Page 119 – Maverick Country

Caitlyn Smith releases Monarch theme tune ‘The Card You Gamble’

Country singer-songwriter Caitlyn Smith’s latest single “The Card You Gamble” (Arista Records/Monument Records), the theme from highly-anticipated new US TV series MONARCH, is available now. Stream it HERE! Caitlyn will visit the UK in March to perform at the prestigious CMA Songwriters Series on March 10 at Indigo at The O2, part of the C2C (Country To Country) festival. Look out for more live shows to be announced. With a penchant for storytelling, The New York Times boasts Smith “has a striking voice of her own…with glimmers of both the girl-next-door naturalism of Sheryl Crow and the way ward attack of Sia,” while NPR declares “Caitlyn Smith has a voice that grabs you the first time you hear it,” all while being an in-demand songwriter who has had cuts by Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Miley Cyrus, Meghan Trainor, John Legend and more. “To jump into a song like “The Card You Gamble” that has so much drama, suspense and mystery was such a fun experience,” says the Minnesotan. “I love that the Love Junkies wrote the song almost as its own character in the show. The music is so central to the storytelling in MONARCH, and I’m just excited and honoured to be a part of it.” Produced by three-time GRAMMY Award nominee and series executive music producer Adam Anders and co-producer Peer Åström, “The Card You Gamble” was written by The Love Junkies – Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose. “The Love Junkies wrote an amazing song that encompasses the themes of our show both lyrically and musically, but stands on its own legs,” shares Anders. “Caitlyn’s voice perfectly matches the sonic landscape that Peer and I wanted to create.” 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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Maren Morris releases new song ‘Circles Around This Town’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Grammy-winning superstar Maren Morris shares a new single today, “Circles Around This Town,” alongside a music video directed by Harper Smith. The song was written by Maren and frequent collaborators Ryan Hurd, Julia Michaels and Jimmy Robbins and produced by Greg Kurstin. More music from Maren is imminent. Maren says: “I could see the visuals for ‘Circles Around This Town’ the moment I wrote the song. I’ve always been so inspired by the industrial, blown out colors of music videos from the 90s, so Harper Smith and I wanted the aesthetics of this video to reflect that grainy, devil-may-care attitude of all my females heroes from that era: Sheryl, Fiona, Alanis. Obviously, having a penchant for the nostalgic, we decided to recreate my teenage bedroom and pin old photos of me as a kid on the walls and have me typing on an old PC computer. I knew I didn’t want to take anything too seriously in this video, so all our amplified ‘signs of the universe’ are purposefully campy, but they also ask the viewer, ‘Is the universe actually showing you signs or do you just know when you need to make a real change?’ ‘Circles Around This Town’ is my story, so I felt like I truly got to relive my journey from Texas to Nashville again.” Furthemore, Maren is nominated for two Grammy awards this year: Best Country Song for “Better Than We Found It” and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Chasing After You,” the #1, Platinum-certified collaboration with her husband Ryan Hurd. One of music’s brightest stars, Maren released her massively acclaimed, record-shattering album GIRL in 2019, one of country’s most celebrated albums that year which spawned smash hits including the four times Platinum-certified, Grammy-nominated “The Bones;” and the Platinum-certified #1 title track. Maren won 2021 ACM Awards for Female Artist of the Year—for the second year in a row—and Song of the Year and three trophies at the 2020 CMA Awards. GIRL arrived three years after Maren’s breakout, Platinum-certified debut album HERO, for which she won countless accolades including Grammy, ACM and CMA Awards. 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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Dolly Parton kicks off 2022 with 47 Gold and Platinum certifications from around the world

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Proving that seven decades into her unprecedented career new ground continues to be charted, Dolly Parton is presented with a staggering 47 new sales certifications from around the world to kick off the New Year. Already awarded a plaque from the RIAA in 2014 for over 100 million units sold worldwide, these new honors show continued engagement in Parton’s extensive catalog. “I’ve often said that my songs are like my children, and I expect them to support me later in my life. Well, it looks like they are doing just that!” proclaims Parton. “I am so humbled to have been surprised with this incredible collection of certifications from around the world. I owe a big thank you to my fans, old and new, who continue to be there for me year after year. This is a wonderful way to kick off 2022!” The new awards presented cover certifications from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Norway, Finland & Sweden. 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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Dolly Parton teams up with Kelsea Ballerini for ‘Run, Rose, Run’ Audiobook

