24 May 2025

Picture of Cyndi Thomson - Photo by Daniel Shippey - Maverick-Country.com

Cyndi Thomson Marks Return to Country Scene with New Release

More than two decades after her rapid rise to stardom with breakout radio hit “What I Really Meant To Say” and subsequent debut album MY WORLD, Cyndi Thomson has dropped EP “Acres of Diamonds” – available on all digital streaming platforms. The six-track project includes previously released tunes like the title track, and most recent release “Five More Minutes,” which wrestles with the nostalgia-soaked somberness of wishing you could “go back for five more minutes” to relive the moments that matter most. The project also includes focus track “Black Celica,” co-written by and featuring GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist Ashley Monroe. With vivid imagery of open roads, starlit nights, and fleeting moments, the longing-laced song captures the magic of a love that felt infinite, even as time pulled it away. “Acres of Diamonds is the harvest of a quiet season – a reminder that even in stillness, something precious is growing,” Thomson said of the release. “After time away, returning to music feels like unearthing light beneath familiar soil. Each track is a jewel, shaped by the hands of incredible writers and producers. I’m deeply proud of this journey, and endlessly grateful for the brilliance that brought it to life.” She continued: “‘Black Celica’ is a love letter to the past – a reflection on young love, and the way certain memories stay in motion long after we’ve stopped chasing them. It’s about the ache of letting go while still holding on to what once was. “The lyric ‘My world was you, driving round in that car. I hope you’re happy wherever you are’ captures that feeling of nostalgia and quiet longing. Writing this song was like opening a time capsule – and finding it still had a heartbeat.” In 2001, Thomson quickly rose to fame with RIAA certified Gold album MY WORLD and chart-toppers like “What I Really Meant To Say,” “I’m Gone,” “I Always Liked That Best,” and “If You Were Mine,” Yet, despite her rapid success, she opted to walk away from it all shortly after. “At a time when my career was flourishing, I found myself overwhelmed by the pressures of success—anxiety, sleepless nights, and the constant demands of the spotlight,” Thomson said. “Despite achieving everything I had dreamed of, I knew I had to step away for the sake of my well-being. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made, but it also gave me the space to heal and rediscover myself. Now, with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose, I’m excited to return and share the music that’s been quietly waiting for its moment.” Despite stepping away from the spotlight, she remained an influential figure in music, instrumental in shaping the sound of early 2000’s female country, and penning hits like Gary Allan’s “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful.” Now, with the release of Acres of Diamonds, Thomson marks her return to the world she never stopped loving. “I realised one day – I can’t expect my kids to chase their dreams if they don’t see me chasing mine,” says Thomson. “Leaving music wasn’t about the death of a dream. It was about self-preservation, and making sure what was most important in life came first. However, that fire, that passion inside of me for music never left. I’m just better equipped to satisfy it now than I was in 2001.” 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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Picture of The Reklaws - Photo by Austin Chaffe - Country-Music.com

The Reklaws Kick Off New Chapter with “Never Drinking Again” Single

Kicking off the start of an exciting new chapter, multi-double-PLATINUM duo The Reklaws’ new single, “Never Drinking Again”  is being billed as marking a return to the feel-good anthems that shot them to the top of the charts. The release comes after the drop of “We’re Back Baby” a few weeks ago, with both new tracks being just a glimpse into the new music coming this year. “It’s been a wild few years of writing and putting out music that we needed to share, so we weren’t entirely sure what was going to come out of us as we sat in writing rooms over the past few months – but the fun songs just started pouring out,” said Stuart Walker. “We’re so excited to finally share these new tunes and dedicate a summer to having more fun than ever before. You’re going to see the biggest show we’ve ever had this summer and we can’t wait to see y’all out there!” After spending the past few months deep in writing mode, The Reklaws are emerging with music that feels true to the songs that made them a household name across the nation. With more new music on the horizon, the duo has made it clear that they are returning to their weekend-loving, glass-raising roots. “We’re Back Baby” was the first glimpse, a double entendre that not only marked their musical return but also captured their renewed sense of fun and excitement. “We wanted a song that explained where we are in life,” said Jenna Walker. “We are ready to get back to ourselves, to reminding people that no matter what life throws at you, good times will always come!” The pair will be on the road all summer long, with stops across Canada, including their highly anticipated performance at the Calgary Stampede and back-to-back nights at Canada’s iconic Kee to Bala on August long weekend. Fans can also catch them on top of some of the country’s biggest festival stages including Meadows Music Festival (May 30), Party in the Park (June 7), Rock the Park (July 12), Festivités Western de Saint-Victor (July 25), Mattawa Voyageur Days (July 26), YQM Country Fest (Aug 21), Sauble Beach Party 2025 (Aug 29), Tweed Stampede (Aug 30), among many more. 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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Picture of Nate Smith - Photo by Kaiser Cunningham - Maverick-Country.com

