July 2024

notheenoessband

Beyond Nashville: No Thee No Ess

Psychedelia and country aren’t often the best bedfellows, but Cardiff band No Thee No Ess have managed to create an album that highlights the best of both worlds. The band are leaders, not followers, pushing the genre of country to exciting and intriguing new places.     Perhaps intriguing is the best way to describe ‘Distant Country’. It feels like an invitation in; laid-back, easy to listen to but also sonically interesting. It’s an album every country music fan should listen to – and every musician should aspire to.     Described by Andy Fung, one half of the band’s core duo, ‘Distant Country’ is portrayed as a “journey on a wagon, a waltz through the country genre.” This album stands out with a truly singular set of sounds, featuring an array of guest musicians who join the band around the metaphorical campfire. Among these talents are Gareth Bonello (The Gentle Good) on banjo, Kate Ronconi (Lost Tuesday Society) on violin, and Rhodri Ratatosk on pedal steel, contributing to the album’s unique and immersive atmosphere.     No Thee No Ess represents a long-standing collaboration between visual artists and musicians Paul Battenbough and Andy Fung. Both have a distinguished history in the music scene, with previous projects including Derrero, Cymbient, and The Cosmic Array, showcasing their diverse artistic capabilities. Their partnership has culminated in ‘Distant Country,’ produced and collaboratively crafted with Frank Naughton.     Following their 2022 psychedelic release, ‘Dimmer Switch,’ ‘Distant Country’ marks a shift towards a more laid-back and dreamy feel, infused with country influences. The album retains the band’s signature aesthetic while introducing more traditional song structures and acoustic instruments, offering a fresh yet familiar sound for their listeners.     The album was engineered and produced by Frank Naughton and No Thee No Ess at Ty Drwg studio in Cardiff. The inclusion of exceptional guest musicians such as Frank Naughton on bass and piano, Rhodri Viney on pedal steel, Gareth Bonello on banjo, Kate Ronconi on violin, and Sarah Passmore on vocals elevates the album, reflecting the band’s enduring love for alternative country music.     Tracks like ‘All Angelic’ stand out as stoner country hits, and there’s an element of poetry to each song, a philosophy through music. It’s a body of work that could seem out of time, but thanks to the impeccable production – that easily balances light touches with skilled instrumentation – and sound design, it is unmistakably current. It’s probably No Thee No Ess’s greatest work so far, which isn’t to say their previous work was lacking. With blended-out guitar riffs that slip into tracks like ‘Don’t Try Too Hard,’ it maintains interest throughout.     Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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zachbryan

Zach Bryan: Modern Americana icon

Zach Bryan is just 28 years old, but he has a story to tell. Bryan joined the US Navy at 17, finishing his service in 2021. By that time, he had performed at the Grand Ole Opry and released his first album—a tribute to his late mother—DeAnn. Recorded in two months in a Florida Airbnb, it was this set of recordings that would start a career seemingly set out in the stars.     Roots      Born and raised in Oologah, Oklahoma, Zach Bryan’s upbringing was steeped in the traditions of the heartland. Oologah, a small town with a population of just over a thousand, is known for its close-knit community and rural charm. It is a place where life moves at a slower, more deliberate pace and the values of family and community are paramount. Bryan’s upbringing in such an environment played a significant role in shaping his narrative-driven songwriting. His family’s deep appreciation for storytelling and music was a cornerstone of his childhood.     Bryan was surrounded by music from an early age. His father and grandfather were particularly influential, introducing him to a wide array of musical genres, from classic country and folk to rock and blues. These early influences can be heard in the eclectic soundscapes that characterise Bryan’s music today. The family gatherings often revolved around music, fostering a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling through song. This environment instilled in Bryan a profound love for the craft of songwriting.     The Spark of Songwriting     Despite this early connection to music, it wasn’t until his teenage years that Bryan began to seriously pursue songwriting. Armed with a guitar and a notebook, he started crafting songs that reflected his experiences and emotions. His songs were raw and unpolished, but they carried a sincerity that was hard to ignore. This authenticity would become a defining feature of his music in the years to come.     After high school, Bryan made the decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. This choice was driven by a desire to serve his country and honour a family tradition of military service, one that had seen his own birth in Japan, where his family were based at the time. The Navy provided structure and stability, but it also meant that Bryan had to balance his duties with his burgeoning passion for music. It was during his time in the Navy that he began to seriously consider a future in music. While stationed in various locations, Bryan found solace in songwriting. The transient nature of military life, with its constant relocations and deployments, provided ample material for his songs. He began recording his music in makeshift settings, often using a simple iPhone to capture the essence of his sound. This DIY approach underscored the authenticity that would come to define his music. Despite the less-than-ideal recording conditions, Bryan’s songs resonated with a raw, unfiltered quality that set them apart from the polished productions of mainstream music.     Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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The War and Treaty: Music for resilience and hope

