Ben R. Atkinson
@benratkinson.bsky.social
Broadcaster, academic, musician 🎶 PhD candidate music KU Leuven, Belgium 🇧🇪: Women of Nashville country music scene 🎓 Do Learning Tech at Uni of Nottingham, UK + digital for British Association for American Studies 🇺🇸
New album, Country Folk, out now! 🤠
New album, Country Folk, out now! 🤠
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Ben R. Atkinson
@benratkinson.bsky.social
· Mar 17
Wannabe American
Provided to YouTube by Record Union
Wannabe American · Ben Atkinson
Country Folk
℗ 2025 Ben Atkinson
Released on: 2025-01-20
Producer: Ben Atkinson
Composer, Lyricist: Ben Atkinson
Auto-generated by YouTube.
youtu.be
My new album, Country Folk, has been out a full three months today! What songs are you enjoying from the record? Here's one of my favourites, Wannabe American. Feels weirdly appropriate for these crazy days we're living through.
youtu.be/mUW8eXe8oww...
youtu.be/mUW8eXe8oww...
My heart is in pieces for little Noah and his family. Everyone, I know, is feeling the loss. But for those of us who are ourselves the parents of a child with additional needs who may share some of the same traits, we can understand more deeply and yet never even begin to imagine that loss.
September 17, 2026 at 8:08 AM
My heart is in pieces for little Noah and his family. Everyone, I know, is feeling the loss. But for those of us who are ourselves the parents of a child with additional needs who may share some of the same traits, we can understand more deeply and yet never even begin to imagine that loss.
I nod to them and start my crawl, flyers covering every wall. Faces of the missing, all I see. Tomorrow I'll be back there working on the pile. Going in and coming out, single file. Before my job is done there's one more trip I'm making. To Grand Central Station.
Grand Central Station
Provided to YouTube by Columbia
Grand Central Station · Mary Chapin Carpenter
Between Here And Gone
℗ 2004 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Released on: 2004-04-15
Background Vocal: Garrison Starr
Background Vocal: Mac MacAnally
Acoustic Guitar: John Jennings
Electric Guitar: Dean Parks
Percuss
youtu.be
September 11, 2026 at 2:08 PM
I nod to them and start my crawl, flyers covering every wall. Faces of the missing, all I see. Tomorrow I'll be back there working on the pile. Going in and coming out, single file. Before my job is done there's one more trip I'm making. To Grand Central Station.
How nice of Eric Church to drop a new song on my birthday. And it's his best in years. Instantly loved it! A new sound, so catchy!
youtu.be/ARysDO96Vio...
#OnTheRoad #EricChurch
youtu.be/ARysDO96Vio...
#OnTheRoad #EricChurch
Eric Church - On The Road (Lyric Video)
The official lyric video for Eric Church’s “On The Road”.
Watch more official videos from Eric Church: https://umgn.us/EricChurchVideos
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youtu.be
September 10, 2026 at 9:11 PM
How nice of Eric Church to drop a new song on my birthday. And it's his best in years. Instantly loved it! A new sound, so catchy!
youtu.be/ARysDO96Vio...
#OnTheRoad #EricChurch
youtu.be/ARysDO96Vio...
#OnTheRoad #EricChurch
Happy 50th birthday to Aardman, a huge part of my childhood. My grandad was a big Wallace and Gromit fan and I was fascinated by the story of the man and his dog who build a rocket to fly to the moon in search of cheese.
September 4, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Happy 50th birthday to Aardman, a huge part of my childhood. My grandad was a big Wallace and Gromit fan and I was fascinated by the story of the man and his dog who build a rocket to fly to the moon in search of cheese.
Last day of summer holidays, and on the agenda today Dolly's 2008 London show as the soundtrack to some decorating (why do I do this myself on the last day of the holidays?) 😄🦋
September 2, 2026 at 9:07 AM
Last day of summer holidays, and on the agenda today Dolly's 2008 London show as the soundtrack to some decorating (why do I do this myself on the last day of the holidays?) 😄🦋
So one of my very favourite musicians Charlie Worsham put out a new album this past weekend, and on release day was invited to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.
August 11, 2026 at 8:20 PM
So one of my very favourite musicians Charlie Worsham put out a new album this past weekend, and on release day was invited to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Playing a few songs this evening; see you there from 8.30 – late, off West Parade in Lincoln at The Joiners Arms. Good beer and great live music! 🎸🤠🎶
August 1, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Playing a few songs this evening; see you there from 8.30 – late, off West Parade in Lincoln at The Joiners Arms. Good beer and great live music! 🎸🤠🎶
There are just a couple of days left to make your nominations for the British Country Music Association (BCMA) Awards 2026. Nominations close on Tuesday 21st July.
You might know that my radio show, Ben's Country Music Show, is celebrating 18 years on air in 2026.
You might know that my radio show, Ben's Country Music Show, is celebrating 18 years on air in 2026.
July 19, 2026 at 9:03 PM
There are just a couple of days left to make your nominations for the British Country Music Association (BCMA) Awards 2026. Nominations close on Tuesday 21st July.
