Month: May 2022

3x CCMA Award winner for Entertainer of the Year, Dallas Smith delivers his brand new single and collaboration featuring label mate and 15x CCMA Awards nominee Mackenzie Porter. The Big Loud Records international country star shares the track on the heels of his 12th chart topping hit “Hide From A Broken Heart” and recent Music Canada certifications for the Platinum certified #1 singles “Like A Man,” “Cheap Seats,” and “Side Effects ,” in addition to the #1 track “Some Things Never Change” feat. HARDY and Smith’s most recent JUNO and CCMA Award nominated album Timeless which both earned Gold certifications.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate with MacKenzie on this song,” shares Smith. “This song is a gift written by Tom Jordan, Mitchell Thompson, Alysa Vanderheym, and Rocky Block and I’m so excited for everyone to hear it. It’s literally a ‘One Too’ hit that strikes every chord both personally and musically and I can’t think of a better duet partner to share this song with.”

“Dallas Smith and I played a show back in 2015 together,”
shared MacKenzie. “In 2016 he introduced me to my now label, producer, and manager. In 2019 he took me out on tour with him for 2 months. Many of us know Dallas as an incredible artist, but what you might not know is how much he helps other artists around him. He shares his team, his band, his knowledge and connects the dots for artists he believes in. In 2022 I somehow convinced him to sing a song with me. It’s called “ONE TOO” and I can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Last month, Smith, marked his return to Music City with a performance at the iconic Ryman Auditorium. Smith who has previously performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage, made his much-anticipated debut at the Ryman, opening for country superstar Trace Adkins.

Earlier this week, the multi-platinum JUNO Award winner kicked off the national headlining Some Things Never Change Tour with James Barker Band and special guest Meghan Patrick plus emerging country artists Shawn Austin, JoJo Mason, Kelly Prescott, and Manny Blu.

When you hear the name Billie-Jo Porter the words authentic, fun and unique all resonate with this Country music star on the rise. She’s already had a whirlwind start to 2022 as a top ten grand finalist in the Toyota Star Maker Competition, and today she releases her contagious new single, ‘More Than Friends’.

During the track’s first seconds Porter’s vocal erupts out of the speakers, saturated in a vintage-sounding delay – setting the stage for a 3-minute bop, reminiscent of 90s Sheryl Crow. The intimacy in her dulcet tones echoes her personal connection with the song’s unquestionably relatable subject matter. “More Than Friends was born out of that ‘Friend Zone’ space. Where two people are hanging out, one likes the other – then where does that lead?” muses Porter. “The idea for this song was pretty much taken from my life. I’d moved to Canada, met Kyle (my now partner) and we were hanging out as friends. It was kind of awkward as we both seemed to like each other but were not game enough to lay our cards on the table and admit it.”

Billie-Jo Porter is no stranger to the time-honoured tradition of co-writing, having written the chart-topping hit ‘Head Full of Honey’ (recorded by Andrew Swift) alongside Swift himself. When it came to penning ‘More Than Friends’ she called on wordsmith, Gretta Ziller. “[We] co-wrote ‘More Than Friends’ over a video call.” From the union of these two powerhouse females, they were bound to yield this ballsy and confident tune. “It’s from the perspective of a woman who knows what she wants and doesn’t have time for any more games”.

The Coffs Harbour local’s rising success captured the attention of multiple award-winning Shane Nicholson , who waved his producer wand over the new single. “Recording this track with Shane Nicolson was awesome! He created this upbeat track with driving guitars that makes you want to move the whole way through.” Nicholson’s gritty production certainly does the song justice, with a delightful kaleidoscope of guitar tones surrounding Porter’s soulful voice.

If the song’s sonic landscape didn’t quite transcend you to another plane of human existence, then the video clip sure will. “I love kaleidoscopes, shiny things, lazerbeams and watching old movies with retro discos. We basically put all those things in a blender and this is what came out!” exclaims Porter. Working with local filmmaker Daniel McDonald of Fifty Film and her partner Kyle (who she once again “convinced” to appear in the clip), the team has crafted a shimmering and vibrant dream; a visual rollercoaster akin to a hazy 90s acid trip.

Success has come quickly and deservedly to this new talent, with her previous two singles ‘Feels Like Us’ and ‘Eyes Wide Open’ both flying into the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts (#15 and #42, respectively). The former also debuted at #1 on the AMRAP Regional Airplay Chart, while both reached the #2 spot on Tamworth’s own 2TM chart. Her illustrious co-write with Andrew Swift was #2 on the Kix Hottest 20 and #7 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts. With these accolades it’s no surprise she was also named a semi-finalist of the International songwriting Competition and a finalist in the Tamworth Songwriter’s Association’s New Songwriter of the Year and Alt Country categories in 2021.

