Page 98 – Maverick Country

Tenille Townes breathtaking UK finale in Manchester

Tenille Townes has come a long way since her first performance on British soil back in 2018. She had the makings of a star back then with her unique voice stopping you in your tracks and the most thought-provoking lyrics that could touch even the hardest of hearts. If you saw her on that CMA Songwriters tour back then, you’re probably still a fan now, looking forward to the next time she comes to see us. After a successful, sold-out run of dates, Townes wrapped up the tour in Manchester, and what can I say, she saved the best till last! It was a breathtakingly, unforgettable night as a packed out Gorilla was taken on a journey through emotions by Townes who’s voice had never sounded so strong and flawless. She started the show off in an unusual way I thought, as she began ‘Where You Are’ on her own, just her and her guitar plus her backing singers otherwise known as the Manchester crowd before her bandmates joined her for the second song of the set. She could hold the crowd in the palm of her hand acoustically but had everyone bobbing to the beat of the music as her guitarist and drummer joined her for ‘White Horse’ – one of my favourites of hers. She played a mix of her earlier tracks as well as her latest from the new record ‘Masquerades’ released earlier in the year. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as she played ‘Jersey On The Wall’ and as the audience once again joined in she couldn’t keep the tears from falling herself. The emotion was prominent later in the set when she once again stripped it back and played ‘When I Meet My Maker’ and ‘The Most Beautiful Things’ acoustically. She had the crowd laughing as she detailed the struggles her crew had had when trying to execute the tour – a sick tour manager, no driver almost jeopardised the shows if it wasn’t for the kindness of strangers stepping in to help. She punctuated her set with a couple of covers, the most memorable perhaps being Alanis Morisette’s ‘Ironic’ which was energetic and had the whole place bouncing. It was during ‘I Kept The Roses’ where I was reminded of all the reasons why I first fell in love with Townes’ music. My breath caught in my chest, unable to sing along as I marvelled at the way she performed every note, the emotion shining through in her vocals. There was a theatricality about her delivery, it may have been the last night of the tour but it felt like the first time she was getting this off her chest. She seemed genuinely floored by the response she got from the sold-out crowd in Gorilla especially when she asked everyone to join in on ‘Same Road Home’. She concluded her set with ‘Somebody’s Daughter’, her most well known song and clearly a fan favourite in Manchester too as everyone sang it at the top of their voices. At it’s conclusion the crowd cheered for more and an acoustic encore ensued. Townes played a cover of Etta James’ ‘At Last’ again showcasing just what a wonderful voice she has. Townes has gone from strength to strength since that first performance in the UK and though her confidence has grown, her vocal technique perfected, her kind-hearted and humble nature has remained. Townes is an all round star and I fully expect for the venues to become bigger and the crowd to grow the next time she comes back to the UK.

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Jill Andrews to tour UK

Leave a Comment / Live Events, News / Rochelle Mills

Jill Andrews, an acclaimed multi-genre singer-songwriter, will embark on her first UK tour in November, stopping in 14 cities. A prolific songwriter, who has achieved over 100 million Spotify streams, Jill’s music has been featured on hit TV shows, including This is Us (‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’), Nashville (‘Tell That Devil’), Grey’s Anatomy and Beauty and the Beast (‘Rust Or Gold’). Andrews released ‘Rust Or Gold’ as a single, and within days of it airing on the show, the song ranked within the Top 10 on the U.S. Singer/Songwriter iTunes chart. Speaking on her first UK tour, Jill said, “It has long been a dream of mine to meet all of my fantastic fans across the UK and I can’t believe in 2022 I am actually, finally getting to do it. I keep hearing how much people in the United Kingdom love and respect music. So I am excited to experience that for myself.” Andrews released her latest project, The Parthenon Sessions, in June 2022. The EP was recorded in Centennial Park’s Parthenon, which is the only full-scale replica of the ancient Athenian temple in the world. All the recorded songs are tailored to the unique 5-second reverb of the building’s 42 foot tall ceilings. The EP features a string orchestra and four re-imagined songs from Jill’s catalog, including her only recorded version of ‘Sanctuary.’ The song, written by Andrews, Gary Nicholson and Sarah Siskind, was originally performed in Nashville by Charles Esten and Lennon & Maisy Stella, and deemed by The Tennessean to have “led to ‘Nashville’s’ most powerful musical moment.” Andrews is currently working on her fourth full length project, which is due to be released in early 2023, following her run of UK shows.

