Month: October 2023

Mark Thornton is a multi-talented guitar player, producer, and engineer based in Nashville, Tennessee.

His experience as a professional guitarist began in the ’80s, in the Los Angeles country western scene, playing at the famous Palomino Club and the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum. Between 1997 and up until his death in 2008, Mark was the guitar player for guitar legend Jerry Reed, recording and touring with him throughout the country. While versatile in his playing, his true strength lies in classic fingerstyle guitar (as well as a variety of classic country styles) and being a master of tasteful simplicity and tone.

His studio, Sidekick Sound, was founded in 1994 and has been graced by great pickers and players over the years, including Jerry Reed, Paul Yandell, Marty Stuart, Chris Scruggs, Wylie and the Wild West, and the Davidson Brothers. His production roster includes producing and engineering records for CMH Records, The Pickin’ On series.

He currently plays in and around Nashville with his band “The Sidekicks”, and spends the rest of his time recording, producing, and engineering great records.

Australian Country Music trio RHINESTONED are thrilled to announce the release of their second single Margarita Weather. After blowing the roof off of the venue at their performance at the Groundwater Country Music Festival, mainstream media attention and performances on morning TV, hear for yourself why fans can’t get enough of this ear worm tune.

RHINESTONED features one of Australian country music’s most unique voices Kirsty Lee Akers, joined by her melomaniac husband Jesse Anderson and show-stopping lead guitarist Dan Ebbels.

“Margarita Weather is the perfect song for summer. I wrote it with Troy Kemp while in Nashville earlier this year.” says Akers on the new track. “We were leaving a co writing session and got slammed with the hot Tennessee sun when someone said ‘this feels like margarita weather’ which was a major inspiration for the track.”

The trio decided that this had to be their next single and jumped straight in the studio to begin producing it. “It was funny, we found ourselves asking ‘what would Jimmy Buffet do’ throughout the whole recording process” says Jesse.

When the news came of Buffets passing, the trio were in the midst of mixing the track which Dan says was bittersweet. They then decided that this new track had to pay tribute to the hugely influential musician that was Jimmy Buffet.

Rhinestoned are set to take the main stage at the Groundwater Country Music Festival in QLD on October 20th and are launching their new song ‘Margarita Weather’ on the same day. After the success of their debut single and release of an acoustic EP, the trio are planning to deliver a heart-warming performance to be remembered for years to come.

Hudson Rose, a rising independent voice of the Australian Country Music scene, is set to ignite country music lovers with her latest single, “Dancing On The Tables”, slated for release 30th October 2023.

Following the chart-topping success of “Rules of Breaking Up”, which secured a place in the ‘Top 10′ on the Australian Country Radio charts, Hudson continues to carve a name for herself and captivate audiences with her signature sound and take on life. “Dancing on the Tables” is an infectious vibe that embraces the essence of being young and bussin’ into the weekend.

At just 21, Hudson Rose’s fresh approach connects with people from all walks of life. “This single is all about the blur of a night out with your besties and hangin’ to do it all over again,” says Hudson. “Whether you’re a tradie, in the office, on the road, studying your life away or anything in between, it’s time to celebrate, get out with your mates and have a good time”.

With its catchy, upbeat summer vibe, “Dancing on the Tables” celebrates letting go of the working week, living life to the fullest and making memories on the weekend with late nights and neon lights. “Sometimes there’s no stoppin’ at one. It’s about being young, fun, and just a little undone,” says Hudson. Whether you’re reminiscing about your own wild nights or creating new stories to tell with, there’s no stopping with this track.

Hudson Rose’s previous releases “Rules of Breaking Up”, “Fireflies in Tennessee”, “Misery”, and “Iconic”, have received widespread acclaim and airplay across major radio stations, with a strong presence on platforms like Spotify. Her music has struck a chord with listeners, garnering hundreds of thousands of streams and earning ‘Top 10’ chart placement.

As Hudson Rose continues to make her mark in the music industry, “Dancing on the Tables” promises to be the next infectious hit that propels her even further into the spotlight.

Award-winning Country phenomenon Jelly Roll performed his hit breakout song, “Save Me” for the first time on television during the ACM Awards, bringing the crowd to its feet with an unexpected surprise duet version of his massive hit featuring Lainey Wilson. After independently releasing “Save Me” with a message to his fans, the song tapped into Jelly’s uniquely connective ability to bring fans ‘therapeutic music’, and has long become a show stopping moment during his live shows and continues to generate unprecedented fan response – earning more than 155 million views on YouTube and Platinum certification from the RIAA. The never-before-heard version featuring Lainey Wilson, which is featured on Jelly Roll’s Country debut project – “WHITSITT CHAPEL” – was immediately released on DSPs following the ACM performance.

A 3x CMT Award winner, Jelly has independently amassed more than 4 Billion career streams to date. He scored his first No. 1 on Country radio with his debut Country single “Son Of A Sinner” and earned a two-week Rock No. 1, ‘cemented his rising mainstream stardom’ (Tennessean). Further to this, Jelly Roll’s previous single “Need A Favor” reached #1 on the Country charts in Australia, the US and Europe. The single also reached #1 on the US Rock radio charts!

“Save Me (feat. Lainey Wilson)”, which he debuted at this year’s ACM Awards is Jelly Roll’s next step to furthering his career as a guy who’s managed to buck the trends on his way to becoming one of the biggest up-and-coming names in country music.

About Jelly Roll:
Outright genre-bending singer/songwriter/rapper Jelly Roll has quietly been building a remarkable career, under the radar and on his own terms. Since his days selling his mix tapes out of his car, he has constantly been releasing new music (more than 24 albums),

touring relentlessly, consistently topping various iTunes charts, engaging a rabid fanbase and creating videos that have amassed nearly 2 billion views on YouTube. He pairs deeply personal lyrics with music that blends Old-school Rap, Classic Rock, Country, and Soul to create music that is therapeutic, raw and tackles the heaviness in life.

