Month: November 2022

‘Faultline’ is a country rock song with gritty guitar riffs that gets you hooked after the first five seconds. The brand new track from Hannah Lee is about getting confident walking the very fine line of having a good time, and talking it too far … You don’t know why you do it, but you do.

Hannah is a country singer/songwriter with an authenticity, strength, and power in her voice that is a stark contrast from her ever-smiling, positive, country girl nature. Hailing from the picturesque valley of Bellangry, NSW, Hannah grew up listening to her parents record collection including Garth Brooks, Jimmy Barnes, AC/DC and Carrie Underwood. This broad and diverse range of genres and voices contributed to her unique sound, providing her with the ability to belt out rocking country classics, all the way through to retelling heartbreaks with just her and her guitar.

Hannah has had quite the year in 2022, opening for Catherine Britt, as well as travelling throughout the Mid North Coast performing her own music. She has just finished recording her debut EP, with every song written solely by herself.

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.

Previous single, ‘Momentary Thing’, went straight to number #1 on the iTunes Country Song Chart, as well as continued to appear in the top 10 most downloaded country tracks for radio airplay via PlayMPE.

Hannah Lee, with her unique ability to both break hearts, and get the crowd on their feet through her lyrics, melodies and vocals, is more than equipped and ready to make her mark on the Australian country music scene.

The brand new single from Brooke Harvey, ‘Southern Sky’, tells the story of a young Australian soldier who is sadly killed in action whilst fighting in Vietnam, leaving behind his young pregnant wife. The song is told from the perspective of the young soldier, who’s remains are yet to be uncovered and returned home to Australian soil, and to the wife he left behind.

Hailing from Bulahdelah, a small country town on the Mid North Coast of NSW, it was on the long trips to and from the city that Brooke developed a genuine fascination for music. On high rotation were the songs from some of her earliest musical influences, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and Patsy Cline.

At just three years of age, Brooke began to serenade her parents from the back seat of the car. It was at the age of eight that Brooke strummed her very first chord on the guitar. Not long after, she began writing songs of her own.

Throughout her early teenage years, Brooke went on to perform in various local festivals and cafes in the Newcastle and Hunter Region. Her song ‘Shiny Car’ was selected to feature on the Smokestack Compilation CD which resulted in frequent airtime across Australian radio, including ABC.

At 14, Brooke was ‘Unearthed’ by Triple J. She performed live to air on Triple J from Newcastle’s Civic Park as part of the Unearthed program. Since then, Brooke has continued to fine-tune her musical talents, performing in pubs and clubs along the Mid North Coast of Australia.

Brooke has supported artists such as Kasey Chambers, Shane Nicholson, Fred Eaglesmith, Jim Lauderdale, and Kim Richie, and more recently alongside Bill Chambers at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Okemah Oklahoma.

Hot on the heels of his debut solo single “5 Foot 9” landing at #1 on the USA Country Airplay Chart and cracking the Aussie Country Airplay top 15, Nashville-based superstar TYLER HUBBARD drops his exciting new single “Dancin’ In The Country”.

The title track to his most-recent EP, “Dancin’ In The Country” is co-written with Aussie icon Keith Urban, and having just finished touring with Urban, Hubbard is closing the year in spectacular fashion.

His as-yet untitled debut album is slated for release in late January 2023.

Over the last 10 years, Tyler Hubbard has endeared himself to Country Music fans across the globe as the lead-vocalist of record breaking, multi-platinum duo Florida Georgia Line. Hubbard has also proven himself as one of the most in-demand songwriters in Nashville, writing tracks for artists like Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Lindsay Ell, Billy Currington, Jimmie Allen & Kane Brown.

About Tyler Hubbard

With 19 No. 1 singles on country radio, countless awards, and sold-out tours, Tyler Hubbard has already had a remarkable career as a songwriter and as one half of multi-platinum duo Florida Georgia Line. Now ready for the next chapter, the Georgia-native and prolific songwriter has written well over 100 songs as he works towards his debut solo album release on EMI Nashville.

For the new album, Hubbard teamed up with some of Nashville’s most prominent hitmakers including Ross Copperman, Zach Kale, Rhett Akins, Rodney Clawson, Jon Nite, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett and more. The project will show Hubbard’s many musical sides and influences from urban to contemporary Christian with his country roots remaining in the forefront.

There aren’t many things in life better than waking up to the open fresh air of the country. ‘New Country Morning’ is inspired by one of the many experiences Brendan had camping in the outdoors. A campfire at night, some damper, and maybe a whiskey to warm him up and send him off to sleep. Waking up to the sounds of nature on a fresh cool morning is something he’ll never get tired of.

