News

2019 there will be two nights of AmericanaFest UK showcases, with 4 stages each night.  Only apply if you are available to play in Hackney London on either the 29th or 30th of January 2019.

Applications CLOSED Sept 19th 2018 . The team will let successful applicants know by Oct 20th 2018.

Frequently asked questions:

How do I know the Americana Music Association UK received my application?

You will receive an email once your application has been processed.

When will I be told if I am successful?

All applicants will receive a response from us via email by the end of October. Due to high volume, please do not contact us asking about your application.

Can anyone apply and is there a cost to apply?

Only members can apply and there is no additional cost. 

I have Americana Music Association UK Industry membership so can I apply my non-member artist(s) using my membership?

You can apply on behalf of your artists but only artist members will be invited to play, if you are applying for them please check that they are members.

Can Supporter members and Patron members apply for artist to showcase?

No, this isn't a benefit for those types of membership.

Who is eligible for showcase consideration?

Any and all Americana artists are encouraged to apply.

How are artists selected?

A working group of board members make the selections

How long are the showcase sets

Most showcase sets are about 40 minutes, or 30-minute slot depending on the venue and lineup.

Are showcase artists paid to perform at the Festival?

• Showcase artists are given:
• An honarium to cover some costs
• ONE full delegate pass which includes one awards ticket, conference and showcase wristband for both nights,
• Showcase wristbands for all band members.
• Discounts are available for additional Conference registrations and awards tickets  for band members should they wish to purchase them.
• Is backline equipment provided?

AmericanaFest UK will provide backline, all details will be discussed with successful applicants.

PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL US ABOUT APPLICATION STATUS, PLEASE NOTE  ONLY SUBMISSIONS THROUGH THE OFFICIAL CHANNELS WILL BE CONSIDERED.

Wednesday 12th Sept 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
AMA-UK Welcome Party
The Rooftop Bar at Nashville Underground, 105 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
3:10 PM – John Smith
3:40 PM – IDA MAE
4:00 PM – The Wandering Hearts

Thursday 13th Sept 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Proper Music Party
2nd floor Rodeo Room at Nashville Underground, 105 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Ana Egge
Neilson Hubbard
Kim Richey
Ben Glover

Thursday 13th Sept 2:00 PM -3:00 PM CONFERENCE
20 Years of Loose, Europe’s Premier Americana Label
The Westin, 807 Clark Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
John Stohm, Julia Grant, Patrick Ferris, Tom Bridgewater, Ruarri Joeseph, Crispin Parry

Thursday 13th Sept 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM CONFERENCE
The Growth of the AMA-UK, The UK Americana Awards
The Westin, 807 Clark Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
Panel with Stevie Freeman, Trudie Myercough Harris, Emily Barker, Gary Harries, Sam Outlaw

Thursday 13th Sept 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Loose 20 Year Celebration
The High Watt, 1 Cannery Row, Nashville, Tennessee 37203
8:00 PM – William The Conqueror
9:00 PM – The Americans
10:00 PM – Israel Nash
11:00 PM – Courtney Marie Andrews (Emerging Act nominee)
12:00 PM – Sons Of Bill

Friday 14th Sept 12:00-2:00pm
Under the Apple Tree Sessions curated by Bob Harris OBE
2nd floor Rodeo Room at Nashville Underground, 105 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
12:10 PM – Demi Marriner
12:40 PM – Robbie Cavanagh
1:10 PM – Sarah Douga
1:40 PM – Robert Vincent Music

Friday 14th September 5:00 PM-7:30 PM
AMA-UK Friday Shindig 
2nd floor Rodeo Room at Nashville Underground, 105 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
5:00 PM – Prinz Grizzley
5:30 PM – Emily Barker
6:00 PM – Worry Dolls
6:30 PM – William The Conqueror
7:00 PM – Treetop Flyers

Saturday 15th September 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
BOOTLEG BBQ AT THE GROOVE
British Underground Main Stage at The Groove, 1103 Calvin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
12:00 PM – Worry Dolls
1:15 PM – IDA MAE
2:00 PM – John Smith
2:45 PM William The Conqueror
3:30 PM – The Wandering Hearts
4:15 PM – Aaron Lee Tasjan

Bluegrass Situation Stage Inside The Groove
1:00 PM . – Emily Barker
1:45 PM – Jamie Freeman Music
2:30 PM – TBC
3:15 PM – Holly Macve
4:00 PM – Treetop Flyers

Denmark’s annual Tønder Fest delivered a spirited fusion of sounds and genre that included Nordic folk, Americana, celtic and world music. Held on the country’s southwestern border in late August the event is a unique experience of musical discovery.

The Folk Spot stage, which showcased eight of the best rising acts of the Nordic folk scene, portrayed a diverse and engaging experience to the delight of an audience of fans and industry. Cross-Scandinavian trio Huldrelokkk’s delivery of acoustic folk incorporated a sound that is both organic and earthy, clearly seasoned in their craft the with instrumentation evoking that of a cinematic forest setting. They were followed by Danish husband and wife duo LSMR (Støjberg-Rauff). Their complementary vocal styles delivered a set that is both sonically current and lyrically mature.

Medieval folk quartet Pøbel added an element of nostalgia to the Friday lineup with a series of troubadour jams and lyrical lore accompanied by vintage instrumentation. Embracing the sounds of 13th-16th century Europe the set climaxed with a vibrant audience taking to the dance floor. The evening concluded with Aarhusian artist Mary Jean delivering a pop-inspired set with powerful vocals and instrumentation calling on tribal influences.

