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Morgan Wade returns with new single ‘Moth to a Flame’

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Morgan Wade has unveiled another glimpse into her forthcoming album ‘Obsessed’ with the release of her latest single, ‘Moth to a Flame’. Imbued with a sense of longing, ‘Moth to a Flame’ features a lilting acoustic guitar line, complemented by soulful lap steel and piano melodies. The song serves as an ode to the pursuit of dreamt-of love, placing Wade’s distinctive vocals at the forefront with a powerful yet gentle delivery. ‘Obsessed’, a 14-track collection, is entirely solo-written and stripped-down, highlighting Wade at her most raw and vulnerable. Produced by her touring guitarist Clint Wells, the album explores themes of longing for home, emotional reunions, and the intense preoccupation with a significant other. Wade’s lyrics delve into situations often considered unconventional by societal standards, showcasing her ability to write with compelling force. In ‘Obsessed’, Wade also undertakes a thorough examination of her personal journey, candidly addressing moments when she has been at fault. The album is set to be released on August 16th via Sony Music. It follows her acclaimed album’ Psychopath’, which was recognised as one of 2023’s best albums by The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and others. Following the conclusion of her headlining unplugged CROSSING STATE LINES world tour last month, Wade has joined Alanis Morissette’s TRIPLE MOON TOUR as an opening act. Sharing the stage with her musical icon and Joan Jett, Wade will continue to perform in arenas and amphitheatres across America this summer. Obsessed Tracklisting: Total Control Department Store Time to Love, Time to Kill Obsessed Juliet 2AM in London Hansel and Gretel Spin Reality Walked on Water (feat. Kesha) Halloween Crossing State Lines Moth to a Flame Deconstruction 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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Dylan Scott pays tribute to Louisiana on ‘I Owe You One’

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Dylan Scott has released his first new music since his deluxe album, ‘Livin’ My Best Life (Still)’, on 29 March. The new single, titled ‘I Owe You One’, is a heartfelt tribute to the small town in Louisiana that raised him. The song, penned by Morgan Wallen, Ernest K. Smith, Ashley Gorley, and producer Mark Holman, reflects on how Scott’s upbringing taught him valuable lessons about life, love, heartbreak, and redemption, shaping him into the person he is today. In the chorus, Scott expresses his gratitude with a humble “I owe you one!” “‘I Owe You One’ speaks right to me, the way I grew up, and the people I grew up with,” shared Scott. “I really connect with this song and think it’s a cool way to say thank you to everything and everyone who raised me.” ‘I Owe You One’ follows the release of Scott’s spring deluxe album, ‘Livin’ My Best Life (Still)’, a 26-song collection that achieved his highest chart position on the Billboard Top 200 upon its release. The album has already produced five Gold or Platinum singles, three No. 1 songs, and two radio charting singles. The expanded collection includes five highly-anticipated unreleased tracks, as well as fan favourites ‘Boys Back Home’ with Dylan Marlowe and ‘This Town’s Been Too Good To Us’, currently climbing the Country charts at No. 35 and No. 42 respectively on the Mediabase Country Airplay chart. The album also features the newly RIAA Platinum certified No. 1 hit ‘Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl)’ and the standout track ‘What He’ll Never Have’, which MusicRow described as a “surefire hit.” Scott continues to bring his electrifying live show to audiences as the direct support act for Cole Swindell on his Win The Night Tour, which will stop in Los Angeles in a few weeks and conclude 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 Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Priscilla Block unleashes new EP, ‘PB2’

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Country music sensation Priscilla Block has set the stage for a thrilling new chapter in her career with the release of her latest EP, PB2, via Mercury Nashville. The highly anticipated EP features a blend of fan favourites and fresh tracks that showcase Block’s dynamic range as an artist. PB2 introduces listeners to Block’s current single, “Good On You,” which has already amassed over 14 million streams across various platforms. The EP also includes popular tracks like the gripping “Hey Jack,” alongside three new additions: “Apartment,” “Bad Guy,” and “Hell Out Of A Hometown.” Each song explores different facets of Block’s artistry, from vulnerable introspection to sassy anthems and heartfelt country storytelling. Reflecting on the EP, Priscilla Block shared her excitement, stating, “It’s been a while leading up to this next era for me and I’m so excited it’s finally here. I wanted to drop three songs that showcase three different sides of me as an artist.” Block’s co-writing contributions to four of the tracks underscore her role as both performer and storyteller, resonating deeply with her dedicated fanbase. Ahead of the EP release, Block treated fans to official lyric videos for “Apartment,” “Hell Out Of A Hometown,” and “Bad Guy,” providing an intimate visual backdrop to her evocative lyrics. In addition to her studio efforts, Priscilla Block recently wrapped up her successful headlining Hey Jack Tour, which saw sold-out shows across North America. Her international presence was also felt with performances at the C2C Music Festival in the United Kingdom and CMC Rocks Australia, solidifying her status as an “Artist to Watch” in country music. Known for her unfiltered songwriting and catchy melodies, Block has garnered acclaim for her honest approach and relatable narratives. Her previous hits, including “Just About Over You” and “You, Me, and Whiskey” (featuring Justin Moore), have resonated strongly with audiences, earning her critical praise and industry accolades. With PB2, Priscilla Block continues to redefine contemporary country music, blending elements of country pop and southern rock into what fans affectionately call “the Block Party sound.” As she embarks on this new musical journey, Block remains a compelling voice for her generation, promising more captivating stories and infectious tunes to come. For fans eager to experience PB2 and the latest from Priscilla Block, the EP is now available on all major streaming platforms. 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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Luke Bryan announces the 10th anniversary of Crash My Playa