Nate Smith Pays the Ultimate Tribute with “Dads Don’t Die”

Multi-Platinum hitmaker Nate Smith has delivered “Dads Don’t Die” (Sony Music Nashville), a ballad celebrating the immortal power of love between father and child. Accompanied by a performance video, the two-pack includes a bonus version featuring GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Emily Weisband (a co-writer on the track). The latest in a series of releases from Smith, “Dads Don’t Die” arrives as he kicks off a massive tour tonight as direct support for Jason Aldean’s FULL THROTTLE TOUR 2025. A driving force in the Country genre, Smith takes his chart-topping career to the next level with “Dads Don’t Die.” Written by Marc Beeson, Allen Shamblin, and Emily Weisband, the piano-led track hits with a momentous impact thanks to Smith’s force-of-nature voice. After performing the song live, he received overwhelming support from fans, who soon clamoured for an official release. With over 2.5 billion global career streams to date, Smith reveals that adding “Dads Don’t Die” to his hit-stacked catalogue is an undeniable honour. “I’ll never forget the day Emily [Weisband] sent me this song. I broke down in tears the very first listen. It hit me straight in the heart,” admits Smith. “‘Dads never die… they live on in us, and through us.’ I’d never heard it said quite like that. “I’m incredibly close with my dad and beyond grateful he’s still here. The thought of losing him is my greatest fear. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost their father. I hope this song brings comfort, healing, and a little light to anyone walking through that pain. “What makes this song even more powerful is how it gently touches on forgiveness. Whether you’ve lost your dad, miss him deeply, or are still working through things with him – I hope this song finds you. What matters is that it reaches the people who need it most. I truly believe this is the most meaningful song I’ve ever been a part of.” On the bonus version of “Dads Don’t Die,” Weisband adds a new element of tenderness to the track’s intimate reflection. An in-demand songwriter whose credits include Gabby Barrett, Old Dominion, Carly Pearce, and many more, Weisband delivers the song’s second verse with a soulful urgency, then joins Smith for a heart-melting duet at the chorus. “Dads Don’t Die” is Smith’s first introduction to new music since “Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend” – a collaboration with HARDY and spotlighted by Billboard, who praised it as a “slice of cut-to-the-bone, friend-to-friend honesty, wrapped in a country-rock package.” Since making his full-length debut with his GOLD self-titled LP (a 2023 release that emerged as the largest album debut from a new artist that year), he’s earned three #1s at Country radio, with his latest single “Fix What You Didn’t Break” currently Top 10-and-climbing. Directed by Kaiser Cunningham, the performance video for “Dads Don’t Die” affirms Smith’s deeply personal connection to the track and offers a glimpse at the fiery intensity he brings to every live show. With his past live experience including his headlining THROUGH THE SMOKE TOUR and SOLD-OUT WORLD ON FIRE TOUR in 2024 – along with supporting Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, and Morgan Wallen – he’ll next take the stage at arenas and stadiums across the country as part of Aldean’s FULL THROTTLE TOUR 2025. 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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Picture of The Georgia Thunderbolts - Photo by Jim Arbogast -Maverick-Country.com

