Helen M Jerome
Helen M Jerome is a London-based freelance journalist and lifelong music lover who also develops TV and Film projects - while drinking coffee and/or cider.
INTERVIEW•Cuts The Deepest: Parker McCollum
Parker McCollum is raring to go. He’s 29 years old, and after a couple of self-released records, the proud Texan has just released his major-label debut, Gold Chain Cowboy.
STAFF PICKS•Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Raise The Roof
Consider labelling this hugely-anticipated record as the very definition of Americana.
ESSENTIALS•The Best Eric Church Songs
Channelling Church favourites ‘Smoke A Little Smoke’ and ‘I’m Getting Stoned’, it’s “high” time we took a definitive – and occasionally subjective – look back at the very best of The Chief’s songs.
ALBUM REVIEW•Thomas Rhett - Where We Started
Thomas Rhett has declared that this album aims to be versatile enough to have “a song for everyone”; here he’s succeeded. We’re pretty sure his wife will be chuffed too.
LONG READ•Over Yonder: Country of the Caribbean
An unlikely love story across decades and oceans, first sparked into life with free radios, returning labourers, Spaghetti Westerns and a certain Kenny Rogers.
ALBUM REVIEW•Morgan Wallen - Dangerous
Throughout Dangerous, Wallen is supremely comfortable in mythologising his home state of Tennessee, crafting a sepia-tinged view of rural America.
INTERVIEW•Cuts The Deepest: Allison Russell
What’s particularly special about Russell’s choices and the stories behind them, is how they relate directly to the autobiographical nature of her own record. Having dealt with such trauma and abuse growing up, music and writing have been a vehicle for her to make sense of it and find her way out. Each of her choices tell part of that story.
LONG READ•Behind the Industry: Ross Copperman
The Nashville songwriter, famed for writing no.1 smash hits for Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley and many more, opens up about his career as a performer and songwriter to Helen M Jerome.
INTERVIEW•Introducing: Sam Williams
Sam Williams is reluctant country royalty. Holler spoke to him early in the morning in Nashville, as he sat in a cosy loft space, relaxed and ready to talk about absolutely everything. No holds barred.
GUIDE•A Guide To: AmericanaFest UK 2021
A comprehensive preview of AmericanaFest UK 2021. The showcases, the awards, the ones to watch - plus a definitive, insider’s guide from AMA-UK CEO, Stevie Smith.
ESSENTIALS•The Best Merle Haggard Songs
Affectionately known as the ‘Hag’ and the ‘Okie from Muskogee’, Merle Haggard was a true country music innovator. Delving into this broad catalogue, Holler decide on the 15 best Merle Haggard songs.
STAFF PICKS•Steve Earle & The Dukes - J.T.
Whether or not this is cathartic for Steve, it’s apt for a record that’s astonishingly good, brutally honest, and simply heart-breaking.
ALBUM REVIEW•Greensky Bluegrass - Stress Dreams
Once again, Greensky Bluegrass have deliberately gone outside the box, evolving and improvising with joyous and often surprising results.
GUIDE•A Guide To: Nanci Griffith
On Friday 13th August, Nanci Griffith passed away at the age of 68. A proper appreciation of her life and work is deserved, something we hope to provide with a guide to her key songs.
GUIDE•A Guide To: Kenny Rogers Duets
Delving into the array of collaborations from across his career, Holler presents the ultimate guide to the duets of ‘The Gambler’, Mr Kenny Rogers.
ALBUM REVIEW•Chris Young - Famous Friends
Chris Young says he just can’t wait to start playing this new music on the road, and you simply can’t help but sense that excitement coursing through the songs on Famous Friends.
COUNTRY CLASSICS•Emmylou Harris - Wrecking Ball
When a 48-year-old Harris stepped through the doors of producer Daniel Lanois’ New Orleans home to make her 18th studio album, little did we know that she’d emerge with this haunting masterpiece.
ESSENTIALS•The Best Alison Krauss Songs
One of the best song interpreters around, whose harmonies also lift those she performs with, Krauss has left a trail of excellence behind her.
ALBUM REVIEW•Flatland Cavalry - Welcome to Countryland
If you’re craving some sweet country authenticity, then this young Texan six-piece might be exactly what you’re looking for.
INTERVIEW•In Conversation: Sarah Jarosz
The multi-award winner calls in from her airy Nashville living room to talk about the progression of her prolific career, the significance of turning 30 and what went into curating her upcoming collection of songs, Blue Heron Suite.
ALBUM REVIEW•Ryan Hurd - Pelago
There's huge promise from Ryan Hurd's debut, on which his image as a Nashville insider yet outlier is burnished by much heart-on-the-sleeve vulnerability.
ALBUM REVIEW•Sturgill Simpson - The Ballad of Dood and Juanita
In The Ballad of Dood and Juanita, Sturgill Simpson has created something extraordinary.
INTERVIEW•The Songs That Changed My Life: Jeremy Ivey
Jeremy Ivey has clearly enjoyed thinking about the songs that changed his life; his choices reflecting every part of his childhood, youth and musical awakening.
