Exclusives Archives - Page 4 of 47

Spotlight – Shanelle Rudrigo

Maverick talks to Shanelle about her debut Americana song, Stay With Me, with music video now available! Stay With Me is such a heartfelt and deeply personal song. Can you share the story behind it and what inspired you to write it? As a 15-year-old, I’m at a stage where I have to start doing certain things independently. The feeling of growing up and finding my own path in life has made me realise how much easier everything feels with my mother’s guidance. Country music has a rich tradition of storytelling. The lyrics speak about nostalgia, love, and an unbreakable bond. How much of this song is drawn from your own experiences with your mother? Most of it. I often feel much happier and safer when I’m around her, which made it easy to write about. You have a very Americana country sound. How do you think ‘Stay With Me’ fits into that country ballad tradition? It’s a classic Americana country ballad because it’s rooted in my personal experiences, making it authentic. The instrumentation also stays true to that country sound. The video beautifully captures the emotions of the song, showing both memories and present moments between a mother and daughter. How involved were you in shaping the video’s concept? I really wanted to convey the deep love and bond between a mother and daughter. The fact that the actors in the video are a real-life mother and daughter makes it even more authentic and natural. For someone so young, you have the sound of an experienced artist. When did you first start singing? I started singing at the age of eight, and by the time I was 13, I was performing regularly in and around London, as well as at a few venues in the USA. What is the most emotional or memorable moment you’ve shared with your mother? While in New York last June, I had a small accident in Central Park and was rushed to the hospital. Having my mum there, holding my hand and telling me everything would be okay, gave me so much strength. Has your mother heard the song? What was her reaction? She loved it and told me that no matter what, she will always be there for me. What do you hope people take away from ‘Stay With Me’ when they listen to it or watch the video? I hope it makes them reminisce about their childhood memories and appreciate the bonds they have with their loved ones. Aside from your own music, you’re also known for covers. What has been your favorite song or artist to cover, and why? I really love playing ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ by John Denver. It’s such a classic, and everyone enjoys singing along. Do you see ‘Stay With Me’ as part of a larger theme in your music—songs that celebrate love, family, and nostalgia? Do you have plans to write more songs in this vein? I haven’t thought about it yet, but maybe in the future, I’ll want to write more songs along these lines. What’s next for you as an artist? Are you working on new music or planning a tour? I’m currently working on new music and planning to release my very first EP when I turn 16. For fans hearing your music for the first time, how would you describe your sound and style? My music is a fusion of country, heartfelt storytelling, and soulful, expressive vocals. What milestones would make you feel like you’ve ‘made it’? I love playing the piano and singing. The moment I perform on stage with a piano, surrounded by a crowd singing my song with me, that’s when I’ll feel like I’ve truly made it. If you could support any country artist, who would it be and why? While I was in Nashville for the Josie Music Awards in October, I met a few country artists who are now my friends. I’d love the opportunity to support all of them. Listen now here! 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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Spotlight: Ricky Valido