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Special broadcast celebrating the life of Loretta Lynn

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

CMT and Sandbox Productions today announced “COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER: A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE & MUSIC OF LORETTA LYNN,” a LIVE celebration from the Grand Ole Opry House, in partnership with the family of Loretta Lynn, to honor the extraordinary life, legacy and music of country legend Loretta Lynn. The public memorial service is set to air commercial-free on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 7p/6c, exclusively on CMT, with two additional commercial-free encores on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 8p/7c and Sunday, Nov. 6 at 11a/10c. The special will also be made available on Paramount+ in early 2023. Hosted by NBC’s “Today Show” co-host and close family friend Jenna Bush Hager, the public celebration will feature never-before-seen performances and collaborations, with special guest appearances from some of the biggest names in entertainment. Performers include Brandi Carlile, Crystal Gayle, Darius Rucker, Emmy Russell & Lukas Nelson, George Strait, The Highwomen with Brittney Spencer, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Margo Price, Tanya Tucker and Wynonna, along with special appearances from Loretta’s closest friends and family, including Barbara Mandrell, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Sheryl Crow and Tim McGraw. Additional performers and guests to be announced in the coming days. “We are truly honored to work closely alongside Loretta’s family to create a celebration of life fit for a true queen of country music, Loretta Lynn. She was a true original, a woman who always sang from her heart, never shied away from challenging the status quo and blazed the path forward for her fellow female artists. From her firecracker spirit and signature musicality to her unmistakable country style and unparalleled authenticity, we look forward to honoring her in the best way we know how: sharing stories and songs with her family, friends and the legions of fans she loved dearly,” shared CMT Producers. Lynn’s memorial service will be open to the general public with a limited number of tickets available.

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Caitlyn Smith’s spellbinding Manchester performance!

Leave a Comment / Live Events, News / Rochelle Mills

There’s always that one name at Country 2 Country that surprises you and captivates you, that has everybody talking throughout the weekend and more often than not, it’s an artist on one of the smaller stages. This year, that artist was Caitlyn Smith. Of course when she announced her UK return as part of Country Music Week, I had to attend! Smith has got a catalogue of fabulously written songs that others have recorded but her latest album ‘High’ which she self produced was one of the best country albums released this year. Only when you see her live do you appreciate that she is in fact the full package though, I fail to see a vocalist as powerful and as controlled as Smith and her stage presence is endearing as humour creeps in to her stage talk. Smith took requests on Instagram before she took to the stage in Manchester and admitted that she had to relearn a few of her old songs to please the fans. She opened with ‘High’ a song we first heard from Miley Cyrus back in 2020 but which Smith co-wrote and released her own version earlier this year. It was a powerful and breathtaking way to start the show. She had the Manchester crowd hanging off her every word, you could hear a pin drop as she told the stories behind each track. She shared her own versions of ‘Like I’m Gonna Lose You’ and ‘You Can’t Make Old Friends’ two of her biggest hits that have been cut by other people as well as sharing fan favourites off her latest album including my personal favourite ‘Maybe In Another Life’. Smith teased that the second part of the album is coming very soon and proceeds to play a song off that upcoming release which went down well with the crowd who met it’s conclusion with sustained applause and cheers so as to get the message of approval to the songwriter. The Minnesota native is also the voice of new US TV show Monarch as she sings the theme tune, penned by The Love Junkies. Though it is not yet available to watch in the UK much of the crowd knew the song as Smith shared how much she enjoyed getting the chance to act in the series too. It was a fantastic night! Caitlyn Smith deserves to go far, she is one of the best songwriters of our generation and her voice… well you just can’t argue, it’s flawless!

