She Took The Tennessee River - Special Consensus

LCM #SongOfTheDay: ‘She Took The Tennessee River’ - Special Consensus

We have some great bluegrass for you today from a star studded multi-award winning band from Chicago. First formed over 40 years ago the band have released a great new album ‘Rivers and Roads’ in April, which is where our wonderful featured song is taken.

Special Consensus are a superb bluegrass outfit in a classic vein but with more than enough modern sensibilities to attract every ear in this great genre. The vocals are spotless, the playing as shiny as a newly minted penny, and music like this is the reason people come to love bluegrass… Special Consensus approaches this hallowed American musical form with boundless energy and an aesthetic reverence that tickles the ribs, tugs at the heart, and puts a restless two-step in boots and bare feet.

On 'Rivers and Roads', Special Consensus shines on a well-curated set of top notch bluegrass songs. The core band - Greg Cahill (banjo, vocals), Rick Faris (guitar, vocals), Nick Dumas (mandolin, vocals) and Dan Eubanks (bass, vocals) - has never sounded better and shows the depth of their vocal and instrumental mastery on the album's lead off track "Way Down the River Road", a John Hartford original, augmented by the dancing feet of former John Hartford Stringband member Mark Schatz. Other stand out tracks include "She Took the Tennessee River", a song destined to become a bluegrass classic, penned by Becky Buller who contributes a blistering fiddle solo and featuring the inimitable Bobby Osborne on lead and harmony vocals. On "Hurting Sure", written by Mark Simos, the band enlists the talents of label mate Molly Tuttle on lead and harmony vocals as well as a clawhammer banjo part that dovetails elegantly with Greg Cahill's Scruggs-style banjo. Ten String Symphony and the album's producer Alison Brown join the quartet on a virtuosic arrangement of the old time instrumental "Squirrel Hunters" with another tip of the hat to John Hartford.

Over the past 40+ years, the members of veteran bluegrass outfit Special Consensus have served as evangelists for the genre, bringing their own spin on Mid Western bluegrass to audiences around the globe. Their commitment and talents have been recognized with a Grammy nomination and 3 IBMA Awards including Instrumental Recorded Performance for "Fireball" from their 2016 release 'Long I Ride'.

http://specialc.com/

No Place Like Home - Martha L Healy

LCM #SongOfTheDay: ‘No Place Like Home’ - Martha L Healy

WIth a brand new Nashville recorded album ‘Keep The Flame Alight’ due for release on October 5th via Frogeye Records, our LCM featured artist today is Glasgow based singer-songwriter Martha L Healy. Although the new album was recorded in Nashville, it retains a strong sense of Martha's Celtic heritage. We love Martha’s album opener ‘No Place Like Home’, a an ode to home and Scotland and a reflection on how the place we come from can frustrate, but ultimately inspires us.

Martha comments “I started to write this before I left for a “life sabbatical” in Nashville in 2016. Scotland and me had reached a point in our relationship where I had to leave and escape for a while. I also knew I couldn’t stay in Nashville for ever…As I wrote the next verse, in Nashville, I was still intent on easing the blow of my return to Scotland and I also found myself writing lyrics about the things that I both love and hate about my homeland: the rain; the greyness; the cold wind but I also write about missing the warm fire and the fact that the people are ridiculously honest. The whole song is about feeling weary but also that feeling you get – wherever you’ve been in the world – when you get in your own front door and sit down in front of the fire.”

Through a mix of personal insight and story songs, Martha provides a fresh take on some classic themes – the need to leave somewhere to help find your place in the world, the ache of an unfulfilled love, the complexity of family and friendships and the need to live your own dreams. She also explores how being a woman in the 21st century is not without its fair share of pressures and demands.

The majority of ‘Keep The Flame Alight’ was written in Nashville on Martha's 3-month life sabbatical in 2016. Following receipt of Creative Scotland funding, the album was recorded back there in October/November 2017, with David Spicher in the production chair and a host of fantastic Nashville session players.