His 2020 single “Save Me” – a confessional, vulnerable expression of self-doubt set the stage for his new season of life and took him to new heights, with more than 141 million views on YouTube and Platinum certification from the RIAA. Born and raised in Nashville’s Antioch neighbourhood, the former addict and drug dealer released his album “Ballads of the Broken” in 2021, ahead of his sold-out hometown show at the famous Ryman Auditorium, which sold out in under an hour. The introspective 10-track album shows Jelly Roll’s growth as an artist and man, drawing from his personal experiences to tell the story of a man who has been through the ringer and isn’t afraid to share his raw truth, featuring his multi-week No. 1 Rock hit “Dead Man Walking” and his No. 1 Country debut single “Son of a Sinner”. Now after a history-making “breakthrough year” (American Songwriter), having just sold-out Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and released the riveting anthem “Need A Favor” along with the soul-stirring ballad “she” from his highly anticipated forthcoming album, the reigning No. 1 of Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart for 25 weeks is well on his way to mainstream, multi-genre stardom.

I have loved music and singing since I can remember. Our family get togethers were always a musical affair as all my uncles and aunt played instruments or sang, and there are recordings of me singing at these events when I was five years old.

My Dad played in dance bands all my life and I grew up invading band rehearsals at every opportunity when Mum had her back turned. I sang with my Dad’s band from the age of fourteen at all the country hall dances and balls, although I had to be sixteen before I was allowed to sing on stage at the local RSL.

I was raised and still reside at Macksville in the Nambucca Valley, a small town with a big heart. Marrying at 21, I put music on hold while starting a family. I spent four years as a single mum raising two amazing daughters which had its difficulties, but also forged my girls and I into the ‘3 Musketeers’, a bond which is still a force to be reckoned with today.

I married for a second time to the most amazing man God put breath into and he became our rock. He and my girls encouraged and supported my return to music and during this time I went from singing at local venues, to appearing at many events and festivals up and down the Coast.

In 2016 I released my debut album ‘Walk With Me’ which contained twelve songs, eight of which were originals that I felt documented my life up until that point. To my delight, it received great reviews and won prestigious awards. 2016 was also the year my darling husband died of lung cancer and my world was shattered. Music then became my refuge, and I poured myself into songwriting in an attempt to survive my grief.

My songwriting is inspired by observing nature and the beautiful place we call home as well as my own life experience, so it truly lays me open and bare in a way that I hope others can relate to. I hope they hear my songs and feel the echoes of emotions and experiences from their own lives.

Seven years further down the track, and I have just completed a body of work that I am really proud of. My new album titled ‘Ripples’ is a testament to the privilege of experiences and love in my life and the amazing vision, songwriting, and production skills of Angus Gill. It’s a country/folk album full of stories of life and love and inspiration. I hope you enjoy and let the Ripples go on …

Will Day returns with his third single release of 2023 delivering a song that pays homage to old friends, parties down backroads and rockin’ the rodeos. ‘The Way We Are’ (co-written and produced by Gold Coast Producer of the Year, Jared Adlam) is modern country rock at its finest. It’s fun, upbeat, and unapologetic for having a country way of life.

“You get excited about every release, but this one I’m particularly pumped for. This track is slightly different compared to what I have released before in terms of groove, feel and production but it’s still country rockin’ and can’t wait to get it out there”.

Will Day is known for songs that ooze authenticity. A solid live performer who is a constant crowd favourite delivering high energy performances and toe tapping anthems. 2023 has seen Will constantly on the road most weekends performing at festivals and events including Tamworth Country Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster, Texas (QLD) Country Music Festival, Smoke in Broke, rodeos such as Sandstone Point and Eaton’s Hill Rodeo as well as headlining shows including an upcoming sold-out Christmas Cruise on the Brisbane River for the second year running.

With radio support from major stations such as KIX Country, ABC Country, Triple A Murri, Australian Country Radio and iHeart Country as well as adds on editorial Spotify playlists including Fresh Country, Fresh Country Finds, New Music Friday and Apple Music’s Aussie Country and 5th Gear across multiple singles, has ensured Will is making his mark in this fast growing genre.

Will Day’s passion for country music is undoubtably strong. Constantly releasing heartfelt ballads to supercharged foot stomping songs has ensured he has continued to build his reputation as one of Australia’s premier country music artists. Each releases delivers a unique fingerprint on the country music scene that will be around for many years to come.

Will Day’s single ‘The Way We Are’ is out to radio on 26th October and on all digital services on 27th October.

National Radio Show ‘Up All Night’ with CMA Nominee Patrick Thomas (WKDF Nashville 103.3FM) and many others are already on board for some “Black Magic” – Rachel Lipsky will be interviewed on ‘Up All Night’, Weds, Nov 1st, with Patrick Thomas. Produced and co-written by #1 Songwriter and Producer, Jeff Coplan (Love and Theft, Tim Hicks, Blackjack Billy). Rachel has had the honor of touring 7 times with Armed Forces Entertainment to Afghanistan, Kuwait, more of the Middle East, Africa, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Kosovo.

National Radio Show ‘Up All Night’ with CMA Nominee Patrick Thomas (WKDF Nashville 103.3FM) and many others are already on board for some “Black Magic” – Rachel Lipsky will be interviewed on ‘Up All Night’, Weds, Nov 1st, with Patrick Thomas. Produced and co-written by #1 Songwriter and Producer, Jeff Coplan (Love and Theft, Tim Hicks, Blackjack Billy). Rachel has had the honor of touring 7 times with Armed Forces Entertainment to Afghanistan, Kuwait, more of the Middle East, Africa, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Kosovo.

Tamworth’s favourite country rockers, The Redneck Gentlemen, are back with the release of their new single, ‘Highway 41’.

This good old-fashioned cruising song will get your feet tapping and your heart racing.

