Maverick City Music, heard of them? At this point I don’t know who hasn’t. It almost seems as if they came out of nowhere, but where ever they’ve come from I’m glad they’re here. It’s been 10 months since the release of their first album Maverick City Vol 1 which introduced us to new waves of authentic communal worship music which included Doxology, Real Thing, You’re welcome in this place, My soul sings and I am loved, with special appearances from the likes of Alton Eugene, Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore and Dante Bowe from Bethel Music.
Maverick City Music are both a collection of over 100 Christian artists and writers, and they are an official record label. The initiation of this group of creatives was in 2018, which saw 17 writing camps established, giving participants the opportunity to come together and merge their skills – singing, playing various instruments, writing – to produce 100s of songs. In their own words:
“Maverick City started with a dream to make space for folk that would otherwise live in their own separate worlds. To break the unspoken rules that exist in the CCM [Christian Contemporary Music] and Gospel World! But I think more importantly to be a mega phone for a community of creatives that have been pushed to the margins of the industry of Church Music. What brings us together, and that sound that is vivaciously smacking you in the face the first time you hit play on a Maverick track, Isn’t the sound of a community that centered around their deprivation, it’s the audacious sound of true belonging: The beautiful harmony of long lost family.”
Their music hasn’t changed the way people worship, but has refreshed it. With each new song released by gospel artists around the world who wholeheartedly walk in their individual callings, they continue to support the worship music revival which brings such authenticity and Maverick City Music have with great impact, supported this – maybe even unknowingly – and it’s a great thing to behold.
One thing which definitely stands out is the level of transparency in their music, which has been portrayed through their music videos. Each music video has been released in collaboration with TRIBL, a community of leaders and pioneers known and unknown such as United Pursuit, UPPERROOM, Bethel Music, and Housefires, and many more.
They’re stripped away the flashing light, big stages and crowds; and in some ways, they’ve stripped away the perfectionism that can come with worship music (don’t get me wrong, it still has its place because we should strive for excellence) and this has allowed viewers and listeners to find a place of familiarity; good familiarity. Is would seem that this was done intentionally so that the focus would be placed not on the set up, the stage presence, the talent and gifts but rather on the words, the melodies and spontaneity of each song. Each song is different, the feel and texture of each song is unique and it make sense because the writers and artists behind each song are different, the view point is diverse and this is reflected in the music.
Maverick City’s 2nd and 3rd albums carry the same level of authenticity and diversity, and from the response of worshippers seen across social media, music reviews and on TRIBL’s YouTube channel, it’s clear that this Christians have really embraced this with open arms. The second album entitled Maverick City Vol 2 which they’ve called “lightning in a bottle” has a total of 6 songs including Most beautiful/So in love and Communion, introduces us to new lead singers such as Majesty Rose, and Steffany Gretzinger & Brandon Lake from Bethel Music.
Their latest and third album entitled Maverick City Vol 3 (are you noticing a theme?) was released on 13th April 2020 and includes a total of 11 songs. Volume 3 also saw several songs reach more than 1 million views on YouTube including Love is a Miracle, Promises and Billboard charting song Man of Your Word.
It’s clear to see that Maverick City Music are making gospel music history; 100s of writers and artists coming together to produce 3 albums in only 9 months. I’m excited to see the impact that Volume 3 will have especially during this time of quarantine due to COVID-19. It will be exciting to see what happens once all lockdowns have been lifted. Will Maverick City Music Tour, because I know the UK is ready!
But don’t get too comfortable, if past trends are anything to go by, we may just see their next album sooner rather later. Volume 4 is that you?
For more information be sure to check them out on Instagram, Facebook or visit their website.
