Month: March 2022

Multiple ARIA and GRAMMY Award winner Keith Urban unveils his first single of 2022, ‘Nightfalls’, a euphoric moonlit anthem co-written with Greg Kurstin (Adele, Beck, Paul McCartney) and Mozella (Madonna, Rhianna). Bound to be a crowd favourite at Keith’s forthcoming ‘THE SPEED OF NOW WORLD TOUR’ shows, the infectious track marks a similar return of Urban’s high-energy, in-the-moment spirit and all-round divergent musicality.

Keith says, “Writing “Nightfalls” with Greg Kurstin and Mozella was pure joy. Two summers have gone by with no way to tour and the desire to have that feeling again inspired every part of this song and recording. In a world so full of real struggles and fractures, I wanna try and bring something to help us exhale and be in the moment – if only for 3 mins and 41 seconds.”

‘Nightfalls’ follows on from ‘Wild Hearts’ and Urban’s global smash, his duet with P!nk, ‘One Too Many’, which to date has amassed 340 million worldwide streams. The song has become Urban’s 43rd Top 10 single in the U.S. and his 27th #1 in Canada. It was certified double platinum in Australia, reached #1 on the Australian Artist singles chart and has spent 44 weeks in the Top 50 UK Airplay Chart. Urban’s latest album, THE SPEED OF NOW Part 1, marks the fourth in an historic streak of simultaneous #1 album debuts in the United States, Canada and Australia.

THE SPEED OF NOW WORLD TOUR gets underway in April at the O2 Academy in the UK before ending up in Australia in December with Birds of Tokyo as the special guest.

Grammy-nominee Jason Aldean starts off the new year with the announcement of his next single “Trouble With A Heartbreak,” available alongside its haunting music video now. The reminiscent track is featured on the second installment of his 10th studio album MACON, GEORGIA (Macon Music/Broken Bow Records), which is available April 22nd, as its aching video is set in Las Vegas during National Finals Rodeo where a cowboy finds himself navigating a broken heart. The track is now available with the pre-order of the collection’s second installment GEORGIA here , while MACON is fully available here .

“The cool thing about putting out two parts of this record is having fans hear all the different influences I grew up on,” Aldean said. “This song hit me right when I heard it and reminded me of those bitter R&B breakup songs that take me back to riding through the backroads of Georgia.”

Written by Kurt Allison, Brett Beavers, Tully Kennedy and John Morgan, “Trouble With A Heartbreak” follows Aldean’s 26th career chart topper and multi-week No. One “If I Didn’t Love You” featuring Carrie Underwood. Directed by long-time collaborator Shaun Silva, its video was shot in December during Aldean’s sold-out, three-night run at The Park Theatre.

Fans can now watch the video here: https://youtu.be/TAtWP5Mct5I

The three-time ACM “Entertainer of the Year” has bolstered 26 No. One hits, 15 billion streams and more than 20 million albums sold while “MACON exhibits Aldean’s dynamic approach to Country music,” (American Songwriter). Notably, seven of Aldean’s previous studio albums have been certified PLATINUM or more and he has the most Top 10 song on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, more than any other artists, since making his chart debut in 2005. Aldean just wrapped the “explosive run” (Tulsa World) behind his BACK IN THE SADDLE TOUR 2021, as he continues be one of a card-carrying member of Country’s elite headliners whose incendiary tours are nearing legendary status. The multi-Platinum singer has launched Wolf Moon Bourbon, an 80-proof bourbon that has been distilled from Midwestern grains and aged for four years offering a finish of caramel, oak, and spice. For more information, visit www.JasonAldean.com.

Smooth soul vocalist Natalie Nicole Gilbert teams up with singer/songwriter Chris Sloan for this power packed duet version of Adele’s Easy On Me. The song just went live on SoundCloud 3/26 and already amassed over 16,000 streams.

The simmering mezzo voice of Gilbert with the tenor vibrato of Sloan melds into a perfect union that brings plenty of romance to this track about a relationship hitting hard times. Sloan’s natural sound leans rock, while Gilbert has a passion for power ballads and acoustic originals. Their harmonizing rings as true as if they’d been performing together for years.

Natalie Nicole Gilbert is based in Los Angeles, with Chris Sloan in Seattle. The two have never met in person or even Zoomed or hopped on a phone call, but the way their voices melt together brings to mind the Civil Wars.

Impacting radio now, available on all major digital music outlets April 15, 2022.

Following up his Texas (TRRR ) #1 hit “Stealing Home,” James Robert Webb’s brand new single, “Lovesick Drifting Cowboy” is a Hank Willliams-inspired country standout with grit. The song benchmarks the first of a series of self-produced singles for the 2022 Music Row Independent Artist of the Year, who accepted the honor at the Music Row Magazine’s 20th Annual Country Breakout Awards in February (more here ).

Co-written with Shelby Lee Lowe and Victoria Powell, the inspiration for the single’s title came from Hank Williams’ band The Drifting Cowboys and his song “Love Sick Blues.” With dynamic vocals and textured instrumentation, “Lovesick Drifting Cowboy” is destined to echo the success of Webb’s prior releases.

