Ella Langley - Maverick Country

We are Hung Up on Ella Langley’s ‘Hungover’

As the release date for Ella Langley’s much-anticipated album approaches on 2nd August 2024, fans and critics alike are abuzz with excitement especially after the debut of her latest single ‘Hungover.’ This track offers a tantalising glimpse into what promises to be an album filled with soulful melodies, compelling lyrics and the distinctive voice that has firmly positioned Langley in the contemporary country music scene.     A melody to remember  ‘Hungover’ is an earworm in the best possible way. The song opens with a catchy, upbeat guitar riff that immediately grabs your attention. The instrumentation is quintessentially country with a modern twist. It’s clear that Langley and her producers have taken great care in crafting a sound that is both familiar and fresh. The melody is infectious, the kind that stays with you long after the song has ended. The upbeat tempo and the use of traditional country instruments like the banjo and steel guitar blended with more modern elements create a soundscape that is both nostalgic and contemporary.  The chorus is particularly memorable, with a sing-along quality that is sure to make it a favourite at live performances. The melodic structure of ‘Hungover’ showcases Langley’s ability to write hooks that are both catchy and meaningful, a skill that sets her apart in the crowded country music landscape. It is this blend of the old and new, the traditional and the contemporary that gives ‘Hungover’ its unique charm. The song not only pays homage to the roots of country music but also pushes the genre forward, introducing new sounds and ideas that make it accessible to a wider audience. The production quality of the single is also noteworthy. Each instrument is meticulously placed in the mix, allowing every element of the song to shine. The production team has done an excellent job of ensuring that Langley’s voice remains front and centre, supported by a rich tapestry of sound that enhances the emotional impact of the song. This attention to detail is a testament to the high standards that Langley sets for her music and it bodes well for the quality of the upcoming album.      Langley’s songwriting shines in ‘Hungover.’ The lyrics are a vivid depiction of post-party regret, a theme that is universally relatable yet delivered with a fresh perspective. Lines like ‘Woke up in last night’s clothes, head pounding like a drum,’ paint a vivid picture of the aftermath of a wild night. Langley’s ability to capture the small details of an experience gives the song a sense of authenticity and relatability. Her storytelling is both poignant and humorous, capturing the duality of emotions that come with a hangover. The chorus with its catchy refrain ‘Hungover and heartbroken, wishing I was still drunk,’ perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet nature of the song. It’s a clever play on the double meaning of being ‘hungover’—both physically from alcohol and emotionally from a relationship. This lyrical depth is a testament to Langley’s growth as a songwriter, showcasing her ability to tackle common themes with a unique twist. The song delves into the complex emotions of regret and longing, exploring how they intertwine in the aftermath of both a night of drinking and a failed relationship.      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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Getty Images for CMT

CMT celebrates legendary band Alabama with star-studded tribute

In a two-hour special, ‘CMT GIANTS: ALABAMA’, the iconic country music band Alabama was honoured in a star-studded tribute that featured once-in-a-lifetime performances and heartfelt tributes from some of the biggest names in the music industry. The event, which aired on CMT, celebrated the band’s storied career, marking their indelible influence on the country music scene. The evening’s performances included renditions of Alabama’s greatest hits, with Blake Shelton teaming up with Steve Wariner and Kara Britz for a powerful version of ‘Old Flame’, while Brad Paisley delivered a rousing performance of ‘Old Alabama’. Jason Aldean’s rendition of ‘Love in the First Degree’ and Jamey Johnson’s soulful take on ‘Angels Among Us’ also captivated the audience. Other performances included Little Big Town’s version of ‘The Closer You Get’, Old Dominion’s energetic take on ‘Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)’, and Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan’s duet of ‘Feels So Right’. Sam Hunt rounded off the musical tributes with his version of ‘Song of the South’. In addition to the musical performances, the special featured appearances by some of Alabama’s long-time friends and fans, including boxing legend Evander Holyfield, country stars Luke Bryan and Martina McBride, and music icons Lionel Richie and Vince Gill. The evening also included exclusive sit-down interviews with Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, reflecting on their remarkable journey in the music industry. For those who missed the live broadcast, ‘CMT GIANTS: ALABAMA’ is available on CMT VOD starting Friday, 16th August. Fans can also catch encores on CMT, MTV Live, and CMT Music over the coming days, with scheduled airings on Saturday, 17th August, and Sunday, 18th August, among other dates. This celebration of Alabama’s legacy is not to be missed, offering a rare opportunity to see some of the biggest names in country music honour one of the genre’s most influential bands. How to Watch: 16th August: Available on CMT VOD 17th August: 12pm/11c on CMT 18th August: 6pm/5c on MTV Live 21st August: 2pm/1c on MTV Live 23rd August: 8pm/7c on MTV Live 24th August: 8pm/7c on CMT Music 25th August: 8pm/7c on CMT Music, 5pm/4c on CMT 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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]  

