Music
Miranda Lambert Aligns with MCA Stephanie Wright, EVP/Head of A&R. Mike Harris, President & CEO, MCA. Miranda Lambert. Katie McCartney, EVP/General Manager, MCA. Rob Femia, COO/EVP Business & Legal Affairs, MCA. Damon Moberly, SVP Promotion, MCA Photo Credit: Tyler Conrad maverick-country.com

Miranda Lambert aligns with MCA

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Grammy Award winner Miranda Lambert will release future music with MCA, marking an exciting new chapter in her career. Lambert’s decision to align her next phase with a Nashville-based label reflects a continued commitment to the creative community and roots that have long shaped her artistry. With MCA, she will be supported by a team focused on global reach and impactful storytelling. “Miranda is a generational artist whose influence and artistry continue to shape modern music,” said Mike Harris, MCA President & CEO. “We are honored to work alongside her as she enters this next chapter. We look forward to building something truly special together.” “Throughout my life and career, I have found that the common thread in every chapter is finding the right people – songwriters, musicians, collaborators and team members – to match the moment,” says Lambert. “I am honoured to join a roster and a team with such a rich history of championing artistry. I look forward to sharing this new music with the world under their banner.” What has led to this moment in Lambert’s career Lambert, known for her honest storytelling, commanding live performances and unwavering authenticity, continues to push the boundaries of country music while maintaining a deep connection with its roots and its fans. She’s earned seven No. 1 solo albums, 10 No. 1 radio singles, more than 80 prestigious awards and countless RIAA certifications. She has conquered Las Vegas with her twice-extended Velvet Rodeo residency and blurred genres with wide-ranging collaborations. Her career has also seen her named on the TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people. As the most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history, she is among the most-nominated at this year’s ceremony. There are eight nods recognizing her contributions not only as an artist, but also as a songwriter and producer. This next chapter further reinforces MCA’s role in shaping country music’s future. This brings together a defining voice in the genre with a label committed to building lasting careers and supporting artists who continue to move the genre forward. Lambert continues in her role as Founder of Big Loud Texas. She remains actively involved in her business partnership and ongoing artist development efforts across the label and its publishing company.

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Janet Devlin - "Working for the Man" maverick-country.com