The track was born from the band’s desire to create a driving song that exudes a feel-good, party vibe.

“We wanted to do a driving song,” he said.

“Jared (Scott) came up with the idea for the video clip and the song came from there.”

This marks the fourth single released by The Redneck Gentlemen, following the success of ‘Apple Pie Whiskey’, ‘Four Shots Down’, and ‘Shot Of Tequila’.

“Highway 41 is a good, driving, cruising song, a feel-good tune that’s got a good vibe and a good party feel,” John Lee said.

“It’s not too fast, not too slow, just right.”

Fresh from their three-day stint of gigs at the 2023 Repco Bathurst 1000, The Redneck Gentlemen are gearing up for this release to bring them to the ears of established fans and new listeners, as they work to get on more festival bills.

With a treasure trove of about 16 original songs and a full album recorded at Fat Track Studio in Tamworth, fans can expect more exciting music from the band in the coming months.

During the Tamworth Country Music Festival, they will be gracing the stages at the Longyard Hotel and Courthouse Hotel, with a total of eight gigs lined up for fans to enjoy.

For a taste of the road and an unforgettable musical experience, be sure to check out The Redneck Gentlemen’s latest single, Highway 41; it’ll have you longing to get outta town and on the open road.

CHART TOPPING TRAVIS COLLINS DROPS THE SOUNDTRACK OF THE SUMMER

Nine albums into an incredible career and Travis Collins is hitting new highs with his latest album, “Any Less Anymore”. Debuting at #3 on the ARIA All-Genre Album chart; the highest chart by an Australian country artist in over two years. The album also reached #1 on the ARIA Country Album & Australian Country Album chart and #2 Australian Artist Album chart.

” Any Less Anymore” has delivered four Top 10 singles to date, including the 5 weeks at #1 CountryTown Hot50 chart single, “Runnin’ the Country”, a collaboration with great friends, The Wolfe Brothers. Now as we head into summer, Travis Collins drops the latest track, “Chill”.

As Travis describes it, “Chill has definitely grown on me over the last couple months; the more I played it it’s become one of my absolute favourites on the record. It’s all about wanting to get back out in the world. I wrote this song towards the end of the pandemic, and I remember talking with my wife and saying, “hey, let’s just get on the road, let’s just get on a plane, let’s go somewhere and just sit on a beach chair under an umbrella and drink beer or margaritas, just have a damn good time and chill”.

Hot off the back of her performance at Australia’s SXSW Festival, Max Jackson drops her brand new single, “Little More Country”. This is her first single via her newly signed label ABC MUSIC. Max also recently announced she has been added to Stephen White Management with their stellar roster of artists including Lee Kernaghan and The Wolfe Brothers.

“Little More Country” is produced by Rod McCormack and co-written with Max, Nolan Wynne and Gavin Carfoot. As Max describes the track, “Little More Country is all about what it means to be Country. It’s not the car you drive or the clothes you wear; it’s so much more than that. It’s about values and I guess my favourite traits of country people; the same traits I always aim to embody. This one goes out to the honest, kind, hard-working, back-road driving, big-sky-loving, stop-to-say-hello country music fans.”

Jackson continues, “The anthemic energy of the song is something I really love. I’ve always felt like the kick drum sounds like cowboy boots stomping on an old hardwood floor and it makes me so excited to know that soon we will be playing it live, bringing it to country music fans who share these same values and country frame of mind.”

From humble beginnings in the small country town of Coonamble NSW (Pop. 2750), to winning Australia’s biggest country music competition (Toyota Star Maker), playing national & international Country Music Festivals, a Golden Guitar nomination, and showcasing at CMA Fest 2023; the last eighteen months has been quite the ride for Australian Country Artist, Max Jackson.

Adding to her arsenal with new management and label support, “I’m really proud to also have this new music coming from not just myself but an incredible team. Recently I announced my signing with Stephen White Management. Now along with Steve & Brogan, we are so proud to announce that we have also joined forces with ABC Music, this really completes a dream come true team for me and I cannot wait for this next bunch of music I’ve been working on, kicking off here with Little More Country”. As Natalie Waller (Head of ABC Music) says, “Having met with and seen Max Jackson perform, her talent and presence is undeniable. We are excited for this next chapter with her”.

Doing something “Different ‘Round Here,” multi-PLATINUM hitmaker Riley Green celebrated the release of his highly anticipated new album “Ain’t My Last Rodeo” (available now via BMLG Records), by raising more than $50,000 for his newly-created Buford Bonds Charitable Fund which will support various veteran organizations. Thousands gathered at Nashville’s Walk of Fame Park, joining Green for a special over-capacity album release show.

The 12-track project delivers more of the signature no-gimmick, undeniably Country sound fans have come to know, love, and obsess over from the star and includes his current Top 20-and-climbing single with his former tourmate on “Different ‘Round Here (featuring Luke Combs).” The music and lyrics, both heavily influenced by blue-collar roots, small-town life, and slower way of life, exemplify Green’s homage to his experiences, beliefs, passions and love of family. The title bares its name from a poignant track on the album, “My Last Rodeo,” which Green wrote solo following one of the final conversations he had with his late Grandaddy Buford Green near the end of his life. Buford was the brains behind converting Riley’s great-grandparents’ home into the Golden Saw Music Hall and is credited for Riley’s musical appreciation, education, and inspiration, while his Granddaddy Lyndon can be attributed to Riley’s love of the outdoors. Proceeds from Thursday night’s album release event will go to the newly minted Buford Bonds Charitable Fund which honours his late grandfathers and provides resources for a variety of charities including those supporting veterans.

“We’ve been playing some of these new songs out on the road this summer and I’m excited to share them with the world,” said Green. “My grandaddies were huge inspirations for me, my songwriting and what is most important to me. Thursday night was a blast, but it also means a lot to mark the occasion by honouring them and raising money for some great charities that they would have been proud to support.”

