2024

Ashley Cooke

Ashley Cooke unveils the ‘your place’ music video

Ashley Cooke makes a statement with the official music video for her single ‘your place,’. Directed by ACM and CMA award-winner Justin Clough, the video captures the essence of the songs raw emotions, showcasing Cooke’s autobiographical journey of moving forward and reclaiming her independence after a toxic breakup. As her intrusive ex persistently crosses boundaries that no longer concern him, Cooke draws a firm line.   “When I walked onto the set to shoot the video for ‘your place,’ I had no idea what to expect,” shares Cooke. “The way Justin [Clough] used an elevator to bring such a tangible plotline to the metaphor of the song is so creative, and I’m so excited for fans to see it.”   The feel-good anthem, co-written by Cooke, Jordan Minton and Mark Trussell has been heard all over country radio. After first appearing on her July 2023 debut album ‘shot in the dark’, ‘your place’ has climbed to the top of the charts on SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 30 Countdown and has more than a million streams.   Heading into 2024, the rising star continues to share her critically acclaimed debut album with fans across the globe. Cooke kicked off the year at Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa in Mexico before she heads overseas on Jordan Davis’ Damn Good Time Tour across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Europe.     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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finn collinson

Folk musician Finn Collinson heads out on UK tour

Contemporary folk musician Finn Collinson will be heading out on a nine-date English venue tour starting in February. Together with his talented band, Finn will introduce new material, along with favourites from critically-acclaimed studio albums ‘The Threshold’ (2022) and ‘Call To Mind’ (2019). Although fundamentally folk in approach, Finn often draws on elements of historical music to sculpt his distinctive sound. Traditional folk tunes meet melodies from 17th and 18th century composers from the ‘classical’ realm, shaken up in striking new arrangements and brought up to date with Finn’s own compositions and trademark recorder style. It’s far from the recorder you were forced to play in school, though, Collinson’s tone creates a soundscape that is far beyond ‘hot cross buns’. Joined by two of English folk’s most in-demand musicians, Evan Carson (bodhran, percussion) and Archie Churchill-Moss (accordion, guitar), Finn and his band produce a pioneering sound, with a respectful eye on the past, but a firm grounding in the present. Finn’s music transcends expectations of both folk and early music, creating a captivating and wonderfully varied live show. Finn is honoured to be part of a growing generation of creative young players on the English folk scene and is humbly considered one of the genre’s foremost innovators on his chosen instrument of the recorder. Formerly shortlisted for the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, Finn also performs with the busy ceilidh band Stroma and is in high demand as a session musician, composer and workshop leader. Finn reflects on the upcoming tour: “These will be my only venue shows with the band in 2024, so I really hope we’ll have some full houses to make it a very special tour. It’s a privilege to be able to share this music, and I’m so excited to be hitting the road again with my dear pals Evan and Archie. I can’t wait!”   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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CMT next women of country 2024

CMT reveals “Next Women of Country” class of 2024

CMT has revealed the 14 new artists named in its 2024 class of the CMT Next Women of Country franchise, the brand’s effort to support and promote developing female talent as part of its overarching CMT Equal Play initiative encouraging parity in the format. The program recently marked its milestone 10th anniversary last year, solidifying its stature as one of the longest-running, leading female discovery platforms in country music. The CMT Next Women of Country: Class of 2024 includes: Anne Wilson Denitia Ella Langley Emily Ann Roberts HunterGirl Karley Scott Collins Kylie Frey Lauren Watkins Madeline Merlo Mae Estes Tanner Adell The Castellows Tigirlily Gold Twinnie   New this year, NWOC will join forces with female singer-songwriter collective Song Suffragettes for a first time, year-long partnership. Together with Change The Conversation and The Change Agent·cy, the joint effort will pursue industry education opportunities together in a continued effort to advance women in country music.   Again this year, CMT Hot 20 Countdown will dedicate an entire three-hour special episode to celebrating the new class of CMT Next Women of Country, introducing the class of 2024 with exclusive interviews and performance clips from each inductee.   “It’s an honour and a privilege to welcome this latest group of artists to CMT’s Next Women of Country,” said Leslie Fram, SVP, Music & Talent, CMT. “For the past 10 years, this franchise has represented the best and brightest new talent in all of country music and this year is no exception. From the UK and Canada to California and the deep South, these women all have their own unique stories to tell and we can’t wait to introduce them to CMT audiences in creative and meaningful ways.” Fram continued: “And in the spirit of providing greater opportunities and visibility for female voices in our format, we’re thrilled to join hands and partner with our friends at notable singer-songwriter collective, Song Suffragettes, to work together towards our collective goal: greater parity for underrepresented female voices in our format. We look forward to collaborating with Todd Cassetty and his team to ensure that more talented women like these are given the opportunities they deserve to be seen and heard worldwide by our industry and fans.”   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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wyatt flores

