12 – Lee Greenwood Chicken Marsala with Mustard and Mascarpone, T.G Sheppard Elvis Moment Monday, September 19 – Jimmy Fortune Jimmy’s Chicken Recipe, Mark Wills CMA Moment Monday, September 26 – Exile C.R.A.P. (Sweet and Sour) Chicken Salad Recipe, Jennifer McCarter First Radio Single Moment

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Sean McConnell's self-titled album to be released via Rounder Records on 30th September 2016

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Following a path trod by many of his fellow Nashville songwriters, Sean McConnell– whose songs have been recorded by music greats Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Christina Aguilera, Buddy Miller, Rascal Flatts, Marc Broussard, Plain White T’s, Wade Bowen, the Brothers Osborne, Meatloaf, Martina McBride, the Eli Young Band, David Nail and others, and featured on the smash hit television show Nashville – is set to release his eponymous Rounder Records debut album, September 30th. The album was recorded in McConnell’s adopted hometown of Nashville at Sound Emporium B and The Compound with producers Ian Fitchuk and Jason Lehning, who also contributed drums and keyboards, respectively. The album features McConnell on guitar, Tony Lucido on bass, Danny Rader on guitars, banjo, mandolin, and bouzouki, and background vocals by Alyssa Bonagura. The album was mixed by GRAMMY award-winning engineer, Ryan Hewitt. Sean McConnell demonstrates exactly why McConnell has already won such a devoted audience. Especially in places like Texas, where he has been embraced by the homegrown “Red Dirt” community of singers & songwriters. Wade Bowen says “I don’t think there’s anyone better than Sean McConnell. Talented doesn’t even come close to describing the kind of artist that he is. I’m so glad that the rest of the world is finally catching on.” He writes vivid, forthright, effortlessly catchy songs whose incisive melodic craft is matched by their resonant emotional insight. Such instantly memorable tunes as Holy Days, Beautiful Rose, Bottom of the Sea and Best We’ve Ever Been are both catchy and personally charged, conveying an unmistakable sense of personal experience while exploring universal truths. “This record’s a bit of a step for me,” McConnell asserts. “It’s a real storyteller record, and it’s pretty autobiographical. I’m learning how to be more honest and understated in my writing, and I wanted to match that sonically and vocally. When I look at this collection of songs, I see a lot of nostalgia, and looking back on sacred moments. I’m kind of nostalgic and reflective by nature.” McConnell travels the states performing his own style of music that he describes as “lyric driven Americana soul music.”  

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Robert Ellis embarks on UK tour in November

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Following the release of his eponymous fourth album in June, Robert Ellis returns to the UK to play a run of six shows as part of his European tour in November. His latest album is his most personal statement yet and a summation of his career thus far. Robert Ellis follows his critically acclaimed 2014 release, THE LIGHTS FROM THE CHEMICAL PLANT. Robert says, “I felt that in the past year, lots of constructs I took for granted were turned on their head. With this record I feel like I’ve gotten to where I can use the material of my own life as a jumping off point. But now I can do different things with that material.” Robert Ellis plays: November Tue 15th                      BRIGHTON, Prince Albert Wed 16th                    WINCHESTER, The Railway Inn Thu 17th                      PLYMOUTH, The B-Bar Fri 18th                         MANCHESTER, The Castle Sat 19th                       LEEDS, High & Lonesome Festival Sun 20th                      LONDON, O2 Academy Islington Tickets available now

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‘Nashville nights' country music nightclub reveals national dates

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The organisers of Nashville Nights, who run club nights designed for fans of country music, have announced that they will be taking their unique brand of party across the UK throughout the rest of 2016. Inspired by trips to Music City itself, the popularity of the events so far is testament to both the fact that the country scene in the UK is growing, and that the team behind Nashville Nights are doing something right. To date over 1,500 country fans have come together to enjoy the nights, most of which have been at Under The Bridge in London, with DJ Baylen Leonard (BBC Radio 2, Amazing Radio) providing the soundtrack. Many of the artists on the playlist will be familiar to those who attended London’s Country to Country (C2C) festival in March – now one of the largest country festival outside of the US – such as Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt, Little Big Town, and Kacey Musgraves. Fans are also encouraged to request their favourite songs via social media, using the hashtag #NashNightsUK. In the words of co-founder and Events Director Janine Lambert: “We love dancing to country music, singing along to country music, having a drink and socialising to country music and there was nowhere we could go to do this, no bar or nightclub anywhere that just played the best in NEW Country music from the USA Country music charts, the music we wanted to hear…. We’d been to Nashville, we enjoyed the honky-tonks, the atmosphere, the country music blasting out from every bar and club on Broadway… we wanted to bring the spirit of Nashville back to the UK.” Nashville Nights hits the road later this month, with further dates confirmed for October, November and December: NEWCASTLE – The Cluny – September 17th 2016* BRISTOL – The Tunnels – October 14th 2016* GLASGOW – Classic Grand – October 28th 2016 LONDON – Under The Bridge – November 19th 2016 BIRMINGHAM – The Asylum – November 25th 2016 BRIGHTON – Latest Music Bar – December 10th 2016 (* – Holloway Road guest DJs at these events) Rising country stars Pauper Kings, who are about to join Dan + Shay for their UK tour, are due to perform at the next London night on November 19th. Tickets for all Nashville Nights events can be purchased in advance from CountryTickets.co.uk & NashvilleNights.uk.

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