March 2021 - STAGING Maverick

Thomas Rhett to celebrate ‘Country Again: Side A’ with livestream

Leave a Comment / Live events / Rochelle Mills

On the heels of earning his 17th career No. 1 hit while simultaneously topping Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart, ACM Awards Entertainer of the Year Thomas Rhett continues to ramp up the momentum for his upcoming fifth studio double album COUNTRY AGAIN: SIDE A (The Valory Music Co.), announcing plans for “Thomas Rhett One Night Only From Nashville” – a special livestream concert event on the evening of the album’s release, Friday, April 30 at 7:00P CT/1 am BST. Hosted by Veeps, fans from around the globe are invited to experience Thomas Rhett’s first full band performance since 2019 and have a front-row seat to the debut performances of brand new songs, along with fan-favorite chart-topping smashes. Tickets for the concert and VIP packages for the post-show Q&A are on-sale now at thomasrhett.veeps.com. “It’s been a year and a half since I last played a live show,” Thomas Rhett said. “It’s been good to keep sharing music in all the ways we’ve made work (mostly in front of my plaid curtains), but we really wanted to take it up a few notches until we can safely get back out there on the road. It’ll be where we play some new stuff for the first time and have a chance to share what the songs mean to me!” Thomas Rhett shares a message to fans about his plans for the special concert HERE. With a centred focus and renewed clarity, ACM Awards Entertainer of the Year Thomas Rhett began teasing songs as they were written on social media over the past year, receiving a frenzy of positive feedback from fans. With that, his upcoming fifth studio double album COUNTRY AGAIN: SIDE A (The Valory Music Co.) began to take shape. Lead single “What’s Your Country Song” marks Thomas Rhett’s 17th career No. 1 single and 11th consecutive No. 1 – the longest active streak in the format. As “few singers have played a larger role in defining the sound of country music over the past half-dozen years” (Rolling Stone), Thomas Rhett’s four previous studio albums have spawned nearly 10 BILLION total career streams while he’s received two CMA Triple Play awards for penning three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period, adding to his collection of trophies from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, Billboard Music Awards, CMT Music Awards and more. “At the top of his musical game” (Winnipeg Free Press), the in-demand superstar has headlined multiple nationwide and international tours as well as some of music’s biggest festivals. For more information, visit www.thomasrhett.com. Veeps is a direct-to-fan experiential platform, custom-built for artists, by artists. Founded in 2017 by Benji and Joel Madden, it is the music industry’s leading, premium live-streaming platform. In 2020 Veeps hosted hundreds of live-stream shows that helped artists make millions of dollars in revenue and today, in partnership with Live Nation, Veeps continues with a mission to power artists in the most critical early stages of their development, all the way through the biggest, most important moments of their careers. To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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The Outlaw Orchestra Release Their Mini-Album ‘Powercut’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Following the success of their first class smokin’ 10-track Southern-fried debut, ‘Pantomime Villains‘ last year, The Outlaw Orchestra release their mini-album ‘Powercut’ and share their brand-new official video for the track ‘God Knows’. Titled ‘Powercut’, singer/guitarist Dave Roux explains “When we’re not on the road, we miss the stage and hanging with our outlaw buddies. When the bottles run empty, our country roots come out, usually in the small hours, so we’ve taken a handful of our favourite songs and played them as we would in a backroom, after folks have gone home, the chairs are up, lights are down and there are no wires or amps“. It’s unplugged and acoustic with the trio masterfully stripping back their fully amped sound without losing any of its impact. The tracks transition from their trademark high tempo bar-room hell raising humour to heartfelt accomplished melodies in a style that only The Outlaw Orchestra can achieve. Dan Mann for Rockposer says, “What the guys have delivered is not some hastily cobbled together version of their material, but instead you’re presented with a beautifully structured sound that fits perfectly with their style… ’Powercut‘ is just a delight to listen to, it’s everything a proper acoustic album should be. Hats (10 gallon or baseball) off to the boys for giving us something that will give you a purposeful stride while sporting a wide grin!” Powercut’s Track 3; ‘God Knows’ is a laid-back, more country-flavoured version than its predecessor originally recorded two years ago. L.A. based Trish Burke Manser provides additional vocals with sensational results. The band explain that she would have featured in the video however it wasn’t possible for her to fly in from L.A. hence Dave Roux steps in for her looking sensational in a super-sassy red evening dress (and beard). Darren Smith for Metal Planet Music sums it all up: “2021 has provided us with some great releases and ‘Powercut’ has just added itself to that list. The way the guys have written is just jaw droppingly beautiful. Talented individuals like Dave Roux, Pete Briley and Ryan Smith to show us and many future generations what they are put on this earth to do. For me, that is entertain and boy, do they entertain with a real panache”. ‘Powercut’ delivers the finest examples of stripped-back, raw, full-flavoured Outlaw Orchestra! GOD KNOWS VIDEO HERE! Powercut can now be streamed/download from all digital platforms. To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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John Murry announces new album ‘The Stars Are God’s Bullet Holes’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

