“Raintown are just what the UK country scene needs. They are one of the few UK artists whose music can be played seamlessly alongside the big Nashville-produced country hits of today.” (Allan Watkiss- CMA International Broadcaster 2010 (BBC Radio/UK Country Radio)

Fresh from making history, as the first ever Scottish act invited to perform at the CMA Global Artist Party at CMA Fest 2011 in Nashville - Raintown are already creating quite a buzz.

Fusing their passion for Country Music with the eclectic musical influences of their homeland, Raintown, Paul Bain and Claire McArthur, are a contemporary twist on the country duo’s of the past. Continuing the tradition of exciting new music to emerge from Glasgow, their catchy hooks and dynamic male/female harmonies are delivered with a passion and style that demands attention, while their carefully crafted lyrics articulate some very human emotions in a sincere, ‘heart on the sleeve’ kind of way; it’s easy to see and hear why they are the hottest new act in UK Contemporary Country Music.

We asked Raintown, what they want people to hear when they listen to their music, they reply.

”Our aim is to have a long term career representing Country Music at the very highest level. Country Music and its influence have always transcended geographical borders and although we have a different accent, it is still songs about real life seeking expression through lyrics and music.”

Their album, ‘Hope in Troubled Times,’ is an exciting debut from this talented duo. It is a well crafted collection of original material that accentuates the dynamic male/female harmonies of Bain & McArthur, which are fast becoming their signature sound. Add to that, great melodies with sing-a-long choruses, which would rock any large crowd, and it’s easy to see why Raintown have been hailed as the hottest new Act on the UK Country scene.

Although making history at the CMA Global Artist party was a highlight of 2011 Paul and Claire have not stopped there. They have recently written a song for a new feature film, they will be performing at a number of festivals in 2012 (including The Americana International) and will also be journeying to various parts of the UK to perform gigs. Moreover they are returning to Nashville in May 2012 to write and record new material for their 2nd album release.

"I have directed the CMA Global Artist Party in Nashville for over 6 years and always watch the UK submissions with great interest. For obvious reasons the Australian and Canadian artists always seem to have the edge over UK country artists, however this year I was pleased to see Raintown, a duo from Glasgow take command of the stage with savvy , contemporary songs and an edgy, confident performance equal to any on the night " Mark Moffatt - (MD @ CMA Global Artist Showcase/Nashville Producer/CMA Board Memeber)

“Based on their album, I expected the live Raintown experience to be enjoyable. But I was hardly prepared for the show-stealing triumph that they put on at the Stage on Lower Broadway in Nashville. Their performance was high-powered, charismatic, and a joy to behold. I could sense the ripples spreading through the room as everyone realised, “These people could be REALLY big..." Pat Geary (Voice of Country: Nashville – CMA International Broadcaster 2003)

Paul and Claire have commented, ‘We love what we do! Raintown is our passion. It’s what drives us forward and lets us continually evolve as song writers and performers. We are grateful that through Raintown, we get to indulge our love for writing songs that evoke a certain emotion at a specific time or creating a lyric just for the sake of sharing a story. We love getting out on the road and sharing our music with our fans, old and new, – there is nothing better. It is who we are; what we do and the best part is we get to do it together!’

Raintown is certainly the sound of a duo staking their claim in the world of Country Music and in the process, redefining our expectations of what to expect from a European based act. 

“Strong vocally and with a hearty band behind them Paul and Claire are the hottest new duo to the Country/Americana scene in the UK.” Laura Bethell - Maverick Magazine

For further information on Raintown or to discuss Press/Bookings please contact Colin MacGregor @ info@raintownmusic.com