Wyatt Flores makes his Grand Ole Opry debut

It was an emotional night for breakout star Wyatt Flores as he stepped into the famed Grand Ole Opry circle for the first time last Saturday night. With his family in attendance, Wyatt crooned his hit song ‘Holes’ and his soon-to-be released ‘Milwaukee’.   Moments after stepping out of the circle for the first time, Flores shared, “I don’t think I deserve any of this credibility at all. I’m lucky that people like my songs. I’m trying to achieve freedom by connecting with emotions related to making it out of my situation and being somebody in this world.”   Humbled and grateful for his success and the support from his family, friends and fans along this journey, his debut was a memorable night for all in attendance. He received thunderous applause and a standing ovation from the Opry audience. He will now set out to support his latest release on the road, bringing his rollicking live show to new audiences across the country and overseas – including taking to the C2C stage for the first time in March.     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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dustbowl revival

Dustbowl Revival commences the ‘Winter Wonderland’ tour

Los Angeles-based Dustbowl Revival set out to push the envelope of Americana music. The seven-piece band specialise in folk-rock ballads and fun tracks led by Z. Lupetin (who also writes plays by the way). Now, they are taking even more new directions by mixing theatre, orchestral instrumentation and cinematic soundscapes. The current album by the band, ‘Is It You, Is It Me’, saw them expanding beyond their already genre-defying style to incorporate everything from folk to funk to New Orleans swing and so much in between. The always evolving group led by founding members Lupetin (vocals/guitar), Josh Heffernan (drums/percussion) and Ulf Bjorlin (trombone) welcomed co-singer Lashon Halley and other new talents to the band in 2022 for a UK tour that included rapturously received sets at the Cambridge Folk Festival, plus the recording of an EP, ‘Set Me Free’. This line-up return for a short UK tour this week that includes festival appearances at UK Americana Week in London and Celtic Connections in Glasgow, followed by a week of dates in Germany and Scandinavia. Having already spent years on the road, selling out hometown shows at LA’s famed Troubadour, headlining festivals and wowing crowds from Denmark to China, Dustbowl Revival have never stopped making the joyful, booty-shaking soul songs and cut-to-heart folk-rock ballads that light up their transcendent live shows.     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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robyn ottolini

Robyn Ottolini drops her new EP, ‘Growing Up To Do’

In a whirlwind of life changes, Canadian-born country sensation Robyn Ottolini navigated significant transformations in 2023, including a move to a new country, the end of a long-term relationship and a transition to a new team in her career. Now she emerges stronger than ever with the release of her new EP, ‘Growing Up To Do’. Ottolini invites listeners into her world as she candidly reflects on the challenges and triumphs of adulthood.   Known for her honest storytelling, Ottolini’s lead single, ‘Heartless,’ captures the pain of leaving a relationship that, while kind and supportive, hindered her pursuit of a music career. Ottolini gets real about ‘Heartless’ and what events inspired the song admitting the single is “super emotional for me.” Otollini explains, “Ending my relationship to pursue my career felt selfish, especially because my ex was so kind to me. There was nothing really wrong with our relationship, but I felt I couldn’t throw myself into music the way I wanted to while prioritizing our relationship, traveling back to Canada, and touring. He is truly so lovely, my family loved him, my friends loved him, I loved him — it was hard. The lyric ‘you didn’t hurt me, nobody’s screaming, I’m simply putting a box in a backseat’ really sums up how heartless it made me feel. It’s still so sad when I think about it because it’s just timing I guess. I’m still processing that one.” ‘Growing Up To Do’ is more than a fresh start for Ottolini, the EP showcases her growth as an artist while remaining true to her unique style and heartfelt storytelling. Produced by Cameron Jaymes, the EP features six tracks encapsulating the rollercoaster of emotions that come with navigating life and growing up.   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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conner smith

Conner Smith drops new single ‘Meanwhile In Carolina’

Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Conner Smith has released his latest single ‘Meanwhile In Carolina’, ahead of his debut album, ‘Smoky Mountains’, which is released on 28th January. Penned by Smith alongside Blake Pendergrass, the sweethearts ballad feels like leafing through a sonic photo album and reveals the genesis of Smith’s real life romance with fiancé Leah Thompson – one lyrical breadcrumb at a time.   “’Meanwhile in Carolina’ shows the heart of my debut album and is one of my favourite songs I’ve ever written,” Smith shares. “You always imagine that person, you always think about ’em, wonder where they are, wonder what they’re doing. I was so proud of this song after we wrote it, because I knew it was one that mattered – it was a song that meant something.” “It very much took 23 years to make these 12 songs,” Smith says. “I felt like I found my own lane I was able to drive down and I’m really proud of what it has become. There’s not a wasted second on the record – every song matters. And I think it really shows all the different things that make me ‘me’ – as a songwriter, a vocalist and as a performer.”    Smith’s authentic storytelling and soulful voice has resonated with audiences nationwide, earning him a dedicated and passionate following. Recently touring alongside some of country’s biggest artists including Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Chase Rice and Jordan Davis, Smith continues to put on his signature high-energy performances while headlining his ‘Creek Will Rise’ tour in the U.S. before traveling across the pond for C2C Festival in March, joining CMA’s Introducing Nashville Line Up for performances throughout the U.K. and Europe.   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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It’s all about ‘Trucks, Ducks, Bucks & Beer’ for Brian Kelley

Brian Kelley’s “talkin’ ‘bout ‘Trucks, Ducks, Bucks & Beer,’’’ in his newest release.   “I’ve loved this song since the moment we wrote it. I had saved the title for this specific group of songwriters, and it turned out just as I envisioned… with all of my favorite things in one song,” shares Kelley. “Country music can evoke so many emotions, and with ‘Trucks, Ducks, Bucks & Beer’ I feel several at the same time.”   Inspired by his time in the country in wife Brittney’s native Georgia, roots run deep in the rural real estate where wildlife still roams free and for those who enjoy it most – hunting, fishing, and proudly buying “camo and ammo” with every hard-earned dollar.   Kelley will be in the UK this March to play mainstage at C2C (Country To Country) Festival in London, Glasgow and Belfast.   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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HARDY performing

HARDY releases ‘QUIT!!’ and announces accompanying tour

Kicking down the door on his next chapter of music, HARDY returns with “QUIT!!,” an autobiographical and referential spoken word track that recaps his journey to becoming “Nashville’s nü-metal king”.   Calling back to his infamous 2022 ACM Honors speech accepting the ACM Songwriter of the Year award, HARDY’s ‘QUIT!!’ continues to push the boundaries between country, rock and metal music. “Thank you for inspiring me to be great,” HARDY says. “I guess sometimes holding a grudge is a good thing.” Taking ‘QUIT!!’ and more new music to come directly to fans, HARDY also announces today his 15-date summer ‘Quit!!’ tour, bringing Kip Moore, Travis Denning, Ella Langley and Stephen Wilson Jr. with him to amphitheatres and arenas across North America.   Quit!! tour Dates May 30 – Rogers, Ark. – Walmart AMP May 31 – St. Louis, Mo. – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre June 1 – Noblesville, Ind. – Ruoff Music Center June 6 – Toronto, Ont. – Budweiser Stage June 7 – Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Broadview Stage at SPAC June 8 – Buffalo, N.Y. – Darien Lake Amphitheater June 14 – Charlotte, N.C. – PNC Music Pavilion June 15 – Raleigh, N.C. – Coastal Credit Union Music Park June 20 – Holmdel, N.J. – PNC Bank Arts Center June 21 – Mansfield, Mass. – Xfinity Center June 22 – Gilford, N.H. – BankNH Pavilion June 27 – Camden, N.J. – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion June 28 – Bristow, Va. – Jiffy Lube Live July 25 – Cincinnati, Ohio – Riverbend Music Center July 27 – Tinley Park, Ill. – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre     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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CMT Campfire Sessions season three to premiere 12th January

CMT kicks off 2024 with Season 3 of its star-packed, fan-favourite fireside series CMT Campfire Sessions, premiering 12th January and continuing every Friday night through until 1st March Music’s biggest names gather around the fire to strip down their biggest hits, share new music and swap stories with friends for an intimate night of music. The full eight-episode lineup of ‘CMT Campfire Sessions’ includes: Jan. 12, 10p/9c (premiere) – Chris Young Jan. 19, 10p/9c – NEEDTOBREATHE Jan. 26, 10p/9c – Riley Green Feb. 2, 10p/9c – Dustin Lynch Feb. 9, 10p/9c – “Love Songs” episode ft. Caitlyn Smith, Chris Young, Darius Rucker, Dustin Lynch with MacKenzie Porter & Madeline Merlo, NEEDTOBREATHE, Riley Green, Sara Evans, and Tenille Townes Feb. 16, 10p/9c – Sara Evans Feb. 23, 10p/9c – Darius Rucker Mar. 1, 10p/9c (finale) – “Classic Country” episode ft. Brittney Spencer, Chris Young with Mitchell Tenpenny, Darius Rucker, Dustin Lynch, NEEDTOBREATHE, Priscilla Block, Riley Green, and Sara Evans   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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