Page 21 – Maverick Country

Picture of Charley Pride - Photo by Ben de Rienzo - Maverick

Lost Charley Pride Album to Be Released

A long-lost album from country music legend Charley Pride will finally see the light of day this autumn, nearly five years after the singer’s passing. Endlessly: A Tribute to Brook Benton, recorded in the mid-1980s but never released, will be unveiled on September 19 via Music City Records—marking what would have been Benton’s 94th birthday. The record, unearthed from forgotten tape reels found in Pride’s Dallas production office in 2017 and digitised in 2021, showcases Pride’s reverence for the iconic R&B artist Brook Benton. Featuring tracks like “It’s Just a Matter of Time,” “Kiddio” and the first single “Thank You Pretty Baby”, the album reflects a soulful, genre-blending approach that extends beyond Pride’s usual country roots. Originally recorded between contracts with RCA and 16th Avenue Records, the album captures Pride at a creatively liberating moment in his career. The sessions, produced by Bob Pickering at CECCA Sound, feature a string section and a stellar cast of North Texas musicians, including Chuck Rainey (Steely Dan), Gene Glover, Fred Crane, Jerry Matheny, and Billy Briggs Jr. The songs predominantly hail from Benton’s prolific 1959–61 period, with Pride’s distinctive baritone bringing a fresh yet nostalgic energy to each track. The album’s vintage sonic textures blend country, R&B, and pop, demonstrating Pride’s underappreciated musical versatility. As one of the most trailblazing artists in country music history—with 40 #1 hits and over 10 million records sold—Charley Pride’s influence remains significant. This posthumous release adds a powerful new chapter to his legacy, honouring both Benton’s songwriting and Pride’s own boundary-defying artistry. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0)20 7139 8641 Email: [email protected]

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CMA Awards Nominees to Be Unveiled Monday

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Nominees for the 59th Annual CMA Awards will be announced on Monday, September 8 at 12:00 PM CT via a livestream on the Country Music Association’s official Facebook and YouTube channels. The reveal will also include finalists for the CMA Broadcast Awards, marking a key milestone in the lead-up to November’s major event. The CMA Awards ceremony itself will be broadcast live from Nashville on Wednesday, November 19 via ABC, with streaming available the next day on Hulu. The CMA Awards, first held in 1967, remains the longest-running annual music awards broadcast on network television. It celebrates the top achievements across country music, with winners and nominees selected by CMA’s professional voting membership—spanning artists, songwriters, musicians, producers, and industry professionals. The awards are part of CMA’s broader television slate, which also includes CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0)20 7139 8641 Email: [email protected]

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Picture of Tim Brink - Photo by Sam Busk - Maverick

Tim Brink Releases New Country Tune “Red Sand”

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Canadian singer-songwriter Tim Brink has released his latest single, Red Sand—an atmospheric country track that continues his exploration of moody, southern gothic storytelling. The track is the latest offering from Brink and his band The Rising, a project that fuses Americana, blues, and cinematic influences to create immersive, narrative-driven songs. Brink, a seasoned Quebecois vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, is known for his gravel-edged voice and evocative performances. His career includes touring with the band Pete Möss, reaching the finals of La Voix IV (the French-Canadian version of The Voice), and even being considered for the role of lead singer with Stone Temple Pilots. With Red Sand, Brink further defines his distinct musical identity—bridging country, rock, and noir-inspired lyricism. The new track, described by Brink as “a place where you are the only one standing between right and wrong in a world of dust,” captures the cinematic ethos central to his recent work. It follows the sonic themes of The Rising’s debut project, Dark City, which was produced by guitarist Samuel Busque and Michel Francoeur, and mixed and mastered at Red Tubes Studio. Drawing inspiration from the soundscapes of Yellowstone, True Detective, and Justified, Brink and The Rising craft what they describe as “music that plays like a reel of film unspooling in your mind.” The band’s style has drawn comparisons to Colter Wall, Orville Peck, and Chris Stapleton, while also referencing the raw storytelling of Johnny Cash and the tension-filled energy of Tarantino soundtracks. Red Sand reflects Brink’s continued commitment to crafting layered, narrative-rich country music rooted in emotion, imagery, and sonic boldness. It marks another step in his journey to bring a darker, more cinematic tone to the genre, appealing to fans of both traditional Americana and boundary-pushing roots music. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0)20 7139 8641 Email: [email protected]

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Picture of JWS and SMP teams - Photo by avannah Spencer - Maverick

