I once sent a friend this clip to explain who I was going to see that night- Austin Lucas. He’s one of the artists I tell people about when they think that all country music is the same. Great singer, great storyteller. I had to explain to my friend that Emily Barker wouldn’t be there, as awesome as that would be, but I was still super psyched to finally see Austin in person.

He transformed that small back room in a dingy London pub into a raw hug of emotional energy. He was off the stage, circled by a small crew just vibing and loving what he was sharing, watching the tears in his eyes.

And then he said his friend was in town, and he’d like to welcome Emily Barker to come and sing.