John Murry has announced details of his new album ‘The Stars Are God’s Bullet Holes’, to be released June 25 on Submarine Cat Records and available to pre-order here. Lead single ‘Oscar Wilde (Came Here To Make Fun Of You)’ is available now, accompanied by a video directed by actor/director Aidan Gillen (Game of Thrones/Peaky Blinders/The Wire). Mississippi-born Murry’s third album, ‘The Stars Are God’s Bullet Holes’ was produced by John Parish (PJ Harvey, Eels, Aldous Harding, This Is the Kit) at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth. Now based in Ireland, Murry has released two critically acclaimed albums, his 2012 debut ‘The Graceless Age’ (“…a work of genius” ***** The Guardian) and the 2017 follow-up ‘A Short History Of Decay’ (“..delivers in gloriously dysfunctional bucketloads” **** Mojo). ‘The Stars Are God’s Bullet Holes’ is an album of startling imagery and insinuating melodies, searing with its burning honesty, unsparing intimacy and twisted beauty. It’s a record that shares its predecessors’ lyrical ingenuity, but this time the sadness is shot through with humour, albeit a spectacularly black humour. This is reflected in Aidan Gillen’s video for lead single ‘Oscar Wilde (Came Here To Make Fun Of You’). Comments Gillen: “I had this idea of John floating around my house – or did that happen in real life? – anyways I liked the idea of a John puppet floating around upside down and mentioned this to him. His Ex had made this puppet with an uncanny likeness and I used whatever technology I had to hand to try and make something that looked nice for the puppet part. I mean, it’s not all in focus, but there a bit too much of that these days.” The seriousness comes from the song’s opening: “I bought fertiliser and brake fluid / Who in the hell am I supposed to trust? / Sympathy ends in gas chambers / Oklahoma City shoulda been enough.” It’s one of the many moments on the record where violence – emotional or physical – rears up, but there’s a point to that. “The violence in the songs, it’s not to glorify it,” comments John Murry. “Oklahoma City really should have been enough. These things are going on and on in the United States.” To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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The Wandering Hearts announce self-titled second album!

