Australia, Canada and the UK present the inaugural Country Connections Live showcase event on 17th September

10 September 2020 - Press release

Part of Nashville’s new thriving roots online conference, the showcase will be introduced by BBC’s Bob Harris and feature rising stars of international Americana

In the spirit of global collaboration and support, British Underground, CIMA and Sounds Australia are partnering to present the inaugural Country Connections Live – A Showcase of emerging Americana artists from Australia, Canada and the UK, an exciting online Special Event during Thriving Roots 2020.

Presented by the Americana Music Association Foundation, Thriving Roots: A Virtual Community Music Conference is a brand-new event. From the comfort of their own homes, attendees will experience an interactive conference with almost 100 online sessions that go beyond today's webinar-style virtual conferences. This new experience invites industry professionals, DIY artists and die-hard music fans to be a part of three full days of insight, connections and showcases from September 16-18, 2020.

British Underground, CIMA and Sounds Australia have been working collaboratively for almost a decade. Country Connections began at SXSW 2011 as a place for music exporters to share knowledge, discuss topics affecting the global music industry and make new connections. It’s since grown to be a global initiative held at The Great Escape, AMERICANAFEST and Folk Alliance International, as well as SXSW, where professional delegates from Australia, Canada, UK, Ireland and New Zealand network with each other.
 
When the live music industry necessarily needed to close due to COVID-19, Country Connections pivoted online and became a monthly virtual event, bringing industry professionals from across the globe together on Zoom, creating vital connections in a time of isolation. Now we’re excited to announce the next evolution of Country Connections.

The first ever Country Connections Live will feature live performances alternating between artists from Australia, Canada and the UK. Four acts from each country will perform 2 songs apiece, making up the 2-hour showcase special.

The UK line-up includes UK Americana Association Emerging Artist winners Ferris and Sylvester plus Lady Nade, Misty River and Lauren Housley.  Alongside Bob Harris contributors include 4 times Grammy nominated artist Yola and broadcaster Baylen Leonard.

Crispin Parry CEO of British Underground says:  “At this time of year the British Underground team  would normally be looking forward to introducing a new bunch of incredible UK acts to the global music business from the stage of our Bootleg BBQ showcase as part of Americanafest in Nashville.  Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we have to sit tight.  In the meantime we are excited to partner with our friends from CIMA and Sounds Australia to produce an incredible international programme of new Americana music as part of the virtual Thriving Roots music conference presented by the Americana Music Association Foundation.”

In alphabetical order, the Country Connections Live artists are:
AHI (CAN)
Beccy Cole (AUS)
Charlie Collins (AUS)
Dan Sultan (AUS)
Ferris And Sylvester – UK Americana (UK)
Julian Taylor (CAN)
Lady Nade (UK)
Lauren Housley (UK)
Mama’s Broke (CAN)
Misty River (UK)
Mo Kenney (CAN)
Troy Cassar-Daley (AUS)

Country Connections Live will take place as part of Thriving Roots on Thursday September 17 at 5:00pm CDT (3:00pm PDT / 6:00pm EDT / 11:00pm BST / Friday 6:00am AWST / Friday 8:00am AEST). The showcase is only accessible to those who have purchased passes to Thriving Roots.

These 12 performers join an incredible line-up of artists and speakers already announced for the virtual event, including Jackson Browne, T-Bone Burnett, Ken Burns, Brandi Carlile, Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris and Mavis Staples. Passes to Thriving Roots: A Virtual Community Music Conference start at US$99. You can purchase them at https://americanamusic.org/thrivingroots.