Page 41 – Maverick Country

Mackenzie Carpenter will release her debut album ‘Hey Country Queen’ on 7th March

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Rising Country singer/songwriter Mackenzie Carpenter today announces her highly anticipated debut album, ‘Hey Country Queen’, on 7th March. Co-penning all 13 tracks on the new project, Carpenter pays homage to the beloved Country Queens that paved the way for her to speak her mind, write her truth and have some fun along the way. “This album has been a long time coming, and I’m so excited to finally share these songs with you. I’ve lived with them for years, and now it’s time to set them free,” shares Carpenter. “Hey Country Queen captures the essence of girlhood, heartbreak and love, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.” With her brand-new song ‘Dozen Red Flags’, out today, Carpenter is finally confronting the true colours of a former love. He’s secretive; he’s entitled; he has a relentless wandering eye, and the list goes on. Written by Carpenter alongside award-winning singer/songwriter Nicolle Galyon and frequent collaborator Brandon Hood, “Dozen Red Flags” is an anthem for the Country Queens who realise that they deserve to be knee-deep in red roses – not red flags – and have the courage to step away in search of something better. “This one’s for the girls who’ve ever fallen for the guy with more red flags than green,” adds Carpenter. “‘Dozen Red Flags’ is flirty, fun and all about knowing he’s trouble but diving in anyway—because let’s face it, he’s cute. The song covers a little heartbreak, a lot of lessons and a fun debrief with your girls.” Steadily making a name for herself as a songwriting force for years with cuts like Lily Rose’s 2021 No. 1 hit “Villain” and many of Megan Moroney’s fan-favourite tracks (“I’m Not Pretty,” “Indifferent,” “28th of June” and more), Carpenter has also been bolstering her own catalogue. Tongue-in-cheek earworms like “Huntin’ Season” and “Don’t Mess With Exes,” plus viral hit “Boots On” quickly landed her and her artistry recognition on a slew of prestigious lists including Spotify’s Hot Country 2024 Artists To Watch, CMT’s Next Women of Country class of 2023 and Nashville Briefing’s Artists To Watch 2023. Now, she’s preparing to give listeners insight into who she is as an artist with a full-length project that is all her own. 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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Jon Pardi gets dark for ‘Friday Night Heartbreaker’ video

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Country superstar Jon Pardi hits the streets in a dark and thrilling new music video for current radio single ‘Friday Night Heartbreaker’. Released as the lead track off his upcoming fifth studio album, the video for the track was directed by Jim Wright and shot in Nashville’s historic Printer’s Alley. It highlights Pardi’s signature mix of honky-tonk rhythms and contemporary flair, capturing the bittersweet blend of infatuation and the heartbreak often felt during fleeting moments of romance. With its lively melody and mysterious edge, ‘Friday Night Heartbreaker’ highlights Pardi’s knack for blending storytelling with an infectious, danceable sound. “I always enjoy filming with Jim Wright, even if it means being in Printer’s Alley until 2 AM,” says Pardi. “You really see some wild characters down there at that hour. One of my favorite parts of the shoot was chatting with the actors and actresses who performed the circus stunts—they were amazing! All I had to do was play guitar and drive a cool car while they were over there breathing fire and swallowing swords. It was awesome to watch it all come together!” 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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Neil Young to release ‘Oceanside Countryside’ on 14th February

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Set to be released on February 14th, ‘Oceanside Countryside’ is the latest of Neil Young’s great “lost” albums to be issued as part of his Analog Original Series (AOS). The album was recorded from May to December 1977, preceding the release of ‘Comes A Time’ in 1978. The two albums share the same country/folk sound, and three songs (‘Goin’ Back’, ‘Human Highway’ and ‘Field of Opportunity’) appear on both albums. The vinyl release of ‘Oceanside Countryside’ includes some tracks that are on the CD of the same name in Neil Young’s ‘Archives Vol. III’. However, this track list is how ‘Oceanside Countryside’ was originally planned to be released and finally will be made available on vinyl for the first time ever. Recorded on tape, these are the original mixes done at the time of recording. As Neil Young states, “This analogue original album, recorded in 1977, was unreleased at the time. These songs are the original mixes done at the time of the recordings. I sang the vocals and played the instruments on ‘Oceanside’, in Florida at Triad studios and Malibu, at Indigo studio. I sang the vocals and recorded with my great band of friends at Crazy Mama’s in Nashville on ‘Countryside’. I hope you enjoy this treasure of an Analog Original recording as much as I do.” On this analogue original vinyl release, the versions of ‘Lost in Space’, ‘Captain Kennedy’ and ‘The Old Homestead’ are from ‘Hawks & Doves’ in 1980. ‘Sail Away’, ‘Goin’ Back’, ‘Human Highway’, ‘It Might Have Been’ and ‘Pocahontas’ are the same versions as on Archives Vol. III in digital. ‘Field of Opportunity’ and ‘Dance Dance Dance’ are original versions that have Neil Young on backing vocals instead of Nicolette Larson as they appeared on ‘Archives Vol.III’. 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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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UK Americana Week returns!

