Artist - Louis Brennan 2 

Louie Brennan is an enigma in the UK Americana scene. A drawling chameleon who wears the vulnerabilities and insecurities of the modern-day on his sleeve, the songwriter draws familiar comparisons to Father John Misty. 

If that seems like a superficial comparison, notice how Brennan is a fellow character creator, one who keeps his own cards close to his chest while portraying the extremities of the graphically realistic characters he invents.

He embodies this style through the two songs he performs for his Holler Live Session; the sycophantic 'My Favourite Disguise' and ostentatious 'The Nobel Prize'. Backed only by wandering and belying acoustic guitar, Brennan's characters battle with themselves as the country they inhabit falls victim to its own bloated ego.

Take the way Brennan boasts through the second verse of 'The Nobel Prize'. Defiantly proud of how much of a "selfish and petulant" man he's become, Brennan cleverly backs this with bright, hopeful chords, as the overarching notion of toxic masculinity is once again swept under the rug by a society unwilling to face its own fuck ups.

Layered and unwavering, Brennan encompasses the darker side of the present day through precocious yet self-aware songs, a scything inditement of nearly everything through something so unequivocally surreal and British as humour in music. 

Playing 'The Nobel Prize' and 'My Favourite Disguise', this is Louis Brennan for the Holler Live Sessions.

Holler presents Louis Brennan for the Holler Live Sessions in London, England, performing his songs 'The Nobel Prize' and 'My Favourite Disguise'. 

Holler Live Sessions - Louis Brennan

UK folk and Americana enigma Louis Brennan joins Holler at The Betsey Trotwood pub in London to perform his songs 'The Nobel Prize' and 'My Favourite Disguise'.

Holler Live Sessions - Louis Brennan 

Ross

Editor - Ross Jones

Artist - Riley Downing 1 

Riley Downing turns up to the Betsey Trotwood with tired eyes and a warm smile. He's a little road weary from his travels to and throughout the UK, a few stacked up late nights and the subtle haze of a hangover lingering into the afternoon. 

Though for this particular trip he's travelled across the pond solo, Riley has been most notably busy with his New Orleans-based band 

, following the release of their highly acclaimed summer 2022 album, 

As he settles into his live session in a characteristically laidback fashion, his at-first slightly elusive nature begins to dissipate. Throughout his set, Riley captures the atmosphere of a humid afternoon sat out on a worn front porch, strumming away on a humble acoustic guitar, carefree and comfortable. 

 His warm, gravelly baritone drawl takes us back down the winding roads he's wandered, recounting the tales of a young ramblin' man and the free-spirited soul-searchers he encountered along his way. 

The sleepy waltz of 'Lullaby' then invites a disarming hush to the room, its endearing sentiment a welcome interlude to the chaos of the capital. 

Riley closes his set with the similarly unhurried 'Standing Still', "a song I wrote", he says, "that's a kind of stream of conscious; standing out in the country and watching the planes". 

It's an effortless performance that speaks to the power of keeping things simple and grounded. That, you'll find, is how things are often best. 

Playing 'South Dakota Wild One', 'Lullaby' and 'Standing Still', this is Riley Downing for the Holler Live Sessions. We hope you love him as much as we do. 

Holler presents Riley Downing for the Holler Live Sessions in London, England, performing his songs 'South Dakota Wild One', 'Lullaby' and 'Standing Still'

Holler Live Sessions - Riley Downing

Throughout his set, Riley captures the atmosphere of a humid afternoon sat out on a worn front porch, strumming away on a humble acoustic guitar, carefree and comfortable. 

Holler Live Sessions - Riley Downing | Holler

Ciara

Ciara author page 2022

Native Harrow 1

There's a special aura that surrounds Native Harrow. An intangible atmosphere that exudes warmth, love and aspiration for contentment. 

Devin Tuel and Stephen Harms capture the sort of celestial spirit you'd find buried in the grooves of early 60s folk records. They thrive in a minimalist freedom that's unadorned by the over-stimulated instantaneousness of modern-day. 

Their music has this grounded playfulness, equally adoring of psychedelic jams as traditional folk standards. While you may not find them melting into an eight-minute technicolour drone, their ability to harness such poetic phrasing and equally luscious sonics makes for some wonderfully epic narratives.

In this particular setting, on a sleepy and quiet Sunday morning at The Betsey Trotwood, those features come to the fore. Devin's voice fills the room with wonder and curiosity, as the pair weave tender, melodic treasures from their acoustic guitars, etching the weight of their stories into the walls that enclose them.