About the song, Webb says:

“We wrote this song pre-pandemic, back in 2017. It was inspired by country icon and legendary songwriter, Hank Williams, Sr.. The title of the song itself is a nod to both Hank’s band and his famous cover of Love Sick Blues. It was one of his most enduring songs even though his team didn’t want him to record it.

Everyone has an opinion on Hank, but I consider him the original outlaw country artist. He was also just a massive superstar and a big component of his music was pop and blues.

For me, [Lovesick Drifting Cowboy] is a more visceral song. I wanted the record to update that Hank Sr. country roots sound by way of the blues. That’s certainly what Hank was and I wanted to pay homage to that. When I listen, I can see Hank’s band travelling down that dusty Lost Highway. There’s also an edge that reflects my influences–it’s definitely a preview of what’s to come for me as an artist.

It appears that 2022 is shaping up to be a banner year for the independent artist, whose previous single not only gave him his first, #1, it became his 9th MusicRow top 40, peaking at #25–and his fourth consecutive Billboard Indicator top 40. The Oklahoma-native will also be releasing a 100-proof white-aged whiskey later this summer, in honor of the 2021 chart-topping hit, “Okfuskee Whiskey.”

Early Praise From Radio

” James Robert Webb has taken himself to the next level. Little Waylon vibe Charlie Daniel’s too, Country through and through!” – Doris Day, KXIA, Marshalltown, Iowa

“If you want to know why JRW is the Music Row Independent Artist of the Year just listen….’nuff said!” – Mike Thomas, PD/MD, KFAV, Warrenton, MO

Get ready for a little rockier sound from singer-songwriter Felicity Dowd with her new single, ‘Handle It’.

Born out of an attraction to a close friend, ‘Handle It’ deals with everything that comes with keeping emotions to yourself, even if you have strong feelings for someone.

“It’s about not wanting to damage your friendship, which you hear a lot of in films, but It wasn’t until I started writing the song that it took on a different meaning,” Felicity said. “It took on a mature way of explaining how a young person like me may deal with this situation.”

Felicity is an artist who won’t be constrained by genre, but instead allows the song to lead the way when she is writing.

“I write to what the song’s feeling and I’ve written in a lot of different genres and this one kept growing as producer Rod Motbey and I put the song together,” she said. “It started off as a very acoustic version, but as we went through the process, it became almost rocky and alternative country and it even uses some influences from Fleetwood Mac to get that oomph and feeling behind it.”

The NSW South Coast/Illawarra singer said she wanted to keep her listeners open to new sounds in her music.

“‘Handle It’ is a very current song, thematically and musically, and I hope that if listeners relate to the song, it’ll be a bit of a safe haven to feel those emotions, but they can also simply dance and sing along with the song,” Felicity said.

Fresh off the back of achieving a Top 40 Finalist spot in the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition, Courtney Keil returns with her bubbly new single, ‘The One’.

The 90s inspired country bop reflects on the magic of true love – “It’s somethin’ you can’t know until that first time when time stands still”. The track radiates Keil’s signature positive vibes, with its sizzling guitar hooks and playful vocals. You’ll have a hard time resisting the urge to dance along with its infectious groove, “inspired by Faith Hill’s iconic, This Kiss”.

“I once again had the joy of writing this with my songwriting family Rod McCormack (who also produced the track), Sam Gay and Templeton Thompson”, chirps Keil. The same creative powerhouse has crafted every one of her singles to date – including the Vanda & Young finalist, ‘I Just Wanna Hold You’. That explosive debut was also a finalist in the 2020 International Songwriting Competition and peaked at #15 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart. Along with two of her other previous singles, ‘Hummingbird’ and ‘Where Does All The Love Go’, it also reached the #1 spot on the iTunes Country Singles chart.

It appears country music is not only in the heart of the Melbourne native, but also in her blood. Her paternal grandmother was a country singer in Adelaide during the ’50s. “She would sing on local radio with her two sisters,” reminisces Keil.

It’s no surprise then that Keil is no stranger to the stage. With a packed tour schedule for 2022, she’s appearing alongside Gina Jeffreys and Tania Kernaghan on their Girls Night Out tour – which includes a show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival – and opening for Andrew Swift during his VIC leg in April. She’s also played the role of June Carter Cash alongside Daniel Thompson in Johnny Cash: The Concert Tour throughout 2021 and will continue in 2022.

“So many reasons to fall in love / But you just need the one”, sings Keil on the infectious new single. It’s yet another superb track from a young artist who is blazing a trail through the Australian country music scene. Her endless optimism and vivacity are sure to captivate audiences along her road to stardom. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to fall in love with Courtney Keil then this might be the one.

