Page 15 – Maverick Country

Maddie-Tae-Credit Joseph Llanes - Maverick_Country.com

Beloved Country Duo Maddie & Tae Announce Split

Award-winning country duo Maddie & Tae have announced they are bringing their 15-year musical partnership to an end. The pair confirmed that while they will no longer perform as a duo, their personal friendship remains strong. Tae Kerr said she intends to step back from music to focus on raising her two young children with her husband, songwriter and producer Josh Kerr. Maddie Font, meanwhile, plans to continue performing as a solo artist with the support of her husband and their toddler son. Although the duo is parting professionally, they emphasised that the door is not closed on working together again in the future. Font said they would not rule out making another record together one day. Their final scheduled shows as a duo are set to continue through mid-June 2026, though they have been clear that this is not being billed as a farewell tour. Maddie & Tae rose to prominence with their 2014 hit “Girl in a Country Song” and went on to score further success with songs including “Die From a Broken Heart.” Over their career they released several albums, won major industry awards and built a loyal fanbase.

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Brandi Carlile Set to Perform at Super Bowl LX

News / Editor

Brandi Carlile will sing “America the Beautiful” ahead of Super Bowl LX, bringing country influence back to the event. The game takes place on 8 February 2026 in Santa Clara, California, and will air on NBC. Carlile was announced as one of three pre-game performers by the NFL this week. The performance comes just over a week after the Grammys, where Carlile is nominated for two awards. Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show. Singer Charlie Puth will perform the National Anthem. He follows last year’s rendition from Jon Batiste and four straight years of country artists before that. Eric Church, Mickey Guyton, Chris Stapleton and Reba McEntire sang the Anthem from 2021 to 2024, with Stapleton’s version widely praised. Other notable country performances over the years include Luke Bryan in 2017, Carrie Underwood in 2010 and the Chicks in 2003. Country singers have frequently been placed in pre-game roles during the last three decades. Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert were the last to perform “America the Beautiful” in 2012, while Faith Hill sang it in 2009. The song remains a Super Bowl tradition alongside the National Anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, which will be performed by Coco Jones in 2026. Country music has been largely absent from the Super Bowl halftime stage since Shania Twain appeared with No Doubt in 2003. The last country-led halftime show was in 1994, featuring Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd. With the genre gaining wider popularity again, there have been growing calls for a country act to return to the main stage at a future Super Bowl.

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Dust and Grace Art Work - Maverick-Country.com

Dust and Grace Release New Single “He Made It All”

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Country and faith duo Dust and Grace released their single “He Made It All” on 31 October 2025. It followed their earlier track “Hallelujah,” which reached the Top 25 on the CDX Nashville Positive Country chart and helped introduce the rising act to a wider audience. “He Made It All” continued the pair’s mix of country storytelling and faith-based themes, describing the presence of the Creator in everyday life. The song focused on moments such as starlit skies, children’s laughter and sunlight, with acoustic instrumentation and close harmonies intended to reflect hope and gratitude. “This song is a reminder that God’s presence isn’t only found in churches or big life moments – He’s in every detail, every breath,” said songwriter and MTS Records President, Michael Stover. “We wanted to create something that felt like a sunrise for the soul.” The release came ahead of Dust and Grace’s debut album, which was due on 23 March 2026. The 11-track record included “My American Dream,” “Already There,” and “Little Footprints,” and explored themes of family life, nostalgia and faith.

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MTS Country Artists Earn Honours in Holland

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MTS Management Group’s country and crossover artists continued their winning run on the international stage, taking home multiple top honours at the 2025 Red Carpet Awards in Holland, presented by Fair Play Country Music Media. Recognised among hundreds of artists spanning 38 nations, the MTS roster proved its creative reach across country, pop and contemporary music. The awards celebrated artistry and authenticity, honouring independent musicians who created from the heart. MTS artists collected seven major honours across several categories. Founded by Michael Stover, MTS Management Group became a noted force in artist development, promotion and global recognition, guiding a diverse roster of independent musicians to acclaim. Stover’s artists continued to reach major radio charts, streaming platforms and award ceremonies, reflecting MTS’s commitment to quality, integrity and creative authenticity. “Each of these artists represents what MTS stands for – heart, honesty, and hard work,” said Stover. “To see them recognized on such a prestigious, global stage is both humbling and inspiring. This isn’t just about winning awards – it’s about sharing real music that connects across borders.” The Red Carpet Awards brought together performers from across the world – spanning country, rock, blues, pop, jazz and soul – celebrating both original songwriters and cover artists. With strict nomination limits to ensure “quality over quantity”, the event prized refinement and professionalism. Participants came from over 38 countries including the US, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia and South Africa, showing the reach of the awards. From Pamela Hopkins’s storytelling and The Perfect Storm’s pop work to Richard Lynch’s traditional country, Robert Ross’s anthems and Eleyet McConnell’s performances, MTS artists continued to bridge genres and cultures, delivering songs that resonated with audiences around the globe.

