October 2025 - STAGING Maverick

Lee Brice celebrates releases ‘Killed the Man’

Curb Records hitmaker, Lee Brice, takes a reflective look back at his life and how far he’s come in his latest release, ‘Killed the Man‘, out now. The track, written by Michael Whitworth, Troy Cartwright and Jared Conrad; and produced by Brice, Ben Glover and Jerrod Niemann, is the story of a man who takes stock of his life and reflects on the changes from who he was to who he is now with the help from the woman who made him a better man. The song’s themes also extend to anyone whose been faced with a call to change their lives and the evolution that comes alongside that change. Also out today via YouTube Premiere, is the cinematic official music video for ‘Killed the Man’ directed by Chase Lauer. Be sure to tune in on November 7th at 10am CT / 4pm GMT to Lee Brice’s YouTube channel, where he will host a special “behind the video” afterparty for fans to ask questions and get behind the scenes stories of recording ‘Killed the Man’ and its music video. “When I first heard this song, it made me look back at my own life – the man who I was, isn’t the man I am today. I think the message is something anyone can relate to as we all strive to grow through life and its challenges. For me, “Killed The Man” feels like an evolution -becoming who God intended me to be, leaning into family, faith, and something bigger than myself.” – Lee Brice LISTEN: ‘Killed the Man‘ WATCH: ‘Killed the Man’ Official Music Video This year, Lee has been releasing new tracks kicking off 2025 with the ode to vulnerable masculinity, ‘Cry’. The heartbreak anthem was then followed by ‘Said No Country Boy Ever’ where Brice calls on some of his famous friends (Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Jerrod Niemann, Dallas Davidson and Rob Hatch; aka The Traler Park) for a song that raises a glass to mama’s fried chicken, honest hard work and hunting season. Stay tuned for even more new music coming from Brice. For additional information on Lee Brice, including upcoming show dates and tickets, please visit LeeBrice.com.

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Platinum artist Atlus releases ‘Secondhand Smoke’

News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Platinum recording artist Atlus releases his BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville debut EP, Secondhand Smoke, today. The six-song collection marks the next chapter for the viral hitmaker whose career has grown from underground phenom to a billion-plus on-demand streams, four independent studio albums, a Platinum single, national touring, and millions of fans across social platforms. “The songs on Secondhand Smoke are more than just individual tracks; they are chapters from my life,” says Atlus. ”Each one tells a story that I’ve lived through and it’s my hope that they push somebody out there to keep fighting, dreaming, and that there is something in one of those chapters that helps them keep showing up.” Pulling back the curtain on his past to forge a new path forward, Secondhand Smoke sees Atlus writing on each track, confronting deeply personal themes, from a turbulent home life and his mother’s resilience, to his sister’s battle with addiction and his own journey with mental health. Listen to Secondhand Smoke HERE. His mother remains his biggest supporter, and much of the Secondhand Smoke EP pays tribute to her and hardworking women like her. The title track recalls how she never let circumstances define her, working long hours to make trailer and car payments, with cigarettes providing her one small comfort. “I didn’t care about secondhand smoke because I saw what she was going through. It was like therapy, and the glue that kept her held together.” Even listeners who have not had the same experience can relate to a parent leaning on something to make it through. “Baby Momma” continues that homage. The song flips its title into a triple entendre, a nod to the rap wordplay that shaped his style alongside country, pop, and rock. It even features a voice note from his mom singing a melody his grandfather wrote about him. “It’s a song my grandpa used to sing to me. My new music is really a tribute to them.” Family has always been his priority. His success has allowed him to retire his mom, but before music took off, the now 33-year-old juggled two truck-driving jobs, UPS shifts, and Uber rides to cover studio time. He wrote his first two albums behind the wheel, practicing vocals and uploading a new track or video to YouTube each week. His debut radio single, “Devil Ain’t Done,” impacts country radio this Monday, October 13. An instant fan favorite, infectious grooves and melodies highlight the former truck driver’s lyrics in “Devil Ain’t Done” as it reflects themes of self-doubt & perseverance. Grappling with relatable struggles that so many empathize with, this track expands on the singer-songwriter’s mission to make music that is both universal and uniquely him. Listen HERE / Watch Video HERE Atlus marked the release of Secondhand Smoke with a special Nashville preview performance at Cannery Hall last night to a capacity crowd.

