Month: August 2022

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.

In just three short years since their debut single release, Darlinghurst have established themselves as one of the hottest new acts in country music. They’ve notched up four x #1 Country Hot 50 airplay hits, a #1 debut ARIA Country Album and their first Golden Guitar win for New Talent of the Year 2022. Today Darlinghurst unveil their brand-new single, ‘Hangman’.

This banger sure hits the ground running; a jangly guitar opens the track, giving way to a stampede of percussion. It’s foot-stomping, southern feel instantly makes you feel like moving, while the song’s lyrics cleverly deliver a discerning message. “Not unlike a ligature to the neck that brings unconsciousness, so too, metaphorically, a toxic relationship does the same,” explains band member Cassie Leopold. “Hangman is about breaking the cycle and hanging in limbo.”

The Melbourne based 4-piece called upon Pete Dacy (Taxiride, The Androids) to co-produce the new track with Darlinghurst guitarist, Jason Resch. Recorded at Secret Sound Studios, ‘Hangman’ draws on high energy and timeless rhythms that delivers both mischief and magic.

The first single released from the band since their ARIA #1 debut album, the quartet continue to build on the signature sound they’ve become known for. Stellar melodies, relatable lyricism and exceptional vocals; their voice’s blending together in sumptuous, layered harmonies creating a fifth voice. It’s certainly been enough to turn heads and secure them 4 x #1 singles on the Country Hot 50 airplay charts, a Top 40 spot on the US Music Row Country Radio Chart and a highly coveted Golden Guitar award.

With such a great reception to their music it’s no surprise the band is touring far and wide. They’ll launch the single tonight at the revered Gympie Music Muster, before cruising up and down Australia’s east coast. They’re slated to appear at Country Rocks Festival in Bungendore, Deni Ute Muster, Savannah in The Round, Groundwater Country Music Festival and their own headline shows.

Darlinghurst are a band that just keeps churning out hit after hit. Their high energy country music has gripped audiences around the nation and resonated with their rapidly growing fanbase. ‘Hangman’ is testament to all they’ve achieved; proof that these four are truly something special.

Country singer-songwriter Jimbo Stokes has stepped out of the corporate world and onto the stage with debut single, “Atlas”.

Born and raised on a sheep and cattle station near Tamworth, Jimbo returned to the Hunter New England region at the beginning of the 2022 after many years working, studying and playing rugby in Sydney. Despite holding a Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Economics from Sydney University, Jimbo is now a full-time creative, balancing his time between music and visual arts and has also strapped on the boots to play for his local rugby club, the Scone Brumbies.

Jimbo wrote the song in covid times then teamed up with award-winning producer and multi-instrumentalist, Rod McCormack. “Atlas” is a raw and honest tribute to Jimbo’s mum, Dr Bronwyn Stokes OAM, a hard-working regional GP.

Dr Stokes OAM was a beloved family practice GP in the Tamworth and Merriwa regions, who was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her services to regional medicine, in the field of nutrition.

“I think Atlas is a good metaphor to describe mum; someone who held so much on her shoulders but was selfless and had immense courage all the way to the end,” Jimbo said.

The song tells the story of Jimbo’s time living in the city and dealing with the loss of his mother while trying to stay on track in the present, juggling memories of the past whilst dealing with the day-to-day grind of the corporate world.

To bring the single video to life, Jimbo worked with Southern Highlands-based videographer Steph Hunter. “I knew Steph was great at capturing people and stories so I was confident she’d be the perfect collaborator,” he said.

Country hasn’t always been Jimbo’s musical home, having trained as an operatic tenor under Christine Douglas (Director/Founder – Pacific Opera), but he returned to his first love during COVID-19 times.

‘Momentary Thing’ is an upbeat, country tune about giving that one person a shot after being so hesitant, and it turning into the real deal, more than just a fling.

Born and bred in Bellangry, New South Wales, above the New South Wales Mid North Coast, Hannah Lee was raised surrounded by nature reserves and spectacular mountain views.

Having begun performing and songwriting at the age of 12, Hannah has been a regular at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and Gympie Muster.

Hannah’s debut single, ‘Just Look Back’, reached #3 on the iTunes Country Song Chart. The self-directed and produced music video was featured regularly on CMT, with the song giving Hannah a loyal following of country loving fans eagerly waiting her next instalment.

