February 2022

Elles Bailey’s chart success!

It’s a Red-Letter Day for multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Elles Bailey, whose latest album ‘Shining In The Half Light’ has just secured a place in the UK Top-20 album midweek charts, reaching #11: a remarkable achievement for a blues/rock grassroots Americana artist. In order to record and release this album, Elles has drawn on tenacity as well as talent. Not only was this album born out of a pandemic, but Elles recorded it while heavily pregnant. In her third trimester she developed a liver condition — Obstetric Cholestasis — she ended up in hospital yet continued to co-produce the album from her hospital bed. While in labour, she was still listening to mixes! Then, just two months after giving birth, Elles was back on the road and turning down a record deal, choosing instead to independently release the record. Never one to rest on her laurels and understanding the vinyl shortages, Elles had the foresight to submit her vinyl order for delivery in January 2022, despite the album not being finished. Yes, all from her hospital bed! “I am so proud of this grassroots journey I have been on and the story of this album,” says Elles.“It seemed mad to turn down the record deal I was offered, especially being a new mum with the schedule I had in front of me. But this record was my rain after a long drought; my oasis in the desert, made in lockdown whilst I was pregnant with my first child. I put every part of me into it and I just wasn’t ready to let it go. “I am so grateful to my incredible fan base for getting behind this album and believing in it. This mid-week chart listing is all because of them.” To celebrate the launch of ‘Shining in the Half Light’, Elles will be performing at OMEARA (London) on Tuesday 8th March. This will be her only full band show this side of festival season. 

