Page 57 – Maverick Country

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Josh Ross announces headlining ‘Single Again’ tour

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Country music fans, get ready! Breakout star Josh Ross is set to electrify stages across the United States this autumn with his newly announced headlining ‘Single Again’ Tour. Launching in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, on 28th August, the tour will make stops in key cities including New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, Chicago, and more, before concluding in Indianapolis on 9th November. Joining Ross on this exciting journey is special guest Brandon Wisham. “I’m so stoked for my first U.S. headline tour,” shares Ross. “We have been opening for some of the best over the past couple years and we have worked hard to build our live show. We started our headline tour in Canada earlier this year and can’t wait to bring it to the U.S. It’s going to be so much fun being out there with y’all.” Josh Ross’s ‘Single Again’ Tour Dates: 8/28/24 – Point Pleasant Beach, NJ – Jenks Club* 8/29/24 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork 9/1/24 – Uncasville, CT – Wolf Den** 9/5/24 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair 9/6/24 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge 9/7/24 – Washington, D.C. – The Atlantis 9/19/24 – Peoria, IL – Crusens 9/26/24 – Minneapolis, MN – Amsterdam Bar and Hall 9/27/24 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave 9/28/24 – Sioux City, IA – Anthem at Hard Rock 10/9/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour 10/10/24 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues 10/12/24 – Sacramento, CA – Goldfield 10/17/24 – Atlanta, GA – Eddies Attic 10/24/24 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In 11/6/24 – Oxford, OH – Brick Street 11/7/24 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache 11/8/24 – Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub 11/9/24 – Indianapolis, IN – Hi-Fi 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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Ward Thomas announce intimate UK tour

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Country pop music duo Ward Thomas have announced an intimate, acoustic UK tour for Winter 2025. Hailed as the UK’s most successful country act, twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas will tour across the country with a 22-date tour across January and February, performing a special show with stripped back versions of songs from across their career. These unique shows will take Ward Thomas back to their early days of performing and writing together, seeing the duo perform and share the stories behind the songs that have seen them make such an impact on country music. Recording their debut album, 2014’s ‘From Where We Stand’, whilst still in school, the duo have since cemented themselves as pioneers in the UK Country and Americana scene; not least for the follow-up album ‘Cartwheels’ released in 2016 going to No.1 in the UK Album Charts, the first by a UK country act to top the charts. In 2019, the band were presented with the Country Music Association’s Jeff Walker Global Achievement Award in recognition of their success and impact on country music in the UK. Tour dates: January 2025 Tuesday 21st Newark Palace Theatre Wednesday 22nd Whitley Bay Playhouse Thursday 23rd Kendal Brewery Arts Friday 24th Crewe Lyceum Theatre Wednesday 29th Huddersfield Laurence Batley Theatre Thursday 30th Leeds City Varieties Friday 31st Leicester Y Theatre February 2025 Saturday 1st Milton Keynes The Stables Wednesday 5th Barnstaple Queen’s Theatre Thursday 6th Taunton Brewhouse Friday 7th Carmarthen Lyric Theatre Sunday 8th Worcester Huntingdon Hall Wednesday 12th Poole Lighthouse Theatre Thursday 13th Hayes Beck Theatre Friday 14th Harpenden Eric Morecombe Centre Sunday 16th Southend Palace Theatre Tuesday 18th Bury St Edmunds The Apex Wednesday 19th Aldershot Princes Hall Thursday 20th Ramsgate Granville Theatre Friday 21st Farham Fareham Live Thursday 25th London Union Chapel Friday 28th Bromley Churchill Theatre 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: Michael Hosier – Take Our Country Back

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Hosier goes patriotic with this single. An anthem for American pride and faith, Hosier’s deep, raspy voice provides the perfect amount of grit to this country rock track. Hosier’s voice alongside the distorted guitar and organ lines make this track what it is: absolutely, instantly re-playable. The Arkansas native gives it his all, with a chorus that is catchy enough to be shouted from the rooftops, this track is almost certain to become a festival hit for Hosier. With each verse, Hosier paints a vivid picture of resilience, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit that defines the nation. With its infectious melody and stirring lyrics, this track is more than just a song—it’s a celebration of the American spirit, destined to resonate with audiences far and wide. 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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The Hello Darlins: Tour de force