With a vibrant show as engaging as her music, Porter is keen to hit the road now that live music is well and truly back. Having cut her teeth supporting the likes of Thirsty Merc, Catherine Britt and Hussy Hicks she’s no amateur. Her appearance at Port Macquarie’s Boots and Beach Festival is not one to be missed, but just in case, she’s also got a full schedule of shows across NSW in the coming months.

Billie-Jo Porter comes exactly as advertised. No fake persona, no pretentious lyrics – just pure, unfiltered authenticity. In true coastal fashion she still finds time to hit the surf and practice yoga between writing her high-spirited love songs. With the latest, ‘More Than Friends’, she’s reminded us that, unlike the ocean wave that builds before disappearing into the sand, she’s here to stay – a most welcome fixture in the Australian Country music landscape.

For Nashville’s own new country-rock musician, Randall Lee Richards, songwriting is nothing short of a life calling.

As an artist, Richards has performed on some of the world’s most acclaimed stages including The Roxy and The Troubadour, yet his greatest success has come as a songwriter, penning tracks for artists in both Country and Pop. As an EMI/Sony Music writer, his songs have been recorded over one hundred times around the world and selling millions of copies in the process. Richards even had the distinct honor of being mentored by some of music’s most legendary icons, including Neil Diamond, Charlie Daniels, and Elton John.

Randall’s last track got over 4 million streams on TikTok alone. Awarded Platinum status from Tunecore, Randall Lee Richards is also a CMA Inductee.

“‘I Wanna Get Away With You’ shares the story of falling in love with my husband quicker than expected, after he photobombed me in a honky tonk bar on Broadway in Nashville. We dated for three weeks before I flew home to Australia. Two months later he arrived in my small town to ask me to be his girlfriend. It’s about feeling lucky in love and getting away with steeling someone’s heart.” – Katrina Burgoyne.

Described as “The Female Keith Urban” with a goal to become the first Australian female artist to make an impact on American country music in the last three decades, Katrina Burgoyne moved to Nashville in 2017 with just three suitcases, a guitar, and her little Aussie spirit.

Since releasing her debut album ‘White Flag’ in 2011, Katrina has secured four top ten singles, a top ten ARIA charting album, and two Country Music Association of Australia nominations. After moving to the USA, Katrina has opened for Lonestar, seen multiple number one’s on CMT Australia, a top four radio charting single, and has had over half a million streams.

As a songwriter, Katrina has collected indie and major label cuts across three continents (North America, Australia, and UK) and four countries (Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Ireland). Katrina has seen her songs top the iTunes Charts in New Zealand and Australia. Additionally, topping the mainstream Shazam charts in Northern Ireland, and gaining features on playlists such as Fresh Country, New Music Nashville, and Today’s Country.

From hard-won insight, Lyn Bowtell’s new album, ‘Wiser’, was born – out Friday, May 13.

The nine-time Golden Guitar winner has more than two decades in the music industry, a swag of life experience and a passion to create songs that delve deeply into issues that truly matter to her.

‘Wiser’ gives a clear view of Bowtell as a deeply feeling and empathetic human being. A songwriter and singer whose captivating voice demands her listener’s attention, and rewards it from a depth and confidence that comes from knowing exactly who she is. After four years of collaboration, ‘Wiser’ sees Bowtell firmly back in the spotlight.

“I’m enjoying the feeling of placing myself at the focal point of my career, these days I have complete confidence in what I’m doing musically,” Bowtell said.

“I’m less influenced by the image based nature of the entertainment industry, that pressure imposed almost exclusively on female artists of having the perfect body size and being below a certain age is losing its power over me.”

The power of Bowtell’s music and the dedication of her supporters is evident in the success in the Pozible crowdfunding campaign she ran, reaching 75 per cent of her campaign target in only 24 hours and exceeding her target in less than a fortnight.

“It can be scary asking for help but I knew that to do this album justice I would have to, and I’m so glad I did because the support I received was extraordinary,” she said.

“It replenished my faith in myself, and reminded me how much goodwill there truly is towards me from people who’ve been my supporters for so long.”

‘I Won’t Do That Again’ was Bowtell’s first single from ‘Wiser’, reaching the Countrytown/Music Network’s Hottest 50 charts, and was playlisted on ABC Country and iHeart Country.

This was followed by ‘Woman to Woman’ that is climbing radio charts across the country.