The upbeat new tune “Shotgun” from Nashville newcomer Christian Parker is the first single off the upcoming debut album called “Debutante” due out in September 2022. Shotgun perfectly captures that excitement of throwing caution to the wind and chasing your dreams with reckless abandon, a sentiment he can definitely identify with as he launches his debut single. Like its name suggests, “Shotgun” is a blast of energy from an artist brimming with passion and eagerness, ready to make his mark on the country scene. The budding young talent infused the track with plenty of inspiration and can-do gumption for all the dreamers out there yearning to give it a proper shot, and comes roaring out of the gate with this winning tune about giving it your all and never looking back. Shotgun is produced by Grammy nominated producer Sal Oliveri. Entertainment Focus says of the artist “This is one rising star you want to get on you radar”. Remember his name, with a full promo, PR and marketing team behind him, you’re surely be hearing a lot about Christian Parker.

Dave Herrera has a way of writing thought-provoking material, as demonstrated in this NEW Single “Shades,” a tale about a woman who catches a man’s eye with her dark sunglasses that aren’t used to block the sun, but as a barrier to the outside world. But once she pulls up the shades, one realizes there’s something deeper.

Herrera said “it’s not easy to meet people, more specifically a significant other, as OPENING UP is not an easy thing to do” as Herrera wrote in his lyrics “hiding your eyes won’t hide ya; cause only the sun shines brighter; fix a broken heart; if you look my way; let down your guard pull up those shades”.

Herrera wrote the track with the help of Cory Coppin and Kale Coppin co-writers and produced the track with co-producer Jeff Balding. “Shades” was recorded at WestRoc Studios.

After teasing fans with a series of mysterious posts beginning the night before her birthday this past week, 7-time GRAMMY® Award winner Carrie Underwood’s highly anticipated new single, “Ghost Story,” is out now. The lyric video for the cinematic track is also available now .

Written by Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey and David Garcia and co-produced by David Garcia and Underwood, the superstar describes “Ghost Story” as “a different take on a revenge song, which is something I love to sing about. Instead of smashing headlights, this scorned lover is letting her ex know that she will continue to haunt him no matter how hard he tries to forget her.”

“Ghost Story” is the latest collaboration between Underwood and Garcia, having co-produced her critically acclaimed 2018 release, Cry Pretty, which marked the first time Underwood produced her own album. Garcia and Underwood also co-produced Underwood’s 2021 album of gospel hymns, My Savior. Underwood and Lindsey have collaborated on a string of hits such as “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “So Small,” “Last Name,” “Smoke Break,” “Church Bells,” and the now-iconic title track, “Cry Pretty.” Kear co-wrote Underwood’s signature hits, “Before He Cheats” and “Blown Away,” and co-wrote another cinematic classic, “Two Black Cadillacs” with Underwood and Lindsey.

“‘Ghost Story’ is a thrilling, dramatic song that David, Hillary and Josh wrote for me,” says Underwood. “They are such talented, amazing songwriters who know me so well, and from the first time I heard it I knew I had to record it. I have always loved performing songs that tell a story and inspire some kind of cinematic imagery when you hear them, and that is definitely true of ‘Ghost Story.’ It creates a mood and a vibe that is different than anything else I’ve recorded before.”

Underwood’s new single comes on the heels of winning her 16th ACM Award on March 7 – for Single of the Year with Jason Aldean for their smash hit duet, “If I Didn’t Love You.” The multi-week #1 “If I Didn’t Love You” has spent a record-setting 26 weeks in the Top 10 of Billboard Country Airplay so far, with more than 323 million global streams RTD.

Underwood is nominated for two 2022 GRAMMY® Awards – for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year for My Savior, and she and Aldean are nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “If I Didn’t Love You.” The duo was also nominated this week for two 2022 CMT Music Awards for “If I Didn’t Love You” – Collaborative Video of the Year and Video of the Year, which Underwood won in 2021 for “Hallelujah,” with John Legend. She continues to reign as the most awarded artist in CMT history with 23 total wins.

On March 23, she continues her ongoing REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency at the Resorts World Theatre, having opened the new 5,000-capacity, world-class theatre, the first artist to grace the largest and tallest stage in Las Vegas, with six sold-out shows in December. Conceived by Underwood to celebrate some of the highlights of her stellar recording and touring career over the years, REFLECTION celebrates her greatest hits from over 15 years as an award-winning international superstar. The production brings beloved fan favorites to life in a whole new way, utilizing spectacular special effects, pyrotechnics, and state-of-the-art visual and audio technology, with Underwood joined onstage by her band, dancers, aerialists and a special virtual orchestra. $1 from every ticket sold will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Underwood returns to the desert to headline the iconic Stagecoach Festival on Saturday, April 30 in Indio, Calif.

About Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, film, and as a New York Times bestselling author and successful entrepreneur. She has sold more than 66 million records worldwide, recorded 28 #1 singles (14 of which she co-wrote), and has seven albums that are certified Platinum or Multi-Platinum by the RIAA, all while continuing to sell out arena tours across North America and the UK. All nine of her consecutive album releases (two of which she co-produced) from the beginning of her career debuted #1 on the Billboard Country Chart, making her the only artist to accomplish that feat. She has won over 100 major awards including 7 GRAMMY® Awards, 16 ACM Awards including three for Entertainer of the Year (the first female in history to win twice and the only female ever to win three times), 23 CMT Music Awards (holding the record for the most award wins ever for the show), 7 CMA Awards, and 17 American Music Awards. She has also built a successful business portfolio inspired by her passion for health and wellness. She founded and created the fitness and lifestyle brand, CALIA by Carrie Underwood and her first book, FIND YOUR PATH was an instant New York Times bestseller. She launched her fit52 app in 2020, and expanded her lifestyle portfolio with an equity partnership with BODYARMOR Sports Drink in 2021. She was the first artist to perform at the new Resorts World Theatre, where her ongoing REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency, began with a sold-out debut run in December 2021 and continues this Spring.

Fresh off a standout EP release and Top 5 Canadian radio hit for the title track “Relationship Goals,” Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Steven Lee Olsen returns with a new original track, “Nashville or Nothing” out today via Universal Music Canada.

A true “love letter” to the vibrant town that many know as Music City, the heartfelt track shares Steven Lee Olsen’s personal story that remains a relatable feeling for many artists that embark on their journey to Nashville. Penned alongside his co-producer Brandon Day, “Nashville or Nothing” features Steven Lee Olsen’s dynamic, R&B smooth vocals over the “too close to home” lyrics that the singer-songwriter is known for. “It’s gotta be Nashville or Nothing. A million to one in a town I don’t seem crazy. Where everyone’s a dreamer, where I’m gonna either catch my break or it’ll break me.”

Cass Hopetoun is the name on everyone’s lips, thanks to the release of her latest single ‘Chinese Whispers’. The sassy new tune arrives just ahead of the ‘New Talent of the Year’ Golden Guitar nominee’s highly anticipated debut album, Not Your Typical Bride which is set for release on 8th April and available for pre order now.

Released through Compass Bros Records, ‘Chinese Whispers’ is the sixth single to be taken from the Sydney-based singer’s 13-track album. It’s a fiercely self-assured anthem of empowerment; “a song you put on when someone has been talking smack about you and you want to feel empowered and have that ‘shake it off’ moment,” exclaims Hopetoun. “It’s a reminder that people are always going to ‘talk’ but, you can choose to ignore them because you know what’s true and what’s not.”

No doubt this latest offering will have people talking……for all the right reasons. Its feisty lyrics were crafted by Hopetoun along with her fiancé and collaborator, Blake Dantier, after she became the victim of a nasty rumour. “Haters gonna throw shade, shade, shade, no matter what I do,” she sings triumphantly in the song’s chorus.

Her vocal is both delicate and commanding as it dances effortlessly around Matt Fell’s (Love Hz Studios) production. Incorporating elements of Motown and surf rock – the country-tinged track feels both timeless and fresh.

Despite the seemingly endless pandemic, Hopetoun has still managed to turn heads – now a two-time nominee for New Talent of the Year at the Golden Guitar awards. The hit that earned her most recent nomination, ‘Who Needs Hawaii’, peaked at #6 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart and was the #1 most played song on CMT Australia in 2021. She also found time to duet with Andrew Swift on ‘Say the Word’, which topped the Kix Hottest 20 and was the radio station’s #1 most played track for 2021.

2021 saw Hopetoun hitting the road, performing her vibrant show alongside Hurricane Fall and Shane Nicholson. But 2022 is set to be bigger and better; with appearances at Meatstock, Goulburn Valley and Tamworth Country Music Festivals, as well as tour dates across the country with Jayne Denham and her Not Your Typical Bride album launch in Sydney on 14th April.

While whispers continue to grow of Hopetoun’s prowess as a songwriter and performer, so too does her devoted following. Her honest and playful voice is a breath of fresh air in the Australian music landscape and an inspiration to Country fans young and old. ‘Chinese Whispers’ is just further evidence that the rumours are true – Cass Hopetoun is undoubtedly a star destined for great heights.

Mandy Collins has released her debut single ‘I’ll Find You’, produced by Travis Collins, engineered by multi-award winner Matt Fell, and mastered by industry legend, Ted Howard. ‘I’ll Find You’ has a great fun vibe about it, a bluesy country, front porch kind of thing, which will resonate with rural and regional Australians and their country roots.

Mandy ‘Moo’ Collins has always loved to sing. Raised in Sydney’s Western Suburbs, music was a way of life, with her Dad touring the country playing in bands and igniting her lifelong passion for performing.

Mandy’s love for country music was kindled at an early age by role models and song writing inspirations such as Tammy Wynette, Jeannie C. Riley and Trisha Yearwood, then further nurtured by her parents and well know award winning singer songwriter brother, Travis Collins.

Happy and enjoying life in the Hunter Valley with her family, and having raised five children, Mandy recently felt the pull back towards recording and performing and the timing couldn’t be better. Armed with good people in her corner, Mandy is set to embark on fulfilling her dreams of entertaining the masses.

