September 2024 - Page 3 of 3 - STAGING Maverick

Spotlight: Everette

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Your latest single ‘Keys to Kentucky’ has been a hit among fans. Can you share the story behind this song and what inspired its creation?  We wrote this with our very good friend, Jon Decious. Jon is a great dude…eccentric redneck. It was actually our first time writing together, and we had spent half a day not getting anywhere…it’s like that sometimes. Then, Jon mentioned that he had some “half songs” that he’d been sitting on. He started singing a few lines, and Brent and I were both electrified. We dove right in, and the song just kinda fell out after that. Keys to Kentucky was one of the songs that made us wanna record a record like this…more stripped back and organic.  ‘Dang the Whiskey’ seems to resonate with a lot of your listeners. How do you approach blending personal experiences with universal themes in your songwriting?  Most of the time, we probably lean towards the old idea of “not letting the truth get in the way of a good story”. But sometimes the truth….what actually happened…is exactly what needs to be said. Every song is different. Some days, we might be feeling like we need to write something more zoomed out and universal, and some days we’re feeling more autobiographical. We mostly tend to gravitate to whatever feels exciting or inspiring in the writing process. We also like to think about what’s going to feel awesome on stage, and sometimes the little extra spice of fiction might be what’s closer to how we feel than what actually happened in real life.    The visual aesthetics of your ‘Man Of Constant Sorrow’ video are quite striking. What was the creative process behind this visualizer?  Brent: When I was a kid I used to cue some music, stand at the closed garage door with a basketball cradled in my right arm and pretend that my team was getting introduced to an imaginary crowd of adoring fans. The garage door would dramatically move up slowly revealing me and my “team.” When the door was all the way up, I would take off towards the basketball goal doing lay ups. Weird kid. I know That’s how the Man of Constant Sorrow video starts. Other than that, I think we were trying to just look like a garage band jamming for whoever will listen. Deep down, that’s still who we are.   What can fans expect in terms of musical direction and themes from the EP? Are there any new influences that have shaped this project?  In this record, you’ll hear the rawest version of Everette. We didn’t talk too much about wanting it to sound a certain way. Some of the songs we’d been playing live for a while, so they’d already been lived in a while and figured out.  Either way, we’re probably leaning more in the direction of artists like Don Williams, Brent Cobb, Shovels & Rope. 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

Spotlight: Everette Read More »

Review: Eric Devries – Traveler’s Heart

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The Dutchman is back! With his blend of folk and bluegrass, Devries has always danced to his own tune. Kicking off the album is ‘Shadow Of A Man’, it’s a gentler prodding of the subject matter than an all-out critique of himself. That is, as ever with Devries, the music is still upbeat and dance-able, even when the topic is more morose. It’s a theme that continues throughout the work, Devries uses similar instrumentation, the banjo, ukulele, fiddle and acoustic guitar for every track. Overall, it gives the impression that Devries sounds exactly the same live as he does recorded. All through the record, Devries is audibly influenced by Bob Dylan’s earlier (and perhaps better) work. Standout tracks include the special ‘Angels In The Snow’ and the blues-rock ‘The Ballad Of Johnny and Ginny’. 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

Review: Eric Devries – Traveler’s Heart Read More »

Review: Connor Daly – Colors Fade

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

This was an unexpected album. Daly absolutely shines on this record, the lyricism and high-tension delivery of the opener ‘Ain’t Got A Cape’ is the perfect sad country track. Clearly taking some inspiration from his Americana peers, Daly rests on his talent, it creates space between his vocal line and acoustic guitar throughout the album. His tone is truly remarkable, soft but clear. There is also the exact right amount of both instrumentation and production on this record, Daly has a beautiful voice and it’s right that it gets the spotlight it does. Tracks like ‘Roots’ and ‘One Fake Tear’ highlight just how good a songwriter Daly is too. Much more on the acoustic and Americana side than a country album, for us, this is exquisite. 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

Review: Connor Daly – Colors Fade Read More »

Review: Jenny James – Cats Over Men

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Mix some Sheryl Crow and Shania Twain together and you get this track. Unabashedly tongue-in-cheek, ‘Cats Over Men’ isn’t just funny, it’s aimed as a political takedown. By the time the pre-chorus comes, the downstrokes of guitar build the track to its titular line: ‘Sorry, but it’s cats over men’. Witty rhymes like ‘my calico says you’ve got to go’ only add to the cat-themed enjoyment of this track. The track could have rested in the territory of lyrically amusing songs, but the instrumentation provides admirable and accomplished backing. The electric guitar lines could be ripped from a 90s Shania Twain track and James’ singing style has just the right dose of country and rock. A must-listen track if you’re a cat lady. 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

