2025 - Page 17 of 26 - STAGING Maverick

Picture of Tristan Roberson signing with The Kirby Organization - Photo by Natalie Roberson Photography - Maverick

Country Newcomer Tristan Roberson Signs with The Kirby Organization

Rising country star Tristan Roberson has officially joined the roster of The Kirby Organization (TKO), one of the music industry’s leading boutique booking agencies. The 17-year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Frisco, Texas, will be represented by veteran agent Michael Kelley, further solidifying Roberson’s rapid ascent in the country music scene. With a sound that blends the grit of traditional country and the shine of contemporary production, Roberson has quickly distinguished himself as one of the genre’s most compelling new voices. Since releasing his debut single in May 2024, he has amassed over 6 million streams across platforms, driven by the viral success of his breakout track, “Somewhere in Texas,” which soared to No. 1 on the Texas radio charts in just 17 weeks. “Joining TKO is an incredible milestone for me,” said Roberson. “Michael Kelley and the whole team truly understand what I’m about as an artist. To have the support of such a respected agency at this point in my career means the world, and I’m thrilled for what’s ahead.” With a full summer tour lined up – opening for Texas country heavyweights like Aaron Watson, Josh Ward, and William Beckmann – Roberson is poised to bring his high-energy live show to a national audience. His debut album, One Night In Dallas (released May 9, 2025), showcases his distinctive blend of traditional influences and modern country swagger. “It’s clear that Tristan has an incredibly bright future ahead of him,” said Michael Kelley of TKO. “He’s the real deal – an authentic voice, a gifted songwriter, and a natural performer who connects with fans in a powerful way. I’m excited to be part of his journey and can’t wait for country audiences across the country to experience his live show.” TKO, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and London, is known for its elite roster of more than 400 artists spanning rock, metal, alternative, and now, increasingly, rising voices in country. The agency has built a reputation for its hands-on, artist-first approach, crafting personalised career paths that help artists break through and sustain lasting success. For Roberson, the signing marks a major step forward in what’s already shaping up to be one of the year’s most exciting new country careers. 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 Rob Williford - Photo by Dustin Haney - Maverick

Rob Williford Drops Trailer for Highly Anticipated Short Film “Johnny & Jenny”

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Following his recent album and short film announcement, both entitled Johnny & Jenny (out June 27), GRAMMY Award-nominated songwriter, artist, and producer Rob Williford has dropped the official trailer for the short film. Produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker Dustin Haney, the visual offers a cinematic take on the project as a whole, bringing to life the characters introduced on the album. The 14-song album, produced by Andy Park, marks a bold leap into storytelling-driven country music, while the short film deepens its narrative arc, weaving together themes of addiction, betrayal, and redemption in a Southern gothic style. “I enlisted the help of my friend Dustin Haney who, from the jump, wanted to be a part of things,” Williford explained of the project’s cinematic endeavour. “It’s pretty miraculous, as there was no way I could have afforded him. But he listened to the record and just… got it. A few weeks after sending it to him, he sent me a script, and we were off to the races. I’m excited for people to have access to the music in a way that puts visualisation to it.” The album has already yielded four released singles – project lead-off single, “Johnny,” a song about addiction, adultery, and murder; dismal “Beautiful Breakdown”; a cover of classic Motown hit “Ain’t No Mountain” (originally made famous by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell); and most recent release, “Jenny,” which introduces Johnny’s counterpart who, despite the best of intentions, has made a series of bad decisions, leading to a sort of bittersweet entrapment. All four tunes have been accompanied by music videos featuring footage from the unreleased short film, giving fans a glimpse into what’s to come. 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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Louie TheSinger Debuts “One For The Hometown”