Photo Credit: Kris Kasiak Photography

https://marthalhealy.com/

Big Blue Sky - Holly Redford Jones

Written by Holly Redford Jones Vocals and Guitar - Holly Redford Jones Bass Guitar - Hunter Mulkey Drums - Simon Knudtson BGVs - Hollie Hammel Organ - Athena Kulb Lead Guitar - Adam McPhail Grand Piano - Will Houchens Pedal Steel - Tyler Sutphen Mixing Engineer - Ben O'Neill Tracking Engineer - Chris Hickman Cover Art by Athena Kulb

LCM #SongOfTheDay: ‘Big Blue Sky’ - Holly Redford Jones

Originally from Chesterfield, Holly Redford Jones is an indie folk artist possessed of a dry wit and deep, soulful voice. She released her debut single, ‘Big Blue Sky’ on the 24th of August, a track recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. We like this song a lot here at LCM HQ. The track is also getting a lot of support from BBC Introducing. Let us know what you think?

Vocals and Guitar - Holly Redford Jones, Bass Guitar - Hunter Mulkey, Drums - Simon Knudtson, BGVs - Hollie Hammel, Organ - Athena Kulb, Lead Guitar - Adam McPhail, Grand Piano - Will Houchens and Pedal Steel - Tyler Sutphen

https://hollyredfordjones.co.uk/

https://hollyredfordjones.bandcamp.com/releases

Pomp and Swell - Annie Oakley

LCM #SongOfTheDay: ‘Pomp & Swell’ - Annie Oakley

With a brand new album ‘Words We Mean’ set for release on the 12th October our featured band today are the award winning Oklahoma City-based indie folk and folk-rock trio Annie Oakley. We really like the beautiful first single ‘Pomp and Swell’. If you like the Wailling Jenny’s, you could like these ladies as well.

Big thanks to our friends at At The Helm PR in Brighton for the recommendation

In the works for three years, the album follows the all-girl band from youth to womanhood through songs with remarkable artistic range. Immaculate, perfectly-matched vocal harmonies and sharply observant lyrics embody themes of grief, recovery, wistful regrets, misplaced hopes, and new love in this much-anticipated release.

The award-winning band is fronted by twin sisters Sophia and Grace Babb on rhythm and lead guitars and vocals, with Nia Personette on violin and third-part harmony. Singing together since childhood, Sophia and Grace were given guitars and started songwriting at their mum’s urging after their father’s death compelled them to find an emotional outlet. They were 14 years old. A year later, they were joined by friend Nia on violin, herself no stranger to loss; she, too, had lost her father shortly before joining the band. Since the band’s formation, wise, emotive lyrics and sophisticated instrumentation have been hallmarks of their style.

Lyrics and music are written by these sisters who begin on their own, but afterward bring their work to each other for suggestions and to orchestrate instrumentation. “We tell stories that are quite personal,” says Sophia. “People who come out to hear us live will hear songs that cut to the bone because they come out of real-life events and relationships.” Examples are “Ghost” written by Sophia from the experience of living with a grief-stricken mother, and “Into the Light,” which Grace wrote about enduring love. “I felt an overwhelming sense of love for someone I’d only known for a short time,” Grace explained, “but I knew the feeling was potent. I wrote it one night while full of feelings, thinking about my parents and what they must have felt.”

The chemistry among this trio who have grown up together is tangible, their music an intimate invitation into an inner circle that makes live shows feel like a reunion of friends and family. “You’re hopefully going to leave having laughed a lot, been provoked more than once, and maybe having shed a tear or two,” Grace says.

Official showcase artists at SWRFA and Folk Alliance International in 2017, the trio tours on weekends and college breaks. University seniors who plan to tour full-time in 2019-20, Annie Oakley plays regularly to sold-out venues throughout the United States.

Photo Credit: Madi Jones

http://www.theannieoakley.com/index.html

Firesong - Carousel

LCM #SongOfTheDay: Firesong - Carousel

Our featured track today is the latest single from one of the finest young indie Americana Rock bands in UK. Based in Southend in Essex Carousel produce spellbinding live performances full of high quality songwriting, musicianship and super tight harmonies. Comparisons are now being made to another excellent fast rising group The Wandering Hearts. We love this latest classy and reflective track, which we think has the feel of Glen Hansard’s ‘Falling Slowly’.

