Americana Archives

Darius Rucker

Three time GRAMMY Award-winner and multi Diamond certified artist Darius Rucker has returned with “I Believe”, his first new music since the release of his 2023 album, “Carolyn’s Boy”. Released on 9 September via MCA, the deeply personal track centres on hope, love, truth and perseverance during uncertain times. “I Believe” delivers message of hope Rucker wrote “I Believe” alongside Eric Paslay, Wayne Hector and producer Steve Robson. The song explores the importance of holding onto personal beliefs when circumstances become difficult, ultimately delivering an optimistic message about finding a way through darker periods. Rucker has described the track as his “love letter to America” and recently offered an acoustic preview during an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show”. “The way the world is, where we are right now, I believe in us,” he said. Darius Rucker reflects on difficult times Throughout “I Believe”, Rucker considers moments when uncertainty, fear and negativity can become overwhelming. Its central message focuses on maintaining faith in love, truth and hope, while encouraging listeners not to give up during challenging periods. “I think we all have moments when we wonder if things are ever going to get better,” Rucker says. “For me, this song is about remembering what you believe in when everything around you makes that hard. I believe in love. I believe in truth. I believe there’s always hope, and I believe in the people listening to this song. Sometimes you just need that reminder to keep going.” Rucker releases first music since “Carolyn’s Boy” “I Believe” marks Rucker’s first new musical release since “Carolyn’s Boy”, which arrived in 2023. The new single continues a country career that began with his first country album in 2008 and has since delivered four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart and 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio. Rucker has also accumulated 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum-certified hits during his country career. From Hootie & the Blowfish to country success Before establishing himself as a solo country artist, Rucker achieved major international success as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of GRAMMY Award-winning band, Hootie & the Blowfish. The group has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide. Its debut album, “Cracked Rear View”, is Double Diamond certified at 22 times Platinum and remains among the top 10 bestselling studio albums of all time. Rucker subsequently established a successful career in country music and became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2012. “Wagon Wheel” becomes career defining hit In 2014, Rucker earned his third career GRAMMY Award when his recording of “Wagon Wheel” won Best Solo Country Performance. The song has since been certified Diamond at 11 times Platinum and ranks among the top five bestselling country songs of all time. “Wagon Wheel” has also surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, making it one of relatively few country songs to reach the streaming milestone.

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Beyond Nashville: Fanny Lumsden

Beyond Nashville / Editor

Award winning Australian singer songwriter Fanny Lumsden will release her fifth studio album, “Traditions”, on 30 October. The 11-track collection explores family, identity, belonging and the traditions that shape people across generations, while examining how those traditions can evolve as lives and values change. “Traditions” explores family and identity For Lumsden, the album emerged from her changing relationship with tradition as she has grown older and considered her own position within a farming family. “As I’ve got older, I’ve begun to realise the value and meaning that can come from traditions, however what I’m still learning is how to balance the ideas of who I am, with those traditions and that they are all allowed to change as we go,” she explains. Lumsden acknowledges that traditions and families can be complicated, particularly when inherited customs are viewed through a modern perspective. “There is more to traditions than being steadfast, I think I’m discovering the movement and change they need to survive,” she says. The record ultimately considers how Lumsden can balance her own autonomy and ambitions with the traditions of her farming family, while recognising that some customs can evolve and others may need to be left behind. “Mother’s Eyes” offers personal reflection Alongside previous single “Difficult Woman”, the album features the new track “Mother’s Eyes”, which looks at Lumsden’s matriarchal bloodline while reflecting on ageing, appearance and self acceptance. “This song is a love letter to myself ultimately, that you’re going to question everything and your age but in the end when you look in the mirror it’s your mother’s eyes looking back and that can be enough,” Lumsden says. Musically, the track features pedal steel alongside banjo, creating a gentle backdrop for its reflective message. Paul Kelly joins “By The River” Another album highlight is “By The River”, featuring acclaimed Australian singer songwriter Paul Kelly. Lumsden has toured extensively with Kelly in recent years, including shows across the UK and Europe and his Australian arena tour. Kelly also provided inspiration for the song. While touring Europe last year, Lumsden sang harmonies on his deep cut “The Pretty Place”. She subsequently wrote “By The River” while staying beside a river in the Peak District. “In the song ‘The Pretty Place’, Paul somehow described the place that I always go in my mind when I imagine a safe place,” Lumsden explains. Rivers also carry strong associations with her own family traditions. “Going to the river is also a big tradition in my family. We are river rats through and through and we always seek a river out, so a river song was always going to come at some point,” she says. Lumsden added that she was “unbelievably grateful and awed” that Kelly agreed to sing her lyrics. Fanny Lumsden plans UK return Lumsden will tour Australia around the release of “Traditions”, while UK and European dates are planned for 2027. The forthcoming album follows another period of international activity for the Australian artist. Since making her Glastonbury Festival debut in 2023, Lumsden and her band have returned to the UK and Ireland five times in two and a half years. Her appearances have included The Long Road, Beautiful Days and C2C, while the BBC selected her for its live coverage of Belladrum Festival. She has also opened arena dates for Paul Kelly alongside Lucinda Williams and was selected by Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty to support three sold out shows at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre. During 2025, Lumsden headlined Australian festivals including Bluesfest, Savannah in the Round, Tamworth Country Music Festival and Big Red Bash. Lumsden builds career from rural Australia Raised on a sheep farm in regional Australia, Lumsden built her career through grassroots touring, including hundreds of performances in country halls across rural Australia. She is a two time ARIA Award winner, ten time CMAA Award winner and three time AIR Award winner.