Award winning singer songwriter, Brendan McMahon, grew up in the small town of Kapunda near South Australia’s Barossa Valley. He discovered his love of music at the tender age of 15 after being “awed and floored” seeing Jimi Hendrix play on television; amazed by the sounds that Jimi could pull from a guitar and captivated by the iconic performer’s showmanship. Borrowing money from his mother (and paying it back at $2 a week) he promptly bought himself a $60 guitar and amp rig from a mate.

Initially wanting to be a glam-rock superstar in the 80s and 90s (think Van Halen, Kiss, Def Leppard), McMahon later transitioned to the more storytelling driven tunes of songwriters such as Paul Kelly, Harry Manx, Richard Thompson and Garth Brooks, artists that continue to inspire him today.

Spending his late teens and early twenties as a lead singer/lead guitarist in rock cover bands playing across Adelaide and country Victoria, McMahon honed his skills the hard way – in front of demanding Australian pub and club crowds. In 1998, and now bitten by both the song writing and performance bug, McMahon released a 7-track EP called ‘Picture This’ with his band The Cunning Stunts.

In 2015 and 2016, Brendan released the solo albums ‘Falling To Earth’ and ‘Marker 7-58′ under the moniker of Satellite Gods, and in doing so was fortunate enough to collaborate and work with some renowned Australian musicians including Peter Maslen (Boom Crash Opera), Jason Vorherr (Darryl Braithwaite), Bob Spencer (The Angels), Simon Hosford (Vanessa Amorosi) and Wilbur Wilde (Ol’ 55).

After supporting artists such as Boom Crash Opera, Russell Morris, Wendy Stapleton and The Chantoozies in Australia, Brendan released the LP ‘On This Fine Occasion’ in 2017, which received great reviews both locally and internationally.

In 2019, McMahon, who now calls Melbourne home, released ‘In The Moment’ – his 4th solo album. Maturity, reflection and drawing on his personal experiences, his inspired yet refined lyrics again take listeners on a captivating journey.

Recorded with Steve Vertigan at Soggy Dog Recording Studios, and again drawing upon Australian music royalty in its creation – namely Dave Leslie (Baby Animals), Danny Spencer (Jimmy Barnes Band), Brett Kingman (James Reyne Band), and Peter Maslen and Jason Vorherr, plus a string trio from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (Sarah Curro, Gabi Halloran and Paul Zabrowarny), this powerful album embraces the essence of story-telling and leaves you thinking about the songs long after the last track finishes.

November 2020 saw the release of ‘No Rush Today’, an album that debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes country music chart on release. McMahon feels his 5th solo offering cemented him in the Country Rock space. The album delivered 3 top 10 AMRAP singles, ‘Jack’, ‘Sugar Cane Man’ and ‘Wired To The Moon’ along with strong charting on many other Australian charts including a No.4 position in France with ‘Sugar Cane Man’.

Once again, the collaboration of Soggy Dog Studios (Steve Vertigan) and McMahon, along with the incredible session musicians from previous albums, has delivered an album of stories about personal journey, travel experiences and people.

June, 2022, marked the release of ‘As The Road Unfolds’, the most successful record to date. It debuted as the highest selling Australian album on the iTunes Country chart. It has also delivered no less than seven chart topping singles – ‘Jenni J’, ‘When I See You Tonight’, ‘I Feel A Change’, ‘Skin & Bone’, ‘Gundry’s Track’, ‘Back Roads’ and ‘President Reynaldo’.

‘Street Called Main’ is pure “open road with the windows down” nostalgia that just makes you feel good. The song was co-produced by Urban and Dann Huff.

For the rest of the year, the song will find a home on stage when Keith’s ‘The Speed Of Now Vol 1″ tour finally hits Australia in December, 2 years after originally planned.

‘Street Called Main’ follows ‘Brown Eyes Baby’ which are on Keith’s next project – slated for 2023.

“Beer Needs Drinkin'” is Reed Foley’s first single to come to the radio. The young singer-songwriter from Sparta, North Carolina is making a name for himself in country music in Nashville and beyond. His talents have taken him from small-town bars to some of NASCAR’s biggest stages and everything in between. Reed has opened for Jason Aldean, Tyler Farr, and William Michael Morgan. He’s played at Country Thunder Music Festival in Florida. He’s also had his songs featured in television advertisements promoting major sporting events including the Kentucky Derby. Reed gives back to the community including his highly successful “Toys for Tots” campaign.

