The exclamation being the show’s, not our surprise. Leaving you this weekend dear reader with a clip rather than a news story. Phosphorescent aka singer-songwriter Matthew Houck and band appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Monday to play ‘New Birth in New England’ which is taken from the band’s latest album ‘C’est La Vie’ which hasn’t been given a proper UK release yet but hey, we are citizens of nowhere these days. It’s a lovely version of the tune and full of pizzazz (imagine that on a triple word score in Scrabble). Have a good one.
Author: Mark Whitfield
Mark Whitfield has been the Editor of Americana UK for the last 17 years and still feels like this is his pretend job, mainly because it is.
AmericanaFest UK is back in January – here are all the details
British Americana fans – that includes us dear reader – will be flocking to Hackney, East London for 3 days of their annual conference in January as AmericanaFest UK returns for its 4th year. The event consists of two days of conferences and showcases which are then topped off by a third day of events and the coveted UK Americana Awards 2019. Continue reading “AmericanaFest UK is back in January – here are all the details”
Sturgill and Isbell to play Tibet House benefit
News from Pitchfork this afternoon that Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell have announced that they’ll be performing at the 32nd annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert which takes place at Carnegie Hall on February 7th. They report: “They will perform alongside previously announced guests New Order’s Bernard Sumner, Margo Price, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Jon Batiste, Stephen Colbert, and more. Philip Glass will be the evening’s artistic director. Tickets can be purchased on the Carnegie Hall website. Continue reading “Sturgill and Isbell to play Tibet House benefit”
Willie Watson announces tour dates for January
Willie Watson is making a much-anticipated return to the UK in January for a series of solo, acoustic live dates, including an appearance at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival. The former Old Crow Medicine Show star has released two solo albums creatively titled ‘Folksinger Vol.2’ and ‘Folksinger Vol.1‘, both produced by David Rawlings and featuring songs unearthed from the canon of American roots music. Willie recently made his acting debut in the Coen Brothers’ film ‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’ (which is superb if you’ve not managed to catch it yet) and also features on the movie soundtrack. Continue reading “Willie Watson announces tour dates for January”
The “Godfather of Cosmic Americana” Michael Chapman is back!
Leaving you this weekend dear dear readers with news that the Leeds born so-called “Godfather of Cosmic Americana” is back with a new album ‘True North’ recorded with close ally Steve Gunn and which features pals Bridget St John and BJ Cole. Chapman has been championed by (or collaborated with) the likes of Hiss Golden Messenger, Ryley Walker, Jack Rose, Bill Callahan, Thurston Moore and Alex Turner. Continue reading “The “Godfather of Cosmic Americana” Michael Chapman is back!”
Rhett Miller talks to RS about depression and sobriety
Rolling Stone Country have posted an interview online with the Old 97’s frontman Rhett Miller which is a really interesting read. He covers a variety of topics including his struggles with mental health and the work he’s been engaged in with suicide prevention groups, telling them: “It’s just an inherently tricky negotiation to wake up every morning and figure out the motivation to go on. Some people are able to overcome that more easily, and some people are never able to overcome that.” You can read the whole piece over at RS here, or listen to a track from the new record below. Continue reading “Rhett Miller talks to RS about depression and sobriety”
First names for Black Deer’s 2019 line-up announced
The first names have been announced this morning for the americana and country festival Black Deer’s 2019 line up, and there are some belters on there. In a victory for equestrians, South Califonia’s Band of Horses have been confirmed as the first headliner, with other artists announced including Australian roots-rockers the John Butler Trio, Northumberland’s Jade Bird, Canadian bluegrass and hillbilly folk band the Dead South, Oscar-winning Ryan Bingham and Old Crow Medicine Show’s guitarist Chance McCoy. Continue reading “First names for Black Deer’s 2019 line-up announced”
BST Hyde Park announces Dylan and Neil Young as first headliners
We have to refer to Neil by his full name in case any of you think you’re buying tickets to Will Young and end up bitterly disappointed. Evil multiconglomerate Barclaycard has announced its first two headliners for its British Summer Time Hyde Park events for 2019 – and they’re both playing the same night which could make getting hold of tickets interesting – no less than Bob Dylan and Neil Young are joint headliners. Continue reading “BST Hyde Park announces Dylan and Neil Young as first headliners”
It’s that time of year again – Americana UK’s readers’ poll 2018 is here!
Well dear reader, it’s here again – as regular as clockwork and more exciting than reading about Brexit negotiations. This year’s readers poll opens its metaphorical doors to you (reading this as you are now) and as per usual, we’d like to hear your thoughts on what bowled you over during the last 12 months (plus our tradition villain of the year despite the fact that the category is probably redundant until 2021.) Head here to cast your vote, wisely of course.
William the Conqueror announce new album, set to invade February
Leaving you this weekend dear reader with news that ‘Bleeding on the Soundtrack’ has been announced as the name of the new album from William the Conqueror, set for release on 15th February in the UK via Loose. It’s the second album from the band following 2017’s ‘Proud Disturber of the Peace’. Both form parts of a trilogy of autobiographical records capturing different periods in Joseph’s life. Whilst the debut celebrated a free and easy childhood spent in idyllic Cornwall (where Joseph now once again resides), the new record is a darker more disturbed foray into adolescence then adulthood: “A tale of addiction, divorce and crossroads.” Continue reading “William the Conqueror announce new album, set to invade February”