HANSON release their new track “Write You A Song,” the second single from the multi-platinum, 3x GRAMMY® Award-nominated pop-rock trio’s eagerly anticipated new project, RED GREEN BLUE. Written by Isaac Hanson, and co-produced by Isaac, GRAMMY® Award-winning Producer/Engineer/Mixer Jim Scott (Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wilco) and GRAMMY® Award-winning Artist/Producer David Garza (Fiona Apple, Midland, Sharon Van Etten), the organic and heartwarming song is available now via 3CG Records at all DSPs and streaming services. The official music video will see its premiere on CMT USA this coming Monday, March 14.

“This song is about holding on to the things that really matter in life, those simple daily moments that are precious and honest and go by so fast,” says Isaac Hanson of the song. “Whether it is between a parent and a child or a romantic relationship, it is important to capture those moments in photos, videos, and yes in songs, so that you remember them and make them last.”

RED GREEN BLUE was heralded last month with the album’s emotive and dynamic first single, “Child at Heart,” available now at all DSPs and streaming services. An official music video is streaming now via YouTube.

Comprising three solo-led projects from Taylor, Isaac, and Zac Hanson, RED GREEN BLUE arrives via 3CG Records on Friday, May 20, and is available for pre-order on vinyl, CD, and digital at all retailers now. The album, which marks HANSON’s milestone 30th anniversary, brings together the band’s three unique creative voices like never before, with a third of the album written and produced by each brother: Taylor’s RED, Isaac’s GREEN, and Zac’s BLUE. The album, which is also, co-produced with Jim Scott and David Garza, amplifies the band’s unique trifecta of sound in a new way which is highlighted through the release of three singles, one featuring each brother. Starting with Taylor’s “Child At Heart” followed by Isaac’s “Write You A Song” (out today) and the rock-infused force of Zac’s “Don’t Let Me Down” (April 15), each song is a clue to the unique musical influences which make up the project.

“Going into our 30th year as a band we felt like it was imperative we continue to tell our story like only we can,” says Isaac Hanson, “and telling stories in ways that will continue to challenge us to grow and give people new reasons to listen. RED GREEN BLUE is about sharing what has made us a band that has been able to weather so many storms.”

“Our love and respect for Jim Scott has only grown since we first met 20 years ago,” says Taylor Hanson. “He has been behind some of our favorite albums, so it’s an absolute joy to have finally made a project together.”

“We have had a long friendship and deep connection with David Garza since our early days as a band,” says Zac Hanson. “We could not have had a better musical collaborator for this milestone project.”

D Henry Fenton’s new single “Ruby (Days Gone By)” is an upper mid tempo Americana/Folk-Pop song about the difficulties of gaining and maintaining visiting rights for a parent to see their child. “Its a song I felt I had to write” explains Fenton “There’s always two sides to every story and somewhere in the middle is where we find the truth, the sadness and then the healing”

Recorded and mixed in Sydney at Electric Avenue Studio’s it features guitars and backing vocals by Mark Punch (Kasey Chambers/Joe Cocker) and bass by ARIA award winning bassist/composer Jonathan Zwartz (Branford Marsalis/Terri-Lynn Carrington) as well as Fenton himself on acoustic guitar, telecaster and lead vocals.

Fenton has opened/supported acts such as Kasey Chambers, John Mayer, Colbie Caillat, Lissie & The Corrs.

Rising country singer-songwriter, Sara Berki, releases debut single ‘Fallin’ Off The Heartline’.

Bursting onto the Australian country music scene with her debut single ‘Fallin’ Off The Heartline’, NSW Southern Highlands singer-songwriter Sara Berki is about to make an impression. This talented artist has a way of combining her emotionally interpreted lyrics and storytelling with catchy guitar riffs that will make you want to sway.

“‘Fallin Off The Heartline’ is a song about a younger love that had once been when two people were in college. The storyline is based on reminiscing and remembering the heartbreak and conflict they had back then. It is a song that’ll pull on your heartstrings, if you have ever had a similar love experience” said Sara.

From a tender age, Sara has been playing guitar and writing music for herself, making appearances everywhere and anywhere she could gig, with her 6 string and her vocal range that will melt the hardest of hearts.

In 2021, Sara was endorsed by Takamine Guitars and Pro Music Australia. A year in the making, she is now on the verge of releasing her debut EP ‘Heartline’ (due for release mid 2022) which was produced by well-known Australian producer Simon Johnson (Troy Cassar-Daley, Amber Lawrence, Tori Darke, Aleyce Simmonds) and mastered by Grammy Award winning William Bowden. Sara had a helping hand from some of Australia’s most iconic musicians such as CMAA award winning artist Shane Nicholson in the production of her EP.

Towards the end of 2021, Sara was announced as a Top 10 Finalist for a performance spot at Groundwater Country Music Festival in a competition supported by KIX Country. To support the release of ‘Fallin’ Off The Heartline’, Sara will be performing at Tamworth Country Music Festival in April.

Sara Berki’s melodic sounds are heavily influenced by Lainey Wilson, Caylee Hammack and Cam. She is a true storyteller, with captivating vocals and will reel you in with her words in every song she has written making her an exceptional artist to watch in 2022.