“Ain’t My Last Rodeo” Album Release Show Presented by Crown Royal invited 300+ veterans to be a part of the sold-out audience. In addition to sponsoring the event Crown Royal, the award-winning whisky brand dedicated to serving the military community, invited members from CreatiVets non-profit organization whose mission is to provide for wounded veterans. These honoured guests spent time with the country singer backstage for a private meet and greet before the show.

Providing a taste of what fans can expect on his upcoming 2024 “Ain’t My Last Rodeo” Tour, Green’s upcoming tourmate Ella Langley opened the show. Long-time songwriting collaborators Erik Dylan and Wyatt McCubbin surprised the crowd.

Jamie Lindsay celebrates the spirit of truck-loving girls with new single.

Jamie Lindsay, a rising star in NSW Central Coast country rock music, is set to make waves with his latest single, ‘My Girl’s Got A Truck,’ a heartwarming and empowering tribute to girls who love trucks.

Inspired by his sister, Rachel, and the countless girls who share her passion, Jamie’s new song challenges stereotypes and showcases the enduring love between women and their trucks. With ‘My Girl’s Got A Truck,’ Lindsay is turning the tables on the traditional truck song narrative, reminding us that girls are just as passionate about the open road and powerful machines.

In Lindsay’s own words, “This song’s been writing itself all my life”.

With two older sisters, Jamie’s sister, Rachel, has been a source of inspiration and pride.

“For as long as I can remember, she has loved everything with wheels,” he said.

“While I’ve always been into guitars and music, Rachel has always been into cars and machines and became a mechanic and an auto electrician,” he said.

Rachel also restores cars and owns an impressive collection of vehicles, including an F100, an F150, and a Mack truck she’s currently refurbishing, which are just a few of the elements that make her a symbol of the truck-loving girls Lindsay aims to celebrate.

Jamie’s song weaves in a fictional story about a young girl who inherits an F100 from her father, reinforcing the sentimental value trucks can hold.

“She inherits an F100 from her dad, a sentimental thing, but also my sister has always been this kind of girl I’m talking about – right into trucks, cars, and motorbikes,” he said.

The idea for ‘My Girl’s Got A Truck’ was born when Jamie Lindsay drew inspiration from Keith Urban and Jimmie Allen’s hit song, Boy Gets A Truck.

“When that song came out, in my situation, there are so many songs about boys and trucks. I thought, wouldn’t it be cool if there was a song about a girl with a truck? That gave me the incentive to write the song from the girl’s point of view.”

He even went the extra mile to ensure the song’s accuracy.

“When I was writing it, especially the last choruses, I actually rang my sister to ask about F100s and was cross-referencing everything about the truck with her. I wanted to make sure people didn’t go, ‘they didn’t have that,’ especially the diehard Ford fans.”

‘My Girl’s Got A Truck’ is more than just a song; it’s a message that resonates with anyone who dares to break stereotypes and follow their passions and also celebrates a daughter’s special bond with her dad.

“I hope other girls who are into trucks connect with it as well. I just wanted it to be a fun song.”

With its infectious beat and irresistible stomp-and-clap rhythm, this song is sure to become an anthem that gets everyone moving.

Single Background

Mental health impacts everyone in one way or another, either directly or via people we know. “Heavy On Me” is a song about the importance of mental health, understanding the symptoms, and knowing when to reach out to friends, family or even strangers in times of need.

Andy Quotes

“What a lot of people don’t know about me is that despite my sometimes confident and strong exterior, on the road performing at event after event, I have had to manage anxiety and self-doubt my entire life.”

“Heavy On Me is an empowering song about removing the stigma and shame around mental health and the importance of asking for help and acknowledging when you’re down.”

Career highlights to date

. Nominated for a CMAA Golden Guitar award 2023 “Bush Ballad of the year” for “Ghostly Gums” (Walking Away)

. Winner of Best Bush Ballad 2023 at the Peoples Choice Awards Tamworth

. Winner of “Most Popular Male Artist of 2023” by Independent Country Music Association

. Winner of “Most Popular Music Video of 2023” by Independent Country Music Association

· Winner of 5 “Purple Guitars including 2023 Best Male Vocal and Best Album

· Winner of “Most Promising New Talent 2022” at the People’s Choice Awards, Tamworth

· Winner of “Most Popular New Male Artist of 2022” by Independent Country Music Association

. Andy has been nominated for multiple APRA AMCOS TSA SONGWRITER Awards

· Winner of “Australian Busking Championships 2019 – Gundagai”

Get ready to turn up the heat this summer, because acclaimed country-pop singer songwriter Tori Darke is back with a scorching new single ‘Somewhere In Mexico’. Call this your official invitation to live life to the fullest this summer. ‘Somewhere In Mexico’ is the soundtrack of your sun-soaked, soul sipping adventures in 2023.

“While ‘Somewhere In Mexico’ is a metaphor for that place that lets you be you, it’s not necessarily a physical place on a map, it’s that moment when you find your own personal paradise, whether it’s behind the wheel, out with friends, or on a spontaneous road trip. For me it’s the chance to throw caution to the wind, sip on tequila, and take a dip in the moonlit waters. In a world where the daily grind often consumes us, ‘Somewhere In Mexico’ is an escape – a call to let loose and embrace the wild side of life. It’s about shedding inhibitions and surrendering to the thrill of the moment.”

Tori Darke is a familiar face in the world of country music, known for her powerful vocals and heartfelt storytelling. With a string of hit singles and a passionate fan base, Tori is poised to make a lasting mark on the country music scene. 2023 has already been a big year for the 5-foot country diva. Getting married, six international trips, festivals and over 100,000 steams following the release of ‘Feelin’ It’ and ‘Dodged A Bullet’ have ensured continued success.

Previous single ‘Feelin’ It’ was added to all major country music stations including KIX Country, ABC Country, Triple M Country, iHeartCountry and Australian Country Radio. High rotation radio play combined with major Spotify support on Fresh Country and Apple Music Playlist Aussie Country has seen Tori as one of our most celebrated country music artists.