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Thomas Rhett and Katy Perry share ‘Where We Started’ video

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Thomas Rhett and Katy Perry today release the music video for their duet “Where We Started.” Directed by Patrick Tracy, the video for the title track off Thomas Rhett’s sixth studio album finds each artist contently reflecting on their own journeys. “Working with Katy has been a really collaborative process,” said Thomas Rhett. “From tracking the song in the studio, to performing it on American Idol, to this video – her input has made this whole experience really special for me.” Katy shared: “I loved being able to create a dreamy world for “Where We Started,” going back to the Nashville singer-songwriter roots of where I started.” Celebrating a decade of bringing country to the masses, C2C, Europe’s biggest country music festival, is back for 2023, and Thomas Rhett will be headlining! Country to Country has established itself as the annual destination to see some of the world’s best country artists and future stars. The festival is set to bring yet another incredible line up to The O2 London, 3Arena Dublin and The OVO Hydro, Glasgow from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 March 2023.

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Chase Rice Presented With Pandora Billionaire Plaque

Leave a Comment / Beyond Nashville, News / Rochelle Mills

Just hours after releasing brand-new song “Way Down Yonder,” multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Chase Rice was surprised at SiriusXM The Highway’s “Music Row Happy Hour” with a plaque commemorating his Pandora Billionaire status. The milestone commemorates over 1.5 billion streams on the platform, and Rice has been added to Pandora’s Country Billionaires Radio in celebration of the honor. “Throughout my career, now matter where we were at with touring or radio success, our incredible fans have consistently streamed the music,” shared the man praised by American Songwriter as “one of country music’s most intriguing and lasting acts” in response to the honor. “This is a testament to those fans and their love of country music. They’re why we keep pushing ourselves and why we’re so excited to share new songs with them now.” Rice quickly moved from one celebration to the next, making his way up Broadway to kick off the night’s Rock N’ Roll Cowboy tour stop at Bridgestone Arena. In addition to his chart-topping hits including “Eyes On You” and “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” plus fellow Platinum-certified favorites “Ready Set Roll” and “Lonely If You Are,” Rice also treated fans to a live performance of the just-released song. Written by Rice together with Hunter Phelps, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass and Corey Crowder during a writing retreat in Florida that also produced recent release “Key West & Colorado,” the song paints a vivid picture of hardworking characters living beyond the confines of the law: Way down yonder where the outlaws wander You can feel that thunder in your bones Rippin’ hot rod runners under moonlight cover Just some back glass gunners on the road Where you buy your bud with your moonshine money Make your love where the bees make honey When the cut’s where you’re born and raised Man it’s in your blood, we were born this way down yonder “When we wrote this song, I had the mountains of North Carolina where I grew up in mind; all the moonshining history there in the Appalachians,” recalls Rice. “Then all of a sudden during the recording process, Rob McNelley started playing this crazy carnival sound on the acoustic… and it got Western quick. That turned it from a song I didn’t think was even going to make the cut for this next album into one of my favorite songs on the project.” The song and accompanying music video, shot in a single take as a time period piece at Fort Worth’s Stockyards National Historic District, previews a new sound embodying Rice’s next musical era. His forthcoming album, recorded during a two-week period alongside producer Oscar Charles and a live band at Rice’s farm outside Nashville, used makeshift recording environment to capture a pure, raw style unlike any of his previous studio projects. The shift in setting suited the set of more vulnerable, personal music from the man Billboard celebrates as “having storytelling details tumble from his lips, his portraits created quickly and efficiently,” with CMT noting, “The vocalist worked day in and day out to find the courage to knock down the wall he had kept up his entire career. Once he demolished the barricade holding him back, he left his heart and soul on the writing table.”

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C2C announces 2023 line up!