Peytan Porter Signs Worldwide Publishing Deal

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Singer/songwriter Peytan Porter has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Jody Williams Songs and Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “I’m incredibly excited to begin this next chapter of my artistry and songwriting career with Jody Williams Songs and Sony Music Publishing,” shares Porter. “For the past five years, JWS has been a safe, inspiring space for me to grow and create, so I’m deeply grateful to continue evolving with them while also stepping into new possibilities by joining the powerhouse that is SMP. Like the best art, this partnership lives at the intersection of familiarity and forward momentum. I can’t wait to see what we build together.” “I’ve been a fan of Peytan for years now. She’s an incredibly talented vocalist who knows exactly who she is as an artist and a songwriter. I have so much respect for the Jody Williams Songs team and the talent they’ve been fostering – I couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with them as we champion Peytan and her music,” shares Synnovea Halsel, Manager of Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “Partnering with Synnovea on this next chapter in Peytan’s career was such an obvious choice,” adds Nina Jenkins Fisher, JWS Vice President/General Manager. “She has an incredible ear and is laser focused. Alongside Rusty, she hypes up her roster like no one else. They see the vision for this next season with Peytan, and we couldn’t be more excited.” A genre-blurring artist in today’s country and indie music scene, Porter’s roots in Appalachian country paired with a deep love for songwriting finds the Georgia native blending personal experiences with universal themes. Her breakout project In My Head garnered over 10 million streams, and her Grown EP features fan favorites like “God’s Hotel,” “Speaking of Georgia” and “Lemonade.” She has toured with Tim McGraw and shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Ian Munsick, Hailey Whitters, Brett Eldrdge and Jon Pardi. With a strong online presence, Peytan has cultivated a loyal following of 330k across various platforms and boasts 50 million views on TikTok. Her active engagement with fans and the positive reception of her new music on social media showcase her ability to connect authentically with listeners. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0)20 7139 8641 Email: [email protected]

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Picture of Fanny Lumsden - Photo by Dara Munnis - Maverick

Fanny Lumsden Releases New Single “Look At Me Now!

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Hot on the heels of a hugely successful eight weeks touring Europe this summer, Australian dynamo Fanny Lumsden has released a brand-new single “Look At Me Now”, reflecting on her musical journey so far. Recorded whilst on the road in Europe, featuring her live band The Prawn Stars, Fanny said of the new single: “This is a love letter to my younger self. The amount of “no’s” I experienced in this industry is wild, and every single one I am grateful for, because they made me the person and artist I am today. Not the wins, but all the losses, the struggles and the hard moments. “I think it’s also a reminder that ‘success’ can be an illusion, and really you can find success in every step along the way. “It’s a cliche but I’m feeling reflective and grateful that I can still be driving the van, self-managed, doing my own make up in the rear-view mirror and yet doing the biggest shows of my career all at the same time. “I wanted this song to feel real and hopeful and authentic to my live band who do all the miles with me and load the van and see the lows as well as the highs. “Recording it was a crazy process of fitting in recording sessions whilst on the road. So, we are very grateful to Matt Fell for wielding his magic and helping us make it happen.” On August 23, Fanny rounded off eight weeks in Europe by opening the main stage at the prestigious The Long Road Festival in Leicestershire following a run that had taken in a triumphant 23 date headline tour, a sold-out Country Halls tour in Scotland, 7 festivals and a support slot with fellow Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly. Maintaining her reputation as “the hardest working woman in showbiz”, Fanny stepped off the stage that Saturday straight on to a plane back home to open for Kelly on his antipodean Arena Tour with Lucinda Williams. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0)20 7139 8641 Email: [email protected]

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Picture of The Band Perry - Photo by Jasmine Safaeian - Maverick

