Editor

When CMT’s Katie Cook talked of friendship, dreams and hard work, the entire third floor of ACME Feed & Seed burst into cheers. As waiters passed trays of hot chicken’n’waffles and fried green tomatoes, David Lee Murphy and Kenny Chesney were being feted for the feel-good summer anthem “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” written by Murphy, Chris Stevens and Jimmy Yeary. “First, I wanna thank Chris and Jimmy. We knew the day we wrote it, this was a hit even if nobody played it,” said Murphy, the man known for “Party Crowd” and “Dust on the Bottle,” to several hundred in attendance. He continued, singling out Reviver Records’ tenacity. “They were tough as can be, and we had a long haul. They’ve worked really hard on this record. We knew it was going to be a fight, but every regional got in there and gave it their all. We said you can run, but you can’t outrun us.” Later Chesney beamed as he took the mic. “This all started three, four years ago, because David Lee would send me all these songs–demos that sounded like records–and he was singing so great. I remember thinking, ‘I’d love to hear that on the radio.’ It seemed to me that there were a lotta people who aren’t being sung to, and David Lee could be one of those people who could do that.” Indeed, he could. “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” has been a summer staple, as well as a fixture on Chesney’s 19Trip Around the Sun Tour stadium shows. The impact wasn’t lost on the 8-time Entertainer of the Year, who said, “To stand up there in front of 50,000 people every Saturday night, and see a song truly move people, to really feel it is something. This song made me believe in that all over again, because to experience that is really, really beautiful.” Whether it was BMI’s Leslie Roberts telling the assembled crowd how the lyric and the melody “and the sound of David Lee and Kenny singing, they take you back to high school, listening to two of your best friends sing and you don’t have a care in the world,” to Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson confessing he asked Kenny what he was thinking when he called to say he was considering making what became No Zip Codes, and being told, “because it’s the right f’ing thing to do,” the mood was joyous and light. With backdrop-sized pictures of Chesney and Murphy throughout ACME, the vibe was long on friendship and the connection that tethers songwriters and artists to songs. Blue Chair Bay Rum even created a cocktail just for the event – an Everything’s Gonna Be Alright Mojito—containing high proof white rum, mint, lime and a bit of sugar. As co-writer Yeary said, “I love being a songwriter. I love to feel, so you can feel it…. If you feel, we connect. If we connect, we form a bond. If we form a bond, you’ll listen to me. And that gives us the opportunity to say things like ‘everything’s gonna be alright.’” For an indie label, a GRAMMY-nominated songwriter who’s written seminal hits for Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Thompson Square, Jake Owen and Chesney, “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” is just the beginning. They’ve got No Zip Code, a brand-new single in “I Won’t Be Sorry” and a whole lot more great music to go.

Three people have been held in police custody after stealing a trailer that belongs to Little Big Town, which has now been returned to the band. In Ashland City, USA on the 5th August, both a stolen boat worth US$70,000 and the band’s trailer were recovered safely, while the three culprits were caught by police. On the 31st September, Little Big Town’s trailer was reported stolen, but the band didn’t lose any of their musical equipment, or indeed anything of significant value. Taking to their Instagram account on the 2nd August, Little Big Town addressed the thieves and claimed that they had really stolen a number of inflatables and old bikes. “To the guys that stole our trailer- guess you thought you were getting vintage guitars and amps,” the band posted. “Instead you got two old kid bikes, 1 scooter, a baby pool and a unicorn float. Karma’s a funny thing.”

A Mexican setting provides the backdrop for this brand new cycle of songs and its stage show, as the Tiger Lillies embark on a Latin vacation that takes a turn for the worse. Seemingly abducted from their latest touring performances, the band wind up in a disreputable outpost near the Mexican border, where the singer starts to tell his sorry tale. In these story-telling songs, we hear about the tough life he suffered from the start, as a child accordionist playing bars to try and earn enough for a crust of empanada, before a couple of other lost mariachis joined him and together they were given an offer they couldn’t refuse: to sing the praises of the local drug lord. Older now, his heart is inflamed by Maria, who is also being kept at the hacienda, and in his youthful passion he resolves to free her and demonstrate his noble spirit. But Maria is also loved by the wicked crone, who lays a curse on our hero, and thus caught up in such a web of intrigue and emotion there is no escape for him and his compadres. Yet no story like this would be complete without revenge, and eventually we come to understand that the festival of the Day of the Dead is here to be taken very literally indeed. Martyn Jacques’s singing and performance on accordion, piano, harmonica, organ, ukulele or guitar is accompanied as ever by Adrian Stout’s multi-instrument playing, on bass, euphonium and musical saw, plus sepulchral backing vocals; drum duty is handled by Andreas Winter, with guest spots from Jacques and also Tim Brockmann, the master of the mix. For that essential extra quality, Christian Krille plays trumpet on just over half the tracks. ‘Corrido de la Sangre’ is available now