ESSENTIALS•The Best Emmylou Harris Songs
From first falling in love with Gram Parson's left-field artistry to recording with Linda and Dolly, here we look back at 20 of Emmylou Harris' greatest songs.
INTERVIEW•Ten Year Town: John Hiatt & Jerry Douglas
Premiering Leftover Feelings in full exclusively at Holler, John Hiatt and Jerry Douglas sat down to reflect on their time in Music City, the magic of working in RCA Studio B and how it all came to shape this iconic collaborative staple.
INTERVIEW•The Songs That Changed My Life: Joshua Hedley
Typically thoughtful, Joshua Hedley has spent much time mulling over the songs that left a mark on him and did honestly change his life – and these are the six he can’t get out of his head.
ALBUM REVIEW•Declan O'Rourke - Arrivals
Thanks to Paul Weller’s production, the focused lyrics and the welcoming warmth of the instrumentation, Arrivals could be the record that breaks Declan O’Rourke into the Americana mainstream as a formidable singer-songwriter.
ALBUM REVIEW•Jamestown Revival - Young Man
Acoustic to its core, Young Man’s quietness defines the mood on Young Man; an intimate and mystical fourth studio album from the duo.
GUIDE•A Guide To: The World's First Bluegrass Festival, 1961
To modern ears, bluegrass might seem like an eternally safe space for close harmonies, collaborative musicianship and everyone uniting to preserve tradition. But initially, the reality was somewhat different, and by the time the very first bluegrass festival took place on July 4th 1961, it was all-out war.
ALBUM REVIEW•Joana Serrat - Hardcore from the Heart
It might be named after a book by sexologist and essayist Annie Sprinkles, but it is very much the Catalan’s creation, drenched in hugely summery vibes with folk-angled vocals, and instrumentation that swirls and chimes across her tremendous walls of sound.
ALBUM REVIEW•Jason Boland & The Stragglers - The Light Saw Me
Buckle in - this concept album is an existential western sci-fi extravaganza.
ALBUM REVIEW•Carson McHone - Still Life
Stripped back or full-blown, there’s something for everyone who loves Americana here - McHone is really flexing her musical muscles.
STAFF PICKS•Aaron Lee Tasjan - Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!
With his delightful fourth album, Aaron Lee Tasjan is pushing the boundaries of Americana again, and the results sound fabulous.
INTERVIEW•Why I Love - Steve Earle on Jerry Jeff Walker
Ahead of the release of his 2022 tribute album JERRY JEFF, Steve Earle speaks to Holler about the legacy of Jerry Jeff Walker and the icon's lasting influence on his artistry.
STAFF PICKS•John R. Miller - Depreciated
He’s got the tunes, the twang and the delivery. Call it what you want – poetic country rock, singer-songwriter folk, or muscular Americana – this first solo collection from John R. Miller feels like a genuine leap into the big leagues.
ALBUM REVIEW•Mickey Guyton - Remember Her Name
Not your run-of-the-mill country album by any measure, Mickey Guyton has stepped up and grabbed her moment in the spotlight here. Exploring everything from romance and abandonment to self-esteem and social justice, Remember Her Name is a milestone record.
ALBUM REVIEW•Jimmie Allen - Bettie James
Jimmie Allen may be tipping a Stetson, but this ain’t old fashioned country.
STAFF PICKS•Sturgill Simpson - Cuttin' Grass - Vol.2 (The Cowboy Arms Sessions)
Just knowing this is a Sturgill Simpson album is enough for most, but there's the added bonus that's he creatively let himself off the leash.
INTERVIEW•In Conversation: Rodney Crowell
Speaking from his cosy home just south of Nashville, surrounded by paintings, photos, awards and memories, Rodney Crowell delves into his life and career, all while his dog snoozes at his feet.
STAFF PICKS•Ava Earl - The Roses
A breakthrough release for the 18-year-old prodigy, this is the kind of record that’s going to repay revisiting; a complete work to get lost in.
INTERVIEW•Ten Year Town: Connie Smith
According to Dolly Parton, there are really only three real female singers: “Streisand, Ronstadt, and Connie Smith. The rest of us are only pretending.” As we talk to the real deal herself, Connie Smith smiles with pleasure at what they’ve achieved.
ALBUM REVIEW•Midland - The Last Resort EP
Sepia-tinged and harking back to the mythical good old days, yet still forward-facing and flashy, Midland’s image and musical style somehow manage to take the best of everything and mash it together.
ALBUM REVIEW•Dolly Parton - Run, Rose, Run
It’s a story to listen to from start to finish - Dolly showing us again that there’s no one better at telling these tales.
COUNTRY CLASSICS•Loretta Lynn - Coal Miner's Daughter
Coal Miner's Daughter is an understated masterpiece of concision, drama and imagery – every verse a short story that’s rarely been equalled, even in a genre where storytelling and authenticity are the most prized assets.
INTERVIEW•Cuts The Deepest: David Ferguson
Fans of quality roots music may know the name David Ferguson from all the artists he’s worked with; engineering and producing classic and Grammy-winning records, including Sturgill Simpson’s ground-breaking A Sailor’s Guide To Earth. Now, that’s about to change.