“Damn, It Feels Right” is that moment when you first set your eyes on another and you know that nothing will ever be the same again. Your heart starts to race, the butterflies make haste and damn, it feels right. Produced by Sydney’s Love HZ Studios respected producer Michael Carpenter, this contemporary country-pop track is filled with a heart-warming and positive theme and is bound to resonate with country music lovers, as well as Cassidy-Rae’s fast growing fanbase.

The prolific songstress has been busy on multiple radio tours and in the studio for over 12 months, crafting out a wave of new tracks to share with audiences. Proving popular amongst fans & media alike, Cassidy-Rae is charting consistently with 4 x #1 singles on iTunes Country Australia, securing high rotation across country radio networks and added to coveted playlists like Spotify’s Fresh Country, Apple Music Today’s Country, Aussie Country, and Lil Bit Country with her accompanying music videos receiving premieres and full rotation on CMT. With continual support from major player radio stations, has also ensured Cassidy-Rae has made her mark on the Countrytown Hottest 50 Chart.

With over 90,000 followers on social media, Cassidy-Rae continues to connect with fans worldwide, performing and sharing her life through Live Streams – Sunday Sit Down and Live Music Sessions every week.

As a graduate of the Country Music Academy of Australia, Cassidy-Rae is a powerhouse to be reckoned with, appearing at major events such as Tamworth Country Music Festival, Blue Water Country Music Festival, Ballina Country Music Festival, Basin Music Festival and more.

‘Damn, It Feels Right’ follows on from incredibly successful 2021 singles ‘Cheers Y’all’, ‘Dose Of You’, ‘Meant To Be’ and ‘AMAZING’. Cassidy-Rae constantly delivers the perfect balance of party anthems to heartfelt ballads. Her vibrant, confident, and authentic performances have cemented a solid profile in country music, proving why she has amassed such a loyal following.

Cassidy-Rae’s new single ‘Damn, It Feels Right’ is out at radio and all digital platforms on Friday 11th March.

Award winning songwriter and staunch Country traditionalist, Blake Dantier is back with his latest single ‘Don’t Say When’. It comes ahead of the release of his highly anticipated debut album ‘Dry Season’, out on 25 th March and available for pre order now.

“It’s got to be the most personal track on the album,” admits Dantier. The mid-tempo ballad reveals a
more sensitive side to the songwriter, who is better known for his good time drinking songs like ‘Last Call’ and ‘Wish You Were My Beer’. “I wrote ‘Don’t Say When’ for my Grandad, who passed a few years back,” he says. “Grandad was a lover of fine scotch and red wine, but I’d always been too young to share a drink with him. This song is about having that drink – cracking open a bottle, starting to pour and not saying when.”

Produced by Simon Johnson at Hillbilly Hut studios, Dantier insisted ‘Don’t Say When’ feature an
accordion part, as a nod to his grandfather. “I can’t play anything close to what he could,” jokes Dantier “but I’ll learn one day”. Shot and directed by Duncan Toombs of The Filmery, the video sees Dantier immersed in a maze of art and upcycled furniture and features his grandfather’s beloved accordion in the flesh.

The road to the debut album has been full of bumps and detours (starts with C and rhymes with ‘over it’) but that hasn’t stopped Dantier from blazing a clear path. Four of his self-penned singles from the upcoming album featured in the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart, with ‘Last Call’ peaking at #8. He was also the winner of two Tamworth Songwriters Salute Awards in 2021. He shares the wins with his fiancée and Golden Guitar award nominee, Cass Hopetoun, with whom he wrote the #1 airplay hit ‘Typical Bride’. Dantier even attracted the attention of Adam Harvey , who duets with him on the album track, ‘You Don’t Mix Whiskey’.

“It’s been a hot minute since we started this album and I’m so keen to get out there and play it,” chirps Dantier. Fans won’t have to wait too much longer as he will be launching the album with shows in the Blue Mountains and Sydney, as well as a special double bill with fellow honky-tonkers, Michael Carpenter and The Banks Brothers. He’ll then be hitting the road with his fiancé Cass Hopetoun, performing at Meatstock Toowoomba and opening for Jayne Denham.

Blake Dantier has yet again proved his versatility as a songwriter with ‘Don’t Say When’; its heartfelt
story packs a punch that lingers like a barrel aged single malt. You can see why The Music Network
named him “One of the most exciting prospects on the local country scene”! If this is just a taste of
what’s to come, then the debut album is sure to be nothing but top shelf.

Ella & Sienna, teenage singer-songwriter sisters from the Adelaide Hills, release their long-awaited single ‘Next To Mine’ on Friday 11 March 2022. Produced by ARIA and Golden Guitar winning producer Matt Fell at Love Hz Studios in Sydney, the track embodies their formidable combination of soaring vocals, captivating sibling harmonies, catchy pop hooks, and country inspired storytelling.