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

After shooting to the forefront of the UK folk/Americana scene with their debut album ‘Wild Silence’, The Wandering Hearts headed to the genre’s spiritual home of Woodstock at the start of 2020 to work on a follow-up. The result is their forthcoming self-titled album, which will be released on July 30th, which they have today launched with the new single ‘Gold’. It represents their first release under a new deal with Cooking Vinyl. Listen HERE. The Wandering Hearts headed deep into the Catskills, where producers Simone Felice and David Baron hosted experimental and spiritual sessions in a studio packed with vintage instruments. The album echoes the timeless songcraft of Fleetwood Mac and Simon & Garfunkel with the pure passion of Jade Bird and The Lumineers. It’s a record that celebrates life, new beginnings, and striving to shine through a darkening world. The new single ‘Gold’ opens with the gritty, fervent soul of AJ Dean-Revington’s vocals, before the band’s patented harmonies surge to the fore, while thunderous drums and a euphoric hook escalate the song’s drama. It offers a timely reminder that challenging experiences will in time fade in favour of a better future. The band, completed by Tara Wilcox and Chess Whiffin, commented: “‘Gold’ stemmed from the idea of something becoming more beautiful after being broken. We had chatted about the Japanese art form kintsugi, which repairs pottery with lacquer mixed with gold. This was the perfect imagery for what we were writing about. Our scars are a visual representation of our struggles and our stories of loss are stories of survival. ‘Gold’ feels even more connected and poignant now, after a year of so much loss and everyone just trying to survive.” The single release is accompanied by the stunning official video. Directed and shot by Jackson Ducasse (Dua Lipa, JC Stewart), it was filmed in the Northampton countryside and sees The Wandering Hearts surrounded by beauty and nature, perfectly complementing the sentiment of the song. Watch HERE. The album will also feature ‘Over Your Body’, and will be released on CD, LP, cassette and download and is available to pre-order HERE. The band’s Official Store also has exclusive signed bundles including T-shirts, limited cream LP and gold cassette. ‘Wild Silence’ propelled The Wandering Hearts upon a remarkable journey. After a personal invitation from the legendary Marty Stuart (who wrote and performed on the new song ‘Dreams’), they became the first British band to make their USdebut at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium and then play the Grand Ole Opry in the same week. An early career highlight came at the UK Americana Awards, where they won the Bob Harris Emerging Artist Award and performed with Robert Plant, Mumford & Sons and Imelda May. Two years on the road followed, which included sold-out headline tours, opening for Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks at Hyde Park, and support slots for Lukas Nelson and Justin Townes Earle. ‘The Wandering Hearts’ tracklist: ‘Hammer Falls’ ‘Over Your Body’ ‘Build A Fire’ ‘I Feel It Too’ ‘Gold’ ‘Dolores’ ‘Dreams’ ‘Never Too Late’ ‘Tell Me When I Wake Up’ ‘On Our Way’ ‘Stardust’ ‘Lullaby’ To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Matt Stell premieres “That Ain’t Me No More” music video!

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Platinum singer-songwriter Matt Stell is continuing to hone his creative craft with the release of his new music video, “That Ain’t Me No More.” Matt made his acting debut in ” If I Was A Bar” last year, playing 13 different comedic characters in the hilarious clip. This week, he expands his range with a more cinematic role in the debut of his “That Ain’t Me No More” official music video, which premiered last night following an exclusive interview with TV and radio host Cody Alan: Watch the video for “That Ain’t Me No More” HERE. Directed by Dustin Haney and filmed in the Nashville area, the moody video for “That Ain’t Me No More” follows Matt’s character as he attempts to overcome a troubled past, turn over a new leaf and come to terms with the fact that his ex-girlfriend has moved on to someone new. The cut opens with Matt trying to get a job at a concrete plant, something not unfamiliar to Matt who worked construction at home in Arkansas prior to making it in music. “I can’t wait for people to see the video. It tells the story of the song in a really interesting way,” Matt Stell says. “It got me back on a job site working like I used to do before I moved to Nashville. In the video I also get my heart broken by a beautiful girl, which I know a thing or two about. I got to do some acting in this video—technically it’s only one line (actually five words) but I didn’t mess it up so that’s a win. I’m proud of this song and I’m proud of this video! Check it out!” “That Ain’t Me No More” is quickly rising on the US country radio charts, and is the follow up to his back-to-back No. 1 singles “Prayed For You” and “Everywhere But On.” The “atmospheric power ballad” (Rolling Stone) is written by Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Smith Ahnquist, Jake Mitchell and Nick Donley and co-produced by Matt with Ash Bowers. “That Ain’t Me No More” delivers Matt’s first new music since October’s Better Than That EP. The Arkansas native is one of only seven debut country artists in the last five years to have their first two singles top the charts. Matt has amassed 390 Million cumulative streams to date and has certainly earned his spot as one of only five performers selected to Country Radio Seminar’s 2021 New Faces of Country Music class. To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Hit writer and producer Ross Copperman to release EP

