Kashena Sampson Showcase Provides American Sun On A Winter’s Night

Kashena Sampson, a new singer-songwriter from Nashville, made her London debut with an inspiring performance at Hackney’s Paper Dress Vintage.

Despite the cold winter night, Americana lovers found their way to one of the city’s more unusual venues. Located above (and part of) a clothing shop, Paper Dress Vintage is one of those places you wouldn’t expect live music to be played. Yet it is, and the fully packed club proves there are times when first impressions couldn’t be more wrong.

On the night of the Americana Music Association UK (AMA-UK) Conference Music Showcase, the venue becomes a home for various acts from across the pond. One of them truly stands out from the others and that’s Kashena Sampson. A new rising star of the Americana scene, she cast a magic spell that evening.

Kashena’s music combines ’70s folk-rock with a touch of classic country, but serves it all up in a new, unique way. Her music sounds both fresh and somehow familiar, touching hearts and souls, and making the audience swing gently to her rhythm.

There’s a good reason why she doesn’t need many musicians on stage. Just her voice and guitar, supported by multi-instrumentalist C.J. Hillman (winner of the 2017 AMA-UK Instrumentalist of the Year award), fill the room more than many five-piece bands ever could. Her unbelievable vocal range leaves almost no room for any other instruments. No surprise she was hailed as a new Stevie Nicks by Rolling Stone Magazine.

Apart from that incredible voice, Kashena Sampson has one more superpower she might not even be aware of. She’s a first-class storyteller. An old style bard, with the ability to attract crowds yearning to listen to her stories. Her show’s an autobiography converted into songs, with highlights including her debut UK single It’s A Long Way Back, Never Gave Up, and Come Back To Me.

That cold winter night a sun, straight out of a typical scene of American fields and roads, shines in the tiny Hackney club, as she puts an instant charm on the audience.

Kashena Sampson live @ Paper Dress Vintage, London, 31^st January 2018
Words and Photography by Edyta K

Noah Kahan @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Noah Kahan Announces Major UK & Ireland Arena Run As ‘The Great Divide’ Era Begins

Vermont-born singer-songwriter Noah Kahan has announced a major UK & Ireland arena run as part of his global Great Divide Tour, adding to an already huge slate of European, Australian and New Zealand dates following his recent US stadium shows.

Alex Amen Announces Debut Album ‘Sun Of Amen’ And Shares Reflective New Single ‘Diamonds’

Emerging Americana voice Alex Amen has announced his debut album Sun Of Amen, set for release on 12th June, alongside the unveiling of his new single Diamonds.

Sophie Shredz Unleashes Debut EP ‘Distortionist’ In A Blast Of Hyperpop Chaos

Rising alt-pop disruptor SOPHIE SHREDZ has arrived with a bold statement of intent, dropping her debut EP DISTORTIONIST—a high-voltage introduction that blurs the lines between hyperpop, grunge and club culture.

Tift Merritt Returns With First Album In A Decade ‘Sugar’ And Shares New Single ‘Finest Feelings’

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Tift Merritt has announced her long-awaited new album Sugar, marking her first full-length release in nearly a decade. Set for release on 26th June, the record signals a deeply personal and creatively renewed chapter for one of Americana’s most enduring voices.

Rosa Walton Shares Dreamlike New Single ‘Halfway Round The World’ And Announces UK Dates

Rosa Walton continues to carve out her solo identity with the release of her luminous new single Halfway Round The World, the latest glimpse into her forthcoming debut album Tell Me It’s A Dream, arriving 5th June.

Brooke Combe Enters A Bold New Era With ‘Tears Won’t Lie’ And Fontana Signing

Scottish soul breakout Brooke Combe is stepping into a defining new chapter, unveiling her latest single Tears Won’t Lie alongside news of her signing to Fontana Records. Arriving in the wake of her acclaimed debut album Dancing At The Edge Of The World, the track captures an artist firmly in her stride.

Sesame Girl Shine Bright On Heartfelt New Single ‘Superstar’

Australian indie outfit Sesame Girl return with a radiant new offering in Superstar, a track that leans into warmth, sincerity and shimmering guitar-driven charm as the band continue to refine their evolving sound.

Black Lounge Step Into The Spotlight with Anthemic New Single ‘Welcome Home’

Essex indie risers Black Lounge are making a decisive statement with their new single Welcome Home, a track that signals both a creative leap and the beginning of a new chapter for the quartet. As the first release from their forthcoming debut EP—and their first under Right Tracks Recordings, the label founded by industry figure Chris Wright—the song captures a band rapidly coming into their own.