Lauren Alaina

With a handful of female country superstars dominating the forefront of the genre, it can be hard for any up and coming talent to break the industry.
That said, as country music enters the mainstream more and more, we are seeing more country singers appearing on TV talent shows, such as American Idol and X Factor USA. Whilst someone have questioned these shows as legitimate routes into carving a music career, they should be viewed as platforms to showcase talent that otherwise would be ignored. Country's leading female vocalist, Carrie Underwood, was herself a winner of American Idol.
Another talent that American Idol has produced, Lauren Alaina is a new country superstar taking the industry by storm. I was fortunate enough to see her live on a trip to Nashville earlier this year, the home of country music, and was taken by surprise by how polished and mature the 19-year-olds performance was. She sang her way through a short set of sure to be hit songs including first single "Like My Mother Does", the perfect, emotional country song.
At just 19, Lauren Alaina has clearly got the talent to spend many more years making music and I'm sure she will be a credit to the country genre. Her live performance was truly exceptional for someone so young and so new to the industry and was a testament to just how far she will go.

The way that the American rock band, The Band of Heathens, split their song writing between three band members is something that works really well for the band, giving each track an original sound, and making sure that it doesn’t get samey and repetitive. Although one of the original song writers, Colin Brooks, is no longer in the band, they’re still as tight as ever and have a great and varied sound still.

They opened the show with Ed Jurdi coming on stage and shouting out to the audience that the band hoped we were having a great time, and to sing and dance along with their tracks if we knew them. He then introduced the rest of the band, and they launched into their title track from The Double Down, and of course everyone was familiar with it and singing along.

They played a great selection of their music from over the years, and Ed and Gordy Quist, the vocalist and guitarist, even played some of their solo material with the band as their backing which went down really well, and was a really nice surprise part of the show. All of the band were great at performing, and super talented at their instruments.

With a musical history stemming back as far as the 1940’s, vocal quartet The Oak Ridge Boys have meandered from Southern Gospel to Country, eventually solidifying their image and sound in the latter. Over their long-lasting career spanning over six decades, the band have recorded and released over thirty-one studio albums and have achieved seventeen number one singles. Largely known for their popular crossover hits ‘Elvira’, ‘Bobbie Sue’ and ‘American Made’, The Oak Ridge Boys have built their legacy and kept it thriving receiving accolades left, right and centre. Relentlessly touring all America for several years has created a legion of loyal fans who have vigilantly followed and supported their career.
With a diverse and thirsty audience, the band cater for all playing a good mixture of classics and new material from their extensive repertoire. Their happy-go-lucky rock and roll country infused sound creates an infectious and electric atmosphere as the crowd can’t help but get up and dance whilst clapping along to the beat. Playing a selection of hits such as ‘Same Ole Me’, ‘I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes’ and ‘Touch a Hand, Make a Friend’, their love for the genre radiates through the room as the deliver their tight four part harmony to a pitch perfect standard. With high energy and passionate performances enough to warm your heart, after all these years The Oak Ridge Boys still know how to bring the house down.

Taking an interest in music from an early age, Mark Wills began his musical journey through performing in various garage bands inspired by rock artists such as Bon Jovi. In his teenage years he fell in love with country music and at 17 took the opportunity to enter a local talent show in Georgia. Winning the talent show was just the beginning of his humble climb up the ladder, it wasn’t long before he transitioned into singing on demos and eventually his talent being recognised, amounting to his label partnership with Mercury Records Nashville who he signed with in 1996. Later that year he released his debut self-titled album, produced by Carson Chamberlain and Keith Stegall. The first single to come off that album ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ was a roaring success and headed straight into the country charts at number six. His commercial success really took off with the release of his second album, ‘Wish You Were Here’ which featured the title track which earned him his first number one and landed number eight in the Country album charts. That album also scored Wills the ‘Top New Male Vocalist’ title at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 1998.
With seven studio albums under his belt, Mark Wills has forged his path to success as well as becoming a recognised Country icon. His live performances have won over many a heart. Simplicity is key for Wills, often performing on a stool in regular clothes and with an acoustic guitar shrouded in a single spotlight. His deep sultry tone wafts through the room, enchanting all present as he delves into his back catalogue playing tracks like ‘I Do (Cherish You)’, ‘Places I’ve Never Been’ and ‘19 Somethin’. The rapport which Wills creates with the attentive audience is both charming and endearing, the intimate settings allows the relationship with the crowd to blossom as he interacts in between tracks asking for song suggestions with plenty of banter. Mark Wills is a pure delight to watch and is guaranteed to leave you with goosebumps.

Old Crow Medicine Show is always a great time. They always play at great venues and put on a brilliant show that never disappoints. I have seen them as a headliner and as part of a set in a music festival. They have a great following of fans and the show is always tons of fun. They make great music, all the artists are talented and play all types of music with great original songs and classic covers like "Wagon Wheel." If you're looking to have a great time and dance to great uplifting music this is your show. They have been perfecting their stage show for years and are masters and a staple in the bluegrass rockabilly scene. They play a beautiful blend of different music styles and the show is complete experience from the lot to the crown and the stage. It is a fantastic experience and a band I would see at every oppertunity. Look for them in a line up at a music festival and I guarantee it will be a great weekend. Dress light and wear your dancing shoes, get down and have fun. It is impossible to leave an Old Crow Medicine Show in a bad mood, they will lift you up and the beautiful energy of the music and the fans will keep you flying through your week.