The Band Perry Reissues Self-Titled Debut Album

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GRAMMY-winning trio The Band Perry has re-released their chart-topping, self-titled debut album in a remastered edition—bringing new polish to the record that launched them into country stardom in 2010. Originally released by Big Machine Label Group, The Band Perry went Platinum in the U.S., selling over one million copies and producing some of the genre’s most enduring hits. Chief among them is “If I Die Young,” a 9x Platinum single that earned CMA Song and Single of the Year awards, a GRAMMY nomination, and a 53-week stay on the Billboard Hot 100. Other fan favourites include “You Lie,” “All Your Life,” and “Postcard From Paris.” The new edition comes as the family band—now comprising Reid Perry, Kimberly Perry, and Johnny Costello—returns to its country roots. Following a brief hiatus and artistic reinvention, the trio recently announced a renewed partnership with Big Machine via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, and new management under Make Wake Artists. To mark the occasion, The Band Perry performed at Big Machine 20 on Nashville’s Lower Broadway. Fans got to enjoy a celebration of both past success and future promise. “After stepping away to take a break and evolve, we’re feeling more grounded, more fired-up, and more connected to our roots than ever,” they shared in a statement. “Country music has always been home for us.” The group is currently in the studio with producer Dann Huff working on new material. The remastered album, featuring all 11 original tracks—including several RIAA-certified hits—signals both a homecoming and a fresh start for one of country music’s most successful sibling acts. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0)20 7139 8641 Email: [email protected]

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Picture of Riley Green - Photo by David Higgs - Maverick

Riley Green Releases ‘Don’t Mind If I do’ Deluxe Edition

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Multi-PLATINUM, ACM and CMA Award-winning singer-songwriter Riley Green releases the highly anticipated extended version of his acclaimed 2024 record, Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe), via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Adding even more depth to the original project, the six newly added tracks on Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) showcase Green’s signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and southern authenticity. From the emotional weight of “Make It Rain” to the rural charm of “Cowboy As It Gets” featuring Randy Houser, and the tender duet “I Just Need You” with rising artist Hannah McFarland, the new songs offer fans a balance of vulnerability and edge. Green reflects on regret and heartbreak in “What Am I Supposed To Do Now,” taps into his love for the outdoors on “Bet They’re Biting,” and honours the Country legends who paved the way before him in “One To Willie,” featuring the unmistakable guitar work of Willie Nelson himself. Together, the additions round out an already-celebrated album, underscoring Green’s place as a leading voice in modern Country Music. In addition to Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe), Green recently debuted his “The 90s Country Show” on Apple Music Country last month. In this series, Green takes fans on a nostalgic ride through one of country music’s most influential decades. Across six episodes, the Alabama-born artist revisits iconic hits, and shares how renowned artists from the 90’s have shaped both his own journey and the genre itself. Adding to his whirlwind year, the country star is currently on his largest tour to date, his Damn Country Music Tour, which kicked off in Canada earlier this year, featuring stops in New York, Chicago, Boston, eight sold out dates in the UK and Ireland, and more through November. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0)20 7139 8641 Email: [email protected]

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Picture of Morgan Wade - Photo by David McClister - Maverick

Morgan Wade Releases Video for New Single “Hardwood Floor”

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Morgan Wade has released a powerful and moving music video for “Hardwood Floor”, one of the stand-out tracks off her recently released album The Party Is Over (recovered). Through poignant imagery and storytelling, the video captures the grief of infertility and the often-difficult journey to motherhood. A semi-autobiographical song, “Hardwood Floor” was inspired by Wade’s own experience with IVF, as well as by people in her life who experienced loss or hardship on the road to pregnancy. The song has received significant attention on social media, resonating with listeners who have used the song to create videos opening up about their own stories. Credited as a director on the video herself, Wade teamed up with co-directors Nikhil Melnechuk and Melissa Jackson of Mystic Entertainment (who met Wade when they cast her to play a bull rider in their forthcoming rodeo feature film Daisy) to bring the powerful and important story to the screen. Earlier this month, Morgan Wade released her new album The Party Is Over (recovered) via Sony Music Nashville. The 11-track album, which is comprised of a blend of newly-released as well as revisited songs from her catalogue, sees Wade fuse her early artistry with her present musical journey. Released on August 1st, The Party is Over (recovered) has continued Wade’s exploration of her psyche’s recesses across 11 songs that she wrote solo. As the project’s title notes, a handful of the songs date back to before Wade signed her major-label deal and have been “recovered” here with all-new versions. In a time of self-reflection, Wade revisited her earlier writing sessions to revitalise past songs that still speak to the person she is today. She has also been playing some of her most relatable tracks on the road to sold-out shows across the globe. These songs, which so many fans have gravitated to live, are now available for the first time. The Party Is Over (recovered) connects Wade’s past and present and breathes new life into her earlier works. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0)20 7139 8641 Email: [email protected]

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Picture of Vanesa Jade single cover - PR photo - Maverick

Vanessa Jade Unveils Debut Single “The More I Lie”

