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

Ross

Author - Ross Jones 2

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

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

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

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

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Holler Live Sessions: Simeon Hammond Dallas

Holler Live Sessions: Amythyst Kiah

Holler Live Sessions: Eddy Smith & the 507

Holler Live Sessions: Kalie Shorr