October 2022

Kylie Morgan releases ‘Songs To Say I Do’

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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”

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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

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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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Tools of the Trade – Loop Earplugs

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Loop Earplugs look more like a fashion accessory than hearing protection, but they provide Loop mutes that let you select the amount of noise reduction that you desire.  The Loops, that fit inside of your ear, come in a variety of colors and finishes including black, gold and silver.  The mutes also come in six different colors depending on your preference.  Each pair of Loops comes with four different sized soft silicone eartips to achieve your best fit.  A small plastic carrying case is also included.  With the mutes inserted through the Loops you achieve -20dB noise reduction.  The sound travels around the Loop and then enters your ear canal.  The Loop earplugs look more my stylish that your standard foam earplugs and I believe that will be appealing to concert goers and musicians who still want to look stylish.  The fit was vey comfortable and the mute inserts were easy to attach and remove if needed.  Loops are also fully washable and reusable.  If you’re looking to protect your hearing but still be fashionable whilst you do it Loop is a great way to go and you can select the ones that reflect your personality too! 

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Willie Nelson

WATCH: New video from Willie Nelson

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A live performance video and track, “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” from Willie Nelson’s upcoming release throughLegacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, Willie Nelson Live At Budokan is available now. Willie Nelson Live At Budokan, the first official album release of Willie’s epic performance at the fabled Nippon Budokan in 1984 will be released on Friday, November 18 and available in digital and 2CD/1DVD configurations and may be pre-ordered HERE. A 2LP 12″ vinyl pressing of Willie Nelson Live At Budokan will also be available exclusively at independent record stores as part of Record Store Day’s Black Friday event on November 25. Watch the first clip from the release as Willie & Family tackle “Good Hearted Woman,” a song that Willie co-wrote with Waylon Jennings. Watch HERE While Willie Nelson Live At Budokan has been previously officially available as a LaserDisc in Japan (which is now long-out-of-print with low-grade bootleg copies treasured by collectors), this legendary concert performance of Willie, and his backing Family band, firing on all cylinders is enjoying its first official widespread release this fall. A broadcast edition of Willie Nelson Live At Budokan is part of special programming premiering on PBS stations beginning Saturday, November 26, 2022 (check local listings). Produced by Willie’s longtime harmonica player Mickey Raphael (whose production credits include Naked Willie and The Highwaymen box set) and mixed by Tony Castle, Willie Nelson Live At Budokan has been sonically upgraded to showcase the American pop-country icon and his ensemble in Tokyo for the first time, connecting with an audience of Japanese and ex-pat fans through the universal power, truth and beauty of the music in Willie’s repertoire. Willie’s ensemble that night (February 23, 1984) featured his sister Bobbie Nelson on piano, Paul English on drums, Grady Martin on guitar, Jody Payne on vocals and guitar, Bee Spears on bass and Mickey Raphael on harmonica. The new production and mix of Willie Nelson Live At Budokan offers fans a front row seat at one of Willie’s most exciting shows during an historic period in his career. Among his autobiographical works, Willie has co-authored books about his band members including Sister Bobbie: True Tales of the Family Band (2020) and the much-anticipated Me and Paul: Untold Tales of a Fabled Friendship (2022), which was released through Harper Horizon on September 20. Willie’s drummer, Paul English, passed away, at age 87, on February 11, 2020. His beloved Sister Bobbie passed away, at age 91, on March 10, 2022. In his notes for this release, Willie says, “I believe that music, not only country music, but I believe that music is a great communicator. I think that it crosses all boundaries and I think that the people, regardless of whether they understand what I’m saying or not, they would feel what I’m saying and they will hear it in whatever language they are listening. I think that is the great thing about music.”

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New Instruments from Kala Brand Music Co.

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Kala Brand Music Co. had an excellent display booth at the NAMM show in Anaheim, California this past June.  Two of the new instruments that they released that caught my eye and that Maverick received for review was the new Emi Sunshine signature Ukulele and the Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-BASS.    Emi Sunshine has been featured in the pages of Maverick Country in the past and she continues to be a shining star Appalachian, Americana, and Country music.  Emi is known as a multi-instrumentalist, but she is frequently associated with the Ukulele.  Her signature model is a Concert model uke with her mockingbird logo on the headstock and a custom black vine rosette around the sound hole.  The body features black binding, satin mahogany neck, back and sides.  The neck shape is easy to play, and spruce top is full sounding.  Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle increase the tonality.  And the closed back tuners keep the Emi Sunshine Signature Concert Ukulele in tune.  The included gig bag also has Emi’s mockingbird logo on it.  Bakithi Kumalo has endorsed Kala instruments for over a decade, and he is best known as a bassist and collaborator for Paul Simon.  Kumalo was a part of the popular 1985 album by Simon “Graceland.”  Bakithi worked with Kala to design his ultimate U-BASS.  The first thing that surprised me was the usage of Kala’s Round Wound U-BASS strings that have more of a traditional bass string feel.  Kumalo’s Zulu shield logo is on the headstock of the U-BASS and on the gig bag.  The tone of this U-BASS is very warm and full thanks to its Mahogany top, back, sides and neck.  The U-Bass Active built-in electronics feature three EQ bass, middle and treble an LED tuner and battery check light.  The opened geared tuners are solid and consistent.  The sound unplugged is great but plugged in is where the Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-Electric U-Bass really shines.  Whether you are trying to deliver a traditional bass sound or an upright tone you can achieve it with this instrument.  The fretted rosewood fingerboard is easy to navigate too.  The custom Kumalo gig bag also has neck support to keep your U-Bass from shifting in the gig bag.  Both of these new signature instruments from Kala Brand Music Co. are extremely well built and affordable as well. 