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C2C

Not to be missed performances at Country 2 Country

C2C have confirmed the full complete line up of festival stages across The O2, London featuring over 100 performances across the weekend. C2C provides an incredible opportunity for fans of country to discover and support new artists from all over the UK, Europe and the US. C2C ticket holders will have access to The Town Square, The Big Entrance, BBC Radio 2 Stage (at Indigo at The O2), Country Music Week Hub and The Saloon (All Bar One), The Icon Stage and The Garden Stage. It’s going to be a busy weekend with you feeling like you need to split yourself in two so as not to miss any of your favourite artists! However, we’ve got you covered as we highlight a couple of key, not-to-be-missed performances from each stage. BBC RADIO 2 STAGE AT INDIGO – Alex Hall, Avery Anna, Breland, Brittney Spencer, Caitlyn Smith, Callie Twisselman, Callista Clark, Erin Kinsey, King Calaway, Matt Stell, Robyn Ottolini, Shy Carter, Tebey, Tenille Arts, Tim Hicks, Walker County, Willie Jones Willie Jones – This is such a packed line-up that it was hard to narrow down but Willie Jones seriously impressed me in 2019 at the Music City Cares concert which featured Carly Pearce and Rodney Atkins. Right now I’m really enjoying ‘American Dream’ a song he released just over a year ago now. He’s a versatile performer and definitely one not to be missed. Callista Clark – Our cover star from the last issue has some great songs and a phenomenal voice, she also plays eight instruments! She may be young but she will own that stage and captivate the room. The song I’m most enjoying right now is ‘Real To Me’. THE TOWN SQUARE – Alex Hall, Avery Anna, Breland, Caitlyn Smith, Callie Twisselman, Catherine McGrath, Everette, Jaret Ray Reddick, Jess Moskaluke, Kezia Gill, Laci Kaye Booth, Laine Hardy, Laura Oakes, Morganway, Robyn Ottolini, Seaforth, Shy Carter, Tebey, Tim Hicks, Twinnie, Walker County, Willie Jones Seaforth – These boys are so much fun and have some really catchy songs. All the way from Australia, the duo have brought their own flavour to the Nashville scene and have teamed up well with other artists and writers. The song they’ve done with Jordan Davis, ‘Good Beer’ is a standout. Kezia Gill – Kezia is one of the fastest rising stars of the UK scene. Recently named Entertainer of the Year at the British Country Music Association awards, Kezia’s power-house vocals will reel you in on first listen and her live performance will most certainly impress. ‘Whiskey Drinkin Woman’ is my song of choice. CMW HUB – ALL BAR ONE – Alex Hall, Catherine McGrath, Kaitlyn Baker, King Calaway, Laci Kaye Booth, Laine Hardy, Robyn Ottolini, Shy Carter, Tebey, Tim Hicks, Twinnie, Walker County Shy Carter – There are plenty of chances to see this hitmaker throughout the weekend but take as many of those chances as you can because he is a real gem! I’m hoping and praying with all my heart that he’ll play ‘Speak to a Girl’ a song he wrote that featured on Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s album along with ‘Stuck Like Glue’ a hit he penned for Sugarland. However, listen out for some amazing new material from Carter because his new record is brilliant! Laci Kaye Booth – Texas native, Laci Kaye Booth rose to fame through American Idol but has since impressed the Nashville community, regularly writing with the likes of Laura Veltz and Jimmy Robbins. Her song ‘Shuffle’ is a great tune. BIG ENTRANCE – Caitlyn Smith, Eric & Jensen, Essex County, Everette, Gary Quinn, Harleymoon Kemp, Hayley McKay, Izzie Walsh, Jaret Ray Reddick, Jess Moskaluke, Kaitlyn Baker, Katy Hurt, Kezia Gill, Laci Kaye Booth, Laine Hardy, Laura Oakes, Morganway, Ruthie Collins, The County Affair, Tim Prottey-Jones, Twinnie Harleymoon Kemp – Daughter of Martin Kemp, music runs in the family for Harleymoon Kemp and she was always destined to excel at it. She’s bound to impress at C2C. ‘Love On The Radio’ is probably my favourite track of hers. The County Affair – This duo have a lovely story about friends reunited and the EP that they released last year is a standout on the UK scene. I’m excited to see these songs performed live. ‘Every Ghost’ is definitely worth a listen. ICON STAGE – Catherine McGrath, Danny McMahon, Eleri Angharad, Eric & Jensen, Essex County, Gary Quinn, Harleymoon Kemp, Izzie Walsh, Jeannine Barry, Jess Thristan, Kaitlyn Baker, Katy Hurt, Lucy Grubb, Pete Gow, The County Affair, Tim Prottey-Jones Katy Hurt – It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Katy Hurt, I just think she’s one of the brightest stars in the UK scene right now. ‘Sounds Good In A Bar’ was released last year and I think it’s one of the best songs she’s released. Kaitlyn Baker – Kaitlyn Baker is a really talented artist and has opened for the likes of Craig Morgan and Jim Lauderdale. Dubbed the new coal miner’s daughter due to her family’s background, her songwriting speaks directly to the hearts of ordinary people. ‘Drinkin’ Hours’ is my go-to track of Kaitlyn’s. GARDEN STAGE – Danny McMahon, Eleri Angharad, Eric & Jensen, Essex County, Everette, Gary Quinn, Harleymoon Kemp, Hayley McKay, Jeannine Barry, Jess Moskaluke, Jess Thristan, Katy Hurt, Kezia Gill, Laura Oakes, Lucy Grubb, Pete Gow, Ruthie Collins, The County Affair, Tim Prottey-Jones Jess Moskaluke – Jess brought out a wonderful album last year called ‘The Demos’ which featured songs she’d co-written with some Nashville hit-makers such as Liz Rose and Corey Crowder and they deserved to be hits themselves – there was some fabulous songwriting on there. The Canadian will be one of the most talked about artists on these outer stages I am sure. Chosen song – ‘Mapdot’. Eric & Jensen – Eric and Jensen are the new kids on the block of the UK country scene. The two brothers are just starting out on their journey but have some covers on youtube

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The Cadillac Three

The Cadillac Three announce UK tour

Country fuzz heroes The Cadillac Three will return to the UK this summer with their brand-new Hillbilly Hypnotized Tour. Having had to reschedule their much-anticipated 10th Anniversary UK Tour at the end of 2021 due to the pandemic, the acclaimed Nashville trio will instead be bringing a whole new live show for 2022. However tickets for the original tour dates will remain valid in each city. The Cadillac Three, who were recently nominated for their second consecutive Group of the Year at the ACM Awards, released their fifth studio album Tabasco and Sweet Tea in 2020 which saw the trio inject some funk into their trademark southern rock sound. And the Hillbilly Hypnotized Tour will be the first chance for their legions of UK fans to experience tracks from both that album and its predecessor, the critically acclaimed Country Fuzz, alongside hits from the band’s decade-long career. Speaking about the tour, the band say, “We can’t wait to get back over to play for our UK friends in August & September! To say it’s been too long is an understatement, but it will make it even sweeter when we finally get to be together!” One of the most spontaneous and exciting live bands on the planet, The Cadillac Three will be playing eight shows across the UK, including a headline performance at The Long Road Festival and a celebratory show at London’s legendary Roundhouse. Tickets are available now from https://www.livenation.co.uk/ HILLBILLY HYPNOTIZED TOUR DATESSUMMER 2021 AUGUSTFri 26th – O2 Academy, GlasgowSat 27th – O2 Academy, ManchesterSun 27th – The Long Road Festival, LeicestershireTues 30th – O2 City Hall, Newcastle SEPTEMBERFri 2nd – Great Hall, CardiffSat 3rd – Institute, BirminghamMon 5th – Rock City, NottinghamTues 6th – The Roundhouse, London