The Georgia Thunderbolts Set For UK Debut

The Georgia Thunderbolts, the hottest new Southern Rockers hailing from the city of Rome, GA, have spent May driving through the streets of Europe, bringing their authentic mix of Southern Rock, Heavy Rock and Americana to the continent for the third time. Now, they have announced that they’ll be landing in the UK for a run of shows for the first time. They will kick off their headline tour on 12 July at the Cluny, Newcastle. They will then call through Wakefield (Venue 23), Bilston (The Robin), Southampton (The 1865), and London (O2 Islington Academy) and finish on 19 July at Maid of Stone Festival, Maidstone, alongside friends and musical compadres Kentucky heavyweights Black Stone Cherry, as well as Ugly Kid Joe, The Raven Age, Sophie Lloyd, and more. Regarding the tour, guitarist Riley Couzzourt says, “It has been long awaited that we make our debut in the UK. Between social media, friends in Europe, and other bands telling us how badly we need to come over, it has been our dream for years. “Through our booking agency Tres Hombres Tour Support they are making it happen! We can’t wait to play LIVE for you  in July!! Get ready! We’re coming in hot!” The band has many miles under its belt. They have toured with and shared the stage with Black Stone Cherry, Deep Purple, ZZ Top, The Marshall Tucker Band, the Allman Betts Band, Blackberry Smoke, The Outlaws, The Kentucky Headhunters, and more. They’ve picked up support from BBC Radio 2 and Planet Rock Radio. Classic Rock proclaimed, “Southern rock has new heroes.” Powerplay called their latest album, Rise Above It All, “boisterous, noisy and entertaining, a great summer soundtrack. If heartwarming southern rock and blues is your passion, then this is certainly the album for you. ”  RnR said, “They’ve truly hit it out of the park with this superb second album.” Singer TJ Lyle says about hitting the road in the UK for the first time, “We’re really looking forward to making our debut in the UK.  We’ve been to mainland Europe 3 times now and were excited to have had  UK fans travel over to come see us play. Now, we can’t wait to bring it to you! “At the Maid of Stone festival, we will also play with our brothers in Black Stone Cherry! They were the ones who gave us the first opportunity to go overseas, so we are fortunate to be playing at that festival with them! We can’t wait to grow the Thunderbolts Camp / Stryker family with our brothers and sisters in the UK! It’s gonna be wonderful!” They released their latest album, Rise Above It All, in August last year on Mascot Records. The 13-track album features the quintet’s signature blend of Southern rock, blues, and heartfelt Americana. It showcases the band’s ability to navigate a vast array of musical terrains while also capturing the profound emotional and artistic growth fostered by their years on the road. The album opener, “Gonna Shine,” is a crunching Bad Company-styled classic rocker.  The brawny blues-rocker, “Stand Up,” boasts slithering guitar riffs, slow-burn guitar leads, powerful dynamics, and massive modern rock hooks replete with TJ’s soaring vocals. “That song is about asking for help instead of feeling alone,” TJ says. They effortlessly ease into modern country on “Wait.” Here, harmony vocals, glistening acoustic guitar, and a sweetly sorrowful steel guitar. The Americana, blues-based ballad “Crawling My Way Back To You ” showcases sophisticated musicality. With a fat-back drumbeat, Motown bass guitar, a bluesy rhythm shuffle, and a baritone guitar reminiscent of Aretha Franklin and other soul music greats’ Muscle Shoals recordings, the song has a hard-luck poetic sentimentality. The road to being hailed as the new torchbearers of Southern rock hasn’t been as glamorous as you might imagine for The Georgia Thunderbolts. It wasn’t many years ago that the guys busked at gas stations, fumbled through covers, and drove four hours to Alabama to play to a bartender and a three-legged dog sitting on a barstool. These days, however, the Rome, Georgia-based quintet is a critically acclaimed and internationally touring band fending off the sophomore slump with its latest release. The Georgia Thunderbolts are TJ Lyle, vocals,  Zach Everett, bass, classical guitar, harmony vocals; Bristol Perry, drums; Riley Couzzourt, guitar and Logan Tolbert, guitar. The quintet’s earthy and emotive aesthetic spans late 1960s singer-songwriter intimacy, the yearning of the blues, the mythological stories of country, and a bracing dose of arena-ready classic hard rock. 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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Picture of Tori Martin single cover - Country-Music.com

Tori Martin Releases Free-Spirited New Single “Cowgirls Ride”

LuckySky Music recording artist Tori Martin’s powerful new single, the up-tempo anthem “Cowgirls Ride,” has hit the radio, Following its premiere feature in Country Evolution last week, the record is available for purchase now. The release follows Martin’s back-to-back #1 Texas Regional Radio Report chart hits “Lost in the Country” and “Abilene.” “This song is for us,” says Tori. “It was inspired by cowgirls, rodeo queens and barrel racers, but it transcends to all women. It’s a mantra we were born to know. I hope it motivates cowgirls everywhere.” Tori’s voice alternates between gritty challenge and gloriously sweet rafter-raising energy. Produced by Bill Warner, “Cowgirls Ride” evokes the high-drama moodiness of a classic Western movie soundtrack. Haunting guitars and a wide-open soundscape evoke the freedom of high prairie ranges. “I’m always intrigued by the intangibles of a musical hook,” Warner notes. “We’ve been performing this live for a while and the chorus inevitably hits the mark with the audience.” 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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Sabyn Launches Reimagined Track “Foolin’ Around”