It’s a very special day for the band as tonight it is the homecoming gig of their headline UK tour at Chinnery’s. Special guests include the LCM favourite the wonderful Lisa Wright. Don’t miss it :)

Photo credit: Jon Stone

https://www.seetickets.com/event/carousel/chinnerys/1220854

Save My Life - John Smith

LCM #SongOfTheDay: Save My Life - John Smith

We have been big fans of this Devon based Americana & Folk singer-songwriter for a few years now. We love his guitar playing, super songwriting and rich vocals. Our featured song today ‘Save My Life,’ we think has hints of Van Morrison and Paolo Nutini. It’s taken from his latest album ‘Hearsay’. But we have some more exciting news :) John is releasing a great new album ‘Hummingbird’ on the 5th October, which is now available to pre-order from the link below.

If you would like to see John live he will be headlining at St. Pancras Old Church #London on 15th November as part of his UK and European album tour. A great night out in store in a perfect and intimate venue for his music.

Born in Essex, raised by the Devon seaside, and making his bones in the bars and clubs of Liverpool, John has released five albums with over 10 million Spotify streams. He has played to audiences all over the world in living rooms, festival tents and sold-out concert halls. He is a genuine folksinger, an inquisitive truth-seeker, devoted song interpreter and enchanting writer.

Steeped in the lineage of British folk, taking his cue from Richard Thompson and John Martyn, John has evolved a transatlantic blend of fingerstyle and slide guitar techniques. John’s intimate takes on love, loss and the journey we make, combined with his innovative guitar work, have won him a loyal following. His honey-on-gravel voice and mesmerizing fingerstyle guitar are undeniable. Sometimes using a slide, sometimes with guitar on his lap, sometimes detuning mid-song, John’s obsession with the instrument has made a master of him. Whether by way of album or concert, he leads the listener, enthralled in his presence, on a viscerally emotional journey.

https://www.johnsmithjohnsmith.com/

Working On A Building - The Steel Wheels

LCM #SongOfTheDay: We head to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia today to meet Americana Roots band The Steel Wheels. We love their fusion of the tradition American folk with gospel and bluegrass. Our featured song today is a great harmony laden live version of the classic ‘Working On A Building’. The band are set to release a 7" Vinyl project which includes "Working On A Building" (Side A) as well as "Red Rocking Chair" (Side B).

The Steel Wheels have been drawing on steadfast traditions for more than a decade. Yet their name also evokes a sense of forward motion, which is clearly reflected in their latest album, “Wild As We Came Here”. Exquisite harmonies remain a wonderful strength of the band. They have a social conscience, their music making a strong statement in uncertain times. More than a decade into The Steel Wheels’ career, the simple act of singing together, something that carries them back to their Mennonite heritage is still incredibly special.

Home, family, community, a sense of belonging, seeking and finding, the pendulum of gains and losses, these are the Big Issues embedded into the fabric of The Steel Wheels’ music. Their music promises to be as relevant for the listener as it will always remain for the dedicated artists who poured their hearts and souls into its creation.

https://www.thesteelwheels.com/home

False Light - The Willows

With an excellent third album 'Through The Wild' set for release in November, our next LCM featured artists are the wonderful multi-awarding The Willows. They will be on a UK tour very shortly with their London date at The Half Moon in Putney on the 5th September.  The album was produced by by Mark Tucker and Ben Savage. Our LCM #SongOfTheDay is the fantastic new single from the new album 'False Light'. The video was produced and filmed by the very talented Rob Bridge at Redwood Photography. You might remember Rob also did Kitty's video for 'Man, Friendship' that we shared earlier this week.

“False Light was written after many misty walks around Wicken Fen, near to Ely. We love the folklore around these old tales surrounding the area, where atmospheric ghost lights, know as false lights, would lure people off the path, within the marshy reeds.”

I always think that The Willows are a UK Folk/Americana supergroup with a huge wealth on talent on stage. They are well worth seeing live, if you haven't already

• Jade Rhiannon – Vocals, Shruti Box
• Cliff Ward – Banjo, Guitar, Fiddle, Vocals
• Ben Savage – Guitar, Dobro, Vocals
• Katriona Gilmore – Violin, Mandolin, Vocals
• Evan Carson – Bodhran, Percussion

The Willows are a folk band from Cambridge, UK. Their first album 'Beneath Our Humble Soil' was nominated for Best Debut in the Spiral Earth Awards 2014, and has been championed by the likes of Bob Harris and Mike Harding. The much anticipated follow-up 'Amidst Fiery Skies', co-produced with Sean Lakeman was released to critical aclaim, with The Telegraph hailing it "a triumph" in a 5-star review and a place in their folk albums of 2014. Fronted by the breathtaking vocals of Jade Rhiannon, supported by rich vocal harmonies and dynamic acoustic musicianship the band take influence from folk traditions on both sides of the Atlantic.