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Jeffery Straker - Photo by Chris Graham - Maverick_Country.com

Jeffery Straker Releases ‘A Very Prairie Christmas’

News / Editor

Saskatchewan singer-songwriter Jeffery Straker has released A Very Prairie Christmas, a 12-song holiday album inspired by nearly a decade of his annual festive concerts. The recording blends nostalgic classics with intimate, piano-driven arrangements. Straker says he finally answered years of requests from fans who asked at the merch table whether a Christmas album existed. The project was recorded and produced entirely in Saskatchewan with local musicians. Sessions took place in July and August, with a Christmas tree set up in Straker’s living room studio to help create a festive atmosphere. “It was fascinating how the songs immediately transported us into full festive mode,” Straker says. “These songs were all I needed to virtually hang some holly and lights around my house.” Designed like a concert setlist, the album mixes celebration and quiet reflection. “Christmas can be complicated,” he says. “Part of the joy comes from taking stock of where we’ve been – both the ups and the downs.” The focus track is a cheerful rendition of “Holly Jolly Christmas,” written by Johnny Marks and made famous by Burl Ives. Straker describes the song as “the flashing coloured lights on a Christmas tree.” The recorded version reflects the full-band energy of his holiday show, featuring a 10-piece ensemble with piano, drums, upright bass, mandolin, acoustic guitar, strings, horns and backing vocals. “It’s short, sweet, and pure Christmas magic,” Straker says. Straker has built a career on roots-driven storytelling, earning comparisons to Kris Kristofferson and Jackson Browne. He has been named Roots-Folk Artist of the Year twice at the Saskatchewan Music Awards and was honoured with a Western Canadian Music Award. In 2025, the Canadian Folk Music Awards named him Contemporary Folk Singer of the Year. Raised on a grain farm and trained in classical piano, Straker says his holiday album combines nostalgic standards with prairie warmth and original material. “Listeners enjoyed my originals, but it was clear that the classic Christmas tunes were important and needed to be included,” he says.

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Long Road - Photo by Kezia Tan - Maverick-Country.com

Bailey Zimmerman to Headline The Long Road Festival 2026

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Multi-platinum country star Bailey Zimmerman has been confirmed as the first headline act for The Long Road Festival 2026. The UK’s largest outdoor celebration of country, Americana and roots music will return to Stanford Hall in Leicestershire over the August bank holiday weekend, from 27 to 30 August. Zimmerman will take the main stage on Saturday night, marking his first UK performance in more than two years following a sold-out run across the UK and Europe in 2024. The Long Road has grown into a true tastemaker event, spotlighting artists at every stage of their career, from established names to emerging talent. Stages draw inspiration from the places that shape country music, from front porches and roadside bars to long drives across the Interstate and the festival’s main stage breakthrough moments. Festival organisers say Zimmerman sets the tone for what will be the strongest line up to date, with more acts due to be announced in the coming months. Festival co-founder Baylen Leonard said: “Bailey Zimmerman is one of the most exciting live artists to emerge recently and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to The Long Road. “With his trademark showmanship and immense singalong hits, his mainstage set is going to be one to remember. Bailey’s energy and TLR’s status as a must-attend event for UK music fans is the perfect match.” Beyond the music, The Long Road is known for its mix of family-friendly Americana culture. Attractions include U.S.-style street food and barbecue, craft beer, classic cars and motorbikes, line dancing, campfires, vintage fairground rides, a dog show, activities for children, and even “Country-oke”. Friday and Sunday headliners, along with further names across four days and six stages, are still to be confirmed. Following a record-breaking release of super early bird tickets, festival organisers have launched family tickets for two adults and up to three children, offering savings of more than £80. Group options are also available.

