Editor

Calling all CMA Music Fest Fans! The lineup for LP Field will be revealed to the world in a couple of weeks! Since CMA Fest is all about the fans, they are giving you first crack at guessing the artists playing the big stage in 2014. Clues for LP Field artists will be posted each weekday, Monday, March 3rd until Tuesday, March 18th, on CMA’s official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. What you have to do is pretty simple: 1. “Like” CMA on Facebook and “Follow” CMA on Twitter and Instagram. 2. Check every weekday for clues. 3. Tag and retweet to get a little help from your friends. 4. Use the hashtag #CMAFestGuess 5. Kick back and relax with a confident smile on your face.

On February 27th, Maverick Magazine attended Music Week’s Evening Sessions at the Barbican Centre on Silk Street in London. Among the guest speakers was Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment, who took part in a Q&A with the guests in his only UK visit of 2014. He was joined on stage by Live Nation’s EU President of Concerts, John Reid. The evening was a great success, and gave an insight into the the business of the music industry, as well as providing a superb opportunity for networking with some key decision-makers.

From a young age, Danni Nicholls soaked up American folk, country and rock n roll music from her Grandmother’s record collection which included Patsy Cline, Elvis, and Willie Nelson. When she inherited her uncle Heathcliff’s electric guitar aged 16, it all came pouring back out in the form of her own original material and has been flowing ever since. Danni Nicholls will be touring the UK to promote her critically acclaimed, crowd-funded debut album A LITTLE REDEMPTION which was recorded in Nashville, TN with Chris Donohue (Emmylou Harris, The Civil Wars, Robert Plant). Danni will bring an eclectic musical style which moves between alt-country, folk and soul to performances throughout March and April.

Showcase submissions for the 2014 Americana Music Festival & Conference are now open, and will be accepted through Friday, March 28th. There are two ways to submit: AMA Members can submit for free by printing the submission application and mailing it to the Americana office at PO Box 628, Franklin, TN 37065. Non-members can submit via the digital platform, Populr, for a small fee of $25. Are you an AMA member, but prefer to submit online? You’ll still have to pay the $25 fee. Sorry, there’s no way around that. Not a member, but want to submit via standard mail? You can join the Americana Music Association and take advantage of free submissions. All applicants will be notified by Friday, June 27th, 2014 as to whether or not they have been selected for this year’s event. Selected artists will showcase Wednesday, September 17th through Saturday, September 20th at many premiere venues in Nashville, TN. Each year, the Americana Music Festival & Conference brings together legendary artists, the next generation of rising stars and industry professionals for four days of music and education. The event will take place September 17-21, 2014, gathering thousands of artists, fans and industry professionals from all over the world in Nashville. The Americana Music Conference features numerous panels, seminars and much more, proudly providing Nashville’s most educational music industry forum. This special event covers the interests and needs of artists, managers, labels, radio stations, publishers, agents, promoters, retailers, legal and business affairs executives, merchandisers and new media professionals – all enthusiastically attended and presented by music industry leaders.

The Radio 2 Folk Awards 2014 took place last night. The event celebrated its 15th Anniversary and was presented by Radio 2 Folk Show host, Mark Radcliffe, and folk singer Julie Fowlis live. It was broadcast live from London in front of an audience of over 4,500 people. The BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards are an annual celebration and bringing together some of the biggest names in folk music to recognise their achievements over the past 12 months as well as giving awards to honour outstanding lifetime contributions. Folk icons and new talent gathered for the event. A highlight performance came from American folk singer Peggy Seeger. She held tribute to her late half-brother Pete Seeger, who died last month. Joined on stage by a number of performers, Peggy sang one of his most well-known songs, Quite Early Morning. Other exciting performances were heard from a variety of artists including Bellowhead, Suzanne Vega, Clannad, Martin Simpson, Anais Mitchell & Jefferson Hamer and The Full English. The Fisherman’s Friends performed for the first time since the tragic deaths of their band member Trevor Grills and Tour Manager, Paul McMullen, in 2013. Bob Shennan, Controller of BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music says: “Congratulations to everyone who won an award. It was a wonderful celebration and a reflection of just how vibrant the UK folk music scene is. As a genre, folk continues to be an important part of Radio 2’s schedule and we remain committed to broadcasting distinctive and specialist music content.” Folk super group The Full English received two awards, recognised for Best Group and Best Album; Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin were awarded with Best Duo and contemporary folk musician; and singer/songwriter Bella Hardy scooped the accolade for Folk Singer of the Year. The awards will be available to watch in full on the BBC Red Button until 7.45am the following morning (Thursday 20 February). There will also be chance to watch highlights from the event on the Radio 2 website –bbc.co.uk/radio2. The BBC Red Button will also have highlights from Tuesday 25 February until Saturday 29 February. Full list of BBC Radio 2 Folk Award 2014 winners: Folk Singer Of The Year – Bella Hardy Best Duo – Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin Best Group – The Full English Best Album – The Full English – THE FULL ENGLISH Horizon Award – Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar Musician Of The Year – Aidan O’Rourke Best Original Song – Two Ravens from Lisa Knapp Best Traditional Track – Willie of Winsbury from Anaïs Mitchell & Jefferson Hamer BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award – The Mischa Macpherson Trio Lifetime Achievement Award – Martin Carthy Lifetime Achievement Award – Clannad Good Tradition Award – Cambridge Folk Festival Hall Of Fame – Cecil Sharp