“If you find comfort in a six-pack and wetting a line, rising country singer Reed Foley’s new single is perfect for you” – Raised Rowdy

“Reed Foley, the voice of a generation of people who are ready for the weekend. ” – Medium

“The New Blue-Collar Anthem” – Drop the Spotlight

It has been ten years since The Wolfe Brothers took the nation by storm with their red hot performances of original songs during their weekly prime time television appearances on Australia’s Got Talent. The country rock band from Tasmania went all the way to the final and came in second.

Since then they have released 5 studio albums and 1 live album. They have strung together 17 consecutive number one singles on the National Radio Chart. Of the 5 albums, 3 hit #1 on the ARIA Country Chart and the other two reached #2. They have toured Australia, USA and Canada – and they never stop touring. They have been awarded 6 Golden Guitars and have arguably become the hottest live act in Australia.

So now it is time for a new musical chapter for brothers Tom and Nick Wolfe and to give us a taste of what is to come they have chosen to release the title track from their new album “Livin’ The Dream” to radio on the 11th November, followed by the release to all DSP’s a week later on the 18th November. Nick said “Sonically, ‘Livin’ the Dream’ is a conscious decision by us to get back to our country roots. We explored a lot of pop and rock territory on our last album but we want to come out of the gate swinging country style and give everyone a taste of what’s to come for the rest of this record that we’re really proud of!”

The new single was co-produced by Nick Wolfe and Rod McCormack and leads the way for what will be The Wolfe Brothers second album with BMG/BBR. The album is set for a April 2023 release.

Tom Wolfe added “We are very excited for this new single and next chapter in our music. It feels right, fun and is a real return to our roots. We are country boys from Tassie who are just Livin’ The Dream”.

Rising country artist Brittany Maggs is thrilled to be releasing her new single, ‘When It Was Easy’ on Friday 4 November.

‘When It Was Easy’ takes you on a journey back in time. It has a nostalgic feel that brings a sense of longing for when life was a little more straight forward. In contrast to this is the upbeat and energetic production which welcomes a light-hearted sentiment of summer fun.

Brittany wrote this song for all the people who felt the last few years stopped them in their tracks. “I used to love staying out late and partying and hanging out with friends, but with everything that happened, I almost lost a part of my youth and a lot of social opportunities. I’m happy with my life now, but at times I do wish I was 19 again and the world hadn’t completely shut down”.

The accompanying music video, shot by Golden Guitar award winning Jay Seeney,

continues the theme and features Brittany enjoying one of her favourite parts of Sydney.

Brittney’s most recent single released earlier this year, ‘Carefree’ has had more than 335,000 streams on Spotify and was added to hotly contested playlists including Spotify’s Fresh Country and New Music Friday Country, and Apple Music’s Country Risers, Aussie Country, and Little Bit Country.

The ‘Carefree’ video has surpassed 50,000 views on YouTube and was added to YouTube’s Country’s New Crop in both the United States and Australia and Incoming Country playlists.

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.

This year Brittany has performed at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Cowra Festival alongside Adam Brand and opened for the McAllister Kemp Tour earlier this year.

The 23-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.

“What Country Means” is another master class in song writing from the 2022 TSA Songwriter of the Year. An earthy acoustic ballad that tells Emily Hatton’s story with a subtle reminder that sometimes heartbreaks don’t come from the most obvious of places. Emily Hatton had the concept and opening line for her new single “What Country Means” all she had to do was find the right puzzle pieces or in this case lyrics to complete this jigsaw; her story, told her way. As cliché as it may sound, the inspiration to finish the song came on a three-hour drive through the countryside on her way home from a gig.

Emily is one of the most exciting artists in Australian Country Music and in this song, we are a little better acquainted with this prized singer-songwriter and her journey so far. For over a decade Emily has been honing her craft, finding her niche and place in country music. Successfully blending the great sounds and stylings of traditional country with a flare of modern country pop throughout her music from the catchy and witty ballads to the softer harmonies and even toe tapping anthems.

” What Country Means” reflects on how Emily discovered her love of country music and the events which led her to becoming an internationally recognised songwriter and celebrated musician. Emily says “I took my experiences and my story, and made it a soundtrack to life, the moments and memories you make along the way” this is exactly what she has managed to do, capturing all of these special moments in song, and has found her identity in country music. “I had to ask myself what do I have in common with other people who have fallen in love with country music? I reflected and found the common threads; love of the land, community, and family.”

From writing poems in her Grandfather’s Apple Tree (in Coastal Victoria) to now an award-winning singer songwriter, seamlessly releasing timeless songs. This very tree planted in the garden that Emily refers to in this single, “I grew up in hand me downs, hands in the dirt of Grandad’s Garden” alluding to a heartbreaking time, one that far outweighs heartbreaks of any other kind. Acknowledging her American family who introduced her to country music and touching on precious childhood memories. Emily pours her heart and soul into this song bringing to life exactly ‘What Country Means’ to her.