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Pam Ross announces new single “Lost in Heaven”

News / Editor

Award winning singer songwriter Pam Ross will release her new single, “Lost in Heaven”, on 11 September 2026, bringing together country storytelling, Southern rock energy and Americana influences. The new track explores the intoxicating feeling of becoming completely absorbed in the presence of someone irresistible, using a vivid Southern setting to tell the story of an unforgettable night. “Lost in Heaven” explores attraction Set against a backdrop of towering pines, stars and a full moon, “Lost in Heaven” follows two people surrendering to their attraction as the world around them seemingly disappears. Ross establishes the song’s playful and sensual atmosphere through images of loud music, faded jeans and dancing, alongside an attraction described as “hotter than a day in late June”. The track builds towards a soaring central hook while maintaining the emotionally direct songwriting that has become a feature of Ross’s work. Pam Ross blends country and Southern rock “Lost in Heaven” continues Ross’s approach to making music without being restricted to a single genre. Her sound draws on country, rock, Americana and roots traditions, combining accessible songwriting with rock influenced instrumentation and memorable hooks. That versatility earned Ross the Female Multi Genre Artist of the Year title at the 2024 Josie Music Awards, further establishing her reputation as an independent voice within contemporary roots music. Ross builds live music career Alongside her work as a songwriter, Ross has performed on stages across the United States, including appearances in Nashville. She has also performed at Austin’s South by Southwest music festival. Her catalogue regularly combines muscular instrumentation with personal and emotionally direct songwriting, moving between intimate material and guitar driven anthems. New single arrives in September With its flirtatious lyrics and Southern imagery, “Lost in Heaven” captures the excitement of a night when everything beyond two people appears to fade into the background. The track has been created with warm nights, open roads and crowded dance floors in mind, while continuing Ross’s combination of relatable storytelling, country influences and rock and roll spirit. “Lost in Heaven” will be released on 11 September 2026 and will be available through Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and other major digital platforms.

