Yesterday, night one of The AMA’s showcased Canadian talent which needed to be exhibited.

 

The AmericanaFest hosted by Americana Music Association UK opened its doors yesterday, as music lovers and professionals swarmed in to one of the six venues, available for the two-day event. Many talented musicians performed and were on the bill for a set in one of the Hackney venues, although, I found myself extremely captivated by ‘Canada House’.

 

There’s no other way to explain ‘Canada House’ then a charming Canadian collective. Music was music. Unlike what we commonly see in the charts, the melody had meaning and a soul – even the venue made you feel like you were at home with it’s ‘down the local’ kind of feel to it.

 

 

A combination of  Elliott Brood’s party piece and powerhouse Irish Mythen was enough to sell you on the night.

 

 As the three-piece band shared their bluegrass and folk fusion it became clear they were a defiant crowd pleaser. Opening AmericanaFest didn’t phrase them either, as you could see this was for fun while, the gentleman joked with each other with little looks and smirks here and there.  This is what music is and with the audience up and boot heels tapping I can tell you this wasn’t just a warm up act. 

 

It was a musicianship masterpiece.

 

However, one to watch for 2020 has to be Irish Mythen, who’s performance was truly remarkable. The vocal powerhouse shared her art in a simple acoustic set, yet nothing about it was simple. With a touch of  humour, a sprinkle of  emotion and a dash of politics, she’s shared something I’d never seen before. Speaking about the current political state in America she expressed her views and stated “they don’t deserve our mockery” before singing ‘Be Still, Dance’. But, after went on to perform ‘Maria’,a song which made her realise ‘’music is in every fibre of my [her] being’’ and is guaranteed to send shivers down you spine with the emotive meaning behind it and harmonic vocal.

 

The charismatic Canadian didn’t stop their though, as she finished on a high with an acapella rendition of an ole Irish song that left her with a standing ovation and with these last words…

 

‘’Thank you, I’d like to shout out my agent,’’ The AMA, ‘’you run a brilliant, brilliant thing and Black Deer’’ which incase you didn’t know Mythen is performing at again in Tunbridge Wells. Considering her Juno (Canadian Music Award) nomination it may be an idea to book a ticket before you miss out she is most defiantly 2020 one to watch.

 

This charming collective is something that won’t be forgotten anytime soon, defiantly check them out.