Sienna says “‘Next To Mine’ was written during the first pandemic lockdown in 2020. I wanted to create an energetic, up-tempo reflection of our love and care for family and friends.” Ella adds “We were inspired by the shared feeling of heartache and longing to be close to loved ones through the uncertain and devastating times.”

On the track Ella & Sienna reveal growth as artists, exposing stronger musicianship and poise with song writing and vocals, while showcasing their unique blend of pop, folk and country.

Proving they are amongst the most exciting emerging artists in their field, Ella & Sienna have captured a compelling string of accolades over the past two years including; Finalist in the Folk Alliance Australia 2021 Youth Folk Artist of the Year, Live Performance Category Winners in the Songwriters Composers and Lyricists Association 2021 Festival of Original Music, winners of the Art Gallery of South Australia Battle of the Bands 2020, second place in both the Battle of the Young Stars and Best of the Buskers competitions at the Tamworth Country Music Festival 2020 and Semi-Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition 2020.

Both talented multi-instrumentalists, their live performances mainly feature Ella on vocals/guitar, and Sienna on vocals/bass. Their original music brings a unique blend of modern country, folk and acoustic pop. Prepare to be blown away by the dynamic vocals, incredible harmonies and fun vibe created by these emerging artists!

“They are trailblazing youngins from the Adelaide Hills, cranking out rivetingly impassioned slivers of sharp and summery folk. Acoustically inclined, the duo’s performance wields a uniquely charged energy… Peter Noble, if you’re reading this, get these girls on a Bluesfest lineup ASAP!” – Matt Doria, Australian Guitar’s Fresh Frets.

Two years ago Tamworth-bred country artist Allison Forbes had the world at her feet. Her debut album ‘Bonedigger’ – produced by Oz country legend Shane Nicholson – had come out in early-2020 to near universal acclaim, debuting at #1 on the ARIA Australian Country charts.

It was the second highest-selling independent record across all genres in that heady first week, with Forbes’ distinctive take on outlaw Americana near omnipresent on country radio, topping numerous radio charts in the process.

It’s hard to imagine things going better for the mould-breaking singer-songwriter – Forbes and ‘Bonedigger’ would go on to score four prestigious Golden Guitar nominations at the 2021 Tamworth Country Music Festival, and be voted Most Popular Female Artist at the 2020 Independent Country Music Awards – but then… the COVID pandemic struck.

Instead of Forbes being able to hit the road and consolidate the hard-fought traction she’d achieved with ‘Bonedigger’ – connecting with her existing audience and winning over new fans with her captivating live show – the country plunged into lockdown and the hard-fought momentum began slowly ebbing away.

Such immeasurably poor timing would have justifiably broken many artists, but instead Forbes doubled down and poured her heart and soul into what would become her brilliant second album, ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’. It’s a collection which hones and magnifies Forbes’ indubitable talent to create an album conceived in and forged by adversity, yet which transcends its tough-times genesis courtesy the stunning empathy and compassion which floods through these beautifully-rendered tales of loss and grief.

“It was really an album that I didn’t know that I needed to make until I wrote the songs, and even now looking back on it I didn’t realise how relevant it was going to be,” Forbes admits. “Everyone was experiencing a lot of loss, including myself. I lost one of my best friends fairly early during the pandemic – I’ve also dedicated the album to him – and I think that loss tied in with a lot of other confusion, and a bit of angst as well. There’s a muse that’s a common thread through the songs.

“They’re definitely the most personal songs I’ve ever written. I usually tend to be quite metaphorical when I write, which is not something that I’ve ever done on purpose – maybe it’s been a fear of revealing too much – but the songs here are very, very close to the bone.”

Importantly though – despite the serious themes threading through the narratives – ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ is far from a grim listen, with a healthy dose of hope and positivity never far from the surface.

“I always do have a glimmer of hope in my songs, I’m a really optimistic person at heart,” the singer smiles. “I wouldn’t want it to be completely sombre and depressing. I always want there to be a little bit of something – a little bit of hope that life will continue or that things will get better. I always aim to have positivity shining through even the bleakest moments.”

Having already spawned three strong singles in ‘Pieces Of Silver’, ‘Only Got One Road’ and ‘Save You Now’, this time around on ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ Forbes’ songwriting acumen was abetted by the skills of ARIA Award-winning producer Matt Fell (Troy Cassar-Daley, Shane Nicholson, John Williamson), who – working remotely from his Leichhardt studio – helped bring her fledgling ideas to stunning fruition, both in terms of song arrangements and the crack band he pulled together for the occasion.

“I remember saying to Shane [Nicholson] about producing ‘Bonedigger’, ‘How are you going to make all these songs work together?’ and he was, like, ‘That’s why I lose sleep at night!'” she laughs. “Matt was essentially the same, he just took these songs and put this beautiful flavour on them.

“They just flow and blend really well together, and they sound like the story – the story of me at the time. That’s what a brilliant producer does, he’s the brains behind it and the one who takes these simple ideas and basic demos and turns them into these incredible, melodic and beautiful musical journeys.”