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Your latest album, ‘A Collection of Songs’, presents a unique blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds. Where do you find yourself getting inspired most often? Inspiration comes from personal experiences, my environment, and the people around me. I often pull from the juxtaposition of the modern world and vintage sounds that inspire me. Growing up near the Florida Everglades influenced my music deeply. Its beauty and wildness shape my perspective as an artist. While my music draws on my own life and experiences, my new project, ‘Dear Everglades’, will focus more on nature itself, particularly the Florida Everglades. This project dives into environmentalism, conservation, and how our relationship with nature shapes us. The title suggests a compilation rather than a single concept. Can you share how the tracks came together and if there’s a common theme or thread linking them? While ‘A Collection of Songs’ might sound like a compilation, there is a thread tying it together. Each track reflects different stages of my life, blending personal stories with metaphor and fiction. The songs move between emotional, reflective moments and upbeat, traditional country vibes. At its core, it’s about authenticity—each song tells a part of my story. The diversity in style reflects my range as a writer and performer. ‘I Miss You Mama’ is one of my personal favourite cuts from the album, showcasing your versatility perfectly. How do you decide which direction to take with each track, both musically and lyrically? Each song dictates its own direction. Sometimes it starts with the music, while other times it begins with a lyric or a feeling. For ‘I Miss You Mama’, the lyrics came from a personal place—it’s a tribute to my mother and great-grandmother. I wanted the arrangement simple to allow the message to come through. The story blends fiction with real emotions, depicting an outlaw on the run while reflecting my family connection. This song is personal and cathartic, both a tribute and an emotional release. How does ‘A Collection of Songs’ reflect your musical journey up until this point, and in what ways do you feel it represents your growth as an artist? This project is a culmination of my journey so far. I’ve blended traditional influences with a contemporary sound, pushed myself to experiment, and incorporated honky-tonk, bluegrass, and rock into my music. ‘A Collection of Songs’ represents my growth as a writer and performer. While I’m proud of this project, I’m even more excited about what’s next. ‘Dear Everglades’ will be a concept album tying my love of nature with artistic exploration. The shift to a more focused approach reflects my evolution, and I’m eager to see where this chapter takes me. Which track on the album was the most personal for you to write or record, and why? ‘I Miss You Mama’ was the most personal track to write and record. It channels my love and loss of my great-grandmother. Writing it was emotional, and the recording process was cathartic. I felt a need to honour maternal figures, and the song resonates with those who have lost loved ones. The emotional vulnerability is something I’m proud of—it’s a piece of my heart I’ve shared with the world. 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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Spotlight: Black Eyed Sons

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The formation of Black Eyed Sons seems to be a celebration of both your personal connections and musical history. Can you tell us about how this new project came together? It was nice to come out of a turbulent situation like The Quireboys and have the freedom to explore new influences whilst still honouring what the band had created and achieved in the past. To be able to collaborate with some of our guests really made the recording process a lot more interesting and inspiring. Your debut album ‘Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits’ is generating a lot of excitement. What can fans expect in terms of sound and style on this record compared to your previous work with The Quireboys? Thank you! We’re excited to be doing something new… I keep telling people we’re a new band with a long history… There’s a couple of tracks that are a nod to our old style but as this is a brand new project there was a lot more freedom to branch out, especially with different guests bringing their own styles to the table. ‘Foolin Yourself’ features Steve Conte and Kyf Brewer from Company of Wolves. You’ve known Steve and Kyf since 1989. How has your relationship with them influenced the way this collaboration came together, both musically and personally? I think Steve and Kyf probably have a lot of similar influences to us, even though we’re from different sides of the pond. I met them originally at Cherokee studios in Los Angeles whilst recording ‘A bit of what you fancy’. They were in the studio next door recording their debut. It was a crazy time back then, great memories… Their drummer, Frankie LaRocka, actually went on to become a successful A&R man and later signed another band of mine called Glimmer to Atlantic records back in 1999. With the album due for release on 31st January 2025, how do you feel about introducing new material to your fans, especially with the upcoming launch event at The Lexington? What are you most excited about for the album’s release? Excited and nervous at the same time. It’ll be almost 18 months since we last played in the UK, so it’ll be great to see some familiar faces in the audience. There are people flying in from the US, France, Sweden & Italy, that means a lot to us. We recently had our first rehearsals and all the songs lend themselves to being played live. We’ll be playing the whole record for the first time live ever. We’re very proud of the album and can’t wait for people to hear it. It’s the beginning of a new chapter. 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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Richard Lynch: Country Legend