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

With a staggering 29 No. 1 records along with award nominations and wins for his work behind the scenes, Ross Copperman is widely recognized for his work as a producer and the writer of career-defining gems for other artists from Kenny Chesney and P!nk to Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, yet his professional story began with his own record deal in the UK in 2006 and makes a full return to those roots this May. With “Electricity” and “Somewhere There’s a Light On,” available now, this new music marks the first two-of-five from Copperman’s forthcoming EP, Somewhere There’s a Light On, set for release on Photo Finish Records on May 21. Listen to “Electricity” and “Somewhere There’s a Light on” HERE. Signed initially as an artist to the UK’s Phonogenic Records/RCA in early 2000s, Copperman found himself touring, landing syncs on popular shows and earning success for two releases out of the gate, yet something wasn’t right. He walked away. Relocating in Nashville, drawn to the city’s songwriting tradition and relative proximity to Roanoke, Virginia, where he grew up playing the piano, Copperman became a student of songwriting, increasingly respected not just for hits, but for his relentless work ethic and kindness. He also fell in love and got married, and then became a father to three––all while building one of the most impressive behind-the-scenes resumes in music. Now, after helping launch careers for some of country music’s biggest stars with songs that have become fan-favorites and staples in their catalogs, the man behind a decade of sound for Music City is coming full circle with a new release as an artist himself. Hope, joy and gratitude pulse throughout the collection of Copperman’s shimmery Southern pop. Featuring back-to-back singalongs and Copperman’s ferocious musicality, the EP is radio-ready piano, staccato percussion, synths, snaps and smooth vocals, with country music’s love of cohesive narratives. “I’ve always liked to write songs to live in any world and not necessarily be too specific to genres,” Copperman says. “It feels like pop has really been influenced by country writing in the last few years.” Copperman co-wrote Somewhere There’s a Light On with favorite collaborators, including a pair with Ed Sheeran. “I’ve never loved two songs more than ‘Electricity’ and ‘Therapy’ in my life,” Copperman shares of the EP tracks he wrote with Sheeran. “We were pitching them to country artists, and I had this realization: ‘Wow. I think these might be my songs.’ “Finding love, becoming a dad, helping other artists find their voice…all of this life I’ve lived has informed my new music. Without those experiences, I’m not sure we’d be here at this moment with these songs.” Pre-order for Somewhere There’s a Light On available now! 1. “Not Believe” (Ross Copperman, Jordan Reynolds, Emily Weisband) 2. “Electricity” (Ross Copperman, Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid) 3. “Therapy” (Ross Copperman, Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid) 4. “Somewhere There’s a Light On” (Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne) 5. “Holdin’ You” (Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally) To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Marty Stuart releases ‘Ready For The Times To Get Better’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Marty Stuart has released a version of the hit song ‘Ready For The Times To Get Better’ that Crystal Gayle took to the top of the Country charts back in 1976. The song, written by Allen Reynolds forms part of a bigger project for Stuart. He is working on a new acoustic digital record called ‘Songs I Sing In The Dark’ – a 20 song collection which shall be released in monthly installments. Speaking about the project Marty Stuart said “Songs are like magic carpets — they can transport you from wherever you are to somewhere we want to be, and I think this last year, we probably all agree, we wanted to be somewhere else. Anywhere but reality, right? We’ve all been shackled to the same problem. I have a long line of songs that range from obscure, originals, to old favorites from various musical worlds that I often sing to myself when I’m alone”. No further details have been released as to when the next installment will come but we’ll keep you up to date with any developments. For now you can watch ‘Ready For The Times To Get Better’ HERE! To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Taylor Swift to release ‘You All Over Me’ with Maren Morris