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Promising another year of sun-soaked, music-filled memories, Luke Bryan has announced the 10th annual Crash My Playa event. The five-time Entertainer of the Year and American Idol judge will host the event from January 15-18, 2025, at the luxurious Moon Palace Cancún, a AAA Four Diamond Awarded resort. ACM-nominated Crash My Playa has delivered sold-out concert vacations featuring country’s biggest stars for a decade, and this year promises to be the most spectacular yet. Bryan will headline for two nights, with Jason Aldean returning to perform on the beach for the third time, and Kane Brown making his debut at Crash My Playa. Additional artists include Bailey Zimmerman, Dustin Lynch, Dylan Scott, Elle King, Jackson Dean, Nate Smith, Dasha, Ella Langley, Tucker Wetmore, and DJ Rock. Fans can look forward to special guests, daily pool parties, and exclusive Alumni perks designed to make the 10th-anniversary celebration unforgettable. “This is one of those pinch-me moments. The 10-year anniversary of a festival that I got to create along with the Playa Luna team,” said Luke Bryan. “It is hands down one of my favourite times on stage – period. To get to celebrate in the most beautiful setting with the most incredible Playa crashers, along with the most incredible artists – it doesn’t get much better. My artist friends always leave here wanting to come back. Gonna be the best Playa party yet.” “Reaching the ten-year milestone for Crash My Playa is a testament to the incredible community of fans and artists who come together each year,” said Brett Keber, Partner at Playa Luna. “We’re honoured to continue producing this one-of-a-kind vacation experience with Luke in Mexico.” 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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The Long Road announces day splits and more artists

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The Long Road, the UK festival for country, Americana, and roots music, has unveiled the day splits and the third wave of artists for its highly anticipated summer event. Building on the excitement of previous announcements, the festival has detailed the performance schedule for its eclectic lineup. With tickets selling fast, the fifth edition of The Long Road promises to be its biggest yet, set to take place at Stanford Hall in Leicestershire from 23rd to 25th August 2024. The festival kicks off on Friday with a headlining performance by American country vocal group Chapel Hart. Returning by popular demand after a memorable appearance during Rissi Palmer’s Color Me Country takeover, Chapel Hart will headline the Interstate Stage. The opening night will also feature performances by alt-country band American Aquarium and hip-hop country group Gangstagrass, among others. Additionally, audiences can look forward to sets from folk duo Campbell Jensen and pop-rock artist Gina Larner, ensuring a dynamic start to the weekend. Saturday promises to be a highlight, with the Rhinestone Stage hosting a UK-exclusive headline show by the legendary Don McLean. Famous for timeless hits like “American Pie” and “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” McLean’s evocative storytelling and musical legacy resonate globally. The Saturday lineup is further enriched by Paula Cole and Brittney Spencer, known for her collaborations with Beyoncé. Meanwhile, the Interstate Stage will feature performances by The Red Clay Strays and Colbie Caillat, adding to the day’s diverse musical offerings. The festival culminates on Sunday with a high-energy performance by country-pop star Russell Dickerson. Known for his electrifying live shows and chart-topping hits, Dickerson will headline the Rhinestone Stage. Joining him is West Texas native Randall King. The Interstate Stage on Sunday will showcase folk-country group Flatland Cavalry and country artist Pokey LaFarge, while Ron Pope, renowned for his viral hit “A Drop in the Ocean,” will lead performances from The Front Porch Stage. Newly confirmed additions to the lineup include country singer Redferrin, whose song “Jack & Diet Coke” gained significant popularity on Spotify’s US Viral 50 Chart. Redferrin is noted for his collaborations with artists like Florida Georgia Line and Nelly. Also joining the Friday lineup are Georgia songwriter Jonah Kagen, Wood Burnt Red, Oscar Corney, Bailey Tomkinson & the Locals, and Alan Finlan. On Saturday, the festival will welcome Pearl Charles, who blends rock and country, alongside Charlotte Young. Ollie Hawkins has been added to the Sunday lineup. With an impressive array of talent across its stages, The Long Road 2024 is set to deliver an unforgettable experience in the heart of the English countryside. 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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ACM announces Industry and Studio Recording Award winners

