If you are a UK based country artist trying to get a bit more recognition or perhaps releasing a new album you would like promoting, please feel free to contact us.

Ideally, we ask that you have at your own professional website that we can promote, links to your music on either itunes, amazon or similar and some high quality images that we can use.

We like to keep in touch with all of our featured artists after their spot in the lime light so we will also feature your future gigs on our calendar as long as you let us know about them. Twitter accounts, facebook pages, sound clouds and similar are also a bonus and we will promote your pages for you!

All artists will be considered but please dont take offence if we dont get you featured straight away.

What could be better than free publicity?? Fancy yourself as our Featured Artist? Contact us on admin@welovecountry.co.uk – Please feel free to get in touch. 

Big & Rich

Warner Bros

Released 18/09/12

I always find the test of a good CD is how long I can have it in the car on constant play for.  HillBilly Jedi made it on continuous play (to and from work) for 3 months and is still in the car for when I need something to pick me up on the way home, or a brief change from my current constant play – Jake Owen Barefoot Blue Jean Night.
For those of you looking for a more traditional country sound, I wouldn’t bother. This is rock country with more than a nod to Bowie and Limp Bizkit. The first track Born Again features Bon Jovi but catches the mood of Rollin’.  In the early noughties I was disappointed when Fred Durst hurt his back which resulted in him cancelling his UK tour date at the MK Bowl.  Maybe I’ll get to see Big & Rich perform this instead one day which would more than make up for it.  That’s Why I Pray (track 3) is an observation of life today and is quite thought provoking, especially given some of the news stories that have come out of America recently. Never Far Away (track 11) has the haunting tones of Ziggy Stardust and is a very simple tune that stays with you as an earworm for days after.  M-E-D-L-E-Y of HillBilly Jedi is just bonkers but fabulous. In short, there are no bad tracks on this CD, they are not all brilliant or ground breaking but you won’t want to skip a song. If you have never listened to Big & Rich (and want to know why you should) all I can tell you is their harmonies are stunning and a pleasure to listen to.

Written By Corrina Rutter –
I have always enjoyed Country Music but didn’t know anything more recent than Shania Twain.  Then a couple of years ago I visited America and my holiday coincided with the CMA’s.  What an eye opener!!!  I wrote down some the the performers I enjoyed (Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton and of course Brad Paisley), placed my order with Amazon when I got back to the UK and haven’t looked back since.  Outside of Country Music I am a bit of a Sci Fi geek with a fondness for chocolate (Dairy Milk only please) and rescue moggies.

Welcome to 2013 and a big welcome to our first featured artist of the new year, Jeannine Barry.

We chose to feature Jannine after listening to a few of her tracks on a soundcloud link that was sent to us. the first few tracks we listened to really appealed and we felt inspired to share them with you. We have been following her on twitter and have fast become big fans and we hope by introducing her to you all, you will do the same.

Living in London, Jeannine is currently working on an album with producer Denis Gagetic. Growing up, she was influenced by various musicians such as power house Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Eminem, Christina Aguilera and P!nk. Its not the genre of music so much that attracts her  but more the story and honesty in a song and they way a lyric can move you.

She started songwriting at a young age with her brother and recording tracks at home. She is constantly pushing herself with a hunger and desire to write better and better songs that really reflect what she feels and wants to say.

She also lived in Berlin where she worked with several producers and musicians such as Loomis Green and Rares Cara, who both work with well-known German artists. It was here that she met her vocal coach and mentor David Lee Brewer (former vocal coach of Beyoncé, H-Town, Letoya Luckett and more) with whom she studied Vocals and performance.

Jeannine always knew she wanted to perform from a young age.  She says “I always wanted to do it I don’t know why. Perform live and move people with my voice and songs. The joy of singing live is just a thrill.”

She is currently working on releasing her first EP. This is something she feels proud of for achieving on her own and sticking to her dream.  She says choosing country music was scary but that’s what she wants to do and she’s found her place in the music world.

Jeannine spends any spare time she gets with family and friends, cooking, ballet, reading inspiring and uplifting books. Although most of her time is spent in the studio, writing new songs, promoting, gigging and just working on her career. You can hear a few samples of her music here where she has uploaded a few tracks. Be sure to listen as there are some very good songs and lovely vocals.