The band were formed in 2010 by husband and wife, Cliff and Jade, sister, Prue, and chance meeting via Gumtree, Ben. Following numerous gigs in folk clubs all over the the UK supporting the likes of LAU, Seth Lakeman, & Peatbog Faeries and an eponymous EP, the band released debut album 'Beneath Our Humble Soil' in 2013. Produced by Stu Hanna (Megson, Faustus, Show of Hands), the album caught the attention of BBC Radio 2's Bob Harris who invited the band in for a live session midway through their UK tour. Maverick Magazine gave the record 4½  stars, and it was subsequently nominated for Best Debut in the Spiral Earth Awards. 

https://www.thewillowsband.com

A Better Me - Rebecca Riedtmann

It's very exciting times ahead for our next LCM featured artist Surrey based Americana, Blues and Country singer-songwriter. Rebecca Riedtmann.  Rebecca is releasing her brand new single our LCM #SongOfTheDay 'A Better Me' and headlining an album pre-launch gig on Thursday 16th August at 229 in Great Portland Street. Special guests on the night include Peter Donegan and My Girl The River. The gig is hosted by our friends at Talentbanq. There are still a few places available, if you would like to come along. 

The beautiful 'A Better Me' ‘is taken from Rebecca's forthcoming debut album 'Not All Who Wander Have Lost Their Way’. Rebecca's heartfelt lyrics and smoky delivery are complemented by beautiful harp from Tom Moth, a key member of the world-conquering Florence and the Machine.Tom Moth has also performed with other LCM favourites like Paul Mosley. The short film animation, ‘Starless Night’ was made by Carl Luc Campbell.

Rebecca Riedtmann writes and plays enchanting Americana and soulful blues. She is currently looking forward to releasing her debut album. Surrey-based Rebecca has been steadily establishing her unique place on the UK Americana scene over the last few years. She has been seen on BBC1 TV and at the Isle of Wight Festival. Recent performances also include Black Deer Festival and venues such as the Bedford, the Brunswick and the Sound Lounge, where she was featured among artists to look out for in 2018 by journalist-broadcaster Paul Sexton.

https://www.rebeccarie.com/

Run Wild Horses - Aaron Watson

Our LCM featured artist today is Texas singer-songwriter and US Country star Aaron Watson. We are big fans of Aaron here at LCM HQ and have been greatly enjoying his latest album 'Vanquero'. Our LCM #SongOfTheDay is his latest single, the very catchy 'Run Wild Horses'.

Aaron will be headlining with his band in London on the 7th September at The Dome in Tufnell Park. He will also be at the new 'The Long Road' Festival' in Leicestershire the following day. Catch him if you can.

Aaron Watson isn’t interested in what someone else thinks he should do. But instead of getting lonely as he sidesteps expectations, he’s gaining followers––hundreds of thousands of them. Delivered with a warm smile and fueled by a wild spirit, Aaron's rebellion echoes the land that helped make him.

Aaron remains strikingly similar to the people that still dot his native West Texas. They’re a rugged people, proud of home but humble and hardworking, the first to help a neighbor but also fiercely independent. And he is unquestionably one of them. “I’ve always considered myself an anti-rock star,” he says, his drawl cracking slightly as he grins. “People don’t like me because I’m a rock star. People like me because I’m just like them.”

Throughout his 17-year career that spans a dozen albums and more than 2,500 shows throughout the U.S. and Europe, 39-year-old Aaron has stubbornly and sincerely identified with the everyman, even as he’s proven to be the exception to the rule.

