The third Monday in January is often referred to a "Blue Monday", the saddest day of the year, it's a combination caused, by the usually bleak weather, the return to routine after the festive break and the associated bills coming in as you wait for payday. Arriving as something of a cheery antidote to those feelings is Brian Collins with his new single "Better Days".

As we mentioned when reviewing Lakelin Lemming's earlier singles #TEAMw21 tirelessly work to bring you tomorrow's stars today. Lakelin, is a 19 year old singer songwriter from Henderson, West Tennessee, and her debut EP "Get Around Boy" suggests that the Country Calling team were wise to snap her up quickly when they exclusively bring her to the UK in August.

After slating Song Suffragettes for the poor sound at their opening show at Lil Nashville, it's a pleasure to report that things were much better this time round. The somewhat precarious looking stools from before were also replaced by lower plastic chairs. The only area of disagreement we have remaining is the 3 round limit which doesn't really seem enough for either player or audience. It's a sold out show that has gathered together a gaggle of #TEAMw21 favourites, Jeorgia

The striking cover that accompanies "Dying By Inches", the new single from John Jenkins leaves little doubt as to what this song might be about, with the Statue Of Liberty holding her head in hands. Although it is John's latest single it is not as such a new song, originally written and released some years ago, when John could already sense many of the traditional ideals of the USA being eroded. In the light of recent events he's started to add it back into his live set and d

Having launched her debut album "Naked Heart" at The Green Note last year, #TEAM21 caught up with Brooke Law prior to her heading out on the road to promote the record nationally - oh and this time there is vinyl!! Brooke is someone #TEAMw21 have followed closely since originally spotting her potential at a Songwriter's Round at Pizza Express. Since then she has played live relentlessly in both solo and band formats always giving excellent value for money. We meet at Lil Nash

40+ names have been added to Country To Country 2026, performing across 11 stages at The O2, London. The newly announced artists will perform sets across multiple stages around the festival footprint. The Town Square will once again be filled with a variety of traders, street food, sponsor activations, bars and more. The resident tattoo artist also returns to C2C!

#TEAMw21's attention was drawn to Ronny Criss's latest single "Stupid Heart" by a recommendation from our firm favourite Stephanie Ryann, and a fine tip it out turned be.

One of the saddest things about C2C 2026 is that it is going to deprive us of a chance to see Roswell Road at The Water Rats. Their latest single "Out Of The Dark" only confirms that this will be a temporary delay in getting to see them live. as it is a most intriguing, alluring sound that only makes you want to hear more.