The 24th Millport Country Music Festival is just weeks away and the line-up for the Maverick Magazine presents “Millport Emerging Talent Showcase” has just been announced. The showcase, sponsored by Maverick Magazine, is brand new to the festival this year and is offering emerging artists the opportunity to play at Millport Country Music Festival alongside the likes of Jesse Dayton, Ashley Campbell, The Wandering Hearts, Raintown, Jarrod Dickenson, Liv Austen, American Young, Shane Richie and more… 10 artists have been selected from Scotland and beyond to each play a 15 minute set on the stage of the “Maverick Acoustic Venue” on Sunday 9th September. With the chance of playing after that on the Nashfield Concert Stage immediately before Sunday headliner Shane Richie, a £200 recording session with Katee Kross Media and a guaranteed full slot at MCMF2019 up for grabs. Who is appearing? John Rush Glasgow based singer-songwriter John Rush with his country and folk tinged pop songs, washed down with some amber nectar is a regular feature in some of Glasgow’s top venues including King Tuts, O2 Academy and Barrowlands with previous support slots including Ocean Colour Scene, Mark Morris of the Bluetones,  Declen O’Rourke, Jam legend Bruce Foxton and Steve Pilgrim. Green and Gold by John Rush: https://youtu.be/EtSGOvWKUPs Emma Sarginson 18 year old singer-songwriter from Kilwinning in Ayrshire, Emma is a regular face at some of the top venues on the West of Scotland including past performances at Captain Toms, The Clutha and the Barrowlands. Emma Sarginson Live at Captain Toms: https://youtu.be/82iidnbYwEU Scott Ashworth Based in Denny, Stirlingshire but originally hailing from Salford, Gtr Manchester. Scott started his life as a military musician in the Royal Air Force but now performs widely across Scotland as a solo country/americana artist with support slots with Grammy nominated Belfast singer songwriter Gareth Dunlop as well as Scotlands own Ashton Lane to his name. Drifting Away by Scott Ashworth: https://youtu.be/0wBDNA2HLBA Hollie Robinson A bright, bubbly, fun loving 14 year old singer-songwriter and the youngest artist to feature in the showcase. In 2017 Hollie represented the UK at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles returning home with 3 bronze medals and an Industry award in her vocal categories. Hollie performs Piece by Piece by Kelly Clarkson: https://youtu.be/PCCes-lwApI Riley 19 year old singer-songwriter based in Glasgow, Riley has been working on her own songs since she was only 11 years old. She has built up a following due to her great contemporary folk style songs with poetic lyrics all sung in a beautifully understated style. Mr Gray by Riley: https://youtu.be/wlkUtLEsZzw Joseph Miller In early 2014 Joseph independently released an acoustic collection of songs titled The ‘One-Take’ sessions. The tracks were originally recorded as demos in one take with just an acoustic guitar and vocal. These lead to Joseph being personally selected by Christina Perri (‘Jar of Hearts’/’A Thousand Years’) to open for her on the Glasgow stop of her ‘Head or Heart Tour’. Think of Me by Joseph Miller: https://youtu.be/TP_mePo6GDI Zoee An Aussie singer-songwriter now living in Larnark in Scotland and a rare Alternative Country/Pop phenomena. Since moving the UK in 2015 Zoee has featured on the BBC Introducing stage at Brentwood Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the UK Open Mic songwriting competition. Just A Little Bit Longer by Zoee: https://youtu.be/uipDJj6eh7M The Blue Highways Named for the forgotten highways and roads that linked American towns and cities, The Blue Highways take inspiration from American roots music and infuse it with their British sound and background. Formed in early 2018 they recently recorded their debut single, Take Me Away, at Reservoir Studios in London with Chris Clarke (Danny and the Champions of the World). Take Me Away by The Blue Highways: https://youtu.be/lvF1G_So-pw Zoe Tait – The LadyBugg  From Johnstone in Scotland, Zoe is a 16 year old singer-songwriter that plays all her own music, and has already announced playing at “Party At The Palace” this year. With a nickname like “The LadyBugg” unsurprisingly Zoe quotes Jake Bugg as one of her biggest influences. Callum by Zoe Tait: https://youtu.be/IZgjEE7TL8M Robyn Taylor With over 30 years performing across the UK and abroad, Robyn Taylor has found her voice in country music and her amazing stage presence really connects with audiences. Here first single ‘Stop My Heart’ went straight in at No.6 on British & Irish Hot Discs Chart, and In The Arms of Love has been nominated for ‘Listeners Choice Award’ on UK Country Radio in 2018. Stop My Heart by Robyn Taylor: https://youtu.be/w6jGdqmHBIk