Anyone who is fortunate enough to get the opportunity to see The War and Treaty should take them up on their offer. The husband and wife duo, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, put on a show quite unlike anything else in country music. It’s not just their love-in, fun banter and crowd work, but the pair’s vocals that are truly breathtaking.   Watching from the right hand side at Highways festival, there is a beautiful serenity to the room when they open their mouths to sing, the crowd might have been raucous up until this point, but every audience member leans forward and listens attentively as the Trotters take us on their journey.  That journey is one that spans sympathy, good times and bad, honesty, love and the cornucopia of human emotion. With The War and Treaty as guide, the path feels safe and illuminated by the glow of their transcendent story telling. If you think that’s an over-exaggeration, then you haven’t seen them perform.      The strength within  The War and Treaty can be hard to pin down. Their musical style spans country, gospel, folk and soul – a whole lot of soul. The pair is underpinned by their resilience and strength. Michael is a veteran of the Iraq War who actually learned how to play piano while encamped in one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces. It’s a priority for The War and Treaty to keep contributing to the long history of musicians supporting the military. Michael wrote his first song in honour of the man who encouraged him to play around on the piano in Saddam Hussein’s basement; Captain Robert Scheetz. Scheetz was killed whilst out on a mission in Iraq and Michael played the song he wrote for him at his memorial service. This strength, the strength of a soldier who has experienced and witnessed unimaginable things, is what characterises Michael. Tanya has a strength of her own, one that builds Michael up too.   When they met, Michael was already a veteran. After returning from Iraq, Michael was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – a struggle that he still navigates with the support of Tanya – and suffered from homelessness. A trial that faces many veterans. Now, Michael and Tanya work to support veterans, doing USO tours and speaking with the people who Michael considers family.   The War and Treaty are not just performers; they are also dedicated to making a positive impact beyond the stage. Their charity work and community involvement demonstrate their commitment to using their platform for good. They have been involved in various charitable activities, from their support of veterans and their families to promoting mental health awareness. “We’ve got to do a better job understanding that mental health isn’t a fad,” Michael has said, “My message to our country is to do better for them.” Often cited is their ‘soul food music’, or music for the soul. It’s frequently the case; after trauma people turn to creativity to relieve their mental burden. As Michael and Tanya step onto larger and more grandiose stages, they bring this special ability to unite people through kindness, pouring their souls into each healing performance.     Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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twsitersfilm

Review: Various Artists – TWISTERS The Album

Ok, now this is a big hitter. Featuring tracks from Luke Combs, Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson, this album is an essential for any country music fan. The inclusion of newer artists like Conner Smith and Tanner Adell adds something even more special (their tracks are among the best on the 29-track album). As far as film soundtracks are concerned, we’d be surprised if this wasn’t nominated for nearly every award when the season comes around. The best of the best of country music is on this album, even if you’re not a country fan, you’ll adore this album. From the heavier, rockier moments like Combs’ opening track to Leon Bridges more R&B/pop-friendly track, there’s everything you could ever want here. We can’t speak highly enough – and we haven’t even seen the film yet!    Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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blackdeerfest

