Blue Nation are: Neil Murdoch (Singer / Guitar), Luke Weston (BV / Bass), Nick Sharman (Drums)

Get ready to be blown away by the electrifying force that is Blue Nation! Hailing from the heart of Birmingham, this powerhouse 3-piece band unleashes a seismic fusion of Riff based Melodic Blues Rock, crafted from a reservoir of iconic influences including the likes of Beatles, Cream, Zeppelin, and Brit Pop 90’s, along with more recent inspirations like Rival Sons and Vintage Trouble. Brace yourself for their unforgettable sound!

Fronted by a mesmerizing vocalist, Blue Nation’s songs are delivered with soul and passion, showcasing the remarkable talents of three accomplished musicians who have mastered their craft. Their live performances are nothing short of awe-inspiring, with an impressive gig experience and an undeniable stage presence that leaves audiences begging for more.

These rock virtuosos have conquered the top venues and festivals not only in the UK but also on an international scale, having embarked on two triumphant tours of New York City’s Greenwich Village and Manhattan. From stripped-down acoustic gigs to full-blown electric spectacles, they command the stage like true masters of their art.

Among their numerous illustrious feats, Blue Nation has graced the Main Music Stage at the F1 British Grand Prix in Silverstone, not just once but twice! Their journey includes unforgettable tours and gigs alongside musical giants like Steve Conte (NY Dolls), Skid Row, Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy), Laurence Jones, Dom Martin and many more. They’ve shared the spotlight with remarkable acts, solidifying their position as a standout force in the music scene.

Critics rave about their powerful performances. One review likened their style to legendary bands Free, Cream, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, acknowledging Blue Nation’s rich collection of songs that set them apart from the sea of retro bands. Another praise highlights their unique identity, being too blues for rock, too rock for blues, and simply too exceptional to be confined by labels.

Notable accolades have come their way, including their victory on The Introducing Stage at The Great British Rock & Blues Festival, being spotlighted as “Ones to Watch” by Planet Rock, and securing a top five finalist position in the fiercely contested UK Blues Awards “Emerging Act of the Year 2023 and 2024” category.

With their latest studio album “THE ORDINARY PEOPLE” released on all major platforms in September 2024. The band state:

“After three years of dedicated work, we are thrilled to present “The Ordinary People.” This album represents our growth and evolution as a band. It would not have been possible without the guidance of Trevor Gibson, the strategic management of Ron Murdoch, and the unwavering support from our friends, family, and loved ones.

Our journey began with a vision, but it was the collective effort of many that brought it to life. Trevor’s mentorship pushed our creative boundaries and helped us explore new depths in our music. Ron’s management ensured that every step we took was purposeful and aligned with our goals. Our friends and family were our constant pillars of support, giving us the strength and motivation to persevere even when the road was tough.

This album is a testament to our growth, not just as musicians, but as individuals. Each track tells a story, capturing moments of joy, struggle, and triumph. We have poured our hearts into every lyric, note, and beat, hoping to connect with listeners on a deeper level.

We dedicated this album to our fans, both old and new. Your passion and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind us. Without you, we are nothing. While every band says this, we genuinely hope “The Ordinary People” resonates with you and becomes a meaningful part of your life’s soundtrack.“

Blue Nation have also conquered the United States not once, but twice, Blue Nation has honed their live show to perfection, making them the ultimate purveyors of a stomping, electrifying experience for any venue or festival they grace.

Mississippi MacDonald sounds like he should be on Stax or Hi. He has a strongly southern soul inflected vocal delivery, musical accompaniment that sounds just like Albert King turning up on the Malaco label, a tight, controlled band that is right on the top of its form, and songs that come straight out of the classic southern soul-blues songbook. He is a 3x British Blues Award nominee with a multi-album back catalogue. In 2021, he signed to APM Records, releasing his album "Do Right, Say Right" in November. In a short time, the record has reached number 1 on the IBBA British Blues Charts, and the top 10 of the Roots Music Report Blues / Contemporary Blues charts.  RocknloadMag.com said this :"The album is a joy to behold and to anyone who has even tried tackling the guitar you’ll know there is playing the blues and then there is “playing the blues” and Mississippi does the latter. We are very lucky in the UK to have such a rich pool of players of serious quality that we can call our own and Mississippi is another one to add to that list" 

From the vibrant South Coast of the UK to stages across the nation, join Thomas as he crafts the next chapter in UK blues. With a style encapsulating the heart of Blues, the energy of Rock & Roll, and the sophistication of Jazz, Thomas can command a solo stage or drive the rhythm in his dynamic three-piece ensemble.

His musical journey has seen him share the limelight with established acts such as Chicken Shack, Catfish, Connor Selby, Brave Rival and The Cinelli Brothers. In 2022, he graced stages alongside household names like Anton du Beke of Strictly Come Dancing fame. He’s also left his mark at illustrious venues and events such as The Tuesday Night Club Ronnie Scotts, Lincoln Jazz Cafe, Broadstairs Blues Bash, Swanage Blues Festival, and Weyfest.

