Country stars ready to shine
East Kilbride is to play host to a night of unprecedented live music as two of Scotland’s prominent country music bands share the stage.
Katee Kross and Raintown will co-headline the East Kilbride Village Theatre on Saturday, August 17, with a huge crowd expected on the night.
The two acts played together in Livingston back in April and have struck up a fruitful partnership since then.
Having recently returned from a successful tour in Germany, Katee last month headlined at Strathaven Folk Festival.
The 22-year-old will take to the stage in East Kilbride with her band The Amberjax and said: “Some things just fit together and playing with Raintown has been so natural for us.
“Every time we get together, it is just so relaxed and fun. The two bands really complement each other and, if the last show is anything to go by, the audience are in for a treat.”
Raintown comprises husband and wife Paul Blain and Claire McArthur-Blain, backed by a core of longserving band members.
They have been hailed for their live performances and are often found on the line-up for the likes of the C2C-Country2Country Festival, Party at the Palace and Belladrum.
Paul said: “We might be husband and wife, but we’re not going to be singing love songs to each other all night.
“People looking for a high-energy show will not be disappointed; we can rock out with the best of them.
“It’s all about delivering an engaging and exciting performance. Our job is to make the audience forget about the world outside for however long we are on stage.”
While creating a bit of a party atmosphere is high among the goals for this month’s gig, there is a persistent issue which both artists are keen to address.
Katee said: “There is still a bit of a wider misunderstanding of country music.
“Some people are maybe put off a bit when you tell them that’s the kind of music you play, but it’s not all Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.
“It has been a huge influence pop music for years. Some of today’s biggest acts come from a country background – just look at Taylor Swift.
“I’m sure that most people would feel right at home at a country music show, and would no doubt leave with a smile on their faces.”
After East Kilbride, the bands are hopeful of playing more shows together in the near future. In doing so, they hope to change the perception of country music in Scotland.
Tickets for Katee Kross and Raintown at East Kilbride Village Theatre, costing £12, are available at sllcboxoffice.co.uk/en-GB/ shows/raintown/events