Event review: Black Deer Festival 2024

The Black Deer Festival 2024 delivered an intimate and family-friendly experience, despite a few unexpected challenges. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, the festival maintained its charm with a blend of music, crafts, and food, but the unpredictable weather added an element of surprise.  Small but mighty  The festival’s small size contributed to its cozy, communal feel, which many attendees appreciated. However, the windy conditions posed significant challenges – of course, that’s no fault of the organisers. One of the notable incidents involved a hat stand being blown over. Another mishap occurred during a grilling demonstration by a master griller, where the grill was toppled by the wind, resulting in steaks being dropped into the charcoal and almost setting the stage on fire. These incidents, though chaotic, added a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the event. Drama is oftentimes a fun aside to the main event, something that people can’t control but create the kind of memories that last – who would forget a near stage fire?!  Unlike larger festivals where crowds can feel overwhelming, Black Deer’s compact layout encouraged interaction and camaraderie among attendees. This intimate setting allowed festival-goers to forge connections not only with fellow music enthusiasts but also with the artisans and vendors showcasing their wares. The accessibility of performers and the opportunity for spontaneous encounters added a personal touch, enhancing the overall experience beyond mere entertainment.  Throughout the festival grounds, the sense of community was palpable. From impromptu jam sessions in secluded corners to shared moments of awe during standout performances, each interaction contributed to a collective tapestry of memories. Families with children, seasoned festival veterans, and first-time visitors alike found themselves drawn into the festival’s warm embrace, where every smile exchanged and story shared became threads in the fabric of Black Deer’s legacy.  Craft and lifestyle offerings  The lifestyle tents, although limited in number, were a highlight. Attendees were treated to an array of unique items, from guitars made out of cigar boxes to beautiful hats and stunning jewellery. The quality of the crafts on display was impressive, with vendors being kind and open to conversation. The crafts added to the feeling of community, supporting small and medium business and gives even more kudos the family festival experience.     Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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CMAT

Beyond Nashville: CMAT

Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, better known as CMAT, is causing a stir in the UK. It’s near impossible to get tickets to her live performances before they’re sold out, news stories about her confident style choices and outspoken nature abound and she was nominated (alongside the likes of Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Olivia Rodrigo) for International Artist of the Year at the 2024 Brit Awards. But she’s not a pop artist, she’s a country star.      CMAT’s second album, ‘Crazymad, For Me’ was released in 2023. It went number one in her native Ireland and broke the top 25 in the UK charts. Before she broke through on her own, she was in a band; “The reason that band dissolved was because I was writing lyrics and making songs that were specific to me and my experiences, and were honest,” she said in 2022. “The feedback that I was getting was, like, ‘We can’t release joke music. Like, this isn’t a comedy act.’ And I was, like, ‘I’m not doing comedy music. I’m writing the way I talk to people.’ The way I communicate is exactly the way in speech and amongst friends as it is in music.” It’s an evident truth, CMAT’s writing sways between sarcastic, astute observation and, above all, honest.     It was in 2018 that CMAT went to London for a songwriting workshop by pop superstar Charli XCX. It changed everything for her. She moved from Manchester back to her native Dublin and soon she was penning her first album, 2022’s ‘If My Wife New I’d Be Dead’. It was lauded as a huge success, with critics noting that the album provided thought-provoking insights into loneliness, speckled with her trademark humour.      The single ‘I Wanna Be A Cowboy, Baby!’ is an indication of CMAT’s inspirations. She’s a country music fan who writes country music, even if she’s far from its original land. ‘If My Wife New I’d Be Dead’ includes traditionally country instrumentation, featuring steel guitar, banjo and strings. It’s not every day that a country musician from Ireland reaches success, but with her patented blend of upbeat pop and country, CMAT is the crossover star that the country has been waiting for. Tracks like ‘Nashville’ seek to question her own place in country music, CMAT writes that she is ‘gonna tell everybody I know that I’m moving to Nashville’, just for the leaving party. It’s a song that takes on the traditional country ballad, the strings swell and an acoustic guitar comes in, ready to tell the story of leaving that emulates John Denver’s ‘Leaving On A Jet Plane’, whilst maintaining her Irishness with the phrase ‘Who would want my ends’ (for those who are unaware, that’s the bits you leave behind’.     Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com  

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Charley Crockett to release second album of 2024 on 22nd July