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The highly anticipated UK Americana Music Week is set to return to Hackney, London from Monday, January 20 to Thursday, January 23, 2025, promising an unforgettable celebration of international and homegrown Americana music. The week begins with the premiere of a specially commissioned documentary film, “I’ll Take You There”, a co-production between the Americana Music Association UK (AMA-UK), Sweet Home Alabama, The Romano Sidoli Consultancy and Northern Cowboy Films on Monday 20 January. More details to be revealed soon. Two nights of showcases in venues across Hackney will take place on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22, featuring an incredible line-up of artists from around the world including: Altameda, Annie Dressner, Beth Bombara, Celeigh Cardinal, Chloe Foy, Ferris & Sylvester, Julian Taylor, The East Pointers, Willie Watson, and many more. Full list below. During the daytime on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22, the annual AMA-UK conference, the cornerstone of the week’s programming, will be held at Night Tales in Hackney. Next year’s theme is “Can Songs Change the World? Americana in 2025,” covering a diverse range of topics tailored for Americana enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. The week’s events will culminate in the prestigious UK Americana Music Awards, powered by Sweet Home Alabama, hosted at Hackney Church on Thursday 23 January, where standout achievements in Americana music from the past year will be celebrated. The AMA-UK Board’s Special Awards for 2025 honour: Iconic, multi-platinum singer and songwriter Candi Staton – International Lifetime Achievement Award; Four times Grammy Award-winning singer, composer and actor Lyle Lovett – International Trailblazer Award; and acclaimed Irish singer, songwriter and musician CMAT – UK/Ireland Trailblazer Award. Categories for the eight panel and member-voted Awards include UK and International Artist of the Year, UK and International Album of the Year, Live Act of the Year, and more. Nominees feature leading talents in the global Americana genre such as: Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Waxahatchee, Bonny Light Horseman, Jason Isbell, Charley Crockett, Larkin Poe, Sierra Ferrell, Kacey Musgraves, Hurray For The Riff Raff, Julian Taylor & Allison Russell, Lizzie No, Elles Bailey, Robert Vincent, Katherine Priddy, Nina Nesbitt, Hannah White, The Heavy Heavy and Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand. Full list below. Award Nominations: UK ARTIST OF THE YEAR Elles Bailey Ferris & Sylvester Hannah White Katherine Priddy Robert Vincent The Heavy Heavy UK ALBUM OF THE YEAR Elles Bailey – Beneath The Neon Glow Hannah White – Sweet Revolution Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand – Willson Williams Nina Nesbitt – Mountain Music The Hanging Stars – On A Golden Shore The Heavy Heavy – One of a Kind UK SONG OF THE YEAR Blue Rose Code – “Sadie” Brown Horse – “Stealing Horses” Jack Francis – “Failure” Nina Nesbitt – “Pages” Our Man In The Field – “L’Etranger” Robert Vincent – “Follow What You Love and Love Will Follow” UK INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR Ashley Campbell Henry Senior Jr Joe Coombs Joe Harvey White Joe Wilkins Keiron Marshall INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR Bonny Light Horseman Charley Crockett Jason Isbell Larkin Poe Sierra Ferrell Waxahatchee INTERNATIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR American Aquarium – The Fear Of Standing Still Bonny Light Horseman – Keep Me On Your Mind/See You Free Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – Woodland Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well Kyshona – Legacy Willie Watson – Willie Watson INTERNATIONAL SONG OF THE YEAR Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – “Empty Trainload of Sky” Hurray For The Riff Raff – “Buffalo” Julian Taylor & Allison Russell – “Pathways” Kyshona – “The Echo” Lizzie No – “The Heartbreak Store” Sierra Ferrell – “American Dreaming” LIVE ACT OF THE YEAR Ben Ottewell & Ian Ball (of Gomez) Campbell Jensen Danny & The Champions of the World Kezia Gill Lola Kirke Morganway Savannah Gardner Skinny Lister The Heavy Heavy Wunderhorse 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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Review: Black Eyed Sons – Cowboys In Pinstriped Suits

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The Black Eyed Sons are back; but with a new name. Previously known as The Quireboys, the rock outfit have charged back into our lives with this instantly catchy album offering. First track ‘Lie To Me’ includes some too often underappreciated harmonica, which we are big fans of – in fact, there’s enough harmonica on this album to fill our boots! Guy Griffins rock vocal line on ‘Autumn Reigns’ gives a nostalgic, comforting side to the track, not completely out of line with the season itself. The title track steps in with ‘three chords and the truth’, showing exactly what Black Eyed Sons are aiming for with their renewed lineup in tow. Killer electric guitar riffs that you’d find in any rock show, lots of harmonies and stadium-filling drums. Overall, what a way to re-write their names in the history books! Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Review: Steve Knightley – The Winter Yards

