Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne, Author at STAGING Maverick

Event review: Black Deer Festival 2024

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The Black Deer Festival 2024 delivered an intimate and family-friendly experience, despite a few unexpected challenges. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, the festival maintained its charm with a blend of music, crafts, and food, but the unpredictable weather added an element of surprise. Small but mighty The festival’s small size contributed to its cozy, communal feel, which many attendees appreciated. However, the windy conditions posed significant challenges – of course, that’s no fault of the organisers. One of the notable incidents involved a hat stand being blown over. Another mishap occurred during a grilling demonstration by a master griller, where the grill was toppled by the wind, resulting in steaks being dropped into the charcoal and almost setting the stage on fire. These incidents, though chaotic, added a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the event. Drama is oftentimes a fun aside to the main event, something that people can’t control but create the kind of memories that last – who would forget a near stage fire?! Unlike larger festivals where crowds can feel overwhelming, Black Deer’s compact layout encouraged interaction and camaraderie among attendees. This intimate setting allowed festival-goers to forge connections not only with fellow music enthusiasts but also with the artisans and vendors showcasing their wares. The accessibility of performers and the opportunity for spontaneous encounters added a personal touch, enhancing the overall experience beyond mere entertainment. Throughout the festival grounds, the sense of community was palpable. From impromptu jam sessions in secluded corners to shared moments of awe during standout performances, each interaction contributed to a collective tapestry of memories. Families with children, seasoned festival veterans, and first-time visitors alike found themselves drawn into the festival’s warm embrace, where every smile exchanged and story shared became threads in the fabric of Black Deer’s legacy. Craft and lifestyle offerings The lifestyle tents, although limited in number, were a highlight. Attendees were treated to an array of unique items, from guitars made out of cigar boxes to beautiful hats and stunning jewellery. The quality of the crafts on display was impressive, with vendors being kind and open to conversation. The crafts added to the feeling of community, supporting small and medium business and gives even more kudos the family festival experience. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Beyond Nashville: CMAT

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, better known as CMAT, is causing a stir in the UK. It’s near impossible to get tickets to her live performances before they’re sold out, news stories about her confident style choices and outspoken nature abound and she was nominated (alongside the likes of Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Olivia Rodrigo) for International Artist of the Year at the 2024 Brit Awards. But she’s not a pop artist, she’s a country star. CMAT’s second album, ‘Crazymad, For Me’ was released in 2023. It went number one in her native Ireland and broke the top 25 in the UK charts. Before she broke through on her own, she was in a band; “The reason that band dissolved was because I was writing lyrics and making songs that were specific to me and my experiences, and were honest,” she said in 2022. “The feedback that I was getting was, like, ‘We can’t release joke music. Like, this isn’t a comedy act.’ And I was, like, ‘I’m not doing comedy music. I’m writing the way I talk to people.’ The way I communicate is exactly the way in speech and amongst friends as it is in music.” It’s an evident truth, CMAT’s writing sways between sarcastic, astute observation and, above all, honest. It was in 2018 that CMAT went to London for a songwriting workshop by pop superstar Charli XCX. It changed everything for her. She moved from Manchester back to her native Dublin and soon she was penning her first album, 2022’s ‘If My Wife New I’d Be Dead’. It was lauded as a huge success, with critics noting that the album provided thought-provoking insights into loneliness, speckled with her trademark humour. The single ‘I Wanna Be A Cowboy, Baby!’ is an indication of CMAT’s inspirations. She’s a country music fan who writes country music, even if she’s far from its original land. ‘If My Wife New I’d Be Dead’ includes traditionally country instrumentation, featuring steel guitar, banjo and strings. It’s not every day that a country musician from Ireland reaches success, but with her patented blend of upbeat pop and country, CMAT is the crossover star that the country has been waiting for. Tracks like ‘Nashville’ seek to question her own place in country music, CMAT writes that she is ‘gonna tell everybody I know that I’m moving to Nashville’, just for the leaving party. It’s a song that takes on the traditional country ballad, the strings swell and an acoustic guitar comes in, ready to tell the story of leaving that emulates John Denver’s ‘Leaving On A Jet Plane’, whilst maintaining her Irishness with the phrase ‘Who would want my ends’ (for those who are unaware, that’s the bits you leave behind’. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Charley Crockett to release second album of 2024 on 22nd July

