2022 - Page 11 of 32 - STAGING Maverick

Caitlyn Smith’s spellbinding Manchester performance!

Leave a Comment / Live events, News / Rochelle Mills

There’s always that one name at Country 2 Country that surprises you and captivates you, that has everybody talking throughout the weekend and more often than not, it’s an artist on one of the smaller stages. This year, that artist was Caitlyn Smith. Of course when she announced her UK return as part of Country Music Week, I had to attend! Smith has got a catalogue of fabulously written songs that others have recorded but her latest album ‘High’ which she self produced was one of the best country albums released this year. Only when you see her live do you appreciate that she is in fact the full package though, I fail to see a vocalist as powerful and as controlled as Smith and her stage presence is endearing as humour creeps in to her stage talk. Smith took requests on Instagram before she took to the stage in Manchester and admitted that she had to relearn a few of her old songs to please the fans. She opened with ‘High’ a song we first heard from Miley Cyrus back in 2020 but which Smith co-wrote and released her own version earlier this year. It was a powerful and breathtaking way to start the show. She had the Manchester crowd hanging off her every word, you could hear a pin drop as she told the stories behind each track. She shared her own versions of ‘Like I’m Gonna Lose You’ and ‘You Can’t Make Old Friends’ two of her biggest hits that have been cut by other people as well as sharing fan favourites off her latest album including my personal favourite ‘Maybe In Another Life’. Smith teased that the second part of the album is coming very soon and proceeds to play a song off that upcoming release which went down well with the crowd who met it’s conclusion with sustained applause and cheers so as to get the message of approval to the songwriter. The Minnesota native is also the voice of new US TV show Monarch as she sings the theme tune, penned by The Love Junkies. Though it is not yet available to watch in the UK much of the crowd knew the song as Smith shared how much she enjoyed getting the chance to act in the series too. It was a fantastic night! Caitlyn Smith deserves to go far, she is one of the best songwriters of our generation and her voice… well you just can’t argue, it’s flawless!

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Thomas Rhett and Katy Perry share ‘Where We Started’ video

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Thomas Rhett and Katy Perry today release the music video for their duet “Where We Started.” Directed by Patrick Tracy, the video for the title track off Thomas Rhett’s sixth studio album finds each artist contently reflecting on their own journeys. “Working with Katy has been a really collaborative process,” said Thomas Rhett. “From tracking the song in the studio, to performing it on American Idol, to this video – her input has made this whole experience really special for me.” Katy shared: “I loved being able to create a dreamy world for “Where We Started,” going back to the Nashville singer-songwriter roots of where I started.” Celebrating a decade of bringing country to the masses, C2C, Europe’s biggest country music festival, is back for 2023, and Thomas Rhett will be headlining! Country to Country has established itself as the annual destination to see some of the world’s best country artists and future stars. The festival is set to bring yet another incredible line up to The O2 London, 3Arena Dublin and The OVO Hydro, Glasgow from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 March 2023.

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Chase Rice Presented With Pandora Billionaire Plaque

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Just hours after releasing brand-new song “Way Down Yonder,” multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Chase Rice was surprised at SiriusXM The Highway’s “Music Row Happy Hour” with a plaque commemorating his Pandora Billionaire status. The milestone commemorates over 1.5 billion streams on the platform, and Rice has been added to Pandora’s Country Billionaires Radio in celebration of the honor. “Throughout my career, now matter where we were at with touring or radio success, our incredible fans have consistently streamed the music,” shared the man praised by American Songwriter as “one of country music’s most intriguing and lasting acts” in response to the honor. “This is a testament to those fans and their love of country music. They’re why we keep pushing ourselves and why we’re so excited to share new songs with them now.” Rice quickly moved from one celebration to the next, making his way up Broadway to kick off the night’s Rock N’ Roll Cowboy tour stop at Bridgestone Arena. In addition to his chart-topping hits including “Eyes On You” and “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” plus fellow Platinum-certified favorites “Ready Set Roll” and “Lonely If You Are,” Rice also treated fans to a live performance of the just-released song. Written by Rice together with Hunter Phelps, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass and Corey Crowder during a writing retreat in Florida that also produced recent release “Key West & Colorado,” the song paints a vivid picture of hardworking characters living beyond the confines of the law: Way down yonder where the outlaws wander You can feel that thunder in your bones Rippin’ hot rod runners under moonlight cover Just some back glass gunners on the road Where you buy your bud with your moonshine money Make your love where the bees make honey When the cut’s where you’re born and raised Man it’s in your blood, we were born this way down yonder “When we wrote this song, I had the mountains of North Carolina where I grew up in mind; all the moonshining history there in the Appalachians,” recalls Rice. “Then all of a sudden during the recording process, Rob McNelley started playing this crazy carnival sound on the acoustic… and it got Western quick. That turned it from a song I didn’t think was even going to make the cut for this next album into one of my favorite songs on the project.” The song and accompanying music video, shot in a single take as a time period piece at Fort Worth’s Stockyards National Historic District, previews a new sound embodying Rice’s next musical era. His forthcoming album, recorded during a two-week period alongside producer Oscar Charles and a live band at Rice’s farm outside Nashville, used makeshift recording environment to capture a pure, raw style unlike any of his previous studio projects. The shift in setting suited the set of more vulnerable, personal music from the man Billboard celebrates as “having storytelling details tumble from his lips, his portraits created quickly and efficiently,” with CMT noting, “The vocalist worked day in and day out to find the courage to knock down the wall he had kept up his entire career. Once he demolished the barricade holding him back, he left his heart and soul on the writing table.”