Performing 'Heart of Love', 'I Was Told' and 'Old Kind of Magic', this is Native Harrow for the Holler Live Sessions.

Native Harrow are currently touring around the UK, taking their fantastic fifth record,

, on a trip outside of the beautiful surroundings of rural Sussex which they call home. 

You can purchase tickets for Native Harrow's UK shows here

Artist - Native Harrow 2023 UK Tour

Holler presents Native Harrow for the Holler Live Sessions in London, England, performing their songs 'Castlewood Road', 'River' and 'Old Habits'.

Holler Live Sessions: Native Harrow

There's a special aura that surrounds Native Harrow. An intangible atmosphere that exudes warmth, love and aspiration for new experiences. 

Holler Live Sessions: Native Harrow | Holler

Artist - Treetop Flyers 1

Upon listening, you'll be forgiven for envisioning Treetop Flyers as a motley bunch of dreamers from the desert pines of Laurel Canyon; venturing out from their self-imposed isolation to invite others to revel and feast on the creative spark such a tight-knit community can famously share. 

In reality, the group are nestled into the bustling confines of London, England - a place that gives their music another definitive inspiration for their delightfully hallucinogenic Americana. Their fourth album, 

finds a cosy footing between the aforementioned desert country of their previous records with the distinctively surreal, 60s British pop of their home.

Joining Holler for our first live band session, the trio of Reid Morrison, Laurie Sherman and Sam Beer share with us the charming synergy the group can evoke; whether as a six-piece or as the subtle and harmonious trio that present themselves here. 

In this setting, 'Old Habits' reveals itself to be a beautifully wistful ode; as much 

era Elton, driven by combative sensations of longing regret and melodic relief. 'Castlewood Road', meanwhile, when slowed even further down to a sultry strut, is given room to breathe and dance in it's own glow; the calls for love and yearning  felt even more evocatively in the trio's solitary harmonies. 

If this is your first introduction to this group, then we're envious of that first time feeling; delve further and watch the world they create unfold in the breathtaking melodies they craft.

Performing 'Castlewood Road', 'River' and 'Old Habits', this is Treetop Flyers for the Holler Live Sessions.

Holler presents Treetop Flyers for the Holler Live Sessions in London, England, performing their songs 'Castlewood Road', 'River' and 'Old Habits'.

Holler Live Sessions: Treetop Flyers

If this is your first introduction to this wonderful group, then we're envious of that first time feeling; delve further and watch the world they create unfold in the breathtaking melodies they craft.

Holler Live Sessions: Treetop Flyers | Holler

Artist - Simeon Hammond Dallas 1

"When you hear my name / I want your heart to skip a little", Simeon Hammond Dallas yearns across her single, 'Make It Romantic'. 

As assertive as the line may sound, the song is a much more tender and aspirational notion of love and desire; an unwavering wish for someone to be that in love with you they scream your name from the rooftops.

Sure, it's a little schmaltzy, but that's exactly what Dallas wants; pure, brazen love: "kiss me slowly like a movie".

That balance of assurance and longing connects the three songs Simeon Hammond Dallas performs as she joins us at The Betsey Trotwood pub in London for her Holler Live Session. 

While the narratives of the songs may venture a little more into the wistful and imaginative, at their heart Dallas is bold and enchanting. Whether it's through the tumultuous burn of 'The Blues Is A Game' or the folksy consideration of what love truly is on 'A Hundred Lovers', Dallas injects her natural bubbliness into her songs, making them buoyant and adventurous. 

Through the strength of her delivery and the poetic nature of her lyricism, Dallas is crafting music that's unfettered by genre; it's natural and endearing songwriting that's not afraid to be passionate. Performing 'Make It Romantic', 'The Blues Is A Game' and 'A Hundred Lovers', Simeon Hammond Dallas proves why she is one of the UK's most encompassing acts.

Holler presents Simeon Hammond Dallas for the Holler Live Sessions in London, England, performing her songs 'Make It Romantic', 'The Blues Is A Game' and 'A Hundred Lovers'

Holler Live Sessions: Simeon Hammond Dallas

Through the strength of her delivery and the poetic nature of her lyricism, Dallas is crafting music that's unfettered by genre; it's natural and endearing songwriting that's not afraid to be passionate.

Holler Live Sessions: Simeon Hammond Dallas | Holler

Amythyst

Amythyst Kiah 3

 knows how a song can electrify an audience; how even the air itself can seemingly be stunned into stillness when a particular song is sung with enough care.