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Manifesting is the key topic of conversation with Candace Lacina, frontwoman of The Hello Darlins. “I wish the sun was shining a little bit more today. This point in winter, I’m ready for the summer.” She laughs at me, “Just pretend it’s there and then so it will be…” She adds, suggesting that the tone of our interview will follow the pattern of hope and renewal. The Hello Darlins hail from Canada, although their collaborative efforts reach across the world, with musicians tapping in and out of the project as and when they can contribute. The main pair – Lacina and her husband Mike Little – are among the most highly requested session and touring musicians in the country, nay, in the world. As true professionals, they were on tour for a total of 187 days in 2023, with no view to stop in 2024. “Well, luckily this album was already in the works before we went on tour, so it was nice to just be able to plan for it. We had another record we were touring late [2021s ‘Go By Feel’] because of the pandemic. We hadn’t really had a chance to tour it, so this was an opportunity to kind of tour that record and also play some of the songs live in front of audiences.” Lacina explains. The ability to tour and create an album at the same time might not be unique in today’s music industry, but for The Hello Darlins, the two are intertwined: “I think ‘The Alders and the Ashes’, it’s a blend of a bunch of different things that we do live,” the music is reflective of that, with the double-LP taking the listener on a journey from acoustic, more intimate moments to the more fast-paced, bombastic anthems, Lacina reminisces, “We had a lot of midtempo, more reflective songs and our live show is very dynamic. It’s a combination of being really upbeat and playing all different styles of gospel, blues, country and even some rock. But then also the folk elements, the more acoustic sections, that are more heartfelt. We wanted an album that really represented more closely what our live shows are like.” As The Hello Darlins seek to represent their sound on record, it’s not just that that shapes their music, but also the influence of all the prestigious artists they collaborate with. “I think being a collective, from what we know from so many years of being touring musicians and being on the road is that lots of times a session and backup musician, they have a number of different gigs that they take and they may become artists themselves on their own,” Lacina’s understanding of touring life and session musicianship informs the way that her and Little work on their own music. 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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More support announced for Morgan Wallen’s BST show

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Morgan Wallen will headline the festival on Thursday 4th July. Wallen’s performance is highly anticipated, and today, even more special guests have been announced in support. Joining Wallen will be a vibrant mix of talent, including Alana Springsteen, Alexandra Kay, Zandi Holup, Abbie Mac, The Halfway Kid, and Evan Bartels. They complement the previously announced acts Riley Green, ERNEST, and Ella Langley. Alana Springsteen, a young Nashville singer-songwriter, is leading a new generation of country stars. She released her debut album, “TWENTY SOMETHING,” last year and has been writing songs since she was nine, inspired by a Taylor Swift concert. Her track “taylor did” pays tribute to Swift, but Springsteen is making her own mark with her genuine connection with audiences both live and online. Alexandra Kay is another rising star, having built her career with millions of video views online before making her Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 22. She has since collaborated with notable names like Tim McGraw and Randy Travis, performed at the UK’s Country to Country festival, and released her debut album, “All I’ve Ever Known,” in 2023, which has amassed over 300 million streams. Newcomer Zandi Holup brings a prolific artist-writer background reminiscent of folk icons like Dolly Parton and Joni Mitchell. Her debut song “Gas Station Flowers” last year showcased her raw, original folk country style, characterised by unfiltered storytelling and emotive vocals, which have garnered a growing grassroots following. Also performing are Derry’s teenage singer-songwriter Abbie Mac, British-Sudanese folk singer The Halfway Kid, and emerging Nebraskan artist Evan Bartels. This diverse and talented line-up joins the previously announced acts, including country star Riley Green making his first UK performance, Nashville’s unpredictable hitmaker ERNEST, and rising artist Ella Langley. Headliner Morgan Wallen expressed his excitement, saying, “Last autumn was my first time in the UK and man, I loved it. I saw so much while I was there, and the people were incredible. To play where legendary artists like Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones have played is a huge honour for me and my band, and we can’t wait to be back.” Morgan Wallen’s meteoric rise in the music industry is evident, with 13 No. 1 hits and a recent collaboration with Post Malone on “I Had Some Help,” which soared to No. 2 on the Official Charts in the UK and held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks. The New York Times has hailed him as “one of the biggest stars in pop, period,” as he continues to captivate audiences worldwide, playing to over 2.4 million fans. Earlier this year, Wallen released the “Abbey Road Sessions,” commemorating the one-year anniversary of his record-setting album “One Thing At A Time.” Recorded in London’s iconic Studio Two at Abbey Road Studios, the digital series includes five live recordings from the album, an unreleased fan-favourite “Lies Lies Lies,” and a cover of Nothing But Thieves’ “Graveyard Whistling.” The line-up for American Express presents BST Hyde Park 2024 promises to be spectacular, with headliners including SZA (June 29), Kings of Leon (June 30), Morgan Wallen (July 4), Andrea Bocelli (July 5), Robbie Williams (July 6), Shania Twain (July 7), Stevie Nicks (July 12), Kylie (July 13), and Stray Kids (July 14), with full line-ups for each day to be announced, along with All Things Orchestral on June 28. 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’s Music Venue Trust publishes its manifesto

