July 2025

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Country Calling Festival Brings Nashville to UK this August

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UK country music fans craving the true soul of Nashville won’t have to cross the Atlantic this year — the Country Calling Festival is set to roll into Hylands Park, Chelmsford on 16–17 August, delivering two days packed with authentic country music, culture, and community spirit. Set against the lush backdrop of Essex countryside, the festival boasts a stellar line-up headlined by Dillon Carmichael, the Kentucky powerhouse renowned for his gritty Southern drawl and no-nonsense songwriting, and Kaylee Bell, Australasia’s most-streamed female country artist and a fast-rising global star. They’ll be joined by a diverse mix of fan favourites and fresh talent including Craig Campbell, Fanny Lumsden, Britnee Kellogg, Kezia Gill, Troy Cartwright, Maggie Baugh, Alli Walker, Sheyna Gee, Alyssa Flaherty, and First Time Flyers. With over 50 acts across four stages, festival-goers can expect a rich tapestry of sound — from tender acoustic ballads to boot-stomping anthems — in a setting that promises the warmth, passion and camaraderie of a Nashville street party. What sets Country Calling apart is its commitment to authenticity. There are no tribute acts or imitations — just original music, real artists, and a vibrant atmosphere celebrating the very best of country today. Beyond the music, there’s something for everyone. From classic and modern American muscle cars on display to a family funfair packed with rides and entertainment, the festival offers a full day’s experience from 11am to 11pm. For those seeking a true Southern dive bar experience, the Lil’ Nashville Dive Bar will channel the energy of Broadway’s honky-tonk heart — think full-band sets, DJ-driven two-stepping and line dancing that’ll keep you moving well into the evening. When hunger strikes, a range of food trucks will serve up delicious bites to satisfy all tastes, and the retail village will offer everything from western wear to artisan goods, with brands like Ariat and Boho Buffalo helping fans embrace the country aesthetic. Those looking for a more elevated experience can opt for VIP tickets, unlocking access to a private bar, exclusive restrooms, comfortable lounge areas, prime views of the main stage, priority access, and even meet-and-greets with some of the artists. Getting there is easy, with a free shuttle running from Chelmsford Station, just a short ride away. Accessible facilities are also available, including dedicated parking, viewing platforms, and restrooms. Tickets are available now at £65 for adults and £30 for children (ages 3–15) for a day pass, or £104/£48 for the weekend. Under 3s go free. VIP passes are priced at £130 per day or £208 for the weekend. 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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Morgan Wade Launches New Single “Left Me Behind”

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Morgan Wade has released her brand-new single ‘Left Me Behind,’ the third offering from her forthcoming album The Party is Over (recovered), set for release on August 1st. Building on mounting anticipation for the upcoming project, today’s release draws listeners further into Morgan’s musical journey on the road to her full-length release. An acoustic-forward, emotive ballad, ‘Left Me Behind’ is a lamentation of lost love. “And I go back to a March night/When I kissed you underneath street lights”, Morgan reminisces. “And all your bottles in my floorboard/Hey baby, why don’t you want me no more?” With poignant vulnerability, Morgan explores the pain of abandonment and heartbreak. ‘Left Me Behind’ arrives following the excitement of several singles released by Morgan earlier this year. Most recently, Morgan unveiled the album’s title track ‘The Party Is Over’, an anthemic, guitar-driven track that explores her lingering feelings in the aftermath of a relationship. The song was released alongside an accompanying music video that provides cinematic depiction of heartbreak and a perfect visual representation of a “relationship hangover.” In March, Wade released the first single off the album, titled ‘East Coast’.  Originally introduced to fans during her live shows, the single arrived alongside an accompanying music video, aptly filmed on the coastline with powerful imagery. 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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Jason Aldean Announces Full Throttle World Tour Extension