Multi-Platinum MCA Nashville hitmaker Jordan Davis continues to rack up streams and engage his fans with his latest music. The chart-topping entertainer’s last single, “What My World Spins Around,” has garnered more than 50 MILLION streams since hitting country radio airwaves in June. Written by Davis, Matt Dragstrem and Ryan Hurd and produced by Paul DiGiovanni, Davis performed the hit on NBC’s TODAY this week.

Davis has shared his new track “Next Thing You Know” as a continuation of releases from his highly anticipated upcoming album. Written by Davis, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne, and Greylan James, “Next Thing You Know” is available everywhere.

“Next Thing You Know” follows his previous single “What My World Spins Around” and is the latest glimpse at new music from Davis, who, with his single “Buy Dirt” (feat. Luke Bryan), amassed more than 626 MILLION global streams. “Buy Dirt” tallied multiple awards nominations as a finalist for Top Country Song at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, nominated for Musical Event of the Year at the 55th CMA Awards, and for Music Event, Single, and Song of the Year at the 57th ACM Awards. Davis delivered high-profile performances of the song on both The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Ellen DeGeneres Show .

In addition to releasing new music, Davis is set to headline back-to-back nights at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this fall (9/27 and 9/28) for the first time, and will join Luke Combs as direct support on The Middle of Somewhere Tour through December. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit jordandavisofficial.com/tou

‘Butterfly’ is a country pop crossover song, that shares a message of strength, transformation and inspiration, and tells a unique story by Kiera, of self-love and growth from within. This release is Kiera’s comeback, after her 2019 release ‘Speak Up’, and is a honest reflection of Kiera’s current creative artistry. ‘Butterfly’ was inspired through Kiera’s personal healing journey and her soul’s purpose of becoming a Holistic Healer.

Kiera is an Australian born creative soul who is fulfilling her dreams and soul purpose as a Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapist, creating music, art, and memories with other souls, and using her stories and tools to help others find happiness, wellness and healing.

Born into a musical and creative family, naturally Kiera started her creative career at the tender age of three. Growing up, Kiera spent a lot of her childhood on the road, travelling around country Victoria, NSW and South Australia to perform at country music festivals. When not on stage performing, Kiera would be in her creative corner using her imagination, making art out of whatever tools she could find. It’s here she learnt to talk and communicate, through music and art.

When Kiera finished school, she worked in a high school in her local town of Mildura, where she taught vocal and guitar lessons to student’s full time. At 20, Kiera embarked on her acoustic solo music career, on the road every week playing in venues in rural areas such as Broken Hill, York Peninsula, country Victoria and South Australia.

Kiera became passionate about the healing benefits of art and music through her own personal journey and experiences of mental health and awareness. This led Kiera to study Arts Therapy, and she now has a Diploma in Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy. She is passionately dedicated to living her soul’s purpose as a healer. Being the founder of KN creations, Kiera adores her community and giving back to them.

Sara Berki has today released her second single, “Good Enough”, an up-vibe slice of throwback country which takes elements of classic country, presented through a modern lens. The track is the follow-up to Sara’s breakout debut single, “Falling Off the Heartline”, which was released earlier this year.

The Bowral based singer-songwriter made an impressive debut with “Falling off the Heartline”, which received major playlisting and radio airplay support – not an easy feat for a heartbreak ballad, produced entirely with organic instruments and true country grit.

Both tracks were written by Sara and are reminiscent of breakthrough singer-songwriters of recent years, such as Kacey Musgraves, Hayley Whitters and Ingrid Andress. Both songs are part of a five song EP to be released in October which was produced by Simon Johnson (Troy Cassar-Daley) and mastered by Grammy Award winner, William Bowden (Gotye).

Sara commented on the song, “Good Enough was one of those songs that felt so organic, so easy and it was a pleasure to write it. The story of the song is about when that one person comes along and accepts and loves you unconditionally for everything you are, almost questioning “Why did you ever put up with anything less than you’re worth?”. Which is the love that was “just good enough”. Musically, it’s playful, hoppy and sweet. I wanted people to feel what I felt about this song and I can only be hopeful that they will”.

In addition to showing extraordinary songwriting promise, Sara is also lighting up audiences with her live performances. Sara was one of the highlight artists at the 2022 Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival, with her honest and engaging presence creating a buzz around the industry.