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Kristian Bush solo tour

Kristian Bush of Sugarland set for UK solo tour

Kristian Bush, the multi-platinum selling, Grammy-winning singer and songwriter, is set to bring his solo act to the UK at the end of August, ahead of Sugarland’s much-anticipated relaunch this autumn. Bush, a founding member of the country duo, will embark on a seven-show UK tour starting on 24th August at The Long Road Festival in Leicestershire. The tour includes performances in London, Manchester and Liverpool, as well as a festival in Paisley, Scotland. Bush’s relationship with the UK music scene stretches back decades, beginning in 1994 when he opened for Melissa Etheridge at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. However, this tour marks his first UK performances since Sugarland headlined the C2C Festival in 2018. The year is proving to be one of the busiest of Bush’s career. In March, he made his Grand Ole Opry debut with his duo Billy Pilgrim. Additionally, he produced Megan Moroney’s second album, ‘Am I Okay?’, which received rave reviews upon its release. July also saw the release of an island remix of his hit single ‘Trailer Hitch’, featuring Boots Rock Reggae master Cas Haley. Following his UK stint, Bush is set to rejoin Sugarland for the co-headlining ‘Take Me Home’ arena tour with Little Big Town in the United States. The tour, named after the groups’ collaborative version of Phil Collins’ classic ‘Take Me Home’, is scheduled to launch in October in Greenville, South Carolina and conclude in December at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The tour celebrates Little Big Town’s 25th anniversary as a group and marked 20 years of Sugarland, with The Castellows set to open for the shows.     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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russell dickerson bones ep

Russell Dickerson to release ‘Bones The EP’ on 30 August

Russell Dickerson, the multi-platinum selling artist renowned for his “top-notch vocals and earnest songwriting” (Billboard), is gearing up to release his highly anticipated project, ‘Bones The EP’. Set to drop on 30 August, this collection of tracks delves into the relationships and experiences that have shaped the country superstar into the artist he is today. Fans can pre-save the EP now. The EP, which shares its name with Dickerson’s latest single ‘Bones’, has been described as a “gothic love song masquerading as a country-pop banger” (PopCulture). The project offers listeners a journey through some of the most significant relationships in Dickerson’s life, all while maintaining his signature country-pop sound. Across five tracks, the EP explores themes of love in various forms, from late-night bonfires with friends to the bittersweet memories of past romances and the profound connections forged over a cold beer. A visualiser accompanying the release sets the tone for this deeply personal project and is available to watch now. Reflecting on the EP, Dickerson shared, “‘Bones The EP’ is a nostalgic collection of songs that take me back to some of the best times of my life. Those nights that you don’t want to end with the people you love most. Relationships that didn’t work out and hurt at the time, but turned out for the best. I hope people hear these songs and get transported to a place with people they love.” Russell Dickerson’s UK headline tour begins on 23 August in Belfast, leading up to the release of ‘Bones The EP’ a week later. Fans across the UK can look forward to experiencing these new songs live, just days before they become available worldwide.   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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ellesbaileylpcover

