‘Poster Girl’ 20th Anniversary special release 18 April 2025
Poster Girl was originally released in 2005 and reached #1 on the Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart, taken from the album ‘Feel This Free’ released the same year. The song won three Golden Guitars at the Country Music Awards of Australia; Song of the Year, Female Artist of the Year and Single of the Year, a huge feat for any Artist. Cole performed Poster Girl at the MCG on ANZAC Day in 2007 in front of a crowd of 100,000 people.
BACKGROUND & RELEASE:
Between December 2005 and January 2006, Cole travelled to Iraq and The Middle East to do a series of concerts for the Australian Defense Force. Upon her return, she received a letter from a fan objecting to her Tour de Force appearance, mistakenly thinking her singing overseas to Aussie troops amounted to her supporting the war. Cole said the criticism stung, “to be accused of supporting some sort of ridiculous war on terror – which was not what I was doing at all – hurt”. Cole explained; ‘I was incredibly inspired by the whole experience of going over to the Middle East to entertain the Aussie troops but also getting to know them and understanding what they’re all about. I was like a proud mother hen over there, so I really did want to come back and sing their praises. I wanted to write a song, but I didn’t know what angle. That’s when I received the criticism.” Cole continues “You can support the troops without supporting the war. You can recognise that they do an amazing job, that they put their lives on the line and put themselves in danger because we need a Defense Force. Wonderful, wonderful people”.
Q. Why have you felt compelled to re-release Poster Girl with the 20th Anniversary?
Poster Girl is my most requested song and I still feel its relevance each time I sing it. I Have many returned servicewomen and men telling me how much it means to them, and I wanted to take the opportunity to refresh the statement. The song was about the troops, gratitude for their service and a tribute and recognition to their families as well. I had the idea to rerecord the song as I was singing it at the Gympie Muster in 2024 with thousands of phone lights swaying in front of me, it was a very special moment!
Q. What was it like stepping back into the studio to re-record one of your biggest and most requested songs with a string section?
Bringing the quartet in on the track was as thrilling as it was emotional. They arranged and played so well, fitting beautifully around the lyrics and my finger picking. I really think it helps to bring out the emotion of the song. The strength of 5 female musicians playing the song was also not lost on me, a mirror of the strength of the wife and mother in the story.
Q. What are you up to right now in 2025?
I’m currently writing and recording for my new album, due for release in January 2026. I’m excited about having new music out. Time has flown between my last album and now. Life gave me a massive blow and, naturally, some of the songs reflect my marriage breakup and mental breakdown. But also, hope and humor will reign true on the new record, it’s always been my writing style.
Q. What are you looking forward to in 2026 and beyond?
I can’t wait to play the new songs onstage, a few of them are already getting a run! I’m absolutely thrilled at the reception and popularity of country music right now and I love taking the stage, especially at events and festivals with the band.
Q. With all the upheaval in the world, what keeps you sane and grounded?
I have a therapy dog called Patsy! She’s a mini groodle and her calming powers are remarkable. She helps me stay on track and live a balanced life.
Q. Can you share your daily habits….good & bad?
If I don’t walk every day, I don’t function properly. I try to complete 10KM. Patsy walks for 2 and gets carried for 2! I also have a daily sauna, I became addicted to them and eventually had one installed at home.
Q. What’s your take on the state of country music in Australia at the moment?
Country music is massive right now. When you look at how well the US artists do touring here, it’s quite amazing. My hope is that Australian audiences develop the same passion for local artists, which is happening slowly. I do see a gender imbalance which I would love to see a shift in. Artists like Kasey Chambers here and Lainey Wilson in the States are pushing against that, just by being themselves and I hope to see it changing for the better soon.
Q. Any message you want to send to your fans?
It’s funny, I’ve always felt conceited referring to people as ‘fans’ – but the truth is, there are some people who have been following my journey, buying my music and tickets to my shows for 3 decades and that blows me away! To them I say thank you and I hope I continue to serve the songs and serve you as you have come to expect. Loyalty runs both ways.