23 June 2025

Top Pick – John Francis ‘One Man’s Meat is Another Man’s Poison’

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John Francis’s One Man’s Meat Is Another Man’s Poison is a raw, soulful journey through love, loss, and identity. Across seven tracks, he pairs lyrical honesty with textured vocals to deliver a deeply personal and resonant album. John Francis delivers a raw, reflective 7-track album that explores emotional depth with honesty and grit. One Man’s Meat Is Another Man’s Poison invites listeners into his inner world, from the introspective “State of Flux” to the electric anguish of “Sleepless Nights.” “Tearing Me Apart” confronts heartbreak head-on, while “Lone Star” paints a poignant tale of youthful migration. The aptly titled “Romantic” offers fragile hope amid relational turmoil. Each song showcases Francis’s storytelling craft, pairing lyrical vulnerability with textured vocals. This is a soulful, unfiltered journey through love, loss, and identity—authentic and resonant throughout. Francis is, indeed, an open book.  Download our latest issue for free 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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Top Pick – Little Lore’s “River Stories”

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Blending personal memory with the fluid rhythms of nature, River Stories is a beautifully crafted six-track EP from Little Lore—an evocative journey through metaphor, emotion, and the quiet strength of British Americana. Little Lore’s River Stories is a stunning six-track EP that weaves personal memory with the shifting moods of water. From haunting reflections in “I Can Breathe Underwater” to the observational warmth of “Johnson’s Island,” Lore’s lyrics are rich with metaphor and meaning. Her voice, intimate and expressive, floats above beautifully restrained arrangements by producer Oli Deakin. This is authentic British Americana at its most poetic — contemplative, emotionally resonant, and quietly powerful. A compelling, cohesive collection that rewards repeated listening.  You can listen to River Stories here Download our latest issue for free 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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Spotlight – Luke Combs UK

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Certified by Luke Combs himself, The Luke Combs UK Tribute took Nashville by storm with a stellar performance at Category 10. When Luke Combs himself graced the stage of his own Nashville bar, Category 10, on April 15, the city buzzed with incredible energy. But the excitement didn’t end there; the following night saw “Luke Combs UK,” the world’s leading Luke Combs tribute act, take the spotlight, amplifying the energy and making an indelible mark on the locals and visitors alike.  Having flown across the pond to participate in the grand kickoff week of Category 10, Luke Combs UK set a high standard for what a tribute act can entail. So convincing was the performance that passerby were drawn off the streets, flooding into the venue under the impression that Luke himself had taken to the stage for an encore performance. This mix-up speaks volumes of the tribute act’s near-flawless impersonation and ability to carry the torch lit by Combs the previous evening.  The two acts met backstage after Luke’s show—a moment that not only symbolized a torch-passing but also highlighted a mutual respect and camaraderie that fans of both performers would appreciate. Witnessing this interaction, it was evident that Nashville, a city no stranger to star-studded encounters and heartwarming moments, had given its seal of approval.  On the night of April 16, Luke Combs UK kicked off the performance with the thumping powerhouse track, “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” setting a powerful tone for the evening. As the setlist unfolded, beloved hits like “Forever After All” and “Beer Never Broke My Heart” echoed through the sprawling venue, each song kindling cheers and sing-alongs amongst the growing crowd. The homage peaked with a spirited rendition of “When It Rains It Pours,” which not only got everyone on their feet but also pulled the night to its peak with the venue now crammed with over 2000 attendees all encapsulated by the familiar tunes.  Luke Combs UK didn’t just sing; they narrated a story, replete with emotion and southern charm that are hallmarks of the real Luke’s allure. It was a night of celebration, not only of Combs’ music but also the shared cultural tapestry that his songs represent. The honesty of the bands educational professions back in England hit home with the Nashville crowd. They witnessed “5 normal guys who work in schools” on a huge stage in Nashville living a dream, displaying their version of one of the world’s biggest country artists in his own backyard.   This event wasn’t merely a concert; it was an experience—a testament to the uniting power of country music and an unspoken bond between artist and audience, tribute and tributary. Category 10 has certainly kicked off with a show to remember, promising many more nights of joy and jubilation for Nashville’s music lovers. Luke Combs UK not only honored a music icon but also left an indelible mark on the heart of Music City.  To read the full article, download our latest issue for free 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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Spotlight – Janet Devlin

