Maddox Batson: A Young Voice Forging His Own Path in Country Music with “First Dance” EP
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
At just 15 years old, Maddox Batson possesses a remarkable depth of understanding and a sharp wit that belies his youth. Hailing from Nashville but rooted in Alabama, this burgeoning singer-songwriter first captured attention through his compelling covers of artists like Zach Bryan and Red Clay Strays. However, it wasn’t long before Batson began to showcase his own burgeoning talent, releasing early singles such as “Tears In The River” and “I Wanna Know.” These tracks quickly established that Batson was not merely a gifted interpreter of country hits, but a formidable songwriter in his own right – a skill he honed firsthand as a co-writer on the chart-topping collaboration “Tough” by Lana Del Rey and Quavo.
Praised by Holler as “one of the most exciting new voices in Country music,” Maddox Batson recently achieved a significant milestone, making his Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday, March 26th. During his performance, he captivated the audience with renditions of two songs from his newly released EP, First Dance.
Between his heartfelt performances of “I Don’t Like You Anymore” and “It Was You,” Batson shared his profound gratitude, stating, “Performing here at the Opry tonight means more to me than anything. I want to give a shout out to all my family here tonight. I can’t stop smiling. You’re making dreams come true for me!”
In a conversation on stage with Opry announcer Charlie Mattos, Batson was asked about the experience of standing within the iconic circle.
“Walking out on this stage, the circle, is something I’ve wanted to do my entire life. I know I haven’t lived a long time, but…,” he shared with a smile, eliciting laughter from the appreciative audience. “Growing up in the country music space, growing up knowing the prestige of the Grand Ole Opry and actually coming out here to play it means the world to me. It’s the coolest thing ever.”
First Dance, his debut EP available now via Prosper Entertainment/Warner Records, showcases the multi-instrumental talent of this young artist, captivating listeners with his sincere storytelling and distinctive sound.
Reflecting on First Dance from the Opry stage, Batson expressed his pride: “I’ve never been more proud of a body of music. A year ago, I released my first song ‘Tears in the River.’ And then a year and six days later, I got to release my debut EP. I’m so proud of it and glad the fans are liking it so far.”
The EP’s arrival was preceded by the standout track “I Don’t Like You Anymore,” which has already surpassed 1 million streams on Spotify and garnered over 3.2 million views on its accompanying music video. This success followed the buzz generated by “X’s,” another compelling track that has amassed over 6 million Spotify streams and 11 million YouTube views on its music video.
First Dance features a collection of seven tracks, each imbued with Batson’s youthful magnetism. A highlight of the EP is the infectious single “Girl In Green.” Demonstrating his stunning signature style, Batson paints a vivid, almost cinematic picture with the catchy chorus: “Tell me, have you seen the girl in green? Felt like a movie, yes it could’ve been a dream.
This spring, Batson is embarking on another leg of his headlining tour, with sold-out dates and upgraded venues in cities like New York City, Dallas, and Chicago, among others. He is also set to perform at the renowned Stagecoach Music Festival in Indio, CA. Adding to his already impressive year, Batson will be joining country superstar Lainey Wilson on her Whirlwind Tour this fall, further exposing his talent to a massive audience.
Maddox Batson’s First Dance EP Track Listing:
- I Don’t Like You Anymore
- Girl In Green
- X’s
- God Talkin’
- Problem
- It Was You
- Southbound
Tour Routing:
Crescent Ballroom* April 26 || Indio, CA || Stagecoach Music Festival June 28 || Fairfield, CA || Vineyard Jam 2025 July 20 || Valparaiso, IN || Porter County Fair Aug 10 || West Chester Township, OH || Voices of America Country Music Fest Sept 11 || Baton Rouge, LA || Raising Cane’s River Center^ Sept 12 || Baton Rouge, LA || Raising Cane’s River Center^ Sept 13 || Bossier City, LA || Brookshire Grocery Arena^ Oct 2 || Nashville, TN || Bridgestone Arena^ Oct 16 || St. Louis, MO || Hollywood Casio Amphitheatre^ Oct 17 || Rosemont, IL || Allstate Arena^ Oct 18 || Saint Paul, MN || Xcel Energy Center^
*SOLD OUT ^Lainey Wilson Support Dates
With the release of his captivating EP First Dance and the buzz surrounding his latest single “Girl In Green,” Maddox Batson is poised to make a significant impact on the country music scene. As he gears up for sold-out headlining shows across the nation, his debut performance at Stagecoach, and his upcoming tour dates supporting Lainey Wilson, it’s clear that this young multi-instrumentalist (proficient in piano, guitar, and mandolin) is embracing his rapid ascent in country-pop music.
“It can be overwhelming, this life, but I’ve got a lot of good people surrounding me,” Batson explains with a grounded perspective. “I’m still just a kid, though, and I’m happy about that.”
Photo Credit: Chris Hollo