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Celebrating a decade of bringing country to the masses, C2C, Europe’s biggest country music festival, is back for 2023!!!!! Country to Country has established itself as the annual destination to see some of the world’s best country artists and future stars. The festival is set to bring yet another incredible line up to The O2 London, 3Arena Dublin and The OVO Hydro, Glasgow from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 March 2023. To celebrate 10 years of C2C, world-renowned superstars Zac Brown Band, Thomas Rhett and Lady A have been confirmed to headline 2023’s festival. They will be joined by Nashville’s hottest and most buzzed about artists Midland, Jordan Davis, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lainey Wilson and Mitchell Tenpenny alongside prolific performers Lindsay Ell and Matt Stell. CMA’s international series Introducing Nashville also returns which sees exciting, emerging newcomers share the mainstage for an acoustic set, recalling stories behind their tracks. Further special guests will be announced soon. In London the unstoppable Breland will open C2C on the Friday night and will co-host the festival across the weekend with the legendary Bob Harris OBE who said: “I am proud to have been the main stage compere at Country to Country in London since the inaugural event in 2013. It was an exciting and history-making moment and it’s been incredible to see C2C get bigger and bigger every year since, to become the centrepiece of the Anglo/American Country calendar – the UK’s biggest Country music weekend. It’s an amazing story and I am thrilled and honoured to be hosting the artists on the main stage again in 2023. Even better, I’ll be joined in the spotlight by my friend Breland, whose career has literally gone stratospheric since the release of his first music only three years ago. I cannot wait to see the incredible performers playing at the festival this year and I am so much looking forward to reuniting with the fabulous fans who make our Country Music community so special.” Since its inaugural event in 2013 headlined by Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood at The O2 London, Country to Country has grown to a three-day multi-arena event featuring the best in country music and programming which fans have come to love and expect, with tens of thousands in attendance each year. Not only does C2C feature performances from the world’s best country stars it also showcases the best of emerging talent from Nashville, UK and Europe. Jack Dowling, C2C Festival Director said: “Country to Country is delighted to be bringing back the finest in US talent to the UK and Ireland. In our 10th year C2C keeps going from strength to strength. We’d like to thank our fantastic partners AEG Presents, the CMA and BBC Radio 2 who continue to help us deliver the best event and of course, more importantly our passionate fans. Country to Country would not be what it is without you. See you all for C2C 2023!” Chris York, C2C Festival Co-Founder and Director at SJM Concerts commented: “As founder of C2C, it is incredible to see the event moving into its 10th year. A testament to the wonderful support of all artists, managers and agents who continue to believe in the power of country outside of North America. We have to thank our amazing event partners BBC Radio 2, the CMA and lastly the fans – who continue to drive the event forward and challenge us to keep moving forward. That’s what makes doing this worthwhile.” “C2C is a tentpole event for our industry and our Country Music community.” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “As we see Country Music continue to expand on a global scale, it’s events like C2C that are pivotal in maintaining that forward momentum, promoting music discovery, broadening the fan base and demonstrating the growth of Country Music internationally. We are thrilled to be partnering with C2C again this year and look forward to the event in March!” The C2C Spotlight Stage will also be back so watch out for news of the full line up in the coming months.

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Kylie Morgan releases ‘Songs To Say I Do’

Leave a Comment / Live Events / Rochelle Mills

EMI Records Nashville [Snakefarm in the UK] singer/songwriter Kylie Morgan has released her brand-new five track EP, Songs To Say I Do, out everywhere today. The project features four new songs co-written by Kylie, in addition to her recently released viral smash “Bridesmaids.” Creatively inspired by her upcoming nuptials, the personal tracks tell the chronological story of her relationship. Watch the sentimental video clip set to Kylie’s heartfelt letter to her father, “Good Hands,” featuring her own personal snapshots, here. Songs To Say I Do Track List:1. “Fireworks” (Kylie Morgan, Jeff Garrison, Caroline Watkins)2. “Good Hands” (Kylie Morgan, Ben Johnson, Emily Shackleton)3. “Bridesmaids” (Kylie Morgan, Sam DeRosa, KK Johnson)4. “Always Been You” (Kylie Morgan, Ben Johnson)5. “That’s My Man” (Kylie Morgan, Cameron Bedell, Micah Carpenter) Kylie took social media by storm with “Bridesmaids,” her call-out to the best friends that keep her world spinning. Released in response to fan demand, she co-wrote the song with one of her real-life bridesmaids in her forthcoming wedding, Sam DeRosa, as well as KK Johnson. Kylie’s initial viral TikTok using the track has racked up 8.4 million views with over 1.2 million likes, while more than 165K fans have created their own videos using the sound, including nods not only to wedding parties but favorite musicians, family members, pets and more. In addition to the new release, Kylie’s empowering, up-front debut single “If He Wanted To He Would” can be heard on country radio now, and is featured on her recent EP, P.S. Six additional tracks make up the project, each co-penned by the bold up-and-comer. Kylie is on the road now in the US with Tyler Rich for the Thinkin’ We’re In Love Tour, taking the stage this weekend for stops in Albuquerque, NM (10/14) and Tucson, AZ (10/15). For more information and a full list of Kylie’s tour dates, visit kyliemorgan.com.

