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Singer, broadcaster and presenter Kerry Fearon has announced the release of her new album, Boots'n'Roots, available worldwide on all major digital platforms from Monday, 29 June. The Americana-inspired collection is the follow-up to her award-winning debut album, Honky Tonk Girl, which was named Pure Country Album of the Year by the AWA.
Kerry, a Glór Tíre finalist in 2016, has built a career as a recording artist, broadcaster and performer while continuing to champion country, roots and Americana music. While Honky Tonk Girl leaned heavily into traditional country, Boots'n'Roots sees her exploring a richer blend of Americana, roots, folk and country influences, while retaining the honest storytelling and heartfelt lyrics associated with her music.
Many of the songs on the album were originally recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic, but a series of delays meant the project remained unfinished for several years. Kerry said: "This album has been a long time coming. Many of these songs were recorded before Covid and have travelled quite a road to get here. There were times when I wasn't sure they would ever be released, which makes finally sharing them with listeners all the more special. I'm incredibly proud of this collection of songs and can't wait for people to hear the album in full."
Produced, arranged and featuring guitars throughout by Wayne Golden, the album also features pedal steel performances from Richard Nelson and Tim Howard, drums by Chris Burgess, and fiddle from Eamon McLoughlin and Damian McGeehan. The album includes "Handyman", which Kerry is considering as the next single from the project.
Kerry's musical journey began following the loss of her father to Motor Neurone Disease in 2013. What started as a way of processing grief and finding hope through music gradually developed into her career, with her interpretations and love of storytelling helping her connect with audiences.
Several songs from the album had already attracted recognition before its full release. "Chase Wild Horses" was selected as Hot Press Track of the Day and received national airplay on RTÉ Radio 1, while "To Ramona" was featured by Americana UK as part of its coverage of Bob Dylan's songwriting legacy and also received airplay on RTÉ Radio 1. More recently, "Tables Are Turning" was selected for the BBC Northern Ireland Sounds "Where Music Matters" Playlist.
Kerry opened for Stephen Pride, the youngest brother of Charley Pride, earlier this year, and has previously shared the stage with Marty Haggard, Thomas Gabriel, Leona Williams, Joni Harms, Kelly Willis, Ags Connolly, Will Banister and Susan McCann. She is the creator and host of The Boots'n'Roots Show, now broadcast on more than 30 stations worldwide, and this year conducted the televised backstage interviews at the Hot Country TV Awards and the Hot Country TV Social Dancing Appreciation Awards, before serving as MC at the 20th anniversary of the Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival.
Away from music, Kerry works as a full-time teacher, balancing her professional career with performing, recording and broadcasting.
To mark the release, Kerry will officially launch the album during The Hooley at The Old Coach Inn, Castleblayney, on Monday, 3 August 2026, sharing the bill with a host of artists including Philomena Begley.
She said: "I've waited a long time for people to hear this album as it was always intended to be heard. Every song tells a story, and I hope listeners enjoy taking that journey with me. I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me over the years, and I can't wait to celebrate the release of Boots'n'Roots with everyone at the album launch."
Details of the album launch and further dates celebrating the release of Boots'n'Roots can be found on Kerry's Facebook and Instagram pages.