Review: Jenny James – Cats Over Men Read More »

Spotlight: Rosa Linn

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Rosa, your track ‘Universe’ has resonated with so many people worldwide. What inspired you to create a Hindi rendition, and how do you feel it adds to the song’s universal appeal? Doing multiple versions in different languages is my way of saying thank you to my fans around the World. Each language has its tone and colours, which gives new life to the song. Recording in a new language can be quite a challenge. Can you tell us more about the process of learning and perfecting the Hindi pronunciation for ‘Universe (Mil Jaana Tu)’? Did any specific Armenian phonetics help you along the way? Of course, speaking three languages helps me learn the pronunciation faster. For me, it’s a challenge but I like foreign languages and cultures, so I had so much fun singing in Hindi for the first time. Denny helped me a lot in the process, we were sending each other voice notes back and forth until I got the Hindi parts right. Your collaboration with Denny on this Hindi version is truly exciting. What was it like working with him, and how did his contributions shape the final version of the song? I loved that he added some traditional elements to the production. He’s very talented and a good person in general. It was very easy to collaborate with him. ‘Universe’ has seen versions in Italian, French, and now Hindi, with more to come. How do you decide which languages to release your songs in, and what factors influence these choices? For me, it’s the way the language sounds with melodies. It has to match the song well, I think the languages we chose really fit in with the song! The production of ‘Universe’ involved Grammy Award winner Cirkut. How did his experience and expertise influence the sound and feel of the song? Cirkut is great! I loved working with him. He made the song sound huge! The production matches the concept of the song perfectly. Super thankful for what he’s done for the song. 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

Spotlight: Rosa Linn Read More »

Raising Awareness for Alopecia: Confidence and resilience in the spotlight

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

As Alopecia Awareness Month unfolds, Maverick Magazine’s Bea Sumner opens up about her journey with the condition, while country star Molly Tuttle serves as an inspiring figure of confidence and resilience. September is Alopecia Awareness Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness and understanding of alopecia, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. This month not only aims to educate the public but also to support those living with alopecia, encouraging them to embrace their unique journeys. Among those using their voices to highlight the importance of awareness is Bea Sumner, Sales Manager of Maverick Magazine, who lives with the condition herself. Bea Sumner has been an integral part of Maverick Magazine, a leading voice in the country music scene. Despite the challenges that alopecia presents, Sumner has been open about her experiences and is determined to use her platform to support others facing similar struggles. “Alopecia is a hard condition to live with, but it doesn’t have to define you,” she shares. “I was even shocked myself at how much losing my hair affected my self perception, but there is so much strength in embracing who you are, and that’s something I want to help others see.” Sumner finds inspiration in figures like Molly Tuttle, the award-winning musician whose talent and confidence have made waves in the country and bluegrass music scenes. Tuttle, who was diagnosed with alopecia at a young age, has become a symbol of strength and self-acceptance. Known for her masterful guitar playing and soulful songwriting, Tuttle has never shied away from speaking about her condition, choosing instead to embrace her unique appearance. With standout tracks like ‘Take the Journey’ and the Grammy-winning album ‘Crooked Tree’, Tuttle’s success is a testament to the power of authenticity. “Molly Tuttle’s confidence and refusal to let alopecia define her, while still accepting it as a part of who she is are incredibly inspiring,” Sumner remarks. “Seeing someone so talented and successful embracing who they are gives hope to so many people who I know from my own experience can often feel somehow ‘less of a person’ because they’re marked as different by a physical condition.” As a part of this year’s Alopecia Awareness Month, Sumner is actively involved in spreading the word through Maverick Magazine’s platforms, sharing her story and encouraging others to do the same. By highlighting personal experiences, Maverick aims to foster a supportive community where those affected by alopecia can find solace and strength. “Although my own condition seems to (hopefully) be temporary, my experience with alopecia has taught me a lot about resilience,” Sumner reflects. “I’m learning to celebrate my individuality and to find confidence in the things that make me different. That’s a message I hope we can share far and wide, not just this month, but always.” Maverick Magazine’s commitment to raising awareness extends beyond just stories—it’s about creating a dialogue that encourages empathy and understanding. By showcasing individuals like Sumner and Tuttle, who have found confidence in their own skin, Maverick hopes to inspire others to embrace their unique paths. Alopecia Awareness Month is an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of self-acceptance and the power of community. Through stories of resilience, like those of Bea Sumner and Molly Tuttle, the message is clear: alopecia is just one part of the journey, not the whole story. And every journey is worth celebrating. 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