Less than three months after the release of his acclaimed album ‘$10 Cowboy’, Charley Crockett is set to release his second album of 2024 this coming Monday, 22nd July. Titled ‘$10 Cowboy Chapter II: Visions of Dallas’, this new release serves as a companion piece to ‘$10 Cowboy’, featuring ten new tracks along with two fan favourites, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and ‘How Low Can You Go,’ which have never been included in a full-length album. Additionally, Crockett’s rendition of ‘(Ghost) Riders in the Sky’ will appear on the Twisters soundtrack, out tomorrow via Atlantic Records. “We recorded the songs during the same sessions as $10 Cowboy down at Arlyn Studios in Austin,” Crockett explained. “Could have released a double record. But then Taylor Grace wrote ‘Visions of Dallas’ in a hotel room overlooking that city. She thought about my relationship to Dallas and the great state of Texas in general, and suggested we do a second album where all the songs tie back to Dallas and Texas. The result is ‘Visions of Dallas’.” Crockett continued, “For a truly independent artist like myself, there are no rules anymore. Why release ‘Visions of Dallas’ now? To indulge myself in artistic freedom. The days of 18-to-24-month release cycles have gone the way of the dinosaur. I’ll have my 14th studio album out next week, and every single one has been released how and when I wanted them to. I see no reason to change now.” ‘$10 Cowboy’ has garnered critical acclaim, debuting at #1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart upon its release in April. Rolling Stone has dubbed Crockett “a must-see live performer.” His recent performance of ‘Solitary Road’ on BBC’s Later…With Jools Holland was met with praise, as were three sold-out shows at London’s Hoxton Hall earlier this year. Crockett will now headline some of the largest venues of his career on ‘The $10 Cowboy Tour’, including Red Rocks, the Greek Theatre in L.A., the Salt Shed in Chicago, the new Brooklyn Paramount, and two nights at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.   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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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johncartercash

Blast From The Past: John Carter Cash unearths Johnny Cash’s lost gems

In the dense, tranquil woods of Oregon, John Carter Cash, son of the legendary Johnny Cash, reflects on his father’s unreleased recordings. As a seasoned producer, John has navigated the musical legacies of both his parents, earning Grammy acclaim for his work on his mother’s (June Carter Cash, in case you have been living under a rock) albums. Now, he faces a uniquely emotional and professional challenge: producing an album from Johnny Cash’s previously unheard songs.     “Producing Dad’s vocals was a straightforward task,” John reveals candidly. “He’s one of the best singers there is, in my opinion—one in ten million. When you’re dealing with that level of talent, you learn not to touch it much. His presentation was usually flawless, and the approach we took was minimalistic. We often asked ourselves, ‘What would Johnny Cash do?’ and kept things simple.”     The new album, aptly titled ‘Songwriter’, features Johnny Cash’s original compositions from 1993, capturing a pivotal period in his life. “It was a time when Dad was in recovery, turning his life around,” John reminisces. “’Hello Out There’ knocks me down every time I hear it, especially during the bridge. My daughter Grace stars in the music video, which is in black and white and the very end shows her blue eyes. It’s beautiful and a testament to Dad’s brilliance as a songwriter.”     The Art of Connection  One of the most striking aspects of Johnny Cash’s music is his ability to take vast, complex subjects and make them deeply personal. Tracks like ‘Drive On’ and ‘Hello Out There’, which address contemporary issues like the Vietnam War and the Voyager spacecraft.  “My father had a unique way of empathizing with others,” John explains. “He read stories of Vietnam veterans to understand their pain, both physical and emotional. In ‘Drive On,’ he put himself in the shoes of a truck driver dealing with PTSD. It’s that honesty and care that make his stories so compelling. He genuinely cared and loved deeply, creating an emphatic connection through his music.”     For ‘Drive On’ in particular, Johnny Cash drew from a period of intense personal pain. “My father had a broken jaw that he was dealing with in the early 1990s,” John recounts. “The bone in the jaw had been compromised through years of different dental surgeries, and it was accidentally broken during a procedure. He got home and as the numbness wore off, he realised his jaw was broken. It was wired shut and he was in constant pain every minute of his existence. To cope, a friend suggested that he read stories of people whose pain was greater than his own, both physically and emotionally. These stories, particularly those of Vietnam veterans, profoundly impacted him.”      Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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bobdylantour