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The Academy of Country Music® has announced the winners of the ACM Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards™ through a series of video announcements. Featured presenters included Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett, Tigirlily Gold, Keith Urban, and local media personalities from across the country. All award winners, along with the soon-to-be-announced Special Award recipients, will be honoured at the 17th Academy of Country Music Honors™ on Wednesday, 21 August 2024, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Details about the ACM Special Award honourees, hosts, and ticket information will be revealed on Tuesday, 18 June. Information about performers will follow in the coming weeks. Studio Recording Awards Highlights Paul Franklin secured his second ACM Specialty Instrument Player of the Year Award, marking his 18th ACM Award overall. This achievement ties him with fellow steel guitar player J.D. Maness for the most ACM Studio Recording Award wins. Dann Huff received his fifth ACM Producer of the Year Award, bringing his total ACM Award count to 11. Huff is the most-nominated non-artist in ACM Awards history with 57 nominations, surpassed only by artists such as Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, and George Strait. Jimmie Lee Sloas achieved his fifth win as ACM Bass Player of the Year. Rob McNelley won his first ACM Electric Guitar Player of the Year award, bringing his total ACM Award count to four; his previous three awards were in the ACM Guitar Player of the Year category, which was split into separate Electric and Acoustic categories in 2021. Jim “Moose” Brown secured his third win as ACM Piano/Keys Player of the Year. Audio Engineer Jim Cooley, piano/keys player David Dorn, and guitar player Charlie Worsham each received their second career ACM Awards for Audio Engineer of the Year, Piano/Keys Player of the Year, and Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year, respectively. Drummer Jerry Roe celebrated his first ACM Award with his recognition as ACM Drummer of the Year. Industry Awards Highlights The Ryman Auditorium and Bridgestone Arena, both located in Nashville, TN, were recognised with ACM Theater of the Year and ACM Arena of the Year, respectively. This marks the Ryman Auditorium’s eighth win and Bridgestone Arena’s sixth. Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, took home its eighth ACM award in the Casino of the Year – Arena category. Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, won its third ACM Outdoor Venue of the Year award and fifth overall ACM Award. Joe’s Live in Rosemont, Illinois, received its third ACM Award for Club of the Year, and the club’s owner, Ed Warm, received his first win for ACM Talent Buyer of the Year, bringing his total personal trophy count to six. Fort Lauderdale, Florida’s Tortuga Music Festival received its third ACM Award for ACM Festival of the Year, and Durant, Oklahoma’s Choctaw Grand Theater received its third ACM Award for ACM Casino of the Year – Theater. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo received its second ACM Award for ACM Fair/Rodeo of the Year. Adam Weiser of AEG won his first ACM Award for ACM Promoter of the Year. Complete List of Winners Industry Award Winners: Casino of the Year – Theater: Choctaw Grand Theater – Durant, OK Casino of the Year – Arena: Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT Festival of the Year: Tortuga Music Festival – Fort Lauderdale, FL Fair/Rodeo of the Year: San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo – San Antonio, TX Club of the Year: Joe’s Live – Rosemont, IL Theater of the Year: Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN Outdoor Venue of the Year: Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO Arena of the Year: Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year: Ed Warm Promoter of the Year: Adam Weiser – AEG Studio Recording Award Winners: Bass Player of the Year: Jimmie Lee Sloas Drummer of the Year: Jerry Roe Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year: Charlie Worsham Electric Guitar Player of the Year: Rob McNelley Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year: (TIE) Jim “Moose” Brown & David Dorn Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year: Paul Franklin Audio Engineer of the Year: Jim Cooley Producer of the Year: Dann Huff 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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JoshRoss_2024_Instagram_Post_1080x1080_TourPosterV2

