2023 - Page 4 of 23 - STAGING Maverick

Dolly Parton Teams With TouchTunes To Celebrate National Jukebox Day

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

TouchTunes, the largest in-venue interactive music and entertainment platform in the United States, is thrilled to announce a campaign with global superstar Dolly Parton for her new album ROCKSTAR (releasing November 17th via Butterfly Records/Big Machine Records). In celebration of National Jukebox Day on November 22, 2023, Parton will lead a month-long party. From November 1st through November 12th, any TouchTunes mobile app user who plays a song from Parton’s expansive catalog will be automatically entered to win a once-in-a-lifetime photo op with Dolly in Dallas, in advance of her headlining performance at the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game. Fans can also play songs all month long on any TouchTunes jukebox from the “Dolly Presents” playlist, featuring her latest singles and greatest hits. On November 13th, TouchTunes and Dolly will premiere ‘Inside The Session’ – an exclusive interview series sharing insights into the creation of her new album “ROCKSTAR”, and reflection on iconic moments throughout her career. Dolly will officially announce the launch of TouchTunes’ Annual Golden Jukebox Awards, as well as its first ever Lifetime Achievement recipient. At midnight (local time) on November 17th TouchTunes and Waffle House will host a nationwide listening party for ROCKSTAR at all Waffle House locations. Fans can find the location closest to them here. As National Jukebox Day and Dolly’s headline performance at the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game approach, be on the lookout for a Dolly Jukebox Takeover in select Dallas-Ft. Worth area venues the week of November 20th. “We are delighted to align with Dolly Parton for this year’s National Jukebox Day celebration all month long” said Ross Honey, President & CEO of TouchTunes. “At TouchTunes, we believe in bringing people together through the power of music, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to celebrate one of the greatest artists of our generation and her first-ever rock album, ROCKSTAR.” 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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CMA Announces Performers for 57th Awards Show

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The Country Music Association has revealed the second round of performers for “The 57th Annual CMA Awards.” Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, HARDY, Alan Jackson, Cody Johnson, Post Malone, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Morgan Wallen, The War And Treaty, and Zac Brown Band will all take the stage at this year’s star-studded CMA Awards. Hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, Country Music’s Biggest Night™ broadcasts live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday Nov. 8 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC and is available next day on Hulu. Female Vocalist and Album of the Year nominee Ballerini will perform Rolling Up The Welcome Mat’s open-hearted “Leave Me Again.” Reigning two-time Entertainer of the Year and four-time nominee this year Combs will take the stage to perform his new single “Where the Wild Things Are.” This year’s Vocal Duo of the Year nominee Dan + Shay will deliver powerful harmonies with their current hit single, “Save Me The Trouble,” while three-time nominee this year Davis will perform “Next Thing You Know.” Male Vocalist of the Year nominee Johnson will perform his touching new love-song, “The Painter.” Three-time nominee this year McBryde will perform her warm and personal single “Light On In the Kitchen,” and The War And Treaty, first-time nominee this year for Vocal Duo of the Year, will perform their impassioned single “That’s How Love Is Made.” Additional collaborations at this year’s show will include a tribute to recently passed songwriter, cultural force and CMA Award winner Jimmy Buffett, featuring good friends, 11-time CMA Award winner Chesney and 10-time CMA Award winner and longtime Coral Reefer Band member McAnally, as well as 16-time CMA Award winner Jackson and 2023 Vocal Group of the Year nominee Zac Brown Band. Four-time nominee this year HARDY, three-time nominee this year Wallen and first-time CMA Awards performer Post Malone will deliver a can’t-miss medley of Country classics, while Wallen will take the stage for a second time with a surprise guest to perform a song from his Album of the Year-nominated album. Presenters for “The 57th Annual CMA Awards” will be announced soon. Stay tuned to CMAawards.com for more details. 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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Randall King releases new album ‘Into the Neon’

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

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)”

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

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’s new single ‘Let It All Lay Bare’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