The Folk Alliance International Conference is an annual event that draws together music industry professionals from throughout the world to share ideas, network and celebrate traditional music and dance. It is an event of celebration, education and entertainment. The Americana Music Association will once again partner with Folk Alliance International. The Folk Alliance is pleased to announce the final list of its 2014 Music Camp instructors. The Music Camp is designed for players and songwriters of all ages, styles, and levels of ability. In addition to group sessions, the Music Camp will provide master classes for accomplished players, jam sessions for all levels, staff & camper concerts, a general store for music items, and a fun environment to share music. Plus, Camp attendees will have access to select Folk Alliance Conference features including the opening night events and the Graham Nash Keynote Interview on Thursday morning. All conference registrants have full access to all music camp events. The Winter Music Camp will take place from today – Sunday, February 19-23, 2014 at The Sheraton Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City. The full schedule can be found at: www.folkalliance.org/camp/winter-music-camp-schedule

The Roys, award-winning brother/sister duo, were named Top Bluegrass Artist at the 10th Annual International Acoustic Music Awards (IAMA). The IAMA promotes excellence in acoustic music performance and artistry, acoustic artists in various genres. Another Minute, written by Lee Roy in fond remembrance of his grandfather and released on THE ROYS’ recent hit-album GYPSY RUNAWAY TRAIN, competed against thousands of entries from all over the world. Winners were chosen by a Blue Ribbon Judging Committee comprised of music industry professionals including A&R managers from record labels, publishers and producers and judged equally on music performance, production, originality, lyrics, melody and composition. “What an honour it is to be recognised internationally for this song” said Lee Roy. “My grandfather was such an incredible person, and the time I had with him was so precious! Looking back, I realised how much he helped to shape my life and I set out to write a song about it. Fans just immediately connected with it, so we included it on our latest album. It’s really cool to win this award but even better that my grandfather helped me to win it.” “When Lee brought me this song, it brought tears to my eyes,” says Elaine Roy. “Pepere [grandfather] would be humbled by it all, but so proud that his grandson was able to write something that would resonate with fans all over the world. We couldn’t be more thrilled!”

Police Dog Hogan are excited to announce that they will be performing alongside Platform 7 at BUSH HALL on Feb 20, 2014, as part of Music In Prison’s Sounding Out ex-prisoner program. Police Dog Hogan are a high-energy and eclectic seven-piece that combine fiddle, banjo, mandolin, drums and guitars with knockout four-part harmonies in an exuberant fusing of country, pop, folk, and rocking urban bluegrass. As well as performing their own sets, Platform 7 and Police Dog Hogan will be joining forces for a very special collaboration. In 2012, Platform 7 were the first group to be formed on music in prisons ex-prisoners program Sounding Out. The band brings a mix of soul, funk and feeling to the stage. Since 1995, Music In Prisons has been embracing the use of music as a powerful tool to help people in prison to transform their lives and Sounding Out helps to act as a progression route for talented previous participants; taking the new skills they started to discover on ITT’s prison projects even further. Sounding Out is not just about creating new music – it’s designed to equip participants with skills which can help advance them both musically and professionally, linking them to other music and training courses, but also to providing them with the chance to undertake paid work-placements as trainee facilitators and positive role models on ITT’s Making Tracks projects. All profits will go towards Music in Prisons, supporting its inspirational work with people of all ages inside prisons throughout the UK, young people at risk of offending in the community, and ex-prisoners rebuilding their lives on the outside.

Award-winning Bluegrass Vocalist Jeanette Williams has announced the February 18 official release of her new Americana single, I Can’t Make You Love Me. The song was co-written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin and made famous by Bonnie Raitt. Reid has praised the single, commenting: “Jeanette Williams is a wonderful artist. She’s not trying to sell you anything. Her intent is pure; just the music, sung with an ethereally gorgeous voice deeply felt. She made this song her own. I love it.” The track features Williams’ soaring vocal style and a tasteful blend of fiddle and acoustic guitar. Williams says of producer Bruce Dees, who is known for his work with Ronnie Milsap and Barbara Mandrell: “He shares my musical vision and has helped me bring this song to life.” The bluegrass-infused single will be available Tuesday, February 18th on AirPlay Direct and CD Baby for radio and fans, and will join several other contemporary tracks on a 2014 EP to be released later this spring on Off Row Records, her first solo project in over five years. Since her debut album release in 1999, Jeanette Williams has become one of the most successful and celebrated women in bluegrass music. In addition to earning SPBGMA’s (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America) Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year title three times and a 2014 Contemporary Vocalist nomination, two International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards and a 2007 Chris Austin Songwriting Contest Award, she receives extensive airplay on the Bluegrass Unlimited charts and tours internationally as the lead vocalist and upright bass player with The Jeanette Williams Band. “I started singing Bluegrass at the age of 23, infusing my music with Southern Gospel, Classic Country and Rock & Roll,” says Williams about her early influences. “I Can’t Make You Love Me is a song close to my heart.”