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Irish singer-songwriter Janet Devlin brings rural roots and fearless honesty to country music with a career defined by resilience, reinvention, and emotional truth, and hints at what is to come. Janet Devlin’s connection to country music runs deep – passed down through generations and shaped by lived experience, embedded in the rhythms of rural life and the quiet persistence of personal storytelling. With a background as textured as her lyrics, Devlin brings a unique sensibility to the genre. From her first songwriting efforts to her more recent studio work, there’s been a consistent thread of emotional honesty and melodic warmth that defines her sound. Her artistic journey hasn’t followed a linear path, but rather one marked by introspection and creative risk-taking. Devlin’s early start in the music industry, shaped by personal challenges and public scrutiny, forged a resilience that now informs her every project. With her 2024 album, Emotional Rodeo, Devlin delved deep into her roots, blending personal narratives with the rich tapestry of country music. She also hints at new music that is set to surprise fans later this year… Reflecting on how it all began, Devlin acknowledges that her path into country music was less a decision and more a natural evolution. “How did I get into it? It’s really bizarre. I mean, I’ve always listened to country music. It’s the biggest genre in Ireland.” That formative environment shaped her musical instincts from the start. Growing up in Gortin, a small village in Northern Ireland, country melodies were the soundtrack of her daily life. “You would go into the shop, there’s country music playing. You go to the petrol station, there’s country music playing. It’s just everywhere.” She recalls how that omnipresent soundscape wasn’t confined to public spaces. This pervasive presence of country tunes was more than background noise – it was a unifying force in her household. “I was exposed to a lot of genres growing up because of babysitters, my brothers and whatnot. But the one genre that we all agreed on was country.” Even before she officially entered the music industry, country music shaped her early artistic direction. She was writing her own songs as a teenager, and her instinctive pull toward the genre was unmistakable. “I was going to take a year out when I was 16 to do an EP, to go write an EP, and the music I was writing at the time when I was 15, 16 was all country. It wasn’t even a question. It was just what you did.” This early connection wasn’t only about the sound – it was about place and identity. Devlin’s surroundings offered a constant source of inspiration, both visually and emotionally. She vividly remembers the kind of solitary freedom that defined her childhood. “Even as a little girl, I would take my pony up into the mountains behind our house.” Years later, that rural spirit found a new expression in Emotional Rodeo, a record that stands as a testament to Devlin’s growth. Recorded at Nashville’s Blackbird Studio, the album showcases a blend of traditional country elements with modern sensibilities. Collaborating with industry stalwarts like Charlie McCoy and Rob McNelley, Devlin crafted a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. To read the full article, download our latest issue for free 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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Cover Story – Dylan Scott

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From small-town roots to country stardom, Dylan Scott opens up on fame, family, and his biggest album yet — Easy Does It is just the beginning. Dylan Scott doesn’t arrive with a roar. He doesn’t need to. While other artists blare headlines and chase virality, Scott has crafted one of the most quietly dominant careers in modern country music. With nearly five billion career streams, six No. 1 singles, and sold-out tours including his first arena headliners, the Louisiana native is a certified chart-topper. And yet, he’s never lost the aura of a grounded dreamer. “I still pinch myself every day I wake up,” Scott tells Maverick Magazine. “This life is all I dreamed as a kid. So to continue to stack number one songs is crazy to me. I get so caught up in the daily grind and touring that sometimes it’s almost like I’m numb to everything, but each time a song of mine hits number one, it takes me back to that same feeling I had as a kid when I dreamed of doing this.” That kid’s dream has become a wildly successful reality. Scott entered 2025 as the fourth most-played country artist in the format, thanks to back-to-back No. 1s — “Boys Back Home” with Dylan Marlowe and the Platinum-certified “This Town’s Been Too Good to Us.” His newest single, “What He’ll Never Have,” is already shaping up to be the biggest of his career, boasting over 300 million global streams and rising fast on the Country Airplay charts. Still, Scott isn’t one to coast on statistics. Instead, he moves with an energy rooted in family, humility and gratitude. His success isn’t wrapped in flash. It’s in the authenticity of a life lived close to the music — and even closer to home. This quiet confidence now fuels his third full-length album, Easy Does It, a collection that celebrates the calm earned through years of grinding, loving, and learning. “I’m not the 20-year-old kid anymore,” he says. “I’m 34 with kids and a wife, and I hope fans can see where I’m at in life. I just hope they see that I’m having fun and not too worried about things. Just enjoying life.” Before the platinum records and arena tours, Dylan Scott was just a small-town boy from Bastrop, Louisiana, chasing a sound that felt like home. Raised in a working-class family where hard work was the norm and music was a family affair, Scott’s roots are steeped in the grit and romance of the American South — a region where the back porch is as sacred as the stage. He grew up listening to country greats, but it was Keith Whitley who hit differently. “He’s my biggest inspiration,” Scott shares simply — a nod to the kind of emotional storytelling and vocal vulnerability Whitley mastered. That influence runs deep through Scott’s own catalogue, from his breakout ballads to the slow-burning sincerity of his latest work. To read the full article, download our latest issue for free 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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Barefoot Country Music Fest 2025 Comes to a Close