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C2C announces 2023 line up!

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Celebrating a decade of bringing country to the masses, C2C, Europe’s biggest country music festival, is back for 2023!!!!! Country to Country has established itself as the annual destination to see some of the world’s best country artists and future stars. The festival is set to bring yet another incredible line up to The O2 London, 3Arena Dublin and The OVO Hydro, Glasgow from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 March 2023. To celebrate 10 years of C2C, world-renowned superstars Zac Brown Band, Thomas Rhett and Lady A have been confirmed to headline 2023’s festival. They will be joined by Nashville’s hottest and most buzzed about artists Midland, Jordan Davis, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lainey Wilson and Mitchell Tenpenny alongside prolific performers Lindsay Ell and Matt Stell. CMA’s international series Introducing Nashville also returns which sees exciting, emerging newcomers share the mainstage for an acoustic set, recalling stories behind their tracks. Further special guests will be announced soon. In London the unstoppable Breland will open C2C on the Friday night and will co-host the festival across the weekend with the legendary Bob Harris OBE who said: “I am proud to have been the main stage compere at Country to Country in London since the inaugural event in 2013. It was an exciting and history-making moment and it’s been incredible to see C2C get bigger and bigger every year since, to become the centrepiece of the Anglo/American Country calendar – the UK’s biggest Country music weekend. It’s an amazing story and I am thrilled and honoured to be hosting the artists on the main stage again in 2023. Even better, I’ll be joined in the spotlight by my friend Breland, whose career has literally gone stratospheric since the release of his first music only three years ago. I cannot wait to see the incredible performers playing at the festival this year and I am so much looking forward to reuniting with the fabulous fans who make our Country Music community so special.” Since its inaugural event in 2013 headlined by Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood at The O2 London, Country to Country has grown to a three-day multi-arena event featuring the best in country music and programming which fans have come to love and expect, with tens of thousands in attendance each year. Not only does C2C feature performances from the world’s best country stars it also showcases the best of emerging talent from Nashville, UK and Europe. Jack Dowling, C2C Festival Director said: “Country to Country is delighted to be bringing back the finest in US talent to the UK and Ireland. In our 10th year C2C keeps going from strength to strength. We’d like to thank our fantastic partners AEG Presents, the CMA and BBC Radio 2 who continue to help us deliver the best event and of course, more importantly our passionate fans. Country to Country would not be what it is without you. See you all for C2C 2023!” Chris York, C2C Festival Co-Founder and Director at SJM Concerts commented: “As founder of C2C, it is incredible to see the event moving into its 10th year. A testament to the wonderful support of all artists, managers and agents who continue to believe in the power of country outside of North America. We have to thank our amazing event partners BBC Radio 2, the CMA and lastly the fans – who continue to drive the event forward and challenge us to keep moving forward. That’s what makes doing this worthwhile.” “C2C is a tentpole event for our industry and our Country Music community.” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “As we see Country Music continue to expand on a global scale, it’s events like C2C that are pivotal in maintaining that forward momentum, promoting music discovery, broadening the fan base and demonstrating the growth of Country Music internationally. We are thrilled to be partnering with C2C again this year and look forward to the event in March!” The C2C Spotlight Stage will also be back so watch out for news of the full line up in the coming months.

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Kylie Morgan releases ‘Songs To Say I Do’

Leave a Comment / Live events / Rochelle Mills

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”

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

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

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

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

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle / Rochelle Mills

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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WATCH: New video from Willie Nelson

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

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.

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle / Rochelle Mills

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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