Country music is taking over the U.K. and Ireland and the CMA is proudly participating in a diverse line-up of exciting country music events. These will range from songwriters’ showcases to industry panels, to star-packed stadium concerts across the Atlantic from March 14 to 17. Scheduled events for the weekend include: The second annual CMA International Marketing Summit An evening with the storytellers behind the hits with CMA Songwriters Series, which is making its third run in the region A special BBC songwriters show taping at the iconic BBC Radio Theatre; Two crowning C2C (Country To Country) concerts, two nights each, at The O2 in Dublin and London. “The fans in this market are very enthusiastic and supportive of Country Music,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Our artists are experiencing successful tours there and the business opportunities for the industry are obvious. Presenting the reach of the format, the calibre of our artistic community, and providing information about our consumer benefits everyone involved in Country Music.” CMA Songwriters Series The CMA Songwriters Series has been exposing fans to the artisans who, through their craft, pen hits that touch the lives of millions of music fans. Popular domestically for a decade (with more than 75 shows in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, and at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.), the CMA Songwriters Series makes its third trip to the U.K. in 2014. The two-hour show presents the songwriters and artists together on stage, taking turns telling the stories behind their hit songs and performing them acoustically as originally written. With entertaining anecdotes and powerful performances, fans have the opportunity to hear the stories, challenges, and processes involved with writing songs that have become huge hits. This year, the CMA Songwriters Series takes place on the evening before C2C, a huge two-day music festival at The O2 featuring an outstanding line up of stars. The CMA Songwriters Series kicks off the weekend’s events on Friday, March 14 at The O2’s IndigO2 in London. Hosted by award-winning songwriter Bob DiPiero, the intimate evening of songs and the stories behind them features Martina McBride, Brett James, and Striking Matches. “C2C is proud to present the CMA Songwriters Series in London this year. The Series provides music lovers with a unique opportunity to learn the backstory of how a song is written and brought to life,” said Milly Olykan, Senior Event Producer at The O2 and a member of the CMA Board of Directors. “Having Martina McBride appear at both the Songwriters Series and the following day perform at C2C will give UK fans a real appreciation of an artist’s relationship with a song from its origins through to performing it live to thousands.” C2C 2014 (Country to Country) Following the acclaimed success of Country to Country (C2C) 2013, an outstanding line up of music stars are again heading across the Atlantic for a huge two-day music festival extravaganza at The O2 London on Saturday and Sunday, March 15 and 16. Also for the very first time C2C is going to Ireland on Friday and Saturday, March 14 and 15 at The O2, Dublin. Headlining C2C 2014 will be Brad Paisley, six-time co-host of the CMA Awards and a 14-time CMA Awards winner; and Grammy-winning, 13-time CMA Awards nominee Zac Brown Band. C2C 2014 will also see the return of Country superstars Dixie Chicks, who will be performing in the U.K. for the first time in eight years. Rascal Flatts join the line-up as well as Dierks Bentley, Chris Young, and McBride (London show only). As part of the London C2C, CMA will partner with Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation to present a booth in the Town Square marketplace at The O2 each day (12:30-8:30 PM). The Town Square features retailers, merchandise, food vendors, and a stage with live music. British Music Experience at the O2 London On Saturday, March 15, CMA will present two exciting panel discussions at C2C featuring songwriters and music executives in the British Music Experience at The O2, London. Attendees will hear about what it takes to be a successful songwriter and panellists will explore the steps to hit-making. These panels are a must for any aspiring songwriter or artist and are free to the public but seating is limited. Panel topics, times, and access information will be announced soon via CMA, C2C, and The British Music Experience websites. The British Music Experience is Britain’s only interactive museum of popular music. Following its opening at The O2 in 2009 it has made its mark as the center for everyone who wants to celebrate the fantastic history of British popular music. It is a registered not-for-profit charity with the purpose of advancing the education and appreciation of the art, history, and science of music in Britain. Although the museum looks primarily at British Music they have always explored the influences of other genre’s and other countries. The current Taylor Swift exhibition and forthcoming events with the CMA allow the British Music Experience to explore Country Music’s relationship with British music. Second Annual CMA Marketing Summit/BBC/CMA Songwriters Series On Monday, March 17, CMA will be hosting its Second Annual CMA International Marketing Summit at the British Music Experience at The O2 in London. Last year saw the first international conference held in Paris. Attendees will be immersed in a full day of presentations and interactive panels at the CMA International Marketing Summit. Music industry experts from the U.S. and U.K. will discuss ways to capitalize on the worldwide power of Country Music followed by a reception at The Media Café in the BBC’s New Broadcasting House and performance of the CMA Songwriters Series. “CMA’s International Marketing Summit is an educational, networking event that allows members of the Country Music industry and other industries to interact, expand, and create new business opportunities,” said Trahern, “With informative and educational panels, and amazing keynotes, it is an event that we are very proud to bring to London