19 September 2025

Picture of Payton Smith - Photo by Cole Detelich - Maverick

Payton Smith Releases Reflective Album ‘The Bridge’

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Payton Smith has unveiled his latest album The Bridge, a ten-track exploration of life, love, and the lessons learned along the way. Out now via Combustion Masters / CMDSHFT, the project offers a coming-of-age portrait from one of country’s most promising young voices. The Louisiana native, now 25, reflects on the transitions that shape early adulthood — from chasing his musical dreams at 14 to marriage at 22 and fatherhood at 25. In his own words, the album captures “where I’ve been, where I am, and the uncertainty of what’s ahead,” offering an honest take on what it means to grow up while still feeling like you’re in motion. Produced by Chris Farren, The Bridge blends introspection with musical precision. Smith’s signature guitar work and storytelling craft elevate each track, reinforcing his status as a multi-talented artist with both stage presence and songwriting depth. Songs move from youthful optimism to hard-won clarity, reflecting a personal evolution without losing the charm and energy that first caught listeners’ attention. To celebrate the album’s release, Smith hosted a special Nashville show on 18 September at Chief’s on Broadway. The intimate event, titled Payton Smith & Friends: The Bridge Album Release Show, marked a milestone moment in his already impressive career. First gaining attention with his 2019 single “Like I Knew You Would,” Smith quickly racked up over 50 million streams and was named a CMT Listen Up Artist in 2021. His self-taught guitar skills and ability to compose and perform all string parts on his debut set him apart in a crowded field. MusicRow called him one of their Next Big Thing artists, and Taste of Country praised his “raw talent, authenticity and strong work ethic.” Following the release of his 2023 debut album What Colors Your Wild, Smith continued to build momentum with streaming success and high-profile support slots for artists like Brantley Gilbert, Chris Young, and Lee Brice. This autumn, he’ll join Cole Swindell, Priscilla Block and Lily Rose on tour. With The Bridge, Payton Smith delivers not just a collection of songs, but a sincere expression of a life in progress — caught between past and future, youthful dreams and adult reality — and he proves he’s an artist worth crossing that distance with. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0)20 7139 8641 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Baylee Lynn Shines in New Single “John, Dear”

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Rising country star Baylee Lynn has released her second single, “John, Dear,” alongside a playful and polished new music video. At just 17 years old, the Tennessee-born singer-songwriter is quickly making her mark with a sound that blends youthful spirit, lyrical wit, and impressive vocal range. The track follows her debut single, “Cautiously Optimistic,” which made waves in August by topping Billboard’s new music poll — outperforming major names like Sabrina Carpenter. With “John, Dear,” Baylee leans into a mid-tempo groove rich with melodic guitars and swaying rhythm, exploring the quirks of young love and the pitfalls of unnecessary jealousy. Produced by GRAMMY-nominated AJ Pruis, known for his work with Megan Moroney and Maddie & Tae, the song mixes tenderness with sass. It tells the story of a boyfriend watching nervously from across the room as Baylee talks with friends, prompting her to cheekily reassure him with lines about focusing on his tyres, beer, or the weather instead. Co-written by Baylee alongside Pruis, Jenna Shuffler, and Mia Mantia, “John, Dear” blends honest storytelling with clever detail, confirming her growing reputation as a gifted new voice in country music. The music video, directed by ashtronot, continues the visual narrative from “Cautiously Optimistic.” Set at a backyard party, Baylee — dressed in her signature red — rolls her eyes at her jealous love interest with charm and confidence, bringing the track’s themes to life through her natural charisma. A native of Greeneville, Tennessee, Baylee began her musical journey in church and picked up the guitar at six years old. By 13, she was writing her own songs, inspired by icons like Dolly Parton and Faith Hill. Now based in Nashville, she continues to refine her style while gaining momentum as one of the most promising newcomers on the scene. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0)20 7139 8641 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Picture of Dasha - Photo by Alex Green - Maverick

