Max Jackson recently performed at Country 2 Country (C2C) bringing foot-stomping anthems and double denim dreams to London. Maverick Country spoke to her after one of her performances.
Maverick gets to know Max Jackson Read More »
Maverick Country spoke to rising country duo, Ryan and Rory, when they were fresh from performing for the first ever time in London.
Ryan and Rory reveal what’s next Read More »
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.
Key Takeaways from C2C London 2026 Read More »
The Country Music Association (CMA) has expanded its partnership with Country to Country Festival (C2C).
CMA expands partnership with Country to Country Festival Read More »
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!”
So Long, Good Friday Line-up Announced For Liverpool Read More »
Luke Combs has kept the anticipation of his new album ticking over by releasing a new song. I Ain’t No Cowboy dropped just one week before Combs’ upcoming sixth studio album. New Album The Way I Am Set for March Release The 22-track album, The Way I Am, is due to be released on Friday, March 20. Its release will precede Combs going on his My Kinda Saturday Night tour which will begin the following day in Las Vegas and see him through to August when he plays Wembley Stadium in London. This will be Combs’ newest album since Fathers & Sons in 2024 which peaked at number two on the Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. I Ain’t No Cowboy Explores Identity I Ain’t No Cowboy is the eighth promotional song from the new album. Other songs from the album which have been released so far have included Back in the Saddle and Giving Her Away. It plays on themes of identity and no pretending to be something you’re not. In it, Combs flips that idea by saying many modern country people aren’t real cowboys, but they still carry the values and lifestyle associated with country living. As well as releasing new music, Combs has been busy continuing his hospitality venture. Last month, it was announced he would be opening a country music venue at Orlando Resort Florida.
Luke Combs releases new song I Ain’t No Cowboy Read More »
Country to Country is set to come to Manchester in 2027. The multi-arena event will be coming to the North of England next year, with organisers announcing the news one day before the festival kicks off in London, Belfast and Glasgow. AO Arena and New Century Hall to host performances Next year, Country to Country will be coming to AO Arena over three days and festival goers will also be able to catch acts at the city’s New Century Hall. More venues in Manchester and a full line up are yet to be announced. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, March 20. The event will be supported by Manchester Accommodation BID, a ground-breaking initiative led by the city’s hotel and serviced apartment providers to help bring new events to Manchester and Salford. Country to Country 2026 festival lineup and locations This year, the multi-location event will light up The O2 Arena in London, the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, and the SSE Arena in Belfast over three days. Headlined by Zach Top, Keith Urban and Brooks & Dunn, the festival will also include songwriter showcases, daytime stages, and immersive fan experiences.
Country to Country festival is coming to Manchester in 2027 Read More »
Multi-platinum country star Bailey Zimmerman adds eight new certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), further solidifying his status as one of country music’s most dominant hitmakers. Zimmerman celebrated the milestone backstage at his sold-out arena show of the Different Night Same Rodeo Tour in Boston, MA at the TD Garden. In addition to the eight new certifications, Zimmerman’s debut album Religiously is notably 2x Platinum. Upon its release in 2023, the album was not only the biggest streaming debut for a country album in history, but also the biggest all-genre streaming debut since 2021. His newly certified titles include: “Rock and a Hard Place” – 8× Platinum “Fall in Love” – 6× Platinum “Where It Ends” – 3× Platinum “Backup Plan” – Platinum “Holy Smokes” – Platinum “House On Fire” – Gold “New To Country” – Gold “You Don’t Want That Smoke” – Gold Previously certified titles Religiously. The Album – 2× Platinum “Religiously” – 4× Platinum “All The Way” – 2x Platinum “Never Comin’ Home” – Platinum “Change” – Gold “Fix’n to Break” – Gold “Get to Gettin’ Gone” – Gold “Never Leave” – Gold “Chase Her” – Gold These certifications come on the heels of Zimmerman’s first-ever headline arena tour – the Different Night Same Rodeo Tour where he will be bringing the dynamic live show to 30+ venues across the US and Canada. The tour will also hit Europe later this summer, kicking off in Glasgow on August 27. He is set to make stops in Dublin, Belfast, Manchester, London, Amsterdam, Hamburg and Stockholm before wrapping in Oslo, Norway on September 12. The European leg will feature support from Chandler Walters. Last year, Zimmerman released his sophomore album, Different Night Same Rodeo, which debuted in the Top 15 of Billboard’s Top 200 All Genre chart and Top 3 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart via Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville. Produced by longtime collaborator Austin Shawn, Different Night Same Rodeo showcases Zimmerman’s continued evolution with arena-ready rock-powered country anthems. The album features the Top 10 newly Platinum-certified single “Holy Smokes,” alongside newly Gold-certified fan favourite “New To Country.” It also includes the chart-topping collaboration “Backup Plan” featuring Luke Combs, which hit No. 1 in September, as well as standout tracks “Comin’ In Cold,” “Lost” with The Kid LAROI, and “Ashes” with Diplo, among other tracks. DIFFERENT NIGHT SAME RODEO TOUR 2026 Thu, Feb 19 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena * Sat, Feb 21 – Athens, GA – Akins Ford Arena * Thu, Feb 26 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena * Fri, Feb 27 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center * Sat, Feb 28 – Pikeville, KY – Appalachian Wireless Arena * Thu, Mar 5 – Boston, MA – TD Garden * Thu, Mar 12 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena * Fri, Mar 13 – Moline, IL – Vibrant Arena * Sat, Mar 14 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center * Fri, Mar 27 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater * Thu, Apr 2 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena * Fri, Apr 3 – Baton Rouge, LA – Raising Cane’s River Center * Sat, Apr 4 – Corpus Christi, TX – Hilliard Center Arena * Thu, Apr 9 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena * Fri, Apr 10 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena * Sat, Apr 11 – Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center * Thu, Apr 16 – Toledo, OH – The Huntington Center * Fri, Apr 17 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center * Sat, Apr 18 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center * Thu, Apr 30 – Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Center Propst Arena * Fri, May 1 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater * Sat, May 2 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater * Thu, Jun 4 – Airway Heights, WA – Northern Quest Amphitheater * Fri, Jun 5 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater * Sat, Jun 6 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater * Wed, Jun 10 – Abbotsford, BC – Rogers Forum * Thu, Jun 11 – Kelowna, BC – Prospera Place * Sat, Jun 13 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place * Thu, Jun 18 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre * Fri, Jun 19 – London, ON – Canada Life Place * Sat, Jun 20 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre * Thu, Aug 27 – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy + Mon, Aug 31 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Olympia + Tue, Sep 1 – Belfast, UK – The Waterfront Hall + Thu, Sep 3 – Manchester, UK – O2 Victoria Warehouse + Fri, Sep 4 – London, UK – O2 Academy Brixton + Sun, Sep 6 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg The Max + Tue, Sep 8 – Hamburg, Germany – Docks + Thu, Sep 10 – Stockholm, Sweden – Fållan + Sat, Sep 12 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum + * Support from Hudson Westbrook & Blake Whiten + Support from Chandler Walters
Bailey Zimmerman adds 8 new RIAA certifications to his hit-filled catalogue Read More »
Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Kip Moore announces his anticipated return to Australia and New Zealand this October and November as part of his Reason To Believe World Tour. This is in addition to previously announced shows in South Africa, European festival performances at State Fayre in the UK and Holland International Blues Festival in the Netherlands. Moore will also co-headline a tour of Germany and Switzerland with Jackson Dean. Marking his sixth visit down under, the multi-platinum singer-songwriter will play up close and intimate theatres across the Australian East Coast from Friday 30 October, along with stops in Auckland and Christchurch. Ahead of the upcoming world tour, Moore also announced his brand new single ‘Levee’ releasing today (March 6). The song follows his critically acclaimed 2025 album Solitary Tracks. Written entirely by Moore and largely recorded while on the road, the 23-track collection sees the musician turn inward. In writing these tracks, he found peace in the exploration of his own personal experiences. Moore is ready to embark on a new chapter and share this phase of his musical journey. Moore spent much of the last few years on the road. He’s travelled from Europe and the UK to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and back home to the States. Now, he’s making his return to those countries with new music and a new tour. Global Tour Dates: March 6 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena ^ March 7 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena ^ March 28 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena ^ April 10 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena ^ June 5 – Hinckley, MN – Hinckley Amphitheater * June 6 – Milwaukee, WI – Landmark Credit Union Live * June 12 – Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park * June 13 – Des Moines, IA – Lauridsen Amphitheater * June 19 – Grolloo, NL – Holland International Blues Festival # June 21 – München – TonHalle** June 23 – Zurich – X-TRA #** June 25 – Köln – Carlswerk** June 27 – Chelmsford, UK – State Fayre # July 17 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17 * July 18 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage * July 24 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater * July 25 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater * August 7 – Port Wentworth, GA – Port Wentworth Amphitheater * August 8 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy * August 20 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center * August 21 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed * August 22 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill * September 10 – Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery * September 11 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre * September 12 – Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront * October 17 – Pretoria, ZA – SuperSport Park Stadium October 23 – Cape Town, ZA – GrandWest Arena October 24 – Cape Town, ZA – GrandWest Arena October 30 – Melbourne, AU – The Forum October 31 – Melbourne, AU – The Forum November 6 – Brisbane, AU – The Fortitude Music Hall November 7 – Brisbane, AU – The Fortitude Music Hall November 13 – Sydney, AU – The Enmore Theatre November 14 – Sydney, AU – The Enmore Theatre November 21 – Christchurch, NZ – Christchurch Town Hall November 22 – Auckland, NZ – Auckland Town Hall ^ – With Cody Johnson * – Billy Currington & Kip Moore: Live In Concert ** – with Jackson Dean # – Festival
Kip Moore to bring “Reason to Believe” Tour to Australia and New Zealand in 2026 Read More »