A constant fan favourite at festivals and events, 2023 has seen Tori successfully sell out her own headlining show at The Beer Shed in Sydney, performed at Tamworth Country Music Festival, The Big Chill Festival (Armidale) alongside Dragon and Birds of Tokyo, Oberon Rodeo, Nude Up with Adam Brand and a New Zealand solo tour which included a performance at Tussock Country Music Festival.

Get ready to celebrate all things summer, with ‘Somewhere In Mexico’s’ upbeat, fun vibes. It’s the bop you will want to listen to while enjoying tequila at sunset on a beach.

Tori Darke’s new single ‘Somewhere In Mexico’ is out to radio and all digital platforms on Wednesday 18th October.

AWARD-WINNING ARTIST JON PARDI AND FIVE-TIME ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR LUKE BRYAN RELEASE NEW MUSICAL COLLABORATION, “COWBOYS AND PLOWBOYS”

ACM and CMA Award-winning artist Jon Pardi and Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan have released their new collaboration, “Cowboys and Plowboys.” Written by Rhett Akins, Jacob Rice and Cole Taylor, “Cowboys and Plowboys” was initially teased by both Pardi and Bryan online this week, and is out everywhere now.

“I’ve always looked up to Luke as a songwriter and an artist, and he’s a great friend. We’ve been on tour together and he’s been someone that has inspired me along the way and always had my back. We’ve been excited to put this song out for a long time, and I can’t wait for people to hear it,” said Jon.

“When the writers sent this song I couldn’t stop listening to it and I’m so glad it worked out for Pardi to be the one I got to sing it with,” said Luke. “He is one of the most genuine artists I know. What you see is truly what you get and I respect what he continues to build.”

The single marks the first new music from singer/songwriter/producer Pardi since his latest critically-acclaimed album, Mr. Saturday Night. After being invited by Country legend Alan Jackson in a surprise moment on stage during Stagecoach, Pardi is set to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on October 24th as the first native Californian to ever do so ahead of the release of his debut Christmas album, Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi, on October 27th. Named a “hero in the making” (Variety), Pardi has earned six No. 1s on country radio to date and is noted for his “long-lasting mark on the genre” (MusicRow) and his impressive ability to carve out his own path creating “the kind of country music multiple generations came to know, and love can still wok on a mass scale” (Variety).

On November 8, Luke and NFL superstar Peyton Manning will return to host “The 57th Annual CMA Awards” to be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. And in 2024, Luke, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will return as celebrity judges for their seventh season on ABC’s American Idol.

About Jon Pardi

Since first hitting the country landscape, Jon Pardi has long since separated himself from the pack, carving a lane that was all his own by producing, writing, and singing songs he created from the melodies up, and earning praise for it. “Jon Pardi cut a path through modern country’s embrace of pop, hip-hop and EDM” (The New York Times) with “an emboldened work… a distilling of his sound into a more potent form that draws both vitality and assurance from his anything-but-sterile relationship to his tradition’s modern era” (NPR). With his “state-of-the-art blend of traditional instrumentation and progressive grooves that point to country’s future” (Rolling Stone), Pardi is “a leader among a growing number of artists bringing back fiddle, steel and twang” (People). “Even when he’s singing sad songs, he wants people to have a good time” (Associated Press). Featured by NPR, Paste, Billboard, The Tennessean and more, Pardi’s album Mr. Saturday Night proved Pardi has “blazed his own trail over the past decade” (Billboard), with Taste of Country noting, his “refusal to chase sets Mr. Saturday Night apart” and Nash News raving, Mr. Saturday Night “proves he might be the most successful at combining the old-school sound with today’s need for hooks.” Mr. Saturday Night reunited the producing team of Bart Butler, Ryan Gore and Pardi- the same team behind the boards of his critically-acclaimed album, Heartache Medication. Pardi’s CMA and ACM Album of the Year nominated project. Heartache Medication debuted among the top albums on Billboard’s Country Albums chart and was named in 2019 Rolling Stone’s “Best Album of the Year” and by the Los Angeles Times as one of the (Top 10) “Best Albums of the Year.” Heartache Medication followed his breakthrough Platinum-selling album, California Sunrise, which featured the multi-platinum, chart-topping hits “Dirt On My Boots,” “Head Over Boots,” “Heartache On The Dance Floor” and “Night Shift.” Named a “hero in the making” (Variety), Pardi has earned six No. 1s on country radio and is noted for his “long-lasting mark on the genre” (MusicRow) and his impressive ability to carve out his own path creating “the kind of country music multiple generations came to know, and love can still wok on a mass scale” (Variety). Filled with fiddle, twang and steel guitar, Pardi continues to “apply new ideas to country’s old sounds” (Los Angeles Times) and “bring authenticity back into Country music” (People). Currently on his Mr. Saturday Night World Tour, Jon is set to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry as an official Opry Member on October 24th ahead of his debut Christmas album release, Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi, on October 27th. His current radio single, “Cowboys and Plowboys,” with Luke Bryan, is available now here.

About Luke Bryan

During his career, Luke has amassed a total of 21.7 Billion global streams, 11.5 Million global album sales and 52 Million track sales worldwide. He is the most digital single RIAA certified country artist of all time with 83 Million units and 15.5M album certified units for a total of 98.5M. He was recently presented with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award in recognition of his standing as one of the most streamed artists in SoundExchange’s 20-year history.

His headline concert tours have played sold-out shows for millions and millions of fans inclusive of nearly 40 stadium concerts, Farm Tours, Spring Break shows, and eight sold-out ‘Crash My Playa’ destination concert events. At Luke’s recent sold-out Bridgestone concert- his sixth consecutive- Billboard touted, the “key to his success as one of country music’s foremost ambassadors for more than a decade has been his long-perfected onstage blend of lovable goofball, sultry swagger and positive attitude.”