Janet Devlin Captures The Mood Of A Nation With Defiant Anthem

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Irish singer-songwriter Janet Devlin makes a defiant return with the powerful “Working For The Man.” This long-awaited fan favourite pulses with a restless desire for independence. Born from reflections on the relentless “rat race” and the pressure to preserve one’s identity within an unforgiving system, the song was written over a decade ago and now finally steps into the light – its message as timely as ever. More than thirteen years later, “Working For The Man” receives its long-awaited official release. It closes a chapter that began with a young songwriter, a rain-soaked afternoon, and a song that refused to fade. Co-produced by Janet alongside Jurgen Korduletsch and Rick Chambers, mixed by six-time Grammy Award-winning engineer Vance Powell, and mastered by Christian Wright at Abbey Road Studios, the track fuses Janet’s signature country-tinged vocals with a jaunty, gloriously chaotic arrangement of jangling guitars, crashing drums, and spirited piano. The result showcases her growing confidence within the genre while preserving the raw authenticity that defines her sound. Her voice, edged with Americana twang and grit, guides the song from brooding tension into a soaring crescendo. It captures the restless momentum of reclaiming control and searching for self-identity amid the noise of expectation and the urgency of time slipping away. The evolution of ‘Working For The Man’ The song first took shape in London when Janet was just 17. During a writing session on a grey, rainy day in a flat on Portobello Road, the young artist wrote with acclaimed singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti. She began piecing together what would become a lasting staple of her live shows. Across two days, the pair wrote two songs: “Delicate,” which appeared on her debut album, and “Working For The Man”. Though the latter never made it on to her debut record, it quickly became both a personal favourite and a staple for audiences. For more than thirteen years, it has remained part of her setlist, with fans repeatedly calling for its official release. Savoretti expressed his continued admiration for Janet, saying, “I have always loved Janet’s voice and admired her approach to music. She has always done things her own way.” Devlin on her own work Janet explained, “Honestly, I think that’s why I fought so hard and chose the path that I did. Being an independent artist. Even though many years on, it’s still tough, and I’m by no means rich, I’m living and dying by my own sword. I by no means am trying to say that working a nine-to-five is a bad thing. It’s not. I think I was just influenced by my parents’ experiences, too. They both had full-time jobs whilst juggling having four kids under five years old. I saw how hard they worked for what we had in life and just how exhausted they were from it. In a lot of ways, I felt angry with them. Angry at the system we’re living in. That they could work tirelessly to put money in the pockets of someone else. Obviously, that system hasn’t changed since I wrote it. It still angers me. That’s why the song still feels so true and relevant to me, all these years on.” Expanding on how it has evolved, and what it was like revisiting it in Nashville, she notes, “On my last trip to Nashville, I recorded 22 songs in three days and this song HAD to be one of them. I knew that the musicians would absolutely smash it… and that they did. It was so magical to hear the song I’ve loved for so long finally come to fruition. To go from a little garage band demo on my laptop with Jack, to a full live band in none other than Blackbird studios. It really felt like a beautiful, full-circle moment. If only 17-year-old me had a crystal ball, she could’ve seen where the song would end up. Not only that, but to have an absolute hero of mine, Vance Powell, mix it out in Nashville, too.” The next phase of Devlin’s career This release kicks off the year for Janet who is set to take her unique country-rock on the road. Following a whirlwind 2025 where she performed at the likes of C2C Festival, The Long Road and The British Country Music Festival. She re-emerged at London’s Camden Club on 2nd April with a headline performance for the Chatter Hoochee Podcast. She’s also set to appear at In It Together Festival on 22nd May, Belladrum Festival on 30th July alongside artists such as Mika and Callum Beattie. She will also be making a stop at Essex’s Country Calling on 16th August. “Working For The Man” arrives hot off the heels of 2025’s ‘Not My First Emotional Rodeo’ – a captivating deluxe edition of her critically acclaimed album ‘Emotional Rodeo’. Building on the original’s success, she topped the iTunes Country Chart and garnered widespread radio support. The expanded collection further secured Janet’s reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in the UK country and Americana scene. The album includes the flyaway hit single “Houston”, which was added to the BBC Radio 2 playlist. It also features an acoustic reimagining of Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler”, recorded at George Ezra’s studio, Hotel Quebec.

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Whiskey Isn’t a Trend, It’s Tradition maverick-country.com

Whiskey Isn’t a Trend, It’s Tradition

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Whiskey and country culture have long been intertwined as a shared expression of place and identity. Long before it became a lifestyle aesthetic, whiskey was simply part of everyday life across the American South and Midwest. It sat on back porches, in roadside bars, and behind the scenes of late-night songwriting sessions. Country music has consistently reflected this relationship. Not in a romanticised sense, but as a detail of lived experience. Whiskey appears in lyrics because it is present in the environment, tied to storytelling, reflection, and social connection. It is less about the drink itself and more about what it represents – time taken, conversations had, and moments remembered. Rooted in the same ground The connection between whiskey and country culture is not coincidental. Both are products of the same environments. The regions that shaped early country music, Tennessee, Kentucky, Appalachia, are the same regions that defined American whiskey. In Tennessee, the steady, methodical approach to whiskey production reflects a wider cultural consistency. There is value placed on doing things the right way, not the fast way. That same attitude underpins much of traditional country, where storytelling and structure take precedence over trend. Appalachian moonshine tells a different story. It emerged from necessity, shaped by isolation and resourcefulness. It shares a similar origin with early country and folk music, both formed outside of formal systems, passed between communities, and grounded in real experience. Modern producers such as Ole Smoky have brought moonshine into regulated markets, but its cultural identity still leans heavily on that independent spirit. Further west, Texas introduces a different tone. The climate accelerates whiskey maturation, producing bold, concentrated flavours. That intensity is reflected culturally as well. Distilleries like Garrison Brothers operate within that same environment, producing bold, assertive spirits that reflect the climate and attitude of the state. Shaping the experience Whiskey in country culture is defined as much by where it is consumed as how it is made. It belongs in places that are lived in rather than designed, roadside bars, back porches, open fields, small venues where the line between performer and audience is blurred. This is where the overlap with music becomes most visible. Live country music venues are not just performance spaces; they are environments built around interaction. Whiskey, in this context, is part of the rhythm of the evening. It slows things down, encourages conversation, and creates a sense of familiarity, even among strangers. The ritual is informal but consistent. A drink poured without ceremony, a glass passed across a worn wooden bar, a quiet moment between songs. These details rarely make headlines, but they define the atmosphere. Holding onto authenticity As country culture has expanded globally, so too has the visibility of whiskey within it. There is now a clear commercial dimension, with brands such as Jack Daniel’s becoming synonymous with the culture itself. Yet the underlying relationship has not fundamentally changed. What continues to resonate is authenticity. Both whiskey and country culture are valued not for how they are presented, but for how closely they remain tied to their origins. Attempts to refine or reposition them too far from that foundation tend to lose what made them compelling in the first place. Within country culture, it is not about knowledge or status. It is about understanding the setting. The whiskey in your hand sits within a wider world, shaped by the same landscapes, histories, and communities that give rise to the music around you.