With an EP to follow in October and more music in works, this is just the beginning for Sara Berki.

When James Johnston released his debut single ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ in the winter of ’21 it smashed all expectations – reached #1 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart, racked up 14 million streams to date and highlighted Johnston as one to watch in country music. Recently, Johnston has been breaking records by becoming the first independent country music artist in over 21 years to have a single certified Gold by ARIA. Every track that’s followed has been a hit for Johnston. His latest single, ‘SAME SONGS’ featuring Kaylee Bell hits airwaves today and is sure to blaze the same trail.

‘SAME SONGS’ is an anthemic ode to the songs that shaped a generation. “These are the soundtracks to the stories of my life,” echo’s Johnston’s gritty vocal in the first verse. Known for his strong relationship with his fans, it was them who decided Kaylee Bell should be his co-star in this nostalgic epic. “Grown from a single Tiktok video, SAME SONGS is my first collaboration. When I reached out to fans on who they’d like to see me collaborate with I was inundated with requests to partner up with Kaylee.”

The New Zealand-born singer/songwriter even wrote her own verse for the tune, tipping her hat to country legend Dolly Parton as well as pop queens Beyoncé and Britney Spears. Similar to Johnston, Bell has been kicking career goals lately. She’s already the most streamed female country artist in Australasia – a mantle she’s held for the last 4 years – and now after performing her original song ‘Keith’ to coach Keith Urban on The Voice Australia, the song has become a global hit.

When it came to producing ‘SAME SONGS’, the two singers were on opposite ends of the globe. Collaborating once again with long-time friend and producer Justin Wantz, Johnston recorded his vocals in Sydney whilst Bell recorded hers in Nashville.

Since its release to streaming platforms in July, ‘SAME SONGS’ has already received over 645k streams in a matter of weeks. It’s the kind of success the country boy from Wingham has become known for. After his unstoppable debut, his follow up, ‘SMALL TOWN’, flew to #1 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart, where it roosted for 10 consecutive weeks. His most recent single, ‘COUNTRY BOYS’, has enjoyed several weeks dancing around the top ten – and claiming the #1 spot – with Bell’s ‘Keith’, which also recently peaked at #1.

After graduating high school over a decade ago, Johnston took a year to ‘give music a crack’.

He bought a van and set out on the great Australian road trip, playing in every little town and pub he could find. Not much has changed years later, however he’s traded the sticky pub floor for the bright lights of some of Australia’s largest festivals. August will see him at Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, NQ’s Rock’n Country in Mackay, as well as the beloved Gympie Music Muster. He’s also slated to perform at the Baralaba Bash, Savannah in The Round and the titanic, CMC Rocks in 2022.

Home is where the heart is for James Johnston, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. Cliché as that may sound, the singer/songwriter has built an impressive career with a swag of songs that celebrate life in Australia. Thumping anthems dipped in nostalgia has been the secret formula for this rising star, yet its success lies in its authenticity. James Johnston is the real deal. His latest, ‘SAME SONGS’, is yet another feather in his cap – a rousing collaboration between two artists at the top of their game.

Drunk on … Life, love, hope, dreams, country music? Find your bliss! Donna Fisk is drunk on the glorious experience of recording and working with the amazing live musicians and sensational producer Robert Angello, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA for her brand-new sing ‘Drunk On That’. It’s a party song.

“My interpretation of the lyric is to be intoxicated by possibilities” says Donna. “I produced a sunny video for the song as well and I think it brings the idea together. Happy listening!”.

Donna Fisk is an award winning singer, songwriter, producer and Royal Command Performer with several number one chart topping hit recordings and the honour of being immortalised in the Australian Country Music Hands of Fame.

Woven into the narrative of Australian country music, it’s a family tradition akin to the Dusty, Kernaghan and Chambers clans, with father Gene Bradley Fisk being a pioneer artist of the outlaw country genre, and radio personality inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Donna features in many music publications including Andrea Lemon’s book ‘Rodeo Girls Go Round The Outside’, exploring modern day female trailblazers for Australian country music. Touring her own show as well as performing and recording overseas, incorporating appearances on local and international media, the country music star is the voice on many national advertising campaigns including being assigned to perform for the Australian Government campaign song, ‘Building On A Strong Foundation’ as the anthem for The Australian Centenary Of Federation.

