For Bedford-based Americana band My Girl The River, releasing music in 2026 isn’t about chasing viral TikTok metrics or stressing over streaming figures.
It is about authenticity, resilience, and connecting with people on a genuinely personal level.
On Friday, 4 September, lead songwriter, singer, and producer Kris Wilkinson-Hughes will release the band’s fourth studio album, Manifest Good Things, kicking off a tour the very same night with an official launch show at The Stables, just across the border in Milton Keynes.
Self-produced by Kris, the ten-track record represents a complete creative takeover.
From writing and arranging the music to designing the artwork and overseeing digital marketing, Kris has taken charge of every step of the creative pipeline, supported by her family and long-time collaborators.
“Music creation shouldn’t have an expiration date,” she told the Bedford Clanger.
“This album could only have been made now, with the life experience I’ve had behind me.”
The album blends Americana, roots, folk, and infectious pop hooks, and marks a major milestone for the group: it is their very first project pressed on vinyl, made possible thanks to a dedicated crowdfunding campaign.
Read: My Girl The River returns with new album that “embraces the positives”
The project features an impressive line-up of international guest musicians, including former Bonnie Raitt guitarist George Marinelli and The Mavericks’ keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden.
For the upcoming live tour, which includes dates in London, Brighton and the Isle of Wight, My Girl The River will be taking to the stage as a full band.
“Joe won’t be up there on his own this time,” joked Kris, as she explained they’ll be joined by a drummer, a guest keyboardist and vocalist, and their daughter Rue (who also contributed animation for the new music video Breadcrumbs on the Water).
Beyond the music, Manifest Good Things carries an ethos of grounded optimism and emotional honesty.
“If three people walk out of a venue feeling like they’re floating, or if something in a song resonated with them on a deep level, then as an artist, you’ve done your job,” reflects Kris.
“We aren’t treating this tour as a corporate venture; we’re treating it like a road trip to share good vibes, perform at our best, and be grateful for everyone who turns up.”
Manifest Good Things officially drops on Friday, 4 September on all major streaming platforms, CD, and vinyl.
Tickets for the launch show at The Stables and subsequent UK tour dates are available now. Full details on the My Girl the River website here.
