July 20, 2025 - STAGING Maverick

Picture of Lauren Watkins - Photo by Luke Rodgers - Maverick

Lauren Watkins Follows Oprey Debut with “Marlboro Man” Release

Big Loud songstress Lauren Watkins leans into western nostalgia with the release of “Marlboro Man”, a slow-burning track that captures the longing for an old-school cowboy – part myth, part memory – painting a romantic portrait of a love that never stays but always leaves a mark. Written by Watkins, Natalie Hemby and Jeremy Spillman and produced by ACM and CMA winning producer Will Bundy (“you look like you love me”), “Marlboro Man” offers the timeless country storytelling that listeners have come to expect from Watkins, delivered with a modern edge. A cinematic nod to the rugged westerns and unattainable romance, the track evokes a bygone archetype that still lingers today. “I’d had the idea for ‘Marlboro Man’ in my back pocket for a while,” shares Watkins. “I’m a pretty nostalgic person by nature – I’m always reminiscing, missing how things used to be. I brought the idea to Natalie and Jeremy because I knew they’d go there with me. I’ve always been drawn to this image of the ‘Marlboro Man’ — not necessarily for the cigarettes, but for what he stood for. He was rugged, masculine, quiet and kind of untouchable. There’s something romantic about it, and I wanted to write a song that felt like that.” The new music comes amidst a big summer for the rising artist, with “Marlboro Man” joining the no-nonsense anthem “I’ll Get Through It” and April’s “Lose My Cool” – her first since her 17-track critically acclaimed debut album The Heartbroken Record. Now happily married, Watkins is moving on from heartbreak and on to greener pastures in her new chapter, with Country Now tapping “Lose My Cool” as “the perfect introduction to Watkins’ next project as it perfectly encapsulates what she is feeling right now,” while Holler praised it “as bright and breezy as a fresh spring morning.” Last month, Watkins fulfilled a lifelong dream by stepping into the coveted Grand Ole Opry circle for the first time. She’ll continue to build momentum on the road, touring with Riley Green this summer before joining Lainey Wilson and Kameron Marlowe in the fall. 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 Vincent Mason - Photo by Patrick Tracy - Maverick

Rising Country Artist Vincent Mason Turns up the Summer Heat with “Damned If I Do”

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Songwriter and artist Vincent Mason turns up the emotional heat this summer with his newest release, “Damned If I Do,” available now everywhere. Mason doesn’t just sing about heartbreak; he lives in it, which allows him to curate a song that sounds more like a journal entry than a record. Written by Vincent with Jacob Hackworth and Lauren Hungate, the trio concoct a country confessional anchored by an unforgettable hook. He continues to carve out his place as one of the most compelling voices in the country music scene. “Coming off of my first year of touring, I wanted something different musically that I could look forward to playing every night, shares Mason. “I wrote it with Lauren Hungate and Jacob Hackworth, two of my favourite writers in town. This song is one of my favourite moments on the new record, and I’m sure it will be one of my favourites on the road.” Mason spent most of 2025 so far on his first-ever headlining run, the Hell Is A Dance Floor Tour, which sold out in presale and expanded with a second leg due to overwhelming demand. He’ll stay on the road throughout the year, joining Riley Green, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, and Parker McCollum as an opener on select dates, while also hitting major festivals across the country. 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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Sammy Sadler New Single cover - Maverick

Sammy Sadler Releases New Single “If I Had A Cheating Heart”

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Country singer Sammy Sadler continues to honour the legacy of ’80s and ’90s country with the release of his latest single, “If I Had A Cheating Heart”. Originally a Top 10 hit for Mel Street in 1978, the song was later re-recorded by Ricky Lynn Gregg in 1993, reaching the Top 40. Written by Wayland Holyfield (Anne Murray, Don Williams, Ronnie Milsap) and Al Turney (Mel Street, Don Williams), “If I Had a Cheating Heart” has become a favorite among country traditionalists. Sadler’s take on the classic track proves that his timeless style continues to resonate with fans of authentic country music. “Country music has been the number one passion of mine since I was a little boy,” shares Sadler. “I remember my family bringing me to the Grand Ole Opry and being amazed by the stars who took the stage, their stories, and their songs. Also my journey hasn’t gone as planned in many ways, I am thankful that God has allowed me to keep singing and putting out new music. Here’s to the next chapter!” With a career shaped by determination and raw talent, Sammy Sadler has carved out a story all his own in Nashville. He first gained national attention in 1989 with his charting rendition of Aaron Neville’s “Tell It Like It Is,” followed by “You Made It Easy.” But his momentum was cut short when he was seriously wounded in the same shooting that took the life of Cash Box chart director Kevin Hughes—an incident that became known as the “Murder on Music Row.” After several years away from the spotlight, Sadler returned with ‘Hard On a Heart’ in 2004, earning recognition in Texas and internationally. He continued his comeback with ‘Heart Shaped Like Texas’ in 2009. Sadler will perform select shows with singer-songwriter Dave Gibson (Tanya Tucker, Alabama, Joe Diffie) on their ‘Hits & History Tour’ with their first show in Nashville, Tennessee at Chiefs on Broadway later this summer. 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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Photo of Billy Currington - Photo by Noah Sanford - Maverick