You might know that my radio show, Ben's Country Music Show, is celebrating 18 years on air in 2026.
You might know that my radio show, Ben's Country Music Show, is celebrating 18 years on air in 2026.
This afternoon I submitted the final edits for my first ever book chapter, due to be published later this year with Bloomsbury. Now ready to see the true GOTA and one of my musical heroes, James Taylor at the beautiful Piece Hall in Halifax this evening!
July 16, 2026 at 3:31 PM
This afternoon I submitted the final edits for my first ever book chapter, due to be published later this year with Bloomsbury. Now ready to see the true GOTA and one of my musical heroes, James Taylor at the beautiful Piece Hall in Halifax this evening!
As July 4th and America's 250th Semiquincentennial approaches this weekend, I've been spending some time in 2026 taking in many different books, series and other cultural examples of Americana.
July 3, 2026 at 3:34 PM
As July 4th and America's 250th Semiquincentennial approaches this weekend, I've been spending some time in 2026 taking in many different books, series and other cultural examples of Americana.
A rainy morning in Copenhagen 🇩🇰 here's hoping the weather clears for more exploring this afternoon! #Denmark #Travel #Copenhagen #CityBreak
July 3, 2026 at 10:20 AM
A rainy morning in Copenhagen 🇩🇰 here's hoping the weather clears for more exploring this afternoon! #Denmark #Travel #Copenhagen #CityBreak
Come work with us at @officialbaas.bsky.social ☺️
JOB ADVERTS 🚨
The British Association for American Studies invites applications for three positions (Co-Editor and 2 x Associate Editor) at the Journal of American Studies.
All appointments will commence on 2 January 2027, and are for four years.
The British Association for American Studies invites applications for three positions (Co-Editor and 2 x Associate Editor) at the Journal of American Studies.
All appointments will commence on 2 January 2027, and are for four years.
Job Adverts: Journal of American Studies - British Association for American Studies
The British Association for American Studies invites applications for the following positions at the Journal of American Studies: All appointments will commence on 2 January 2027, and are for four…
baas.ac.uk
July 1, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Come work with us at @officialbaas.bsky.social ☺️
If you'd like to view my presentation from the International Country Music Conference in Nashville last month, I've uploaded it to YouTube. This afternoon, I finished the edits of the book chapter on which this presentation is based.
ICMC 2026 - Under Nashville Grey Skies: The Transnational Trajectory of Country Music in Britain
Ben Atkinson. University of Leuven. Leuven, Belgium. “Under Nashville Grey
Skies: The Transnational Trajectory of Country Music in the United Kingdom.”
This paper is based on a chapter of the same name, written for an edited collection with ICMC friend Dr Toby Martin (University of Sydney), on coun
www.youtube.com
June 16, 2026 at 4:35 PM
If you'd like to view my presentation from the International Country Music Conference in Nashville last month, I've uploaded it to YouTube. This afternoon, I finished the edits of the book chapter on which this presentation is based.
Eighteen years ago this month, I stepped into a little studio at 103 The Eye to start broadcasting my first-ever radio programme. Since then, it's taken me around the world, and over 1,877 hours of programmes have been produced.
June 1, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Eighteen years ago this month, I stepped into a little studio at 103 The Eye to start broadcasting my first-ever radio programme. Since then, it's taken me around the world, and over 1,877 hours of programmes have been produced.
First stop in town last night: Live music and good food at The Local, a regular spot a few blocks from my apartment. Today, is packed with work meetings, catching up with friends and running some important errands before conference starts tomorrow!
#Nashville #Musician #CountryMusic #MusicCityUSA
#Nashville #Musician #CountryMusic #MusicCityUSA
May 27, 2026 at 12:18 PM
First stop in town last night: Live music and good food at The Local, a regular spot a few blocks from my apartment. Today, is packed with work meetings, catching up with friends and running some important errands before conference starts tomorrow!
#Nashville #Musician #CountryMusic #MusicCityUSA
#Nashville #Musician #CountryMusic #MusicCityUSA
Hearing David Attenborough talking with Javis Cocker here about a lost radio show he commissioned in the 1950s, warms my heart. If you don't know the Lomax family, look them up. Essentially the foundation of what I do now. Ethnography + music. Fascinating!
BBC Archive - Jarvis Cocker and Sir David on folk music - 2013 - BBC Sounds
Sir David recalls helping bring folk music from the margins to BBC audiences.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 9, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Hearing David Attenborough talking with Javis Cocker here about a lost radio show he commissioned in the 1950s, warms my heart. If you don't know the Lomax family, look them up. Essentially the foundation of what I do now. Ethnography + music. Fascinating!
This is a fascinating journey thorough Attenborough's 100 years. From controller of BBC2, launching colour TV to all the amazing nature documentaries that followed! 🎈💯
Attenborough: The risk-taker who changed how we see Earth - BBC News
A celebration of the career of Sir David Attenborough on his 100th birthday in video, audio and pictures.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 8, 2026 at 3:30 PM
This is a fascinating journey thorough Attenborough's 100 years. From controller of BBC2, launching colour TV to all the amazing nature documentaries that followed! 🎈💯
Happy 100th birthday to the legendary Sir David Attenborough, who is not only a local Leicester lad, but has been a mainstay of my entire life.
