Page 115 – Maverick Country

The Academy of Country Music Awards lit up Las Vegas!

What a night it was in Vegas! From the moment the country music community began to congregate on the Red Carpet to the very last acceptance speech, the night was filled with smiles and celebrations as the industry came together for one of the first times since the pandemic began. Tenille Townes put on a dazzling performance at the Red Carpet show to kick things off before gushing to me how excited she is to be coming back to the UK for C2C, “I don’t know how I managed to fit everything in one suitcase, but we’re packed and ready to get on that plane tomorrow!” She also spoke of her excitement of seeing her friend Lainey Wilson perform who had already accepted the award for New Female Artist of the Year but the night got even better for Wilson as her song ‘Things A Man Oughta Know’ beat out tough competition to take home Song of the Year. The night was hosted by the legendary Dolly Parton who couldn’t have found a more dazzling outfit if she tried, she truly lit up the room in more ways than one! With her new novel co-authored with James Patterson coming on sale that day along with her new album to go with it, Parton treated us to a duet of ‘Big Dreams and Faded Jeans’ with Kelsea Ballerini. She recognised that despite the jubilant occasion there was a sombre tone to the night as the people of Ukraine would be at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Old Dominion acknowledged this too, speaking in their press conference how uncomfortable it felt to be celebrating their win for Group of the Year with Matthew Ramsay saying, “My heart hurts for those hiding in basements right now,” meanwhile, as Ramsay spoke those words backstage, the arena was reflecting on the events of 2017 at the Route 91 festival where 60 people lost their lives. Jason Aldean was on stage that day when the gunman opened fire and he, filled with emotion paid tribute to them before introducing Chris Stapleton who performed a song he had written in the aftermath. He would later go on to pick up the award for Male Artist of the Year, whilst Carly Pearce won Female Artist of the Year to accompany the earlier award she picked up for Music Event of the Year, an award she won for her duet with Ashley McBryde on ‘Never Wanted To Be That Girl’. The pair took to the stage to sing the song in what was an emotional, heart-string tugging performance. And talking of strings, Thomas Rhett’s performance of ‘Slow Down Summer’ off his upcoming album boasts a beautiful string arrangement on the record but in a live setting it really amplified the emotion. The ACM awards are known for their fantastic duets and collaborations so it was wonderful to see Breland and Rhett performing together and of course Carrie Underwood joining Jason Aldean for a rendition of Single of the Year ‘If I Didn’t Love You’, with Carrie coming down from the ceiling on a sort of hula-hoop. One of the performances of the night came from Kelly Clarkson who paid tribute to Parton with her rendition of ‘I Will Always Love You’. This was followed by the announcement that the top prize of the night, Entertainer of the Year, was won by Miranda Lambert! Earlier in the night she had picked up the award for Video of the Year alongside Elle King for ‘Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)’ but she has had an incredible year with various projects such as The Marfa Tapes having wide success. She truly deserves this award and it has been a long time coming for the Texas native who accepted the award via video link from London where she is staying ahead of Country 2 Country festival. The Academy of Country Music put on a truly breathtaking show in Las Vegas which truly showcased the broad spectrum of what country music is today. With it being streamed on Amazon Prime it meant people from all over the world could watch the event live for the first time. The winners were deserving and the collaboration showed just what a tight-knit community we have in the genre.

