Artist Name:  Rebecca Richards
Hometown: Pontypool, South Wales

What project(s) are you currently working on?

Ive just finished my first EP but I’m always writing, whether its full songs or little snippets to return to. I’m already thinking about concepts for future EPs or Albums

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

The truth is, music has been my world since I was very small. My parents encouraged both me and my sister to learn to play from the age of 6 so I chose piano and flute and was classically trained in both. I was always in thick of anything musical going on, school musicals, orchestras, rock bands, choirs just anything I could get myself into. Even my family were known as the “Von Trapps of the Valleys” because we sang in all the local churches together with my Dad playing the guitar. If you asked me at the time I couldn’t ever have imagined never having it in my life. However, I had very little confidence and I didn’t think I was good enough be to be a professional. I was considering other career options when life took a twist and I ended up running away from everything, including music with a promise to myself I would return to it at some point. Then in a blink 25 years had passed. I met someone through ice skating (!) who had a beautiful voice and wanted to sing but was too scared to do anything in public and I said I’d help even though I hadn’t really played nor owned a piano in all that time. That chance meeting formed into a renewed and probably even greater passion to create music than I did when I was younger and I’m never letting go again!

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

I still work full time working for the NHS which I love. Its interesting juggling two very different careers but there are a lot of people like me doing the same and loving it.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

Ive got to be honest, creating music is my favourite downtime activity. That or watching a bit of Netflix with my daughter.

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

My daughter introduced me to Marvel a few years ago and I have a ridiculous fascination for Loki!

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

Being a proud Welsh woman I’ve got to say Wales haven’t I? – football or Rugby I support both.

What is the last movie that you watched?

Not so much a movie, but I’ve recently watched all of the series of Yellowstone including the prequels and really loved it. I was gutted when they came to an end. 1883 was especially good. Come on guys , sort it out, we need more!

What is the last album you listened to?

Probably something by Blackberry Smoke, they are my go-to, especially when I’m driving long distances from gigs at night, I connect my phone to the car and just play all their albums at random.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

That’s a really tough one. Quite possibly the Eagles Greatest hits! I’ve seen them live I think 3 times now and they have blown me away every time. That or Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits. Sorry its too hard a question…….

What is the greatest country song of all time?

Again, really tough question, but I love Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell. I’m starting to sound old now though aren’t it, so I’m also going to choose Blue by Keith Urban – I might have a little crush on him.

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

I’ve been down to Tavistock in Devon a couple of times in the past year. My friend Simon who I met through an online songwriting forum has invited me down to play I think 3 times now and I’ve always had a fantastic response, lovely appreciative audience which is goldust for a performer like me. I even celebrated the release of Music Maker by doing a set at the local school’s music evening!

What is your favorite meal?

Anything Italian, we’re pasta mad in our house. There’s some really gorgeous restaurants near us and we usually end up in one of them.

Who is your dream duet partner?

Well my friend who was too shy to sing on her own, we ended up forming a little duo called Ruby Rebels and just as we were about to get going the pandemic hit, so we kept ourselves busy by creating country covers to post online for family and friends – all done remotely from each other. Unfortunately, life hasn’t been great for her in recent years and she hasn’t felt able to do it, that’s why I’ve ended up doing things on my own, but occasionally we get to sing together and it always feels like magic.

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Blackberry Smoke of course! I’ve seen them live twice now and think they would be great fun to tour with! I also really like Laura Evans, fellow Welsh Country / Blues singer and it would be really cool to do something with her.

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

To be able to continue to create, perform and release music and basically try to get even better at songwriting. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the craft and the best bit is when connections are made with listeners who tell me that my songs resonate. I’ve even had someone fall into my arms crying. That is really humbling and I aim to do more of making that connection with people.

After a five-year hiatus from touring in the United States as a collective, the stars of the iconic, hit television series “NASHVILLE” are returning with shows in Chicago and in Nashville. “NASHVILLE” The Reunion Tour will play Chicago’s Rosemont Theatre on Saturday, September 23 and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Monday, September 25.