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Taylor Swift has today announced that the first ‘From The Vault’ song to be released from the new ‘Fearless’ album will be a duet with Maren Morris called ‘You All Over Me’. The song will be available tomorrow at midnight eastern time. Speaking of the song Taylor said: “One thing I’ve been loving about these From The Vault songs is that they’ve never been heard, so I can experiment, play, and even include some of my favorite artists. I’m really excited to have Maren Morrissinging background vocals on this song!! Produced by Aaron Dessner and co-written by Scooter Carusoe – can’t wait for you to hear it.” Last month, Swift announced that the re-recording of ‘Fearless’ was due out on April 9th and would feature six previously unreleased songs. At the time she released ‘Love Story (Taylor’s Version) which got to number one on the Hot Country Songs chart in the US and charted in several other countries just like the original had 12 years before. Taylor Swift decided to re-record her entire back catalog after her masters were sold to businessman Scooter Braun. The Fearless record will be the first to be released but Swift has shared a snippet of ‘Wildest Dreams’ on social media too. Earlier this month, Swift won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for her album ‘Folklore’. Next year both ‘Evermore’ and ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’ will be eligible in some categories. Along with the announcement came the release of a number of limited edition merchandise, available HERE! To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Passenger shares new single ‘What You’re Waiting For’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Passenger’s current album ‘Songs For The Drunk and Broken Hearted’ debuted at #2 when it was released in January, making it the second highest-charting set of his career to date and has accumulated over 25 million streams in just two months. Its success has been intensified by its recent single ‘Sword From The Stone’, which has so far exceeded 10 millionstreams. That popularity has been maintained with the help of the song’s Gingerbread Mix, courtesy of Passenger’s friend and former touring companion Ed Sheeran. This version has hit the Radio 2 A-list, while building international airplay with 20,000 plays across 60 countries. It’s also proving to be a hit in the States, where it’s approaching the Top 20 on the Adult Alternative Airplay and Hot AC charts following Passenger’s debut performance on Jimmy Kimmel. Passenger, real name Mike Rosenberg, now follows ‘Sword From The Stone’ by sharing his new single ‘What You’re Waiting For’, along with an official lyric video. Watch HERE. ‘What You’re Waiting For’ offers a subtle stylistic shift in Passenger’s sound. Operating in the wilderness between a rasp and a whisper, his vocal continues to have the intimacy of a shared secret, yet it’s set to indie / alternative rock with an ‘80s edge that echoes R.E.M. or The Smiths. That introspection also feeds into the lyrics, which use Passenger’s own experiences as a launchpad for a more universal emotion. “I’d got to a point in my life where I should be really happy, but there was something that I still wasn’t content with,” he confesses. “We’re all taught to strive for certain things, like a good job, a big house and lots of money. But if and when we get there, we’re surprised that it doesn’t make us happy. I think everything that’s happened over the last year has highlighted that, and we’ve all started to realise what’s important and what actually makes us happy.” Passenger’s sixth UK Top 10 album, ‘Songs For The Drunk and Broken Hearted’ is populated by stories of characters who look for solace in the bottom of a glass when their romantic adventures go awry. Written primarily when Passenger was newly single, the songs often reflect the soul-searching that comes following a break-up. Passenger is set to embark upon his first full UK and Ireland headline tour in three years. It commences in August and calls at the O2 Academy Brixton on September 8th. Further dates, covering Europe, North America and Australia, are also scheduled. Please see his official website for ticket details and all of the latest updates. Passenger has played regular livestream shows throughout lockdown, including a special film captured at the Royal Albert Hall and a full solo acoustic performance of ‘Songs For The Drunk and Broken Hearted’. He is currently in the process of performing every album from his back catalogue, each of which are chosen in a random order. The series is streamed at 7pm UK time every Sunday and are available via Facebook, YouTube or Twitch HERE. Passenger will also appear on Ken Bruce’s show for a Radio 2 House Music performance, where he’ll be joined by the BBC Concert Orchestra. The session will be broadcast on Thursday, March 25th and will also be available online afterwards HERE. Originally from Brighton where he still lives, Passenger is a singer-songwriter who has progressed from busking on street corners to performing in stadiums. His single ‘Let Her Go’ is his biggest moment to far, a song which hit #1 in 19 countries, is approaching three billion streams on YouTube and is the third most Shazamed song of all time. But that’s just one song from a remarkable and profile back catalogue, which includes 2016’s ‘Young as the Morning, Old as the Sea’, which topped charts everywhere from the UK to Australia. He now commands a following of 12 million monthly listeners at Spotify and has won a prestigious Ivor Novello award. To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Americana songwriter, Oh Susanna, has changed her name!

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

The award-winning Americana songwriter, Oh Susanna, has changed her name to Suzie Ungerleider due to the racial connetations attached to her previous name. In a post on her facebook page Suzie stated: “Throughout my life, I have searched to define who I am and who I want to be. Over the last few years, this led me to look at the name Oh Susanna – a persona I took on 25 years ago – and see if it still expressed who I am today. I realized it had begun to feel like an old costume I used to wear but no longer fit. Last summer, I also came face to face with the song’s original racist lyrics and knew that its racism was definitely not what I stand for nor want to perpetuate. I decided I wanted to take positive action and leave the name and the song “Oh Susanna” behind. I embrace this opportunity to fully merge the artistic and personal parts of myself, to stand up for what I believe is right, to be who I am and who I want to be. And so, my friends, my name is Suzie Ungerleider.” A number of artists in the country and americana genre have taken a similar action in the last year, most notably Lady A formerly known as Lady Antebellum and The Chicks formerly known as The Dixie Chicks. Read Suzie’s statement on her facebook page HERE! To stay up to date on the latest country music news, please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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