Hackney, London, is alive with the sounds of Americana as the UK Americana Music Week 2025 begins today, January 20, and runs until January 23. Hosted by the Americana Music Association UK (AMA-UK), this highly anticipated event celebrates the best of Americana music, bringing together musicians, industry professionals, and fans from across the UK and beyond.
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This year’s UK Americana Music Week features an impressive lineup of live performances, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hackney’s iconic venues, the festival promises to showcase established artists and rising stars in the genre. The festival will also include a songwriting masterclass led by award-winning Nashville songwriter Mary Gauthier, as well as panels discussing the evolution of Americana music and its growing influence in the UK.
A cornerstone of the week is the Americana Music Awards, which will take place on January 23 at Hackney Empire. The awards ceremony honours the best in Americana music, with categories such as Best Album, Best Song, and Emerging Artist of the Year. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to folk and country legend Linda Thompson for her decades of contribution to the genre. The singer is best known for her work in the British folk-rock duo Richard and Linda Thompson, particularly their seminal 1974 album ‘I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight‘. The title track, ‘I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight’, is widely regarded as one of her most famous songs.
Last year’s Americana Music Awards were won by Michele Stodart for UK Artist of the Year. The singer-songwriter has also won UK Album of the Year for ‘Invitation‘. Tickets for individual performances and festival passes are available via the AMA-UK website, with options for in-person and livestream attendance. Many of the workshops and panels are free or low-cost to ensure accessibility for music lovers of all backgrounds. As UK Americana Music Week 2025 kicks off, it promises to be a thrilling celebration of the genre, with an unforgettable lineup of events that will inspire, entertain, and connect audiences with the heart and soul of Americana.