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Knightley’s album delivers an emotionally charged collection, starting with ‘Transactions,’ a beautifully written tribute to the downtrodden, addressing key issues in the UK, including immigration, identity, and the Post Office Scandal. ‘The Ride (The Winter Yards)’ offers a reflective, lockdown-inspired track, while ‘If You Come Back’ boasts a captivating guitar line, with a groove that oozes swagger. ‘I Tried’ brings a touch of melancholy, adding emotional depth to an already diverse album. ‘Requiem’ impresses with acapella harmonies, infusing the traditional ‘The Parting Glass’ with haunting beauty. ‘I’ll Never Forgive You’ echoes Nick Cave’s influence, while ‘The Mermaid (The Wedding Song)’ showcases Knightley’s lyrical wit. Closing with the moving ‘A Song for Wickham,’ this album is a well-rounded, poignant masterpiece. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Spotlight: Ricky Valido

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Your latest album, ‘A Collection of Songs’, presents a unique blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds. Where do you find yourself getting inspired most often? Inspiration comes from personal experiences, my environment, and the people around me. I often pull from the juxtaposition of the modern world and vintage sounds that inspire me. Growing up near the Florida Everglades influenced my music deeply. Its beauty and wildness shape my perspective as an artist. While my music draws on my own life and experiences, my new project, ‘Dear Everglades’, will focus more on nature itself, particularly the Florida Everglades. This project dives into environmentalism, conservation, and how our relationship with nature shapes us. The title suggests a compilation rather than a single concept. Can you share how the tracks came together and if there’s a common theme or thread linking them? While ‘A Collection of Songs’ might sound like a compilation, there is a thread tying it together. Each track reflects different stages of my life, blending personal stories with metaphor and fiction. The songs move between emotional, reflective moments and upbeat, traditional country vibes. At its core, it’s about authenticity—each song tells a part of my story. The diversity in style reflects my range as a writer and performer. ‘I Miss You Mama’ is one of my personal favourite cuts from the album, showcasing your versatility perfectly. How do you decide which direction to take with each track, both musically and lyrically? Each song dictates its own direction. Sometimes it starts with the music, while other times it begins with a lyric or a feeling. For ‘I Miss You Mama’, the lyrics came from a personal place—it’s a tribute to my mother and great-grandmother. I wanted the arrangement simple to allow the message to come through. The story blends fiction with real emotions, depicting an outlaw on the run while reflecting my family connection. This song is personal and cathartic, both a tribute and an emotional release. How does ‘A Collection of Songs’ reflect your musical journey up until this point, and in what ways do you feel it represents your growth as an artist? This project is a culmination of my journey so far. I’ve blended traditional influences with a contemporary sound, pushed myself to experiment, and incorporated honky-tonk, bluegrass, and rock into my music. ‘A Collection of Songs’ represents my growth as a writer and performer. While I’m proud of this project, I’m even more excited about what’s next. ‘Dear Everglades’ will be a concept album tying my love of nature with artistic exploration. The shift to a more focused approach reflects my evolution, and I’m eager to see where this chapter takes me. Which track on the album was the most personal for you to write or record, and why? ‘I Miss You Mama’ was the most personal track to write and record. It channels my love and loss of my great-grandmother. Writing it was emotional, and the recording process was cathartic. I felt a need to honour maternal figures, and the song resonates with those who have lost loved ones. The emotional vulnerability is something I’m proud of—it’s a piece of my heart I’ve shared with the world. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Spotlight: Black Eyed Sons

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The formation of Black Eyed Sons seems to be a celebration of both your personal connections and musical history. Can you tell us about how this new project came together? It was nice to come out of a turbulent situation like The Quireboys and have the freedom to explore new influences whilst still honouring what the band had created and achieved in the past. To be able to collaborate with some of our guests really made the recording process a lot more interesting and inspiring. Your debut album ‘Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits’ is generating a lot of excitement. What can fans expect in terms of sound and style on this record compared to your previous work with The Quireboys? Thank you! We’re excited to be doing something new… I keep telling people we’re a new band with a long history… There’s a couple of tracks that are a nod to our old style but as this is a brand new project there was a lot more freedom to branch out, especially with different guests bringing their own styles to the table. ‘Foolin Yourself’ features Steve Conte and Kyf Brewer from Company of Wolves. You’ve known Steve and Kyf since 1989. How has your relationship with them influenced the way this collaboration came together, both musically and personally? I think Steve and Kyf probably have a lot of similar influences to us, even though we’re from different sides of the pond. I met them originally at Cherokee studios in Los Angeles whilst recording ‘A bit of what you fancy’. They were in the studio next door recording their debut. It was a crazy time back then, great memories… Their drummer, Frankie LaRocka, actually went on to become a successful A&R man and later signed another band of mine called Glimmer to Atlantic records back in 1999. With the album due for release on 31st January 2025, how do you feel about introducing new material to your fans, especially with the upcoming launch event at The Lexington? What are you most excited about for the album’s release? Excited and nervous at the same time. It’ll be almost 18 months since we last played in the UK, so it’ll be great to see some familiar faces in the audience. There are people flying in from the US, France, Sweden & Italy, that means a lot to us. We recently had our first rehearsals and all the songs lend themselves to being played live. We’ll be playing the whole record for the first time live ever. We’re very proud of the album and can’t wait for people to hear it. It’s the beginning of a new chapter. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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FOR KING + COUNTRY’s ‘A Drummer Boy Christmas’ Delights Fans