Josh Ross announces headlining ‘Single Again’ tour

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Country music fans, get ready! Breakout star Josh Ross is set to electrify stages across the United States this autumn with his newly announced headlining ‘Single Again’ Tour. Launching in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, on 28th August, the tour will make stops in key cities including New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, Chicago, and more, before concluding in Indianapolis on 9th November. Joining Ross on this exciting journey is special guest Brandon Wisham. “I’m so stoked for my first U.S. headline tour,” shares Ross. “We have been opening for some of the best over the past couple years and we have worked hard to build our live show. We started our headline tour in Canada earlier this year and can’t wait to bring it to the U.S. It’s going to be so much fun being out there with y’all.” Josh Ross’s ‘Single Again’ Tour Dates: 8/28/24 – Point Pleasant Beach, NJ – Jenks Club* 8/29/24 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork 9/1/24 – Uncasville, CT – Wolf Den** 9/5/24 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair 9/6/24 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge 9/7/24 – Washington, D.C. – The Atlantis 9/19/24 – Peoria, IL – Crusens 9/26/24 – Minneapolis, MN – Amsterdam Bar and Hall 9/27/24 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave 9/28/24 – Sioux City, IA – Anthem at Hard Rock 10/9/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour 10/10/24 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues 10/12/24 – Sacramento, CA – Goldfield 10/17/24 – Atlanta, GA – Eddies Attic 10/24/24 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In 11/6/24 – Oxford, OH – Brick Street 11/7/24 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Stache 11/8/24 – Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub 11/9/24 – Indianapolis, IN – Hi-Fi 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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Ward Thomas announce intimate UK tour

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Country pop music duo Ward Thomas have announced an intimate, acoustic UK tour for Winter 2025. Hailed as the UK’s most successful country act, twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas will tour across the country with a 22-date tour across January and February, performing a special show with stripped back versions of songs from across their career. These unique shows will take Ward Thomas back to their early days of performing and writing together, seeing the duo perform and share the stories behind the songs that have seen them make such an impact on country music. Recording their debut album, 2014’s ‘From Where We Stand’, whilst still in school, the duo have since cemented themselves as pioneers in the UK Country and Americana scene; not least for the follow-up album ‘Cartwheels’ released in 2016 going to No.1 in the UK Album Charts, the first by a UK country act to top the charts. In 2019, the band were presented with the Country Music Association’s Jeff Walker Global Achievement Award in recognition of their success and impact on country music in the UK. Tour dates: January 2025 Tuesday 21st Newark Palace Theatre Wednesday 22nd Whitley Bay Playhouse Thursday 23rd Kendal Brewery Arts Friday 24th Crewe Lyceum Theatre Wednesday 29th Huddersfield Laurence Batley Theatre Thursday 30th Leeds City Varieties Friday 31st Leicester Y Theatre February 2025 Saturday 1st Milton Keynes The Stables Wednesday 5th Barnstaple Queen’s Theatre Thursday 6th Taunton Brewhouse Friday 7th Carmarthen Lyric Theatre Sunday 8th Worcester Huntingdon Hall Wednesday 12th Poole Lighthouse Theatre Thursday 13th Hayes Beck Theatre Friday 14th Harpenden Eric Morecombe Centre Sunday 16th Southend Palace Theatre Tuesday 18th Bury St Edmunds The Apex Wednesday 19th Aldershot Princes Hall Thursday 20th Ramsgate Granville Theatre Friday 21st Farham Fareham Live Thursday 25th London Union Chapel Friday 28th Bromley Churchill Theatre 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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More support announced for Morgan Wallen’s BST show