Billy Currington Launches Latest Song “King of the World”

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Multi-Platinum country star Billy Currington has dropped his latest song “King of the World”, written by Troy Jones and bringing back the fun summer feeling of his biggest chart-topping hits. With more new music coming soon, fans can catch Currington on the road all summer on tour. Stopping in 16–cities across the US, Currington, along with Kip Moore, is hitting major markets including Los Angeles, Austin, Boston and more. The tour also features artist Marlon Funaki. Currington has spent nearly two decades topping the country charts, parlaying his rich, emotion-laden tenor and unerring song sense into some of the format’s most memorable hits. Across multiple Platinum-certified albums, the Georgia native has tallied 12 No. 1 singles, including 4X Platinum hit “People Are Crazy,” 4X Platinum “Good Directions,” 4X Platinum “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right,” plus Double-Platinum “Do I Make You Wanna,” Platinum “We Are Tonight,” and 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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John Carter Cash Announces Upcoming Full-Length Album ‘Pineapple John’

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Acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer John Carter Cash is set to release his highly anticipated full-length album, Pineapple John, on September 12. The album is a cinematic journey that blends rich storytelling with captivating melodies, following the life of the life-worn singer-songwriter Pineapple John. As a preview of the album, John Carter Cash’s new single, “Snow On the Sand,” will be released on July 25 and is now available for pre-save here. Pineapple John is a deeply thematic album, unfolding like a film with its own narrative arc. Produced by John Carter and Trey Call, the album explores themes of love, loss, redemption, and self-discovery. From the opening prelude “Nekid Man (Pineapple John Prelude)” to the closing track “The Island Fair/ Captain Jim’s Drunken Dream/ Carry On,” the album immerses listeners in a world that is both thought-provoking and emotionally rich. “Snow On the Sand,” the first single from Pineapple John, serves as a pivotal moment in the album’s storyline. The track captures the emotional contrasts of the album, combining poignant lyrics with a stirring soundscape that reflects the warmth of the beach juxtaposed against the cold remnants of a past long left behind. The song’s release is just a taste of the album’s overarching journey, and fans can expect a mix of contemporary folk and timeless storytelling, all framed by Cash’s expert craftsmanship. “I’m incredibly excited to share ‘Snow On The Sand,’” says John Carter Cash. “It’s the first glimpse into Pineapple John and the beginning of what I hope will be a deeply personal journey for my listeners. The full album is a reflection of life’s struggles and triumphs, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.” The album features performances from some of country music’s most talented artists. Marty Stuart plays electric guitar on “The Island Fair,” while Clare Bowen lends her voice as a background vocalist on both “The Hole In The Bottom of the Sea” and “The Island Fair.” Brandon Young, co-writer on “The Ocean Calling”, also contributes background vocals on “Pineapple John” among other songs. John Carter’s daughter A.B. Cash joins her father on “Beckoning Melody.” “The Hole in the Bottom of the Sea” (featuring vocals by John’s nephew Thomas Gabriel) and other collaborations contribute to the album’s depth, with each artist adding their unique touch to the tale. Pineapple John features co-writes with a diverse group of songwriters, including Jack Ezra Cash, Caleb Caudle, Bill Miller, Thomas Gabriel, and others. Additionally, the album includes the classic song “Shame and Scandal,” written by Lord Melody, and a rendition of “Jamaica Farewell” by Irving Burgie. Pineapple John will be released by Avondale Records and distributed through The Orchard. 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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Katie Nicholas Launches New ‘Chemistry’ EP

