April 2021

Jess Moskaluke

Review: Jess Moskaluke ‘The Demos’

Jess Moskaluke The Demos MDM Recordings Jess Moskaluke has teamed up with an array of impressive writers for The Demos; proven hit songwriters such as Emily Shackleton (Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce), Liz Rose (Taylor Swift, Little Big Town) and Corey Crowder (Florida Georgia Line, Chris Young) to name just a few. Moskaluke co-wrote every track on the record and teaming up with this hit list certainly paid off as the opening track Country Girls topped the Canadian Country charts. Lyrically there is no hiding her country roots as she sings about small town life on Mapdot or her cowboy boots in Nothin I Don’t Love About You but the majority of the album is masked in a heavy Pop production, aside from the odd token banjo. Melodically it has that pop sensibility too – the songs are built around big, catchy choruses and there are some clever lyrics and pay-off lines. Vocally, Moskaluke is very strong, reminiscent of a young Carrie Underwood. The record showcases all sides of love with an up-beat backing track to accompany Moskaluke’s thoughts. Leave Each Other Alone features Travis Collins, the only duet on the album feels to be the centrepiece of the project. Boasting a strong chorus and passionate lyrics, Moskaluke and Collins sing well together. The Demos are just that, 8 songs that never made it onto other records. Unable to travel due to the Covid 19 restrictions these songs were polished up and produced virtually. For a set of songs that never really made it onto Side A, it’s an impressive collection! 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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Lainey Wilson

Review: Lainey Wilson ‘Sayin What I’m Thinkin’

Lainey Wilson Sayin What I’m Thinkin Broken Bow Records Lainey Wilson returns with that fiery spirit she’s demonstrated before on songs such as Middle Finger and Waste of Good Whiskey. This time she teams up with producer Jay Joyce for an often unique and quirky arrangement of these 12 songs. Joyce injects just a little more personality into what was already a unique ‘Bell Bottom Country’ record. The previously released single Things A Man Oughta Know which Wilson co-wrote with Jonathan Singleton and Jason Nix, showcases her country roots and lyricism. A traditional arrangement accompanies this cleverly written, mid-tempo song whilst on the anthemic Small Town, Girl, Wilson shows off the strength of her vocals as she fires off a warning shot to anyone who thinks they know small town girls. The dynamics of the record are on point and Joyce knows how to bring the best out of the artists he works with. In the title track, he gives Wilson’s vocals space whilst still driving the song forward and complementing the emotion she is conveying with the sparse production. That brings us back to the conversation of Wilson’s vocal abilities, we all know her vocal tones are beautiful and pure; she has a lot of control but the vulnerability she manages to channel in Rolling Stone and Sayin What I’m Thinkin gives the lyrical content more weight. Talking of lyrics, Wilson has a way with words. The list song Keeping Bars in Business is a stand out track; “Someone’s celebrating, while someone’s heart is breaking’. Co-written with Jordan Schmidt and Matt Rogers, the simple yet effective melodies wistfully take the listener back to a bar with their best friend. I found myself humming along to this track. Wilson stays true to herself as she delivers 12 top quality songs that showcase both her delicate side and her boldness as an artist. Though comparisons could be drawn from song to song, ultimately Wilson sets herself apart from those around her with her ability to bottle up all sides of her personality and present it in a feisty album. Wilson is no longer an up and coming star or the future of country music, she’s arrived with this record, her time to shine is now! The album is available initially now but will be released in physical format on April 16th in the UK. 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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Jonas Carping

Review: Jonas Carping ‘The YLA Sessions’

Jonas Carping The YLA Sessions Independent The alt-country music of Jonas Carping is unassuming, stripped back but despite the simplicity of the production it is delivered in the most beautiful and pure way with interesting acoustic guitar parts dominating. The Swedish writer teams up with Sigrid Carping for vocal support on this release and their voices harmonising together is as smooth as caramel. Though upon first listen Carping’s voice sounds nervous or shy, the tonal quality and control he displays within ‘Moonlight Parade’ not only surprised me but excited me. There’s detail and imagery within the lyrics and an intimacy within the delivery. “Turn your headlights on, light me up another cigarette, tomorrow it will be gone” – the way the pair phrase that line is magical. We begin to hear the rock influences within ‘Forgiven’ and ‘The Straight Line’ as an electric guitar is introduced and Carping’s vocals strengthen, taking on a slightly more scornful tone. As the album concludes with the anger of ‘God’s Gonna Cut You Down’ it’s clear there’s a theatricality about Jonas Carping’s music. He is an intriguing artist who has achieved a certain intensity with this album despite the simplicity. A prime example of how less can be be more sometimes. 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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Academy of Country Music Awards

56th ACM Awards: Star studded lineup announced!