As with all of our featured artists, we always finish with a ‘complete the sentence’ – Heres Jeannines answer… “UK Needs Country Music Because…

“…it is missing here.  It is real and I know they would love it if they would learn that it’s not just the old fashioned country western man who sings it but that it can be modern and fresh. It is for those who love to listen to the lyrics aswell and I think it’s a shame that the UK has been missing out on it.”

We have included a few links for you to catch Jeaninne Barry on your favourite social networking sites. Be sure to follow her on twitter and like her facebook page.

www.jeanninebarry.com

www.soundcloud.com/jeannine-barry

www.facebook.com/jeanninebarryoffical

http://www.reverbnation.com/jeanninebarry

www.twitter.com/jeannine_barry

We hope that we can rely upon your support throughout the coming year as we bring you more from the UK’s newest artists, more campaigns and of course more competitions and prizes. We would not be here without your support and for that we thank you.

We would like to take this moment to wish you and your families a very merry christmas and all the best wishes for a fantastic 2013.

Once again,

Many thanks

With Love from the team at WeLoveCountry

Leslie, Claire, Michelle and Liam.

The two hour show featured performances by Co-Hosts Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, Jake Owen, Kip Moore, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Here is the list of winners from this year’s awards, and all importantly these are voted for by the fans themselves.

Artists

Artist of the Year: Luke Bryan

Artist of the Year Male: Luke Bryan

Artist of the Year Female: Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year Group: Lady Antebellum

Artist of the Year Breakthrough Artist: Jake Owen

Artist of the Year New artist: Lauren Alaina

Album

Album of the Year : Luke Bryan; Tailgates & Tanlines

Singles

Single of the Year: Luke Bryan; I don’t want this night to end

Single of the Year Male: Luke Bryan; I don’t want this night to end

Single of the Year Female: Miranda Lambert; Over You

Single of the Year Group: Lady Antebellum; We owned the night

Single of the Year New Artist: Hunter Hayes; Wanted

Single of the Year Breakthrough Artist: Brantley Gilbert; You don’t know her like I do

Single of the Year Vocal Collaboration: Bran Paisley duet with Carrie Underwood: Remind me

Touring

Tourist Artist of the Year: Jason Aldean

Videos

Music Video of the Year: Luke Bryan; I don’t want this night to end

Music Video of the Year Male: Luke Bryan; I don’t want this night to end

Music Video of the Year Female: Miranda Lambert; Over You

Music Video of the Year Group or Collaboration: Little Big Town; Pontoon

Music Video of the Year New Artist: Hunter Hayes; Wanted

Song of the Year: Eric Church; Springsteen (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell)

Most Played Radio Track – these additional awards were determined by Mediabase.

Most Played Radio Track: Luke Bryan; I don’t want this night to end

Most Played Radio Track Male: Luke Bryan; I don’t want this night to end

Most Played Radio Track Female: Miranda Lambert; Over you

Most Played Radio Track Group: Zac Brown Band; Keep me in Mind

Most Played Radio Track New Artist: Kip Moore; Somethin’ Bout a truck

This is not your typical Christmas Carol or seasonal tear jerker! Wanting to offer something different, Quinn’s record ‘Festive Moonshine’ tells of an unusual and humorous encounter with a very important character on his busiest night of the year. It may make you think twice about what sort of beverage it’s best to leave out on Christmas Eve for a certain visitor as it might have a direct impact on the delivery of certain goods!

Gary is trying to recapture the essence of when Christmas number No.1s were songs that talked about Christmas with a little fun. There’s little doubt that The X-Factor winner will probably get No.1 spot again this year but there’s always room for another contender! Quinn hopes ‘Festive Moonshine’ can stand the test of time just like Wizzard’s ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’, Slade’s ‘Merry Christmas’ and Dr. Elmo and Patsy’s ‘Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer’.

This is the season to be jolly and have some fun so do not miss out, this will definitely put a smile on your face and on those of your nearest and dearest no matter their age.

‘Festive Moonshine’ is now available for download on:

iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/festive-moonshine-single/id577685857

Amazon – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Festive-Moonshine/dp/B00AA6EHXA

CD Baby – http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/garyquinn1

as well as other download sites. Physical copies can also be purchased by getting in touch directly with Gary Quinn Music via www.facebook.com/GaryQuinnMusic

You could put it on your wish list for the ‘Big Man’ to leave under the tree for you…but I wouldn’t bet on him being in a fit state to do so! Probably be best to download once available.