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Morgan Wallen will headline the festival on Thursday 4th July. Wallen’s performance is highly anticipated, and today, even more special guests have been announced in support. Joining Wallen will be a vibrant mix of talent, including Alana Springsteen, Alexandra Kay, Zandi Holup, Abbie Mac, The Halfway Kid, and Evan Bartels. They complement the previously announced acts Riley Green, ERNEST, and Ella Langley. Alana Springsteen, a young Nashville singer-songwriter, is leading a new generation of country stars. She released her debut album, “TWENTY SOMETHING,” last year and has been writing songs since she was nine, inspired by a Taylor Swift concert. Her track “taylor did” pays tribute to Swift, but Springsteen is making her own mark with her genuine connection with audiences both live and online. Alexandra Kay is another rising star, having built her career with millions of video views online before making her Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 22. She has since collaborated with notable names like Tim McGraw and Randy Travis, performed at the UK’s Country to Country festival, and released her debut album, “All I’ve Ever Known,” in 2023, which has amassed over 300 million streams. Newcomer Zandi Holup brings a prolific artist-writer background reminiscent of folk icons like Dolly Parton and Joni Mitchell. Her debut song “Gas Station Flowers” last year showcased her raw, original folk country style, characterised by unfiltered storytelling and emotive vocals, which have garnered a growing grassroots following. Also performing are Derry’s teenage singer-songwriter Abbie Mac, British-Sudanese folk singer The Halfway Kid, and emerging Nebraskan artist Evan Bartels. This diverse and talented line-up joins the previously announced acts, including country star Riley Green making his first UK performance, Nashville’s unpredictable hitmaker ERNEST, and rising artist Ella Langley. Headliner Morgan Wallen expressed his excitement, saying, “Last autumn was my first time in the UK and man, I loved it. I saw so much while I was there, and the people were incredible. To play where legendary artists like Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones have played is a huge honour for me and my band, and we can’t wait to be back.” Morgan Wallen’s meteoric rise in the music industry is evident, with 13 No. 1 hits and a recent collaboration with Post Malone on “I Had Some Help,” which soared to No. 2 on the Official Charts in the UK and held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks. The New York Times has hailed him as “one of the biggest stars in pop, period,” as he continues to captivate audiences worldwide, playing to over 2.4 million fans. Earlier this year, Wallen released the “Abbey Road Sessions,” commemorating the one-year anniversary of his record-setting album “One Thing At A Time.” Recorded in London’s iconic Studio Two at Abbey Road Studios, the digital series includes five live recordings from the album, an unreleased fan-favourite “Lies Lies Lies,” and a cover of Nothing But Thieves’ “Graveyard Whistling.” The line-up for American Express presents BST Hyde Park 2024 promises to be spectacular, with headliners including SZA (June 29), Kings of Leon (June 30), Morgan Wallen (July 4), Andrea Bocelli (July 5), Robbie Williams (July 6), Shania Twain (July 7), Stevie Nicks (July 12), Kylie (July 13), and Stray Kids (July 14), with full line-ups for each day to be announced, along with All Things Orchestral on June 28. 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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UK’s Music Venue Trust publishes its manifesto

Leave a Comment / News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

The Music Venue Trust (MVT), a charity representing hundreds of Grassroots Music Venues (GMVs) across the UK, has issued a pressing appeal to politicians of all parties ahead of the UK General Election on 4th July. The MVT is urging leaders to “seize the moment” and address the deepening crisis threatening the sector. In its newly published report, ‘A Manifesto for Grassroots Music’, the MVT outlines essential steps needed to halt the closure of GMVs, which currently exceed one per week, and to restore stability to the sector. Describing this as “a once in a generation opportunity to save the UK’s grassroots music venues,” the report stresses the need for immediate implementation of recommendations from the Culture Media & Sport Select Committee. These include a proposed £1 contribution from every arena and stadium ticket sold for events over a 5000 capacity to support grassroots music. The report also calls for the abolition of VAT on GMV tickets, a review of the business rates paid by venues, and changes to existing planning laws. Among its key proposals are: A £1 grassroots investment contribution from every arena and stadium ticket sold. A fan-led review to examine the long-term challenges of the live music ecosystem. The statutory implementation of the agent of change principle in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). A reduction of VAT on cultural ticketing in GMVs to 0%, and a reduction of VAT on cultural ticketing in the live music industry to the European average (5-7%). The creation of a specific business rates premises definition for GMVs, exempting them from paying business rates. Sophie Brownlee, External Affairs Manager at Music Venue Trust, commented, “The Manifesto is being delivered to every prospective MP in the country with the request that they come out in support of it as part of their campaign to be elected. Music communities across the country will also be asking the candidates where they stand on the future of live music in our towns and cities. The time to act is now.” The CMS select committee’s recent report, which backs the £1 levy on concert tickets, highlighted the precarious situation facing grassroots music venues. It stated, “Grassroots live music venues, the local, limited capacity venues integral to the pipeline of creative and professional talent and key fixtures of our communities, are now facing a crisis of soaring costs and closures. Artists, and the people who rely on them for business, are facing a cost-of-touring crisis and finding opportunities squeezed. Promoters are less able to put on shows or make them financially viable. Festivals, electronic music venues, and even academies and arenas are not insulated from the impacts.” Mark Davyd, CEO of Music Venue Trust, underscored the severity of the issue, stating, “In 2023, of the 366 small music venues Ed Sheeran played while learning his trade, at least 150 are now closed. Another 72 grassroots music venues significantly reduced or ended their live music offer. 38% of GMVs in the UK made a loss in the last 12 months. The sector operated on a 0.5% profit margin overall while running live music events at a £115 million loss. All of this can be changed if the next government delivers the five simple steps we have set out in this report. We therefore call on all political representatives, from all parties, to seize the moment and drive forward this change. We have a chance to save UK grassroots music venues from the crisis they currently face and we should not let it slip.” As the election approaches, the fate of the UK’s grassroots music scene hangs in the balance, with the MVT’s proposals offering a potential lifeline for the struggling sector. 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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