ALBUM REVIEW•Treetop Flyers - Old Habits
An immersive, nostalgia-driven fourth studio album from the London six-piece.
OPINION•Son of the Father: The Frank Relationship of Steve Earle and Justin Townes Earle
Neither man ever tried to hide the complexities and difficulties in their relationship, yet there are certainly moments when their stars and paths aligned.
ALBUM REVIEW•Pistol Annies - Hell of a Holiday
With their first Christmas record, the Pistol Annies are barely containing their festive joy - and who are we to complain?
ALBUM REVIEW•Lady Nade - Willing
This feels like third time lucky for Lady Nade, as she flexes her considerable songwriting and performance skills on the very edges of Americana. It’s almost as if Austin, Texas had upped sticks and landed alongside the River Avon. Or perhaps even vice versa.
ALBUM REVIEW•Logan Mize - Still That Kid
Still That Kid is very much a placeholder record, with Mize ultimately resting on his laurels and relying on collaborators to pull him out from under his shell.
ALBUM REVIEW•Sam Williams - Glasshouse Children
This almost faultless debut from 22-year-old Sam Williams has so many fine collaborations and great songs that it's certainly been worth the wait.
ALBUM REVIEW•Billy Currington - Intuition
If you like your country to bend towards lighter emotions for top-down, shades-on, guns-out summer fare, then this will definitely tickle your fancy.
ALBUM REVIEW•Jeremy Ivey - Invisible Pictures
Jeremy Ivey had been meaning to turn his gaze inwards for years and on Invisible Pictures, his third solo album, he’s finally done it.
INTERVIEW•Introducing: Noah Schnacky
The actor turned artist is a social media and streaming star - but he's preparing to leave a legacy.
ALBUM REVIEW•Loretta Lynn - Still Woman Enough
The Living legend doesn’t only talk the talk, she walks the walk on her fine new record.
INTERVIEW•Behind the Industry: AMA-UK CEO Stevie Smith
Stevie Smith, CEO of the Americana Music Association UK, takes us behind the scenes, sharing her favourite memories and what's in store for the AmericanaFest, and AMA-UK Awards.
INTERVIEW•Cuts The Deepest: Parker Millsap
All ready to launch his fifth and latest album, Be Here Instead, Parker Millsap sports the widest of smiles in his cream dungarees and a tie-dye t-shirt; with the house all to himself and his beloved dog Mavis, he's a picture of enthusiasm.
ALBUM REVIEW•Sophie & The Broken Things - Delusions of Grandeur
You can feel the breadth, depth and sheer variety of Sophie Gault’s musicality and songwriting skills running right through this impressive debut
ALBUM REVIEW•Brent Cobb - And Now, Let's Turn To Page...
Heavenly, uplifting and uniquely Cobb
ALBUM REVIEW•Aimee Mann - Queens of the Summer Hotel
It’s a measure of Aimee Mann’s skills that even though she admits feeling “possessed” when writing about someone else’s memoir, she’s definitely made it her own.
ALBUM REVIEW•Russell Dickerson - Southern Symphony
Four years on from his debut Yours, Russell Dickerson’s follow-up record Southern Symphony shows he’s still very much in love; with a new baby too.
INTERVIEW•In Conversation: Jennifer Nettles
She might be best known as one half of superstar country duo Sugarland, but Jennifer Nettles is clearly having a splendid time chatting about all these solo projects. “I’m talking about music and me,” she says, tongue-in-cheek, “what’s not to love?”
INTERVIEW•One Hot Minute: Angela Autumn
Earnest and engaging, Autumn has no problem speaking out about the country music business – whether good and bad.
ALBUM REVIEW•The Felice Brothers – From Dreams To Dust
“Music is a medicine. It can make our time on the planet a little more enjoyable”, Ian Felice of the Felice Brothers said. Their new record, From Dreams To Dust, succeeds in doing precisely that.
ALBUM REVIEW•Thomas Rhett - Country Again (Side A)
As we wait for Side B of this two-album project, we’re more than happy to spend time with these contemplative cuts.
STAFF PICKS•Brandi Carlile - In These Silent Days
This is a stone-cold, instant classic – one that should cement Carlile and her collaborators at the forefront of the warm embrace of mainstream Americana.
COUNTRY CLASSICS•Pistol Annies - Hell on Heels
To celebrate its 10-year "annieversary", we look back on the formation of the no-shit-taking trio, and the record's lasting effect on country music.
INTERVIEW•Brent Cobb's Top 5 Gospel Songs
Warming to the task of picking his five favourite gospel songs, Cobb explains how each one has left an indelible mark on him and his music – including a couple of favourites he’s re-recorded for his own release.
ALBUM REVIEW•Ashley Monroe - Rosegold
The East Tennessee native is wearing rose (gold) tinted specs to see everything in a more magical light – and there’s even something ethereal in the unearthly sonic sweep.
ALBUM REVIEW•Emily Scott Robinson - American Siren
It appears that Emily Scott Robinson can no longer be labelled as an emerging talent; with this album she’s surely already there.