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Jackson Dean

Editor

Jackson Dean has teamed up with Laci Kaye Booth for his new single, “The Moon And The Wolf”, a brooding collaboration that explores the thoughts and emotions that emerge during the quietest hours of the night. Released on 2 September via Blue Highway Records, the song will also feature on Dean’s forthcoming expanded album, “Magnolia Sage (In Full Bloom)”, which arrives on 9 October. “The Moon And The Wolf” explores late night reflection “The Moon And The Wolf” captures the isolation of late night hours when thoughts can become a person’s only companion. Written by Dean’s longtime producer Luke Dick, three time Academy of Country Music Songwriter of the Year Jessie Jo Dillon and two time Grammy Award winner Chris Tompkins, the track combines a dry electric guitar with an otherworldly synthesiser solo in the bridge. Its distinctive vocal refrain also evokes the howl of a wolf, reinforcing the song’s themes of solitude, reflection and emotional release. Dean said: “When Luke and I went in to record ‘The Moon And The Wolf,’ we realised how far the song reached into places most people go, but don’t really know how deep those feelings are. “It’s a space where you’re almost suspended, and it’s so alive and so real, even though obviously you can’t stay there, or want to stay there. But it’s a space where all the emotions come out, and it’s powerful.” Laci Kaye Booth joins Jackson Dean East Texas singer songwriter Laci Kaye Booth brings an ethereal quality to the collaboration, creating an ambiguity around whether the song represents two people finding each other in the night or a solitary person communicating with the moon. Dean added: “And when we added Laci, it took the mystery of that moment to a whole other level. Is it two people? Is she the moon? Does it matter? I don’t know. “But for anyone who’s ever had those late night moments where the whole world is silent and still aside from you and the moon, I think her performance is definitely the voice you might hear in that moment.” “Magnolia Sage” receives expanded edition Dean felt strongly enough about “The Moon And The Wolf” that he did not want to wait until his next studio album to release it. Instead, the collaboration will form part of “Magnolia Sage (In Full Bloom)”, an expanded edition of his 11 track third studio album, “Magnolia Sage”. The new version arrives on 9 October and adds four songs to the original project. “‘Magnolia Sage’ goes places,” Dean said. “It’s a journey. So when we were trying to expand what was already there, it just made sense to pull in songs from the road, a more unplugged take on ‘Wildfire (Afterburn)’ to add some vibe, and ‘The Moon And The Wolf.’” Live recordings expand “Magnolia Sage” The expanded record will also showcase Dean’s live performances. A version of “Blacktop Blues” recorded in Colorado features slide guitar and an industrial rhythm, while a live rendition of “Hey Mississippi” from London brings a more atmospheric quality to the collection. The vocal on “Hey Mississippi” also provides a connection to the distinctive vocal refrain heard on “The Moon And The Wolf”. Jackson Dean announces “Magnolia Sage Tour” Dean will take the music directly to fans this autumn with his “Magnolia Sage Tour”, beginning at the historic Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, on 18 September. The tour will focus on iconic roadhouses and theatres, with the venues selected to complement the intensity of Dean’s performances and the intimate qualities of his songwriting. Presale tickets become available on Thursday, 3 September, at 10am CT, followed by the general sale on Friday, 4 September, at 10am CT. “Taking this music to the people is the thing that’s driven me since long before I had a record deal,” Dean said. “But bringing these songs from ‘Magnolia Sage’ out on the road makes me really want to get out there. We’ve got some of America’s greatest venues ahead of us, and I can’t wait. This is exactly the reason I do this.” Jackson Dean builds on country music success Maryland born Jackson Dean established himself nationally with his 2022 debut album, “Greenbroke”, combining his gravel toned vocals and songwriting with an acoustic driven sound. The album produced his Platinum certified No. 1 debut single, “Don’t Come Lookin’”. His growing profile subsequently earned him places on artist to watch lists from Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and CMT, as well as a nomination for ACM New Male Artist of the Year in 2023. Dean followed “Greenbroke” with his sophomore album, “On The Back of My Dreams”, which included the No. 1 single “Heavens To Betsy”. “American Songwriter” described the record as a “near perfect follow up”. “Magnolia Sage” begins new chapter Dean released his third studio album, “Magnolia Sage”, earlier this year. The 11 track collection moves between expansive, reflective and harder rocking material as Dean continues exploring new territory both musically and lyrically. His touring career has also seen him open for Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Brooks & Dunn and Brothers Osborne. Dean has additionally taken his own headline shows to Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