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The Music Venue Trust (MVT), a charity representing hundreds of Grassroots Music Venues (GMVs) across the UK, has issued a pressing appeal to politicians of all parties ahead of the UK General Election on 4th July. The MVT is urging leaders to “seize the moment” and address the deepening crisis threatening the sector. In its newly published report, ‘A Manifesto for Grassroots Music’, the MVT outlines essential steps needed to halt the closure of GMVs, which currently exceed one per week, and to restore stability to the sector. Describing this as “a once in a generation opportunity to save the UK’s grassroots music venues,” the report stresses the need for immediate implementation of recommendations from the Culture Media & Sport Select Committee. These include a proposed £1 contribution from every arena and stadium ticket sold for events over a 5000 capacity to support grassroots music. The report also calls for the abolition of VAT on GMV tickets, a review of the business rates paid by venues, and changes to existing planning laws. Among its key proposals are: A £1 grassroots investment contribution from every arena and stadium ticket sold. A fan-led review to examine the long-term challenges of the live music ecosystem. The statutory implementation of the agent of change principle in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). A reduction of VAT on cultural ticketing in GMVs to 0%, and a reduction of VAT on cultural ticketing in the live music industry to the European average (5-7%). The creation of a specific business rates premises definition for GMVs, exempting them from paying business rates. Sophie Brownlee, External Affairs Manager at Music Venue Trust, commented, “The Manifesto is being delivered to every prospective MP in the country with the request that they come out in support of it as part of their campaign to be elected. Music communities across the country will also be asking the candidates where they stand on the future of live music in our towns and cities. The time to act is now.” The CMS select committee’s recent report, which backs the £1 levy on concert tickets, highlighted the precarious situation facing grassroots music venues. It stated, “Grassroots live music venues, the local, limited capacity venues integral to the pipeline of creative and professional talent and key fixtures of our communities, are now facing a crisis of soaring costs and closures. Artists, and the people who rely on them for business, are facing a cost-of-touring crisis and finding opportunities squeezed. Promoters are less able to put on shows or make them financially viable. Festivals, electronic music venues, and even academies and arenas are not insulated from the impacts.” Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust, underscored the severity of the issue, stating, “In 2023, of the 366 small music venues Ed Sheeran played while learning his trade, at least 150 are now closed. Another 72 grassroots music venues significantly reduced or ended their live music offer. 38% of GMVs in the UK made a loss in the last 12 months. The sector operated on a 0.5% profit margin overall while running live music events at a £115 million loss. All of this can be changed if the next government delivers the five simple steps we have set out in this report. We therefore call on all political representatives, from all parties, to seize the moment and drive forward this change. We have a chance to save UK grassroots music venues from the crisis they currently face and we should not let it slip.” As the election approaches, the fate of the UK’s grassroots music scene hangs in the balance, with the MVT’s proposals offering a potential lifeline for the struggling sector. 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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CMA Fest celebrates its next 50 years