The Academy of Country Music®, dick clark productions and CBS announced today the full superstar performance lineup for the 56TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, airing live on Sunday, April 18 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. The artists include Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Lee Brice, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Mickey Guyton, Ryan Hurd, Jack Ingram, Alan Jackson, Elle King, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris, Carly Pearce, Jon Randall, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, The War and Treaty, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, CeCe Winans, and Chris Young. Over 25 artists will perform more than 30 songs from three iconic Country Music venues: the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe. Additional details on the exciting performances including unprecedented collaborations and surprising moments will be announced in the coming weeks. Hosted by 15-time ACM Award winner Keith Urban and New Female Artist of the Year nominee Mickey Guyton, the 56th ACM Awards® honor and showcase the biggest names and emerging talent in Country Music. Official 56th ACM Awards sponsors include 1000 Stories® Bourbon Barrel-Aged Wine, Ford, Security Benefit and T-Mobile. The health and safety of the artists, fans, industry, staff and partners involved in the ACM Awards is the number one priority. All guidelines set forth by national, state and local health officials will be closely followed and implemented during the production along with additional safety measures to be instated by dick clark productions and the Academy of Country Music. For more information, visit ACMcountry.com. 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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Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson announces new album ‘Where have You Gone’

Country superstar Alan Jackson will release his first album of all new music in six years this spring – Where Have You Gone arrives Friday, May 14. Packed with 21 performances, Where Have You Gone is Jackson’s 16th studio album – his 25th in a storied career that includes two Christmas albums, two gospel albums, three Greatest Hits collections, a bluegrass album, and one boxed set. Jackson – a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame – penned 15 of the album’s songs, including the title track. Keith Stegall, his longtime producer, once again plays that role on Where Have You Gone. “It’s a little harder country than even I’ve done in the past,” Jackson admits. “And it’s funny, I was driving and listening to the final mixes Keith sent me, and I started to tear up. I was surprised to get so overly emotional, but I just love this kind of music.” “This kind of music” on Where Have You Gone runs the gamut of what embodies true country music. “When I write, I visualize back home and growing up,” the Country Music Hall of Fame member says. “Real country songs are life and love and heartache, drinking and Mama and having a good time…but it’s the sounds of the instruments, too. The steel and acoustic guitar, the fiddle – those things have a sound and a tone…and getting that right, the way those things make you feel, that’s country, too.” “Alan’s taken his experiences over the last six years and implemented his poet’s perspective to weave together a masterful love letter to country music,” says UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe. “This is Alan’s story but it’s also the story of country music. This music love letter was written about the most universal experiences in life, almost exclusively with Alan’s own pen, and it’s once again a reminder of what a one-of-a-kind creator he truly is.” Led by the self-penned title track, Where Have You Gone is highlighted by such songs as the poignant and thoughtful “Things That Matter” and the heartache-filled “Way Down in My Whiskey.” Never one to shy away from reflecting real life in his music, “You’ll Always Be My Baby” and “I Do” were written for his daughters’ weddings…while “Where Her Heart Has Always Been” was written for his mother’s funeral and includes a recording of her reading from The Bible. There’s also plenty of fun to be had on barnburners like “Livin’ On Empty,” “Back” and “Beer:10.” And, in the spirit of the album’s overall sound, “That’s the Way Loves Goes (A Tribute to Merle Haggard)” is a bonus track. Watch the lyric video for “Where Have You Gone” HERE. Pre-orders for Where Have You Gone begin today (April 2) and are available HERE. ALAN JACKSON’S WHERE HAVE YOU GONE Track Listing 1. “Where Have You Gone” (Alan Jackson) 2. “Wishful Drinkin’” (Jackson) 3. “I Can Be That Something” ( Jackson) 4. “Where the Cottonwood Grows” (Jackson) 5. “Way Down In My Whiskey” (Jackson) 6. “Things That Matter” (Robert Keith Stegall, Michael White) 7. “Livin’ On Empty” (Jackson) 8. “You’ll Always Be My Baby (Alan Jackson wrote this for Daughters’ Weddings)” 9. “Where Her Heart Has Always Been (Written for Mama’s funeral with an old recording of her reading from The Bible)” (Jackson) 10. “The Boot” (Adam Wright) 11. “Back” (Jackson) 12. “Write It In Red” (Jackson) 13. “So Late So Soon” (Scotty Emerick, Daniel Tashian, Sarah Buxton) 14. “This Heart Of Mine” (Adam Wright) 15. “A Man Who Never Cries” (Jackson) 16. “Chain” (Jackson) 17. “I Was Tequila” (Jackson) 18. “I Do (Alan Jackson wrote this for Daughters’ Weddings)” 19. “Beer:10” (Jackson) 20.  “The Older I Get”* (Hailey Whitters, Adam Wright, Sarah Turner) Extra Track: “That’s The Way Love Goes” (A Tribute to Merle Haggard) (Lefty Frizzell, Whitey Shafer) Produced by Robert Keith Stegall *Produced by Keith Stegall 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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Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson’s Cinematic “Things A Man Oughta Know” Video Out Now!