Elles Bailey climbs the UK charts with ‘Beneath The Neon Glow’

Elles Bailey’s latest album, ‘Beneath The Neon Glow’, has made an impressive debut, peaking at #5 in the UK midweek Official Albums Chart. Competing against heavyweights like Taylor Swift and Eminem, this is a remarkable achievement for the independent artist. Bailey’s new album has already garnered significant praise, with Maverick giving the release a 10/10 review. Produced by Dan Weller, ‘Beneath The Neon Glow’ showcases Bailey’s powerful vocals and emotionally resonant songwriting, exploring themes of love, heartbreak and resilience. Despite the strong midweek performance, the battle is far from over. As Bailey faces competition from artists with massive streaming numbers, every single download and physical sale becomes crucial in securing her spot in the top 10. This is a pivotal moment in Bailey’s career, and her fans have the chance to make a real difference. Bailey’s supporters are rallying together, urging everyone to download or purchase the album before the chart closes tonight. Currently in the midst of an August in-store release tour, Bailey is set to embark on a 16-date UK headline tour this autumn, including a show at London’s Islington Assembly Hall on 2nd November. With glowing early reviews and a growing fanbase, Bailey’s rise in the music industry seems inevitable.     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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megan moroney album

Megan Moroney returns to tour the UK

One of country music’s biggest breakout stars in recent years, Megan Moroney, is set to return to the UK for a seven-date headline tour next month. The tour follows the release of her critically acclaimed sophomore album, Am I Okay?, which debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 in July. Moroney, who is fast approaching 1.5 billion career streams, continues to make waves in the industry with her distinctive sound and compelling songwriting. The Georgia native has already set impressive records, including the biggest debut for a female country song in streams in the US with ‘No Caller ID’, which garnered 8.4 million global streams within its first week of release in January. The track, Moroney’s fastest streaming song to date, also made its mark on the Billboard Hot 100 and Spotify’s US Top 100 (all-genre). Fans were treated to a live acoustic version of the hit in June as part of her “Emo Cowgirl Live Sessions” series. Moroney’s musical journey began during her time studying accounting at the University of Georgia, where she started writing her own songs. Her debut album, Lucky, released last year, received widespread critical acclaim, featuring on best-of-the-year lists from prestigious outlets such as the New York Times, Rolling Stone (which named it the #1 country album of 2023), Billboard, and the Associated Press, who praised her as a “Gen Z songwriter with Taylor Swift-level acuity.” The album also included her breakout single, ‘Tennessee Orange’, which has been certified 2x Platinum and has amassed over 256 million streams on Spotify. The single became her first US #1 hit and was highlighted by the Los Angeles Times in their “100 best songs of 2023” list. Moroney’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. She was recently featured on Forbes’ ’30 Under 30′ list and MusicRow’s ‘Next Big Thing Class of 2024’. She has also earned nominations from the CMA, ACM, and Billboard Music Awards, and was featured at The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles as part of its prestigious SPOTLIGHT series. MEGAN MORONEY – UK 2024 TOUR DATES: Wed., 4 Sep – Cardiff, UK – Tramshed Thur., 5 Sep – Manchester, UK – O2 Ritz Sat., 7 Sep – Belfast, UK – Telegraph Building Mon., 9 Sep – Glasgow, UK – Barrowland Ballroom Tues., 10 Sep – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute Thur., 12 Sep – Cambridge, UK – Junction Fri., 13 Sep – London, UK – O2 Forum Kentish Town Moroney’s UK tour promises to be a highlight of the country music calendar, with fans eagerly awaiting the chance to experience her live performances following the success of her recent releases.   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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little big town greatest hits