During her career Donna has shared the stage with acclaimed artists such as John Denver, Donny Osmond, Dame Edna Everage, Tom .T. Hall, Canned Heat, Muhummad Ali, Brian Cadd, Susan Raye, James Morrison, Tommy Emmanuel, Dave Dudley, Blood Sweat and Tears, and The Seekers.

Donna Fisk’s forthcoming new album, recorded in Nashville with accomplished producer Robert Angello at the helm (Chet Atkins, Suzy Bogguss, Jo Dee Messina, Steve Wariner, Tanya Tucker, Garth Brooks), will be released in 2022.

Leaving Lennox have released their brand-new single, ‘Not Hurting’ , an empowering anthem for anyone who is on the backend of a toxic relationship. The country-pop song was written and produced by the pair and features the acclaimed Aaron Sterling on drums and Eric Fortaleza on bass.

Australian pop-country duo, Leaving Lennox (Lauren Valatiadis and Michael Hambly) made the move to Nashville in April of 2019 and have been paving their way since.

In early 2022, the pair were featured as rising artists on Season 3 of The Song, alongside acclaimed songwriters, Rob Thomas, Melissa Etheridge, Kenny Loggins, Sarah McLachlan, Gary Allan, Brian McKnight and Amy Grant.

Their US Summer shows have included Bonnaroo, NASCAR and NSC’s Nashville Soccer Stadium with Gibson guitars.

Leaving Lennox’ release ‘Not Ready (To Leave Just Yet)’, saw Spotify streams reach over 250K and featured the acclaimed instrumentation of Aaron Sterling (touring drummer – John Mayer), David Levita (touring guitarist – Tim McGraw) and Eric Fortaleza, (touring bassist – Lindsay Ell). ‘Not Ready’ charted at #16 on the Australian Country Charts, while also gaining Leaving Lennox their television debut on CMT.

Combining pop-country with haunting harmonies, soulful guitar work and live-looping, the award-winning duo have performed alongside the likes of Lady A, Brothers Osborne, Lindsay Ell, Eddie Montgomery and Tanya Tucker.

The duos musicianship, unique vocal blend, and storytelling, are influenced by the harmony of Fleetwood Mac, rawness of The Civil Wars, storytelling of Willie Nelson, and guitar work of John Mayer.

Contemporary country music singer-songwriter Bella Mackenzie releases her new single “1,2,3 You and Me” to radio and streaming services. Produced by multi Golden Guitar Winner Rod McCormack, the song was co-written with Bryce Sainty and is part of the prize package for the inaugural ‘KIX Start Rising Star Competition’.

With a fun storyline and electric atmosphere, “1,2,3 You and Me” is an up tempo, contemporary country song that is bound to make you sing along. Inspired by the sounds of old school Jackson 5 to contemporary Dan + Shay with a hint of 90’s Country, this song has something for everyone.

“Inspired by some of my favourite things living in the country, pickup trucks around a fire, country music blaring and that one crush that you can’t help but want to talk to, that is the story of 1,2,3 – You and Me”

As an ambassador for respected brands such as Wrangler, Bullzeye and Pure Western, Bella has the support of country music’s new breed of talent with opening spots and recent songwrites with Brad Cox, James Johnston and Melanie Dyer.

Bella was also the winner of KIX COUNTRY’s KIXSTART 2021 competition where she was given the opportunity to have her new single produced by the amazing Rod McCormack. In addition to this, Bella received mentorship from Gina Jefferys. Bella says, “KIXSTART was such an honor for me and boosted my career from the second I won. The support from KIX Country and everyone else involved has been so amazing and I could never have imagined a year ago that I would have accomplished some of what I have today”.

“1,2,3 You and Me” follows Bella’s hit singles “Miss You No More”, “Aint For You” and “Make Me Want Love”.

Multi-Platinum Country music star Dierks Bentley today releases “Gold,” a single about gratitude, presence and the treasures to be found in the moment that you are in. The bright and banging record sets the stage for Bentley’s tenth LP, arriving early next year after an especially careful production process, one helmed by the artist himself for the first time. To listen, click here.

“2020 was a chance for me to give my guitar and the road a little rest. It gave me the chance to spend a lot more time adventuring outdoors with family and friends, but also alone. It also gave me time to reset and rekindle my love of Country music and a lot of the types of songs and sounds that I fell in love with when I first got to Nashville,” explains Bentley. “I think you’ll hear that in this first track, but it carries across the whole album.”