Growing up I fell in love with The Blue Planet, and at one time contemplated a career in marine biology.
Growing up I fell in love with The Blue Planet, and at one time contemplated a career in marine biology.
May 8, 2026 at 7:50 AM
Happy 100th birthday to the legendary Sir David Attenborough, who is not only a local Leicester lad, but has been a mainstay of my entire life.
Growing up I fell in love with The Blue Planet, and at one time contemplated a career in marine biology.
Growing up I fell in love with The Blue Planet, and at one time contemplated a career in marine biology.
Great to sit down with the Directed by Dean podcast last week and chat about what it takes to put together a brand new music festival. There's also a fun music and film quiz at the end. Hear the full interview on the link below.
Country music festival founder interview
Directed By Dean · Episode
open.spotify.com
April 26, 2026 at 8:06 AM
Great to sit down with the Directed by Dean podcast last week and chat about what it takes to put together a brand new music festival. There's also a fun music and film quiz at the end. Hear the full interview on the link below.
Great to be back on BBC Radio Leicester in my old stomping ground this morning. I was talking to Ben Jackson about the UK's newest country music festival, Country On The Eye, coming to Leicestershire this June 12th and 13th! Scroll to 1hr 15mins to listen!
Ben Jackson - Is it time to go old school when it comes to learning? - BBC Sounds
Ben discusses phone bans in school, country music and a brand new Secret Leicestershire.
www.bbc.co.uk
April 21, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Great to be back on BBC Radio Leicester in my old stomping ground this morning. I was talking to Ben Jackson about the UK's newest country music festival, Country On The Eye, coming to Leicestershire this June 12th and 13th! Scroll to 1hr 15mins to listen!
Back in the studio recording this week's edition of @benscountrymusicshow. New music from Ernest feat. Lukas Nelson, Kip Moore, and a tribute through the programme to the late Nashville songwriter Don Schlitz.
#RadioShow #CountryMusic #CountryRadio #CountryMusicUK #RadioPresenter
#RadioShow #CountryMusic #CountryRadio #CountryMusicUK #RadioPresenter
April 19, 2026 at 7:17 PM
Back in the studio recording this week's edition of @benscountrymusicshow. New music from Ernest feat. Lukas Nelson, Kip Moore, and a tribute through the programme to the late Nashville songwriter Don Schlitz.
#RadioShow #CountryMusic #CountryRadio #CountryMusicUK #RadioPresenter
#RadioShow #CountryMusic #CountryRadio #CountryMusicUK #RadioPresenter
Excuse me for a moment while I fan girl... Absolutely LOVE this surprise track at the mid-point of Ella Langley's new album "Dandelion". Kitty Wells' original is a long-standing example of the answer song. I write about it in my PhD, and I'll be adding Ella's version now.
Ella Langley - It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels (Official Audio)
Official Audio for “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” by Ella Langley
Listen to & Download ‘Dandelion’ out now: https://ellalangley.lnk.to/Dandelion
Follow Ella Langley
https://www.tiktok.com/@ellalangleymusic1
https://www.instagram.com/ellalangleymusic
https://x.com/ellalangleymsic
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www.youtube.com
April 14, 2026 at 7:48 AM
Excuse me for a moment while I fan girl... Absolutely LOVE this surprise track at the mid-point of Ella Langley's new album "Dandelion". Kitty Wells' original is a long-standing example of the answer song. I write about it in my PhD, and I'll be adding Ella's version now.
It was great to present our workshop on the final morning of #BAAS2026: 'Positionality, Intersectional Narratives, and the Self' along with my colleagues Viola and Seb. This is the second year we've presented together. There was a great discussion with those who joined us! 🏴🚆🇺🇸😁
April 11, 2026 at 3:27 PM
It was great to present our workshop on the final morning of #BAAS2026: 'Positionality, Intersectional Narratives, and the Self' along with my colleagues Viola and Seb. This is the second year we've presented together. There was a great discussion with those who joined us! 🏴🚆🇺🇸😁
A great second day at #BAAS2026. I had the opportunity to chair a brilliant session on 'Belonging: Citizenship, Identity and Space' feat. colleagues from Uni Nottingham and from US and France. Great work being shared, lots of oral history and lived experience. Right in my wheelhouse!
April 10, 2026 at 9:45 PM
A great second day at #BAAS2026. I had the opportunity to chair a brilliant session on 'Belonging: Citizenship, Identity and Space' feat. colleagues from Uni Nottingham and from US and France. Great work being shared, lots of oral history and lived experience. Right in my wheelhouse!
Fascinating first session at #BAAS2026 on 'Federal Funding for 20th Century American Literature'. Came away with several recommendations for books I now need to read.
April 9, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Fascinating first session at #BAAS2026 on 'Federal Funding for 20th Century American Literature'. Came away with several recommendations for books I now need to read.