Little Big Town celebrate 25 years with UK tour and new album release

Country music fans in the UK are set for a special treat this September as Little Big Town, the GRAMMY® and CMA Award-winning quartet, mark their 25th anniversary with a headline tour across the nation. The band, made up of Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook, have built a strong following in the UK, and their return is highly anticipated. Little Big Town have performed at the Country to Country festival three times, including the inaugural event in 2013, as well as in 2016 and 2018, when they headlined to solid reviews. More recently, they played at major UK stadiums and London’s Hyde Park in 2022, supporting the Eagles at the British Summer Time festival. The upcoming UK tour will see them performing in Manchester, Bristol, Cambridge, Newcastle, London, Birmingham, and Glasgow. The tour dates span from 10th to 19th September. This tour coincides with the release of their ‘Greatest Hits’ album, which collects some of the band’s most well-known tracks. The album features songs like ‘Pontoon,’ ‘Boondocks,’ ‘Better Man,’ and the popular ‘Girl Crush.’ It reflects on the band’s journey over the past two decades. Speaking about the album, Karen Fairchild commented, “This ‘Greatest Hits’ album is all about reflecting on some of the songs that have meant the most to us throughout the band’s incredible journey. These last 25 years have been an absolute whirlwind, and we’re so thankful to have our fans along for the ride – this album is truly a love letter to them.” The album also includes a few special collaborations. Miranda Lambert joins the band on a new version of their 2010 hit ‘Little White Church,’ which retains the feel of the original while adding Lambert’s touch. Kelsea Ballerini features on the track ‘Shut Up Train,’ and Sugarland collaborates with the band on a cover of Phil Collins’ ‘Take Me Home,’ which they performed together at the 2024 CMT Music Awards. The ‘Greatest Hits’ album provides a broad overview of Little Big Town’s career, offering long-time fans a chance to revisit some of their favourite songs, while also serving as a good introduction for new 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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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cmt giants

CMT to premiere ‘CMT Giants: Alabama’ on 15th August

Music fans across the US are in for a treat as CMT prepares to premiere “CMT Giants: Alabama,” a star-studded tribute to one of the most iconic country groups in history. The special airs this Thursday, 15th August, at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT, exclusively on CMT. This once-in-a-lifetime event will feature some of the biggest names in music paying homage to Alabama’s legendary career. Performances include Blake Shelton with Steve Wariner, Brad Paisley, Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Pam Tillis with Lorrie Morgan, Riley Green, and Sam Hunt. The tribute will highlight some of Alabama’s most beloved hits, such as “Mountain Music,” “My Home’s in Alabama,” “Dixieland Delight,” and “Song of the South.” The performances were recorded live before an exclusive audience at the Fisher Center in Nashville. Alongside the live renditions, the special will include appearances from stars such as Evander Holyfield, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Martina McBride, and Vince Gill, who will share personal stories and reflections on Alabama’s lasting impact on music. The programme will also feature rare archival footage and an exclusive interview with the band members themselves, offering insights into their storied career. Following its premiere, the special will be available on CMT VOD from Friday, 16th August, with several encore showings scheduled on CMT MUSIC and MTV LIVE throughout the month. Fans won’t want to miss this heartfelt celebration of Alabama’s contribution to the music world. “CMT Giants: Alabama” is executive produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux and Taillight’s Tom Forrest. The programme is overseen by Jackie Barba, Heather D. Graffagnino, Leslie Fram, Suzanne Bender, and Donna Duncan.     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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timbaland x universal

