Nashville Sounds in the Round

Birmingham's premier country songwriter night 'Nashville Sounds In The Round' in partnership with B:Music! Hosted by multi award-winning Gasoline & Matches, artists are invited to tell the stories behind their songs in a Bluebird Café style ‘In The Round’ session, stripping the songs back to their origins and transporting the audience right back to the writing rooms.

Gasoline & Matches

Gasoline & Matches are a high energy, multi-award winning, dual fronted British band combining close harmonies, melodic guitar licks and serious musicianship. Fronted by Birmingham natives Sally Rea Morris and Stephen Marks, they are fierce entertainers known for their tongue-in-cheek and much-loved song "Never Have I Ever" described by Bob Harris as “Clever, funny, totally original…and it’s Country!” They built momentum after multiple spins on BBC Radio 2, and never fail to get festival goers on their feet to participate in the infamous drinking game which inspired the song. As resident hosts of Nashville Sounds in the Round, their Bluebird Cafe style songwriter round at Birmingham Symphony Hall, it’s clear to see their contribution & influence on Country and Americana music in the Midlands.

Martin Harley

Described as “One of the UK’s finest contemporary roots musicians” in Guitarist Magazine, Martin Harley releases his highly anticipated album Morning Sun this year. Harley has been captivating audiences around the globe for three decades; recording albums in Texas, Nashville, and the Wild West of Wales.

His songwriting encompasses an expressive, lyrical slide guitar style that The Guardian referred to as 'spellbinding'. Roots Magazine agrees that he is 'A slide guitar master'. Never has Harley been more comfortable in his shoes, “'A musician at the top of his game' Maverick Magazine.

His solo shows are intimate and engaging. No two are ever the same.

'Harley has it all – voice, guitar artistry and the songs' Total Music

'No doubt that he is a slide guitar master. He is the business' Roots Magazine

Namywa

Hailing from Birmingham, Namywa is an international recording artist, performer, & songwriter speaking truth to power, with a fearless lyrical approach to subjects that mean a lot to her. Whether singing with just a guitar accompaniment or a full band her unique singing style leaves music lovers feeling that once again, the world may see another great voice emerge from the region that amongst others, gave the world Joan Armatrading & Laura Mvula. Making her debut on the UK Country music scene, in 2023 Namywa played Buckle and Boots Festival and won a competition to play Song Fest via the UK Americana Association. Namywa’s music is inspired by artists like Amy Winehouse, Yola, Samira Joy, Paloma Faith & Tina Turner.

Jake O’Neill

Jake O’Neill is an authentic UK based country artist with that modern twist. Hailing from small town Burscough, Lancashire.

Taking listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of life and love, Jake draws inspiration from personal experiences and the timeless traditions of old and new country.