The latest evidence of Aaron's homespun singularity is 'Vaquero', an ambitious 16-song set of character-driven storytelling, level-headed cultural commentary, and love songs for grown- ups that promise to further solidify his status as one of today’s finest torch-bearers of real country music.

https://www.aaronwatson.com/welcome

Wildfire - Mandolin Orange

We take a trip today to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to meet our next LCM featured artists Andrew Marlin & Emily Frantz better known as the excellent US duo Mandolin Orange. Our LCM #SongOfTheDay is a live version of one of our favourite songs from their 'Blindfaller' album, the beautiful, timely and thought-provoking 'Wildfire'. The video is taken from a Sawyer Session filmed in front of the Gyre structure in the North Carolina Museum of Art’s sculpture garden.

'Wildfire' stands as the perfect metaphor to represent the spread of ideas. An idea that acts as the spark; the conflict that ensues, that moves with the energy and the power to burn a whole forest. It starts with an idea long ago that led to the US revolution and to the birth of America. Andrew Marlin uses Joseph Warren, whose death made him a martyred symbol of the American Revolution, as an example of an unnecessary death resulting from the wildfire of conflict in the colonies. 

"It should have been different, it could have been easy. His rank could have saved him, but a country unborn needs bravery........And it spread like wildfire..... From the ashes grew sweet liberty, like the seeds of the pines when the forest burns....It should have been different, it could have been easy. But too much money rolled in to ever end slavery. The cry for war spread like wildfire.  The day that old Warren died, hate should have gone with it. But here we are, caught in the wildfire. Civil war came, civil war went. Brother fought brother, the south was spent. But its true demise was hatred, passed down through the years. I was born a southern son In a small southern town where the rebels run wild. They beat their chest and they swear: ‘We’re gonna rise again’ "But pride has a way of holding too firm to history.......And it burns like wildfire".

America now finds itself at another crossroad—the feelings of frustration and the desire to change have led to new conflicts spreading like 'wildfire'. Many headline the news today. Will the American people learn from the past and move forward.

http://www.mandolinorange.com/

Time Is Everything - Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno

They say they serendipity is a wonderful thing, especially when looking to discover great new music. A lovely recent example are our next LCM featured duo Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno. Vivian is a songwriter, singer, and guitarist from Lexington, Virginia and Riley is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter from Seattle, Washington. Both are young interpreters of old mountain music. Vivian released her debut album in March and our LCM #SongOfTheDay is a lovely live version of the title track 'Time Is Everything'. The video was filmed at at Forest Hills Cemetary in Jamaica Plain, MA by Sean Trischka.

Vivian Leva and Riley Calcagno are tapping into the deepest parts of American music, taking old songs that have seldom been heard and presenting them next to their own timeless and visceral originals. When they are not performing as duo, they’re often found sitting knee to knee, playing under the canopy of trees at fiddle festivals across the country, such as the gathering where they met in June of 2016. Across any campground, or concert venue, the echos of their vibrant and magnetic harmonies ring out.

Vivian Leva of Lexington, Virginia grew up playing and performing with her parents, Carol Elizabeth Jones and James Leva, learning traditional songs from their sources and honing her rhythmic guitar style. This past June, Vivian recorded her debut album 'Time is Everything' in close collaboration with Riley Calcagno during an inspired session at Studio 808A in the small town of Floyd, VA. She released this album of original music on March 2nd, 2018 on Free Dirt Records.

Riley, of Seattle, WA spent his earlier years playing with the widely recognized band The Onlies, described as “masterful” and “deliciously well-crafted” (Kithfolk) and developing his own distinct authenticity on the fiddle and banjo.

Together, Vivian and Riley have toured across the country, in living rooms and concert halls. As individuals, they have shared the stages with and played, both nationally and internationally, in the bands of Elvis Costello, Rhiannon Giddens, The Lost Tribe Of Country Music, and Bruce Molsky to name just a few. To this collaboration they bring both the steady hands of experience and a refined taste for American music, yet still a youthful abandon that can’t be forced. In 2018, they will be on tour internationally to support Vivian’s new release and bring their distinct brand of old-time and country to a festival, hall, bar, or fireplace gathering near you.

http://vivandriley.com/wp/

Hold My Hand - Elizabeth and Jameson

We stay with fast rising UK duos with our next LCM featured artists Elizabeth and Jameson. Bedford based Hannah and Griff formed the new duo previously as 'Supermoon', before changing the name last year. Both are multi award winning as part of other established groups (Griff in Fred's House and Hannah in Said The Maiden). This is a very interesting new combination and one we think will do very well. As a taster our LCM #SongOfTheDay is the beautiful and tender new single 'Hold My Hand' taken from their four track 'The Second Phase' EP.  