Leave a Comment / Beyond Nashville, News / Rochelle Mills

It was announced over the festive period that Kelsea Ballerini will voice one of the characters in the Audiobook version of ‘Run, Rose, Run’ – Dolly Parton’s first novel which she penned with best selling author, James Patterson. The novel comes out on March 7th and will be accompanied by a 12 track album of original songs written, recorded and produced by Parton. It’s an enthralling read which centres around aspiring country singer AnnieLee Keyes, the character Ballerini will portray, as she moves to Nashville to pursue her dreams and escape her dark past. Once there she is guided by country music veteran Ruthanna Ryder, who will be portrayed by Dolly herself. “I think our fans are going to love hearing us in a totally different way than they’re used to,” Parton said in a release. “And they’re going to love following our characters on their unpredictable journeys through the Nashville music scene and beyond.” “Working on a creation from the ever-brilliant mind of Dolly Parton has to be a dream job for anyone, especially as a young artist in country music,” Ballerini said in a statement. “And as a writer myself, to be asked to join this project that is also a collaboration with James Patterson—another incredible storyteller not to mention bestselling author—has been truly thrilling.” ‘Run, Rose, Run’, it’s accompanying Audiobook and album will be released on March 7th! 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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Lady A releases new single ‘What A Song Can Do’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Lady A launches into the new year with their next single “What A Song Can Do” (BMLG Records), available now. The title track from their eighth studio album serves as a love letter to fans that is steeped in music’s power to get us through and has already garnered nearly 4 million on-demand streams. Written by the group’s Charles Kelley with Ryan Hurd, Sam Ellis and Laura Veltz, “What A Song Can Do” also illustrates the patience and optimism the trio has taken from their years together. “We have been overfilled with gratitude after releasing this album and we don’t take it lightly that after eight albums our music still resonates with so many people,” Kelley said. “This song is the summation of where our hearts are right now and how much music can really pull us through in times of need. We love writing songs about lost love and things like that, but I feel like our favorite material comes with a strong positive message.” In the US, Lady A delivered a live multi-set performance during CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash where they “got the massive crowd fired up” (Sounds Like Nashville) as they launched into the first song of the night with the fan-favourite hit “You Look Good.” Read our interview with the group 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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Happy Holidays! ‘Let’s All Get Together and Fight’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Southern blues-rock royalty, The Kentucky Headhunters release an animated lyric video for their tongue-in-cheek song, ‘Let’s All Get Together and Fight’. The song’s ideal for a wry, tongue-in-cheek holiday release when so many folk and families will be gathering to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and all other family gatherings. Whilst such occasions are often full of fine fare and fellowship, many are often also full of friction, and the longstanding traditions of gathering, bickering, bitching, fighting, and arguing over all and sundry. The Kentucky Headhunters celebrate this in ‘Let’s All Get Together and Fight’. The song’s roots lies in band member Richard Young’s very own holiday family gatherings, which after the restrictions imposed on contact, gathering and partying because of COVID, he appreciates more and more. “Every year around this time, all families come together,” Young recently told Everything Nash, “and if your family is anything like ours, there is always one or two folks that get their feelings hurt, or just plain old disrupt for attention. “I must admit, I have snuck many half-cakes in the trash can, to keep one of our family members from getting their feelings hurt, because she was not a county fair Blue Ribbon cook. Kind of like Aunt Bea’s homemade pickles on Andy Griffith! “Like everyone else, we all hunkered down at home in 2020, and didn’t have our normal family gatherings,” Richard reflects. “As my wife, Cindy, made a crockpot of deer and vegetables, cornbread, and her award-winning broccoli casserole for Thanksgiving, it made me realize even more than ever how special family is. Hindsight is 2020, so love each other, and cherish the moments, even if we all get together and fight!”

