Rising Australian country artist Sammi Palinkas returns with her brand-new, uplifting single “A Little More Backroad,” a feel-good modern country anthem that celebrates home, heart, and taking the long way on purpose.Co-written with award-winning Producer Rod McCormack (Lee Kernaghan, The Wolfe Brothers, Paul Kelly), “A Little More Backroad” blends infectious melodies with nostalgic country storytelling to deliver an upbeat, contemporary anthem full of warmth and heart – the kind of song you can’t help but sing along to on the drive home.Musically inspired by the ‘ 90s country era and the stylings of Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, and the timeless sentiment of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” the song is about staying connected to where you come from, no matter where life takes you. It reflects the mindset, memories, experiences and values that shape us early and continue to guide us forward.“This song isn’t about taking the fastest route – it’s about slowing down and choosing the familiar, honest road. The one that feels like home, even when you’re far from it,” Palinkas said. “Rod and I wanted to write something that makes you want to wind down the window, sing along at the top of your lungs, and hug your friends. It’s a reminder that real silver linings are family, friends, and the people, places and values that raised you – the parts of you that stay true no matter where you are or what you’re going through.”“A Little More Backroad” is Palinkas’ first release since her highly anticipated 16-track debut album “ No Settlin’” , released in late 2025 and named by CountryTown as one of the Best Australian Country Albums of 2025. Continuing her themes of empowerment, growth, resilience, and self-worth, the single sets the tone for a new creative chapter and an active release campaign that will see Palinkas deliver new music approximately every six weeks throughout 2026.The release is accompanied by a picturesque performance music video directed and edited by Palinkas herself, and cinematography by Director of Photography and longtime collaborator Bonnie Jarrett of BonnCreative. The music video was filmed on a backroad in Upper Plenty, Victoria, with drone cinematography by Steve Gilbert, and marks a visual return to denim, jumpsuits and wide-open spaces for Palinkas.“I wanted this music video to celebrate small-town values and country life,” Palinkas said. “It needed to feel simple, sun-soaked and honest, and to set the tone for all the new music I’m releasing in 2026. I fell in love with video editing last year and wanted to create a music video that brought joy to those who watch it, just like that feeling you get when you choose to take a backroad that reminds you of home.”Palinkas has already made a strong impact on Australia’s country music scene. Her debut single “Meet in the Middle” debuted at #3 on the Australian iTunes Country Chart and #8 across all genres, with multiple follow-up singles landing Top 10 positions. Both “Meet in the Middle” and “No Settlin’” broke the CountryTown National Airplay Top 50 and were named semi-finalists in the International Songwriting Competition (ISC). Singles “Don’t Blink” and “Read Between the Lies” earned her a “One’s to Watch” nomination from Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).From winning a national singing competition at just eight years old to performing at major events including the VFLW Grand Final, Palinkas has dedicated her life to music. She has collaborated with leading songwriters across Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville, and continues to gain recognition from respected international organisations including NSAI and ISC.Following a standout 2025 that included her debut album release, headline shows, and performances at major Australian country festival Savannah in the Round (headlined by Zac Brown Band, Jackson Dean, and an enviable lineup of Australian country talent), Palinkas now turns her focus to a packed 2026, with more new music and tour dates on the horizon.