Playing all over the UK with the trio Said The Maiden, Hannah Elizabeth's influences are very much planted within traditional folk roots.  This is in stark contrast to Griff Jameson's recent musical history, having penned a string of quirky rock/pop anthems for Fred's House. Together, Elizabeth & Jameson arguably offers the best of both backgrounds; this is simplistic, classic song writing at its best: a stripped back, harmony-driven sound with guitar, violin and exquisite vocals.

Having already opened up for the likes of Scott Matthews, Jon Allen, Bob Fox, Greg Russell, Jack Rutter and Richard Digance, the duo are also receiving critical acclaim for their debut EP ‘Supermoon’, along with an NMG Award nomination for Best Folk, Roots, Country & Acoustic Act… and an ever-growing fan base.

With a new limited edition live album recently released and a new EP planned, the future is looking rosey for Hannah and Griff. 

https://www.elizabethandjameson.co.uk/

Tears In The Rain - O and O

One of the fast rising duos currently in London are our next LCM featured artists the wonderful Americana Folk Pop couple O&O. O&O are Colorado-native, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Obadiah Jones and Israeli vocalist, Orian Peled. The two met while studying for a Music BA at Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) where they had the unique opportunity of a one-on-one songwriting session with Sir Paul. Obadiah and Orian have been very busy since settling in London. releasing some great and memorable music as well as performing around the UK, including some major Country, Americana and Folk festivals. Their live show features the duo's distinctive, close-harmony sound with an Americana flare, imagine Fleetwood Mac meets The Civil Wars. With a brand new EP promised, our LCM #SongOfTheDay is the beautiful and sublime 'Tears In The Rain'.

Obadiah and Orian comment “The video for ‘Tears In The Rain’ is our second collaboration with filmmakers Jordan Rawi (director) and William Fielding (director of photography). We shot the whole video in one day at the historic Clementi House in Notting Hill. We wanted the video to reflect the uncertainty of where the relationship in the song stands and add a haunting element. In the video, the two characters are in a mysterious pursuit of each other through the many rooms of the quirky house, but whether or not they could ever find each other again is open to the viewer’s interpretation.” 

After select shows in NYC, Nashville and Colorado, O&O relocated to London and released their debut single, 'Traveling' in June 2017. Featured on Chris Country Radio's New Music List and Richer Unsigned's Best of August 2017 playlist.Although new to the London scene, O&O have made their presence felt on the live music circuit this last year with support slots for artists such as Australian Music Award nominees, the Germein Sisters, ahead of the band's appearance at the 2017 Isle of Wight Festival.

Cat And The Fiddle - The Gothard Sisters

We take a trip to the Pacific Northwest today to meet our next LCM featured artists the very talented and multi award winning Greta, Willow and Solana better known collectively as The Gothard Sisters. They released their wonderful latest album 'Midnight Sun' recently in May and our LCM #SongOfTheDay is the very catchy lead track the 'Cat and the Fiddle'.

The Gothard Sisters are a dynamic musical group of three sisters who play contemporary Celtic music. Through 10 years performing, touring and writing music together, the optimistic style of their music and performances continue to resonate with their fans, building a loyal international following.

Their latest all-original album release, 'Midnight Sun', reached #6 on the Billboard World Music charts as the highest ranking debut on the chart, and the Gothard Sisters have performed in venues large and small all over the country, including a concert at the Kennedy Center's Millennium stage in Washington DC, performances with Disney Cruise line in Europe, music festivals and performing arts venues nationwide. Writing and recording near their home in the Pacific Northwest between touring nationally, the band has released 7 albums and has performed over 1,000 live shows over the course of their career.