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Louie TheSinger will celebrate the release of his MCA debut album, One For The Hometown, this week with a headlining show at Billy Bob’s Texas. Louie then heads to Nashville to play MCA’s Sounds Like Nashville Live stage at Skydeck on Broadway during CMA Fest at 1pm on Sunday, June 8. “I’ve been looking forward to releasing this album for what feels like forever; it’s really a dream come true,” says Louie. “The most fun part about touring in 2024 was getting to see all the people sing along to my songs. Now that I have a new project coming out, I can’t wait to hit the road and sing all the new ones with the fans,” adds the Fort Worth, Texas native hinting at a major tour announcement coming June 9. Louie joined the ranks of country music icons like Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Keith Urban, and Reba McEntire when he signed his major label record deal with MCA, and now his label debut album, One For the Hometown, launches June 6. In November 2024, Louie was honoured for his contribution to country music with an Origins Impact Award. 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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Outlaw Country Meets Rock Rebellion in Brandon Wayne’s Latest Johnny Cash Cover

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With his signature fusion of outlaw country with hard rock energy, Long Beach-based artist Brandon Wayne has unveiled his latest release, “Folsom Prison (Fuck You Brandon Wayne)”. The single is a thunderous reimagining of the Johnny Cash classic, complete with stomping drums, gritty vocals, and an unexpected chant that flips self-loathing into self-liberation, Part homage, part rebellion, the track leans fully into imperfection, recorded live with all the rough edges intact. Brandon’s distinctive growl carries the weight of regret and freedom alike, while the shouted “Fuck you, Brandon Wayne” transforms the song into a cathartic, punch-in-the-gut moment. Produced by Wayne and Andres Alzate, the track features Ian LeBlanc on drums and Tobin Gomez on fiddle. Wayne’s last single, “Bad Habits,” was covered by Wide Open Country and Jammerzine, and his performances are known for their ferocity and charm in equal measure. 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 Opry Mic Stand - Photo by Chris Hollo - Maverick

Carrie Underwood Unveils Opry 100 Rhinestone-Designed Opry Mic Stand

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American singer-songwriter and 17-year Opry member Carrie Underwood gave her fans a sneak peek of the brand new custom rhinestone-themed Opry 100 mic stand during a performance at her official fan club party at the Grand Ole Opry House on Tuesday afternoon, where she was also celebrating the 2-year anniversary of her SiriusXM channel, CARRIE’S COUNTRY. Later that evening, Underwood revealed the specially-designed Opry mic stand during her performances in both sold-out Opry shows. The stand was commissioned exclusively for the Opry’s 100th year, featuring sparkling rhinestones inspired by and marking the Opry’s ‘rhinestone milestone.’ It will be used for special performances throughout the Opry’s centennial celebration. During the two-show Tuesday night Opry kicking off CMA FEST, Underwood also surprised the audience by joining Ben Fuller during his set for their duet of “If It Was Up To Me.” The 8-time GRAMMY winner was inducted into the Opry family on May 10, 2008. 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 Steady Habits - Photo by Steady Habits - Maverick-Country.com

Steady Habits Launch Heartfelt New Single “Deviate”

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Indie-folk band Steady Habits, led by New England native Sean Duggan, have returbed with their heartfelt new single “Deviate”. The title track of their highly anticipated debut album (September 19th), “Deviate” explores themes of self-discovery and identity, a thoughtful follow-up to the grittier 90s rock-inspired lead single “Stay”. About the song, Duggan shares: “I wish I heard this when I was a young queer kid, growing up in New Haven, CT. I had this untethered desire to explore my femininity. I played with my friend’s barbies, envied their princess dresses, sketched ball gowns I hoped to wear one day. “I came out as gay much later in my life, but long before I was called a sissy or believed that I’d burn in hell for my feelings, I never questioned what I was drawn to. This song is a love letter to that younger version of me, and to that are growing up in a world that is eroding freedoms to explore and express who they are. “The LGBTQ+ community have long been labelled as deviants. This song reclaims that word as a badge of pride.” Steady Habits have been making waves in the independent music scene, recently highlighted as a “Best of UK Country & Americana 2024” by Holler. Their electric live performances and evocative songwriting have earned them showcases at major events like the 2025 Americana Music Week in London. The band has also shared stages with artists such as The Hanging Stars, Our Man in the Field, and Morganway, and graced festivals including Black Deer, Truck Festival, and The Long Road Festival, where they are set to return for 2025. The upcoming album was engineered by Chris Barker (Premium Leisure) and co-produced by James Wyatt (Sloe Flower Studios), capturing the raw, heartfelt songwriting and lush instrumentation that have become a Steady Habits signature. 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 Jason Aldean - Photo by Brian Higbee - Maverick-Country.com