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Pictue of Bootleggers Bonfire promo - Maverick

Event Preview – Bootleggers Bonfire

Live events, News / Editor

Sun, salt air and stadium-sized sound come together at Bootleggers Bonfire — the ultimate country escape on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Pack your sunscreen and your favourite flannel — because Luke Combs’ Bootleggers Bonfire returns to Miramar Beach, Florida, this 23–25 October for three days of music, waves and southern soul. Tucked into the shoreline of Seascape Resort, this boutique beach festival turns the traditional country weekender on its head, trading crowded arenas for a curated, intimate fan experience. At Bootleggers Bonfire, the stage is metres from the sea, the crowd is capped at just 5,500, and every set feels personal. It’s part-concert, part-vacation — an immersive three-day retreat for die-hard country fans ready to ditch the dust and dip their boots in the Gulf. Headliner on Holiday Leading the bill is Luke Combs himself — but this isn’t your standard tour stop. Combs will deliver two unique headline sets: a Deep Cuts night on Thursday, followed by a Stadium Hits set on Saturday. It’s a rare chance to hear the full spectrum of his songbook, from crowd favourites like “Fast Car” and “Beer Never Broke My Heart” to fan treasures that don’t always make the arena setlist. He’s joined by a tight, hand-picked line-up reflecting both Combs’ roots and his future vision for the genre. The Castellows — known for their blend of Appalachian harmonies and Gen Z grit — open Thursday. David Lee Murphy, a veteran hitmaker with a honky-tonk heart, shares Friday’s bill with rising Georgia native Dylan Marlowe, while Saturday’s stage welcomes alt-country powerhouse Ella Langley, fresh off a breakthrough year. Your Cove, Your Crowd Unlike big-box festivals, Bootleggers Bonfire is designed for comfort and connection. Fans can book reserved Coves for two to six people — roped-off spaces on the beach that come with seating, direct stage views, and the option for food, drinks and merch to be delivered right to your spot. For those after a front-row thrill, Bootleggers Beach offers standing room just steps from the stage — with numbers limited to preserve the intimate atmosphere. It’s the best of both worlds: up-close access with laid-back, toes-in-the-sand vibes. Campfire Country Culture But the experience goes far beyond the main stage. Each day unfolds like a coastal carnival of country culture — from sunrise yoga sessions and fishing tournaments, to drum circles, bonfire jam nights, and a raucous Luke‑I‑Oke karaoke session where fans can perform onstage with the house band. Evenings bring golden-hour performances and spontaneous singalongs, while daytime is built for beach hangs and slow living. Whether you’re grabbing cocktails from a tiki pop-up, swapping stories at the Songwriters Bonfire, or dancing through the Wildcards 90’s Night, every detail has been crafted for connection. Close-Up and All In In an era of mega-fests and oversold arenas, Bootleggers Bonfire feels like a breath of warm, coastal air — proving that country music doesn’t need grandstands to be grand. It’s a celebration of songwriters, a treat for superfans, and a reminder that sometimes the best way to feel music… is barefoot. Whether you’re there for the setlists or the sunsets, Bootleggers Bonfire ‘25 delivers the rarest of combinations: a headliner at the top of his game, in a setting built to bring fans closer than ever before. 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 Ridin'Hearts Festival - Photo by PR - Maverick

Event Preview – Ridin’ Hearts

Live events, News / Editor

City rooftops meet country roads as Ridin’ Hearts returns to Sydney and Melbourne in October—serving up boot-stomping music, rising stars, and all-out festival fun. Get ready to dust off your boots and feel the pulse of country magic—because Ridin’ Hearts Festival is back for its third year, bigger, louder and bolder than ever. On Saturday 25 October at Sydney Showground and Sunday 26 October at Melbourne’s Caribbean Gardens, this unique city-centre festival is ready to once again bring the heart of Nashville to Australia’s east coast. Unlike any other event on the calendar, Ridin’ Hearts blends high-energy performances with streetwear cool, cowboy boot glamour, and boutique vibes. It’s where fans come to celebrate the modern face of country music—genre-fluid, emotionally rich, and undeniably fun. A Headline Act with Heart Topping the bill this year is none other than Megan Moroney. Nicknamed the “emo cowgirl” for her blend of vulnerability and sass, Moroney has fast become a country superstar. With over 2.8 billion global streams, viral tracks like “No Caller ID” and “Tennessee Orange,” and a second studio album Am I Okay? hot off the press, Moroney’s set promises to be a singalong celebration and an emotional gut-punch rolled into one. She’ll be joined by Nate Smith, whose powerhouse vocals and emotionally direct songwriting have earned him massive crossover appeal. Known for anthems like “Whiskey on You” and “Bulletproof,” Smith was crowned Billboard’s Rookie of the Year and recently took home ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year. Rising Stars and Local Favourites As ever, Ridin’ Hearts isn’t just about the biggest names—it’s a platform for tomorrow’s headliners. Avery Anna returns to Australian shores after winning over fans at CMC Rocks earlier this year. The 20-year-old viral sensation has already proven she’s more than a TikTok success story—her ballads hit with the emotional weight of someone twice her age. Then there’s Waylon Wyatt, a fresh Nashville face who’s balancing graduation with festival tours. Armed with heartland grit and youthful optimism, he’s quickly building buzz as a new voice to watch. From closer to home, Golden Guitar nominee Lane Pittman represents Australia’s own country resurgence, having recently supported Luke Combs on his national stadium tour. His blend of raw vocals and relatable lyrics are bound to resonate with hometown crowds. Additional highlights include Blake Whiten, Sara Berki, Karley Scott Collins, and Lewis Love—all artists who blur the lines between country, folk, and Americana in exciting ways. A True Country Experience But Ridin’ Hearts isn’t just about the music. This is a festival designed to delight the senses. Visitors can browse curated market stalls, grab bites from local food trucks (everything from Southern BBQ to vegan options), and sip craft cocktails at pop-up bars throughout the site. There’s also a strong fashion and lifestyle element: from glitter cowboy hats to custom denim, festivalgoers come dressed to impress. In fact, it’s not unusual to see a full runway of Western-meets-streetwear looks unfold right there on the grass. Saddle Up With both Sydney and Melbourne shows offering stacked line-ups and good vibes from morning to sundown, Ridin’ Hearts continues to carve out a unique space in the global festival calendar. It’s equal parts concert, community, and country celebration—proof that this genre is no longer confined to the American South. Whether you’re new to country or a die-hard fan, Ridin’ Hearts offers something rare: the chance to experience the sound, style, and soul of modern country music in the beating heart of Australia’s biggest cities. 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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Event Review – Windy City Smokeout