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Ones to watch at C2C

Leave a Comment / Live Events, News / Rochelle Mills

C2C have confirmed the full complete line up of festival stages across The O2, London featuring over 100 performances across the weekend. C2C provides an incredible opportunity for fans of country to discover and support new artists from all over the UK, Europe and the US. C2C ticket holders will have access to The Town Square, The Big Entrance, BBC Radio 2 Stage (at Indigo at The O2), Country Music Week Hub and The Saloon (All Bar One), The Icon Stage and The Garden Stage. It’s going to be a busy weekend with you feeling like you need to split yourself in two so as not to miss any of your favourite artists! However, we’ve got you covered as we highlight a couple of key, not-to-be-missed performances from each stage. BBC RADIO 2 STAGE AT INDIGO – Alex Hall, Avery Anna, Breland, Brittney Spencer, Caitlyn Smith, Callie Twisselman, Callista Clark, Erin Kinsey, King Calaway, Matt Stell, Robyn Ottolini, Shy Carter, Tebey, Tenille Arts, Tim Hicks, Walker County, Willie Jones Willie Jones – This is such a packed line-up that it was hard to narrow down but Willie Jones seriously impressed me in 2019 at the Music City Cares concert which featured Carly Pearce and Rodney Atkins. Right now I’m really enjoying ‘American Dream’ a song he released just over a year ago now. He’s a versatile performer and definitely one not to be missed. Callista Clark – Our cover star from the last issue has some great songs and a phenomenal voice, she also plays eight instruments! She may be young but she will own that stage and captivate the room. The song I’m most enjoying right now is ‘Real To Me’. THE TOWN SQUARE – Alex Hall, Avery Anna, Breland, Caitlyn Smith, Callie Twisselman, Catherine McGrath, Everette, Jaret Ray Reddick, Jess Moskaluke, Kezia Gill, Laci Kaye Booth, Laine Hardy, Laura Oakes, Morganway, Robyn Ottolini, Seaforth, Shy Carter, Tebey, Tim Hicks, Twinnie, Walker County, Willie Jones Seaforth – These boys are so much fun and have some really catchy songs. All the way from Australia, the duo have brought their own flavour to the Nashville scene and have teamed up well with other artists and writers. The song they’ve done with Jordan Davis, ‘Good Beer’ is a standout. Kezia Gill – Kezia is one of the fastest rising stars of the UK scene. Recently named Entertainer of the Year at the British Country Music Association awards, Kezia’s power-house vocals will reel you in on first listen and her live performance will most certainly impress. ‘Whiskey Drinkin Woman’ is my song of choice. CMW HUB – ALL BAR ONE – Alex Hall, Catherine McGrath, Kaitlyn Baker, King Calaway, Laci Kaye Booth, Laine Hardy, Robyn Ottolini, Shy Carter, Tebey, Tim Hicks, Twinnie, Walker County Shy Carter – There are plenty of chances to see this hitmaker throughout the weekend but take as many of those chances as you can because he is a real gem! I’m hoping and praying with all my heart that he’ll play ‘Speak to a Girl’ a song he wrote that featured on Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s album along with ‘Stuck Like Glue’ a hit he penned for Sugarland. However, listen out for some amazing new material from Carter because his new record is brilliant! Laci Kaye Booth – Texas native, Laci Kaye Booth rose to fame through American Idol but has since impressed the Nashville community, regularly writing with the likes of Laura Veltz and Jimmy Robbins. Her song ‘Shuffle’ is a great tune. BIG ENTRANCE – Caitlyn Smith, Eric & Jensen, Essex County, Everette, Gary Quinn, Harleymoon Kemp, Hayley McKay, Izzie Walsh, Jaret Ray Reddick, Jess Moskaluke, Kaitlyn Baker, Katy Hurt, Kezia Gill, Laci Kaye Booth, Laine Hardy, Laura Oakes, Morganway, Ruthie Collins, The County Affair, Tim Prottey-Jones, Twinnie Harleymoon Kemp – Daughter of Martin Kemp, music runs in the family for Harleymoon Kemp and she was always destined to excel at it. She’s bound to impress at C2C. ‘Love On The Radio’ is probably my favourite track of hers. The County Affair – This duo have a lovely story about friends reunited and the EP that they released last year is a standout on the UK scene. I’m excited to see these songs performed live. ‘Every Ghost’ is definitely worth a listen. ICON STAGE – Catherine McGrath, Danny McMahon, Eleri Angharad, Eric & Jensen, Essex County, Gary Quinn, Harleymoon Kemp, Izzie Walsh, Jeannine Barry, Jess Thristan, Kaitlyn Baker, Katy Hurt, Lucy Grubb, Pete Gow, The County Affair, Tim Prottey-Jones Katy Hurt – It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Katy Hurt, I just think she’s one of the brightest stars in the UK scene right now. ‘Sounds Good In A Bar’ was released last year and I think it’s one of the best songs she’s released. Kaitlyn Baker – Kaitlyn Baker is a really talented artist and has opened for the likes of Craig Morgan and Jim Lauderdale. Dubbed the new coal miner’s daughter due to her family’s background, her songwriting speaks directly to the hearts of ordinary people. ‘Drinkin’ Hours’ is my go-to track of Kaitlyn’s. GARDEN STAGE – Danny McMahon, Eleri Angharad, Eric & Jensen, Essex County, Everette, Gary Quinn, Harleymoon Kemp, Hayley McKay, Jeannine Barry, Jess Moskaluke, Jess Thristan, Katy Hurt, Kezia Gill, Laura Oakes, Lucy Grubb, Pete Gow, Ruthie Collins, The County Affair, Tim Prottey-Jones Jess Moskaluke – Jess brought out a wonderful album last year called ‘The Demos’ which featured songs she’d co-written with some Nashville hit-makers such as Liz Rose and Corey Crowder and they deserved to be hits themselves – there was some fabulous songwriting on there. The Canadian will be one of the most talked about artists on these outer stages I am sure. Chosen song – ‘Mapdot’. Eric & Jensen – Eric and Jensen are the new kids on the block of the UK country scene. The two brothers are just starting out on their journey but have some covers on youtube