UMG Nashville partners with Timbaland’s Mosley Music

UMG Nashville has officially announced a strategic partnership with Mosley Music, the independent record label founded by the renowned producer, artist, and songwriter Timbaland. This collaboration aims to explore and nurture new talent, with a focus on bridging cultural and genre gaps within the music industry. “Over the past year, we have been working with Timbaland on the shared goal of developing great artists together as well as bridging the gaps in sound and culture in country music,” stated Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville’s Chair and CEO. “I am so happy to finally announce our collaboration with Mosley Music on the heels of his prestigious induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Timbaland is one of the most iconic producers, songwriters, and artists in the last 30 years, merging genres and opening the doors to magnify cultural impact across genres. Hailing from Norfolk, VA, Timbaland’s reach and impact have been felt across pop, hip-hop, and country music, including working with and bridging sounds for artists like Bubba Sparxxx, For King + Country, and Brad Paisley. Timbaland continues to push open the doors making innovative cultural impact by pushing boundaries, and I am excited to join forces in breaking barriers in country music.” Timbaland, who has been a prominent figure in the music industry for decades, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I’ve been aligned with Universal Music Group the majority of my career as an artist and with my label Mosley Music, so UMG Nashville felt like the right place to partner for us in Country. I love their mission of taking chances on special artists to meet culture. Cindy, Chelsea, Charlene, Rob, Lori, Mike, and the rest of the team at UMG Nashville understand our vision and I know will be a great partner for us to continue to break artists.” This partnership is expected to yield exciting developments in the music industry, with both entities committed to discovering and promoting fresh talent that challenges traditional genre boundaries.   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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whiskey and country music

Why does country music love whiskey?

Country music and whiskey share a deep, storied relationship that has evolved over time, rooted in cultural, social and economic ties. This bond reflects a broader narrative of American history and identity, particularly in the Southern United States where both country music and whiskey have strong origins. In times of hardship or celebration, whiskey is often the thread that brings lyrics to life and drives the inspiration behind some of country’s greatest anthems.     Historical Roots  Whiskey, particularly bourbon, has long been a staple of American culture. Its production dates back to the 18th century with settlers in the Appalachian region. These early settlers, many of whom were of Scotch-Irish descent, brought with them a tradition of distilling spirits. Over time, whiskey became an integral part of Southern culture, symbolising resilience and self-sufficiency.   It was frequently liked with moonshine, a drink that took over the American South during prohibition. In the early days, particularly during the Wild West era (usually considered to be from 1866 to 1890), men would gather and socialise in one of two places: Church or the saloon. Whiskey at this time was considered a medical treatment, used to treat every ailment from common colds to antiseptic and even boredom (the effects of alcoholism were less known at this time, as you can imagine).   The birthplace of US whiskey is widely considered to be Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, around 1791. Seen as an opportunity for the burgeoning nation of the USA to raise some much-needed funds, a whiskey tax was proposed, leading to what is now called the ‘Whiskey Rebellion’. It was during this time that Irish settlers in Kentucky and Tennessee would start producing the first American whiskeys. It’s important to note that the US’s perpetuation of slavery had an instrumental role in this, even the now-renowned Jack Daniels was taught to distil by a free slave called Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green. Slaves who had knowledge of the distilling process (from working on Caribbean sugar cane plantations making rum) were sold for a premium at auction. The men (only men were allowed to handle the distilling process, even among enslaved peoples) would be sold to some of the most recognisable names across the country, for example George Washington, who used slaves at his Mount Vernon Distillery and Elijah Craig, the ‘Father of Bourbon’, who owned 32 people in 1800, to manage their whiskey production.   The relationship between Jack Daniels and Nathan Green wasn’t so sinister in its occupation. The pair worked together and Green was the first master distiller to be hired by Daniels, as well as the first African-American master distiller on record in the United States. This work led to Green becoming moderately wealthy for the time and the relationship between Green and Daniels goes back further than the former’s emancipation. Green and Daniels first met when Daniels was only eight years old, keen to learn the still from a local preacher, who owned Green. Over the years, Green taught Daniels everything he knew, with the intention of making him “the world’s best whiskey distiller”. After the Emancipation Proclamation, Green was freed, but continued to work with Daniels (who was quick to employ the free man and at least three of his sons). There is no evidence that Daniels himself ever owned slaves or used slavery in his distillery. Direct descendants of Green continue to work in the Jack Daniels distillery to this day – and in whiskey in general, in fact, Victoria Eady Butler, the first ever female African-American master blender, is a direct descendent of Green – a testament to the family tradition of the company and how overriding prejudice makes truly lasting ties.      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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