Leave a Comment / Beyond Nashville, News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Nashville was alive with the sound of Country Music as CMA Fest, the largest and longest-running Country Music festival in the world, marked its 51st celebration this past weekend. From Thursday, 6 June to Sunday, 9 June, the event brought together fans from all 50 states and 46 countries, highlighting the enduring connection between artists and their audience. The festival was a resounding success, setting the stage for the next half-century of Country Music celebrations. Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, expressed her excitement: “What an incredible four days and nights! This year’s CMA Fest has truly been a celebration of community and collaboration. From Country icons returning to the Fest stage, to emerging acts reaching new audiences for the first time, seeing the fans and the industry embrace our genre in such a meaningful way has been the perfect way to kick off our next 50 years. We can’t wait for 2025!” The festival footprint was buzzing with activity, featuring multiple stages and more than 300 performers playing to capacity crowds. Highlights included a special appearance by Dolly Parton at Fan Fair X on Thursday morning, which saw thousands of fans lining up hours in advance for a Q&A session and impromptu sing-alongs. Shaboozey and Tucker Wetmore were among the breakout stars, with performances that spilled out into the streets of Nashville. Nissan Stadium was the epicentre of excitement, with surprise moments and unique collaborations lighting up the nights. Post Malone thrilled fans with an unannounced performance, joined by Blake Shelton for their new song “Pour Me A Drink.” Other memorable moments included Ashley McBryde’s duet with Gretchen Wilson, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s collaboration with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, and Lainey Wilson’s performances with both Terri Clark and Keith Urban. The festival closed on a high note with HARDY bringing a star-studded lineup to the stage. The festival’s extensive line-up featured additional acts at Nissan Stadium, with artists like Craig Morgan, Jordan Davis, Thomas Rhett, and Lynyrd Skynyrd delivering standout performances. Each night brought its own set of highlights, from Gretchen Wilson’s high-energy opening on Friday to Jelly Roll’s eclectic mashup on Saturday. The final day saw performances from Josh Turner, Megan Moroney, Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce, and more, culminating in HARDY’s powerful closing set. Beyond the music, CMA Fest offered fans a wealth of activities at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center. The air-conditioned venue hosted meet-and-greets, merchandise stalls, and interactive experiences. Dolly Parton’s ALL ACCESS! Pop-Up Experience was a major draw, featuring her global branding and merchandise, along with a preview of her forthcoming cookbook. The CMA Close Up Stage hosted Artist of the Day sessions with Cody Johnson, Thomas Rhett, and Lainey Wilson. Fan Fair X also featured panels and events celebrating the intersection of music and culture. Highlights included “Enlisted: Where Music Meets Military” with Craig Morgan and Gary Sinise, “Latin Roots: The ‘Equis’ Factor in Country Music,” and “50 Years at The Opry House” with Mark Willis and fellow Opry members. CMA Fest’s commitment to music education was front and centre, with performers donating their time to support the CMA Foundation. The foundation’s initiatives were showcased throughout the festival, including performances by high school marching bands and special appearances by music students at Nissan Stadium. Fitness fans also had their share of excitement with “Fitness at Fest,” featuring high-intensity workouts alongside favourite artists and celebrities. Musically Fed, an organisation fighting hunger through the music industry, donated excess food from the festival to local shelters and missions. Looking ahead, the 52nd CMA Fest is scheduled for 5-8 June 2025 in Nashville. Tickets will be available on 25 June 2024. Fans can stay updated by signing up for CMA’s Country Connection emails at CMAfest.com. Additionally, the three-hour primetime television special, “CMA Fest,” hosted by Jelly Roll and Ashley McBryde, will air on 25 June at 8/7c on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu. As CMA Fest closes one chapter and begins another, the festival continues to be a beacon of community, collaboration, and celebration for Country Music lovers around the world. 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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First Time Flyers are heading out on tour

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

First Time Flyers are heading back out on tour! The British country quartet have announced that they will be travelling to Birmingham, London and Manchester on their ‘Jump On Tour Part One’ series of shows. ‘Part One’ suggests that fans elsewhere will get a taste of the band later on in the year (here’s hoping!). For now, tickets for the short UK tour are on sale and the tour will take place from 10th until 18th September over three shows. ‘Jump On Tour Part One’ is the second headlining tour for the band, highlighting the rise of country music in the UK and the appetite of British country music fans for home-grown talent. 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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Encore: Podge Lane

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

What was the first song you learned all the words to?   I’m 90% sure it was That Old Wheel by Johnny Cash and Hank Williams Jr. wore out my grandad’s greatest hits CD just rewinding that song over and over.   A live show that changed your life?   Father John Misty in 2018. It was just well written song after well written song, incredible stage presence and I believe the first show I had ever seen where the artist did not do a single cover song.    A song that reminds you of growing up?   I guess ‘Stan’ by Eminem. My parents shaped a lot of my early listening and while my grandparents listened to country music, my parents listened to anything from punk to R&B. ‘Stan’ was a song my Dad played a lot in the van growing up, so it makes me think about growing up, plus it’s just such a well written story song. I know so many country and folk artists who love this track.   A song you can no longer listen to?   This is probably the hardest question you could ask me, because it’s so hard for me to not like a song, if the intention of the song was to make good art. Obviously, if a song is being mean or hurting someone else unjustly, I’m not going to like it, but usually I kind find something cool in any and every song. Sorry for the non-answer!   An album that made you want to be a musician? ‘Live at San Quentin’ by Johnny Cash. Perfect mixture of humour, mistakes, passion and great songs. What’s the best salsa recipe? I am so glad you asked. Super simple, just tomatoes, red onion, garlic, lime juice (if you fancy like that) and coriander. What makes a big difference for me is adding some hot sauce. The hotter the better. I vary, but at the moment I’m using ghost pepper and mango hot sauce, but you need that kick, otherwise you’re just eating a slightly spicy salad. How has country shaped your music? Country as an idea has really shaped my music for the better, I think, it’s like my north star. I use a lot of different influences in my music, but I can always hone in on what makes my music feel country and it’s the story. I always make sure my lyrics are telling you something and that they are not just there to flavour the melody. A song for me should work with just a guitar as well as it is fully produced. That’s the feeling I’ve always gotten from country music. You’re incorporating more rock elements to your folk/alt-country stylings with ‘Down’, how do you think country music is changing as a genre? I think country music is always changing and always has been and that’s part of what makes it so great. Like I said before, I do believe at the heart of every country song is the story, but after that the flavours added can change so much. Look at artists like Buck Owens for example, a country artist through and through, yet the distortion and psychedelic style on ‘Who’s Gonna Mow Your Grass’ must have confused a lot of fans. Same with modern artists like Sturgill Simpson with Sound And Fury. Country music, even as far back as early Western Swing, strives on change and taking from what came before and what is becoming popular. That’s why it lasts, why it innovates and why it’s more exciting than ever with acts like Allison Russell, Adeem The Artist, Tyler Childers and so many others creating a scene and a sound I’m so happy to be around during. What’s been your proudest moment in your career so far?   When an artist I really admired grabbed a cassette of my first album and said, “Thank you for making this”. It was so simple, but as someone who just adored physical music, and adored studying musicians of this person’s caliber, having this said to me was my proudest moment so far.  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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The UFQ - Solsbury Hill Single photo (2)

