Maggie Antone’s Soulful Shine at Railbird Festival 2025

Maggie Antone stepped onto the Burl stage at Railbird Festival in Lexington, Kentucky, on June 1, 2025, with a quiet fire. Born on September 7, 1996, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Antone’s voice—rich, smoky, and wise beyond her years—wrapped the crowd in a warm embrace. Her denim jacket and loose curls framed a performance that felt like a late-night confession. With every note, she turned the Red Mile infield into a sanctuary, the Kentucky sunset casting a glow on her heartfelt set.

Career and Band Affiliations

Antone’s breakthrough came with her 2023 EP, Interpretations, followed by her 2024 debut album, Rhinestoned, which blended country, folk, and soul. She performs solo or with a small band, often including fiddler Sarah Bell and bassist Luke Preston, though her voice commands the spotlight. She’s toured with Wyatt Flores and joined The Castellows for a surprise duet on “Highway Towns” at Railbird. No major TV or film roles mark her resume, but her cover of “Jolene” for a Dolly Parton tribute aired on PBS in 2024. In 2025, she earned an Americana Music Award nomination for Emerging Artist, a nod to her growing influence. Her raw storytelling draws comparisons to Brandi Carlile.

Biggest Songs

• “Johnny Moonshine” – Written by Maggie Antone, a rollicking ode to rebellion and roots.
• “Highway Towns” – Penned by Antone and Gabe Lee, a wistful ballad with streaming success.
• “Suburban Outlaw” – Co-written with Emily Scott Robinson, a gritty anthem of defiance.

Railbird Performance

Antone opened with “Johnny Moonshine,” her voice cutting through the evening air as the crowd stomped along. She shifted to “Highway Towns,” slowing the pace, her lyrics painting vivid pictures of restless hearts. The band’s fiddle swelled on “Suburban Outlaw,” sparking cheers from fans waving cowboy hats. However, a brief string snap on Bell’s fiddle paused “One Heart,” but Antone’s quick banter—“Guess we’re keepin’ it real!”—drew laughs. She covered Lucinda Williams’ “Can’t Let Go,” her voice dripping with grit, then joined The Castellows for a harmony-rich “Highway Towns.” For 60 minutes, her set was a journey—soulful, unpolished, and deeply moving—closing with “Everyone But You” to a roaring crowd.

Controversies and Connections

Antone’s kept her career scandal-free, her down-to-earth vibe resonating with fans. Her outspoken support for mental health awareness, shared in a 2024 interview with American Songwriter, drew praise but no controversy. Romantically, she’s private, with no public relationships making news. Her friendship with Gabe Lee, a frequent co-writer, has sparked rumors of a joint album, though nothing’s confirmed. In 2023, a minor venue dispute over set times at a small festival led to online chatter, but her Railbird performance—flawless in spirit—proved her professionalism. Her set felt like a conversation, inviting fans into her world without pretense.

Final Notes

As the sun grew hotter, Antone waved goodbye, her smile soft but radiant against the bright stage lights. Her performance was a masterclass in authenticity, proving country music thrives on heart. Photos of her, guitar in hand, singing with eyes closed, are already lighting up social media, capturing a set that felt like a warm hug from an old friend.

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