DJ’s:

If you require a physical copy of ‘Festive Moonshine’ please e-mail Gary with your Radio Station, Name and Address.

Many thanks!

Gary Quinn Music – 07745587652 – garyjpquinn@yahoo.co.uk

Music was very much at the forefront of his childhood, with a guitar always present at family gatherings and with country being his genre of choice. He used to perform renditions of ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ and ‘The Dance’

Whilst studying at University in Manchester, he performed in a 3 piece acoustic group, playing songs popular of the time by artists such as Oasis, Stereophonics and such but would occasionally throw in a country cover which the audiences appeared to like.

But it was when he came to perform at the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival in 2010 where he discovered that his ambition was to write and perform his own country music.

After releasing a five-track EP, Quinn’s songs have been heard on radio stations in his native Ireland, UK, America and Australia. He has opened for top touring US country artists and appeared at several prestigious music festivals in Ireland, UK and America.

Back in 2010, Quinn went on to open for Carlene Carter and in March 2012 he was invited to perform at the Belfast Nashville Songwriter Showcase in Nashville and shared the stage with hit songwriters Billy Montana and Pam Rose.

Quinn was back in Nashville in June 2012 as he was invited to sing at the prestigious CMA Global Artist Party and CMA Music Fest (in the past known as Fan Fair) in downtown Nashville. This, along with opening for Gene Watson, Will Banister, Larry Gatlin, performing The Three Legs Festival on the Isle of Man and his continuing performances in the UK, has led to Gary being nominated for 2 British Country Music Awards for 2012.

Quinn is currently working on some new tracks for his debut album, one that we will be sure to tell you about closer to its release date. In the meantime Gary’s music can be heard by visiting his musician Facebook web page

You can now hear Gary’s Festive moonshine here.  A great, upbeat Christmas number to eat, drink and be merry to!

Fancy yourself as our Featured Artist? Contact us on admin@welovecountry.co.uk - All we ask is that you are a UK country artist/band, have a website, links to your music on either itunes, amazon or similar and some high quality images that we can use. Facebook pages and twitter accounts are also a bonus as we can promote these for you too. Please feel free to get in touch. 

If you havent heard of Raintown… Then just where exactly have you been…??

Back in September this year, we welcomed Paul and Claire of Raintown to our featured artist spot.

We promised we would keep you updated with news from the Duo and here we are doing just that.

On December 2nd, the pair released their Christmas single,  Still Believe. Its a brilliant catchy song and perfect for any Chrismas playlist.

You can download it here on itunes and see the music video for it below. Be prepared to laugh… Pretty sure Paul wasnt too chuffed with the gift Claire got him Hahaha!

Well done guys, we give this a big WLC thumbs up!

Blake Shelton, Cheers, it’s Christmas

Track list:

Jingle bells rock (feat. Miranda Lambert), White Christmas, Oaklahoma Christmas (feat. Reba), Let it snow!  Let it snow! Let it snow!

There’s a new kid in town (feat. Kelly Clarkson), Santa’s got a Choo Choo train, Home (feat. Michael Buble), Winter Wonderland, The Christmas Song, Blue Christmas (feat. Pistol Annies), I’ll be home for Christmas, Silver Bells (feat. Xenia), Time for me to come home (feat. Dorothy Shackleford), The very best time of year (feat. Trypta-Phunk).

Blake writes in the covering sleeve that the earliest memories he has are centered around Christmas, and Christmas music always takes him back there, and this was a natural dream of his to make this album.  With help from many well known stars not only from the country world, Blake has certainly created a timeless Christmas album that he set out to create.

Produced by Scott Hendricks, with whom Blake has worked with on previous occasions on tracks such as Honey Bee and God gave me you,  was seen as uncharted territory, but something they both felt they needed to do.

For country fans here in the UK not all tracks might be as familiar, but they are all creating a warm Christmas feel, and will soon start to feel like you have been humming them for years.  Starting with Jingle Bell Rock featuring his wife, Miranda Lambert really sets the mood for what you can only imagine to be a fun family Christmas in the Shelton/Lambert household.

One of the stand out tracks of the album is Home, which is a duet with Michael Buble and was actually re-written purposely for this Album.