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Beyond Nashville: Gareth

Beyond Nashville / Editor

Northern Irish country artist Gareth has released his new single “One That Got Away”, offering the opening taste of his forthcoming debut album, “Halfway Home”. Set for release on 2 October, “Halfway Home” explores Gareth’s experience of building a new life and career in Nashville while remaining connected to his Northern Irish roots. “One That Got Away” opens new album Gareth co wrote “One That Got Away” with Jules Brave, whose credits include Lauren Spencer Smith and Will Linley, Autumn Buysse, who has worked with Dasha and Tyler Braden, and Seth Michael, whose credits include Dylan Scott, Warren Zeiders and Ashley Cooke. The song centres on appreciating the important relationships in life and holding on to the people who matter. Gareth said: “‘One That Got Away’ is a reminder to hold on to the people you love the most. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member, the song reminds us to stay close to the people who mean the most to us. “Sonically, this feels like a perfect way to kick off my debut album and gives you a taste of what is to come on it!” Halfway Home explores life between two worlds Gareth’s debut album, “Halfway Home”, is built around the experience of living between two worlds, the place that shaped him and the place where he is now pursuing his ambitions. Born in Northern Ireland and now based in Nashville, Gareth uses the project to explore what it means to leave home without completely leaving it behind. Family, memory and identity feature throughout the record as Gareth considers the sacrifices involved in pursuing a career thousands of miles away from loved ones. While his family remains at home in Northern Ireland, Nashville has become the place where ambition, heartbreak, personal growth and new possibilities collide. That tension sits at the heart of “Halfway Home”, capturing the conflicting emotions of missing home while knowing that leaving was necessary, and finding a sense of belonging somewhere new without losing a connection to where everything began. Gareth’s upcoming tour UK and European fans will have another opportunity to hear the new material later this year when Gareth returns for his *Halfway Home* Tour. The 16-date headline tour across the UK and Europe will take place in November, with tickets on sale now. From Castlederg to Nashville Originally from the small Northern Irish town of Castlederg, Gareth grew up listening to country legends including George Jones and Hank Williams Jr. He initially developed a loyal online following by sharing heartfelt cover songs before experiencing a breakthrough with a stripped down interpretation of Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season”. The performance went viral and helped provide the foundations for an international career. Now based in Nashville, Gareth has continued building his audience through original music. His “Steal Your Thunder” EP showcased the emotional storytelling and melodic approach that have become central to his style, while “Shoulders I Stand On” marked another chapter by combining personal songwriting with modern country production. Gareth surpasses 70 million streams Gareth’s growing catalogue has now accumulated more than 70 million global streams and helped him secure a publishing deal with BMG. His music has received editorial playlist support, including placements on New Boots and Today’s Country, alongside airplay from SiriusXM’s The Highway, Smooth Country and Absolute Country Radio. Gareth has also built a following of more than one million fans across social media. During summer 2024, he toured internationally, including sold out headline shows across the UK and Europe. He also performed at Belfast’s SSE Arena alongside Kip Moore.

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Country Calling cements its place on the UK country music scene

Live Events, News / Editor

Over the weekend, UK country fans joined together at Country Calling in Chelmsford, Essex. As well as catching up with the artists, Maverick Country had the pleasure of spending the weekend soaking up the festival atmosphere at King’s Farm. A celebration of all things country In its sophomore year, the promoters wanted to emphasise how this is a festival built by and for country music fans, and as you walked around the arena, you could really feel the attention to detail that has gone in to planning it. The intentional way the festival had been laid out worked exceptionally well, with plenty of space to roam among the music lovers sporting cowboy hats and boots. Both could be picked up at the trading post which featured lots of exciting vendors including Ariat, Vera Black, UK Country, and The Cow Girl Club. Western fashion has really picked up this year and anyone who is into this scene would have been at home among the market stalls at Country Calling, and coming away a few pounds lighter for it! All things Americana were celebrated at this year’s Country Calling, with American food vendors, muscle cars, fairground rides, and a Nashville-style dive bar where punters could take part in line dancing classes or jam out to some of the acts performing on its stage. Country Calling is also a family friendly festival with free tickets for under 16s when accompanied by a paying adult and a dedicated area for arts and crafts and line dancing. A festival on the rise As for the music, there was ample opportunity to soak in a wealth of talent from artists from the UK, USA, Canada and Australia; whether on the Main Stage, Caffè Nero Stage, the dive bar, or sat on top of a hay bale at the Homstead stage, the festival proved to be a feast for country fans. Another key ingredient of the Country Calling formula is that every artist on the bill is an original recording artist which sets it apart from other country music events in the UK which rely heavily on tribute acts. What is particularly exciting about attending Country Calling is the prospect of discovering your new favourite artist or someone who may go on to top the charts. Overall, Country Calling feels like a festival which is quickly cementing itself into the UK country music scene. Between the carefully-curated way the festival was laid out to the exceptional selection of artists, there is no doubt this festival will soon become a fan favourite that will have many returning in 2027.

