A Nashville Style Songwriters Round
Friday 1st November 7.30-10pm
The Round Up, hosted by Two Ways Home, is a Nashville-style songwriters round, a unique performance format where songwriters share the stage, playing their songs in turn and sharing the stories behind them. This intimate setting fosters collaboration, with artists often joining in on each other’s songs, offering a rare glimpse into their creative processes.
Featured Artists:
Melissa Bel is a Canadian artist and songwriter based in West Sussex, UK. She possesses a voice that transcends musical eras and genres – timeless and soulful yet distinctly fresh. Inspired by artists such as The Beatles, Eva Cassidy and John Mayer, her songs have become known for their heartfelt lyrics, enchanting melodies and indelible hooks. A seasoned international performer, she has opened for artists such as Kylie Minogue at Hampton Court Palace Festival, Maverick Sabre, Joey Landreth and Chris Difford of Squeeze. She co-wrote Avril Lavigne’s single “Tell Me It’s Over” and continues to collaborate with acclaimed songwriters worldwide.
Her latest EP ‘Alone Time’ was produced by Kaity Rae (The Shires, Liv Dawson) and received support from BBC Music Introducing in Sussex & Surrey, Atwood Magazine and Earmilk among others. Tracks from the EP were added to editorial playlists on Apple Music and Amazon Music, as well as being featured on Caffe Nero’s in-store playlists across the UK.
Melissa moved to the UK in 2016, less than four months after meeting her now-husband on a fateful night in Las Vegas (the details of which can be heard in her song “Real Tonight”). They recently welcomed their first child and Melissa is now navigating life as a working mom in music.
Alan Finlan, a dynamic UK Country artist from Hampshire, swiftly made his mark on the UK Country music scene within six months of 2019. His unique blend of Country and Rock has resonated widely, leading him to perform at major UK Country festivals. In 2022, he achieved significant milestones, performing nationwide, gracing the main stage at Buckle and Boots, and headlining at BCMA Fan Fest and Country on the Coast.
Alan’s dedication to his craft is evident in his continuous pursuit of excellence, earning nominations for ‘Horizon Act’ and ‘UK Male Vocalist of the Year’ at the British Country Music Association awards. His unique achievements include being headhunted by ITV’s The Voice UK, performing in Nashville’s Broadway, and becoming the first UK Country artist to produce his own beer. Collaborating with top songwriters and instrumentalists, Alan’s music and performances have gained international recognition, leading him to share stages with renowned US Country artists. With a growing reputation and a commitment to elevating his music, Alan Finlan is a compelling force in the UK Country music scene.
Two Ways Home, the Anglo-Austrian duo of Isabella (Vienna) and Lewis Folkner (Gloucestershire), have crafted a unique sound blending folk-rock with a country twist. Inspired by artists like Lady A, The Lumineers, and Fleetwood Mac, their catchy melodies, lush harmonies, and rocky guitars have earned them extensive media coverage and radio play across the UK and Europe. After a 35-show UK tour in 2019, they were crowned “Artist of the Month” by Caffé Nero and again in 2023 after a standout performance at the Black Deer Festival.
Known for their dynamic live performances, Two Ways Home have played prestigious venues and festivals such as The Shard, Under the Bridge, C2C, The Long Road and Victorious Festival to name a few. Despite the pandemic, they focused on writing new material and performing online, winning ‘Best Duo/Group’ at the Country Music Spotlight Awards. With a string of new releases and a successful ‘Round Up Tour’ in 2023, the duo is creating an ever-growing buzz for their upcoming releases in 2024, promising more enticing shows and captivating performances.
Join these great acts at The Victoria Institute in Arundel for an unforgettable night!