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What to Expect from C2C 2026

Beyond Nashville, Live Events / Editor

Country 2 Country (C2C) returns in March 2026, once again reaffirming its status as the UK’s definitive country music festival and one of the most important fixtures on the international touring calendar. Taking place from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March 2026, the festival will span The O2 London, OVO Hydro Glasgow and The SSE Arena Belfast, delivering three days of arena-scale country music across three major cities. This year’s headline lineup reflects both the genre’s heritage and its evolving future. Zach Top, Keith Urban and Brooks & Dunn will top the bill, each bringing a distinct interpretation of country music to UK audiences. Top represents the neo-traditional movement currently gaining traction in Nashville, combining classic influences with a contemporary edge. Keith Urban, a long-standing global star, continues to bridge country and mainstream appeal with polished production and high-energy live performances. Meanwhile, Brooks & Dunn’s appearance offers a rare opportunity to see one of country music’s most influential duos deliver a hit-laden set on UK soil. Supporting them are Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson and Drake Milligan, adding depth and variety to the programme. McCreery’s storytelling-led approach and traditional leanings contrast with Dickerson’s pop-infused anthems, while Milligan’s retro aesthetic and stage presence bring a clear nod to country’s roots. As per C2C tradition, all artists will rotate across the three venues, ensuring that fans in each city experience a full headline set from every major act over the course of the weekend. Since its debut in 2013, C2C has played a pivotal role in transforming the UK country music landscape. What began as a bold experiment has evolved into a cultural institution, helping to normalise country music within the UK’s live music scene while introducing audiences to both established stars and emerging talent. Past editions have welcomed artists such as Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, reinforcing the festival’s credibility and pulling the genre firmly into the mainstream. Beyond the main arena shows, C2C is equally defined by its daytime programming. Songwriter rounds, acoustic performances, pop-up stages and fan-focused events create a more intimate layer to the festival, allowing audiences to engage with artists on a closer level and discover new voices. As anticipation builds for March 2026, C2C continues to offer something increasingly rare: a festival experience that balances scale with authenticity, legacy with progression, and spectacle with genuine connection. For UK country fans, it remains an unmissable date in the live music calendar.

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East Nashville Skyline - Maverick-Country.com

New book Spotlights Folksinger Todd Snider’s Songwriting Legacy

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Acclaimed Austin-based author Brian T. Atkinson is to release his seventh book, East Nashville Skyline: The Songwriting Legacy of Todd Snider, due out on December 5 through Texas A&M University Press. The book traces Snider’s trajectory from his journey as a songwriting student learning from masters Kent Finlay in San Marcos, Texas, Keith Sykes in Memphis, and finally Americana icon John Prine in Nashville through his ascent into one of the modern era’s most beloved singer-songwriters. “Todd was so enthusiastic about this book,” Atkinson says of the late folksinger and legendary storyteller, who died on November 14. “We did more than twenty hours of phone interviews and general bullshitting – all well before sunrise – during the first year of the pandemic. “He was endlessly generous with his time as we talked about songwriting and spirituality and everything in between. Todd answered the phone the same way every time: ‘Hey, man. Let me grab my coffee and a morning J and then let’s talk…’” The book also includes forewords by three icons – Woody Guthrie disciple Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, late comedian Richard Lewis, and the late country music beacon Loretta Lynn – along with interviews with several dozen songwriting friends (Patty Griffin, Jack Ingram, Kevn Kinney), followers (Hayes Carll, Sierra Ferrell, Jason Isbell), jam band buddies (Susan Tedeschi, the Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson, Yonder Mountain String Band’s Ben Kaufmann) and music industry insiders (Tony Brown, Don Was). “Todd is as poetic a writer as anybody,” late songwriting legend Kris Kristofferson once said, “but words don’t seem crafted with him. They come out naturally and move you emotionally in the direction he wants, but without you feeling conscious of it.”