Jason Aldean Marks 30th Number One with New Single “Whiskey Drink”

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GRAMMY-nominated entertainer Jason Aldean has celebrated his 30th #1 at Country Radio via Broken Bow Records this week with the release of his latest single “Whiskey Drink,” featured on his album Highway Desperado. With this latest accolade, Aldean joins an elite class of entertainers who have logged 30+ #1 hits throughout their career like George Strait, Tim McGraw, Ronnie Milsap, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton. “30 #1s is a huge milestone, and I couldn’t let it go by without thanking the fans, country radio, the songwriters, BMG and the best promo team in the business,” says Jason Aldean. “I appreciate all the support we have gotten from everyone over the last 20 years. And, I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon; so, I’m working hard on getting this next round of music out and can’t wait to share it soon. “I always say icons come from the fringes and Jason Aldean exemplifies that without question,” says Jon Loba, President, Frontline Recordings, BMG Americas. “When many questioned his music early on, he was uncompromising and in the process, added an entirely new sound to the genre that many tried to chase, but none could replicate. Today, he registers his 30th #1, while continuing to sell out arenas and amphitheaters. We at BMG look forward to him shaping the sound of Country music for years to come.” The country music superstar is bringing his hit packed show to CMA Fest this week in Nashville as he closes out Nissan Stadium on the opening night, Thursday, June 5 before heading back out on the road in July. 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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CMA Fest Reveals New Fan Alley Experience