And while the music on ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ is undeniably of the country persuasion, the intoxicating blend of traditional country, alt-country, folk, rock and bluegrass – unified by Forbes’ commanding vocals – defies easy classification, not that it’s of any concern to Forbes herself.

“I just do what I do, really. I’m not sure if I fit into the classic country music style, although I think that’s changing a lot,” the singer muses. “Without being too cliché, I think there are a lot of different types of music now that are borrowing from other genres but still fitting under the country music umbrella.

“I have a lot of respect for traditional country music – obviously growing up in Tamworth I’ve grown up listening to bush ballads and traditional country artists my whole life, and I have a huge respect for them. So the natural country influence is there – it’s just there, and it always will be there but there are other influences that have crept in over the years – a bit of rock influence, and I love bluegrass and there’s some obvious flourishes showing up from that field.

“But I’m happy to just do what I do and not fit too much into any pigeonhole – I’m happy to be genre-bending! I’m happy to welcome all kinds of country music into the fold, into the mix. Things are changing – the world’s changing, music’s changing – so we’ve got to keep changing and evolving as well. It’s all about the songs.”

And despite the troubled times which ushered ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ into the world – and the many opportunities sadly missed due to circumstances far beyond her control – for Allison Forbes nothing is more important than simply being true to herself.

“It’s a double-edged sword to try to be yourself and be authentic – being authentic and really honest means more to me than anything – but it’s difficult because I guess I’m not really a game-player: I don’t follow the same path as a lot of the successful artists. I’m coming to terms with the fact that mainstream success may be something I’ll never have, but I’ll always be me, and I’m okay with that.”

Tony Kennelly is a seasonal performer that will take you on a journey with his unique style of song writing.

The inspiration for his songs come from a lifetime of events that have moved him to write, and at the same time, be able to tell a story. He loves nothing more than to share his music with others and have people being part of the performance, finding themselves drawn into the words and music he so skillfully portrays. He says, “I love it when people applaud, it touches me deeply”.

Tony’s second album, ‘Battlegrounds’, is a testament of Tony’s mastery of songwriting ability. Produced by Shane Nicholson, a legend in his own right, Tony’s recent single releases have been played throughout Australia on numerous radio stations. ‘Leave The Gate Open’ was released with consistent airplay. ‘Wasted Time’ done very well on the charts, whilst ‘Sailing’ has continued to be on high rotation throughout the country.

Another feather in his cap for many years, Tony’s music has been always been in the Top 10 of any contests he has entered his songs into. This year being no exception, with four out of five songs entered in the Australian Songwriters Association in the top 30, and one in the Top 10. Not bad considering the number of entries.

Tony’s latest release from the ‘Battlegrounds’ album is ‘Kicking Stones’. It will take you back to a time of leaving the security of school life, to the uncertainty of the work place, with the added pressures of actually working for a living and becoming somewhat overwhelmed. The chorus of the song is a metaphor … “We’re Just Kicking Stones” … but is very relatable to us all. It could be said that this one is a light-hearted look at life.

With the talents of Shane Nicholson’s production, and the backing vocals of Allison Forbes, ‘Kicking Stones’ will be one of those songs you will want to hear a lot of.

‘Unsolved Mystery’ is the new radio single by Nashville based Australian artist Grayson. The song is a mix of modern country and easy listening, which is perfect for today’s radio format and listeners.

Grayson captures the heart of every moment with his gift of storytelling. His music and lyrics captivate us with not only tales of heartfelt experiences, but the often forgotten moments in between. Grayson captures those precious moments and delivers them to his audience with a rare, raw sincerity.

Michael Edser is Grayson, which is a reference to his childhood street where he grew up in Australia and where he spent many years developing his talent to write, sing and play music.

A captivating songwriter with a style reminiscent of some of the greats in the industry, Grayson receives international praise for being a unique artist with an Americana/country folk style. As his music evolves, he continues to differentiate himself from the current musical landscape on mainstream country radio.

Grayson relocated to the US in 2011 and currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Since making America his new home, he has continued developing his talents as an artist and widening his fan base. The documentary ’66 Days On Route 66′ won the Gold Award at the 2011 Cinerokom Film Festival in LA, and captures Grayson’s 66 performances on tour in the US over the course of 66 days on Route 66. The journey chronicled his discovery of the behind-the-scenes America, and his own self-discovery, as he learned more of who he really is, as a musician, as a visitor, and as a human being. Through a series of vignettes and short-take interviews, Grayson shares his perspective and views of the American Dream, Route 66, and not just what he is offering to America through this tour, but what he believes America offers him in return.

In addition to writing and recording his own music, Grayson is a highly sought after producer and guitar session player in Nashville. He is known in the recording studio for his technical abilities as a guitarist, as well as his sharp ear and talent creating moving melodies and powerful arrangements for other artists, turning bedroom demo’s into radio ready masterpieces.

Between 2015 and 2020, Grayson produced, arranged and played on over 70 projects for other artists across all musical genres, whilst recording and releasing his own material, and touring.