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Maverick Country at Country Calling. maverick-country.com

Catching up at Country Calling

Live Events, News / Editor

This past weekend, Maverick Country had the pleasure of attending Country Calling at King’s Farm in Chelmsford, Essex. As well as getting the chance to have a chat with Sunday night headliner, Randy Houser, we also caught up with many of the other talented performers who graced the Main Stage and the Homestead stage. Jack Browning The London-based singer-songwriter is set to release his second album, “Painted Skies” next month via Two Fine Records in Nashville. So, you’ve already performed this morning. How did it go? How was the atmosphere? It was great, it was really fun. Obviously, the first slot on the main stage can kind of go either way sometimes, but it was great. Everyone was super up for it. It filled up really nice.  I think we got everyone two-stepping. So we got the job done, got everyone set up for Janet and Randy and all the folks playing today. What are your biggest inspirations behind your music? I love John Prine. I think he’s always like a bit of a yardstick for me. I love performers like Charlie Crockett and Tyler Childers and I’ve been lucky to see them from tiny rooms up to where they are now, so it’s been really cool following that along and it’s kind of given me a little bit of fire to hopefully do the same thing. Those guys are big ones for me. If you could work with any other musician, dead or alive, who would it be and why? I’m a sucker for Glen Campbell, I really am. I’d love to have seen what we could have written together. He’s a big influence. I’m probably not good enough to lace up his boots, but if he’d have heard me, I’d love to have written with Glen.  That would have been very special. What do you like about performing at festivals like this one? I mean, this one kind of is particularly special.  I played the first year which was the first year, and I was on one of the third stages. I was was raised around here in Chelmsford – that’s where I cut my teeth, playing in clubs in town. So it’s really nice to come back and open up the main stage in front of family, friends, and a bunch of people who are up for a weekend of country music. What can we expect from you next? What’s going down the line? I’ve got a new record coming out on September 16th, it’s called “Painted Skies”. It will be out via Too Fine Records in Nashville. It’s a whole new album of original music. I have started writing the next one already and it means a lot to get this one out. We started recording it two and a half years ago, so it’s nice to know it’s finally going to reach people’s ears in less than a month’s time. What’s a random fact that about you that not many people would know? I can do an amazing impression – even if I had to say so myself – of Phil Harding from Time Team. Kasey Tyndall Kasey Tyndall is known for blending rock and roll with country. The songwriter and guitarist is from North Carolina. She was named in CMT’s Next Women of Country class in 2023. How do you feel about performing at festivals like this? I love it.  The energy’s always high. Everybody’s here to listen to music all day, and they’re drinking, having a good time, and so it’s usually some of the best shows. Who or what do you normally look towards when you’re looking to write a song or perform your music? When it comes to inspiration for shows and events and stuff…I mean, my family, I love my family so much, and so just knowing that I’m doing it for them and doing it for the fans as that’ve come so far to see us play, it’s just, that’s my inspiration for the day. As far as music goes and creating music, my influences are all the way from Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Heart, Avril Lavigne, Brantley Gilbert, Alison Krauss. I mean, it’s just a big hodgepoge. If you could work with anyone, either dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration? Oh, that’s so tough. I mean, probably Joan Jett. What’s a random fact that nobody would know about you?   Oh, now that’s the toughest question…I fresh mill my own flour and make my own bread. Janet Devlin Janet Devlin is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter who released her debut album in 2013. A new chapter came in 2024 when she released “Emotional Rodeo”. What’s your favourite thing about performing at festivals like this? That it’s not my show! Putting on your own tour and stuff like that is a lot of pressure. So, yeah that’s my favourite bit, which is ridiculous! When you’re writing songs, who or what do you look towards for the inspiration behind your music?   Honestly just my life, it’s always been my life. There’s some storytelling from time-to-time, but usually it’s all my stuff. For the silly songs, I’m normally like driving or something and a funny phrase will come in my head. If you could work with any other musician, dead or alive, who would your ideal collaboration be with?   Oh that’s so hard…Dolly Parton would obviously be swell, based on what she’s done for the country genre. You rose to prominence being on The X factor. What’s one thing about being on a reality show that not many people would know, like? Music TV shows, they are still a TV show, they still have to like make it entertaining. It can’t all just be about the music. What can we expect from you next? Is there any projects down the line? I’ve got a new album coming out early next year. So I’m just going to be releasing singles up till then. What’s a random fact that

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Donna Zanetti, Creative Director at Country Calling. maverick-country.com