The countdown is on to Millport Country Music Festival 2018. Back for it’s 24th year this community event remains Scotland’s biggest independent country music festival and will take place between 7th and 9th September. Last year saw nearly ten thousand country music fans of all ages come to the island on the West of Scotland to enjoy the music, soak up the atmosphere and experience the beautiful seaside town of Millport in a different light. 2018 however will see the festival’s biggest line-up yet. With 50 artists representing some of the best country music talent from Scotland, across the UK, Ireland, Sweden and the USA; appearing on 4 live music stages within the grounds of Garrison House at the heart of the town. Jesse Dayton, the ‘hardcharging’ Texan Outlaw Country star, will headline Nashfield on the Saturday, while Eastenders star Shane Richie will feature his new album, “A Country Soul”, during his headline spot on Sunday. From traditional to modern, from Americana to country rock, and just about every country taste in between. Including music from the daughter of the legendary Glen Campbell, Ashley Campbell; with their amazing harmonies, the UK’s hottest country offering this year The Wandering Hearts; singer-songwriter Jarrod Dickenson, Appalachian story-teller Jerry Harmon, Nashville duo American Young, The Remedy Club, Liv Austen, Jess and The Bandits, Gary Quinn and more… The offering from local Scottish bands is equally as impressive with Glasgow based Ashton Lane returning following their much talked about performance at last year’s festival, Glasgow country-rock duo Raintown, Kevin McGuire, Katee Kross, Red Pine Timber Co, The Logans, Jim McLean, James ‘N’ Wood, Stillwater, Stateline and the amazing story of now US based blues and country guitarist Joshua Roberts (aka Kid Millport) returning to the place he was born and spent his infant years. A first for this year will be the Millport Emerging Talent Showcase on Sunday 9th September, sponsored by Maverick Magazine and hosted by Scottish singer-songwriter Katee Kross. Scott Watson of the festival organising team said, “This was our chance to go out and find 10 great up and coming artists and offer the opportunity to play on a festival stage as well as win a recording session with BlackRoom Sessions and a guaranteed slot at next year’s festival. We were overwhelmed by the volume and standard of the response we received to this, and the concept of potentially finding and helping an artist that could in future years be back headlining one of our stages, has been really exciting.” As was the case in 2017, there will be an extended ferry service  from Largs to Cumbrae Slip operated by Calmac on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th, enabling day visitors to enjoy even more of the music into the evening. Camping and Glamping for those that wish to stay, with showers and toilets, will be available at Millport Golf Club; and a superb food, drink and entertainment offering from local businesses both on site and throughout the town as Millport once again becomes Nashville for the weekend. Tickets are on sale now at millportcountrymusic.com/ticket-info/

Country music duo Maddie & Tae are firmly of the belief that females within the genre are “neglected” and find it “trickier” than their male counterparts to succeed. The duo, made up of Madison Marlow and Taylor Dye, famously smashed through the doors of Nashville with their debut single, ‘Girl in a County Song’ from their ‘Start Here’ album, which is all about how women are regarded within the country music genre. Speaking to All Access in the aftermath of their latest single, ‘Friends Don’t’, the duo insisted that their experiences are no joke, and lifted the lid on how females are treated behind the scenes in country music.   “We released ‘Girl In A Country Song’ to kind of wake people up,” Marlow said “It talks about not being a girl in a country song, but also about how we’re being neglected in this genre. “I do think it’s gotten better since we first came onto the scene, but it’s still hard. Even right now with ‘Friends Don’t,’ it’s really hard out there. “It’s hard for any artist to get their song played, but I think it’s trickier for women. A lot of that stuff you just can’t control – if a station wants to play your song or not – you just have to make great relationships and be kind. “We just hope that we’re making music, as females, that people – men and women – can connect with and relate to, because that’s our job as songwriters. “So, hopefully we make that connection with people through music. It’s a mystery to me, because there are great female artists that aren’t getting airplay, and it blows my mind.” Maddie & Tae have a concept album on the horizon, which will be their first under the Mercury Nashville label, and have plans for a tour in the autumn of 2018.

A Billboard Hot country songs chart record has been broken, with country duo Florida Georgia Line and pop star Bebe Rexha’s crossover hit, ‘Meant to Be’, remaining as number one for the last 35 weeks. The song has overtaken Sam Hunt’s ‘Body Like a Back Road’, which was in the number one position in 2017 for a staggering 34 weeks. Florida Georgia Line drew their line in the sand and have opted to go for a more pop based sound in, and the song with Bebe Rexha has been a monumental hit, to put it mildly. The chart itself takes into account airplay, sales and streaming, and the song was written by Rexha, Josh Miller, David Garcia and FGL’s Tyler Hubbard. The song also peaked at number two on the Hot 100 chart by Billboard. Bebe Rexha has included the song on both her 2017 EP, ‘All Your Fault: Pt 2’ and her debut album, ‘Expectations’, which was released in June.