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Less than three months after the release of his acclaimed album ‘$10 Cowboy’, Charley Crockett is set to release his second album of 2024 this coming Monday, 22nd July. Titled ‘$10 Cowboy Chapter II: Visions of Dallas’, this new release serves as a companion piece to ‘$10 Cowboy’, featuring ten new tracks along with two fan favourites, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and ‘How Low Can You Go,’ which have never been included in a full-length album. Additionally, Crockett’s rendition of ‘(Ghost) Riders in the Sky’ will appear on the Twisters soundtrack, out tomorrow via Atlantic Records. “We recorded the songs during the same sessions as $10 Cowboy down at Arlyn Studios in Austin,” Crockett explained. “Could have released a double record. But then Taylor Grace wrote ‘Visions of Dallas’ in a hotel room overlooking that city. She thought about my relationship to Dallas and the great state of Texas in general, and suggested we do a second album where all the songs tie back to Dallas and Texas. The result is ‘Visions of Dallas’.” Crockett continued, “For a truly independent artist like myself, there are no rules anymore. Why release ‘Visions of Dallas’ now? To indulge myself in artistic freedom. The days of 18-to-24-month release cycles have gone the way of the dinosaur. I’ll have my 14th studio album out next week, and every single one has been released how and when I wanted them to. I see no reason to change now.” ‘$10 Cowboy’ has garnered critical acclaim, debuting at #1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart upon its release in April. Rolling Stone has dubbed Crockett “a must-see live performer.” His recent performance of ‘Solitary Road’ on BBC’s Later…With Jools Holland was met with praise, as were three sold-out shows at London’s Hoxton Hall earlier this year. Crockett will now headline some of the largest venues of his career on ‘The $10 Cowboy Tour’, including Red Rocks, the Greek Theatre in L.A., the Salt Shed in Chicago, the new Brooklyn Paramount, and two nights at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. 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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Blast From The Past: John Carter Cash unearths Johnny Cash’s lost gems

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In the dense, tranquil woods of Oregon, John Carter Cash, son of the legendary Johnny Cash, reflects on his father’s unreleased recordings. As a seasoned producer, John has navigated the musical legacies of both his parents, earning Grammy acclaim for his work on his mother’s (June Carter Cash, in case you have been living under a rock) albums. Now, he faces a uniquely emotional and professional challenge: producing an album from Johnny Cash’s previously unheard songs. “Producing Dad’s vocals was a straightforward task,” John reveals candidly. “He’s one of the best singers there is, in my opinion—one in ten million. When you’re dealing with that level of talent, you learn not to touch it much. His presentation was usually flawless, and the approach we took was minimalistic. We often asked ourselves, ‘What would Johnny Cash do?’ and kept things simple.” The new album, aptly titled ‘Songwriter’, features Johnny Cash’s original compositions from 1993, capturing a pivotal period in his life. “It was a time when Dad was in recovery, turning his life around,” John reminisces. “’Hello Out There’ knocks me down every time I hear it, especially during the bridge. My daughter Grace stars in the music video, which is in black and white and the very end shows her blue eyes. It’s beautiful and a testament to Dad’s brilliance as a songwriter.” The Art of Connection One of the most striking aspects of Johnny Cash’s music is his ability to take vast, complex subjects and make them deeply personal. Tracks like ‘Drive On’ and ‘Hello Out There’, which address contemporary issues like the Vietnam War and the Voyager spacecraft. “My father had a unique way of empathizing with others,” John explains. “He read stories of Vietnam veterans to understand their pain, both physical and emotional. In ‘Drive On,’ he put himself in the shoes of a truck driver dealing with PTSD. It’s that honesty and care that make his stories so compelling. He genuinely cared and loved deeply, creating an emphatic connection through his music.” For ‘Drive On’ in particular, Johnny Cash drew from a period of intense personal pain. “My father had a broken jaw that he was dealing with in the early 1990s,” John recounts. “The bone in the jaw had been compromised through years of different dental surgeries, and it was accidentally broken during a procedure. He got home and as the numbness wore off, he realised his jaw was broken. It was wired shut and he was in constant pain every minute of his existence. To cope, a friend suggested that he read stories of people whose pain was greater than his own, both physically and emotionally. These stories, particularly those of Vietnam veterans, profoundly impacted him.” Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Bob Dylan announces 2024 UK tour with three nights at the Royal Albert Hall

