2021

CMA

The Country Music Association announces even more performers for the 55th awards ceremony

The Country Music Association has announced even more performers for “The 55th Annual CMA Awards.” Country Music’s Biggest Night™ will see Gabby Barrett, Dierks Bentley feat. BRELAND and HARDY, Luke Bryan, Jennifer Hudson, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band front and center on the CMA Awards stage. Hosted by Country Music superstar and “American Idol” judge Bryan, “The 55th Annual CMA Awards” will broadcast LIVE from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC. Four-time CMA Awards nominee this year Barrett performs her chart-topping hit “The Good Ones.” Three-time CMA Awards winner and two-time nominee this year, Bentley welcomes collaborators; tour mate and Platinum artist/songwriter BRELAND and CMA New Artist of the Year nominee this year HARDY for their laidback single “Beers On Me.” Two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year winner and nominee this year in the CMA Musical Event of the Year category, Bryan performs his new single “Up.”  Singer, actress and star of the acclaimed Aretha Franklin biographical musical drama “Respect,” Hudson will perform on the CMA Awards stage for the first time. Two-time CMA Awards winner and a nominee this year in the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year category, Thomas Rhett performs his chart-topping single “Country Again.” Twelve-time CMA Awards winner Urban performs his new single “Wild Hearts,” and CMA Award-winning group Zac Brown Band, nominated this year in the CMA Vocal Group of the Year category, takes the CMA Awards stage to perform their unifying song “Same Boat.”    Barrett, Bentley feat. BRELAND and HARDY, Bryan, Hudson, Thomas Rhett, Urban, and Zac Brown Band join previously announced performers Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, Jimmie Allen, Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Mickey Guyton feat. Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, and Chris Young and Kane Brown for this year’s show. 

The Country Music Association announces even more performers for the 55th awards ceremony Read More »

Keith Urban adds second London date due to popular demand!

Due to incredible ticket demand, Keith Urban has announced a second London date to the run of his ‘THE SPEED OF NOW WORLD TOUR 2022’ next year. The UK leg of the tour kicks off on April 28 in Birmingham and will make stops in 5 cities around the UK including two London shows at the Eventim Apollo on 6 & 7 May 2022.  Tickets will go on general sale for the new date at 10am on this Friday 5 November. They can be purchased at TICKETMASTER.CO.UK or AXS.COM or AEGPRESENTS.CO.UK. Critics around the globe have hailed Urban’s concerts as ‘ones not to be missed,’ as unpredictable as they are explosive, with no two shows ever alike and ‘THE SPEED OF NOW WORLD TOUR’  promises to be no different.  Combine hits from his career, including his global smash hit duet with P!NK, One Too Many, which has amassed over 400 million streams worldwide, Parallel Line, Blue Ain’t Your Color, The Fighter, Polaroid and Superman, with his infectious personality, virtuoso guitar playing, showmanship  and seemingly effortless spontaneity and together they make for one truly unforgettable night of music.  Keith commented: “I am so looking forward to returning to London next year, this city holds so many wonderful memories for me and I can’t wait to get back there and see my fans again.” With ten full-length studio records, four GRAMMY® Awards, and millions of albums, songs, and tickets sold worldwide, Keith has wowed fans all over the world with his exhilarating live shows. One of the most well respected artists in the world, Keith has scored 24 career number ones and has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide as well as collaborating  with a diverse group of artists that include Post Malone, Taylor Swift, P!NK and Nile Rodgers,  SPEED OF NOW UK Dates: April 28 Birmingham, O2 Academy  May 1 Newcastle, O2 City Hall May 3 Manchester, O2 Apollo May 6 London, Eventim Apollo May 7 London, Eventim Apollo – General sale on November 5th, 10am May 9 Edinburgh, Playhouse European Dates: May 17 Düsseldorf, Mitsubishi Electric Halle May 18 Munich, Zenith München May 19 Frankfurt, myticket Jahrhunderthalle Frankfurt  May 21 Berlin, Verti Music Hall  May 22 Rotterdam, RTM Stage  May 24 Hamburg, Barclays Arena  

Keith Urban adds second London date due to popular demand! Read More »

Exclusive: Audra McLaughlin of ‘Team Blake Shelton’ to release new single ‘Headed For The Fall’ on December 8th

