This year’s C2C Country To Country festival is almost upon us, and the lineups for all of the various stages have now been released. With so many artists to choose from, and many of them new to festival goers, we’ve put together a few snapshots of some who we think will leave a impression on audiences long after C2C is over for another year.
If you’re on Spotify, we’ve put all the “top tracks” from each artist into a handy playlist
Kyle Daniel
Who is Kyle Daniel? – A Kentucky born singer/songwriter steeped in the traditions of roots and heartland rock, with a voice like gravel and smoke. Think melody, think storytelling, think guitar-led anthemic songwriting. Think the Allman Brothers, Steve Earle, Bob Seger, but don’t think throwback or retro. His sound and his themes are bang up to date – Born To Lose, for example, is a nod towards the current opiod addiction crisis in the USA. Tour spots with The Cadillac Three and Black Stone Cherry in 2019 helped to promote his latest EP, What’s There To Say?, and he’s making a welcome return to the UK after his appearance during Country Music Week in October last year.
Top tracks – Born To Lose, God Bless America (Damn Rock ‘n’ Roll), Ain’t No Difference, Hangover Town
Where to find Kyle at C2C – Spotlight Stage, BBC Radio 2 Stage at Indigo, The Saloon – All Bar One By Night, Country Hits Radio Sessions
Where to follow Kyle – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Artist’s Website
Where to find Kyle’s music – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube
Tim Hicks
Who Is Tim Hicks? – A Canadian rocker, this is his first trip to perform over on our side of the pond. He has an impressive back catalogue with songs that will make you want to tap those toes, and get out of your seat. Having opened for Dierks Bentley and Dallas Smith, he’s one to watch on the radar.
Top Tracks – What a Song Should Do, Hell Raisin’ Good Time, Here Comes the Thunder
Where to Find Tim at C2C – The Town Square, Big Entrance Stage, Garden Stage,
Where to follow Tim – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Artist’s Website
Where to find Tim’s music – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube
A Thousand Horses
Who Are A Thousand Horses? – Four guys drawn from across the Southern states bringing their own blend of country, southern rock and blues back to the UK after their one-off London gig late last year. We’re expecting a huge clamour for ATH at the All Bar One late on Saturday night. Let’s hope Darius can hold on to his fans in the arena – or will they all be rushing off to join the queue for this high-energy band…?
Top Tracks – look out for latest single Drinking Song, plus Livin’ My Best Life and Southernality
Where to Find A Thousand Horses at C2C – BBC Radio 2 Stage at Indigo, The Saloon – All Bar One By Night, The Town Square Stage
Where to follow A Thousand Horses – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Artist’s Website
Where to find A Thousand Horses’ music – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube
Austin Jenckes
Who is Austin Jenckes? – One of the standout artists at The Long Road, Austin’s star continues to rise and the fact he’s playing The Bluebird songwriters session is the perfect place to showcase his amazing voice and storytelling lyrics. If you don’t have a ticket, you’re missing a biggie so try and catch this man and his guitar elsewhere.
Top Tracks – American Nights, Fat Kid, Never Left Memphis
Where to Find Austin Jenckes at C2C – CMW Hub – All Bar One, Garden Stage, The Bluebird Cafe, Country Hits Radio Sessions
Where to follow Austin Jenckes – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Artist’s Website
Where to find Austin Jenckes’ music – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube
Robert Counts
Who is Robert Counts? – A young man from Franklin, Tennessee, about 20 miles south of Nashville. Possessing a voice with a smokey rasp that’ll bear comparisons with the likes of Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams or Ray LaMontagne, but delivered with Southern soul and a certain swagger.
Top tracks – Backstreet Driver, Better People, Dress Up
Where to find Robert at C2C – BBC Radio 2 Stage at Indigo, The Saloon – All Bar One By Night, Town Square Stage, Country Hits Radio Sessions
Where to follow Robert – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Artist’s Website
Where to find Robert’s music – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube
Kaitlyn Baker
Who is Kaitlyn Baker? – Hailing from the small town of Pound, Virginia by the border with Kentucky, Kaitlyn Baker is born and bred Appalachian. Coming from mining stock herself, it’s little wonder she’s been referred to as “a modern day Coal Miner’s Daughter” but while her music has traditional influences it’s all her own blend of country, blues, gospel, bluegrass and rock.
Top tracks – Blackbird, Coal Train, Burn
Where to find Kaitlyn at C2C – BBC Radio 2 Stage at Indigo, The Saloon – All Bar One By Night, Town Square Stage
Where to follow Kaitlyn – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Artist’s Website
Where to find Kaitlyn’s music – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube
Jackson Michelson
Who is Jackson Michelson? – This Oregon native sprung onto the UK stage with his debut at last year’s inaugural Dixie Fields festival. The singer-songwriter made such an impression that he was invited back for 2020 but don’t miss him first here. Plenty of personality and really knows how to engage a crowd.
Top Tracks – Stay Over, One At A Time, Down by the River
Where to Find Jackson Michelson at C2C – BBC Radio 2 Stage at Indigo, The Town Square Stage, Garden Stage, Country Hits Radio Sessions
Where to follow Jackson Michelson – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Artist’s Website
Where to find Jackson Michelson’s music – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube
Danny Burns
Who is Danny Burns? – A County Donegal, Ireland native who transplanted across the Atlantic many years ago, making places like New York City, Chicago and New Orleans his home while plying his trade and building community. 2019 saw the release of his “proper” debut album North Country, a timeless, rustic blend of folk, country, bluegrass and American roots music featuring contributions from the likes of Dan Tyminski, Cara Dillon and Critter Fuqua.
Top tracks – Let It Go, Waiting On Something To Give, Look Into Her Eyes
Where to find Danny at C2C – Icon Stage, Garden Stage
Where to follow Danny – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Artist’s Website
Where to find Danny’s music – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, Soundcloud
Katy Hurt
Who Is Katy Hurt? – A British singer-songwriter with raw talent, and a kick ass attitude when she performs. She’s making her way through the scene and is a delight to watch to live. A soulful voice that takes you on a story with every lyric she sings. This year we get to see the release of her debut album.
Top Tracks – Unfinished Business, Natchez, Revved Up
Where to Find Katy at C2C – Big Entrance Stage, Garden Stage,
Where to follow Katy – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Artist’s Website
Where to find Katy’s music – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube
Holloway Road
Who Are Holloway Road? – A duo of down to earth British lads, they have really made their way through the ranks with some impressive performances including at Long Road Festival and CMA Fest, on top of touring with the likes of Lindsey Ell and Lauren Alaina. These two sit comfortably in the “pop country” umbrella but know how to put on a show.
Top Tracks – My Love, Where We Are Tonight, Get The Girl
Where to Find Holloway Road at C2C – The Town Square, Garden Stage
Where to follow Holloway Road – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Artist’s Website
Where to find Holloway Road’s music – Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube