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Beyond Nashville: Thailand

Jaran Manophet Jaran Manophet (1951–2001) is revered as a foundational figure in Northern Thai folk music. Born in Chiang Mai, Jaran distinguished himself by combining Lanna musical traditions with Western folk and country sensibilities—long before genre-fusion became a trend. His songs, often written in the Northern Thai dialect, focused on ordinary people, village life, and rural customs, forming a lyrical archive of regional identity and everyday experience. Jaran’s music featured acoustic guitar and harmonica—signatures of Americana—and showcased narrative-driven structures akin to those of John Prine or Woody Guthrie. Tracks such as Fon Kham (Golden Rain) and Kham Oey are examples of his ability to embed local wisdom and values within Western-style arrangements. He also regularly integrated social commentary into his lyrics, particularly around development and modernisation’s effect on traditional lifestyles. Despite his passing in 2001, his influence endures through tribute albums and educational projects. A statue erected in Buak Haad Park in Chiang Mai stands as a testament to his cultural impact. For many Thais, Jaran remains a symbol of how folk music can voice regional stories while connecting with universal human themes. MAMIO Sutipat Sutiwanit, known by her stage name MAMIO, is one of Thailand’s freshest and most genre-fluid voices, building a reputation for seamlessly blending Thai folk, lo-fi electronica, and vintage pop. Formerly known as the ethereal lead singer of the alternative band Zweed n’ Roll, MAMIO’s solo career has seen her delve into introspective songwriting and boundary-pushing sound design. Her debut solo track Lover was met with critical acclaim for its dreamy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, combining nostalgic harmonies with modern beats and ambient textures. What sets her apart is her integration of traditional Thai instrumentation—like the khim and ranat—into layered sonic atmospheres. These sounds, usually associated with classical Thai music, find new emotional resonance within her downtempo and folk-rooted compositions. MAMIO often writes from personal experiences, addressing themes such as longing, identity, and generational change—subjects that echo the reflective tone of American folk ballads. Through her growing presence on streaming platforms and live sessions across Bangkok’s indie scene, MAMIO is becoming a key voice in the evolution of Thai acoustic music. Jonas Anderson Jonas Anderson is one of Thailand’s most recognisable foreign-born artists and a rare example of a Western singer authentically embedded in the Thai luk thung (folk-country) tradition. Originally from Sweden, Anderson moved to Thailand as a child and has since become a fluent Thai speaker and celebrated performer across the country’s provinces. Luk thung, often referred to as Thailand’s version of country music, deals with rural hardship, love, family, and migration. Jonas’ rendition of these themes, through songs like Kwang Kao Koy Yoo Sai (Where Did My Buffalo Go?) and Yah Jai Dee Gub Took Khon (Don’t Be Too Kind to Everyone), has endeared him to audiences from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Si Thammarat. To read the full article, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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CMA announce international awards nominees

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The Country Music Association has revealed the nominees for 2021’s CMA International Awards, which honor artists and industry executives who have supported and impacted the growth and promotion of Country Music in the International marketplace. Recognized in multiple categories and voted on by international members, nominees from Australia, Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States are honored for their continued efforts in expanding Country Music’s footprint in their local territories. In addition to the five existing CMA International Award categories, CMA has also added a new award this year, the Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award. Named after the late Australian promoter, this award recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual who has made important contributions to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for Country Music outside of the United States. A celebrated manager, promoter, CMA Board member and advocate for Country Music, Potts’ career spanned more than 30 years, opening doors for Australian Country artists including Tommy Emmanuel, Morgan Evans and Keith Urban. Promoters, booking agents, talent buyers, festival and venue bookers, and other live music industry professionals are eligible to receive this award, which is to be presented only when it is deemed that a recipient is worthy of recognition. “We are delighted to honor those in the industry who have been instrumental in carrying Country Music forward into territories outside of the United States as this year’s CMA International Awards nominees,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “And we are especially thrilled to be adding a new award to the slate this year recognizing those specifically in the live music industry cultivating and growing Country Music’s reach. A true pioneer in the genre, few people exemplified this more than Rob Potts. He was a driving force in our efforts to expand Country Music internationally, and I am excited we are able to honor those following in Rob’s footsteps.” 2021 CMA INTERNATIONAL AWARDS – NOMINEES: ROB POTTS INTERNATIONAL LIVE MUSIC ADVANCEMENT AWARD This award recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual who has made important contributions to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for Country Music outside of the United States. Michael Chugg (Australia – Chugg Entertainment and Chugg Music) Sina Hall (Germany – Semmel Concerts Entertainment GmbH) Nigel Hassler (U.K. – CAA) Sigve Prestnes (Norway – Stageway Talent) Troy Vollhoffer (Canada – Premier Global Production, Country Thunder Music Festivals and Big Valley Jamboree) JO WALKER MEADOR INTERNATIONAL AWARD This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting Country Music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.  Ilse DeLange (The Netherlands – Artist, founder of Spark Records, Firefly Publishing and Tuckerville Festival) Tracy Martin (Canada – The Core Entertainment) Natalie Waller (Australia – ABC Music and Events) Chris York (U.K.– SJM Concerts, Country to Country Festival U.K.) WESLEY ROSE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to Country Music outside of the United States.  Mathias Bridfelt (Sweden – SVT) Saniel Marriner (Australia – CMT Australia) Ricky Marshall (U.K.– BBC Radio 2) Charlotte Thompson (Canada – Red Umbrella P.R.) INTERNATIONAL ARTIST ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a United States-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the Country Music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period. Brothers Osborne Luke Combs Dan + Shay Maren Morris Yola INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY BROADCASTER AWARD This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of Country Music in his/her country.    Dayna Bourgoin (Canada – Pure Country Radio/Bell Media) Rita Jernquist (Sweden – Sveriges Radio P4) Baylen Leonard (U.K. – Absolute Radio Country/Bauer Radio Limited) Justin Thomson (Australia – KIX Country/Grant Broadcasters) JEFF WALKER GLOBAL COUNTRY ARTIST AWARD This award recognizes outstanding achievements by a Country Music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of Country Music as well as brought attention to the Country Music format in their foreign based territory. Jill Johnson (Sweden) Brett Kissel (Canada) The Shires (U.K.) The Wolfe Brothers (Australia) To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: [email protected]

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David James releases new single ‘Don’t Mind If I Do’

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David James is back with his foot-tappingly good new single, ‘Don’t Mind If I Do’. ‘Don’t Mind If I Do’ sees him continue his pursuit of bold and euphoric aesthetics. Channelling that same rich and vibrant direction he has carved out for himself, the fun, upbeat song has a universal appeal to it. “We had an absolute blast recording this one, and it totally shines through. We’ve all got a side that’s a little wild, a little reckless and maybe even a little ridiculous at times, and this song is about being all of those things, and still being loved just as you are. It captures a refreshing feeling; an exciting and joyous energy, and is the MOST fun. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!” James says. Following his 2014 signing with MDM Recordings Inc., David James has consistently delivered. The 2016 release of his debut EP Songs About A Girl” garnered the Manitoba native two CCMA Award nominations including a nod in the ‘Rising Star’ category, his debut performance at the highly celebrated Boots and Hearts Music Festival, and a Canadian Radio Music Award nomination for ‘Best New Group or Solo Artist: Country’. James continues to work on new music with this song being the first installment of an exciting new project! To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: [email protected]

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Review: ‘My name is Suzie Ungerleider’ – Suzie Ungerleider

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Suzie Ungerleider, formerly known as Oh Susanna, is back with her first album since her name change. The Juno award nominee has announced her revival with an album full of evocative vocal melodies and enchanting lyrical ideas. Sparsely produced dreamscapes were created by Suzie and producer Jim Bryson and we’re introduced to this on the opening track Mount Royal. We hear a more mature version of Ungerleider as she discusses becoming a mother on songs such as Summerbaby and the very delicate and intimate Hearts. The music at times feels like it falls away and all we notice is Suzie’s delicate yet unwavering vocals. A highlight on this record is North Star Sneakers which bolsters strong, independent women and gives a nod to those who have gone before. As Suzie Ungerleider forges a path under her new name, or should we say her own name, she is putting out music that feels much more authentic, as if she’s presenting herself, her views on the world, the things that matter most to her in the form of this record. To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: [email protected]

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Steven Graves shares family memories in video for ‘You’re The One’

Ziggy Alberts pours his heart into the lyrics of ‘circus’

Reviews: ‘Rosenblume’ – Rosenblume

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The debut album from Rosenblume introduces us to his rich, earthy vocals and soulful songwriting. The opening track begins with all the focus being on his voice whilst the backing vocals that enter in the first chorus propel the song into new heights. It’s a bold choice for an opening track – it takes three minutes for the song to switch up. By contrast, Knight In Shining Armour, the record’s lead single, gives us more instant gratification with the unique and vibrant production from the off. There is a depth to Rosenblume’s songwriting that’s to be admired, demonstrated in the fragile In The Long Run, Rosenblume’s lyrics are bound to strike a chord with listeners. I especially like the lone trumpet on this song. Theme’s of love and discovering ones self dominate this record. There is a sense of nostalgia throughout too which is more prominent in songs like Enough To Burn which do reflect upon past relationships. Rosenblume’s vocals are clear and distinct and though firmly rooted in the folk/americana genre, some of his melodies coupled with his emotive delivery could see him crossing over into the mainstream in the UK. To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: [email protected]

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Review: ‘The Desert Trilogy EP’ – Dean Owens

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Dean Owens has been whetting fans appetites with a series of EP releases as a prelude to his album ‘Sinner’s Shrine’ which is due out in 2022. The Desert Trilogy EP began with The Burning Heart which was released in March of this year. The theme running throughout the trilogy follows Owens love of the American Southwest and the first track we hear, New Mexico, introduces us to those themes with a high end production accompanying the Scottish singers vocals. The addition of a trumpet in the instrumental section adds a different flavour to this track. This energy is paralleled on the second instalment ‘Sand and Blood’ on tracks such as Land of the Hummingbird which has a Spanish flavour, added by the voice of Gaby Moreno, who sings in Spanish, whilst we hear a more delicate side to Owens on the stripped back Tombstone Rose. The third EP of the set, ‘Ghosts’, which comes out in September, boasts the stand out tracks, The Hopeless Ghosts and Even When I’m Gone. The Hopeless Ghosts sees the return of the trumpet in the arrangement and features Grant Lee Phillips. There is an intensity to the track which is very well produced. Meanwhile, Even When I’m Gone is stripped back and sombre, the haunting whistling is captivating. This comprehensive collection is well thought out and certainly pricks the ears up in anticipation for ‘Sinner’s Shrine’. To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: [email protected]

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Review: ‘Triage’ – Rodney Crowell

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Rodney Crowell’s songwriting prowess knows no bounds and this record is testament to that. In his latest record Triage, he explores themes of universal love and spirituality within his songs, but leaving no stone unturned or should we say no word left unconsidered, his lyrics are focused and meaningful in their delivery. The production was approached in a way that asked, ‘does this best serve the song? Does it support what the lyrics are trying to say?’ A standout on the album comes from ‘Girl On The Street’ a song which Crowell says is derived from a chance meeting with a girl whilst he was on tour, the detail he took in and it plagued him as he wondered what more he could have done. The imagery he portrays, the character he paints stands vivid in the listeners mind as he gets us thinking about the broader themes and our role in the story. The drums pound in your chest, and there is an eeriness about the production. In contrast One Little Bird, has a much more upbeat tone as Crowell reflects on his life, the positives and the regrets. The album is Crowell’s most personal to date, yet it is filled with moments that make you reflect upon your own place in the world. The lyrics are the strongest point, so intricately crafted and woven into the music, painting a vivid picture in the listeners mind with every song. To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: [email protected]

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Review: ‘Treasure of Love’ – The Flatlanders

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Revered Texas songwriters Joe Ely, Jimmy Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock team up again to release the first Flatlanders record in 12 years. Treasure of Love features songs that the trio began writing a number of years ago but the pandemic forced them off the road with their solo projects and gave them time to focus on finishing the record. It opens with Moanin’ of the Midnight Train which features a heavily distorted guitar which perfectly emulates the lyric ‘When I hear the moaning of the midnight train, reminds me so much of you’. To counteract this southern rock start Long Time Gone has a classic country feel to it with the togetherness of the vocals, the pedal steel and walking bass. I like the yodelling sound they give to the phrase ‘when I leave’. It reminds me of Hank Williams or Slim Whitman in some ways. Meanwhile, songs like Mama Do The Kangaroo have a Rock n Roll feel to them. The album as a whole has enough similarities to make it sound cohesive whilst having enough variation to showcase the full extent of their abilities as musicians and songwriters. There is something for everyone on this record. To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: [email protected]

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