Nashville natives Lauren Watkins and Alee are making waves at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival, with both artists eager to connect with Canadian fans and share their latest work.
Lauren Watkins, performing on the Front Porch Stage, expressed her excitement and surprise at the festival’s unique atmosphere. “Canadians love country music,” Watkins said on Saturday. “Y’all get fired up about it and I love that.” The 24-year-old, who was making her second trip to Canada, was thrilled to be part of the event.
Alee, originally from Edmonton and now based in Nashville, was also embracing her Canadian roots. Her 2017 performance at Boots and Hearts was her first in Ontario, marking a significant step in her career. This year, Alee took the Main Stage with a set from her new album, Love Again. Despite the late slot, she was eager to debut her fresh material. “Releasing a new album just before Boots and Hearts means I get to play all these songs live for the first time with a full band,” she said. “It’s going to be fun and whoever comes out to hang out with us is getting to see history being made.”
Watkins, whose new album The Heartbroken Record was also recently released, shares a similar enthusiasm. “My goal is always to play to whoever’s there and make them want to come back again,” she said. “No matter who they are or how many people they are, I want them to want to come back and bring their friends.”
Both artists made the most of their festival appearance, with Watkins and Alee performing pop-up sets at the SiriusXM Barn and Watkins holding an intimate acoustic session through the Visit Tennessee installation. Their dedication to engaging with fans highlights their commitment to their craft and their appreciation for the support they receive.
