When the list of releases for review went live yesterday, one grabbed my attention immediately.
The list stated “Tyler Braden – Nashville Rising Star” and having not long off a plane from Nashville, Tennessee I was eager to see what this was all about. One of the main reasons, for anyone who hasn’t been to Broadway, Nashville is that the live music scene is unlike anything you will ever experience. So, if you are raising out of the overflowing talent pool from that area of the world, then you must be doing something outstanding as I have never seen so much talent in such a small area and it is available all day and night.
Braden moved to Nashville from Montgomery, AL and continued his role as a firefighter as he paved his way and built his reputation in Music City and now has over 160 million global streams to his name and has released his debut EP What Do They Know in 2021 it is time for the follow-up.
This 6-track release has already seen some exposure to the world, with the ‘Try Losing One’ featuring Sydney Sierota of Echosmith and the title track having already been released and if you haven’t heard them then you are in for a real treat.
The EP opens with the title track and sets the bar very high for what is going to follow. The storytelling is impressive as the deep narration and the stripped-back music are as relatable as music gets. This is what Country music should be like.
We then experience the other released track, which grabs you equally as much but this time by the emotions. There is something so special about this track, words don’t do it justice. Just press play and allow yourself of the privilege of truly experiencing brilliance.
These two tracks really do set the tone for the remaining 4 songs, granted one of them is ‘Try Losing One’ but just with Braden but this does not take anything away from a stunning collection of tracks. The best compliment that I can pay to this release is that I want to get my hands on a physical copy of it as soon as I can.
This is not that in the current climate of cross-over from Country to Pop and vice versa. For me, Country is music from the heart, about things that matter and can be played by the artist live, with or without backing and electricity and that is exactly what Braden has created here.
Braden is due to perform at Country 2 Country festival and if you are lucky enough to be going then this is a must-watch. I will be keeping my eyes out for upcoming releases and performances by Braden and before long he will be a star without the rising in front of it.
Neon Grave will be released Friday, March 3rd 2023 via Warner Music Nashville.
Ed Ford
Tracklist
- Neon Grave
- Try Losing One (with Syndey Sierota of Echosmith)
- Choose Me
- Wrong Right Now
- Middle Man
- Try Losing One
CONNECT WITH TYLER BRADEN: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
Tyler Braden is due to make his UK/European debut in March, with mainstage CMA Introducing Nashville performances at C2C Festival in London, Glasgow and Dublin:
Friday 10th March – London, O2 Arena
Saturday 11th March – Glasgow OVO Hydro
Sunday 12th March – Dublin, 3Arena
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CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF COUNTRY TO COUNTRY
10 TO 12 MARCH 2023
3ARENA, DUBLIN
ZAC BROWN BAND – LADY A -THOMAS RHETT
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW – MIDLAND – JORDAN DAVIS
MITCHELL TENPENNY – LAINEY WILSON
LINDSAY ELL – MATT STELL – INTRODUCING NASHVILLE
And more special guests to be announced
Tickets on sale Friday 21st October at 10am from Ticketmaster
Country to Country has established itself as the annual destination to see some of the world’s best country artists and future stars. The festival is set to bring yet another incredible line up to 3Arena Dublin from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 March 2023. Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 21st at 10am.
To celebrate 10 years of C2C, world-renowned superstars Zac Brown Band, Thomas Rhett and Lady A have been confirmed to headline 2023’s festival. They will be joined by Nashville’s hottest and most buzzed about artists Midland, Jordan Davis, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lainey Wilson and Mitchell Tenpenny alongside prolific performers Lindsay Ell and Matt Stell. CMA’s international series Introducing Nashville also returns which sees exciting, emerging newcomers share the mainstage for an acoustic set, recalling stories behind their tracks. Further special guests will be announced soon.
Since its inaugural event in 2013 headlined by Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood at The O2 London, Country to Country has grown to a three-day multi-arena event featuring the best in country music and programming which fans have come to love and expect, with tens of thousands in attendance each year. Not only does C2C feature performances from the world’s best country stars it also showcases the best of emerging talent from Nashville, UK and Europe.
Jack Dowling, C2C Festival Director said: “Country to Country is delighted to be bringing back the finest in US talent to the UK and Ireland. In our 10th year C2C keeps going from strength to strength. We’d like to thank our fantastic partners AEG Presents, the CMA and BBC Radio 2 who continue to help us deliver the best event and of course, more importantly our passionate fans. Country to Country would not be what it is without you. See you all for C2C 2023!”
Chris York, C2C Festival Co-Founder and Director at SJM Concerts commented: “As founder of C2C, it is incredible to see the event moving into its 10th year. A testament to the wonderful support of all artists, managers and agents who continue to believe in the power of country outside of North America. We have to thank our amazing event partners BBC Radio 2, the CMA and lastly the fans – who continue to drive the event forward and challenge us to keep moving forward. That’s what makes doing this worthwhile.”
“C2C is a tentpole event for our industry and our Country Music community.” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “As we see Country Music continue to expand on a global scale, it’s events like C2C that are pivotal in maintaining that forward momentum, promoting music discovery, broadening the fan base and demonstrating the growth of Country Music internationally. We are thrilled to be partnering with C2C again this year and look forward to the event in March!”
The C2C Spotlight Stage will also be back so watch out for news of the full line up in the coming months.
Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 21st October and are available from: Dublin – www.ticketmaster.ie
In 2022 C2C welcomed country music superstar headliners Luke Combs, Darius Rucker, Miranda Lambert alongside Kip Moore, Brett Young, Ashley McBryde, Russell Dickerson, Scotty McCreery, Flatland Cavalry, Tenille Townes, Hailey Whitters and more: as well as programming from the Festival Stages, BBC Radio 2 Stage, CMA Screenings, The Bluebird Café, Aftershows and C2C Sessions.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Website www.c2c-countrytocountry.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/Country2Country
Twitter https://twitter.com/C2Cfestival
Instagram @C2CFestival