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CMA to kick off C2C London with Songwriters Series

Beyond Nashville, Live Events / Editor

The Country Music Association will return to London with the CMA Songwriters Series featuring a dynamic mix of artists and songwriters. With Country Music leading the charge as the fastest growing genre in the U.K. year over year, CMA remains deeply committed to championing that momentum and supporting Country Music’s community in the U.K. and around the globe. Serving as the official kickoff of C2C London, the week begins with a CMA Songwriters Series at indigo at the O2 on Thursday 12 March, featuring an all-star lineup of performers including Keith Urban, Aaron Raitiere, Ashley Cooke, Kristian Bush and Meg McRee. A cornerstone event for C2C attendees, the CMA Songwriters Series continues to be one of the festival’s most anticipated events, underscoring the appetite U.K. fans have for Nashville’s most celebrated storytellers. “What makes this work so meaningful is seeing how Country Music continues to connect with audiences far beyond the U.S.,” says Meredith Goucher, CMA Director, International Relations & Development. “As the trade association for our industry, CMA is committed to supporting the creators, businesses, and professionals who bring this genre to life. Every year, C2C and our Songwriters Series remind us that this genre resonates universally, its stories, its craft, its heart. We’re grateful for our partners at C2C and the fans who attend from across the U.K., Europe, and beyond who champion Country Music and help us build an even more vibrant global community.” Ticket pre-sale begins Wednesday 3 December at 10am GMT for O2 Priority members, followed by the C2C past-bookers pre-sale on Thursday 4 December at 10am GMT. General on-sale opens Friday 5 December at 10am GMT. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.theo2.co.uk/events/venue/indigo-at-the-o2. Since 2005, CMA Songwriters Series has presented more than 100 shows in cities including Austin, Belfast, Chicago, Dublin, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Toronto and Washington, D.C. at the renowned Library of Congress and John F. Kennedy Center. Artists and songwriters who have participated in the series internationally include Cam, Shy Carter, Luke Combs, Ross Copperman, Luke Dick, Russell Dickerson, Dalton Dover, Charles Esten, Wyatt Flores, Nicole Galyon, Natalie Hemby, Randy Houser, Ashley Gorley, Mickey Guyton, Levi Hummon, Marcus Hummon, Brett James, Mac McAnally, Shane McAnally, Martina McBride, Lori McKenna, Ashley Monroe, Kip Moore, Maren Morris, Liz Rose, Darius Rucker, Caitlyn Smith, Nate Smith, Laura Veltz, Tucker Wetmore, Drake White, Lainey Wilson and Chris Young.

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Paper Kites Announce New Album for January Release

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Alternative folk favourites The Paper Kites have confirmed details of their seventh studio album If You Go There, I Hope You Find It, due for release on 23 January through Nettwerk Music Group. To mark the announcement, the band have shared a new single titled “Every Town”, a tender, wistful piece built on soft melodies and gentle lyricism. The track arrives with an official video, offering a first glimpse of the record’s tone — warm, melancholic, and quietly affecting. If You Go There, I Hope You Find It follows the same reflective spirit, featuring recent single “When The Lavender Blooms”, recorded at Melbourne’s Sing Sing Studios and mixed by multi-Grammy winner Jon Low. Early notes on the album describe it as intimate and healing-minded, shaped by themes of nature, hope and simplicity, with each song unfolding like a conversation rather than a performance. There is a sense of return threaded through it — of leaving, searching, and coming home changed. The band are currently back on the road in the United States, including their own headline dates alongside support slots for The Teskey Brothers. They are also scheduled to appear at Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville before heading to Richmond for Iron Blossom Music Festival later this month. Fans in the UK and Europe will have a longer wait — but not by much. The Paper Kites have announced an extensive 2026 headline tour across the region, with tickets on sale now. London is set for a show at the Roundhouse, following previous sold-out runs at Koko, Kentish Town Forum and a major summer performance at Somerset House. Additional stops include the O2 Ritz in Manchester and 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin. The Paper Kites now count more than two billion streams worldwide, their soft-spoken sound resonating far beyond folk circles. Their breakout track Bloom has gone multi-Platinum internationally and remains one of the most recognisable modern indie-folk singles of the past decade. It has since been covered on The Kelly Clarkson Show, while the band’s music continues to soundtrack television staples such as Grey’s Anatomy, This Is Us and Virgin River. Though their influence has grown, the group remain rooted in restraint and nuance — collaborators rather than chasers, working quietly alongside artists such as Lucy Rose, Nadia Reid and Rosie Carney. Their rise has been gradual, steady and built less on spectacle than on craft. It is that patience, along with harmony-rich songwriting, that has carried them to this seventh chapter. And if the new single is any indication, If You Go There, I Hope You Find It doesn’t mark a reinvention so much as a deepening — another page in a story written gently, thoroughly, and always in service of feeling.

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