“NASHVILLE” The Reunion Tour will see stars Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio take to the stage to perform classic songs from the series as well as their own original material. The four artists will play the Ryman Auditorium on September 25, before kicking off a UK run starting on October 11 in Glasgow. Due to overwhelming demand and sold-out shows, additional dates were added to the UK tour, which will also travel to Birmingham, Manchester, London and Cardiff.

In a special one-night event, Chris Carmack will join cast members Bowen, Esten, Jackson and Palladio for the concert in Chicago on September 23. Carmack has previously toured with his “NASHVILLE” castmates and currently stars in “Grey’s Anatomy” on ABC.

“NASHVILLE” became a TV phenomenon when it first debuted in 2012. Set against the backdrop of Nashville’s music scene the show followed the lives of Clare Bowen as Scarlett O’Connor, Chris Carmack as Will Lexington, Charles Esten as Deacon Claybourne, Jonathan Jackson as Avery Barkley and Sam Palladio as Gunnar Scott as country music superstars, up-and-coming performers and songwriters trying to get ahead in the business.

The show’s popularity grew instantly reaching over 225 territories worldwide before its final season in 2018. Since its debut, the show has inspired 22 soundtracks, including a Christmas album, which collectively sold millions of album units and single-track downloads around the world. “NASHVILLE” was also critically lauded with multiple Emmy®, Golden Globe® and Critics Choice award nominations.

The incredible cast of the series carry with them the spirit of Music City and will once again share the stage together to celebrate the magic of “NASHVILLE”.

Tickets for Chicago and Nashville go on sale on Friday, April 21 at 10:00 am CST. Ticket information for all US and UK shows can be found at www.nashvillereuniontour.com.

“NASHVILLE” THE REUNION TOUR

SAT 23 SEP 2023     CHICAGO, IL – ROSEMONT THEATRE *
MON 25 SEP 2023   NASHVILLE, TN – RYMAN AUDITORIUM
WED 11 OCT 2023   GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEC ARMADILLO
THU 12 OCT 2023    GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEC ARMADILLO – SOLD OUT
FRI 13 OCT 2023     BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND –  RESORTS WORLD ARENA
SAT 14 OCT 2023     MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – O2 APOLLO – MATINEE
SAT 14 OCT 2023     MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – O2 APOLLO – EVENING – SOLD OUT
MON 16 OCT 2023   LONDON, ENGLAND – EVENTIM APOLLO
TUE 17 OCT 2023    LONDON, ENGLAND – EVENTIM APOLLO – SOLD OUT
WED 18 OCT 2023   CARDIFF, WALES – INTERNATIONAL ARENA

All tour dates feature Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio.
*Chicago only will also feature Chris Carmack.

Artist Name:  Caitlin Mae
Hometown: My hometown is Caerphilly, South Wales

What project(s) are you currently working on?

I am currently working on the release of my new single, “Fiona”, (out January 13th and available to pre-order and pre-save now) and following that, my sophomore EP, “Seasons Change.” I also have some other projects in the pipeline, such as an upcoming music video, a UK tour in 2023 and a move to Nashville in the Summer after being accepted into Belmont University.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

I know it sounds cliché, but I always knew. Even as a very young girl, I would tell everyone and anyone who would listen that I was going to be in show biz. However, the pinnacle for me was when I got to high school and was met with severe bullying, music was my lifeline and song writing was the healthiest coping mechanism I had at my disposal.

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

If I wasn’t pursuing a career in music, I would be an actress. Drama is something I have always been passionate about, alongside music, and although I have filmed for TV before, I do not have enough time to pursue acting as a full-time career right now. In the future, it is something I hope to do more frequently and one day I would love to feature in blockbuster movies and popular TV series.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

Even in my downtime, I enjoy writing songs and opening new doors to inspiration I didn’t know was there. Being creative, I also love to plan and execute unique outfit ideas for future tours and appearances, I find it to be a really therapeutic pass time. Aside from anything music related, I have always been a thrill seeker, so when it comes to adventure, you can ALWAYS count me in!

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

My BIGGEST celebrity crush would have to be Dylan O’Brien, but if we are talking about a character, it would definitely be Captain Jack Sparrow.