Whether it’s for her solo records or as part of the Songs of Our Native Daughters project alongside Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla and Alison Russell, Kiah has proven to be one of modern Americana’s most exciting voices. Fiercely intelligent and powerfully unafraid, her dextrous fingerpicking and warm undoubtable voice are a wonder to behold.

Amythyst Kiah joined us at The Betsey Trotwood pub one afternoon when she was over in London to record an exclusive Holler Live Session. As soon as she began to sing it felt like the whole room just froze in awe. It was incredible to be there watching these performances live and thankfully we have these wonderful sessions to capture what it felt like for us.

The beautifully fingerpicked ‘Wild Turkey’, written about Kiah’s mother, who drowned in the Tennessee River when Kiah was a teenager, was an especially sublime moment.

It’s simply Amythyst Kiah, her guitar and her voice, filling every corner of the universe for these few precious minutes.

, the Tennessee singer and guitarist’s songs examine the realities of being a Southern Black woman in songs that feel raw and vulnerable but proudly defiant.

Playing ‘Firewater’, ‘Hangover Blues’ and ‘Wild Turkey’, Kiah proves just why she is one of the most celebrated artists around right now.

Lucky Londoners can catch Amythyst Kiah during Celtic Connections’ Transatlantic Sessions in London at the Southbank Centre on Saturday 11th February. For more info, 

Holler presents Amythyst Kiah for the Holler Live Sessions in London, England, performing her songs 'Firewater', 'Hangover Blues' and 'Wild Turkey'.

Holler Live Sessions: Amythyst Kiah

Holler Live Sessions: Amythyst Kiah | Holler

Contributor - Jof Owen

Tenille

Artist - Tenille Townes 1

' fans absolutely adore her and it's easy to see why. She lights up a room with warmth and kindness everywhere she goes, whether it's on stage playing for thousands or making new friends with fans who have come to love her world-worn yet optimistic sound.

Flying into London for her UK tour, Tenille Townes joins us at The Betsey Trotwood pub on a cosy Thursday afternoon for the first ever Holler Live Session. As soon as she arrives, Tenille is compassionate and thoughtful; exactly what she's become known for embodying in her music. 

Where her live show has grown into a fiery rock n' roll experience, for the session it's simply her and her guitar, exactly how her music was first formed and intended to be heard.

 and an instant classic from her 2018 debut 

, Townes' breathtaking, unique voice takes centre stage - filling the room with melody and heart.

Playing 'Same Road Home', 'The Last Time' and 'Somebody's Daughter', Townes lets us into her world, one where openness is welcomed, being yourself is encouraged and embracing what you're feeling inside is never something to be ashamed of.

Holler presents Tenille Townes for the Holler Live Sessions in London, England, performing her songs 'Same Road Home', 'The Last Time' and 'Somebody's Daughter'. 

Holler Live Sessions: Tenille Townes

Tenille Townes lets us into her world, one where openness is welcomed, being yourself is encouraged and embracing what you're feeling inside is never something to be ashamed of.

Holler Live Sessions: Tenille Townes Videos | Holler

Eddy Smith & The 507

Holler Live Sessions Eddy Smith

Eddy Smith & the 507 have already established themselves as one of the most exciting prodigies in the UK Americana scene.

When listeners first stumble upon their rugged, jazz-infused sound, their ears are inevitably drawn to Eddy's rugged, distinctive vocals. 

As the band's lead singer entered The Betsey Trotwood pub in London for his Holler Live Session, there was a palpable sense of anticipation at the prospect of hearing his trademark husky voice alongside nothing more than Eddy's trusty keyboard. 

Eddy's renditions of ‘Middle of Nowhere’ and ‘The Good Times’ showcase his ever-present ability to find stability in rawness. 

Whether it is the balance between his intense, gravelly vocals and the serene, floating notes of his keyboard, or the balance between a quiet, sensitive ballad and a roaring, fiery anthem - if there is a sweet spot, you can guarantee that Eddy will find it.

Eddy Smith's gentle, easy-going keys flow into ‘Love Sick’, lulling the listener into a false sense of security that this will be a warm love song. As Eddy launches into the first verse, the room instantly chills, as the heart-wrenching lyrics pierce through his playful melodies. 

It's an acoustic performance that highlights the ebbs and flows that Eddy weaves into his music, producing a unique delight for both his existing fanbase and new listeners alike. 

Eddy Smith joins Holler in London for a live session, performing his songs, ‘Middle of Nowhere’, ‘The Good Times’ and ‘Love Sick’.