Country Calling: Built by Country Fans, Centred Around the Fan Experience

Live Events / Editor

Donna Zanetti, Creative Director at Country Calling Festival, talks about the process of planning a country music festival which champions the fans. My favourite moment of the whole year happens before anyone has even walked through the gates. It’s standing in the middle of the festival site with the team, looking across the field at everything we’ve spent the last year bringing to life. For twelve months it’s lived in our heads, on site plans, spreadsheets and countless WhatsApp messages. And suddenly it’s real. The stages are built, the fencing is up, the traders are in place and, in just a matter of hours, thousands of country music fans will be walking through those gates. For a few minutes it’s quiet. We just stand there, take it all in and appreciate what we’ve built before everything gets busy. Then the gates open, the music starts and the whole place comes alive. The Country Calling experience People often ask what makes Country Calling different, and the honest answer is probably much simpler than people expect; we built the festival we’d want to go to ourselves. Every meeting, every site plan, every artist conversation and every little decision comes back to one question: if we were coming to this festival as fans, would we love it? I still have to pinch myself that I get to call myself Creative Director of Country Calling, but the title only tells part of the story. We’re a small team who genuinely love country music, and everyone wears about five different hats. Over the course of a year there are countless conversations, ideas, challenges and last-minute changes, but every decision comes back to making the festival better for the fans. If it doesn’t improve the experience, it usually doesn’t make the cut. Country Calling 2026 headliners One of the biggest moments during this year’s planning was getting the call from Nashville to say Randy Houser and Parmalee were confirmed as our 2026 headliners. There may even have been a little happy dance in my office. They’re artists I’ve admired for years, so knowing they’d be headlining a festival we’d all worked so hard to build felt pretty surreal. Getting the balance of the line-up right has always mattered to me. I wanted us to bring some of the biggest names from Nashville to Essex while continuing to champion the amazing homegrown talent we have here in the UK. I genuinely believe UK artists deserve to share the stage with some of the biggest names in country music. When I started putting the line-up together, I found myself going back to my Spotify playlists again and again. One minute it’s Randy Houser, the next it’s Ashley McBryde, then Brothers Osborne, Parmalee or Kezia Gill. That’s just how I listen to country music, and I know I’m not the only one. Most of us don’t sit there thinking about sub-genres – we just listen to songs we love. At some point it clicked that that’s exactly what I wanted Country Calling to feel like: a festival where people could discover something new, sing every word to an old favourite and come away feeling like the whole weekend celebrated everything we love about country music. Celebrating female talent One thing we spoke about a lot during planning was making sure the line-up reflected where country music is today. Some of the most exciting artists around right now are women, so we wanted that reflected on our poster. Seeing we’d achieved an almost 50/50 split between male and female artists is something we’re genuinely proud of, and we’d love to keep building on that in future years. One thing we’ve always believed is that festivals should be where you discover your next favourite artist. Alongside the bigger names, we’ve taken a few chances on new and emerging international artists who we honestly think are going to be huge. One artist I’m especially excited for people to discover is Lakelin Lemmings. The first time I heard her music, I knew there was something special about her. She’s an incredible songwriter and performer, and I genuinely think she’s got a really bright future. I’d love to think that in a few years’ time people might be able to say, “I saw them at Country Calling before they became huge.” Seeing the reaction when we announced the line-up was brilliant. Watching people share the poster, plan their weekends and tell us how excited they were made every late night worthwhile. A festival built by country fans I’ve always thought great festivals are about much more than who’s on the poster. It’s discovering an artist you hadn’t heard before, bumping into friends you only seem to see at festivals, sitting on the grass between sets with a drink and simply enjoying being there. That’s the bit I love. None of us really switch off once the festival ends. We’re already making notes. What worked? What didn’t? What did people love? What can we improve? Every year we learn something, and every year we try to make the next festival even better. We’re country fans building a festival for country fans, and that’s something we’ve never lost sight of. We hope that when people arrive, they can feel the care that’s gone into every part of the weekend. From the way the site is laid out to the little details people might not notice straight away, everything has been designed with the fan experience in mind. After a year of planning, we finally get to the part we’ve all been waiting for– seeing people enjoy it. We can’t wait to welcome everyone through the gates and watch Country Calling take on a life of its own.