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Australian singer songwriter, Vanessa Jade has made a bold solo debut with her single “The More I Lie”, a haunting alt-country anthem about masking, fawning, and reclaiming identity after a late autism diagnosis. Produced by Nash Chambers and recorded in Nashville, the track leads a forthcoming album and is backed by an Australian regional tour, music video, and upcoming festival appearances. With International Tours to be announced in 2026. Vanessa’s honest lyricism and fearless storytelling mark the arrival of a striking new voice in Australian Americana. “This song is a really special one to me,” she says. “I wrote it after my marriage fell apart and right before I was diagnosed with autism. “It is an anthem of sorts for me about reclaiming autonomy in life, being proud of who you are and not trying to fit in where you don’t belong. Making friends with your little alien self and thriving without the shackles of people pleasing. I hope those who need to hear it connect with it.” The track, produced by Nashville-based Nash Chambers (Kasey Chambers, Jimmy Barnes, Archie Roach), offers a strong preview of Vanessa’s forthcoming debut album, recorded between Australia and the U.S. and steeped in Americana and AltFolk. Raised on Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell and Rickie Lee Jones, Vanessa grew up on the NSW Central Coast and was discovered as a teen by Kasey Chambers. This led to an early signing with Winterman & Goldstein (The Vines, Jet, The Preatures), the formation of Sydney indie outfit Hot Spoke (Mercury), and a string of collaborative projects including A-Sides Club (Boy & Bear, The Whitlams) and Caliko. Vanessa’s distinctive voice has appeared on Triple J, Rage, MTV, and festival stages including Woodford, Tamworth, Majors Creek, and BIGSOUND. Now recording under her own name for the first time, Vanessa is stepping out with her most personal and powerful work to date. “This song came from the moment I realised I’d been abandoning myself in relationships—performing a version of me I thought was more lovable,” she says. “Getting diagnosed helped me see the pattern. Writing this song was the first step in breaking it.” The single features acclaimed Nashville guitarist Rob McNelley (Luke Combs, Bob Seger, Miranda Lambert), Syd Green (drums) and Matt Tonks (bvs). A cinematic/yet quirky music video directed by Thom Davies (Middle Kids, Milku) accompanies the release. Vanessa channels influences from Joni Mitchell to early Sheryl Crow, Phoebe Bridgers, and Robert Plant & Alison Krauss. Set for full release early 2026, Vanessa’s debut album is a culmination of passion, resilience, and creative evolution. Backed by an upcoming regional tour, festival appearances, this is a fearless new chapter for an artist who’s just getting started. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Picture of Levi Foster - Photo by Annelise Loughead

Levi Foster to Release Debut Album ‘We Made Fire’

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Nashville artist Levi Foster is set to release his debut album We Made Fire August 29, 2025. Foster recently released the music video for the title track “We Made Fire”. The romantic song features Foster’s emotive vocals, which tells a tale of young love, set to acoustic guitar, keys, and mandolin. We Made Fire was produced at Cartoon Moon Recording by the studio’s owner Ken Coomer, a native Nashvillian and three-time Grammy-nominated drummer and producer, who was an original founding member of Wilco, touring and recording with the band for eight years. Prior to that, he was a founding member of post-punk band, Clockhammer, and a member of Uncle Tupelo. “I wanted the album to feel honest—like something familiar, but with a few surprises along the way,” says Foster. “I got to explore the places and people that shaped me, blending heartache, hope, and a little grit. “Putting out my first record feels like a huge step, and it’s been a long time in the making. I’m so proud of the work and patience that went into it, and it feels good to finally share it with the world!” Foster released “Emerald Eyes,” on May 30, a vintage country duet featuring Gloria Anderson set to lilting guitars, pedal steel, drums, and bass. Foster also released “She’s In Richmond” on April 11. It’s a likable, mid-tempo county rock track about a musician on the road and trying hard to save money to buy a ring for his sweetheart back home. Foster has been enjoying a remarkable career since signing a publishing and production deal with co-partners Banner Music and Middleground Music in October 2023. After moving to Nashville to seek a full-time career as a songwriter and artist, he has opened shows for greats like Ashley McBride, Trace Adkins, John Conlee, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, Vince Gill, The Time Jumpers, and most recently Oliver Anthony. Foster has released two EPs, a self-titled collection (March 15, 2024) and South of Boulder (October 4, 2024) but is looking forward to releasing his full-length debut album We Made Fire. Foster will be playing dates through the end of the year, more dates will be announced soon. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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