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Legendary musician Bob Dylan has announced his Rough and Rowdy Ways 2024 UK tour. The tour continues an extensive run of shows that began in December 2021 in Milwaukee, spanning the US, UK, Europe, and Japan. Dylan, one of the most celebrated songwriters of our time, will perform at ten venues across the UK. The tour kicks off on 1st November with a performance at Bournemouth’s Windsor Hall and concludes with three nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall. These concerts promise to be historically resonant events, given Dylan’s storied history with the iconic venue. Fans can look forward to a unique concert experience as the shows are in partnership with Yondr, a company that prohibits the use of video cameras and mobile phones during the performances. This collaboration aims to create an intimate and distraction-free environment. In addition to London and Bournemouth, Dylan will return to Edinburgh for the first time since 2009, and will also perform in Nottingham and Liverpool. The tour includes a visit to Wolverhampton’s newly refurbished Civic Hall, a venue known for hosting legendary artists such as Bob Marley, The Who, and David Bowie. Bob Dylan’s performance schedule for these shows will begin at 7.30pm, except for the Royal Albert Hall dates, where he will take the stage at 8.00pm. Tour Dates: Fri 1st Nov: BIC Windsor Hall, Bournemouth Sun 3rd Nov: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool Tues 5th Nov: Usher Hall, Edinburgh Weds 6th Nov: Usher Hall, Edinburgh Fri 8th Nov: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham Sat 9th Nov: The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Sun 10th Nov: The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Tues 12th Nov: Royal Albert Hall, London Weds 13th Nov: Royal Albert Hall, London Thurs 14th Nov: Royal Albert Hall, London 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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Conner Smith announces release of ‘Smoky Mountain Sessions’

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Rising singer/songwriter Conner Smith has unveiled plans to release his new four-song collection, ‘Smoky Mountain Sessions’, on 2nd August. Smith has had a remarkable year, marked by the release of his debut album, a multi-week UK chart-topper, his first ACM Awards nomination, and numerous headline tours. Now, he continues his upward trajectory with this latest project, produced by Dwight A. Baker at Echo Mountain Studio in Asheville, North Carolina. Recorded with his touring band over four days, the collection includes his current single “Roulette On The Heart” featuring Hailey Whitters, alongside two solo-penned tracks. “‘Smoky Mountains Sessions’ came from a desire to get back to the core of songwriting,” says Smith. “With these new songs, two of which I wrote by myself, I wanted to create them in a way that felt very raw and honest. Working with Dwight Baker for the first time, we took my band up to Echo Mountains in Asheville and brought these songs to life over the course of four days. This collection is just the beginning of more new music on the way I can’t wait to share!” The track list for ‘Smoky Mountain Sessions’ includes: ‘A Thousand Miles Away’ – Written by Conner Smith ‘Song For Tennessee’ – Written by Conner Smith ‘Boys In The Picture’ – Written by Conner Smith, Rodney Clawson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt Jenkins ‘Roulette On The Heart (featuring Hailey Whitters) (Smoky Mountains Sessions)’ – Written by Conner Smith, Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill, Mark Trussell Additionally, Smith recently released the original song ‘Steal My Thunder’ featuring Tucker Wetmore, crafted for the soundtrack of the blockbuster ‘Twisters’. The energetic track, co-written with Matt Jenkins, Ben Johnson, and Blake Pendergrass, is part of ‘Twisters: The Album’, accompanying the movie set to hit theatres on 17th July in the UK and 19th July in the US. “Having the opportunity to be a part of the Twisters movie and album is a very cool honour,” said Smith. “With such a high calibre group of artists featured on the project and an already iconic movie, being asked to write a song for it was creatively inspiring. Adding Tucker Wetmore to the song took it to a new level and I’m glad he was able to join us in bringing ‘Steal My Thunder’ to life.” 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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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60th Anniversary of the Academy of Country Music Awards set for May 2025

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The 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards will take place on Thursday 8th May 2025, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the global headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. This milestone event will be hosted by entertainment icon Reba McEntire, marking her 18th time in this role, the most of any artist in ACM history. The awards show will air exclusively on Prime Video. ACM CEO Damon Whiteside expressed excitement about the upcoming anniversary: “Reba McEntire has hosted more ACM Awards shows than any other artist in history, and after her triumphant return this year for the 59th show, there is clearly no one better suited to helm this milestone show! Our landmark 50th anniversary show in 2015 marked our debut in Texas, and we’re thrilled to return again to celebrate another major moment in ACM history.” Reba McEntire shared her enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled to be coming back to host the 60th ACM Awards on Prime Video. It’s going to be an absolute can’t miss show and I can’t wait to see everybody back in Texas!” The 59th ACM Awards, which streamed live to an international audience across 240+ countries, featured performances and collaborations by artists including Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Post Malone, Parker McCollum, Thomas Rhett, and Lainey Wilson. Notable duets included Chris Stapleton with Dua Lipa, Kelsea Ballerini with Noah Kahan, and Blake Shelton with Gwen Stefani. Lainey Wilson was awarded Entertainer of the Year and earned the ACM Triple Crown trophy. Chris Stapleton led the night with four awards. Following the 59th ACM Awards, there was a significant increase in U.S. on-demand streams of performances, with Kane Brown’s rendition of “Georgia on My Mind” seeing a 410% rise, and Lainey Wilson’s “God Blessed Texas” and “Hang Tight Honey” experiencing a 330% increase. The 60th ACM Awards will be the third consecutive year the event is broadcast from Texas. The Ford Center at The Star, which opened in 2016, serves as a practice facility for the Dallas Cowboys and hosts various major sporting events. The ACM Awards made history in 2022 by being the first major awards show to stream live exclusively for a global audience, providing an immersive concert event across Prime Video, Amazon Music, Amazon Fashion, Amazon Freevee, Amazon Live, and more. The 2024 ACM Awards are available on demand on Prime Video, Amazon Freevee, and Amazon Music. Additional details about the 60th anniversary event, including award submissions, nominees, performers, and ticket sales, will be announced in the coming months. 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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Alex Warren – Before You Leave Me

