Maverick Country Music Magazine

1 March 2023

Welcome to this very special issue of Maverick, our Country 2 Country edition! C2C is the event of the year for British country fans as the biggest country festival outside of the States welcomes some of the most talented acts in the genre. I was delighted this year when my favourite band was announced as headliners once again, Lady A. Dave Haywood of the band joined me over zoom from his basement studio to talk me through what they have planned for their headline slot. We also caught up with Zac, Coy and Jimmy to discuss Zac Brown Band’s return to the O2. They are an energetic band with an array of hits and I’m expecting exciting stellar sets from both Lady A and Zac Brown Band. With Thomas Rhett on the cover of the last issue, that’s all three headliners who have gushed to us about their return to our shores. There are a few hidden gems in the lineup this year. I’ve had my eye on Hannah Ellis for a good number of years now and I’m delighted that she is performing at the festival this year on some of the smaller stages. If you haven’t heard her music before then make sure to read more about her in our ‘Introducing’ feature and make note of those stage times over the weekend. Pillbox Patti features in our ‘Behind the Song’ section. She released a hard-hitting record last year which is well worth a listen, but under her real name Nicolette Hayford she has penned some of country music’s best songs in the last five years. Outside of C2C, we were visited by Kane Brown whose sold out run of dates was the talking point as 2023 kicked off. It was a joy to chat to him before he took to the stage in Manchester. There’s also new music from Caitlyn Smith which we explore, Miko Marks and HARDY and Eric talks us through the latest gadgets! It’s a packed issue and one of my favourites I’ve worked on. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as myself and Eric enjoyed writing it. Be sure to come and say hello at the Maverick booth at C2C.