Luke has won 50+ major music awards including five wins as Entertainer of the Year. Additional awards include six recognitions as a CMT Artist of the Year, NSAI Artist/Songwriter of the Year, the first-ever recipient of the ACM Album of the Decade Award for Crash My Party, seven CMT Music Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and four American Music Awards-as well as being named Billboard’s Top Country Artist of the 2010s, the Most Heard Artist of the Decade by Country Aircheck, and the Artist Humanitarian Recipient by the Country Radio Broadcasters.

The Wolfe Brothers are releasing the 5th and final single off their #1 ARIA country album “Livin’ The Dream”. The song pretty much sums up where the Tasmanian duo are at with their musical journey. The title of the song is “Nothin’ Better To Me”, an ode to enjoying life, having fun and being grateful for the ride of life we are all on together. The song’s accompanying music video is a fun-filled glimpse of life on the road for brothers Nick and Tom Wolfe and their touring band mates which was filmed while they were touring the north coast of NSW this year.

Nick Wolfe had this to say about the song “Lyrically, ‘Nothing Better To Me’ is quite a typical country song. It speaks about good times, the simple life, and being grateful for what you’ve got – nothing wrong with that! But rather than fit into the typical mould of mid-tempo radio we thought we’d try something a little different and try a ‘power shuffle’ feel. We also threw in a key change for the guitar solo. The song has some traits typical of many of the early 90’s sounds that we are influenced by. It all came together to form what we think is a fantastic vibe captured on this track.”

The new single is released at a time that the duo’s current single, a duet with Travis Collins called “Runnin’ The Country”, has spent the last 5 weeks at the #1 spot on the National Country Airplay Charts, making it The Wolfe Brothers 19th career #1 single.

The other big news from the Wolfe Brothers is their recent ARIA finalist nomination for “Livin’ The Dream” in the Best Country Album category. This is their third nomination for an ARIA.

The Wolfe Brothers are fast becoming one of Australia’s most popular festival acts with their high energy performances winning legions of new fans at every event they play. 2023 also saw the band start headlining their own sold-out theatre shows. Tom Wolfe said “Playing live is what we love doing the most. We love our job, and we never get tired of catching up with the fans at every show. It is a special feeling when we connect with an audience, and they are singing every word of the songs from our albums with us. Dare I say it…. There’s nothin better to me.”

Rising South-East Queensland country rock singer-songwriter Dan Henwood returns with a gritty, energetic and high-octane track that screams to be spun on full volume. ‘Back Into Gear’ is about heading out on a road trip with the boys, packing the swags and pushing the limits where you gotta get your mate to come rope you out, back into gear.

“I’m so stoked to finally be sharing this new single, ‘Back Into Gear’. Growing up with country music and mates who would take me out for the weekend inspired this song and the passion and joy that comes with it, I just knew I had to write one for the country folks out there! Looking forward to going back to my roots with his one with a touch of fiddle and guitar”.

Dan Henwood is a 2x graduate of the CMAA Junior Academy. Drawing inspirations from artists such as Lee Kernaghan and The Wolfe Brothers, Dan successfully captures a traditional country sound with a modern country rock twist.

His skill has taken him on the road through many new towns as a session guitarist which recently included a performance at Deni Ute Muster with Zara Lindeman. Dan has also performed alongside The Wolfe Brothers where he has been invited to play guitar at numerous shows.

A recent finalist in all categories in the Country Music People’s Choice Awards, Dan is currently writing new material which he is excited to be bringing to Australian audiences in 2024.

Dan Henwood’s new single ‘Back Into Gear’ is out to radio on Monday 16th October and out on digital platforms on Friday 20th October.

It’s the post-breakup love song everyone has experienced. Where you’re with the “right” person but you find them “boring” or “not exciting enough”. It’s the wanting of the ex, “the cool guy”, the chase, the thrill, the rush of emotions that one may classify as a heaty romance but you grow to learn better. “I wrote this because, for the longest time that was what I was chasing, the thrill of screaming and fighting and never knowing what to expect. I believed that was what made a relationship “exciting”. I don’t think I’m the only one whose experienced this so I’m sure it with resonate with people like me but this is a glimpse to my story” says Kendra. He’s Not You was written by Andrew Parton, Melissa Marshall and Kendra Gabrielle. Produced by CMAO nominated, Shawn Moore at Catherine North Studios Hamilton.

Kendra Gabrielle Bio

Country artist Kendra Gabrielle has been rapidly growing her audience in Canada and internationally since the release of her debut Country single “Drunk On My Own” in the spring of 2022. Her debut single earned placements on multiple Amazon Music editorial playlists, streamed over 15,000 times in 1 month, with the music video being viewed over 10,000 times in 4 days. Drunk On My Own is also exclusively spun on Sirius XM’s Channel 171. DOMO also earned Kendra her first “Best New Solo Artist” award nomination at the Mississauga Music Awards 2022.

Kendra’s 2023 single “RED” kept the ball rolling with being streamed over 65,000+ times to date, being spun on over 35 radio stations in Canada and added to over 600 user-generated playlists and multiple editorial playlists. The official music video was viewed over 15,000 times within a couple of days. During CCMA’s 2023, Kendra earned Top 5 in the Diamonds in the Rough competition hosted by Sirroma Entertainment.

This past summer Kendra was busy playing shows and festivals all over Ontario and working on the upcoming release of her debut EP “Can’t Help Myself” which will be available everywhere on September 29th 2023. This EP will feature the new single “He’s Not You”.

Following the launch of her headline Country Music Made Me Do It Tour at The Town Hall in New York City last night, GRAMMY, CMA and ACM Award-winning artist Carly Pearce releases brand new song “Heels Over Head” via Big Machine Records.

Ahead of the tour’s kick-off, Pearce stopped by NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform “Country Music Made Me Do It” – her love letter to country music – during the show’s first week back on the air. Watch her performance here.