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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Mick Flannery releases new album ‘Goodtime Charlie’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Mick Flannery has recently released his eighth studio album, ‘Goodtime Charlie’. Recorded in Cork City with long-time collaborator and producer Christian Best, this collection of fourteen tracks spans various genres, from Folk ballads to alt-pop and Americana. Notably, it marks the first international artist to release on ‘Oh Boy Records,’ the beloved Nashville label founded by John Prine. Renowned for writing songs with fluency, expressing layered aspects of the human condition, its flaws, triumphs, and general uncertainty. Mick’s latest offering – ‘Goodtime Charlie’ is no exception. Writing for this album started pre-pandemic whilst touring in the USA in January 2020. ‘Give Me Up,’ written in Los Angeles with producer Tony Buchen and Australian musician, producer and songwriter Justin Stanley.’ OKLA’ (“a love letter to a dead dream”) had been written in Nashville with writer Adam Landry. Amidst lockdowns, Mick turned to virtual collaborations. His weekly online sessions with Ana Egge yielded three album tracks: “Neon Tonight” (“about a band waiting to go onstage, feeling nervous and excited”), “Machine” (“a song about an emotionally distant mechanic, who just loves driving, wondering why people lead such complicated lives”) and “Someone to Tell it To” (“a song about a journey and the gratitude of having someone traveling with you”). Another virtual collaboration emerged with rising star Tianna Esperanza (the granddaughter of Punk royalty Palmolive from The Slits), on the song “Old Friend,” this would be first of three duets on the record. The second, the folk-noir track, “The Fact.” Mick is joined by Valerie June, an American singer-songwriter whom he has previously shared the stage with on both sides of the Atlantic, most recently having Valerie as his special guest in Dublin at The National Museum of Ireland last month. The third duet is the previously released ‘Minnesota’, addressing the relationship between individuals and their state. Where Anaïs Mitchell’s voice takes the lead. Their collaboration extended to a live performance of the duet at The Cork Opera House this past weekend. Joined by Anais’ band ‘Bonny Light Horseman,’ and arranged by Bryce Dressner for the RTE Concert Orchestra. Consequently Goodtime Charlie has more collaborations and co-writes than on any previous records. “It sparks you out of your comfort zone,” Mick says, “It opens up new perspectives, you wonder ‘how would someone else do this?’ – the result is the best album of Mick’s already stellar career. Whatever the other voices add, whether on the record or in the writing, it creates a suite of songs that twist and turn surprise and engage like no others to this date. “It’s more fun too,” Mick notes, “I don’t take myself as seriously as I did when I was 20. Back then, you’re all about yourself. I’m open to more fun now, trying things, hence, Goodtime Charlie.” The song ‘Goodtime Charlie,’ the albums namesake sets the tone for a game of two halves. With ‘What They Say’, ‘Morning Rain’, the aforementioned ‘Give Me Up’ and ‘Neon Tonight’ lending to a free-spirited, 70’s feel. A nod to The Band and Van Morrison of the era. There is a nostalgia weaved through these songs that juxtapose the deep and soulful ballads that make up the other half of this epic piece of work. Today also sees the premier of the official video for the recently released single “Young.” The song has been described as ‘an instinctive, soulful study of adolescence, free will and finding the energy to pick the important fights.’ Directed by Mark Logan from Dublin’s CLTV Films, who has recently directed music documentaries for Fontaines DC as well as Dublin’s famous ‘The Busk’, of the process Logan said: “I believe we live in a time that is devoid of courage, the courage to stand up and speak out for what is right and what we believe in. I believe the youth have been deprived of such an important becoming. Instead they are lost in a sea of technology and isolation. From each other and themselves. In this film I’ve imagined the four distinct stages of one man’s life.” 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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Nick Edwards announces new single ‘Perfect Hand’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