https://www.gothardsisters.com/

Ophelia - The Lumineers

We head to Denver, Colorado today to meet our next LCM featured artists Wesley Schultz, Jeremiah Fraites and Neyla Pekarek, US Americana/Folk Rock band The Lumineers. The Lumineers are one of the unlikeliest success stories of the past few years. A scruffy independent Americana trio out of Denver, their irresistible anthem “Ho Hey” took the world by storm in 2012, followed by a second #1 single “Stubborn Love” and their third charting single “Submarines”, all carrying them on a journey from the Grammys to the presidential iPod, from the top of the charts to the Hunger Games. Our LCM #SongOfTheDay is one of our favourites from the band the wonderful 'Ophelia', the first single taken from their 2016 second album 'Cleopatra'. 'Ophelia' personifies fame as a dangerous temptress

In the spring of 2005, childhood friends Wesley and Jeremiah began to collaborate, writing together and playing gigs around New York. After battling the city's cutthroat music scene and impossibly high cost of living, the two decided to expand their horizons. They packed everything they owned, nothing more than a couple suitcases of clothes and a trailer full of musical instruments and headed for Denver, Colorado. It was less a pilgrimage than act of stubborn hopefulness.

The first thing they did in Denver was place a Craigslist ad for a cellist, and the first person to respond was Neyla Pekarek, a classically trained Denver native. As a trio, they began playing at the Meadowlark, a gritty basement club where the city's most talented songwriters gathered every Tuesday for an open mic and dollar PBRs. Neyla softened Wes and Jer's rough edges while expanding her skills to mandolin and piano. And so The Lumineers sound took shape; an amalgam of heart-swelling stomp-and-clap acoustic rock, classic pop, and front-porch folk.

In 2011, an eponymous, self-recorded EP led to a self-booked tour, and before long The Lumineers started attracting devout fans, first across the Western US, then back in their old East Coast stamping grounds. Young, old and in-between, they're drawn by songs like "Ho Hey" and "Stubborn Love," Americana-inflected barnburners in the vein of the Avett Brothers and Mumford & Sons. They're drawn by songs like "Slow it Down" and "Dead Sea," slow, sultry ballads that suggest the raw revelations of Jeff Buckley and Ryan Adams. They're drawn by the live Lumineers experience—a coming-together in musical solidarity against isolation, adversity, and despair.

The roots revival of the last few years has primed listeners for a new generation of rustic, heart-on-the-sleeve music—the kind that nods to tradition while setting off into uncharted territory. The Lumineers walk that line with an unerring gift for timeless melodies and soul-stirring lyrics. Powered by passion, ripened by hard work, The Lumineers have found their sound when the world needs it most.

Photo credit: David McClister

http://www.thelumineers.com/

Don't Let It Die - Carousel

Released July 27, 2018 T. Eatherton: Vocals, Electric Guitar, Bass C. Hobart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion S. Holburn: Vocals T. Shaer: Cittern, Harmonium, Fiddle T. Strike: Drums -- Recorded, engineered and produced by Peter Waterman of Longcroft Recording at SS2 Recording. Mixed by Rees Broomfield at SS2 Recording. Mastered by Doug Van Sloun at Focus Mastering. Artwork by C. Asher.

One of the fast rising young bands in UK Americana and our LCM 'Favourite New Artist 2017' are the great Southend based band Carousel. We are thrilled that they are headlining our next LCM gig at the Green Note in Camden on the 26th September as part of their UK tour. Our LCM #SongOfTheDay is their latest single the very catchy and rockin' 'Don't Let It Die' recently released on the 27th July via Longcroft Recording. Catch them if you can.

Carousel are a 4-piece Indie Americana music collective, based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Fusing influences from the worlds of americana, country, folk, rock’n’roll and roots music, their influences range from Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Johnny Cash to the modern day Americana stylings of Nathaniel Rateliff, Phoebe Bridgers and The Lone Bellow.

Talking about the new single, the band explain "‘Don’t Let It Die’ was written as an open letter to creative minds. Within the lyrics, we wanted to encapsulate the feeling of being inspired but misunderstood, as many of us artists are. Equally, we felt the need to reiterate how important art is to society. It is so crucial that art plays its part in people’s lives in times of political and social struggle, that they welcome it in and find some respite within.”