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

Although I don’t really keep up with sports very much, my favourite team would have to be the Solar Bears. For as long as I can remember, anytime I was in Florida, my family and I would watch the Ice Hockey without fail. It will always be a special core memory of mine.

What is the last movie that you watched?

The last movie I watched was probably a Christmas one…but the one that sticks in my mind is Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness.

What is the last album you listened to?

The last album I listened to would be “Midnights” by Taylor Swift. She is such a legend in the song writing community and I think a lot of artists look up to her and aspire to achieve the success she has.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

This is a really difficult question to answer, I think it would have to be Caitlyn Smith’s “Supernova”, an album that I played on repeat for months…genius!

What is the greatest country song of all time?

For me, that is an ever-evolving answer. Right now, the title for greatest traditional country song would have to go to Dolly Parton with “Jolene”, it will always be a classic in my eyes, and the greatest modern country song would have to be Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder and Lead”, since it’s been the staple song to finish my set for as long as I can remember.

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

There is no competition, my favourite city to tour thus far has been Nashville…it is Music City after all! There are SO many beautiful Cities and places I have yet to tour though, and one day I would love to change that.

What is your favorite meal?

My favourite meal would be some type of Indian Cuisine, hands down.

Who is your dream duet partner?

My dream duet partner right now is Brett Young, I think he is beyond charismatic on stage and I also think it would be really special to co-write a duet and record it in the studio together. I was lucky enough to watch him play the C2C stage earlier this year and I was blown away with his performance!

Who would you like to go on tour with?

There are countless talented artists I would love to one day tour with but I’ll narrow it down to three…Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. Ed Sheeran because he really is legendary and seems like he would be a positive, fun energy to be around; Taylor Swift because not only would it be an unforgettable experience but we could co-write in between shows; Finally, Carrie Underwood because I had the BEST time duetting with her during the UK leg of her Cry Pretty 360 Tour and I would love to make it a more frequent occurrence, she is so down to earth and has such a kind spirit, not to mention what a total rockstar she is! Here’s to manifesting!

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

My ultimate career goal is to have my songs played worldwide and for my music to be known by everybody. One day I would love to sell out Stadium World Tours, following in the footsteps of the greats that have inspired me on my journey.

Artist Name: Gareth Lewis
Hometown: live in Llanelli, originally from Swansea.

What project(s) are you currently working on?

I recorded a new EP earlier this year, and I’m about to release a 3rd single from that called ‘Things you love the most.’ The EP will be released in full in early 2023 and contains 5 tracks in total. I have songs ready for another EP which I’ll start recording very soon.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

It’s always been my passion since I was young, I was a guitarist in bands for many years, but it wasn’t until I discovered my voice as a writer that I began pursuing it as a career. My songs are mainly about the human condition and the things we find it hardest to talk about. Music has been a real outlet for expressing my emotions, and knowing that other people connect with and take comfort from my songs is what drives me.

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

Well I’ve managed to have a career alongside music for a long time… I work part time for Mind, mental health charity, so if I wasn’t working in music, I’d probably be working full time in that sector. Mental health and raising awareness of the issues and encouraging people to talk about their feelings is another passion.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

Spending time with my family, watching movies, listening to music, and watching Swansea City play! Movies in particular have had a big influence on my songwriting, and I’ve enjoyed introducing my son to classic 80s movies.

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

Holly Willoughby

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

Swansea City

What is the last movie that you watched?

The Lost King

What is the last album you listened to?

Dawes – Misadventures of Doomscroller

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Appetite for Destruction – Guns N Roses

What is the greatest country song of all time?

I’m a big fan of classic country so probably Always on my mind, Willie Nelson..

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

Portofino, Italy was the most beautiful, but I’m a big fan of the city of Liverpool and got to play at the Cavern Club which was definitely a box ticked!

What is your favorite meal?

Steak, chips and peppercorn sauce.

Who is your dream duet partner?

Sheryl Crow

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Jason Isbell / Guns N Roses

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

To have a body of work that I’m proud of and no regrets