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

‘Before You Leave Me’ by Alex Warren is a dynamic and energetic track, released in 2022. With its fast-paced beat and lively rhythm, the song showcases Warren’s versatility. The upbeat nature is a refreshing departure from his more introspective tracks, offering a vibrant, danceable vibe. However, the repetition of lyrics towards the end might not appeal to all listeners, as it can feel overused or monotonous. Despite this, the song remains a strong offering, highlighting Warren’s ability to produce engaging music. For fans who enjoy a lively tempo and catchy melodies, this track is a solid addition to their playlists, reflecting Warren’s growing capabilities as a multifaceted artist. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Floramay Holliday – Song To Myself

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Holliday’s low, raspy voice gets this album going from off with the title track ‘Song To Myself’. It’s bluesy, featuring a shuffling rhythm and a real honky-tonk feel (helped along by the brass band and tinkling piano). The sweet ‘My Best Friend’, about Holliday’s partner, is a lyrical standout on the album, imbued with honesty and love. As Holliday grooves her way into ‘Honest Man’, her lyricism takes the spotlight again with the opening lines ‘I love my mama and Jesus too’ immediately captures the attention. It’s another ode to her husband, although there is a sort of tinny-sounding overlay to Holliday’s voice that detracts slightly from her capable vocal line. Other cuts like the upbeat, catchy ‘Workin’ Man’ make this album a must-listen for fans of classic honky tonk and blues. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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AI country music on TikTok: A trend for the future

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

It’s not hyperbole to say that people are afraid of AI – particularly musicians. Most are scared of being out of a job, after all, AI can imitate voices, write lyrics and create full tracks in just one minute. All based on prompts. The ever-growing trend in AI use across the board and in music is one that has found an unusual battleground: the social media app TikTok. TikTok really took off during the COVID-19 pandemic – why wouldn’t it? It was a way of people sharing easily from inside their own homes, a platform that was built off of music, now shaping the future of it. Country musicians flourished in particular (and continue to). It’s nearly impossible to talk to a country musician nowadays who doesn’t use the app, hasn’t posted them and a guitar in their bedroom singing on it, or hasn’t reached success due in no small part to TikTok. As of 2024, however, the threat of being replaced by AI is greater than ever for professional musicians. The rise of AI in music Artificial intelligence in music involves the use of algorithms and machine learning to compose, produce and sometimes even perform music. AI tools can analyse vast amounts of data, identifying patterns and structures that define specific genres. For country music, this means the AI can learn from thousands of songs, picking up on common themes, chord progressions and lyrical content. So, what does that mean? Well, in short, AI can take its database of country music and create what we would expect a country song to sound like. Whether that’s lyrically, instrumentally or even imitating the voice of artists. For example, there is a cover of ‘Barbie Girl’ by Johnny Cash. Not the real Johnny Cash, but the tone, style and intonation of his singing to create a song that he never actually sang (we can’t comment on whether he knew it existed, as ‘Barbie Girl’ was released in 1997 and Cash died in 2003). AI country on TikTok On TikTok, AI-generated country music has found a unique niche. Users on the platform often engage with these tracks in various creative ways: Original songs: AI can create completely original country songs, from lyrics to melodies. These tracks can then be shared by users, who often add their own twist by performing the song or creating videos that fit the mood and theme of the music. Mashups and remixes: AI tools can also be used to mash up existing country songs or remix them, blending elements from different tracks to create something fresh and novel. TikTok users frequently use these AI-generated mashups to create engaging and entertaining content. Customisation: Some advanced AI tools allow users to input specific themes, keywords, or moods and generate custom country songs based on these inputs. This level of customisation has led to a wave of personalised music content on TikTok, with users sharing songs that feel uniquely theirs. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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