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COMPETITION: Win tickets to Tenille Townes fan event at C2C!

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Maverick has teamed up with Sony Music Nashville to deliver an intimate fan event with Candaian country star Tenille Townes! The event shall take place on Saturday 12th where Tenille will take to the stage with a series of special guests joining her. This will then be followed by a Q&A with Tenille. To enter just follow the link HERE but be quick, today is your last chance! To get you in the mood, take a listen to Tenille’s latest single ‘When’s It Gonna Happen’ below.

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Audra McLaughlin announces new single

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

The new single ‘Beautiful Pain’ from Audra McLaughlin not only showcases her phenomenal range but with magical backing vocals from iconic singer Robert Bailey, this stunning blend of voices leaves listeners feeling awe-struck. Robert Bailey is best known as the longtime backing singer of Garth Brooks and has a long list of credits to his name, including recordings for Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes and more recently Dan + Shay (to name a few!). The song was co-written with hit songwriter, Pete Sallis who’s songwriting credits include Ronnie Dunn’s ‘Once’ and Maddie & Tae’s ‘Shut up and fish’. Once again we hear the incredible playing from Nashville Veterans Johnny Garcia and Jimmy Mattingly as Musicians on the track. With bitter sweet lyrics that will resonate with many, big soaring vocals and a soulful sound that wouldn’t sound amiss on a Carrie Underwood record and the unmistakable polished production from Garcia and Mattingly – this single is the most ambitious one yet from Audra McLaughlin! It’s out on 31st March 2022 and is available to presave NOW! Producer, Songwriter, Publisher, and guitar player Johnny Garcia has been playing on stage with Garth Brooks since 2000 and for Trisha Yearwood since 1991 (he also serves as Trisha’s music director). Johnny owns ‘Busy At Play Publishing’ on Music Row with a long list of publishing credits to his name. Producer, Songwriter, and award-winning fiddle player, Jimmy Mattingly, is also a touring and recording fiddler for some of the biggest Country acts of all time, including Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Brooks and Dunn, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, and Trisha Yearwood. Check out the interview we did with Audra in the last issue available HERE! 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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Thomas Rhett releases new song ‘Death Row’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Thomas Rhett teams up with friends Tyler Hubbard and Russell Dickerson for his latest single off upcoming album ‘Where We Started’. Long recognised for his “songwriting brawn” (American Songwriter) and a prolific career writing about what he knows, superstar Thomas Rhett stretches his truthful storytelling even further today with the release of “Death Row.” Featuring Tyler Hubbard and Russell Dickerson, the song was penned after the three visited a men’s prison in Tennessee with their guitars. Armed with a pressure cooker of emotions, Thomas Rhett wrote the sobering track of redemption alongside Ashley Gorley and Zack Crowell. Fans can now listen to the new track off Where We Started (out April 1 via The Valory Music Co.) here and pre-order the album here. “Tyler, Russell and I went and played some songs for a men’s prison here in Tennessee,” Thomas Rhett shared. “We left with a lot of complex feelings, so I started writing as a way to process the heaviness. Our goal was for people to understand our experience by way of music – it’s basically a page directly from our journal that day.” Watch the lyric video for the song here.