The many stars which join Blake, such as Reba, Kelly Clarkson and Pistol Annies really do help to add that country feel to these traditional songs.

The cover picture of this album is Blake sat in front of a traditional log fire, when this album is played all the way through, you really to start to imagine this traditional wintery family Christmas, with snow settling outside, log fire roaring, gifts being handed out, smiles and laughter all round.

Classic tracks such as White Christmas, Let it Snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! And winter wonderland have been perfect choices to let Blakes cheeky and fun personality really shine through.

This album now has already found its place in my Christmas collection, and will certainly be played a lot in the run up to this wonderful time of year, so to y’all “Cheers, it’s Christmas” and enjoy the album.

Opening act – John and Jacob

This was my first visit to the Manchester Academy. To many, visiting for the first time, it would appear that almost the whole of Manchester forms some part of the university, but it was relatively easy to find. As we arrived we found a small gathering of fans already there that had been waiting since the early hours of the morning. Their excitement was written all over their faces. And rightly so.
The venue was small and intimate and we were lucky enough to be right near the front.

John and Jacob opened the gig with Be my girl.
The impressive duo, from Birmingham, Alabama, really warmed the crowd showing off not just their guitar skills but also the trumpet, harmonica, tambourine and whistling.

Obviously a very talented pair and very friendly after the show when doing signings and photos. They warmed the crowd up perfectly with their upbeat tempo’s and mix of instruments combined with cheeky smiles and energetic jumping about on stage

The Band Perry came out to Kimberly’s quote “Daddy rocked us to sleep with the Rolling Stones, Mama woke us with Loretta Lynn, So we got it honest”. As soon as they arrived on stage, they opened with Sugar Sugar and Kimberly, the self proclaimed fire cracker of the band, was instantly working her magic on the crowd.
From this they went straight into ‘Hip to my heart’, the bands debut single. The crowd were already buzzing and were singing along with every word.

As they worked their way through the set with Miss You Being Gone, All Your Life and Under the Bus, they started to change it up a little bit by mixing a bit of Tom Petty’s Free Falling into Independence and then introducing a couple of new songs from the album they’ve recently been working on. It was work on this new album that caused them to reschedule the tour, as it was originally booked for July. But crowd didn’t seem to mind and welcomed the new material enthusiastically.

Their first new track was called ‘I saw the light’ and was introduced by Kimberly as “that moment, that feeling you get, when you meet ‘the one’” as she joked about her brothers Neil and Reid both being hopeless romantics. She went on to say ‘maybe it will happen for some of y’all tonight’ to which one girl behind me replied ‘It already has!”

Oh Pioneers, another new track was followed by an upbeat medley of some of the bands favourite songs including American Pie, Jack and Diane, Fat Bottomed Girls among others.

The last of their new tracks was Better Dig Two, which, despite still being very new, the whole audience recognised instantly by the haunting banjo intro and were singing along with every word.

Next, was a huge favourite of mine ‘If I Die Young’. This song really introduced me to the band, as I’m sure it did with many others. As soon as Kimberly sang the first line, the crowd took over so she stepped back and let us sing the first chorus before joining back in from the first verse. An eagerly anticipated track and beautifully performed.

The Band Perry then left the stage but soon returned to chants of “TBP, TBP” from the audience

They returned to do another short medley which included Fun’s ‘We are Young’ and the Beatles ‘A Little Help From My Friends’ before finishing with ‘You Lie’

Kimberly had mentioned that they would be staying behind to meet us and do signings, so of course we hung around. Rather than rush off as many performers do, they stayed and met everybody that wanted to meet them, signed posters, t shirts, tickets and even body parts. I managed to get a hug from all three of them whilst telling them about our website and the amount of country music fans we have over here and how much we miss out on. They seemed very intrested and enthusiastic and hinted that they will be returning, signs point to the same time next year…

Here’s hoping.

Overall, a great band, friendly, enthusiastic and they enjoyed playing for us, as much as we enjoyed seeing them. This was my first TBP concert and I can tell you for certain, it wont be my last!

*UPDATE*
I have temporarily removed the video for ‘I saw the Light’. I was contacted today by Universal Music and asked kindly to take it down while the record is a ‘work in progress’. They have said I can post it back up when the record is complete. I hop some of you got to enjoy it before it was removed. If not, It will be back up in due course, so please check back.