“Though I wasn’t raised on country music, it’s where I’ve ended up. And reflective of that, I wasn’t raised on a massive acreage of land in the country, but it’s where I want to end up; and have my kids grow up there one day. That’s why I bookend the song with my grandfather’s garden: I know where I’ve been, I know what I value through, what I’ve lost and gained over the years, and I know where I’m going.” – Emily Hatton

This song was recorded with the legendary producer Matt Fell in his brand-new studio in Tasmania. Emily was in fact the first person to record in this space with 180-degree views of mountains and pristine surrounds. While admiring the beauty of the secluded property, Emily discovered one last piece of the song’s puzzle when she sat on an old swing during a recording break. This track follows on from Hatton’s remarkable single “Red, Wine and Blue” (released in June 2022) which amassed 16,000 streams in less than twenty-four hours and was added straight to Spotify’s Fresh Country Playlist . An upcoming video clip will soon be released for “What Country Means” which will add yet another layer to Emily Hatton’s story. Emily has taken us to snow-capped mountain tops, mystical caves, and other magical places in her music videos. This time we will see one of her most personal and intimate clips fitting perfectly with the song’s lyrics. Jay Seeney of Blacklist Productions brings this story to life while showcasing stunning scenery with parts of the film clip being shot in and around one of Southeast Queensland’s most wondrous locations.

After an incredible breakout year, Sara Berki is set to wind up into summer with the release of a new single ‘Drinking for Free’. Riding high from the success of previous releases, ‘Fallin’ Off The Heartline’ and ‘Good Enough’, the NSW Southern Highlands singer-songwriter has continued to impress Australian radio and music industry tastemakers alike. Receiving high rotation support across the board on all major country music stations as well major playlisting has resulted in continuous chart success on the major Countrytown Hot 50 Airplay chart.

Following Sara’s debut success of heartbreak ballad ‘Falling Off The Heartline’ and then more recently the up-tempo throwback country single ‘Good Enough’ , ‘Drinking For Free’ is a fiery and sassy track which delivers a punchy country hook which will have live audiences singing along. The storyline is about a strong woman working her magic at the bar, she’s happy to get her drinks for free but on her terms only!

“Imagine she is going out, she doesn’t have any expectations or cares in the world, and she knows she’s going to have drinks bought for her the whole night. That’s what this song is about. It’s cheeky, sassy, and flirty. It gives me Daisy Duke vibes! I was listening to early Miranda Lambert and Gretchen Wilson when I wrote it.” Sara Berki

This single comes with the announcement of Sara’s first ever ticketed, headline show, to take place at The Tamworth Hotel – Main Bar on Friday 20th January, as part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The show is presented by Ringers Western and will feature rising duo, Sons of Atticus as special guests. Tickets are on-sale now from www.saraberki.com. Sara was previously announced on the line-up of the massive, sold-out CMC Rocks QLD 2023, a major accomplishment for an artist in their debut year, Sara will join the impressive line-up that includes Morgan Wallen, Zac Brown Band, Kip Moore, Bailey Zimmerman, Hailey Whitters and many more.

With a growing catalogue of songs in the works and no signs of slowing down, Sara Berki is riding high and it’s just the beginning.

Craig Woodward’s latest single, ‘Iris’, is a country infused tribute to one of the biggest bands of the 90’s. The Goo Goo Dolls are an American hit making machine hailing from Buffalo, USA.

From an early age The Goo Goo Dolls where a regular feature of the young Craig Woodward and his mate’s soundtrack, driving around the sunny suburban streets of Australia in the 90’s. It’s only fitting Craig chose the only cover for his forthcoming album to be one from one of his hero’s.

The track was produced by Jacob Wilkes and features the amazing pedal steel energy of Sasha Ostrovsky (Hootie & The Blow Fish/Darius Rucker).

The city boy, with country soul, a dash of folk and some rock & roll. Craig Woodward is an Australian singer-songwriter currently working on his brand-new album.

Craig has consistently performed up and down the east coast of Australia for the past 25 years and his passion and commitment to his craft has only grown stronger, as he endeavours to reach more local and international fans with his music.

He has supported Australian touring acts the country over, sharing the stage with the likes of Ian Moss, Sarah McLeod, Mental as Anything, 1927, The Radiators, Adam Harvey, Hayley Jensen, Damien Leith and Shannon Noll, to name a few.