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Elles Bailey’s chart success!

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

It’s a Red-Letter Day for multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Elles Bailey, whose latest album ‘Shining In The Half Light’ has just secured a place in the UK Top-20 album midweek charts, reaching #11: a remarkable achievement for a blues/rock grassroots Americana artist. In order to record and release this album, Elles has drawn on tenacity as well as talent. Not only was this album born out of a pandemic, but Elles recorded it while heavily pregnant. In her third trimester she developed a liver condition — Obstetric Cholestasis — she ended up in hospital yet continued to co-produce the album from her hospital bed. While in labour, she was still listening to mixes! Then, just two months after giving birth, Elles was back on the road and turning down a record deal, choosing instead to independently release the record. Never one to rest on her laurels and understanding the vinyl shortages, Elles had the foresight to submit her vinyl order for delivery in January 2022, despite the album not being finished. Yes, all from her hospital bed! “I am so proud of this grassroots journey I have been on and the story of this album,” says Elles.“It seemed mad to turn down the record deal I was offered, especially being a new mum with the schedule I had in front of me. But this record was my rain after a long drought; my oasis in the desert, made in lockdown whilst I was pregnant with my first child. I put every part of me into it and I just wasn’t ready to let it go. “I am so grateful to my incredible fan base for getting behind this album and believing in it. This mid-week chart listing is all because of them.” To celebrate the launch of ‘Shining in the Half Light’, Elles will be performing at OMEARA (London) on Tuesday 8th March. This will be her only full band show this side of festival season.

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Not to be missed performances at Country 2 Country

Leave a Comment / Live Events, News / Rochelle Mills

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The Cadillac Three announce UK tour

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Country fuzz heroes The Cadillac Three will return to the UK this summer with their brand-new Hillbilly Hypnotized Tour. Having had to reschedule their much-anticipated 10th Anniversary UK Tour at the end of 2021 due to the pandemic, the acclaimed Nashville trio will instead be bringing a whole new live show for 2022. However tickets for the original tour dates will remain valid in each city. The Cadillac Three, who were recently nominated for their second consecutive Group of the Year at the ACM Awards, released their fifth studio album Tabasco and Sweet Tea in 2020 which saw the trio inject some funk into their trademark southern rock sound. And the Hillbilly Hypnotized Tour will be the first chance for their legions of UK fans to experience tracks from both that album and its predecessor, the critically acclaimed Country Fuzz, alongside hits from the band’s decade-long career. Speaking about the tour, the band say, “We can’t wait to get back over to play for our UK friends in August & September! To say it’s been too long is an understatement, but it will make it even sweeter when we finally get to be together!” One of the most spontaneous and exciting live bands on the planet, The Cadillac Three will be playing eight shows across the UK, including a headline performance at The Long Road Festival and a celebratory show at London’s legendary Roundhouse. Tickets are available now from https://www.livenation.co.uk/ HILLBILLY HYPNOTIZED TOUR DATESSUMMER 2021 AUGUSTFri 26th – O2 Academy, GlasgowSat 27th – O2 Academy, ManchesterSun 27th – The Long Road Festival, LeicestershireTues 30th – O2 City Hall, Newcastle SEPTEMBERFri 2nd – Great Hall, CardiffSat 3rd – Institute, BirminghamMon 5th – Rock City, NottinghamTues 6th – The Roundhouse, London