Raising Awareness for Alopecia: Confidence and resilience in the spotlight Read More »

Spotlight: Wyn Starks

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Wyn, seeing ‘Who I Am’ featured in Celine Dion’s documentary ‘I Am: Celine Dion’ must be an incredible experience. How did you first hear about your song being included, and what was your initial reaction? I found out about ‘Who I Am ‘ being included in the documentary through my label. When they told me, I was like, ‘No way, for real? ‘ I was on cloud nine. Celine Dion’s team reached out and told me that my song inspires her and helps her find strength. I was just floored. Here is somebody who has inspired me so much as an artist and vocalist, and to know that my music is in any way helping her along her healing journey—I don’t even have the words. It’s like a dream come true and a validation of all the hard work and passion that went into creating it. It’s an incredibly surreal feeling. Celine Dion is such a legendary figure in the music industry. Can you share a moment from the documentary where you felt a deep connection between her life story and the message of ‘Who I Am’? I love the part in the documentary where they show Celine stepping on stage as a young girl at the beginning and then again at the end. It really hit me because it all started with that young girl who had a dream, and now look at what she’s been able to accomplish and overcome. That’s what ‘Who I Am ‘ is all about—finding that strength inside of you and staying true to yourself no matter what you face. It reminded me of the kid inside of me who had a dream too, and now I’m starting to live it. The documentary showcases Celine Dion’s resilience. In what ways do you see parallels between her journey and your own, especially given the obstacles you’ve overcome in your career? Seeing Celine’s resilience and strength, finding out what she’s made of, really hit home for me. Over these past few years, I’ve learned a lot about my own resilience. I’ve faced a lot of loss, including losing my twin brother in 2020, but music has always helped me keep my head above water. Watching her soar on that stage reminded me of how far I’ve come as an artist and how far I still want to go. Her journey and her strength inspire me to keep pushing forward and stay true to my path. 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

Spotlight: Wyn Starks Read More »

A Tale Of Two set to release debut album ‘Renegade’ following AmericanaFest showcase

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The Americana duo, A Tale Of Two, comprised of award-winning vocalist Stephanie Adlington and guitar virtuoso Aaron Lessard, is gearing up for the release of their debut album, ‘Renegade,’ on 4th October 2024. Known for their captivating blend of Americana, country, and blues, the pair has drawn comparisons to artists like Tom Waits, The Lone Bellow, and Ray LaMontagne, while paying homage to the timeless sounds of Patsy Cline and Hank Williams Sr. Critics have praised the duo’s distinctive sound, with Americana Highways noting, “The whine and grit in this duo’s vocals are gripping and noticeably timeless.” Americana-UK added, “It is inspiring to hear a Nashville band with old-time songs and genuine talent.” Produced by Jon Estes (known for his work with John Paul White and Mary Bragg) at Jon Estes’ Studios, ‘Renegade’ features an impressive lineup of Nashville’s top musicians, including Billy Contreras and Elizabeth Estes on fiddle, Jamie Dick and Ross McReynolds on percussion, and Jon Estes himself on bass and various other instruments. All songs on the album were written by Adlington and Lessard, except for a rendition of Tom Waits’ ‘Gun Street Girl.’ The album’s first single and title track, ‘Renegade,’ is already available, delivering a powerful sound with pounding drums that mimic the rush of a train hurtling down the tracks. The song captures the rugged spirit of Appalachian landscapes, reflecting a shift in how music can transcend boundaries. Beyond the title track, ‘Renegade’ showcases the duo’s musical versatility. ‘The Devil Did The Deed’ channels the spirit of Johnny Cash’s ‘God’s Gonna Cut You Down’ with its bluesy swagger, telling the tale of two lovers’ doomed journey. A softer side of A Tale Of Two shines through in ‘By The Light Of The Moon,’ a hauntingly romantic track about a love that transcends life and death. Adlington explains, “It’s a romantic and poignant song about a love that transcends life and death. The narrator reflects on moments with their beloved, who is now a ghost. They remember dancing under the stars and feeling deeply connected.” Over the past four years, A Tale Of Two has made waves across the Americana scene, capturing the attention of audiences at notable events such as the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas and the iconic Bluebird Café in Nashville. Their inclusion as official showcase artists for AmericanaFest 2024, SERFA 2024, and Folk Alliance International 2022 further solidifies their rising status in the folk and Americana genres. With ‘Renegade,’ A Tale Of Two is poised to make a significant mark, blending old-time storytelling with a fresh, contemporary sound that is as timeless as it is new. 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

A Tale Of Two set to release debut album ‘Renegade’ following AmericanaFest showcase Read More »