The Hunter Valley based songstress said she is determined to make a mark with this album, to remind people that she’s here to create music with serious intent – all songs came from her pen, and include co-writes with Damon Morton, Kevin Bennett, Kelly Cork, Peta Cherae Peters, Felicity Urquhart, and Nashville Songwriter Danny Myrick.

The third single ‘Maryanne The Optimist’ will be released in June.

Lyn’s new Album ‘Wiser’ will be launched at Lizotte’s in Newcastle on Thursday May 12, prior to Bowtell embarking on an extensive tour throughout NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.

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.

With a career spanning over two decades and this year’s Gympie Muster Ambassador, Adam Brand releases this latest single, All Or Nothing, Produced by Nashville based Luke Wooten (Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley), the track was co-written with award winning, The Wolfe Brothers.

As Brand describes the single, “To be country, is more than just looking or sounding a certain way, it’s more than just a passing fad or a trend to be a part of….. being country is about authenticity,it’s actually living the life and values in the lyrics of our songs. So if your here for a fast buck or coz it’s the in thing right now…. Then move on, coz round here , it’s All or Nothing!”

All Or Nothing is the follow up to Adam’s Top 10 National Country Airplay single, Still The One; that song has garnerd over ½ million streams and counting. Both tracks will feature on Adam’s forthcoming new studio album release due out later this year.

Since bursting onto the scene with his celebrated self-titled debut album in 1998, Adam Brand has taken home 12 CMAA Golden Guitar Awards and netted six ARIA Award nominations. Across 15 studio albums, Adam has celebrated three platinum and five gold album certifications. Confirming Adam’s incomparable power as a fan favourite performer Australia wide, the world-beating artist has taken out seven CMC Oz Artist of the Year Awards – more than any other artist in the awards’ history.

Starting with the high-octane Built for Speedin 2002, Adam has enjoyed an unbroken string of No.1-charting ARIA Country Albums. 2020’s Speed of Life took out the No.6 spot on the overall ARIA Albums Chart, marking Adam’s sixth studio album to make the Top 10. As dozens of No.1 hit singles confirm, Adam ranks among the most successful Australian artists of all time.

A Nashville native with an unpredictable style and personality to match, hitmaker ERNEST is now turning heads on both sides of the singer-songwriter game – and his career is just getting started. Described by Music Row as “The Charmer”, ERNEST is a triple threat talent and has quickly become one of the most sought-after co-writers on Music Row.

This bright new talent fuses a broad range of influences stretching from Eminem to George Strait, and has now scored five #1 smashes with Morgan Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown,” Florida Georgia Line’s “I Love My Country,” Chris Lane’s “Big, Big Plans,” and Sam Hunt’s “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s.” A MULTI-PLATINUM hit with Diplo and Wallen’s “Heartless” is also part of his growing catalog, and other notable cuts include Lane’s current single, “Fill Them Boots,” Kane Brown’s “One Mississippi,” FGL’s “Blessings,” and more – including 11 tracks on Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album.

As an artist, the eccentric free spirit released his vibrant debut album “Locals Only” on Big Loud Records in 2019 and followed up with the hand-on-your-heart anthems, “Cheers,” and “American Rust.” He also appeared alongside 90s country legend David Lee Murphy and Big Loud Records labelmate Ben Burgess on the HIXTAPE: Vol. 2 track “Red Dirt Clouds.” His podcast Just Being ERNEST kicked off in the spring of 2020 and has hosted big-name guests including Keith Urban, Diplo, Jason Aldean and more.

Out now, his brand-new track “Flower Shops (feat. Morgan Wallen)” charted #1 at Apple Music Country, Spotify Country, and iTunes overall upon release. Adding to this, the new single was launched at US radio in January this year and secured a phenomenal 88 first week adds, the #1 most added single of the week, and was Top 25 after just 6 weeks!

There’s no mountain too high for James Johnston. He’s just returned from performing alongside Lee Kernaghan at the 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival and Golden Guitar Awards; has amassed over 14M streams and counting; and recently celebrated his previous single ‘SMALL TOWN’ spending a remarkable 10 weeks at the #1 spot of the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts – an unparalleled feat for an Aussie artist in recent years. Now the breakout country star is back with his latest infectious anthem, ‘COUNTRY BOYS’.

Despite Johnston’s meteoric rise he’s still as down to earth as it gets. Raised on the outskirts of the small town of Wingham, Johnston reminisces on his humble beginnings in ‘COUNTRY BOYS’, singing, “We were building bonfires on Friday nights / we were chasing round them girls we liked.” It’s familiar territory for the ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ singer, as he glorifies rural living. “COUNTRY BOYS is my childhood captured in a song,” beams Johnston. “From riding dirt bikes to losing summers swimming in the creek.”