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Black Mountain Thumb Picks

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If you haven’t found the right thumb pick yet, then Black Mountain might be a great place to visit.  Their uniquely designed thumb picks merge traditional shaped flat picks with a spring-loaded plastic back that fits them securely to your thumb.  Black Mountain offers them in different pick shapes and thickness and also you can select how much spring tension you desire.  From the review picks that we received I personally preferred the higher tension picks so that stay securely on my thumb while picking.  These are the first thumb picks to utilize a spring and they are extremely comfortable to perform with.  Black Mountain picks were invented by Cole McBride who was a full-time guitar instructor seeking the perfect thumb pick for his own playing style.  You can select heavy gauge, medium or jazz tipped picks currently.  The variety pack is probably the best option so you can try out different spring tensions and thickness of picks.  Black Mountain has also released a Slide Ring for slide guitar players.  They’ve done an incredible job of merging flat pick benefits and thumb pick requirements into one device at Black Mountain – check them out!   

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Carly Pearce

WATCH: What He Didn’t Do – Carly Pearce

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Reigning ACM/CMA Awards Female Artist/Vocalist of The Year Carly Pearce delivers a reflective new music video for her latest GOLD-certified single “What He Didn’t Do.”  Deeming the song “one of many diary-like anthems that embodies Pearce’s strength and pure storytelling soul,” CMT premiered the stunning visual ahead of her Artist of the Year honor on Friday (14/10) at 9:00P ET / 8:00P CT on CMT. Filmed just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, director Alexa Campbell helped Pearce close a significant, final chapter in her ‘29’ story that “brought her country music career to new heights” (CMT).

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Cordoba Guitar

Stage Thinbody Nylon Acoustic/Electric by Cordoba

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The first time I played Cordoba’s new Stage Thinbody Nylon Acoustic/Electric guitar was at the Namm show in Anaheim, California this summer and I was impressed with the prototype then.  One of the inherent challenges with a Nylon string Classical guitar is their tendency to feedback with played on stage at higher volumes.  Cordoba has had the Stage guitar in development for years to combat these exact issues, whilst still achieving true nylon string guitar sounds.  Besides the super thin chambered body what shines through most about the Stage guitar are its electronics.  Co-designed with Fishman the blend knob on the guitar allows you to blend the under-saddle transducer pickup with an interior microphone pickup.  This helps to capture a very realistic miced classical guitar sound.  And if preferred you can use one of the pickups exclusively, but to my ear a blending of the two sounds the best.  The stunning Edgeburst finished flamed maple veneer is layered on top of a spruce wood top on the Stage guitar.  The rest of the body is crafted from mahogany for warmth and resonance.  The neck profile is thinner than most Classical necks making it easier for players that are comfortable with electric guitar necks to navigate.  It features a pau ferro fingerboard on a 3-piece Cordoba Fusion mahogany neck.  The soft cutaway affords full access up the neck for soloing and chord inversions.  Access to the battery compartment is on the back of the guitar.  Dial in your perfect amplified sound with volume, EQ and Body Blend controls on the top. The three slotted sound holes on the top bout of the body are also mirrored in mother of pearl on the top of the headstock.  There are no fret markers on the fretboard, but Cordoba has provided side markers on the neck.   The beveled heal to body attachment makes playing all the way up the neck a true joy and totally comfortable.  This is a semi-hollow body guitar, so it is much thinner than your typical nylon string or Classical guitar, but that also makes it more resistant to feedback.  The Cordoba machine heads, and bone nut are nice details that are functional and look great on the Stage guitar.  The included Cordoba gig bag is made from recycled nylon, so you can be environmentally conscious while you travel to your next gig. 

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iRig Pro Quattro I/O Mixer & Interface 

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IK Multimedia’s new iRig Pro Quattro I/O has many applications and an abundance of connectivity in one compact device.  It can be used for mobile field recordings, podcasting, broadcast video and streaming where you want more control over your audio.  On the top portion of the iRig Pro Quattro you have the LED meters at the top, four volume controls for the mics/inputs, a headphone level and line out level control.  The four microphone inputs (two on the front and two on side) will accept XLR or ¼” inputs.  For condenser mics there is a 48V switch for both pairs of channels plus 2 x RCA inputs ana 3.5mm line in for channels ¾.  On the left side of the Quattro, we have Midi in and out, headphone output and 2 x XLR balanced outputs for channels one and two for stereo.  At the bottom there is (V DC, USB power and a host plug in or you can power the Quattro with the included AA batteries. A connector clip is included for the back of the device so you can mount it on a stand or video camera for easier control and cables are included too.  The iRig Pro Quattro I/O can interface with your iPhone, iPad, Mac/PC or Android devices.  It also includes free software such as AmpliTube 5 SE, T-RackS 5 SE and two other titles of your choice.  The Quattro is an incredible tool for making your audio sound better, use of multiple microphones and inputs simultaneously and total controlling on mixing the audio to one or more output devices.  Other single channel interfaces on the market are limited on control and only provide a single output option.  The iRig Pro Quattro I/O is a handheld portable mixer/interface that provides total control of your mics and audio so that levels are balanced, and sound quality is superior.  If you are streaming your performances on social media or your website the Quattro can make you sound much better than the built in microphones on smartphones, tablets or computers.  But keep in mind the microphones are not included you must still provide those.  Podcasters this is one device that will let you mix yourself and three other quests at the same time.  The iRig Pro Quattro I/O is an amazing audio tool that is cost effective for all it does! 

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