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Walker Hayes and Ciara release “Y’all Life”

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Monument Records’ singer/songwriter and country music sensation Walker Hayes enlists GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter and superstar Ciara for a special version of his current single “Y’all Life.” The irresistible track adds a new layer of excitement as Ciara chimes in with a verse of her own. Stream “Y’all Life (feat. Ciara)” HERE.“Y’all Life” is a quintessential song about the easy-going, loosened-up way of life in the south. Originally released in August, the track was Hayes’ highest streaming debut to date – no small feat for an artist that has accumulated over a billon career streams and had the No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for over six months last year.After kicking off his headlining arena tour this fall, Hayes began playing “Y’all Life” to sold-out crowds across the country. A crowd favorite, he quickly realized how much fun it would be to add a second voice to the track, one who could offer another perspective on growing up in the south. Having met pop superstar Ciara last year while performing on Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve, he knew he had to collaborate with her someday.No stranger to pop and hip hop influences in his music, Hayes has always embraced other genres. It’s a style that Billboard praised as “personal soul-bearing storylines; rolling rhymes; and Macklemore-like cadence.” So it was a no brainer for him to ask the pop sensation if she would jump on the track.“Ciara is not only one of the most talented artists in the business, she’s one of the nicest” says Hayes. “When I got the crazy idea that she may want to write a new verse for ‘Y’all Life’ I definitely said a few prayers that she would say yes. She adds the perfect perspective to the track…and some much-needed swag.” Written by Hayes, with Pete Good and Josh Jenkins, as well as “Country Grammar” writers Cornell Haynes Jr. (Nelly) and Jason Epperson, and produced by Hayes with Joe Thibodeau and multi-GRAMMY Award winner Shane McAnally, “Y’all Life” officially adds Ciara to the writer credits.The GRAMMY-Award winning singer/songwriter, originally from Texas, knows the importance of Football and Jesus in the south. On the track she sings “it ain’t nothin better than them Sunday night lights every night,” while adding her impeccable vocals to the chorus that sings “livin’ that y’all life, y’all’ rollin’ in the south where it’s all football and Jesus.”“I’m a southern girl and have always felt a connection to country music,” says Ciara. “When I met Walker I immediately knew I wanted to work with him. Beyond his incredible song writing, he has an amazing stage presence.”Tonight, Hayes is being honored by CMT as a “CMT Artist of the Year” alongside Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson and Carly Pearce. The iconic network celebrates five artists who have collectively dominated the past 12 months in country music with an awards show that will premiere on CMT at 9PM ET/8PM CT. Ciara and Hayes will open the show with a performance of “Y’all Life (feat. Ciara),” debuting the collaboration to a national audience.

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Cody Johnson most nominated country artist for AMA’s

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

One of the hottest rising stars in country music who was recently named as one of the 2022 CMT Artists Of The Year, Cody Johnson, received three nominations today for the upcoming 2022 American Music Awards (AMAs). Cody leads as the most nominated artist in the country genre categories – Favorite Male Country Artist, Favorite Country Album (Human The Double Album), and Favorite Country Song (“’Til You Can’t”). The nominations are Cody’s first-ever for the AMAs. The 2022 American Music Awards will air live from Microsoft Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 8 p.m. EST/PST, 7 p.m. CST on ABC. “This feat goes to all the passionate #COJONation fans who buy and stream the music, come to the shows, and engage with us on every level. They have helped us pave the way we want to go with my brand of Country Music. I’m eternally grateful,” said Cody. Fan voting is now open via VoteAMAs.com. The “2022 American Music Awards” winners are voted entirely by fans. Tomorrow Cody perform his new single “Human” from Human The Double Album this Friday, October 14 at 9p/8c on the 2022 “CMT Artists Of The Year.”

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