Rising country star Brittney Spencer had one heck of a challenge being the first on The Great Oak Stage amongst a high calibre of artists opening for Bruce Springsteen.

The morning had been filled with pouring rain and I did fear for the outcome of an audience. Waterproofs on, I made my way to the stage and I was relieved to see that the rain didn’t deter too many people.Whilst most would have been there to secure their spot for Bruce, there were a fair few country fans in the crowd as well as curious folk eager to check out new music.

Her being a huge fan of The Chicks who were on the same stage later that day, nerves and excitement were bound to kick in but if they did, you certainly wouldn’t have known! Beaming on stage filled with confidence and sass, Spencer owned that stage from the moment she set foot on it!

Only a handful of releases out in the world so far, Spencer treated us with her delightful tracks such as Damn Right, You’re Wrong, Sober & Skinny, better as friends, My Stupid Life, and more. She also delivered a sensational country cover of The Beatles Yesterday and Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots are Made for Walkin’ . The latter is what she closed with. This prompted a much fun sing-a-long from the audience which created a great atmosphere bringing all who were soaked and slightly miserable in a much happier mood!

Brittney is a natural on stage and engaged with the crowd on various occasions. Speaking of her sound check, she tells of how hers was during gate opening and it was interesting to see so many people run to the front barriers to secure their spot for the day/evening!! “I remember you”, she said addressing the crowd “I specifically remember you” she said pointing to an audience member “no I really do!”!

Spencer also talks of her love for The Chicks and how they are the reason she got into country music. She was freaking out when she saw their name on their dressing room! I can imagine that too as each artist has their own caravan/trailer for the day to change in/ relax in and so on and they are all in the same area!

A voice that isn’t just powerful but delicately stunning in its tone and music that is uplifting, moving and the best kind of country pop, Spencer more than delivered! She undoubtedly left a mark amongst the Hyde Park audience! She was more than just an opener and it won’t be long before she finds herself further up festival billings.

Spencer’s music should appeal to fans of music of any genre. She brings elements of R&B, Soul, Americana and more into her country songs. Country music is no longer the somewhat dirty word it used to be in the UK. The stereotypes that came with it are long gone and it’s artists like Brittney Spencer that people should be paying attention to!