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Richard Lynch’s journey through country music has been nothing short of remarkable. With a career that spans over four decades, Lynch has been steadfast in his commitment to preserving the traditional sound of country music at a time when the genre seems to be constantly shifting. From his humble beginnings in Lebanon, Ohio, to being inducted into both the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame and the Independent Country Music Hall of Fame, Lynch has stayed true to his roots, and it’s this authenticity that makes his music resonate deeply with fans. We sat down with Richard Lynch to discuss his journey, the evolution of country music, his upcoming projects, and the importance of community. Lynch’s deep connection to country music began early. “I grew up in a country music household,” he recalls. “My dad was an incredible singer and guitar player, and he was a true entertainer.” Lynch’s father, a musician himself, instilled in him an appreciation for authenticity. “He didn’t write songs, but his delivery of a song was so powerful. You couldn’t help but pay attention,” Lynch says. “He taught me to be true to yourself and to love what you do.” Lynch’s early life was filled with the sounds of traditional country music. “As a young boy, I was always surrounded by music,” he explains. “In our house, we’d listen to Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, and all the greats. That’s how I came to understand what country music really is.” Growing up in Lebanon, Ohio, Lynch was surrounded by small-town values, the kind that placed emphasis on hard work, faith, and authenticity. These values helped shape Lynch’s approach to life and music. “It wasn’t just about playing music,” he says. “It was about sharing a piece of who you are with others.” His experiences growing up were steeped in the same rich traditions that define country music, giving him an intimate understanding of the genre’s roots. For Lynch, country music wasn’t just a genre; it was a way of life. “Growing up in Lebanon, Ohio, you could feel the heartbeat of traditional country music,” he shares. “It wasn’t about trends or commercial success—it was about telling real stories and speaking from the heart. That’s what I loved, and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do with my own music.” His upbringing laid the foundation for his steadfast commitment to keeping traditional country music alive. “Even though mainstream country music started to change and embrace pop influences, I never wavered in my love for the traditional sound,” he says. “I’m proud to play the kind of country music that still has heart and soul. That’s the kind of music that really connects with people.” Lynch’s passion for the genre hasn’t waned over time, in fact it only grows day by day. “I believe country music has always been about community,” he says. “Whether you’re on stage or off, country music has a way of bringing people together, of making them feel like they belong. It’s a sound that speaks to everyone, regardless of where they come from.” 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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Encore: Brittney Spencer

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Your music is known for its emotional resonance. How do you tap into those feelings when writing a song? I just try to push myself to be a honest as possible about the things I think, feel, and observe in the world around me. Moving from Baltimore to Nashville was a significant step in your career. What was the biggest challenge you faced during that transition? Moving to a new city is pretty scary. I didn’t know anyone here, and it took a really long time for me to really find my people. I feel just as much different as I do the same person I was before I left my hometown. Sometimes coming to terms with that feels to be a lifetime endeavor. You mentioned being inspired by artists like Destiny’s Child and The Chicks. How have these influences shaped your sound? They’ve shaped my sound so much. Mostly, those two groups showed me how important it is to have a sound in the first place. Something distinct, something true to you & your roots. They weren’t afraid to creatively explore and do something different than the rest. I’m really inspired by that. Your songwriting is praised for its storytelling quality. What’s your process for crafting such vivid narratives in your music? I really don’t have a process. Sometimes I hear a melody before I think of words; sometimes it’s the other way around. I’m always following the vibes and staying open. I try my best to really see the stories happening around us everyday, and to pay attention to how those moments make me feel. You’ve performed on stages like the CMT Awards and Good Morning America. Do you have a favourite performance moment? One of my favorite TV moments is my performance with Parker McCollum at the CMT Awards. Being up there felt so effortless. Parker is really fun to work with, and we really caught a vibe that I think translated well to the crowd. 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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One to Watch: Adeem The Artist

