October 2023

Randall King releases new album ‘Into the Neon’

Raised on the plains of West Texas, Randall King honed his craft with countless nights spent strumming his guitar under the expansive skies, backlit by the stars’ neon glow. Flash forward to today, and King’s road warrior diet finds him revitalizing Country’s neo-traditional sound under a different kind of neon – the radiant glow from the signs of nearly 150 honky tonks he performs in across the country each year. It’s this inspiration of nature and humble establishments that have nurtured country music’s blue collar roots since its foundation that have inspired King to usher people Into the Neon, his latest album inspired by rowdy roughnecking, romantic tenderness and breathtaking emotion. The 18-track sophomore album is expected to land on 26 January, 2024 via Warner Music Nashville. “You grow wiser with age, you grow wiser while you’re working and experiencing life, and I feel like I have a deeper understanding of what my music really is,” said Randall King, in reference to the growth he’s experienced since his 2022 release, Shot Glass. “We’re moving into the neon era of country music. The pendulum is swinging, and you’re watching it happen… Now I just hope people get their mind blown.” Co-produced by King alongside Jared Conrad, the project incorporates a unique blend of the influences from icons and modern masters alike who have inspired King’s sound; inclusive of the timeless ‘80s country twang of George Strait and Keith Whitley, and the blood pumping, Y2K-era rhythms of Dierks Bentley and Gary Allan. Showcasing his ability to traverse from a toe-tapping waltzer with ‘When My Baby’s In Boots’ to the yearning lament of ‘I Could Be That Rain’, King lays it all on the line with songs that could just as easily be enjoyed while slow dancing under the starry night sky or while line dancing at a local honky tonk. With the release of ‘Hang Of Hangin’ On’, available to listen to now, King sings about finding himself graciously holding close to the girl he loves despite keeping “a goodbye up his sleeve” in the past. “Think I’m getting the hang of hangin’ all this music out there,” King added. “I sure loved this song from the first time I heard it. Go spin your lady to this one y’all!” Despite being in the studio recording new music this year, King has also stayed busy on the road, recently returning from his first-ever European tour in September, Neon Overseas, with a set of 11 shows, including sold-out stops in Cologne, London and more. He will return to Germany to play C2C Festival Berlin with Brad Paisley on 3 March, 2024. As the year winds down, King will support Jon Pardi and Ian Munsick on select tour dates, while continuing to headline stops in Paso Robles, CA; Reno, NV; Salt Lake City, UT and more. King’s 3rd Annual KingFest in Luckenbach, Texas will take place on 11 November with Gary P. Nunn, Jon Stork and Braxton Keith at the helm for support. For upcoming tour dates and more information, visit RandallKingMusic.com. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Conner Smith drops “Creek Will Rise (Acoustic)”

Continuing to super serve his loyal fan base as he readies his forthcoming full-length debut, CONNER SMITH has dropped a fresh acoustic version of his bluegrass-inflected twang rocker “Creek Will Rise” (The Valory Music Co.). The blood-pumping single is currently US Top-20-and-rising at Country radio while amassing nearly 40 million streams to date with Country Central declaring it “an absolute barn-burner from the first note.” Smith continues to put on his signature “high energy fan forward show” (All Country News) on the road as direct support on Cole Swindell’s TWELVE TOUR, following a packed year touring coast to coast with some of Country’s biggest artists including Luke Bryan, Chase Rice and Jordan Davis. Next up, he’ll embark on his second headline trek of 2023 on the CREEK WILL RISE TOUR with special guests Lauren Watkins and John Morgan beginning November 2 in Athens, Georgia. CREEK WILL RISE US TOUR DATES November 2 | Athens, GA – Georgia Theater* November 3 | Gainesville, FL – Vivid Music Hall* November 4 | Orlando, FL – House of Blues* November 9 | Columbia, MO – The Blue Note^ November 10 | Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon^ November 11 | Chattanooga, TN – The Signal^ November 16 | Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall November 17 | Columbus, OH – The Bluestone^ November 18 | Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache^ November 30 | Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater^ December 1 | Silver Spring, MD – The Filmore Silver Spring^ December 2 | Chesapeake, VA – Eagles’ Nest Rockin’ Country Bar^ January 11 | West Chester, OH – LRH Live^ January 12 | Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s^ January 13 | Greenville, SC – Bling Horse Saloon^ January 18 | Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club^ January 19 | Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE^ January 20 | Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboy^ January 25 | Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre^ January 26 | Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl Nashville^ January 27 | Tuscaloosa, AL – Druid City Music Hall^ ^ Lauren Watkins * John Morgan ABOUT CONNER SMITH: Just 23 years old and already a seasoned veteran of Nashville’s elite songwriting community, Conner Smith has become one of Country’s most hotly-anticipated new artists – an uncommon talent mixing prime-of-life passion with old-soul perspective. After penning his first song at 6 and scoring a publishing deal at 16, the Country prodigy wrote five of the six songs on his Zach Crowell-produced 2022 debut collection DIDN’T GO TOO FAR (The Valory Music Co.). Featuring his first Top 40 hit “Learn From It,” viral smash “I Hate Alabama,” and GOLD-certified fan-favorite “Take It Slow,” the charismatic effort laid an artistic foundation that earned Smith 2022 Artist to Watch status from Spotify, Amazon Music and Opry NextStage, while also making him the only Country artist on Pandora’s Ten List 2022 and securing 2023 recognition from MusicRow Next Big Thing, CMT Listen Up, and more. Deemed an “an unstoppable force to be reckoned with” by CMT, Smith’s authentic storytelling and rich, soulful voice has resonated with audiences nationwide, earning him a dedicated and passionate following. He’s come to know exactly what his fans want – and he continues to deliver “next level” music to them as reflected with his blood bumping Top-20-and-climbing single “Creek Will Rise,” which has quickly amassed nearly 40 million streams to date. Recently touring alongside Thomas Rhett, Parker McCollum, Ryan Hurd, Chase Rice and Jordan Davis. Smith spent the summer on Luke Bryan’s COUNTRY ON TOUR and is currently servicing as direct support on Cole Swindell’s TWELVE TOUR before kicking off his second headline trel of the year – CREEK WILL RISE TOUR with special guests Lauren Watkins and John Morgan. For a full list of tour dates and more, visit ConnerSmithMusic.com. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Scott Clay