Bob Dylan announces 2024 UK tour with three nights at the Royal Albert Hall

Legendary musician Bob Dylan has announced his Rough and Rowdy Ways 2024 UK tour. The tour continues an extensive run of shows that began in December 2021 in Milwaukee, spanning the US, UK, Europe, and Japan. Dylan, one of the most celebrated songwriters of our time, will perform at ten venues across the UK. The tour kicks off on 1st November with a performance at Bournemouth’s Windsor Hall and concludes with three nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall. These concerts promise to be historically resonant events, given Dylan’s storied history with the iconic venue. Fans can look forward to a unique concert experience as the shows are in partnership with Yondr, a company that prohibits the use of video cameras and mobile phones during the performances. This collaboration aims to create an intimate and distraction-free environment. In addition to London and Bournemouth, Dylan will return to Edinburgh for the first time since 2009, and will also perform in Nottingham and Liverpool. The tour includes a visit to Wolverhampton’s newly refurbished Civic Hall, a venue known for hosting legendary artists such as Bob Marley, The Who, and David Bowie. Bob Dylan’s performance schedule for these shows will begin at 7.30pm, except for the Royal Albert Hall dates, where he will take the stage at 8.00pm. Tour Dates: Fri 1st Nov: BIC Windsor Hall, Bournemouth Sun 3rd Nov: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool Tues 5th Nov: Usher Hall, Edinburgh Weds 6th Nov: Usher Hall, Edinburgh Fri 8th Nov: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham Sat 9th Nov: The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Sun 10th Nov: The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Tues 12th Nov: Royal Albert Hall, London Weds 13th Nov: Royal Albert Hall, London Thurs 14th Nov: Royal Albert Hall, London   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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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connersmithsessions

Conner Smith announces release of ‘Smoky Mountain Sessions’

Rising singer/songwriter Conner Smith has unveiled plans to release his new four-song collection, ‘Smoky Mountain Sessions’, on 2nd August. Smith has had a remarkable year, marked by the release of his debut album, a multi-week UK chart-topper, his first ACM Awards nomination, and numerous headline tours. Now, he continues his upward trajectory with this latest project, produced by Dwight A. Baker at Echo Mountain Studio in Asheville, North Carolina. Recorded with his touring band over four days, the collection includes his current single “Roulette On The Heart” featuring Hailey Whitters, alongside two solo-penned tracks. “‘Smoky Mountains Sessions’ came from a desire to get back to the core of songwriting,” says Smith. “With these new songs, two of which I wrote by myself, I wanted to create them in a way that felt very raw and honest. Working with Dwight Baker for the first time, we took my band up to Echo Mountains in Asheville and brought these songs to life over the course of four days. This collection is just the beginning of more new music on the way I can’t wait to share!” The track list for ‘Smoky Mountain Sessions’ includes: ‘A Thousand Miles Away’ – Written by Conner Smith ‘Song For Tennessee’ – Written by Conner Smith ‘Boys In The Picture’ – Written by Conner Smith, Rodney Clawson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt Jenkins ‘Roulette On The Heart (featuring Hailey Whitters) (Smoky Mountains Sessions)’ – Written by Conner Smith, Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill, Mark Trussell Additionally, Smith recently released the original song ‘Steal My Thunder’ featuring Tucker Wetmore, crafted for the soundtrack of the blockbuster ‘Twisters’. The energetic track, co-written with Matt Jenkins, Ben Johnson, and Blake Pendergrass, is part of ‘Twisters: The Album’, accompanying the movie set to hit theatres on 17th July in the UK and 19th July in the US. “Having the opportunity to be a part of the Twisters movie and album is a very cool honour,” said Smith. “With such a high calibre group of artists featured on the project and an already iconic movie, being asked to write a song for it was creatively inspiring. Adding Tucker Wetmore to the song took it to a new level and I’m glad he was able to join us in bringing ‘Steal My Thunder’ to 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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com  

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