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Adeem the Artist stands as a unique and powerful voice in the evolving world of queer country music. Based in Tennessee, Adeem brings an eclectic mix of lived experience, humour and heart to their art, embracing themes of solidarity and community in their work. In an extensive interview, Adeem reflected on their journey, their community and the space queer country music occupies in today’s landscape. From the outset, Adeem’s approach to music is deeply grounded in bringing people together. They see their art not merely as a personal outlet but as a medium to build connections across disparate lives. “Finding those moments of connection and intersection, where people who might live a completely different life from me can still connect emotionally—that’s where the magic is.” This ability to tap into something universal within the particular is what makes Adeem’s music so resonant. When asked how they balance the personal nature of their writing with the communal feel of their live performances, Adeem credits humour and a light touch as essential tools. “Comedy is a big part of my live shows,” they share, describing how it helps to release tension and create an elastic space for people to feel comfortable. “At a live show there’s a lot of work to really massage any tension… I don’t know, to be present and lighthearted and hold it all with a variety of elasticity.” This blend of seriousness and playfulness is vital in an environment where community is the cornerstone. Adeem’s connection to the queer country music scene is a key element in their story. They talk about the serendipitous way their career evolved, particularly during the pandemic, when they became heavily involved in uplifting queer country artists and fostering a sense of togetherness within this space. Adeem reflects on how the community rallied around them and each other, noting that their career in many ways exists because “strangers came together and decided my work was worth putting money into.” Their record ‘White Trash Revelry’, released amidst the chaos of Covid-19, exemplified this spirit of community. It was supported through grassroots efforts, a testament to the mutual care and solidarity within queer country circles. “We raised $20,000, one dollar at a time,” Adeem recalls. This collaborative effort allowed them to craft an album that resonated far beyond their immediate circle. ‘White Trash Revelry’ quickly found its way onto “every best-seller list in the state.” 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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Spotlight: Dan Pettitt

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Can you tell us about ‘Messages in Blood’? What inspired the music and themes behind it? By the time of this new album I wanted to pull things back to where I’d started, just me and acoustic guitar and vocal, stripping back the excess. I’d experimented with a lot of different sounds before this, such as a band sound, electric guitars, drums etc. I’ve never been a producer, I’ve produced albums more out of practicality than choice, so with ‘Messages In Blood’ I just wanted to stick to what I was good at, simple sounding songs. I knew I wanted to get back to the songs rather than the sound or production, focusing on the lyrics, melody, and the story of the album. How has your upbringing in North Yorkshire and the creative environment of the Steiner and Quaker schools shaped your approach to music? I think early on, in those environments, it was a natural place, such as going to school surrounded by countryside. With the art as well, I learned a very natural honest approach, just relying on myself for self expression and a sincere, genuine exploration. Of course, as a child this was natural to me, I hadn’t lived in the world, but that was at the heart of my approach to creativity. Your music draws from traditional balladry and social commentary. How do you balance personal storytelling with broader societal themes in your songs? I’ve mostly always had an instinctual landscape in mind when writing and creating, such as myself, or a fictional version of myself walking through scenarios, worlds and places. To translate that, I guess a bit like Marvel’s ‘Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness!’ In a way, none of my songs or my music is me, as in me as a person, it’s all a fictional version of myself – it’s just imagination, ideas. I’ve used myself, my life, myself as an artist as a story; a lot through my songs are fictional landscapes, and as time and my albums have progressed I’ve explored these different things. Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they impacted your recent work? I had an early flourish of musical influences in my teens, which impacted my earlier albums, such as music from the 60s and 70s etc., vintage singers and bands. However, since then, as an adult and with the internet and streaming services like Spotify, I’ve just heard so many different influences these last years. It’s incalculable how much music is out there, apparently millions and millions of songs or something. I’ve mostly been listening to recommendations from friends, hearing different things, singers, artists, bands, there’s a lot of authentic people out there, amongst the noise and the technology, I find it mind blowing. You’ve collaborated with various musicians throughout your career. Are there any new collaborations or partnerships featured on your recent projects? My last really collaborative project was ‘The Basement Sessions’, from 2018-2019, this was a partnership with electric guitarist Chris Sutchie and drummer, guitarist and singer Phil Rhodes. This was the last big collaborative project I did. We recorded each month, mostly late into the night for around two years. A critic could think it was all just an experimental mess, an ego driven failure, but there was some good stuff in there, there were some gems, and some of the best pieces I’ve made in a long while. It was a mini library of songs and performances, a shadow piece to my back catalogue ‘Chronology’, like a smaller ‘Chronology’, another portrait. 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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Spotlight: Sarah Louise