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

On 11th December, Maverick had the privilege of attending ‘A Drummer Boy Christmas’, the festive extravaganza from dynamic Christian rock duo For KING + COUNTRY. The show, brimming with feel-good energy, also celebrated the 10th birthday of FK+C’s beloved ‘Little Drummer Boy’, a young performer who takes the role of the titular character on stage. As the crowd celebrated the boy’s birthday with a raucous rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’, the boy beamed, heightening the sense of togetherness that encapsulated the sentiment of the season. The setlist featured a mix of classic Christmas carols and the duo’s own chart-topping tracks. Highlights included moving renditions of ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’, ‘Joy to the World’, and ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, as well as the uplifting ‘Burn the Ships’ and the powerful ‘Together’. In between the music, Joel and Luke Smallbone engaged with the audience, reflecting on a charitable cause close to their hearts, adding a deeply personal touch to the evening. However, it was their performance of ‘Unsung Hero’—the title track from their latest album and film dedicated to their mother—that truly captured the heart of the audience. As the brothers sat at the front of the stage for this emotional tribute, there was not a dry eye in the room. With stunning visuals, angelic vocals, and a talented live band, ‘A Drummer Boy Christmas’ is a must-see for anyone looking to embrace the true spirit of Christmas. For those who can’t get enough of the magic, For KING + COUNTRY’s ‘A Drummer Boy Christmas (Live) The Cinematic Concert Album’ is available now. 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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Richard Lynch: Country Legend

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Richard Lynch’s journey through country music has been nothing short of remarkable. With a career that spans over four decades, Lynch has been steadfast in his commitment to preserving the traditional sound of country music at a time when the genre seems to be constantly shifting. From his humble beginnings in Lebanon, Ohio, to being inducted into both the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame and the Independent Country Music Hall of Fame, Lynch has stayed true to his roots, and it’s this authenticity that makes his music resonate deeply with fans. We sat down with Richard Lynch to discuss his journey, the evolution of country music, his upcoming projects, and the importance of community. Lynch’s deep connection to country music began early. “I grew up in a country music household,” he recalls. “My dad was an incredible singer and guitar player, and he was a true entertainer.” Lynch’s father, a musician himself, instilled in him an appreciation for authenticity. “He didn’t write songs, but his delivery of a song was so powerful. You couldn’t help but pay attention,” Lynch says. “He taught me to be true to yourself and to love what you do.” Lynch’s early life was filled with the sounds of traditional country music. “As a young boy, I was always surrounded by music,” he explains. “In our house, we’d listen to Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, and all the greats. That’s how I came to understand what country music really is.” Growing up in Lebanon, Ohio, Lynch was surrounded by small-town values, the kind that placed emphasis on hard work, faith, and authenticity. These values helped shape Lynch’s approach to life and music. “It wasn’t just about playing music,” he says. “It was about sharing a piece of who you are with others.” His experiences growing up were steeped in the same rich traditions that define country music, giving him an intimate understanding of the genre’s roots. For Lynch, country music wasn’t just a genre; it was a way of life. “Growing up in Lebanon, Ohio, you could feel the heartbeat of traditional country music,” he shares. “It wasn’t about trends or commercial success—it was about telling real stories and speaking from the heart. That’s what I loved, and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do with my own music.” His upbringing laid the foundation for his steadfast commitment to keeping traditional country music alive. “Even though mainstream country music started to change and embrace pop influences, I never wavered in my love for the traditional sound,” he says. “I’m proud to play the kind of country music that still has heart and soul. That’s the kind of music that really connects with people.” Lynch’s passion for the genre hasn’t waned over time, in fact it only grows day by day. “I believe country music has always been about community,” he says. “Whether you’re on stage or off, country music has a way of bringing people together, of making them feel like they belong. It’s a sound that speaks to everyone, regardless of where they come from.” Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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