Owepar Records has unveiled the remixed and reimagined track “Foolin’ Around” by award-winning filmmaker and musician, Sabyn, released via Virgin Music Group Distribution. Sabyn is a member of the Owens/Parton family and is the nephew of Dolly Parton and Floyd Parton, and the son of their brother Randy Parton. Originally written and recorded by the late Floyd Parton in the 1970’s, Dolly added vocals to the track for the acclaimed 2024 historical project, Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables. Sabyn deconstructs the song and boldly explores its possibilities, bringing it into a new modern musical realm by incorporating elements of hip-hop, R&B and electronic rhythms. This joins the list of other cross-genre singles by Sabyn including: “9 to 5 to 9,” “Oh Tennessee,” “Up in The Holler,” “Shine,” and “Holy Water.” Born in Tennessee, but growing up in Los Angeles, Sabyn was exposed to film and music at a young age by being on set of videos for some of the era’s most prominent artists, such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Don Henley, and Aerosmith. He was mostly a shy kid who did not tap into his creative side until after high school when he began working in film. Sabyn quickly built a reputation as a skilled screenwriter, director, and producer, while also embracing the musical side of his heritage. In 2010, he made his recording debut with It’s A Long Dark Road, a country/hip-hop fusion followed by a handful of music projects, but film became his primary focus. Sabyn’s continuing connection to his family legacy has proven to be a source of inspiration. “When the Smoky Mountain DNA record came, I thought I was done making music,” Sabyn says. “I felt like I’d reached my limit and unless somebody asked me to do something specific, I thought I was good. I switched my focus back to screenwriting, but then the record came out and shifted everything. Now I’m embracing all aspects of my creativity simultaneously the way I always envisioned.” “It is a great honour to be at the forefront, carrying the torch of my Aunt Dolly’s musical legacy. I feel very fortunate to be able to put a unique spin on our family tradition and appeal to audiences old and new,” he concludes. Sabyn continues his work on film projects as the head of his production imprint Stay Fly LLC, along with serving as CEO of The Bridge to Recovery, a trauma and codependency treatment centre located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, while also looking forward to new musical projects. 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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Picture of beach music festival - Photo by Maverick-Country.com

Cavendish Beach Music Festival Confirms Full Lineup

With less than two months until the gates officially open for Cavendish Beach Music Festival (CBMF), Whitecap Entertainment has announced the lineup for this year’s RBCxMusic Emerging Artist Stage. One of the most anticipated parts of the award-winning festival, this stage is dedicated to showcasing up-and-coming talent from across Canada, giving new artists a platform to shine alongside the biggest names in country music. “We’re beyond thrilled to give these talented artists the opportunity to perform on our stage and be part of the CMBF family,” said Ben Murphy, CEO, Whitecap Entertainment. “The RBCxMusic Emerging Artist Stage is one of the most exciting elements of CBMF as it gives festival-goers the opportunity to discover the next big names in country music. We’re looking forward to showcasing this incredible lineup and supporting the growth of these performers as they work to take their careers to the next level.” Bringing the RBCxMusic Emerging Artist Stage to life on Thursday will be award-winning singer-songwriter Gwendellyn Doerfler, Nova Scotia’s celebrated performer Josée Champoux, country music outlaw Taylor Jensen, reigning ECMA Rising Star Danny Drouin and americana/country rock band Newbridge. Heating things up on Friday will be Nova Scotia’s promising newcomer Jud Gunning, Holland College’s talented SOPA All-Stars who are returning to the stage after their powerful performance in 2023. Adding to the talented lineup is Ontario’s country pop-princess Jade Hilton, Cape Breton’s own emerging country artists Jamie Fontaine and Brett Matthews, who fans may recognize as the former guitar player for JUNO-Award winning rapper Classified. Kicking off the last day of CBMF’s RBCxMusic Emerging Artist Stage performances will be MusicNL NewFound Talent First Place Award recipient Mackenzie Critch, up-and-coming folk-pop artist Lauren Carson,  MusicNB’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2018) Catherine Kennedy, captivating country singer-songwriter Amber-Jo Bowman and Music Nova Scotia Indigenous Artist of the Year nominee (2024), Joe H. Henry. “We are proud to continue this exciting partnership with Whitecap Entertainment and Cavendish Beach Music Festival,” added Chris Ronald, Atlantic Regional President for RBC. “As a long-standing supporter of music, we are thrilled to see some incredible Canadian musicians taking the stage this year, including headliner Shania Twain and RBCxMusic First Up artist, Nova Scotia’s Daniel James McFadyen. This is sure to be another memorable year!” Taking over Canada’s favourite coastal town for the 15th time, CBMF will deliver headlining performances by Shania Twain, Tyler Hubbard and Lainey Wilson. Limited tickets remain for summer’s must-attend weekend, so fans are encouraged to visit cavendishbeachmusic.com now to secure their spot. 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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