As part of its year-round commitment to celebrating excellence in Country Music, the Country Music Association have announced the recipients of the 2026 CMA Triple Play Awards. This honours the songwriters behind some of the format’s biggest No. 1 hits. Hosted by composer and CMA Board member, Jim Beavers, the awards ceremony will take place Monday, April 13 in Nashville. Receiving the Award This year’s 16 CMA Triple Play Award recipients are Andy Albert, Louis Bell, John Byron, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Riley Green, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ella Langley, Chase McGill, John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass, Taylor Phillips, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith and Morgan Wallen. CMA will also recognize over 40 songwriters celebrating their first No. 1 Country hit since the last ceremony. In addition, Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), will receive the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award. “Songwriters are the heartbeat of Country Music, and the CMA Triple Play Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the creativity and hard work it takes to land three No. 1 songs in a single year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “It’s just as special to recognize Bart with the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award, as well as honor those celebrating their very first No. 1 — a milestone that is often the start of an extraordinary career. Bringing our songwriting community together to recognize these achievements is one of the most meaningful ways CMA supports the people behind the music and the continued growth of the genre.” “I am humbled at this recognition by the Country Music Association,” says Herbison. “And I want to use this opportunity to thank the hundreds and hundreds of writers, particularly anyone who served on the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Board of Directors during my tenure, who have all been integral to our advocacy efforts.” Bart Herbison’s Work The CMA Songwriter Advocate Award honors individuals who have significantly supported and advanced the art and careers of songwriters. Herbison has been a relentless advocate for songwriters, spearheading major industry advancements including the Music Modernization Act and long-term capital gains protections that have returned millions to creators. He led efforts that produced a historic 44% increase in mechanical royalties and helped establish the Mechanical Licensing Collective. Through strategic investments like the Bluebird Café and Music Mill studios, Herbison has strengthened the songwriting community while elevating its future. His decades of leadership have made a lasting and historic impact on Country Music. Three No.1 Hits in a Year The CMA Triple Play Award recognizes songwriters who achieve three No. 1 hits within a 12-month period, as measured by the Country Aircheck, Billboard Country Airplay and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Reflecting CMA’s broader mission of celebrating excellence, the honour highlights the essential influence songwriters have in defining the sound and success of Country Music. Through the Triple Play Awards and its other industry recognitions, CMA honours the talent, creativity and dedication of those who continue to propel the genre forward. Celebrating their first CMA Triple Play Award this year is Albert, Bell, Green, Kasher Hindlin, Langley, Morgan, Pendergrass and Post. Gorley remains the most decorated recipient and is set to receive his 27th CMA Triple Play Award at this year’s ceremony. CMA Triple Play Recipients The 2026 CMA Triple Play Awards recipients are recognized for the following: Andy Albert “Bigger Houses,” recorded by Dan + Shay “Hometown Home,” recorded by LOCASH “Somewhere Over Laredo,” recorded by Lainey Wilson Louis Bell “I Had Some Help,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen “Pour Me A Drink,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton “Guy For That,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Luke Combs John Byron “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” recorded by Dylan Scott “What I Want,” recorded by Morgan Wallen feat. Tate McRae “Just In Case,” recorded by Morgan Wallen Jessie Jo Dillon “Lies Lies Lies,” recorded by Morgan Wallen “Am I Okay?,” recorded by Megan Moroney “Happen To Me,” recorded by Russell Dickerson Ashley Gorley “Liar,” recorded by Jelly Roll “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” recorded by Dylan Scott “Park,” recorded by Tyler Hubbard Riley Green “you look like you love me,” recorded by Ella Langley feat. Riley Green “Worst Way,” recorded by Riley Green “Don’t Mind If I Do,” recorded by Riley Green feat. Ella Langley Charlie Handsome “Guy For That,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Luke Combs “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” recorded by Dylan Scott “What I Want,” recorded by Morgan Wallen feat. Tate McRae Jacob Kasher Hindlin “Beautiful As You,” recorded by Thomas Rhett “Love Somebody,” recorded by Morgan Wallen “What I Want,” recorded by Morgan Wallen feat. Tate McRae Ella Langley “you look like you love me,” recorded by Ella Langley feat. Riley Green “weren’t for the wind,” recorded by Ella Langley “Choosin’ Texas,” recorded by Ella Langley Chase McGill “Happen To Me,” recorded by Russell Dickerson “I Got Better,” recorded by Morgan Wallen “20 Cigarettes,” recorded by Morgan Wallen John Morgan “Friends Like That,” recorded by John Morgan “Whiskey Drink,” recorded by Jason Aldean “How Far Does A Goodbye Go,” recorded by Jason Aldean Blake Pendergrass “Just In Case,” recorded by Morgan Wallen “Heart of Stone,” recorded by Jelly Roll “I Got Better,” recorded by Morgan Wallen Taylor Phillips “Liar,” recorded by Jelly Roll “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” recorded by Dylan Scott “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” recorded by Nate Smith Austin Post “I Had Some Help,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen “Pour Me A Drink,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton “Guy For That,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Luke Combs Ernest Keith Smith “Guy For That,” recorded by Post Malone feat. Luke Combs “Just In Case,” recorded by Morgan Wallen “I Got Better,” recorded by Morgan Wallen Morgan Wallen “I’m The Problem,” recorded by Morgan Wallen “What I Want,” recorded by Morgan Wallen feat. Tate McRae “Just In Case,” recorded by Morgan Wallen About the Country Music
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