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BRELAND named Breakthrough Artist for Amazon

Praise continues to stack up for Bad Realm Records / Atlantic Records artist BRELAND who has now been named Breakthrough Artist for Amazon. “BRELAND is a streaming-music star,” says Rolling Stone as they first announced the news. BRELAND now joins the short list of artists earning this coveted all-genre nod aimed at “amplifying and championing” the best new talent. Previous Breakthrough Artists include Gabby Barrett, Blxst, Remi Wolf, Arlo Parks, and more. The honour means BRELAND will now receive substantial support of Amazon Music – including marketing campaigns, increased playlist visibility, high-profile Amazon Original tracks and more. He’ll also be a featured guest on the Country Heat Weekly podcast. Continuing to make headlines, BRELAND will make his Academy of Country Music Awards performance debut on March 7th. Marking the first major Country awards show to be exclusively live streamed and available only on Prime Video. BRELAND will bring his one-of-a-kind energy to Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium as he performs his brand-new song ‘Praise The Lord’. Already creating a buzz on socials, BRELAND teased ‘Praise The Lord’ on TikTok and has received incredible feedback and love from his fans across all platforms. The jubilant track is set to release the day of his performance on the ACMs and can be pre-added/pre-saved here now: https://breland.lnk.to/PraiseTheLord Fans can also catch BRELAND in a new episode of  My Opry Debut following his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry out last Friday, and he’ll also be recognised by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new American Currents: State of the Music exhibit. Opening March 4th, the exhibit will feature BRELAND alongside collaborator and believer Keith Urban, in a section highlighting the connections between trailblazers of past, present, and future. The exhibit runs through February 5th 2023. It’s all proof that BRELAND’s profile continues to grow exponentially. The PLATINUM-certified newcomer opened 2022 performing live on CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, and he is currently on the road for Russell Dickerson’s ALL YOURS, ALL NIGHT TOUR and he will be performing live for the first time in the UK at C2C Festival in March. For more country music news check out the February issue of Maverick Magazine.

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ACM Awards

Artists announced to perform at ACM Awards

Prime Video, the Academy of Country Music, and MRC today announced the first group of country music superstars set to perform live at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards on Prime Video, Monday, March 7 at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST/5 p.m. PST. Kelsea Ballerini, Walker Hayes, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Parmalee and Blanco Brown featuring Brooke Eden, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde, and Breakthrough Artist for Amazon Music, BRELAND, will hit the stage at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. With more than 20 performances, additional details will be announced in the coming weeks. The two-hour show will stream live without commercial interruption and is hosted by icon Dolly Parton and co-hosted by reigning ACM New Male Artist of the Year Jimmie Allen and reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year Gabby Barrett. Making their ACM Awards performance debuts, Parmalee and Blanco Brown will be joined by Brooke Eden, for a can’t miss version of their platinum multinational No. 1 smash hit “Just the Way.” Two-time ACM Award winners Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce will take the stage for a performance of their Music Event and Video of the Year nominated hit “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.” BRELAND, who earlier this week was named the next Breakthrough Artist for Amazon Music, will perform his new song “Praise The Lord.” Breakthrough is the emerging artist program from Amazon Music, aimed at amplifying the best new talent and championing them early in their careers. BRELAND is the second country music artist to be named to the program, following this year’s ACM Awards co-host Gabby Barrett, who was selected in 2020. Performance details for Kelsea Ballerini, Walker Hayes, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, and Chris Stapleton will be announced in the coming weeks. Morris is a five-time ACM Award winner and nominee for Female Artist of the Year. Thomas Rhett is an eight-time ACM Award winner and nominated for Male Artist and Album of the Year. Stapleton is a five-time nominee this year, including his fourth nod for Entertainer of the Year and seventh for Male Artist of the Year. He is a nine-time ACM Award winner. Read more country music news in the February issue of Maverick Magazine.