“One of Country music’s most promising young stars,” (Whiskey Riff), Lainey Wilson today will debut the cinematic music video for her US Country Radio Top 30 single, “Things a Man Oughta Know.” The ‘Bell Bottom Country’ singer will partner with YouTube and iHeartCountry to premiere the dramatic video, partially filmed in Lainey’s own home, which accentuates the importance of discernment, especially when character and intention are at odds. At 6pm BST / 12pm CT Lainey will be premiering the video on YouTube alongside a live chat with fans as it airs. Tune in HERE. Continuing the celebrations, Lainey, who is iHeartCountry’s newest On The Verge artist, will go live on their Instagram at 7pm BST / 1pm CT, with an Instagram Live Group Chat hosted by Emily Curl, welcoming fans, collaborators and actors who starred in the music video. “I hoped that people would connect to this song and it’s been so incredible to see just how strong the reaction has been,” said Lainey Wilson. “For the music video, we wanted to create a piece of art where people could watch it and feel something all over again.” The suspenseful video which depicts a way a man “got it wrong” is Lainey’s first music video as a signed artist and incorporates many personal elements. In addition to filming the video locally – you can’t get much more local than her own kitchen – Lainey brought in longtime friend Sean O’Halloran to help direct the short film alongside co-director Chris Ashlee. O’Halloran’s daughter also appears in the film, as well as Lainey’s friend and Luke Combs band member, Kurt Ozan. “Things A Man Oughta Know” has been a fan favourite and called a “song every Country fan needs to hear” (Taste of Country) and a “must listen” (Rolling Stone). With more than 43 million on-demand streams, it has been featured on key streaming playlists and is currently in the Top 10 on Sirius XM’s The Highway’s Hot 30 Weekend Countdown. She continues to see significant increases in sales, consumption and streaming, landing her in the fourth spot on the Shazam Discovery Chart (US) as well as the Shazam Discovery Top 50 (Global). The “bona fide redneck warrior princess” (Saving Country Music) released her hotly-anticipated album Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ in February, with a UK physical CD/vinyl release due on April 16th, and the excitement surrounding the buzzed-about newcomer only continues to build. Proving worthy of being named as “one to watch” and “must listen” by many (Spotify, Pandora, MusicRow, Rolling Stone, CMT, The Boot, Sounds Like Nashville, etc.), the album has garnered more than 60 million streams in the US alone as well as a slew of critical praise with several outlets identifying it as an “early favorite for album of the year.” The honesty-driven body of work is a statement of who Lainey Wilson is, what she believes in and the power of authenticity, with People calling it “a worthy reflection of the woman she has turned out to be.” In addition to being a lifelong custom for the Louisiana native, the album title serves as a wink to the candour that was infused in her songwriting process, as Wilson’s playful, clever, sassy, soulful, strong and unbridled nature is on full display throughout the project. Watch the television-worthy live performances that bring the album to life with Part 1 and Part 2. 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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