North Riding: Americana from the North East with Stories to Tell

One thing I love about country: beneath the toe-tapping melodies, there’s always a grounded story — and North Riding are bringing plenty of their own.

North Riding, an americana country band from the North East who’ve spent the last few years turning their adventures from an American road trip into songs that feel both intimate and energetic.

Formed after a 3 month tour across the United States, North Riding is the musical child of award winning Hayley McKay and David Neil Crabtree.

Forty one shows later, a collection of duets inspired by the people, places, and pure Americana vibes of the States were ready to take shape and so, North Riding was born.

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Listen while you read:

A Sound with a Story

If you haven’t heard them yet, imagine Americana, folk and country colliding with fond memories and rich vocals.

Catchy choruses, layered instrumentation, and lyrics that tell stories — that’s North Riding in a nutshell.

It’s folk music, but not the kind you’re expecting. It’s folk that’s lived and travelled, steeped in the sights and sounds of Texas, South Carolina, and every small-town stage in between.

Tales from Across the Pond

Their US tour wasn’t just a collection of gigs — by the sounds of it, it was a musical road trip filled with moments to inspire and learn. Afterall where best to learn the crafts of a genre than where it originated from.

From playing at a Solar Eclipse Party on Lyndon B. Johnson’s former ranch in Texas, from writing a song about the magical Awendaw Green venue in Charleston, South Carolina. It's quite obvious the pair had an exception time during their time in the US.

Writing on the road meant letting places speak to them.

Their debut single, Frio River, came together in a single sun-soaked day by the river Frio in Texas, guitars in hand, beers at the ready.

Meanwhile, Hurry Back (upcoming) was co-written in Nashville with Janet Parr, crafted over days of experimentation, tweaks, and pure musical conversation.

Debut Single: Frio River

Their debut single, Frio River, perfectly captures that journey.

It starts slow, inviting you in with a gentle melody and Hayley's ethereal voice before building into a toe-tapping rhythm that transports you straight into a vintage saloon filled in Southern America. It's they type of song where you just want to shut your eyes and feel the melodies and listen to the story - a proper good vibe!

Layers of banjo, guitar, fiddle, and harmony create a rich, lively texture, making it impossible not to get caught up in the moment.

Back Home, But Bringing the States With Them

Bringing that Americana energy back to the North East is a thrill for Hayley and Dave.

“Folk has always had a home here,” they say, “and now there’s space for Americana too.” 

Whether it’s the pristine acoustics of Forum Music Studios in Darlington, the festival magic of Mouth of the Tyne, or the  Newcastle City Hall, North Riding is already carving their niche.

Their upcoming EP, landing in October, promises more of this storytelling magic, with singles lined up through the year.

They’ll soon be gracing the stage and hosting their EP launch at Newgate Social on 24th October with support from, Twayn - who recently annouced they're supporting Jules Holland's Winer Tour!!

Get Tickets For Newgate Social Here >

The Road Ahead

What’s next? More festivals, more songs, and hopefully an album that captures everything they’ve learned from the road. Hayley dreams of syncing tracks to film and TV.

For now, the dual-fronted band are making waves at home while keeping an eye on future US trips — ready to let more people hear the North East meet Americana in a way that feels entirely their own.

Follow Along

Catch North Riding online at @northridingband or subscribe to their YouTube channel to keep up with new music and videos. Trust us, this is one duo worth following.

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