Johnston’s bold and modern sound on ‘COUNTRY BOYS’ was once again forged alongside frequent collaborator, Justin Wantz (USA). Johnston and Wantz produced the track between Nashville and Australia, with Johnston bringing sought after Sydney producer, Liam Quinn (Guy Sebastian, Rita Ora), into the fold to record his vocals.

The praise for Johnston’s music from media and fans alike is evidenced by its massive success. His debut offering, ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’, reached #1 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts and has passed 11M combined streams. It’s now regarded as the fastest streamed single by an Australian Country artist ever! Its follow up, ‘SMALL TOWN’, was another home run for Johnston, reaching #1 again and holding the spot for 10 weeks, still featuring now in the Top 10.

Despite being a father to a growing family, Johnston still has time for a packed schedule of festivals throughout Australia. Appearing at Big Country Festival, Boots & Beach Festival, NQ’s Rock’n Country Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster, Savannah in the Round, and the enormous CMC Rocks, just to name a few. Johnston is set to perform to over 130 000 people across QLD, NSW and VIC in 2022.

‘COUNTRY BOYS’, unearths how truly grateful and proud Johnston is of the upbringing he was gifted. It’s the kind of sentiment his rapidly growing fan base has come to love and respect. The song’s fresh and lively sound is perfect for a bonfire party in the middle of nowhere or a much-needed road trip along some country back roads. Make no mistake – James Johnston isn’t some flash in the pan – he’s the real deal. ‘COUNTRY BOYS’ is destined to be another smash hit for this country boy.

Cowgirl Crazy is an uplifting, good time, girl’s night out on the town song! A carefree, feel good song about letting the worries of the day just melt away while hanging out with your friends. It will make you want to kick up your boots, dance till you drop and let the good times roll!

Multi award winning country singer/songwriter Paul Costa returns with new single ‘Drinkin’ Hours’.

With a mantle full of awards and many chart hits to his credit, Paul Costa has no desire to slow down, kicking off 2022 with the release of his new single ‘Drinkin’ Hours’. Set for release on Friday 25th February, this catchy track is bound to make you want to let your hair down, relax and have a drink with great company.

‘Drinkin’ Hours’ is the ultimate upbeat feel good song made for Paul Costa’s rich vocal range and masterful delivery. “Cause there’s no working during drinkin’ hours, leave it all at the door”. This rhythmic and very catchy tune has hit written all over it and will have you singing along with good friends in no time! The track was written by Bobby Tomberlin (Blake Shelton, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill), Wil Nance (George Strait, Brad Paisley, Joe Nichols) and Dan Alley.

Success is no stranger to Paul. In January 2018, during Tamworth Country Music Festival, Paul was inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame, highlighting his successful music career. His album ‘Whisper In The Crowd’ was also named Album of the Year at the People’s Choice Awards – an award voted by fans. In addition, Paul was named a finalist for Male Artist of the Year at the prestigious CMC Music Awards.

Paul’s fifth studio album, ‘Whisper In The Crowd’, debuted at #3 on the Australian ARIA Country Album Chart. The album saw Paul in full flight both vocally and musically, showcasing a bold new sound for this world-class artist.

Always the consummate showman, Paul has built a reputation of being one of the most energetic live performers in Australian country music. He has performed at major events both locally and internationally and has had the honour of performing for our troops in East Timor in 2008 and The Middle East (Iraq) in 2019. He’s also a proud ambassador for Mission Australia and the Canberra Police and Citizens Youth Club.

In perfect timing with this release, Paul will be performing at Country By The Murray at Murray Bridge in South Australia on 26th March, alongside artists such as Lee Kernaghan, Amber Lawrence, Casey Barnes, Andrew Swift, and Jayne Denham.

One thing is certain, Paul is having far too much fun taking his brand of music to his loyal fans around the country.

Following No. 1 radio hit “Beers And Sunshine” and recent single “My Masterpiece,” three-time GRAMMY winner Darius Rucker continues to share new music as he crafts a forthcoming solo album with “Same Beer Different Problem” available everywhere now.