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C2C

C2C confirm more artists for the pop-up stages

The wait is almost over!  C2C Country to Country; Europe’s biggest country music festival is back at The O2, London next month for what’s set to be an unforgettable return. Just announced are the much-anticipated line-up of the festival stages and The Bluebird Café, plus the complete line up of the arena Spotlight stage. Featuring multiple performances per day and artists from all over the UK, Europe and the US, C2C once more provides an incredible opportunity for fans of country to discover and support new artists. C2C ticket holders will have access The Town Square, The Big Entrance, BBC Radio 2 Stage (at Indigo at The O2), Country Music Week Hub and The Saloon (All Bar One), The Icon Stage and The Garden Stage. Country to Country will officially kick off at midday on Friday and 10.00am on Saturday and Sunday when the Town Square opens, and the first Festival stage artists start. Festival activities include market stalls and stands, authentic food from the American South, cocktails, whiskey and craft beers and more. All visitors to The O2 can access the free stages which are Big Entrance Stage, Icon Stage and Garden Stage. The Bluebird Cafe returns to C2C and once again we will welcome guests to the intimate O2 Blueroom at The O2, on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th March. This seated show takes the form of a ‘songwriter’s round’; with each artist taking it in turns to talk about their relationship with The Bluebird Cafe, their songwriting and the stories behind their music. Introduced by Erika Wollam Nichols, who has worked for The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville for over 30 years, C2C presents this unique opportunity to experience the famous Bluebird Cafe straight from Nashville. The line up over the two shows includes Alex Hall, Caitlyn Smith, Laci Kaye Booth, Shy Carter, Tony Arata and Tebey. Tickets go on general onsale Friday 18th February at 10am via https://c2c-countrytocountry.com. As previously announced the official C2C Official Aftershow Parties will take place post mainstage celebrations and will feature headline sets from Breland, Willie Jones, Seaforth and DJ sets across the weekend from DJ Hish in London at Indigo at The O2. Festival stage stars join mainstage headliners Luke Combs, Darius Rucker and Miranda Lambert. Also making their return are multiple CMA Award winners and nominees Kip Moore, Brett Young, and Ashley McBryde alongside Russell Dickerson, Scotty McCreery, Flatland Cavalry, Tennille Townes and Hailey Whitters who all make their main stage debuts. Inside the arena, C2C hosts a spotlight stage featuring sets across the weekend from Avery Anna, Breland, Brittney Spencer, Callie Twisselman, Callista Clark, Eric Kinsey, Matt Stell, Seaforth and Tenille Arts.  At C2C Glasgow the spotlight stage will also make a return featuring sets from Brittney Spencer, Callista Clark, Erin Kinsey, Matt Stell, Seaforth and Tenille Arts.  Fans should also expect surprise artist announcements across the weekend, details of which will be revealed on the C2C app. The app will feature stage times, artist info plus notifications about competitions, secret performances and more. The official C2C app can be downloaded for free at https://C2C.lnk.to/AppiOS for iOS and https://C2C.lnk.to/AppAndroid for Android.

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Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton releases ‘Blue Bonnet Breeze’ from upcoming album ‘Run Rose Run’

Dolly Parton has today released the second single, ‘Blue Bonnet Breeze’ from her upcoming album ‘Run, Rose, Run’. The album which will be released on March 4th accompanies her first novel, of the same name, which she has written with James Patterson. The novel comes out the following week on March 7th. ‘Blue Bonnet Breeze’ follows the lead single ‘Big Dreams and Faded Jeans’ which came out to rave reviews a few weeks back when she also announced merchandise to accompany the release. Parton made headlines during the week as it was announced employees at Dollywood would have their tuition fees paid if they chose to continue their growth and attend college. Starting 24th February, employees at Dollywood who pursue a college degree will have their tuition, associated fees and books 100% covered by the Dollywood theme park. Pre-order for the Run, Rose, Run Album is available now. Pre-order for the Run, Rose, Run novel is available here. To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our February issue here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Thomas Rhett

Thomas Rhett releases new song ‘Us Someday’

