Fifty years ago, Daniel Antopolsky found himself stranded in a motel with his good friend Townes Van Zandt. They each took the opportunity to write a song. That day, Van Zandt’s effort was ‘Pancho and Lefty’. Legend has it that the character of Lefty was based on Antopolsky, his left-handed, troubadour, touring companion. Anotpolsky wrote ‘Sweet Lovin’ Music’, which would wait until 2013 before being recorded. The lives of these young country ‘outlaws’ veered in such different directions after Antopolsky saved Van Zandt’s life following a drug overdose. Van Zandt went on to become country music royalty. Antopolsky left the music industry behind, escaping the traumas of life on the road with the other outlaws. He went looking for something more meaningful and spiritual. He travelled and saw the world, eventually settling on a farm in France, where he raised a family…and chickens. Oh, what might have been. Continue reading “Preview: Daniel Antopolsky”
Tag: Black Deer Festival
Preview: Black Deer Festival 2019
The Black Deer Festival is a passionate celebration of both the music and the culture of country and Americana. Set in the beautiful countryside of Eridge Park in Kent, The Deer Park transports festival-goers to a world away from the everyday, in which a joyful, community atmosphere permeates every aspect of the experience. Across various stages, Black Deer showcases emerging artists as well as a fabulous selection of established acts. This is only the festival’s second year and yet it already feels incredibly well-established. In 2018, Black Deer won ‘Best New Festival’ at the UK Independent Festival Awards; ‘Music Event of the Year’ at the Event Production awards; and ‘Event Organiser of the Year’ from the National Outdoor Events Association. Continue reading “Preview: Black Deer Festival 2019”
Interview: Gill Tee, co-founder of the Black Deer Festival
Gill Tee is one of the co-founders of the Black Deer Festival which takes place at Eridge Park in Kent between the 21st and 23rd of June. This year’s line up includes Band of Horses, The Shires, John Butler Trio and Kris Kristofferson. Continue reading “Interview: Gill Tee, co-founder of the Black Deer Festival”
Black Deer adds Billy Bragg and Yola to the line-up
Black Deer is our americana festival of choice at the moment, boasting as it does a stellar lineup featuring americana and country artists from every bit of the genres, and today they’ve announced more names for the return to the picturesque Eridge Park this June. Billy Bragg, Yola, Ethan Johns and more will join Band Of Horses, John Butler Trio, The Staves, Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers, The Mavericks and Neko Case for the weekend. Continue reading “Black Deer adds Billy Bragg and Yola to the line-up”
Interview: Black Deer Festival’s Gill Tee and Debs Shilling
One of the most exciting events this year for the world of Americana in the UK takes place towards the end of next month. Black Deer is basically everything you want from a festival – frighteningly good artists such as Jason Isbell and Iron & Wine that fall just the right side of cool (i.e. they’re probably not going to do moody sets), multiple stages, good food and a part of the country that’s as good a guarantee of decent weather as you’re going to get from somewhere in the UK in June (if the presumptiveness of that angers fate and it now does rain, apologies in advance). Oh and motorbikes too. Mark Whitfield spoke to the co-founders of Black Deer, Gill and Debs, about how the festival came about, who they’re most looking forward to see play and what americana music means to them. Continue reading “Interview: Black Deer Festival’s Gill Tee and Debs Shilling”
Black Deer Festival launch competition to find UK’s hottest new americana/country acts
Black Deer appears to be the americana music festival everyone and their dog (or deer) is talking about this year and just to make matters even more exciting, the festival organisers have announced they’re launching a competition to unearth the hottest acts, giving the best undiscovered talent a shot to hopefully accompany the sun and shine on the festival stage in June. Continue reading “Black Deer Festival launch competition to find UK’s hottest new americana/country acts”