October 6 will see the release of ‘Perfect Hand’ the hotly anticipated new single from British country music singer/songwriter Nick Edwards who recently enjoyed success with his ‘1960’ EP which was delivered to listeners this June. For those still discovering Nick Edwards, he rose to prominence in 2022 when he was dubbed ‘the first-ever’ surprise act on Britain’s Got Talent when he performed as a finalist during series 15, sparking a global reaction. His audition was all pre-planned between the show’s production team and his wife, Catherine and allowed him to rediscover his love of music. His performance of ‘Daddy’s Little Girl’ went viral and racked up over 300M views to date. Since its official release it has garnered five Number 1s, fifteen Top 10s, and global streaming success in more than 30 countries. He is now ready to make his mark once again with ‘Perfect Hand’. The new track is the next step into the ever-growing UK country scene and gives the musician the opportunity to put the spotlight on his artistry and love of the genre. This is a song that has the potential to break the international market and feels like just the start for Nick Edwards. Speaking about the track, and his journey so far, Nick Edwards said: “Since the release of my EP ‘1960’, and coming straight off the back of arguably one of the biggest talent shows in the world in 2022, I think it’s been hard for the country scene to embrace me, especially as a ‘country’ artist. When I got back into songwriting again, I really just wanted to follow my heart with the music, and as a result, my style tends to balance in and out of genres. “However, I have been pleased and overwhelmed with the support I have received so far for my music and my EP. I am a big believer that you need to believe in yourself first before you can expect anyone else to believe in you, and that’s where I’m coming from. I back myself. I have always thought that a good song is a good song, and I hope the public will enjoy this new one. I love all things folk and country. what the music stands for, the impact it can have, and generally what the scene represents, so if I can be a part of that in some way, then I’m on the right road. “What I love about this record is the prominent fiddle, which plays the lead melody throughout. We tracked the fiddle in Nashville, Tennessee, and were so pleased with how it came out. Amelia Ransom, who took her time out to be involved in the project, is an exceptional talent, and I can’t wait to record more with her. I really wanted the song to have that bluegrass sound, and whilst it’s a prominent feature in the track, you will also hear that pop sound coming through. I dont want to get ahead myself, but I’m working on some really honest stuff with my latest writing, and I promise something special just before Christmas. “I can’t forget one thing, though. I have good people around me and a good team. I can’t ask for more, really.” 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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Review: JakLash Cat – Shooting Star

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

‘Shooting Star’ is the second album from Chester based country and Americana trio JakLash Cat and it’s a strong follow-up to their debut album ‘Promises and Vows’. The first thing that strikes me is the tight knit playing on the record and the second thing is the well written songs that make up the 12-track record. The vocals are very grounded, casual sounding in a way almost conversational. A standout track for me is ‘When I Look At You’ which is melancholy and laid back. The ballad ‘Each and Every Year’ with its finger-picking guitar is another gem as it tugs on the heart strings, the production is purposefully sparse leaving space for the message of the song to land with the listener. I want to hear more of this type of song from the band, it really suits the vocal style for starters and really made me connect with them more than the previous songs, it reeled me in and showed me their strengths. Overall, I’m really looking forward to hearing more from the band.

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Review: Edie Carey – The Veil

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rochelle Mills

The first thing that strikes me about Edie Carey’s eighth studio album is the lovely tone of Carey’s voice which has never sounded better. The opening track is hauntingly beautiful, boasting a high end production and lyrics that captivate. ‘I’ve been traveling all this time like I had a force field around me/Then for a moment we were flying and the floor became the ceiling’. Another highlight is the song ‘Rise’ which sees Carey team up with Rose Cousins. It has a really good arrangement and a kick to it in the chorus, it also shows Carey’s powerful side to her vocals. The album ends with ‘You’re Free’, a stripped back, acoustic number and though it is filled with sadness, it seeks to find solace in moving on. It is a soothing end to a brilliant record. Life and all it’s trials and tribulations permeate from this album but in the most beautiful and delicate way.

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Review: Dean M Collins – Land Where The Wishes Come True

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rochelle Mills

The record has an explosive start with as it opens with the title track. The Hammond B3 Organ and Steel Guitar really give that big production some country flair. It’s an upbeat start to Collins’ brilliant 5th studio album which features some of the finest country musicians on the planet, who together have amassed 60 Grammy awards. The former Navy Pilot’s voice is soft and smooth, easy to listen to, though it lacks power, he plays to his strengths with these song choices. The theme of the record is life; love, opportunity, family bonds. A highlight of the record is “It Could Have Been Me” which reflects upon a past love, it has a sadness to it that he captures well in the delivery. His birthplace of Bardstown, Kentucky, where his family once sold their distillery to James and Joseph Beam, is the setting for a lot of these songs as he draws from life’s experiences. To summarise, it’s a great country record, from the heart, with a solid production.

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