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The 2025 edition of CMA Fest, which kicks off this week, in downtown Nashville, has announced a new Fan Alley experience – a reimagined activation area located between the Chevy Riverfront Stage and Dr Pepper Amp Stage. As part of an enhanced festival footprint, and framed by the Cumberland River, this energetic corridor features immersive activations, giveaways, and surprise moments from top brand partners, creating a must-visit hub in the heart of downtown. This year marks a historic moment, as SoFi becomes the first-ever presenting partner of CMA Fest – a natural fit given the strong alignment between SoFi’s commitment to helping people achieve financial independence to realise their ambitions and CMA’s mission to support and elevate the Country Music community. As part of this multiyear partnership, SoFi is rolling out premium perks for members throughout the festival, including 25% cash back on select merchandise and concession purchases as well as access to the SoFi Plus Lounge at Riverfront Station, complete with private bar, air conditioning, free swag, surprise perks, and indoor restrooms. Members will also have chances to win tickets to the nightly shows at Nissan Stadium. Also returning are several CMA Fest staples including Busch Light, CELSIUS, Chevrolet, Dr Pepper, Good Molecules, Hard Rock, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, and Wild Turkey. Chevrolet, CMA’s longest-standing partner, returns with a major presence as the Official Ride of CMA Fest with two stages – the Chevy Riverfront Stage at Riverfront Park, and the Chevy Vibes Stage located at Walk of Fame Park. Chevrolet will also have their Performance and EV line-up on display outside of Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and visitors are encouraged to stop by the Chevy Recharge Lounge to cool off and get a complimentary ride around CMA Fest at the “Catch A Chevy” hub at 1 Symphony Place & 3rd Avenue. New for 2025, BODYARMOR will help fans beat the heat as the official sponsor of the CMA Fest Hydration Stations, offering free refreshment stops throughout the footprint. DUDE Wipes joins the festival with an immersive, fun-filled activation at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center and free product sampling at select outdoor restrooms to keep festival goers confidently clean. And beauty lovers can find iT Cosmetics inside Fan Fair X, offering free product samples throughout the weekend. CELSIUS returns with double the excitement this year, bringing the energy to two fan-favourite locations. Stop by the two-story CELSIUS Saloon in Fan Alley to enjoy a complimentary, ice cold CELSIUS, cool off in shaded seating, and snap a photo at their signature hat wall. Also, back by popular demand: Fitness at Fest presented by CELSIUS, happening Friday and Saturday – where music meets movement for an energising start to the day. Wild Turkey returns to CMA Fest, once again raising a glass as the music festival’s official bourbon partner. Step into Wild Turkey Bourbon Square in Fan Alley, where Kentucky charm meets spirited celebration. Sip on timeless classics or discover a new favourite like the Nashville Cooler, the perfect mix of bourbon and frozen cola. From custom embroidery to playful photo ops that capture the magic of the moment, guests can immerse themselves in tons of live activations that highlight the brand’s Kentucky hospitality. With giveaways, good vibes, and more surprises in store, it’s more than a stop. Anheuser-Busch, the Official Beer Sponsor of CMA Fest returns with Busch Light, along with NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, the Official Vodka Seltzer Sponsor of CMA Fest. Fans who stop by the “Busch Country” experience inside Ascend Park can enjoy meet-and-greets with various Country artists, including Matt Stell and Riley Green on Thursday, Priscilla Block on Friday, and Jordan Davis on Saturday. Fans can snap a photo with NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain on Thursday, experience NASCAR racing simulators, and snag fun Busch Light merch—trucker hats, bottle openers, cooling bandanas, can coolers, and Blue Lemonade ice pops – while supplies last. Busch Light will also be offering its fan-favourite Busch Light Apple while supplies last each day at various times throughout the festival. Good Molecules, the official Skin Care partner of CMA Fest, can be found throughout the festival providing fans with skincare sample packs to help them see a difference in their skin and festival visors – perfect for sunny days downtown. Returning this year is the “CMA Fest History Walk presented by Good Molecules” where fans can immerse themselves in a visual timeline of highlight moments spanning CMA Fest’s 52-year history along the John Siegenthaler Pedestrian Bridge downtown. Fans can also enjoy music from some of the newest and hottest breakthrough artists at the free Good Molecules Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza. Dr Pepper, the Official Non-Alcoholic Carbonated Beverage Partner of CMA Fest, returns with its popular destination at the Dr Pepper Amp Stage in Ascend Park, offering live performances, giveaways and refreshing Dr Pepper samples throughout the day. CMA Fest also welcomes first-time military activations from the United States Marine Corps, celebrating 250 years of service at “Marine Corps Alley” with equipment demos, a pull-up challenge, and performances by the world-famous 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. The United States Navy features The Strike Group at Fan Fair X – a cutting-edge VR experience highlighting Navy STEM careers. In Fan Alley fans can test their reflexes with elite drills from the NSWAC, and on the Dr Pepper Amp Stage the U.S. Navy Band Country Current will perform live. USTA (United States Tennis Association) is making their debut inside Fan Fair X, offering an interactive experience where fans can learn and play Red Ball Tennis, the newest sport sweeping tennis courts nationwide. Also joining CMA Fest this year is “AMERICAN IDOL,” one of television’s most iconic talent platforms, offering aspiring artists the chance to audition in-person in front of a producer for the upcoming season airing in 2026 on ABC. Hosted during CMA Fest at Music City Center on Friday, June 6, “AMERICAN IDOL” auditions will provide fans with an up-close look at the star-making process and a unique opportunity to take their shot at stardom. Other exciting new and returning brand

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Picture of Dylan Scott's new album cover - Photo by Eric Ryan Anderson - Maverick-Country.com

Dylan Scott Launches Third Studio Album ‘Easy Does It’