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How TikTok is helping country culture evolve - Maverick Country

How TikTok is helping country culture evolve

Lifestyle /

Country music has always been rooted in storytelling, community, and authenticity, but the way those stories are shared is changing fast. Once confined to dusty bar stages, local radio, and word-of-mouth followings, country culture is now thriving in a digital world where a song can travel further in 15 seconds than it once did in years. How TikTok Is Transforming Country Music Discovery Social media, particularly platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has reshaped both how country artists connect with their audience and how other aspects of the country lifestyle are shared with the wider world. What used to require label backing and radio play can now begin with a viral clip filmed in a bedroom, a truck cab or a backstage corner of a dive bar. This shift has opened the gates for a new wave of artists who might not fit the traditional mould but carry the same spirit that has always defined the genre. Gen Z and the Rise of Participatory Country Culture What makes this evolution particularly interesting is that it has not diluted country culture, it has amplified it. Fans, particularly from Gen Z, are no longer passive listeners; they are active participants. They film line dances, share covers, showcase their outfits and document their lives soundtracked by country music. In doing so, they are shaping the culture just as much as the artists themselves. The rise of short-form content has also changed how songs are written and discovered. Hooks matter more than ever. A single lyric, a relatable line or a catchy chorus can spark a trend, turning an unknown track into a global anthem overnight. Yet, beneath the algorithms and viral moments, the core of country music remains intact. It is still about real experiences, whether that is heartbreak, freedom, hard work or small-town pride. Expanding Audiences: Country Music Goes Global Interestingly, this digital shift is also bringing country music to new audiences. Listeners who may never have set foot in a honky tonk are now discovering the genre through their phones. The result is a broader, more diverse fanbase, one that blends traditional country values with modern influences. It is not uncommon to see country tracks sitting alongside pop, hip-hop and rock in playlists, reflecting a genre that is no longer confined by boundaries. From Viral Fame to Live Shows: Bridging Online and Offline At the same time, live music has not lost its importance. If anything, the online buzz is driving more people to real-world experiences. Viral success often translates into sold-out shows, festival appearances and packed bar gigs. The journey from screen to stage has become a defining pathway for today’s artists, bridging the gap between digital exposure and genuine connection. Of course, not everyone embraces this change without hesitation. There are debates about authenticity, about whether viral success equates to staying power and about how much the industry should lean into trends. But country music has always evolved, from outlaw movements to crossover hits, and this is simply the latest chapter in that story. The Future of Country Music Culture From honky tonks to TikTok, the landscape may look different, but the heart of country culture remains the same. It is still about telling stories that resonate, building communities that feel like home, and finding connection in the music. The platforms may have changed, but the spirit has not, and that is exactly why country continues to thrive.

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Editor's C2C review - Maverick Country

