Katy DuBois (Bishop) and Alaina Stacey have attended CMA Fest as a fan, but this will be the first year that they are attending CMA Fest as artists. The two ladies make up the Nashville-based indie country/Americana group Maybe April. They will be playing the Spotlight Stage at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 6. Maybe April will play a 15-minute show and then do a 30-minute meet and greet immediately following the performance. “I’ve gone so many times as a fan,” DuBois said, adding that she is so excited to play it.
Maybe April is one of hundreds of artists who were selected to play on one of 11 stages at this year’s CMA Fest. Stacey explained that it means a lot to them to get asked to play. “It feels like the industry has given you a little shout out,” she said.
DuBois and Stacey met at Grammy camp, a music camp for high school students, in 2012. They were put together with former collaborator Kristen Castro. Stacey said the three women were put together by a mentor and told to try to write a song. Castro is no longer with Maybe April because she made the decision to go in another direction musically. Together, DuBois and Stacey have experienced some success as Maybe April. They have opened for artists including Brandy Clark and they have played the Pilgrimage Festival and IBMA’s Wide Open Bluegrass Festival. CMT named Maybe April as one on 2018’s “Rising Acts” and called their harmonies “as alluring as their lyrics.”
Maybe April will be releasing their The Other Side album on August 9. Two songs from the 10-song album, “Need You Now” and the title track, were released last week via Billboard. “Need You Now” is described as an anthem for self-worth in a loving relationship. “The Other Side” explains what is like to be an independent musician.
When asked about their favorite song, DuBois said she feels like their favorite changes all the time. It was clear, however, that The Other Side, was one song that was special to both ladies. It’s not just a song that is relevant to musicians, but anyone who works hard to make their dream come true will probably be able to relate to it. Stacey explained that she received a text from her best friend who cried when she heard the song. “That’s exactly what we wanted,” she said.
After CMA Fest, DuBois said they will have a break before they start on the road in July. Maybe April has been touring with Grammy winning artists Kate and Forrest O’Connor since the beginning of 2019. They have been touring a lot in the northeast. Later this year, they will be heading out to the western United States for the first time in a while.