Dasha Plucks Hometown Heartstrings with New Single “Train

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Country-pop star Dasha has released her new single “Train,” a poignant reflection on the experience of building a life in an unfamiliar place. Out now via Warner Records, the track offers another glimpse into her forthcoming Anna EP, due on 10 October, and follows the start of her Canadian headline tour. “Train” opens with Dasha’s stripped-back vocal against gentle acoustic guitar, describing the persistent sound of a train outside her window. As the song builds with layers of dobro, piano, and pedal steel, the once-irritating sound transforms into a symbol of belonging. The track’s evolution mirrors the emotional arc of finding comfort in a new city, with lyrics that trace the subtle shift from loneliness to familiarity. Written by Nashville’s Kyle Sturrock — fresh from his first chart-topping hit with Blake Shelton’s “Texas” — “Train” marks Dasha’s first outside cut. She says the lyrics resonated immediately with her own story, recalling the moment she left home at 18 to study songwriting at Belmont University in Nashville. The song joins a string of recent releases that showcase Dasha’s growing artistic range, including the fiery “Like It Like That,” the vulnerable “Oh, Anna!,” and the breakout smash “Not At This Party.” The latter track amassed over 127 million streams and earned a David Guetta remix, as well as a high-profile performance slot on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Dasha, whose full name is Anna Dasha Novotny, introduced the Anna EP with a message to fans emphasising self-discovery: “This project is part one of my story. I’m still learning about Dasha, but I’ve remembered who Anna is.” The EP promises to trace that personal journey through music that blends pop appeal with country heart. After a standout year that included a Push Performance of the Year nomination at the 2025 MTV VMAs and a Best New Female Artist nod at the ACM Awards, Dasha continues to make waves. She has opened for Thomas Rhett, wowed crowds on the Mane Stage at Stagecoach Festival, and will soon join Kane Brown on his upcoming UK arena tour. Dasha’s breakthrough came with her 2023 viral hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’),” which inspired a global dance craze and racked up over 1.5 billion streams. The track earned Platinum certifications around the world and was named Female Song of the Year at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards. Since then, she’s played sold-out shows on her first headline world tour, Dashville USA, and performed on major TV events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. With “Train,” Dasha offers a more intimate moment — one that shows she’s as capable of emotional resonance as she is viral hits. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0)20 7139 8641 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Trey Calloway Drops High-Energy Video

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Award-winning singer-songwriter Trey Calloway has unveiled the official video for his raucous new single “Must Have Had A Good Time.” The video brings the ’90s-inspired party anthem to life with a cheeky take on a chaotic night out. With its cinematic storytelling and comedic edge, the visual mirrors the track’s rowdy lyrics and southern swagger — portraying the kind of night that’s hard to explain but impossible to forget. Co-written by hitmakers Anthony Smith, Frank Myers, and country superstar Chris Young, the single leans into Calloway’s signature blend of country grit and rock energy. Known for standout tracks like “Your Love Is Safe With Me,” “That Was Us,” and “Forgotten Man,” the North Carolina native continues to cement his status as one of country’s most watchable rising stars. The new video captures the spirit of the single — light-hearted, full throttle, and joyfully messy. Calloway shared that he’s thrilled with how the visuals reflect the song’s vibe: carefree, country-rockin’, and full of life. His gratitude extended to the co-writers who helped bring the track to life both in sound and on screen. The single follows “She Don’t Break It,” a heartfelt, honky-tonk-infused track about the turning point after heartbreak. That song, co-written with Terry McBride and Brandon Hood, has drawn praise for its ’90s country feel and emotionally grounded message. With more new music in the pipeline and recent features in outlets like Whiskey Riff, American Songwriter, and RFD-TV, Trey Calloway is carving out a strong presence on the country scene — one loud, catchy chorus at a time. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0)20 7139 8641 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Dust and Grace Hit Charts with “Hallelujah”

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New faith-inspired country group Dust and Grace are making a powerful entrance with their debut single “Hallelujah,” out 22 August 2025 via MTS Records. The uplifting track has already found early success, climbing to No. 40 on the CDX Nashville Positive Country Airplay Chart even ahead of its official release. With soaring harmonies and a message rooted in hope, gratitude and spiritual resilience, the single is striking a chord with country fans nationwide. Written and produced by industry veteran Michael Stover, “Hallelujah” blends Dust and Grace’s Pittsburgh origins with a contemporary country sound, delivering heartfelt lyrics against a backdrop of uplifting instrumentation and gospel-tinged storytelling. The band will also unveil the official music video for “Hallelujah” on release day. The video is already gaining momentum, charting on CMC TV USA’s Country Video Playlist and reinforcing the single’s early success on radio. Stover described the track as “a celebration of faith and perseverance,” praising Dust and Grace for their sincerity and ability to connect with listeners. He added that “Hallelujah” stands out as one of the most powerful Christian country releases of the year. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0)20 7139 8641 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Luke Combs UK Tribute Band Announces Canada Tour

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The UK’s leading Luke Combs tribute act is heading across the Atlantic for their debut Canadian Tour, presented by Forrest Jones Entertainment. The band, personally endorsed by Luke Combs himself, has already built a reputation for bringing the sound, heart, and energy of country music’s biggest star to audiences across Europe. Now, Canadian fans will get their chance to experience it live. The tour will see the band play 15 dates across September and October covering various provinces throughout the length and breadth of the country. With a setlist packed ful of Combs’ biggest hits – from stadium anthems like “Beer Never Broke My Heart” to soulful ballads such as “Beautiful Crazy” – the tribute band delivers a show that’s as close as fans can get to the real thing. “We are beyond excited to bring this show to Canada,” said singer Liam Price. “To have Luke’s own words of support behind what we do is something we’ll never take for granted, and now with Forrest Jones Entertainment on board, we’re ready to make this a great tour.” Having sold out venues across the UK, the Luke Combs UK Tribute Band is quickly becoming an international name in their own right. The Canadian Tour marks a huge step in their journey, and promises an unforgettable night of country music celebration for fans from coast to coast. Tickets go on sale at https://www.forrestjonesentertainment.com/luke-combs-tribute. 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)20 7139 8641 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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