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Multi-Platinum recording artist Dylan Scott has entered a new creative chapter with the release of his third studio album Easy Does It. The 11-track collection spans themes of heartbreak, committed love and nods to the small town that raised him. “I feel like I’m in the best stage of life so far, and this album reflects that for me,” Scott describes. “I don’t know if that’s because of my kids or being married as long as I have, or if it’s just getting into my 30s, but I don’t stress. I don’t worry like I used to – we just go to work. As crazy as it sounds, I’m in that Easy Does It phase of life.” Easy Does It opens with Scott’s current Country radio single, “What He’ll Never Have,” which is already shaping up to be the biggest song of his career with over 300-million global streams so far. Written by Scott alongside his brother Logan, tour manager and guitar player Robbie Gatlin and songwriter Ricky Rowton, the “infectious, cleverly composed track” (Holler) continues to rise on the Country Airplay charts. The album also features Scott’s most recent No. 1, “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” lively “I Owe You One,” which Scott performed on NBC’s TODAY and energetic anthems like “Country Till I Die” and “I Hate Whiskey”. “There’s confidence that comes with success, no doubt about it, and I’m grateful for this Easy Does It stage,” he says. “I’m not the 20-year-old kid anymore, I’m 34 with kids and a wife, and I hope fans can see where I’m at in life. I hope they listen and go, ‘Hey, that’s different from the last album,’ and I hope people take something from it to help ‘em personally. But really, I just hope they see that I’m having fun and am not too worried about things. Just enjoying life.” No stranger to love songs, the Louisiana native continues to deliver serenade-worthy tracks on Easy Does It. The picturesque “Back Forty,” written by Adam Craig, Kyle Clark and Patrick Murphy, can be taken as a note right out of Scott’s Easy Does It handbook. A serene tribute to simple life, he stated he can’t sing the reflective ballad without thinking of the farmhouse outside Nashville where his kids are growing up, featuring a real-life acreage just off its back porch. The swaying acoustic snap track “Twice,” written by Charlie Handsome, Jaxson Free, John Byron and Taylor Phillips, captures the same romantic spirit as his first career No. 1 “My Girl,” just further down the road of life. “I’ve been with my wife since I was 15 years old – she’s the rock, she’s the glue that holds this whole thing together,” Scott explains. “I didn’t write ‘Twice,’ but I knew I had to have it the first time I heard it, because it just reminds me of my wife and our relationship. If I could, I wish I could live it twice.” Scott’s 2025 has already seen several high notes, including snagging two No. 1s so far this year with “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “Boys Back Home” with Dylan Marlowe, adding to his six career No. 1 singles overall. He continues to dominate on the road, recently wrapping his headlining Country Till I Die Tour. The tour saw 10 sold-out stops as well as Scott’s headlining arena debut with two arena shows. The dates became his highest-grossing and highest-selling tour dates yet, shattering his previous attendance records. The road warrior will head back on the road this fall on his headlining Easy Does It Tour, set to hit 15 cities throughout September and October. Special guests George Birge, Josh Ross and Zach John King will join him on select dates. Next week, fans can catch Scott at CMA Fest in Nashville, where he will perform at Spotify House on June 6 and Nissan Stadium on June 8. 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 Zac Brown - Photo by American Music Awards - Maverick-Country.com

Zac Brown Receives Inaugural Veterans Voice Award At American Music Awards

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Multiple GRAMMY Award winner, Zac Brown, received the inaugural Veterans Voice Award at the 2025 American Music Awards in recognition of his unwavering support for veterans throughout his career. Brown runs a non-profit in Georgia, Camp Southern Ground, which aims to serve both youth and veterans with programs to help with the transition to and from service, to serve those with PTSD, to find community, to tell their stories, and more. Before every show, Zac Brown Band takes time to meet with veterans and typically bring them up on stage to honour them during their performance, allowing the band to listen, learn, and help shine a spotlight on them. Brown attended the award show alongside his girlfriend, jewellery designer Kendra Scott, where the couple made their red carpet debut. 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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