Rugby singer meets artist from Nashville who spoke to her soul through music
This feature has been supplied by Rugby musician Sally Maybury. She is a single parent with two children.
Sometimes in life there are moments that will be etched into your memory forever, for me meeting an amazing artist direct from Nashville is one of those.
A little while back I wrote about Caryn Dixon, and her song ‘Bird in a Cage’, how it truly helped pull me from a dark time in my life, gave me hope and inspired me to lift myself up and fly.
Whilst talking to Caryn via Instagram she let me know she was coming to the UK and doing a tour; well I was not going to miss this opportunity!
Armed with my cowboy boots and my swagger I headed off to Rodeos BBQ in Wolverhampton; and what a venue!
I’ve never been there before but I shall certainly be going again. It was adorned with neon lights, a honkytonk feel and even a mechanical bull.
I won’t lie I was a little nervous walking into the place on my own, it was the first time I’d been brave enough to go alone to something like this, but within minutes of stepping into the room Caryn recognised me and greeted me with the warmest hug I’ve ever had, before then introducing me to Nick (her bass player) and Briggs & Stark who were her supporting act, she really made me feel at home with her.
I sat talking to her for a little while before she did her set, it’s the first time she’s ever been to the uk and she said she “loved how everyone uses the word lovely” and assured me she would be taking that back to Nashville with her.
Her presence on stage was exactly as I’d experienced when I first walked in, humble, warm and genuine. And don’t get me started on her powerhouse vocals.
She sang through a few original tracks, and blended in a few covers too; even doing a Lady Gaga song, proving that with the right musician anything can be country.
When she introduced ‘Bird in a Cage’ I knew what was coming next, the tears did not stop flowing from my eyes the whole time she sang; I felt every word of it, and she even commented afterwards: “I couldn’t look at you when I was singing that!”
Caryn spoke to me after her tour and said: “Touring the UK completely changed my perspective no how live music can be experienced.
"The audiences were incredibly attentive and genuinely invested in the songs and the stories behind them. Everyone welcomed me with open arms, and there was a connection in those rooms that felt so amazing and special.
"I came home inspired and already looking forward to going back.”
This wasn’t for me just going to another gig, this was a meeting of a truly amazing soul, a musician who is doing it for the music and who’s mission is to be the voice for so many women that are unable to use theirs.