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UK Songwriter and producer Katie Nicholas has launched her long-awaited Chemistry EP, a 4-track collection of country-pop bops and ballads are songs the artist herself has reworked and produced, celebrating the music that kickstarted her career. Written between ages 16,17,18 and 19, these are her earliest and most cherished tracks by fans. In a bid to not leave them behind as she charges forward with her prolific catalogue of music, Katie vows that this is “the record my younger self would have dreamt of making”. Likened to a UK’s very own Kacey Musgraves or Dolly Parton, this Liverpool witty songbird arrived on the British Country Music scene with a bang over a decade ago before a long period of radio-silence. In 2025 she revisits her title-track “Chemistry” alongside an entourage of award-winning AMA instrumentalists. Originally, the song had become a viral hit overnight after producing a DIY valentines music video and posting it on YouTube in 2013. Celebrating the history which led this prolific songwriter to premiere at the C2C London pop-up, support The Shires and Ward Thomas at Bush Hall, “Chemistry” also landed her a no.1 and no.3 in the UK/IRE Country Hotdisc chart. The artist’s music was later taken down from digital stores under the guidance of a “mentor” in a bid to “start fresh” and develop as an artist. With a tumultuous journey with labels and the music industry – her story can be found on her prolific 50-song video-series “Songwriter Diaries” on YouTube – after her long silence, Katie has returned and reclaimed this music: this time self-produced and released via her independent record label, “Ladybird Records” – little but bold. Katie has gone on to showcase and record in Nashville as part of Whispering Bob Harris’s ‘Under The Apple Tree’ event, starred on the SSL Audio advert, and has rerformed at festivals such as Buckle&Boots and BBC Introducing Highest Point. Despite little musical release online, Katie has gone on to consistently sell out live shows supported by a wonderful and loyal community of fans – most recently selling out her headline show at the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room. 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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Dan Jones Announces Forthcoming Country Album

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Fresh off the back of his critically acclaimed debut EP One More Whiskey for the Road, UK country artist Dan Jones returns this September with a brand-new album. With five tracks already in progress, including the road-weary love song “Saying Goodbyes Until When?”, the Americana party anthem “Let the Good Times Roll”, and the powerful tribute “Diamond in the Rough”, this upcoming album showcases Jones’ gift for vivid storytelling and emotional depth. Other standout songs include “You Got Nothing on Me”, a swaggering outlaw stomper full of cinematic grit, and “Die Another Day”, a bold and introspective reflection on grief, resilience, and truth. Building on his recent media attention — including radio airplay across the UK, Europe, and the USA — Jones’ new album promises to expand his reach and reaffirm his status as one of the most compelling voices in British country rock. Currently in production, the album features five new tracks with more on the way. Each song captures a distinct mood and moment from Jones’ road-worn storytelling arsenal, blending modern country, Southern rock, and Americana grit. 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 Pat Green - Photo by Tin Heitman - Maverick

Pat Green & Friends Raise Ove $1m During Texas Flood Fundraiser

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During a powerful evening of music and remembrance at Globe Life Field, Pat Green & Friends Texas Flood Relief Livestream raised over $1 million by the end of the broadcast alone, with donations still accumulating to support those affected by recent flooding in Central Texas. Working in partnership with the Texas Rangers and REV Entertainment, the event brought together a wide-reaching community of artists with over 300,000 viewers, as Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Dierks Bentley, Parker McCollum, Jamey Johnson, Corey Kent, Casey Donahew, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Josh Abbott, Ryan Bingham, Eli Young Band, Flatland Cavalry, Joe Nichols, Kaitlin Butts, Ty Myers, Kevin Fowler, Aaron Watson, Jon Wolfe and Bob Schneider performed. “I’ve always believed in the power of the community of musicians and music fans,” shares Green. “They all came together last night, where that belief was confirmed in the most beautiful way.” All proceeds from the concert and livestream will be distributed to Kerr County Relief, TEXSAR and the Do It For Durrett Foundation via The Pat Green Foundation, directly benefiting the families affected by this heart-wrenching disaster. As confirmed last week, the July 4 flood of the Guadalupe River in Central Texas claimed the lives of Green’s younger brother John, John’s wife Julia and their two young sons. They were four of the 129 people known to be lost so far. Over 170 men, women and children remain missing. 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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20 July 2025