Scott Clay’s new single ‘Let It All Lay Bare’

Singer-Songwriter Scott Clay Reveals New Single ‘Let It All Lay Bare’ Out October 13th, Announces UK Tour, and Hints at New Album for 2024 Nashville-based singer-songwriter Scott Clay is poised to make a triumphant return with his upcoming single, ‘Let It All Lay Bare’, scheduled for release on the 13th of October. This eagerly anticipated release will seamlessly coincide with his October UK tour, followed by another UK tour scheduled for early 2024, with hopes of a new album to follow. As the captivating opening and title track off of his fifth studio album, ‘Let It All Lay Bare’ delves deep into introspection. What initially began as a loosely woven melody and lyrics soon transformed into a heartfelt call to intimacy, urging someone to open their heart. Drawing inspiration from the melodic tones of R.E.M. and the lyrical storytelling of Tom Petty, it takes a lightly romantic approach to its subject, but at its core, it’s about meaningful connections and was inspired by Clay’s own desire for a deeper relationship with his pensive, stoic father Clay explains that he “thought about keeping this song’s true inspiration to myself, because it is a little raw,” the artist admits, “but I am trying to push to the edge of what I feel comfortable sharing in an effort to expose a more complete, authentic version of myself to listeners.” Scott Clay’s highly anticipated sixth studio album, ‘Jade’, is due for release in May 2024. The first track from the new album ‘One for the Road’ is out on February 9th. It peeks underneath the layers of traditional Americana to reveal the Nashville songwriter immersed in the midst of his alchemical storytelling. Complex yet uncomplicated, the album’s eleven tracks roam from funky ‘60s-inspired riffs to modern experimental folk ballads, while his unabashed lyrics and distinctive voice invite listeners on an introspective journey. On his fifth studio album, ‘Let It All Lay Bare’, released in 2022, Scott Clay masterfully showcased themes ranging from significant relationships to breathtaking displays of natural beauty and even iconic historical events. Across this record, Clay treated his audience to a diverse spectrum of musical experiences, from the George Michael-inspired ‘Nothing Like the Real Thing’ to the funk-infused, organ-driven ‘Baptize Me’, and the rockabilly-influenced ‘It’s Easy’. Assisted by the skilled production and engineering of Mike Davis (known for his work with Modest Mouse and The Head and the Heart) and a roster of top-tier musicians, Clay weaved together an assortment of lively, easygoing songs as well as more emotion-provoking, mellow reflections. ‘Lay It All Bare’ proved to be an album that captured the keen interest of esteemed publications Glide Magazine, Americana UK, Americana Highways, Under The Radar, and Anti-Music, among many others. Over the years, Clay has shared the stage with notable acts such as Drayton Farley, The Brothers Reed, and Ian Jones. His journey as a performing artist sets the stage for an exciting upcoming UK tour, where he’ll be joining forces with Dave Hemingway, a member of the renowned British band, The Beautiful South. Clay’s musical exploration began during his teenage years, but it wasn’t until college that he fully committed to it. In 2005, he made the move to Seattle, and by 2007, he had already released his debut album, ‘Colorful Thing’. Since then, Clay has added four more albums and two EPs to his repertoire. His music video for ‘Time Will Tell’ received recognition, earning finalist nominations from both the American Tracks Music Awards and the Canadian Cinematography Awards. Live Dates Oct 14th – Oxfam Beeston Music Festival – Nottingham, UK Oct 18th – The Camden Club – London, UK Oct 20th – The Factory Live – Worthing, UK (Sunbirds support) Dave Hemingway Oct 24th – The Six Six Bar – Cambridge, UK (Sunbirds support) Dave Hemingway Jan 24th –  Folklore Hackney – London, UK Jan 26th – The Folklore Rooms – Brighton, UK Jan 27th –  Otford Memorial Hall – Otford, UK Jan 28th – The Hobbit – Southampton, UK Jan 31st – Map Studio Cafe – London, UK Feb 2nd – Angel Microbrewery – Nottingham UK Feb 3rd – The Acoustic Lounge – Poynton, UK Feb 4th – The Q Room – Leicester, UK Feb 6th – Lowther Pavilion – Lytham St Annes, UK Feb 7th – The Kings Arms – Salford UK Feb 8th – Leith Arches – Edinburgh, UK Feb 9th – The Blue Lamp – Aberdeen, UK Feb 11th – Blackfriars Basement – Glasgow UK Feb 13th – Bannermans – Edinburgh UK Feb 14th – The Old Hairdressers – Glasgow UK Feb 15th – The Fighting Cocks – Kingston upon Thames, UK Feb 16th – The Rising Sun Arts Centre – Reading UK To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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