Both his Album ’Thomas Heppell' and EP, 'Be My Home', not only received airwaves love from, BBC, Planet Rock, Jazz FM and Blues Radio UK but also secured him nominations at the UK Blues Awards 2023 and 2024. With nods for Best Young, Emerging, and Acoustic Blues Artist, it's evident Thomas is a force to be reckoned with in British Blues. His was named one of the top 5 emerging artist to come out of the UK in 2024.

Big Wolf Band, a highly acclaimed group with multiple award nominations, was formed in Birmingham in 2014 by celebrated guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Jonathan Earp, along with bassist Mick Jeynes. The band is often described as explosive, dynamic, raw, emotional, and hardworking and with Tim Jones on drums, Justin Johnson on guitar, and Robin Fox on keys, they form a formidable powerful blues rock powerhouse. Big Wolf Band are on the rise, making it into the Top 5 best blues bands in the UK at the UK Blues Awards in 2023 and 2024, with multiple nominations across various categories. Their live shows blend hard-edged blues rock with dynamic highs and lows, earning them a reputation as one of the best live bands on the scene.

"Anyone who loves rock music ... should experience the power of the blues when it is played with the power and passion that we witnessed tonight" Emerging Rock Bands

Big Wolf Band have garnered airplay from Paul Jones on his Radio 2 show, Planet Rock, HRH radio, FM stations across Europe, Australia, and the USA, as well as numerous international podcasts and internet radio stations. Their albums have earned rave reviews worldwide. The band boasts an impressive following thanks to their excellent recording output, multiple number 1 albums, and diverse and exciting live performances. Over the past decade, they have toured the UK and Europe, supporting renowned blues rock artists such as Bernie Marsden, Kirk Fletcher, Elles Bailey, Chantel McGregor, Pat McManus, and Climax Blues Band to name just a few.

“Big Wolf Band stands as a testament to breaking genre stereotypes and fostering a connection that transcends boundaries. The band’s commitment to authenticity, storytelling, and musical innovation positions them as trailblazers in the evolving landscape of blues and rock” Colin Campbell - Blues Matters Magazine

In 2024, Big Wolf Band embarked on their biggest headline tour, extensively touring the UK and Europe. Their third studio album, "Rebel's Journey," was released worldwide on April 19, 2024, garnering stunning reviews, magazine features and webzines. The album reached Number 1 on the Amazon Best Selling Blues Chart, Amazon Hot New Releases, and most recently, the IBBA chart for May 2024. Several tracks were added to Joe Bonamassa’s Spotify playlists “Cutting Edge Blues” and “Ultimate Blues Rock.” 2024 has truly been the year of the wolf. Are you ready to run with the PACK?

It has been a standout year for Laura Evans who is an artist standing out amongst the crowd with her effortless blend of Blues, Rock & Soul, her latest album releases have now amassed over 2 million streams on Spotify, she has graced the cover of the 'Nu Blue' playlist sitting alongside artists such as Larkin Poe & Beth Hart. Laura's standout year has solidified her as an artist to watch. Her recent tours across the UK and Europe have garnered rave reviews, with Classic Rock Magazine comparing her sound to ‘Stevie Nicks jamming with Blackberry Smoke, embracing notes of Americana, pop, and bluesy rock and roll’ 

Laura’s live performances are a testament to her talent and authenticity, often described as the ‘real deal.’ Her latest single, ‘What I’m Made Of,’ is already making waves and is the title track from her upcoming EP, set for release this August. Fans can also look forward to her second studio album, slated for early next year. Laura heads out on tour with Blues Rock Legend Walter Trout this October, before her own headline European tour November 2024. With continued support from Cerys Matthews at BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Wales, Laura Evans is an artist you won’t want to miss. 
 

‘Laura Evans is a real firecracker, can’t wait to hear more from her this year’ Cerys Matthews, BBC Radio 2

Fronted by Kent born guitarist and vocalist Paul Cook,

The PCBB play a brand of blues influenced by Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters and the usual suspects but with their own twist.

'a top blues band at the top of its game' . - Iain Patience - Editor - Blues Matters

‘We play old school blues, staying true to the music we grew up on…..’ Paul Cook

In the summer of 2023 the band recorded an album with multiple award winning UK Blues vocalist and harp player Katie Bradley.

‘I Spy’ was released on ubas records in December. Available to stream on all major platforms.

They marked the album release with an appearance at the iconic 100 Club in London’s Oxford Street, as part of the ‘Tuesday Blues’ programme with a incendiary performance which saw them get invited back again. They have in fact, now appeared at the 100 club on three more occasions, with a fifth appearance at the venue booked in for February 2026.

‘I Spy’ was 13th in the IBBA Blues chart for December 2023.