8-time GRAMMY® Award winner and 3-time ACM Entertainer of the Year, Carrie Underwood has announced the electrifying second single from her Denim & Rhinestones album, “Hate My Heart”. Underwood shared the news about her latest single with an exclusive new video clip, providing a special behind-the-scenes look at her rehearsal of the song for her upcoming tour and will release the official video for “Hate My Heart” at 4am AEDT on Thursday morning. Underwood co-wrote “Hate My Heart” with frequent collaborators Hillary Lindsey and David Garcia, as well as hit artist/songwriter Hardy.

“‘Hate My Heart’ was definitely part of my desire to have fun on this album. I wanted songs that would be exciting to perform live and would fill up an arena, and that’s exactly what we’re about to do with The Denim & Rhinestones Tour. This one is definitely going to get everyone up on their feet and having a good time. It was great writing ‘Hate My Heart’ with Hillary Lindsey and David Garcia, who I love collaborating with, and also getting to work with Hardy, who brought a cool vibe and an energy to the track.”

Underwood is also nominated for three awards at the upcoming CMA Awards on November 9, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for the multi-week #1 smash hit, “If I Didn’t Love You” with Jason Aldean.

Underwood released Denim & Rhinestones in June and is the latest collaboration with David Garcia, with whom she co-produced her critically-acclaimed 2018 release, Cry Pretty and her 2021 GRAMMY® Award-winning album of gospel hymns, My Savior

“Carrie Underwood achieves timeless, legendary country status with Denim & Rhinestones”

• The Tennessean

“And after selling 66 million albums and winning more than 100 major awards,

Underwood bounces through a mix of synth-pop, soul, rootsy country and

roadhouse blues for a 12-song set that pulsates with real joy.”

• Toronto Sun

Denim & Rhinestones marks Underwood’s 10th consecutive career Top 10 debut on the Billboard Top 200 chart for all genres. All 10 of Underwood’s albums (including nine studio albums and her 2014 Greatest Hits: Decade #1) have debuted in the Top 10, beginning with her first album, Some Hearts, which was released in 2005. Denim & Rhinestones debuted as the top-selling country album in the U.S and the #1 country album in Australia, Canada and UK. She is the most-awarded female country artist for singles in RIAA history.

Underwood’s stellar year also included a commanding headlining performance at the iconic Stagecoach Festival stage, where she appeared for the fourth time, having made her Stagecoach debut in 2008, followed by performances in 2011 and 2016. A surprise performance with Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose made headlines around the world. She surprised fans again when she joined Guns N’ Roses onstage for two songs during each of their shows at the UK’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in July.

Beer Needs Drinkin’ is Reed Foley’s first single to come to the radio. The young singer-songwriter from Sparta, North Carolina is making a name for himself in country music in Nashville and beyond. His talents have taken him from small-town bars to some of NASCAR’s biggest stages and everything in between. Reed has opened for Jason Aldean, Tyler Farr, and William Michael Morgan. He’s played at Country Thunder Music Festival in Florida. He’s also had his songs featured in television advertisements promoting major sporting events including the Kentucky Derby. Reed gives back to the community including his highly successful Toys for Tots campaign.

Since its release, Beer Needs Drinkin’ has garnered significant media coverage including:

“If you find comfort in a six-pack and wetting a line, rising country singer Reed Foley’s new single is perfect for you” – Raised Rowdy

“Reed Foley, the voice of a generation of people who are ready for the weekend.” – Medium

“The New Blue-Collar Anthem” – Drop the Spotlight

Marshall Potts’ Releases New Summer Single – Heaven Or Home

Potts’s shares his story of waking up to his soul’s purpose, his trip inside to find that lost piece of himself. A cathartic journey of discovery. He explores the why of his existence and is faced with more existential questions of what’s next that invariably follows when we look deep into the unknown.

“‘Heaven Or Home’ is special. From the opening 20 seconds, it’s clear this is a perfect radio song for summer. Melodic, uplifting, catchy and fun. One for the car with the roof and windows down.” Guy B – Great Music Stories Radio

Marshall’s notes on Heaven Or Home

“This song wrote itself like so many on The Storm Album. The song shares the process of taking the time out of my busy life to look inside and see where I’ve been where I’m going. To take stock on on my life and analyze the reason I’m even here and how the experiences have molded my belief systems. Defragging my life like we would a hard drive to repair and reorganize my thoughts before the traumas and scars left their damage. To reconnect to the original child inside before life took control away from the dreamer and fear stole the feeling that all things are possible. I found myself in the process and regained that initial positivity we are all born with. Now I wonder where this all will lead and I am reminded that it isn’t the destination but the journey that is most important… that heaven or home may actually be the same place one day” Marshall Potts