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Exclusive: Tim Prottey-Jones and Kezia Gill record a reimagined version of ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ out January 14th

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Tim Prottey-Jones teams up with fellow UK country star Kezia Gill for a reimagined version of the 90’s hit ‘Cotton Eye Joe’, due out January 14th. Summer 2021 – As the campaign for his most recent original music came to a close, Tim hit upon the notion of reworking some nostalgic 90’s one-hit-wonders & giving them a new lease of life as dark Americana tracks. Each would be a duet with a vocalist he admired and ‘Cotton Eye Joe’ was no different. Take everything you thought you knew about this track, made famous by Rednex, and then really take on board the already brooding lyrics that reference a sinister character and the notion of being drunk on moonshine, and you’ve got the perfect gothic tale. Having known each other on the UK country circuit, BCMA award winners Tim and Kezia first collaborated during the very first lockdown in 2020 as part of a remotely recorded series of tracks that celebrated the best UK country voices and musicians. From that moment, Tim knew he wanted to record with Kezia again & he set about producing a version of the track that would rekindle the magic of where the Civil Wars left off whilst being true to the origins of the 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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Exclusive: Emilia Quinn shares video for ‘Worse Than Whiskey’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Emilia Quinn shows the world that independent artists can create beautiful art without a ‘big label’ budget in new music video for ‘Worse Than Whiskey’. The video, which was directed, shot and edited by Quinn and her partner Tammy (Tamography) at the pair’s house was released exclusively on Maverick today. Speaking of the video Quinn said, “My decision to shoot with my other half comes back to the EP being so personal. It felt right to shoot something so personal with someone who fully understands me and understands the song. Plus I’ve always had a love for DIY projects and a strong belief that if you give yourself the chance and take a leap, everyone is capable of creating great things!” She continued, “The bath is the same bath from the cover art of the EP itself and the place where I came up with a fair few lyrics featured in Medicate.” “We’re both so proud of how the video turned out, it actually came out even better than I imagined, and we’re so excited to share it with the world!” Both the song and the video showcase the talent of these two girls and represent the fire and determination nestled within the UK country scene. 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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C2C announces Official Aftershow Parties featuring DJ Hish

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Country to Country is pleased to announce that the C2C Official Aftershow Parties are back! A favourite amongst C2C fans, the C2C Official Aftershow Parties take place post mainstage celebrations in Indigo at The O2, London and continue the party with headline performances from special guests. Once more Nashville’s own resident DJ Hish returns to host and close out the night with his legendary sets. Tickets will be released 9am Friday 10th December via www.gigsandtours.com and www.axs.com. Headlining next year’s festival are country music superstars Luke Combs, Darius Rucker and Miranda Lambert. Also making their return next year are multiple CMA award winners and nominees Kip Moore, Brett Young, and Ashley McBryde alongside Russell Dickerson, Scotty McCreery, Flatland Cavalry, Runaway June and Hailey Whitters who all make their main stage debuts. News of further artists will be announced soon!! Country to Country has become a staple in the UK festival calendar and has brought country music to the UK and Ireland masses, with tens of thousands of fans attending each year. The festival continuously hosts the best in country music and entertainment, bringing over the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, UK and Europe. In 2019, C2C welcomed over 70,000 fans, who enjoyed music from artists including Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Chris Stapleton, Brett Eldredge, Hunter Hayes, Lyle Lovett, Cam, Dustin Lynch, Ashley McBryde, Chase Rice, Carly Pearce, Drake White & The Big Fire and more; as well as programming from the Festival Stages, BBC Radio 2 Stage, CMA Screenings, The Bluebird Café, Aftershows and C2C Sessions. 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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Audra McLaughlin shares acoustic video of ‘Headed For The Fall’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Audra McLaughlin’s latest single ‘Headed For The Fall’ which has been garnering attention on BBC Radio, comes out tomorrow! Ahead of it’s release she shared an acoustic rendition of it with us, here at Maverick. ‘Headed For The Fall’ showcases her phenomenal vocal range and gives us a real taste of the edgier side of this Queen of Country Soul. With an infectious chorus and the magical blend of guitars, you’ll want to enjoy listening to this song with the volume cranked up! Singer-Songwriter Audra McLaughlin grew to national fame in the USA as a member of Team Blake on season 6 of NBC’s “The Voice” where she reached the live shows and finished in the Top 6 Artists. Following her time on the show and after touring with the NASCAR band for two years, the Pennsylvania native moved to Nashville after needing vocal surgery and rehabilitation stemming from a cyst on her vocal chord. During her recovery process, she began working with leading vocal coach Kati Hendricks, who would later connect her with industry veteran Jimmy Mattingly in 2019. Audra inked a co-publishing deal with Jimmy Mattingly and Johnny Garcia. Both of whom worked with Audra on this latest single – co-writing, producing and also featuring as musicians. 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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