Live events, News / Editor

Windy City Smokeout 2025 delivered unforgettable musical moments, legendary BBQ, sizzling surprise guests, and vibrant Chicago spirit for four days outside the United Center. Chicago’s Windy City Smokeout returned July 10–13, 2025, transforming the United Center parking lot into a lively convergence of country music and barbecue culture. Over four days, the festival drew crowds of 20,000–25,000 daily, drawn by a curated mix of chart‑topping artists, rising talent, and a smoky swarm of pitmasters. The 2025 lineup boasted heavy-hitters like Kane Brown, Jon Pardi, Bailey Zimmerman, Old Dominion, Megan Moroney, Riley Green, Koe Wetzel, and Dylan Gossett. Supporting acts such as Ella Langley, Sam Barber, Charles Wesley Godwin, Shane Smith & the Saints, Josh Meloy, Lauren Watkins, and Maggie Antone added depth and diversity to the roster. The schedule was tightly packed but masterfully paced, offering a seamless blend of party anthems, emotional ballads, and crowd-pleasing singalongs. Between sets, festivalgoers lounged in shaded beer gardens, joined line-dancing circles, or cooled off with ice-cold lemonade while sampling regional BBQ specialties. The atmosphere remained relaxed but electric, with a crowd that skewed younger this year—suggesting the genre’s evolving appeal among Gen Z and millennial fans. Unexpected magic Weather, BBQ, and unexpected performances defined this year’s magic. Despite intense heat and storm warnings, the mood stayed electric. The festival featured over 20 esteemed pitmasters—including local favourites like Bub City, Lexington Betty, Smoque BBQ, and Soul & Smoke—plus regional stars such as Pappy’s, Little Miss BBQ, Meat Mitch, and Hoodoo Brown Barbecue. One memorable highlight featured Hoodoo Brown serving Italian sausage sandwiches and smoked beef cheese poutine fries while battling the elements after a grueling 13-hour drive. One of the weekend’s most surreal moments occurred during Old Dominion’s Friday set when Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi appeared as the Blues Brothers. They jammed on “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” and later joined the band for “Hotel Key,” igniting the crowd with a Chicago twist that will be remembered for years. Stage highlights and rising stars Friday and Saturday brought more unforgettable performances. Ella Langley’s energetic set earned her a career moment when she invited Riley Green onstage for two duets, sparking speculation with the crowd. Green’s own performance closed the festival with a raw, emotional solo rendition of “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” following surprise Dueling renditions of Toby Keith hits that had fans singing along. Headliner Jon Pardi closed out Smokeout with pyrotechnics, catwalk twirls, and singalong hits like “Beer Can’t Fix,” “Heartache Medication,” and “Head Over Boots” — capturing the heart of country fans with his trademark swagger and showmanship. City vibes, country heart What sets Windy City Smokeout apart is Chicago’s urban energy meeting festival soul. Whether tip‑toeing toward the next set with beer in hand or doing a line dance near the pits, the vibe remains an intoxicating blend of grit, community, and pure country joy. From surprise celebrity cameos to smoky flavors and unforgettable sets, Smokeout 2025 is living proof that the best festivals never play it safe—they embrace the unexpected. 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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