The performance followed Pearce’s two nominations at the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards, which took place on September 28 at the historic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. In addition to her nominations, Pearce graced the stage multiple times throughout the night: as a presenter, speaking about her favorite Opry moment with fellow country music artists, and as a performer when she took the stage for the debut performance of “Country Music Made Me Do It.” Watch her performance here.

Pearce embarked on her next musical chapter with Top-35-and-rising single “We Don’t Fight Anymore” (featuring Chris Stapleton). The single continues to garner widespread praise from fans and critics alike.

ABOUT CARLY PEARCE:  Fiercely rooted in the classics, the girl who left her Kentucky home and high school at 16 to take a job at Dollywood has grown into a woman who embraces the genre’s forward progression. GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter Carly Pearce lit a fire with her debut album Every Little Thing and the PLATINUM-certified history-making title track, and she hasn’t slowed down since. Pearce’s 3x PLATINUM-certified “I Hope You’re Happy Now ” with Lee Brice won both the 2020 CMA Awards Musical Event and 2021 ACM Awards Music Event, plus ACM Awards Single of the Year. Pearce, now a Grand Ole Opry and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame member, has come a long way from the pain she felt writing her critically acclaimed and commercially lauded third studio album 29 which includes Country Radio chart toppers “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” with Ashley McBryde and PLATINUM-certified “What He Didn’t Do.” For the PLATINUM-certified “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” Pearce picked up her second consecutive ACM Music Event of the Year in 2022 and marked the third duet between two solo women to top Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. The song also took home the 2022 CMA Musical Event of the Year and won a GRAMMY® Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance, marking Pearce’s first and making history as the first female pairing to win in the category. Earlier this year, Pearce joined Blake Shelton’s BACK TO THE HONKY TONK TOUR and made her 100th performance at the Grand Ole Opry. As she closed out that pivotal 29 chapter with her first live album 29: WRITTEN IN STONE (LIVE FROM MUSIC CITY), Pearce now steps into the next chapter of her musical career with the praised release of her new single “We Don’t Fight Anymore” (featuring Chris Stapleton) in June and August  release of “Country Music Made Me Do It.”  Pearce is currently on her fall headline COUNTRY MUSIC MADE ME DO IT TOUR, which began October 5 and continues through November 18. In March 2024, Pearce will join Tim McGraw’s 2024 STANDING ROOM ONLY TOUR as direct support. Honored as one of CMT’s 2022 Artists of The Year , the 2021 CMA Awards Female Vocalist of the Year and 2022 ACM Awards Female Artist of the Year, Pearce continues to resonate with her honest lyrics and timeless musicality. For tour dates and more, visit CarlyPearce.com. 

Rising Canadian Country artist and multiple CMA Ontario Award nominee Karli June releases her upbeat new single “Feel Like Home” featuring Ryan Langdon.

Produced by Gavin Slate (Tim Hicks, James Barker Band) and written by Gavin and Karli, “Feel Like Home” is an anthemic country-pop love song that tells the nostalgic tale of growing up in a small town, where every street and landmark holds cherished memories. It is all about finding that special someone who makes you remember that familiar feeling of being somewhere you feel the most comfortable and most like yourself.

“As a small-town girl – that place has such a special place in my heart. This song captures the magic of a small town and finding somebody that gives you that same feeling of pulling back onto those familiar roads. It’s my version of a long song. Ryan Langdon brought the perfect voice to the track, and it so awesome getting to bring the song to its potential with him!” – Karli June

Ryan Langdon, the former MLB prospect renowned for his powerful oak-barrel baritone, joins Karli on the summer love song. Ryan’s 2020 breakout EP “Lit in The Sticks”, featured an impressive collection of six exhilarating country tracks, including his chart-topping single “Country Like You” which has maintained a strong position in the Top 40 on Canadian Country Radio. With nearly 8 million steams, Ryan’s music remains an adored choice among country music fans.

“When I first heard the song “Feel Like Home”, I was immediately excited to be a part of this duet. Not only do I believe our voices match really well together, the message behind the lyrics really resonated with me. One of my biggest values is my homegrown roots, so I always searched for someone who shared these same values. This song really captured what I consider to be the meaning of real love, and I am so excited for the world to hear it.” – Ryan Langdon.

Based in Hamilton, Ontario, Karli June is enjoying her continued career momentum with recent nominations for multiple Country Music Association of Ontario Awards in the categories of Rising Star, Songwriter of The Year for her song “Makes You Pretty”. Karli June’s debut EP “Where You Come From” was nominated for Album of The Year as well as taking out Producer of The Year for the EP’s producer, Karen Kosowski.

The nominations follow a year of career growth in support of Karli’s debut release, which has accumulated over 1.6 million global streams. Karli was also previously selected as a participant in the prestigious TD Incubator for Creative Entrepreneurship powered by the SOCAN Foundation and was selected as Arcadia Broadcasting’s “Break Out Artist” for “Makes You Pretty” in Canada. The track was also Karli’s first foray into the Australia market, peaking at #46 on the National Australian Country Radio Charts and was recently added into rotation on CMT Australia.

Additionally, Karli’s song “The List” was included in the 1% of Honourable Mentions in the International Songwriting Competition 2022 which received over 15,000 submissions.

If Sideways announced the return of James Blundell to the charts, then Queen of The Lost Highway is the perfect follow-up.

Penned by the acclaimed international songwriting team of Australian lyricist Terry McArthur and Finnish composer Mika Kuokkanen, Queen of The Lost Highway is a unique fusion of classic Hank William’s country meets contemporary Americana and Finnish minor chord melancholia.

