Folk
Gareth Dunlop’s new single out now
Belfast-born singer, songwriter, and producer Gareth Dunlop released his captivating and soul stirring new single, “Take A Bow”. Released on Sept 25th, the song pays tribute to the real friends who we turn to in times of struggle and perseverance. Dunlop continues his prolific run of genre stretching offerings, blending together folk, pop and experimental soundscapes with lyrical honesty. Speaking on the track Gareth said, “I’d wanted to write a song like this for a long time. It’s a song that pays tribute to the company I keep. The friends around me who’ve been there with me through thick and thin. The guys who play with me on stage, who’ve sat on airport floors with me, loaded in and out of tough gigs, driven thousands of miles across countries with me. ‘Take A Bow’ is for them and for anybody who has friends like that.” A song for the friends we have Produced alongside his band of close friends, the song lays bare the unspoken but well understood bonds of friendship. A familiarity born from years spent making music together, an instinctive understanding that needs little explanation where trust, loyalty and shared history do the talking. The song captures the sense of belonging and the invisible ties that bind humans together in friendship. Built around a raw, intimate and hypnotic production, the track embraces the connections that exist beyond words. It explores the late nights, shared experiences, laughter and unwavering sense that whatever happens, you’ve got each others backs. Dunlop’s 2026 singles showcase his evolving musical journey, since the release of his acclaimed third album, “Welcome To The House Of I Don’t Know”. Dunlop hasn’t slowed down for a moment, delivering a steady stream of music. The first single, “Wish I Couldn’t Feel A Thing,” marked a striking creative turn for Dunlop. This track pulls him into alt-experimental folk territory. The song faces the unflinching honesty about grief and the strange comfort of numbness, and its willingness to sit inside heartbreak rather than resolve it. The second single “Freewheeling” is an affectionate, warm look backward rather than a wound examined up close. Together, the recent run of singles paints a portrait of an artist unafraid to sit inside difficult, tender emotions and translate them into songs that feel universal With his latest offering, “Take A Bow”, Dunlops adds to an impressive and eclectic body of work. Picking apart and stitching back together songs about the big themes in life. Through the lens of friendship – Dunlop yet again unpacks his emotions in a unique and captivating way. Beyond his own music Beyond his own releases, Dunlop has produced Foy Vance’s album ‘Sign of Life’. He has also written songs recorded by artists including Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, T.I., and John Oates. He has shared stages with Van Morrison, Snow Patrol, Bonnie Raitt, Stereophonics, and Jeff Beck, among others. His music has been featured across major television series, including Nashville, Lucifer, This Is Us, Suits, Tulsa King, and Found, as well as film and advertising campaigns worldwide. Dunlop will bring his dynamic performances to audiences in UK and Ireland with Canadian favourites Crash Test Dummies for eight dates.
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Blast from the Past: Hank Williams
On 17 September, country music fans will mark what would have been the 103rd birthday of Hank Williams, an artist whose remarkably short life produced one of the most influential catalogues in the genre’s history. More than seven decades after his death, Williams’s songs of heartbreak, loneliness, love and faith remain fundamental to country music. Hank Williams grows up in Alabama Hiram King Williams was born on 17 September 1923 in Mount Olive, Alabama, and experienced considerable hardship during his childhood. Williams was born with spina bifida occulta, which contributed to lifelong back pain and would later play a role in his dependence on alcohol and medication. Music offered another direction. As a young man, Williams learned from African American blues musician Rufus Payne, known as Tee Tot, whose influence helped shape his distinctive approach to rhythm and performance. By his teenage years, Williams was performing publicly and eventually formed his backing group, the Drifting Cowboys. Nashville success transforms his career Williams signed with MGM Records in 1947 and soon began establishing himself nationally. “Move It on Over” became an early success, but “Lovesick Blues” transformed his career after its release in 1949. The recording became a major hit and helped earn Williams a place at the Grand Ole Opry. More classics followed, including “Why Don’t You Love Me”, “Long Gone Lonesome Blues”, “Cold, Cold Heart”, “Hey, Good Lookin’” and “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)”. Williams possessed an extraordinary ability to make simple language emotionally powerful. His songs frequently addressed relationships, rejection and loneliness without losing the directness that made them accessible to a broad audience. Heartbreak shapes Hank Williams songs Williams’s personal life was often as turbulent as the stories contained within his music. His marriage to Audrey Sheppard was particularly significant, with their difficult relationship influencing both his personal and professional life. The couple had a son, Hank Williams Jr., who would later establish his own major country music career. Behind Williams’s growing fame were increasingly serious problems with alcohol, prescription drugs and chronic pain. His unreliability eventually damaged professional relationships, and he was dismissed from the Grand Ole Opry in 1952. Hank Williams dies aged 29 Williams’s life ended with shocking suddenness. While travelling to a scheduled performance in Canton, Ohio, Williams died in the back seat of a Cadillac during the early hours of 1 January 1953. He was just 29 years old. Despite his brief career, the songs continued. “Your Cheatin’ Heart”, recorded before his death, became one of his defining posthumous releases and remains among the most recognisable heartbreak songs in country music history. Hank Williams leaves lasting legacy Williams was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 and has subsequently received recognition extending far beyond country music. His songwriting influenced generations of country, rock, folk and Americana performers, while recordings such as “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” continue to demonstrate the emotional simplicity that made his work so distinctive. Artists have changed, production has evolved and country music has expanded dramatically since Williams first stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage. Yet the themes at the heart of his songs remain remarkably familiar. As what would have been his 103rd birthday approaches, Hank Williams remains more than a historical figure. His music helped establish the language of modern country songwriting, and more than 70 years after his death, artists are still speaking it.