While he’s long been a Music Row standout for devotion to his roots in classic Country and bluegrass, Bentley has never been so free to infuse his passions into music destined for the competitive commercial Country arena. Working with trusted collaborators Ross Copperman, Reid Shippen and Jon Randall Stewart, he led an effort that mashes up several Nashville golden ages as well as homage to the Grand Ole Opry’s century of influence.

That 10th album landmark speaks to how time has flown in Bentley’s unique, 21st-century career. He landed his first publishing deal in 2001 and released his debut album in 2003, producing an instant #1 country radio single. The years since have revealed a rare consistency that’s fueled longevity – eight more albums that reached the top of the Country sales charts, resulting in 21 No. One songs, 6.4 billion streams, three CMA Awards, 14 GRAMMY® nominations and membership into the Grand Ole Opry. Trendy sounds have ebbed and flowed around him over these two decades, but fans have relied on Bentley for something more nourishing and individual. The new single “Gold” promises a landmark album that will build on that enviable legacy.

‘Boots and Hats and Boots and Hats’ is a fun country song that reinforces individuality and the fact you don’t have to be a cowboy to like country music!

Carl…ness.

Australian export now based in Nashville, TN – Carl Wockner was recently awarded Musician Of The Year by the LiveWire Prestige Awards, Global winner of the IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards USA) and Finalist Nominee for the Independent Music Awards USA. Featured in multiple TV and film appearances, and boasting a fast growing YouTube Channel, Carl is becoming known as one of the world’s most engaging and talented solo performers.

His signature vocals and guitar flavor, matched with his off-the-cuff live looping agility combined with award winning songwriting, submerges the listener into a musical experience unique to each individual performance.

Wockner pulls inspiration from multiple genres with artists such as John Mayer, Amy Winehouse, Dr Dre, Erykah Badu, Jon Bellion, Jason Isbell, Justin Bieber, Hall & Oats, Prince, Keith Urban and Dave Matthews (and many more) – it’s easy to see where he gets his extremely vast array of musicality.

Carl’s recent single studio releases have shown the evolution of his artistry and boast elements of pop, country and R&B, all combined with his unique acoustic and vocal presence and honest lyricism.

His debut album ‘Crayon Days’ recorded in Nashville, TN in 2013, saw Carl’s title track land in the International Billboard Charts. The album also received a 2016 IMA (Independent Music Awards) Finalist nomination for Best Adult Contemporary Album. It was following this success that Wockner relocated his family to Nashville TN, USA as a strategic move for his evolving career.

Emerging country artist Brittany Maggs is thrilled to be releasing original music, with a distinct new feel to her latest song, “Carefree”.

” Carefree” marks a return to Brittany’s roots in country music, with its heartfelt lyrics and infectious chorus. The song’s title sets the tone for the track.

On her new single, Brittany says “Carefree tells the story about when a relationship ends and you just want to have fun and live life to its fullest. The lyrics ‘that promise, you broke it’ are so relatable because we’re all human, people make mistakes, and it’s about living through the tough times, knowing that you’re going to be ok. There’s a freedom and lightness when something ends and I hope that everyone listening can join me in embracing a carefree spirit.”

The accompanying music video, shot by award winning Tribal Apes, continues the theme and features Brittany performing from her heart. A country girl at heart, Brittany grew up in Sydney’s North West and loves spending time on the family property with her horses.

After spending four years in Los Angeles developing her sound, Brittany decided it was time to come home to Sydney, where she has since been working on her original music. She recently performed at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and opened for the McAllister Kemp Tour earlier this year.

Brittany is excited to share “Carefree” with her growing fanbase, following the release of her earlier singles, “Reasons” (2019), “Lazy Boy ” (2019) and “Underneath The Sheets” (2020). The 22-year-old has gained an impressive following on social media, boasting more than 40 million views on YouTube and more than 380,000 fans on TikTok.

Brittany Maggs’ new song ‘Carefree’ is out Friday 29 July.

Highlights:

Over 40 million YouTube views
Played Tamworth Country Music Festival 2022
Opened for McAllister Kemp Tour May 2022
More than 380,000 TikTok followers