Beyond Nashville: Urban Folk Quartet

Leave a Comment / Beyond Nashville, Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

In the vast realm of folk music, where authenticity and innovation intertwine, The Urban Folk Quartet (UFQ) stands out among the rest for their pursuit of a well-rounded folk sound that includes big band jazz, funk and north Indian music. Hailing not from the bustling streets of Nashville, but rather from the eclectic melting pot of the UK music scene, UFQ transcends geographical boundaries to deliver a sonic experience that captivates audiences worldwide. Formed in 2009, UFQ comprises of four talented musicians: Joe Broughton (fiddle, guitar), Tom Chapman (percussion), Dan Walsh (banjo, guitar) and Paloma Trigás (fiddle). Together, they create fiddle-led folk music, leaning on the tradition of Celtic and English traditional dance music. The band’s inspirations are multiple and varied. Undoubtedly, at the heart of UFQ’s enchanting sound lies a deep reverence for tradition. As well as their drawing inspiration from Celtic and English music, UFQ also rely on Eastern European and American folk traditions. The quartet pays homage to the rich musical heritage of the past while fearlessly pushing boundaries to create something entirely new. Their latest album, ‘True Story’, serves as a testament to UFQ’s boundless creativity and musical prowess. Released to critical acclaim, the album showcases the quartet’s versatility and virtuosity, taking listeners on a journey through intricate melodies, pulsating rhythms, and emotive storytelling. Tracks like ‘Ghost Fields’ and ‘East Avenue’ exemplify UFQ’s ability to seamlessly blend traditional folk elements with contemporary sensibilities. Through intricate instrumentation and dynamic arrangements, the quartet invites listeners to explore the intersection of old and new, tradition and innovation. With ‘True Story’, the band leans into their inspirations more than ever. The Middle Eastern music-inspired ‘Before Your Eyes/The Whiplash Reel’ uses the micro-tonal structure that is typical of Middle Eastern music. The banjo wheels around the ‘reel’ as the fiddle joins to add texture and interest as a countermelody. As the bass comes in later, the track finally flourishes into breakneck pace, just before coming to an end. Not all the tracks feature vocals – with the instrumental tracks truly showcasing exactly how entertaining UFQ can be even without lyrics. The album kicks off with a cover (although you’d never know) of Peter Gabriel’s 1977 track ‘Solsbury Hill’. The original song utilises the skill of the London Symphony Orchestra, whilst UFQ’s version gives the song a clear traditional edge (but doesn’t compromise the quality). It’s Birmingham that acts as the cradle for UFQ’s inception. It’s no coincidence that Birmingham (the UK city, not the Alabama one) is the place that UFQ originates, it’s one of the most diverse places in the UK. With influences as varied as UFQ’s, that mixture of cultures is all-important to serve as muse. The band came together as a collective of folk musicians from around the world. Originally Joe Broughton formed the Folk Ensemble, a group of anywhere up to 50 folk musicians who Broughton knew from Birmingham Conservatoire’s folk degree. Broughton is at the helm of the band, producing their latest album ‘True Story’ and playing more instruments on the record than it could be possible to identify. As for the rest of the band, UFQ suffered a loss nearly two years ago when bassist Sal Broughton passed away, however, the band goes on with the four remaining members. 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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