Holler Live Sessions: Eddy Smith & the 507

Maxim

Contrib - Maxim Mower 

Artist - Kalie Shorr 1

"I always explain this one, and it's so self-explanatory", realises Kalie Shorr, as she introduces her song 'Love Child' from the cosy surroundings of the Betsey Trotwood pub in London. "I'm just going to shut up and play the song now". 

While Kalie might ponder over why she feels the need to explain something that in her eyes is so clear, we're hooked on each word - intrigued to find out more about this candid songwriter.

"It's like my biography in three minutes. It starts by talking about my parents - my mum was born in France, my Dad was born in Germany - and really, it starts at the beginning". That beginning has made Kalie Shorr the person she is today - a passionate artist who is also a keen observer that writes with sincerity and resolve. 

Joining Holler before she takes to the stage in London alongside Robyn Ottolini, 

, Shorr offers us a personal performance, her songs piercing through like separate conversations with each person in the room. She has a canny and striking way of creating such a connection; whether through the honesty of her songs or the near-whisper of her delivery.

Playing 'Too Much To Say' and 'Love Child', Shorr exhibits how she can be both acutely present and irresistibly wistful, all while imprinting a small part of herself on the memory you take away.

Holler presents Kalie Shorr for the Holler Live Sessions in London, England, performing her songs 'Too Much To Say' and 'Love Child'.

Holler Live Sessions: Kalie Shorr

Shorr exhibits how she can be both acutely present and irresistibly wistful, all while imprinting a small part of herself on the memory you take away.

Holler Live Sessions: Kalie Shorr | Holler

Artist - Callista Clark 2 

In 2021, Callista Clark stormed into the charts with her swaggering, brush-your-shoulders-off hit, ‘It's ‘Cause I Am’. Although just 19 years old, Clark has built a reputation for delivering uptempo, pop-infused anthems that perceive love through a refreshing new lens.   

When Callista Clark begins tuning her guitar in the Betsey Trotwood Pub in London, she carries a cool, relaxed air. 

But as soon as she strums the first note, this is replaced by a laser-focused determination to showcase her songwriting prowess.

This is epitomised on Clark's renditions ‘Sad’ and ‘It's ‘Cause I Am’, both taken from the deluxe version of her break-out album, 

. Stripping back the production and presenting the songs with just Clark and an acoustic guitar introduces a new colour to each one, shining the limelight on the deep soulful tones of her voice. 

Clark's Holler Live Session spotlight the vocal dexterity that has earned the Georgia native a spot in Billboard's annual 

But what comes across most prominently is the lyrical sensitivity and depth that can sometimes be downplayed in studio versions. Callista Clark arrived with a mission to highlight her songwriting proficiency - it's safe to say she more than delivers.

Holler presents Callista Clark for the Holler Live Sessions in London, England, performing her songs 'Brave Girl', 'Sad' and 'It's Cause I Am'. 

Holler Live Sessions: Callista Clark

Callista Clark arrived with a mission to highlight her songwriting proficiency - it's safe to say she more than delivers.

Artist - Sean McConnell

A truly prolific songwriter, Sean McConnell is one of the most trusted names in modern country and Americana. 

The man behind some huge hits in Nashville and beyond - think Little Big Town's 'Wine, Beer, Whiskey', Brett Young's 'Mercy' and Rascal Flatt's 'Come Wake Me Up' - McConnell's aptitude for capturing and conveying emotional poignance in song is second to none. 

Though his writing resumé spans a whole host of artists and genres, his skill is most remarkably clear in his own work. Weaving poetic commentaries through his rootsy instrumentation, McConnell's velvety melodies bring his well-loved storytelling to new life.  His humble character comes through both in person and song; a warm and trusting presence. 

Joining us at The Betsey Trotwood pub in London, McConnell performs his 2019 hit 'Shaky Bridges', alongside 'The 13th Apostle' and 'Price of Love' - two cuts from his 2021 LP 

. The record approaches the difficult task of questioning what one really thinks they know, in the simultaneous struggle of not being afraid of the answers that emerge.

Holler presents Sean McConnell for the Holler Live Sessions at the Betsey Trotwood pub in London, England, performing his songs 'Shaky Bridges', 'The 13th Apostle' and 'Price of Love'.

Holler Live Sessions: Sean McConnell

McConnell's aptitude for capturing and conveying emotional poignance in song is second to none.

Live sessions and music videos from the world of country, Americana and roots from Holler.