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Some of the biggest names in country music took to the beach in Wildwood, New Jersey, as the Barefoot Country Music Fest returned from 19–22 June. The lineup featured major acts including Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, and Lainey Wilson—alongside a standout performance by a local hometown band. Rustic Revival, a southern rock and country outfit based in the Philadelphia and South Jersey region, was selected as the featured hometown band for the festival. They performed on 22 June at 4 p.m. on the Discovery Stage, sharing the bill with country music’s biggest stars. Ahead of their set, Rustic Revival joined Daisha Jones on PHL17 to reflect on the opportunity and preview their performance, offering viewers a glimpse into their distinctive sound and what it meant to share the stage at such a high-profile event. The festival faced a brief interruption on Thursday evening when severe weather—including lightning and powerful storms across the Philadelphia area—forced organisers to temporarily close the venue for safety reasons. Despite damage and outages caused by the storm system, the event quickly resumed, bringing fans back to the shore for a weekend of live music and celebration. 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 Jenna Paulette - Photo by Wes Walker - Maverick

Jenna Paulette & Ashley McBryde Duet on “The Prophet (Grandaddy’s Song)”

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When cowgirl and songstress Jenna Paulette released her sophomore album, Horseback, last September, the 13-track project featured one song in particular that held a special place in the Texan’s heart. “The Prophet (Grandaddy’s Song),” written by Ashley McBryde, Matraca Berg and Lori McKenna, was dedicated to Paulette’s grandfather, and encapsulates the reverence felt toward the patriarch who shaped her life. Now Paulette is teaming up with McBryde for a special collaboration version of the track, as the pair release a duet of the song, available everywhere now. “I grew up in a ranching family on the Texas/Oklahoma line in Thackerville, Oklahoma,” Paulette reflected on her upbringing at her recent Opry appearance, sharing the inspiration behind the song. “I’d be listening to Don Williams, Eddie Arnold and George Strait in my grandad’s ranch truck as we checked cattle, and I just thought to myself, ‘well, if they can sing about what they’re living, maybe I can too.’ That Grandaddy that took me with him to check cows made a huge impact on me. “This song was sent to me by the A&R from my label, and was written by Ashley McBryde, Matraca Berg and Lori McKenna,” she added. “When it was sent to me, I asked ‘do you think they would mind if I put my grandad into these lyrics?” I thought, I just want to put him all the way in it, and I want my daughter, who is 7 months old, to be able to know my grandaddy because of this song. And they said yes, very graciously. So I put it on my record that came out a month before she was born, and Ashley McBryde actually said yes to putting out a duet version including her own lyrics to this song.” “The Prophet (Grandaddy’s Song)” was originally released as a solo track on Horseback in September 2024. Upon its release, Paulette remarked that Horseback “is a culmination of perspectives I have of myself—to the things my family instilled in me, the men and women I grew up with and the ones I am blessed to be surrounded by where we live in a small town in West Texas. A window into the way so many of us feel and the things we value.” Paulette most recently released “How To Make A Cowboy Cry” in April, which coincided with the kickoff of her headlining Horseback Acoustic Tour. Since November 2024, Paulette has further expanded her brand, teaming up with Ely Cattleman for her women’s rangewear collection, CowboyGirl, and Justin Boots for her recently-launched Sunrise and Sunset Boots collection. Both bridge the gap in women’s fashion, creating apparel that’s both functional and appealing. 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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