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Congratulations on ‘Change of Plan’! Could you share the inspiration behind the album and what the creative process was like? Thank you! ‘Change of Plan’ was a celebration of a collaboration of people who I met along my journey and gave me a chance to explore other genres and stories in my life. Your EP ‘The Now’ reached #1 on iTunes. What themes or emotions were you exploring in this project? ‘The Now’ is an EP I am very proud of, I felt serious about myself as an artist at this point and being very present in the moment with my feelings. ‘When My Beating Heart’ reached no1 in the iTunes country charts I couldn’t believe it and ever since then I have felt recognised and loved for the music I was creating. I realised I needed to make my music more about my own feelings which resonated with others a lot more. You’ve released several albums in a short span. How do you balance creativity and productivity while maintaining quality? A lot of my fans think I have new single release syndrome ha ha! I just love working on new songs and keeping busy releasing new material means that I don’t over think each album and get it out there for the world to hear before I change my mind. I think it’s very important to get your feelings in a song to share rather than keep them as a recording on my phone. What was it like performing at iconic venues like The Cavern Club and The Bluebird Cafe? The most surreal and incredible moment and in that one song at The Bluebird Cafe, I was trying to stay so present but couldn’t help but soak up the atmosphere and was imagining all the icons that have stood and will stand on that very stage! Performing at The Cavern Club was confirmation to myself that my career is going in the right direction. What can fans expect from your next release or upcoming projects? I am re-releasing my most popular song ‘SUNFLOWER’ as an acoustic version as part of a ‘Sunflower Now’ EP in November for its three year anniversary! I will be including one song on the EP as a bonus track from my September Songwriting challenge where I have been writing a song a day every day in September and my online community will choose their favourite, like they did with ‘SUNFLOWER’ in August 2021. How do your experiences performing in different countries influence your songwriting and sound? I love performing all around the world and seeing what songs are popular elsewhere etc., I love being inspired by different cultures and values and would love to explore so much more of the world. My next mission is to perform in Japan. Performing in Nashville has been amazing for me as an artist the last two years and cannot wait to get back out there too! 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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Spotlight: David Kelly