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ACM Artist of the Decade and 3X Entertainer of the Year, Country powerhouse Jason Aldean has officially announced the international extension of his FULL THROTTLE TOUR, adding dates in New Zealand and Australia starting in 2026. The tour marks Aldean’s first time headlining New Zealand and his first return to Australia since headlining in 2016 – where he became the first headliner to ever sell out CMC Rocks QLD Country Music. Aldean’s 2026 international run is set to kick off Thursday, February 19th at Spark Arena in Auckland, before heading to Australia for six additional headlining dates including Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Aldean will also headline inaugural country music experience, Sunburnt Country, with headlining shows scheduled for Toowoomba, Hunter Valley, and Canberra. Corey Kent and Brad Cox join as 2026 Full Throttle Tour openers – Corey Kent across all shows and Brad Cox joining the Sunburnt Country dates. Aldean has solidified his superstar status having garnered 30 No. 1 career hits at Country radio, nearly 20 billion streams, and more than 20 million albums sold. His history-making, prolific career has included nearly two decades of chart-topping hits, including “Dirt Road Anthem,” “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” “Fly Over States,” “She’s Country,” “Big Green Tractor,” “Amarillo Sky” and most recently, his 30th career #1 at Country radio, “Whiskey Drink.” Produced by Live Nation, Aldean’s FULL THROTTLE TOUR is set to resume July 17th in Tulsa, OK after launching earlier this year (May 2025). Previously announced dates across the US include Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Denver’s Ball Arena, Grand Rapid’s Van Andel Arena, Charleston’s Credit One Stadium, West Palm Beach, FL’s iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, 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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Country Thunder Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup

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Country Thunder — the largest Country music festival brand in North America — has unveiled the lineups, events, and can’t-miss moments scheduled across its Secondary Stages at the upcoming four-day Country Thunder Wisconsin on July 17-20 at Shadow Hill Ranch in Twin Lakes, WI. Once again, fan favourite The Lake Stage and Electric Thunder will elevate the atmosphere of the Midwest’s preeminent Country music experience with carefully curated programming. Every year, audiences discover hidden gems and their future favorite artists in these areas of the festival. As to be expected, 2025 lives up to this longstanding reputation of championing buzzing talent. The Lake Stage will highlight a myriad of rising acts. Just a stone’s throw from the food court, it offers both shade from the sun and the intimacy of your favourite theater or club. Running well past dark each day, the artist lineup includes Faster Horses, Cody Parks & The Dirty South, Jacquie Roar, Roseland, SJ McDonald, Drew Cooper, Nate Venturelli, J Edwards, Austin Hopkins, and more. Additionally, the Songwriters Showcase makes its much-anticipated return to The Lake Stage. This time around, it plays host to a cohort of Nashville’s top hitmakers, namely Ryan Beaver [Warren Zeiders, Dustin Lynch], Benjy Davis [Ashley McBryde, Cody Johnson], Neil Medley [Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert], Brinley Addington [Parmalee, Darius Rucker], Johnny Clawson [Blake Shelton, Ella Langley], and Lauren McLamb [Dierks Bentley, Josh Ross], to name a few. It provides a rare look beyond the curtain and spotlights the men and women who set the tone for Country music from behind-the-scenes. Bringing the audience to its feet, Dancing with the Thunder will keep the party going in Electric Thunder. Fans may participate in line dance lessons or receive partner dance instruction. Plus, the Annual Line Dance Competition and Partner Dance Competition each invite attendees to compete for coveted prizes—ranging from camping passes for the 2026 installment of Country Thunder Wisconsin to the chance to actually dance on the main stage and access to the backstage hospitality tent on Sunday, July 20, among others. Finally, one of Nashville’s top tastemakers and hottest party DJs Griffin Greene will power up the official After Party in Electric Thunder. As soon as the headliner leaves the stage, the festivities will move over to Electric Thunder for an energetic late-night set from Green. It marks his second year headlining the After Party. Attracting early 625,000+ fans to its six multi-day events, Country Thunder Music Festivals boast unparalleled reach with a diverse demographic profile spanning the USA and Canada. Featuring top-tier Country artists, Country Thunder Festivals draw diverse crowds, fostering a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the essence of Country music. The Country Thunder Music Festivals organisation has a 21-year history which boasts five other major multi-day events in North America, including Wisconsin, Florida, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. 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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Jillian Cardarelli Releases Powerful New Single “Happily Even After”