In contrast to the fun summer anthem ‘(Can’t Buy) Fun Like This’ which was released back in July 2021 – Audra’s next single ‘Headed For The Fall’, which was written by McLaughlin, Johnny Garcia and Jimmy Mattingly, showcases her phenomenal vocal range and gives us a real taste of the edgier side of this Queen of Country Soul. With an infectious chorus and the magical blend of guitars, you’ll want to enjoy listening to this song with the volume cranked up! The single will be available to pre-save in November and will be announced across Audra’s socials when the link is live! “It’s a song about knowing that you love this person but you know your not good for each other. I dove back into my feelings from a past relationship. I knew deep down I loved him but I knew it would never work in the long run. I think sometimes it’s hard to realize that when you have built a life with someone. Sometimes you can love someone but it’s just not enough if you don’t see eye to eye” Audra says. McLaughlin grew to national fame in the USA as a member of Team Blake on season 6 of NBC’s “The Voice” where she reached the live shows and finished in the Top 6 Artists. Following her time on the show and after touring with the NASCAR band for two years, the Pennsylvania native moved to Nashville after needing vocal surgery and rehabilitation stemming from a cyst on her vocal chord. During her recovery process, she began working with leading vocal coach Kati Hendricks, who would later connect her with  industry veteran Jimmy Mattingly in 2019. Audra inked a co-publishing deal with Jimmy Mattingly and Johnny Garcia.  Both of whom worked with Audra on this latest single –  co-writing, producing and also featuring as musicians. Speaking of the song, Mattingly, who has played for Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks said, “Headed for The Fall is a song that from the first downbeat it screams Country Soul music with an Edge. Audra gets to show her amazing soulful chops on this song! We loved it the minute we started writing Headed for the Fall. Johnny’s awesome slide guitar mixed with resonator guitar brings that cross roads vibe! I just Love It!” The single will be available everywhere from December 8th!    

Exclusive: Audra McLaughlin of ‘Team Blake Shelton’ to release new single ‘Headed For The Fall’ on December 8th Read More »

CMA

CMA reveals first round of performers for Awards show

The Country Music Association has announced the first round of performers for “The 55th Annual CMA Awards.” Featuring first-time nominees taking the CMA Awards stage, as well as reigning CMA Awards winners, this year’s performances will include Jimmie Allen, Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Dan + Shay, Mickey Guyton featuring Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde, and Blake Shelton. Hosted by Country Music superstar and “American Idol” judge Luke Bryan, Country Music’s Biggest Night™ broadcasts LIVE from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC. CMA New Artist of the Year nominee and current “Dancing With The Stars” contestant Allen will perform his hit “Freedom Was A Highway.” Three-time CMA Awards nominated group this year Brothers Osborne will deliver a deeply personal performance from their CMA Album of the Year-nominated Skeletons. Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and five-time nominee this year including Entertainer of the Year again, Church will perform his song “Heart on Fire” from his CMA Album of the Year-nominated Heart. Reigning and two-time consecutive CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Dan + Shay, nominated again in the same category this year, will perform their hit “I Should Probably Go To Bed.” CMA New Artist of the Year nominee Guyton will welcome rising artists Spencer and Edwards for a collaboration not to be missed from Guyton’s debut album, Remember Her Name. Two-time nominee this year Pearce and three-time nominee this year McBryde will perform their heart-wrenching duet “Never Wanted to Be That Girl.” And 10-time CMA Awards winner Shelton will bring his “Come Back as a Country Boy” to the CMA Awards stage. Additional performers and presenters for “The 55th Annual CMA Awards” will be revealed in the coming weeks.

CMA reveals first round of performers for Awards show Read More »

CMA

Luke Bryan to host the CMA Awards

The Country Music Association and ABC have announced Country Music superstar and “American Idol” judge Luke Bryan will host “The 55th Annual CMA Awards.” Country Music’s Biggest Night broadcasts LIVE from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC. “The CMA Awards is one of the biggest nights of the year for Country Music,” says Bryan. “Being asked to host the CMA Awards was definitely something I put a lot of thought into before answering. The pressure that comes along with that can be overwhelming, but knowing I get to help honor and celebrate so many of my friends, I knew it was something I couldn’t turn down. I mean, growing up in Georgia, I remember watching Vince Gill, Reba, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Rogers, Barbara Mandrell, to name a few. They were so good. And then becoming a part of this amazing Country Music family and sitting on the front row while Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and Darius Rucker took the reins, all of these artists are heroes and friends, and I am honored to have my name included in this group. I’m looking forward to making it fun and memorable and using this platform to continue to make Country Music shine.” Bryan, a two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, will make his CMA Awards hosting debut on this year’s stage. “We are so thrilled to have Luke join us as this year’s CMA Awards host,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “His fun and playful energy is something television viewers have welcomed into their homes week after week as a judge on ‘American Idol,’ and I know he has something exciting up his sleeve for the CMA Awards. We cannot wait to bring music fans a magical night of performances and truly some of the most special moments our show has ever delivered, in just a few weeks.” “We are so grateful Luke will host the biggest event in Country Music. That’s my kind of night and it will be yours too,” says Rob Mills, Walt Disney Television Executive Vice President, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment. “I am excited for Luke to bring the same humor, energy and emotion as host of the CMA Awards that he has for the last five years on ‘American Idol.’”