Following appearances this summer at Cambridge Folk Festival, Beautiful Days Festival and Black Deer Festival, Carousel will be playing their heartfelt, engaging music on an 8 date headline UK tour in September / October:

facebook.com/carouseluk
instagram.com/carousel_band_uk
twitter.com/carouselbanduk

Half Way - The Sisterhood Band

Our LCM featured artists today are a very talented US duo with a rich musical heritage, who played a storming set at yesterday's 'Nashville To London' festival. Both very good singer-songwriters in their own right, Ruby Stewart and Alyssa Bonagura combined to form The Sisterhood Band. Their music is an organic blend of the open melodies of classic West Coast folk and the magnetic swagger of timeless rock n' roll, powered by Alyssa and Ruby's soaring richly textured harmonies and effortless chemistry. Both ladies have strong musical DNA. Alyssa is the daughter of Kathie Baillie & Michael Bonagura (the core of country band Baillie & The Boys) and Ruby's father is rock icon Rod Stewart. As a lovely flavour of their music our LCM #SongOfTheDay is a great live version of 'Walk Away' taken from their recently released debut EP 'Summer Setlist'.

If you would like to see Alyssa and Ruby live in London they will be supporting Steven Tyler at the O2 Kentish Forum on the 7th August.

The pair met through a group of musical friends while both working on their solo careers. Immediately bonding over growing up in the music business and sharing a mutual love and idolization of folk goddess Joni Mitchell, it wasn't obvious to them that their friendship should turn professional until they were jamming on some Joni songs backstage after seeing a Rod Stewart gig together. He listened to their glistening harmonies of a song or two and told them "you two should start a band." 

After only a year of knowing each other, the duo are capturing attention immediately all over the globe, and recently signed their first record deal with Sony Music Nashville on stage at their 3rd & Lindsley show.  They've written and recorded their first EP which features the theme song “Tenderize My Heart” for the Stewarts & Hamilton's show on E!, performed at Fashion Weeks in Milan and Miami, landed a slot on the main stage at CMC music festival in Australia, opened for Gary Clark Jr. & Steven Tyler, made guest appearances at Rod Stewart's Vegas show at Caesar's palace and were the opening act on Sir Rod's summer and winter stadium tour, while headlining their first club tour in the U.K. After making their Grand Ole Opry debut on the eve of the historic solar eclipse, the girls are currently recording and producing their debut album in Nashville, TN.

Their meeting was happenstance, but the music they create together can only mean that nothing is ever truly coincidence. Voices of sirens, lyrics of poets; these two musical heirs are soul sisters are messengers of the music in their hearts. Two very different worlds colliding with one common thread makes the music they create one of a kind. Fresh sounds, haunting melodies, and signature voices and harmonies are what set The Sisterhood apart from any other female group in today's popular music.  

Photo credit: Matthew Berinato

http://www.thesisterhoodband.com

Lay It On Down - Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Our next LCM featured artist Kenny Wayne Shepherd is one of the world's best young blues rock guitar players. Nominated for five Grammy's and a host of other awards, Kenny's music is well worth exploring. Still barely in his 30s, the Louisiana born but now LA based axeman and singer-songwriter has been selling millions of albums. With a host of top ten singles shining a light on the rich blues of the past and moving ahead with his own modern twist on a classic sound he has championed since his teens. He met Stevie Ray Vaughan at 7 and shared the stage with New Orleans legend Bryan Lee at 13. As an adult, he continues to create genre-defining blues-infused rock n' roll. Our LCM #SongOfTheDay is a great acoustic version of the title track of his excellent #1 album 'Lay It Down'.

Photo credit: KWS On Tour Inc.

https://www.kennywayneshepherd.net/

Southern Gothic - Tyminski

It's always a very special occasion when our next LCM featured artist makes a rare visit to London. Dan Tyminski is one of my favourite male vocalists and musicians, and he is also part of one of my favourite bands the multi-award winning supergroup Alison Krauss and Union Station. Dan is due to headline on Sunday at 'Nashville Meets London', a free two day Country/Americana festival in Canary Wharf situated in London's docklands. If you are free, I highly recommend you come along. Dan released his latest album 'Southern Gothic' in in November last year and our LCM #SongOfTheDay is the dark, powerful and timely title track.  

We will we reviewing Dan's album shortly, so please watch out for that in a couple of weeks time. In the meantime, please enjoy listening to the album in full

http://www.tyminskimusic.com