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BRELAND named Breakthrough Artist for Amazon

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Praise continues to stack up for Bad Realm Records / Atlantic Records artist BRELAND who has now been named Breakthrough Artist for Amazon. “BRELAND is a streaming-music star,” says Rolling Stone as they first announced the news. BRELAND now joins the short list of artists earning this coveted all-genre nod aimed at “amplifying and championing” the best new talent. Previous Breakthrough Artists include Gabby Barrett, Blxst, Remi Wolf, Arlo Parks, and more. The honour means BRELAND will now receive substantial support of Amazon Music – including marketing campaigns, increased playlist visibility, high-profile Amazon Original tracks and more. He’ll also be a featured guest on the Country Heat Weekly podcast. Continuing to make headlines, BRELAND will make his Academy of Country Music Awards performance debut on March 7th. Marking the first major Country awards show to be exclusively live streamed and available only on Prime Video. BRELAND will bring his one-of-a-kind energy to Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium as he performs his brand-new song ‘Praise The Lord’. Already creating a buzz on socials, BRELAND teased ‘Praise The Lord’ on TikTok and has received incredible feedback and love from his fans across all platforms. The jubilant track is set to release the day of his performance on the ACMs and can be pre-added/pre-saved here now: https://breland.lnk.to/PraiseTheLord Fans can also catch BRELAND in a new episode of My Opry Debut following his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry out last Friday, and he’ll also be recognised by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new American Currents: State of the Music exhibit. Opening March 4th, the exhibit will feature BRELAND alongside collaborator and believer Keith Urban, in a section highlighting the connections between trailblazers of past, present, and future. The exhibit runs through February 5th 2023. It’s all proof that BRELAND’s profile continues to grow exponentially. The PLATINUM-certified newcomer opened 2022 performing live on CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, and he is currently on the road for Russell Dickerson’s ALL YOURS, ALL NIGHT TOUR and he will be performing live for the first time in the UK at C2C Festival in March. For more country music news check out the February issue of Maverick Magazine.

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Artists announced to perform at ACM Awards

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Prime Video, the Academy of Country Music, and MRC today announced the first group of country music superstars set to perform live at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards on Prime Video, Monday, March 7 at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST/5 p.m. PST. Kelsea Ballerini, Walker Hayes, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Parmalee and Blanco Brown featuring Brooke Eden, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde, and Breakthrough Artist for Amazon Music, BRELAND, will hit the stage at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. With more than 20 performances, additional details will be announced in the coming weeks. The two-hour show will stream live without commercial interruption and is hosted by icon Dolly Parton and co-hosted by reigning ACM New Male Artist of the Year Jimmie Allen and reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year Gabby Barrett. Making their ACM Awards performance debuts, Parmalee and Blanco Brown will be joined by Brooke Eden, for a can’t miss version of their platinum multinational No. 1 smash hit “Just the Way.” Two-time ACM Award winners Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce will take the stage for a performance of their Music Event and Video of the Year nominated hit “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.” BRELAND, who earlier this week was named the next Breakthrough Artist for Amazon Music, will perform his new song “Praise The Lord.” Breakthrough is the emerging artist program from Amazon Music, aimed at amplifying the best new talent and championing them early in their careers. BRELAND is the second country music artist to be named to the program, following this year’s ACM Awards co-host Gabby Barrett, who was selected in 2020. Performance details for Kelsea Ballerini, Walker Hayes, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, and Chris Stapleton will be announced in the coming weeks. Morris is a five-time ACM Award winner and nominee for Female Artist of the Year. Thomas Rhett is an eight-time ACM Award winner and nominated for Male Artist and Album of the Year. Stapleton is a five-time nominee this year, including his fourth nod for Entertainer of the Year and seventh for Male Artist of the Year. He is a nine-time ACM Award winner. Read more country music news in the February issue of Maverick Magazine.

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