Key Takeaways from C2C London 2026

Exclusives, Live Events, News /

The Maverick Country team had the pleasure of attending this year’s Country to Country (C2C) 2026, at London’s O2 Arena between Friday, March 13 and Sunday, March 15. A week on from the festival, our editor breaks down the team’s biggest takeaways from a phenomenal show. As soon as you make your way through North Greenwich station and step outside, you’re swept away by the jubilant atmosphere, the vast array of cowboy hats and the feeling you’re witnessing something big. Why the O2 Arena remains the perfect home for C2C The O2 Arena offers an excellent staging ground for just one part of Europe’s biggest country music festival. Indeed, across the whole weekend, the festival saw over 100,000 visitors who also flocked to the OVO Hydro in Glasgow and the SSE Arena in Belfast. The reason the O2 offered a great setting for C2C was the harmony of the stages flowing between different sections of the festival ground. These offered moments where artists took the roof off and a more intimate atmosphere alike. Headliners and songwriter moments that defined the weekend The festival was headlined by Brooks and Dunn, Zach Top and Keith Urban. Keith Urban also played host to the CMA’s Songwriter Series, which was a chance for fans to get in deep with the artists and the stories behind their songs, really highlighting the storytelling tradition of the genre. The Songwriter Series took place in the indigo which also hosted the BBC Radio 2 stage. The station also provided coverage on Saturday and Sunday. Discovering emerging talent across every stage The Maverick Country team had the pleasure of experiencing many of the smaller stages such as the Dutton Ranch Stage, the Saloon and the AXS Big Entrance stage, the latter of which offered passers by the pleasure of soaking up just a piece of the festival atmosphere. We got to meet artists from the UK like Hannah Jane Lewis and Olivia Lynn, both of whom have been featured on BBC Introducing. And lest we forget the Aussies: Tyla Rodrigues, who is set to play CMC Rocks in Queensland this weekend, and Max Jackson who is an ambassador for Australia’s biggest country music event, Tamworth Country Music Festival. International artists embrace European audiences We had the privilege of seeing many of the American artists who made the journey across the pond. These included Annie Bosko, Ashland Craft, Dylan Schneider, Liam St. John, Ryan and Rory, Alyssa Flaherty, Solon Holt and Tyler Sjöström. Many of them had also performed at C2C Berlin and Rotterdam the previous weekend, it being their first time performing outside of the States for the vast majority. When we asked the American artists what they had noticed about the European audiences compared to the crowds they are used to playing in front of, overwhelmingly the response was that Europeans tend to “actually listen” to the music. Tuning in and showing up for their favourite artists seems to be something the emerging artists really appreciated about their C2C experience. UK fans prove why country music is booming If there’s one thing we could say about the UK audience, it’s they really did turn up the party. Many of the American artists we spoke to said how impressed they were with the dedication of the fans, particularly through their knowledge of their lyrics and their fashion. Indeed, the popularity of the genre at this current moment in time cannot be overstated; the CMA recently revealed country music consumption in the UK has increased by 181% since 2020 and has been the fastest growing genre in the UK for the past three years. C2C expansion signals a major moment for UK live music With the festival expanding to Manchester’s AO Arena next year, this really is the time C2C marks a big event on the UK live music calendar.

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so long good friday https://maverick-country.com/

So Long, Good Friday Line-up Announced For Liverpool

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So Long, Good Friday have shared the full line-up for their new all-dayer, taking place in the heart of Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle on Friday 3rd April 2026. Brummie duo GANS and Brighton’s jazz-punk six-piece Opus Kink lead the charge, bringing their energetic live sets to the north west. They are joining previously announced headliners Fat Dog. The second wave announcement also features another selection of future heavyweights from every corner of the country and beyond. The line up also includes electro-punk My First Time, East-London psychedelia enthusiasts Roscoe Roscoe, and Mancunion “Gub Rock”-ers Mleko. East Exchange, Gravy, Hank Bee, Miles Temp, Mleko, and Sunda Blue complete the second wave announcement, showcasing a hand-picked, genre-blurring lineup of some of the best bands on the current live circuit. The first wave announcement included South London haiku-loving trio Honeyglaze, Chicago’s early-millenium indie-rockers Brigitte Calls Me Baby, Halifax Heavenly band The Orielles, Wigan-born alt-rockstar TTSSFU and Manchester’s most high-energy electronic duo Silverwingkiller. The full lineup can be found below. The all-dayer will span several venues in Liverpool’s cultural hub the Baltic Triangle. The venues include Hangar 34, District, 24 Kitchen Street, and Camp & Furnace, all within walking distance of each other. So Long, Good Friday aims to showcase the best upcoming artists at an affordable price, keeping the event accessible to as many new music fans as possible. Organisers HSP and The Good Times shared, “We’re delighted to announce the second wave of acts for So Long, Good Friday, our brand new all-day festival in the heart of Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle. We’ve got international and local acts rubbing shoulders on an exciting bill that’s got something for everyone. A Good Friday guaranteed!”

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