Written by the multi-Platinum star together with Tofer Brown, Sarah Buxton and Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi, the Ross Copperman-produced track offers a lighthearted take on the chaos of today’s world:

You got your cars without drivers, traffic’s getting worse

We’re racin’ off to space, just to get away from Earth

3G, 4G, 5G, getting even further from the OG

Granny’s eatin’ gummies, Mama’s online

All I know for sure is we’ve all lost our minds

A little bit funny, a lotta bit strange

But at the end of the day

It’s the same beer, different problem

“The line ‘a little bit funny, a lotta bit strange’ really sums up the message of this song and all of the things that make you shake your head these days,” reflects Rucker. “We had so much fun as songwriters coming up with all of those examples and putting a lighthearted spin on the craziness of the world.”

In addition to actively working on a new album, his first solo project since 2017’s critically acclaimed When Was the Last Time, Rucker also recently announced a summer run of U.S. and Canada tour dates, continuing the Darius Rucker Live tour that began earlier this year as a theater tour visiting iconic venues across the country.

The man celebrated by Billboard as “one of the most distinctive voices of country’s modern era” also recently announced the 13th annual “Darius And Friends” benefit concert set for June 6 in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which will unofficially kick off the week of CMA Fest – where Rucker will also headline Nissan Stadium on June 9 – as well as his the inaugural year of his personally curated Riverfront Revival music festival in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. this October.

About Darius Rucker

Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Diamond-certified debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the Top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time. Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart, including RIAA Platinum-certified Learn to Live and True Believers, plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his 9x Platinum version of Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time. He co-hosted the 54th annual CMA Awards in 2020 and topped the charts at Country radio once again with “Beers And Sunshine” in 2021. Follow up single “My Masterpiece” is available everywhere now as Rucker puts the finishing touches on a forthcoming album.

As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has also raised millions of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament. Rucker has also advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn.

Hot off the back of his domination at this year’s Golden Guitar Awards, Shane Nicholson releases his single ‘High Horse’ taken from his critically acclaimed Album Living In Colour.

Shane was the top winner at the Golden Guitar awards, taking home four awards from his five nominations. Nicholson’s 9th studio album Living in Colour saw him take out Alt Country Album of the Year and the highly coveted Toyota Album of the Year. His track And You Will Have Your Way was crowned APRA AMCOS Song of the Year and Apple Music Single of the Year, with Nicholson also taking to the stage to perform his award-winning song.

The final version of ‘High Horse’ released on ‘Living In Colour’ was actually the second version of the song Shane wrote. “The initial version was a completely different chord progression, different melody, same lyrics. It sounded like a completely different song, more of a Dawes thing, in a minor key, moody and melancholic. I had Josh Schuberth play drums on them and send them to me. It was all great and nearly finished and then I had a thought one night, when I played it back: it was too moody, I want to put a whole new angle on it instead of being the somber, minor sound I’d made it. So I scrapped all of the instruments, bar the drums and the vocals, and wrote all new chords to the song and recorded it all again in one night. And that’s what’s on the record. I made it a bit of a deceptively happy song. I enjoy doing that. I’ve made a reasonable career out of doing it.”

Shane continues touring ‘Living In Colour,’ upcoming show dates below.

2022 TOYOTA ALBUM OF THE YEAR

LIVING IN COLOUR: Shane Nicholson | Producer: Shane Nicholson

Alt Country Album of the Year: LIVING IN COLOUR

Shane Nicholson | Producer: Shane Nicholson

APRA AMCOS Song of the Year: AND YOU WILL HAVE YOUR WAY

Shane Nicholson | Songwriter: Shane Nicholson

Apple Music Single of the Year: AND YOU WILL HAVE YOUR WAY

Shane Nicholson

ABOUT SHANE NICHOLSON

Nicolson’s storied career started in the late 1990s with his first Brisbane based band Pretty Violet Stain. With a solo career launch in 2002 with the release of ‘It’s a Movie’, he’s since followed up with nine albums, including 2015 ARIA Award winning ‘Hell Breaks Loose’ and 2 x ARIA Award winning albums with Kasey Chambers – the platinum selling, ARIA No.1 album ‘Rattlin’ Bones’ and ‘Wreck and Ruin’. With 15 x CMAA Golden Guitar awards under his belt including 2021 APRA Song of the Year for ‘The High Price of Surviving’, Nicolson has also been recognised internationally with 2 nominations for USA Americana Music Association awards. As a seasoned producer, Nicholson has been busy working with Alex Lloyd, Tori Forsyth, Beccy Cole, Michael Waugh and Camille Trail.

Nicholson is a rare talent who has bridged the gap between Alt-country and the mainstream. He crafts his songs seamlessly and can wrap up difficult subject matters with music of uplifting beauty and charm. Nicholson has a charismatic talent for writing striking songs that pay tribute to the unpredictability of human experience.