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Country Calling: The Festival Redefining Country Music Discovery

Live Events / Editor

Country Calling brings together international and homegrown country talent for a lively summer celebration between Friday, August 14 and Sunday, August 16 2026 at Kings Farm, Chelmsford, Essex. Here, the organisers give us an insight into the festival where the fans come first. There’s something special happening in the British country music scene. What was once a niche genre has become one of the UK’s fastest-growing music communities, and few events capture that spirit quite like Country Calling. Set against the backdrop of Kings Farm in Chelmsford, Country Calling has established itself as one of the UK’s most exciting country music festivals. Bringing together international stars, rising talent and passionate fans, the festival combines authentic country music with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of community. International country music artists This year’s festival continues that tradition by bringing major international artists to UK audiences, including US country stars Randy Houser and Parmalee, both making their UK country festival headline debuts. Alongside these acclaimed performers, the festival presents a diverse line-up reflecting the global growth of country music. By the fans, for the fans Country Calling was created by country music fans, for country music fans. The small team behind the festival have watched the genre flourish across the UK, but recognised that many country-themed events were centred around tribute acts. They believed fans wanted more opportunities to experience the real artists behind the music. With several members of the team having worked professionally within the country music industry for more than a decade, they understood both the audience and the artists, giving them a unique perspective on what was missing from the UK festival landscape. When the opportunity arose to create something different, the stars aligned and Country Calling was born. “The growth of country music has become a truly global phenomenon,” says Country Calling Festival Creative Director Donna Zanetti. “While Nashville and the USA continue to shape the top end of our line-up with many of the genre’s biggest and most widely recognised stars, we’re equally passionate about championing the next generation of talent. Our aim is to create a programme that reflects the exceptional calibre and diversity of country music globally, balancing established headline artists with emerging acts we believe are on the verge of something special. “That’s why we continue to seek out talent from around the world, bringing artists from countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, across Europe and the UK to perform alongside major US stars. “Country Calling has built a reputation for giving audiences the opportunity to experience future stars early in their journey, often through UK festival debuts, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.” Diversity champions That commitment to diversity extends beyond geography. Country Calling has also worked hard to champion female artists, striving for a near 50/50 split between male and female performers. In a genre where festival line-ups have historically been dominated by men, the festival is proud to showcase the breadth of talent shaping modern country music. Beyond the music, Country Calling delivers a complete country lifestyle experience. Alongside performances across multiple stages, visitors can enjoy line dancing, a Nashville-style dive bar, live cooking demonstrations, American muscle car displays, shopping villages, family entertainment and a wide range of food and drink experiences. Family friendly fest The festival is equally committed to ensuring live music remains accessible to the next generation of country fans. Every paid adult ticket includes a free ticket for a child under 16, with additional children’s tickets available from just £10 for a day ticket or £26 for the weekend. At the heart of the festival, the free Little Wranglers Kids Club offers artist singalongs, arts and crafts led by the teachers behind That Kid Life, children’s line dancing lessons and plenty more, while food vendors provide affordable, child-friendly meal options throughout the weekend. At the heart of the festival’s music discovery experience is the Caffè Nero Stage, where great coffee meets great live music. While country music remains at its core, the programme broadens the musical landscape to include Americana, blues and folk, creating a unique soundtrack across the weekend. Curated in partnership with Talentbanq and Imagesound, it’s a welcoming space to discover new artists, enjoy intimate performances and recharge between headline sets. Original recording artists What sets Country Calling apart is its commitment to discovery, authenticity and opportunity. Every artist on the bill is an original recording artist, ensuring audiences experience the real voices shaping modern country music rather than tribute acts. This year alone, fans can enjoy first-time UK festival performances from artists including Australia’s James Johnston, Canada’s Madeline Merlo and many more from around the world. Every year, there are artists on the bill who the team believe are just one great performance away from becoming country music’s next big stars. Some of the artists making their UK debuts at Country Calling today may well return as future headliners. In a festival landscape increasingly crowded with tribute acts and familiar formats, Country Calling has carved out its own identity by championing authentic artists, international and homegrown talent, and genuine music discovery. For fans looking to experience the real voices shaping modern country music, it has become one of the most exciting destinations on the UK country music calendar.

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Truman Sinclair – “Right On Time”

Editor

The song allows for sadness and hope to sit side by side, allowing vulnerability to become its greatest strength rather than its weakness.

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