Luke Bryan to host the CMA Awards Read More »

CMT Artists of the Year

On October 13th CMT presented it’s Artist of the Year awards in a wonderful ceremony which celebrated a return to live music. The first award winner of the night was Luke Combs who was touchingly introduced by Eric Church who raved not just about his incredible music but his philanthropy too. Gabby Barrett put on a beautiful performance of her song ‘The Good Ones’ before accepting her award and sharing what it was like being a new mum in the middle of the pandemic. Powerhouses Mickey Guyton and Yola did a duet of Guyton’s ‘Remember Her Name’ and Guyton gave an emotional speech whilst collecting her award about seeing those who are marginalised in society and how country music is for them too. Meanwhile, another award winner, Kane Brown paid tribute to this years Artist of a Lifetime award winner, Randy Travis by performing ‘Three Wooden Crosses’. Travis’ wife lead him onto the stage to thank the community for the award. Chris Stapleton welled up as he collected his award and Kelsea Ballerini joined via live-stream from her tour with the Jonas Brothers. It was a fantastic night full of varied but deserving award winners. YOU CAN READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF MAVERICK MAGAZINE 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

CMT Artists of the Year Read More »

Review: ‘Beautiful Lies’ – Paul Benoit

Paul Benoit has had a varied and successful career as both a singer-songwriter and a composer who has had a number of film soundtracks credited to his name. His latest ten song collection fuses americana, folk and rock and features some lovely slide guitar playing. The highlight of the record for me is the duet Benoit does with Amilia K Spicer on the love song Beautiful Lies. Their soft vocals convey the emotions perfectly, you can feel it tugging at the heart strings. Benoit draws influence from the likes of Nick Drake on atmospheric songs such as Smoke, a rawness evident in Benoit’s vocals. Meanwhile, Let’s Pretend We’re in Love draws inspiration from the pandemic, there’s something theatrical and haunting about this tune, the effects on the electric guitar sending shivers down your spine as you listen. Though a cohesive collection of songs resonates on Beautiful Lies, there’s also enough variation and dynamic changes to keep it fresh and inviting to the listener. A solid production and effective use of slide guitar help bring it all together.  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

Review: ‘Beautiful Lies’ – Paul Benoit Read More »

Steven Graves

Review: ‘All Alone’ – Steven Graves

‘All Alone’ faces the trials and tribulations of the world, head on as Steven Graves explores the universal themes of loneliness, fear and anger caused by the pandemic whilst also asking tough questions to each and every listener about their impact on topics like climate change. You’re The One is an upbeat track with a finely tuned production, the addition of the B3 organ really contributes an extra dimension. The track is uplifting and the chorus hook is catchy but not in a throw-away pop kind of way. There is a simple charm to the song that sets it apart. Graves use of different textures and timbres to accompany his message is unusual within the genre but thats not a complaint as the title track and Always Here play host to a horn section and saxophones that help to bolster the arrangement. The album concludes with Good People, a bright, cheerful song to finish the album which has taken you on a bit of a rollercoaster ride through the facts of life. His vocals are natural and raw in his delivery and despite his ability to tackle difficult subjects head on he does it with a sense of hope and optimism.  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

Review: ‘All Alone’ – Steven Graves Read More »

Review: ‘American Wilderness Odyssey’ – Steve Bonham and The Long Road

Upon first listen I am drawn to the level of musicianship on display from Steve Bonham and The Long Road. From the opening track Ballad of Duane and Billy Marie, where they utilise every aspect of the acoustic guitar including the harmonics, to the closing track, Western Requiem with the delicate piano cutting through the bright chords strummed on the guitar – it’s well arranged. The harmonies too are a real selling point of this record whilst lyrically it is born out of adventure with songs such as Interstate 25 and American Wilderness written about real stories Bonham heard whilst travelling around the States. The lyrics themselves are very literal and descriptive as they recount the tales of times gone by. My favourite on the record is the love story Wrapped Up in You which became a hit on UK Country Radio. The track has a simple yet catchy pay-off line and lovely acoustic guitar solo. The group play with their sound a little for the theatrical If There’s A God Out Here, which delves into a darker subject matter, once again influenced by Bonham’s travels. All in all it’s an intriguing record, there is clear chemistry within the group and the production is sonically pleasing.  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

Review: ‘American Wilderness Odyssey’ – Steve Bonham and The Long Road Read More »

Review: ‘You, Yeah, You’ – Tre burt

Tré Burt’s melancholy vocals ring out on this unique album. The tenacious musician sticks to his guns and addresses numerous thought-provoking observations he’s made about his home country. By The Jasmine is very topical and a true story about what he’s experienced as a black man living in America. The narrative isn’t angry – who could blame him if it was? – just leaves the listener with something to think about. Meanwhile, Carnival Mirror an upbeat, carefree song that makes the statement along the lines of ‘freedom don’t come free’. The album speaks of loss but not in a desolate way, Sammi’s Song talks of the heightening of his senses on the day of her funeral. There is positivity within it, a light in the dark so to speak and Burt has done a wonderful job with the lyrics. Dixie Red is another nod to a friend who went too soon. Through the hard hitting topics, Burt delivers the record with a sweetness to the arrangement and of course his vocals. The follow up to Caught It From The Rye is a thoughtful album which deserves to be heard, far and wide.  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

Review: ‘You, Yeah, You’ – Tre burt Read More »

Scroll to Top