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Country artist and songwriter Jillian Cardarelli has released her touching new single, “Happily Even After,” across all major streaming platforms. The emotional single, written by Cardarelli, Tina Parol and Steve Means, and produced by Daniel Dennis, is a poignant reflection on heartbreak, healing and hope in the wake of loss. The inspiration for the song came during Cardarelli’s performance at a Tunnel to Towers Foundation benefit in New York, where she heard a woman speak about losing her husband in war and made the statement during her speech: “We may not get our happily ever after, but we can have our happily EVEN after.” The phrase struck a deep chord with Cardarelli and became the emotional foundation for the song. “Heartbreak is something we all face in life in one form or another, but this song is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is hope,” said Jillian Cardarelli. “You can find your happily even after.” The Massachusetts native continues to craft songs that turn heartfelt moments into universally resonant music for her fans. Known for blending emotional vulnerability with strength, Cardarelli brings an honest and healing voice to this latest release, promising to connect deeply with anyone navigating loss or change. “Happily Even After” follows a standout year of musical and television projects for Cardarelli. Her previous singles “The Boys,” “I’ll Get Over You” featuring Vince Gill, and fan favourites like Can’t Help Falling in Love”, “If We Were Strangers,” “Worth The Whiskey,” “Slow Song,” and “I Hate Chevys” have garnered support from Apple Music, Spotify and Pandora, as well as editorial placements like Soundcheck, New Music Nashville and Rising Women of Country. In addition, her popular single “If I Could Talk to Elvis” featuring Larry Strickland, keeps her on the road making international appearances at various events and festivals, including the The Nashville Elvis Festival and Bergen Elvis Fest in Norway this past spring as well as Elvis Week at Graceland in Memphis this August where she will be a featured performer. Her single “Waiting on the Sunrise” aired on FOX’s Farmer Wants a Wife, and “Same Moon” appeared in Season 7 of Netflix’s Love is Blind. She also returned as a celebrity host and performer for the Tunnel to Towers Never Forget Concert Special in both 2024 and 2025. “Happily Even After” is available now on all streaming platforms, with the music video to follow. 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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Noelle Toland Premieres New Video for “Nashville Numbers” 

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Heartfelt country artist Noelle Toland continues to captivate audiences with the release of her stunning new music video for Nashville Numbers. The video made its broadcast and streaming TV network debut on American Country Network on June 30, 2025, and is now currently in rotation to watch on the network, as well as on YouTube. The song is already available on all digital streaming platforms. A blend of classic country charm and heartfelt modern storytelling, “Nashville Numbers” is a play on words, holding deeper analogies and contrast than what just appears on the surface. Directed by Lindsey Torres, who also directed Noelle’s previous videos, the video brings the song’s narrative to life with visually rich scenes – from golden-hour landscapes to serene and tranquil ocean views – all while reflecting on the lingering moments of what could have been. Described as “metafiction at its finest,” the song tells the story of a woman who leaves town to mend a broken heart, capturing the bittersweet reality that,” as Noelle shares, “some heartbreaks can almost ruin a city for you.” Noelle’s graceful yet powerful screen presence shines, echoing the vulnerability and strength in her vocals. With a voice that channels the sincerity of traditional country greats while carving out a sound uniquely her own, Noelle Toland has been making waves with a growing fan base and media support. “Nashville Numbers”, cowritten by Noelle, country hitmaker Steve O’Brien (“Rock My World (Little Country Girl)”), and Nashville singer/songwriter Justin Love, has earned praise from several outlets, positioning the song as a career-defining moment for her. With an in-studio video and a visualiser already released, the official music video for Nashville Numbers is now in rotation on American Country Network. 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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