Martin Johnson

Interview: Heidi Talbot on recording virtually in Lafayette, Louisiana, with Dirk Powell

June 6, 2022 Martin Johnson 0

Discussing getting songs from ghosts despite Boo Hewerdine’s doubts. Heidi Talbot may have spent over half her life as a working musician, including her apprenticeship with the Irish-American group Cherish the Ladies, and it is twenty […]

But is it Americana? – Lindisfarne

June 6, 2022 Martin Johnson 15

Martin Johnson is the latest of our writers to argue for an unlikely Americana candidate. He’s chosen a band that will always be associated with the North-East; can he convince on a connection with the wild […]

The Song Remains: Kelly Joe Phelps 1959 – 2022

June 6, 2022 Martin Johnson 5

Kelly Joe Phelps reinvented country blues for the 21St Century americana audience. Guitarist and singer-songwriter Kelly Joe Phelps “died quietly at home in Iowa” on May 31, 2022, according to his Facebook page. While this low-key […]

Interview: Andrew Davie of Bear’s Den on how the pandemic influenced their songwriting

June 1, 2022 Martin Johnson 0

How car journeys to school with his teacher father made him the songwriter he is today. Like many bands, Bear’s Den have had to endure the challenges of the pandemic and adapt to the post-pandemic world. […]

Classic Clips: Chris Hillman ups the country quotient of “Wheels” with the Desert Rose Band in 1984

May 31, 2022 Martin Johnson 0

This week’s Classic Clip is a little piece of history with Chris Hillman revisiting one of his classic tracks with his then very new band, The Desert Rose Band. Chris Hillman is now recognised as one […]

RE: What are you listening to at the moment?
The Gourds - Cow, Fish, Fowl or Pig
By Joe Nathan , 15 hours ago
RE: London Gigs Next Week
Tends to be a bit quiet the week after Easter, however....
By Richard Parkinson , 23 hours ago
RE: What are you listening to at the moment?
Big Thief - Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You
By Joe Nathan , 2 days ago
RE: What are you listening to at the moment?
U2 - Easter Lilly EP
By Joe Nathan , 2 days ago
RE: Versions!
From the excellent Thee Holy Brothers...
By Paul Kerr , 2 days ago
RE: J'accuse
You're probably right Joe. Sensible words
By Paul Villers , 3 days ago
RE: Americana 25 Festival
Tickets sorted. Can't wait 👍
By MarkMcCall , 3 days ago
London Gigs Next Week
Posting this on the off chance anyone on here knows of ...
By MarkMcCall , 3 days ago
RE: Versions!
Quite a few traffic noises here!/p>
By Rick Bayles , 3 days ago

Americana 25 festival with Chuck Prophet, Steve Wynn and more comes to Liverpool in November – here’s how you can get your tickets

April 2, 2026 0

Last week we announced details of Americana 25, our celebration of 25 years of Americana UK, which comes to two stages across Liverpool’s Rough Trade venue and Quaker Meeting House later this year on Saturday November […]

Something for the long weekend: Michael Stipe & Andrew Watt “I Played the Fool”

April 2, 2026 2

Well that’s it from us for this week as we head into the long weekend. If you’re an AUK supporter your playlist will still be with you for 5pm tomorrow and don’t forget tickets for our […]

Our new supporters playlist comes out tomorrow – win a pair of tickets for the Folk by the Oak Festival!

April 2, 2026 0

If you’re not subscribing to our monthly supporters newsletter you’ll be missing out on our exclusive supporters playlist of the best new Americana we’ve heard over the last month which this month includes new tracks by […]

Articles by Martin Johnson