Headliners throughout the weekend included a who’s who of international talent, including The Lone Bellow and JD McPherson.

The damp weather did not take from the jubilant atmosphere of Saturday’s Folk Spot sets at the Klubscenen as the artists took the stage. Norwegian trio Raabygg’s charming delivery of folk balanced a unique oceanic score that is both sweet and haunting. Vingefang brought a culturally diverse sound that included influences from Brazil to southern Africa. A multi-lingual setlist defined the acts’ world music style.

Third on the lineup, Hudna’s mix of vocal and instrumental tracks celebrated cultural differentiation and ethnical diversity with innovative interpretations of Turkish folk melodies and Scandinavian roots. The Folk Spot events closed with the award-winning Elmøe and Hoffman, whose melancholic set elicited natural imagery through song.

Americana artists such as Darlingside, Tyler Childers and David Ramirez added a transatlantic flavour to the festival. Other highlights included a fantastic pop-up set by multinational quartet Northern Assembly and legendary Irish musician Sharon Shannon.

A truly international experience with it’s heart centred in Nordic influences, Tønder Festival delivered a unique experience to all in attendance and the AMAUK are once again thankful for the opportunity to share in this community’s mutual passion of music.

Brendan McCarthy
Folk Spot Delegate as AMA-UK Board member

We are delighted to be teaming up with The Long Road in its inaugural year. Baylen Leonard is the Creative Director of the festival and is also one of our executive board members, so we have an extra close relationship with The Long Road and are very excited to be part of it.

Taking place in Leicestershire from 7th-9th September, it already has a stellar line-up featuring loads of AMA-UK familiar faces, members, past AMA-UK nominees and award winners; Billy Bragg, Angaleena Presley, Yola Carter, William The Conqueror, The Wandering Hearts and more.

Applications are now open for members to apply for The Long Road Festival on Friday the 7th September. The AMA-UK stage will be on the Front Porch Stage and this opportunity is open to bands, duos of solo artists. You must be member to apply, please only apply if you available and are able to get to the Festival on Friday the 7th September.

Applications will close on Friday July 6th at Midnight, then successful applicants will be notified by the 13th July.

SummerTyne Americana Festival is back for 2018 and takes place from Friday 20 – Sunday 22 July 2018 in the spectacular setting of Sage Gateshead on the south bank of the river Tyne. Attracting visitors from across the world the festival is a sizzling celebration of Americana music.

There are some great names on the SummerTyne Bill from the Americana genre from USA, Canada and the UK. And once again, the AMA-UK are thrilled to be hosting a stage at the weekend. This year we are in partnership with Jumpin’ Hot Club and all the Free Stage line-ups are here >

Jason Isbell has been united with his International Album Of The Year 2018 UK Americana Award for “The Nashville Sound” by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, produced by Dave Cobb. Only playing one UK show this year, catch him this Sunday (24th June 2018) at Black Deer Festival. Now is your last chance to get tickets online or from local record shops near the festival grounds. The line-up includes Iron & Wine, Passenger, Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit and many AMA-UK members including this year’s Black Deer Festival winner, Robbie Cavanagh, who’ll be playing on Sunday at Hayley’s Bar. See the full line HERE

We are delighted to be working with our partners at TN Vacation – Made in Tennessee to bring you live music each week day from the 4th to the 15th June from 2-4pm –  which will then be followed by happy hour hosted by Jack Daniels Tennessee Cider.

This promises be a great event and a perfect time to learn more about Tennessee as a holiday destination especially now with the direct flights from London to Nashville now on offer from British Airways! so many opportunities to see great music so take a look below at the amazing line up for each day:

Music Daily from 2pm-4pm

4th June  – Launch day with Yola Carter and Gil Landry

5th June – Kashena Sampson

6th June – Robert Vincent

7th June – Danni Nicholls

8th June – The Luck

11th June  – Bennett Wilson Poole

12th June  – Jake Morell

13th June . – Worry Dolls

14th June  – Rob Heron

15th June  – Martin Harley

The AMA-UK are co-hosting showcases and a VIP drinks event as part of The Alternative Escape, in collaboration with Be-Known Music and our sponsor Southern Comfort.

When?    Friday 18th May, 2018

Where?  The Mesmerist, 1-5 Prince Albert Street, Brighton BN1 1HE

The times for our part of the event are:

15:25 – 15:50pm  AMA-UK      Danny George Wilson

16:05 – 16:30pm AMA –UK     Robert Vincent

16:45 – 17:10pm  AMA – UK   Emily Barker

These showcases are free entry as this is an Alternative Escape event.

The VIP drinks reception is held upstairs at The Mesmerist from 5pm-8.00pm. Southern Comfort will be serving up complimentary cocktails and AMA-UK board members will be on hand to talk about Americana in the UK.

AMA-UK members please login to the site before clicking through the link below to RSVP for the VIP drinks.

We are delighted to announce the AMA UK member acts who have been selected to play the Acoustic Stage on Friday 1st June 2018 at Red Rooster Festival, held once again this year in the glorious surroundings of Easton Hall – it’s set to be a good-time weekend of Rhythm and Blues in the heart of Suffolk County. Particular about their music, Red Rooster Festival has only the finest R&B, Americana, Blues, Soul, Roots and Country musicians on the bill.

Our congratulations to all of those selected to play:

Banjo Jen

Ben Smith & Jimmy Brewer

Foreign Affairs

Lunch Special

Brennen Leigh and Noel McKay  

Lauren Housley

Ruby Jean Rose

Little Folk

 A huge thank you to all of our members who applied – do keep an eye out for more exclusive opportunities coming your way soon!