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Beyond Nashville: Fanny Lumsden
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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Folk-IndieBob – “Four Leaf Clover”
Folk-IndieBob creating the kind of easygoing folk track that feels pleasantly familiar from its opening moments.
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Country Calling cements its place on the UK country music scene
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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Catching up at Country Calling
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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Old Soul, New Sound: How Country Music’s Instruments Evolved
There was a time when country music needed very little to tell a story. One singer, one acoustic guitar, perhaps a fiddle or mandolin, and an audience willing to listen. The earliest pioneers of the genre created music that could be performed on a porch, in a church hall, or around a campfire without amplification or elaborate production. That simplicity remains at the heart of country music’s identity, but the instruments that shape today’s sound have travelled a remarkable journey. Modern country still respects its acoustic roots, yet today’s artists are just as likely to rely on sophisticated pedalboards, digital modelling amplifiers, wireless systems, in-ear monitors and studio technology as they are on a well worn Martin or Gibson. The evolution of country music is, in many ways, the evolution of the instruments that bring it to life. The acoustic foundation For much of country music’s early history, the acoustic guitar was more than an accompaniment. Brands such as Martin and Gibson became synonymous with the genre, prized for their rich tone and projection long before microphones became commonplace. Artists such as Jimmie Rodgers, The Carter Family and later Hank Williams proved that powerful songwriting needed little more than six strings and an honest voice. Every scratch on the guitar became part of the instrument’s story, reflecting thousands of miles travelled and countless songs performed. Alongside the acoustic guitar came the fiddle, banjo, mandolin and upright bass, instruments borrowed from Appalachian, Celtic and folk traditions that helped define what audiences came to recognise as country music. The electric revolution The arrival of electricity transformed country music forever. As dance halls became larger and bands grew louder, musicians needed instruments capable of filling bigger venues. The electric guitar arrived not as a replacement for the acoustic, but as a practical solution. Few instruments have become as closely associated with country music as the Fender Telecaster. Introduced in the early 1950s, its unmistakable bright, cutting tone became the soundtrack of honky tonk, Bakersfield country and countless Nashville recordings. Artists including Buck Owens and Merle Haggard helped demonstrate that electric guitars could retain country music’s storytelling while adding a new level of energy and expression. The pedal steel guitar also emerged as one of the genre’s defining voices. Its sweeping bends and emotional phrasing created a sound unlike anything else in popular music, becoming almost inseparable from traditional country recordings. Nashville meets technology As recording studios evolved, so too did the equipment behind the music. The famous Nashville Sound of the 1960s introduced smoother production, string sections and sophisticated studio techniques designed to broaden country music’s commercial appeal. Instruments were no longer judged solely on how they sounded in a room, but on how they responded to microphones, mixing consoles and advanced recording equipment. Today, even the most traditional sounding albums often rely on cutting edge technology behind the scenes. Digital recording allows producers to capture performances with incredible detail, while modern editing tools offer flexibility unimaginable to previous generations. Importantly, however, technology has rarely replaced musicianship. The best country recordings still depend on authentic performances rather than digital perfection. The modern country toolkit Walk onto the stage of a contemporary country artist and the contrast with the genre’s origins is striking. Wireless guitar systems give performers complete freedom to move across stadium stages. Digital amp modellers recreate the sounds of dozens of classic amplifiers without the weight or maintenance of traditional valve equipment. In-ear monitoring systems provide crystal clear mixes for performers while reducing stage volume. Programmable pedalboards allow guitarists to switch instantly between acoustic simulations, vintage overdrives, delays and reverbs throughout a performance. Many artists also perform with multiple guitars, each selected for a specific tuning, song or tonal character. What once required a single acoustic now involves carefully curated collections designed to meet the demands of modern touring. The acoustic guitar remains Despite these advances, the acoustic guitar remains the emotional centre of country music. Whether it is Chris Stapleton opening a stripped back ballad on a Gibson J45, Zach Top embracing traditional bluegrass influences, or Lainey Wilson writing new material with little more than an acoustic and a notebook, songwriting still begins in much the same way it always has. The acoustic guitar continues to provide something that technology cannot manufacture: intimacy. It exposes every nuance of a performance, every imperfection in a vocal, and every emotion within a lyric. In a genre built on authenticity, that honesty remains invaluable. Tradition meets innovation Perhaps the greatest strength of country music is its willingness to embrace progress without abandoning tradition. Artists now blend vintage instruments with digital technology, analogue warmth with modern precision, creating recordings that respect the past while speaking to contemporary audiences. A songwriter may begin with an acoustic guitar in a quiet room, develop ideas on a smartphone voice recorder, refine arrangements in a digital audio workstation, and ultimately perform the finished song through wireless systems to tens of thousands of fans. Every stage of that journey reflects how far the instruments of country music have evolved. At its core, country music has never been about the equipment. It has always been about telling honest stories through instruments that serve the song. Whether those stories are carried by a weathered Martin acoustic, a road worn Telecaster, or the latest digital touring rig, the spirit of country music continues to resonate with audiences because authenticity still matters more than technology. The tools may have changed dramatically over the decades, but the heart of country music remains firmly rooted in the simple relationship between a musician, an instrument, and a great song.
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Country Calling: The Festival Redefining Country Music Discovery
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”
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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