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Can you tell us more about your latest musical project, ‘The Brig Lily’? How did this collaboration come together, and what inspired the lyrics? ‘The Brig’ was written as a performance poem and provided me with one or two moments of real satisfaction before the two young men were born. In the verse I postulate that the explosion was to hide theft. It is more probable that it was to destroy evidence of slaving. You mentioned working with younger musicians like Joe McGuigan and Owen Williams, though your connection is somewhat tenuous. How did these collaborations shape the sound of ‘The Brig Lily’, and what was it like bringing your lyrics to life through their music? The collaboration, such as it is, was transactional. I had songs written to music, one in particular I wished to hear sung, which they agreed to sing for a very small cost. Joe asked to see a book of my work and the next thing The Brig song appeared. The stirring music is entirely their own. Your lyrics seem deeply influenced by rural life and history, especially with the connection to Manx heritage. How do you balance personal experience with storytelling in your songwriting? Balance is everything, it is either there or it is not. You do not have to think about it, if something gets out of kilter the project dies. Having come from a background that was not centered on music, how do you find the inspiration to write songs? Do you approach writing as you do with your poetry, or does music bring out a different side of your creativity? No difference in approach except that I may be encouraged to tackle a project which I would not otherwise consider. I am a word smith, a technician, by first intent a chronicler. Working to the precise, exacting discipline of music can be very satisfying. My main aim is to always say exactly what I mean in words that others will understand. The fact that some of my work is deemed poetic, whatever that means, is innate, purely come by chance. Given that your collaborators aren’t primarily focused on folk music, and there’s a mention of genres like Hip-hop and House, do you see your work ever crossing into other genres or evolving beyond traditional folk? I have discussed the possibility with Joe, so maybe. My problem is I only understand the simplest form of music, theirs might be too complex for me. But we will see. You’ve mentioned that you’ve written a book about your early life, similar in tone to James Herriot’s work. How do you feel your experiences on the farm have influenced your music and lyrics? My book is similar to Mr. Herriot’s in construction, describing separate incidents. The tone is much more sombre. There was a notable dearth of humour in my early life. I did tend to put that part of my life behind me. Some of my later experiences undoubtedly coloured my verse. Reflecting on your years as a dairy farmer and now a lyricist with a portfolio of songs, what has been the most rewarding part of this journey? I was by nature and inclination and force of circumstance a stockman and I was good at it. We lost a very fine dairy herd through ill health, theirs and mine. Advancing years caught up with me and BSE gutted our byre. I will ask Pat to send a photo, the cow is not in full profit but that to me is how a dairy cow should look. Solid, tangible satisfaction. Writing is more ethereal. Adjudicators awarding honours and distinctions is rewarding in a way. Hearing a song sung is a great fillip but then if it does not get a public airing it just leaves you wondering. Do you have any upcoming musical projects or releases that we can look forward to? What direction do you see your music taking next? The main project at the moment is to see if anybody out there likes the material we have. The rural life on the Isle of Man seems to have a strong influence on your storytelling. How important is this setting to your identity as an artist, and how does it shape the narratives in your music? Just to be clear none of the music is mine. Not only what you did in your life but the way you went about it shapes your soul. What challenges do you face as a lyricist who doesn’t sing or play music yourself? How do you overcome those obstacles when bringing your songs to life? The challenges faced were far greater than they should have been and I am banned from saying any more. To hear them performed to this standard sheer blind outhouse good luck. 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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Spotlight: Ward Thomas

Leave a Comment / Exclusives / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

How did growing up in a musical family influence your songwriting and performance style? We grew up with our parents both in a band performing 60s/70s rock classics like The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, etc., all harmony-focused bands/artists. So I guess that was a big influence on the style of our singing and songwriting. We were taught to have fun on stage and to always be ourselves completely, which has definitely played a part in our performance within our shows. What is it like to be British country musicians in Nashville? It’s really great. Especially now, every time we go to Nashville, we meet more British artists building their careers over there, which just shows how the country genre is becoming more and more popular globally. Eleven years ago, when we started going over there, it was a different story. Nashvillians were pleasantly surprised to see two Brits attempt a British stamp on country music. You’ve got an acoustic UK tour coming up in early 2025. What made you decide to do a more ‘intimate’ tour? We did this set-up last year, and it worked really well with our songs. We both loved the intimate connection with the audience. It gave us a lot of freedom to show new material, tell the in-depth stories of a lot of the songs, and it was also a great challenge to build a headline show with a stripped-back set-up, which we’ve found to be a lot of fun. We’re looking forward to creating another show with new elements added to it. You both got married over the past few years. How has that impacted your songwriting? I guess a lot of things have changed in a small amount of time, so we both write about the stage of life we’re in, like we’ve always done. For example, at each of our weddings, we wrote a song for one another as our speech, and those two occasions were written as individuals, not together. So that was very different. What did you learn from your ‘Quarter Life Crisis’? That it was okay not to have it all figured out at the age of 24, haha. We look back now and enjoy the headspace we were in whilst writing that song. How did you end up working with Kezia Gill? As we’re both country artists, we’ve crossed paths a few times, and we thought her voice would suit this song really well, so we reached out and asked if she’d be up for singing on it. She was also joining us on tour, so it was perfect timing. 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

Spotlight: Ward Thomas Read More »