5X GRAMMY® Awards nominee Thomas Rhett continues to preview new music from his upcoming sixth studio album WHERE WE STARTED — available on April 1 via The Valory Music Co. — sharing today the brand new track, “Us Someday.” Available to listen to here, the song opens with an effervescent string arrangement as the superstar flexes the “vocal skills that will soon be heard all over his upcoming album” (PEOPLE). As the 18X chart-topper continues to mine his own romantic journey, the song was written by Thomas Rhett with Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure and Amy Wadge, and joins previously released tracks, “Church Boots,” current Top 20-and-rising single “Slow Down Summer” and “Angels,” an already declared “Top 5 Love Song of 2022” by Marie Claire. “For me, this song is sort of talking to Lauren at 19 years old telling her, ‘I know you think this is crazy, but I believe all of these things are going to happen for us.’ And now here we are, over 10 years later, and most of those things actually happened, which is just the wildest thing,” said Thomas Rhett. “I also love how different this song sounds from the rest on the project, it opens with just strings and a vocal. I hope people will listen and be able to relate with their own relationships.” Continuing the momentum leading into his the highly-anticipated sixth studio album, the reigning ACM Awards Male Artist of the Year has earned fresh nominations for Album of the Year for COUNTRY AGAIN: SIDE A and Male Artist of the Year. The ACM Awards will stream live on Prime Video on Monday, March 7 at 8:00P EST/7:00P CST/5:00P PST from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our February issue here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Maren Morris releases new single ‘Background Music’

Grammy-winning superstar Maren Morris shares a new song, “Background Music,” today—listen here. Written by Maren alongside previous collaborators Jimmy Robbins and Laura Veltz, the song is taken from Morris’ forthcoming album, Humble Quest, slated for release on 25th March on Sony Music Nashville’s Columbia Nashville imprint—pre-add/pre-save it here. Maren says: “I wrote ‘Background Music’ about the beauty of the temporary, which is inevitably all things. The romanticism of eternity sounds nice, but I like to think I savor things better when I know I’m not entitled to it in perpetuity. It’s a love song that addresses mortality but it’s also promising someone that even when we aren’t cool anymore, I want to grow old with them and laugh about the times we thought we were.” Additionally, Maren is nominated for Female Artist of the Year at the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our February issue here. Media contact Zoe Hodges, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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ACM Awards

Nominations announced for ACM Awards

The Academy of Country Music® announced today the nominations for the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards™, honoring country music’s biggest stars and emerging talent, and celebrating the year’s top hits, most successful collaborations, and thrilling performances. Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett revealed this year’s ACM Award nominees for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, New Female Artist of the Year, and New Male Artist of the Year on the ACM Awards Twitter, where Allen and Barrett both surprised each other with respective nods in the Male and Female Artist of the Year categories and shared their excitement about co-hosting this year’s show with Dolly Parton. This year’s show, on Prime Video, will make history as the first major awards show to livestream exclusively and promises to be a nonstop party, bringing legendary artists together with today’s favorites for exciting and unexpected collaborations, surprising moments fans will never forget, and world television-premiere performances. Further details including the ACM Awards performance lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. Check out the nominations below. ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Eric Church Luke Combs Miranda Lambert Chris Stapleton Carrie Underwood FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Gabby Barrett Miranda Lambert Ashley McBryde Maren Morris Carly Pearce MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Jimmie Allen Luke Combs Thomas Rhett Chris Stapleton Morgan Wallen DUO OF THE YEAR Brooks & Dunn Brothers Osborne Dan + Shay LOCASH Maddie & Tae GROUP OF THE YEAR Lady A Little Big Town Midland Old Dominion The Cadillac Three NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR  Tenille Arts Priscilla Block Lily Rose Caitlyn Smith Lainey Wilson NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR  HARDY Walker Hayes Ryan Hurd Parker McCollum Elvie Shane ALBUM OF THE YEAR  29: Written in Stone – Carly Pearce Country Again: Side A – Thomas Rhett Dangerous: The Double Album – Morgan Wallen Famous Friends – Chris Young The Marfa Tapes – Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall  SINGLE OF THE YEAR Buy Dirt – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan  Famous Friends – Chris Young and Kane Brown  Fancy Like – Walker Hayes If I Didn’t Love You – Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood  You Should Probably Leave – Chris Stapleton SONG OF THE YEAR 7 Summers – Morgan Wallen Buy Dirt – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan Fancy Like – Walker Hayes Knowing You – Kenny Chesney  Things A Man Oughta Know – Lainey Wilson VIDEO OF THE YEAR Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home) – Elle King and Miranda Lambert  Famous Friends – Chris Young and Kane Brown  I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift featuring Chris Stapleton If I Didn’t Love You – Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood  Never Wanted To Be That Girl – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde  SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Jesse Frasure Nicolle Galyon Ashley Gorley Michael Hardy Josh Osborne MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR Buy Dirt – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan  Famous Friends – Chris Young and Kane Brown half of my hometown – Kelsea Ballerini featuring Kenny Chesney  If I Didn’t Love You – Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood Never Wanted To Be That Girl – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde  

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