Producer Larry Campbell’s signature guitar motifs and Little Feat’s Bill Payne’s killer key feels curl around James Blundell’s bittersweet vocals as he laments love’s last rites, eyes wide open and the shadow of a smile on his face…

But don’t take my word for it, let’s see what JAMES BLUNDELL, the man described as the most influential Australian country artist of his generation has to say about queens, lost highways, and the ghost of Hank Williams…

LEMAR: Leon Payne penned The Lost Highway in the 1940s. The song has since
Been covered by a many artists, including Hank Williams .Tom Petty and
Willie Nelson. Queen of The Lost Highway seems like real deal sister song…

JAMES : During my time in Nashville the term Lost Highway developed absolute reality. It was used when artists were suffering burnout or were playing the Don Quixote card. It actually is a very real term in the American music or the Americana Country Palace.

LEMAR: How did you come to record Queen of The Lost Highway?

JAMES: ” The first two lines of the song go ( James sings)
Thought I saw your taillights out along the lake
You always drove so fast, so heavy on the brakes.

They were very representative of my relationship with Lidia, mother of my two oldest children. Lidia drove like a bat out of hell and always hit the brakes real hard. So, the minute I read those lyrics I thought, I actually have to sing this song. It’s a calling.

I resonated immediately with the song and the truth of my relationship with Lidia. It was a very, very strong, very deep committed, and loving relationship. And as it slowly unwound, it was probably the first time in my adult life that I came face-to-face with the fact that sometimes love is actually not enough. There’s all sorts of other forces at play that can determine whether a relationship does the term of each partner’s life.

So, I related to everything about Queen of The Lost Highway ~ its musicality, definitely the nostalgia and definitely the sense of loss, but also recognising the inevitability of the demise of a relationship really, really struck a chord.

LEMAR: You’re taking to the road on the Aussie Legends Hemp Lost Highway Tour October through November. What can fans expect?

JAMES: “The Aussie Legends Hemp Lost Highway Tour is me going live, intimate, and unplugged. I will be playing all the fan favourites and previewing a selection of songs from my new album World Don’t Stop. Can’t wait to do it!”

A new musical maturity shines through on Kiara Rodrigues’ brand new single, ‘Ain’t Your Rehab’.

Following on from Kiara Rodrigues’ radio hits, ‘High School Reunion’ and ‘Message In A Bottle’, comes ‘Ain’t Your Rehab’, and sees the award winning Nash Chambers (Kasey Chambers/Jimmy Barnes/Troy Cassar Daley) return to the producer’s chair.

Chambers again highlights Rodrigues’ continuing growth as a songwriter and an original artist who is carving out her own musical niche.

“I wrote this song thinking about how sometimes we go into relationships thinking we can fix someone and put them back together again”, says Rodrigues. “That can often come at the price of our own wellbeing, and its inevitably unachievable”.

The song has instantly resonated with her audiences when played live.

“I’ve had people come up to me and tell me they’d had this same experience or knew someone in a similar situation”, she says. “Ultimately, it’s not our responsibility to fix somebody, no matter how much we care about them”.

Born to immigrant parents of Indian heritage, Kiara Rodrigues fell in love with country music when she moved to North Queensland at the tender age of nine. Over the years, she has become a wildly popular and certified talent within the Australian country music scene. In 2023, she was named a Grand Finalist for the prestigious Toyota Star Maker competition where she wowed the 10,000 strong crowd at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

The single, ‘High School Reunion’, debuted at #2 on the iTunes Country Singles Chart, scored high rotation on ABC Country and entered the Countrytown Hot 50 Airplay Chart. Kiara Rodrigues has performed across the globe and is a graduate of the CMAA Senior Academy of Country Music.

‘Ain’t Your Rehab’ is out Friday 6th October through Checked Label Services.

If anyone knows anything about dancing to the beat of a different drum, it’s definitely 16-time Golden Guitar winner Luke O’Shea . This is no more evident than in his new single, ‘Different Drum’.

“This song was written with my great musical mate Chris Matthews who is one of Australia’s hardest working and most travelled musicians,” Luke said.

“We were discussing what was happening in the music world of late and then having a good old laugh at ourselves for we both unconsciously seem to fly directly in the face of what’s fashionable and hip.”

Neither of them sees this as a bad thing, though, as they see the world getting better at acknowledging and accepting people for who they are, regardless of certain beliefs and habits.

“Just as long as we can all remember that one simple ‘golden rule’ … ‘to treat each other as we would like to be treated’,” Luke said.

Filled with a positive story, ‘Different Drum’ spreads the love and the important message that you should just go with what feels right.

“There is a lovely little story and message to this song – plus a real little ‘what the’ moment as the outro that for me – although it ain’t ‘typical’ country – it certainly brings home the message of just going with what feels good, not what you think it should be,” Luke said.

“Just keep dancing!”

‘Different Drum’ is the fourth single, and title track, off Luke’s highly anticipated album, released on CD today and available at gigs and via Luke’s website: lukeoshea.com

The commercial contemporary country song “Don’t Blink” marks the third consistent run of singles for Sammi Palinkas including “Meet in the Middle” which debuted at #3 on the Australian iTunes chart, #8 All Genre, and charted in the official Australian Country Radio Hot 50 Chart (CountryTown), while streaming single “You’ve Lived” debuted at #5 on the Australian iTunes Country Chart.

While currently recording her debut album with award-winning producer, Rod McCormack (Paul Kelly, The Wolfe Brothers and Lee Kernaghan), “Don’t Blink”, co-written with Rod McCormack, serves as a positive, uplifting reminder that life is short and to appreciate every moment whilst we can.

“Rod brought this idea into our write, and I instantly connected with it” Palinkas said. “I had just been retrenched in a restructure at an organisation I had worked at for nearly 10 years, and the period of reflection that came afterwards was invaluable. I had worked hard, long hours, and had been stressed out for a long time. In my last week a friend reminded me that ‘no one was going to stand up at my funeral and say Sammi did a great job at the company I was working for. They were going to talk about my legacy’. At that moment I realised as much as working hard was personally rewarding, there were important moments I’d sacrificed because I had put work first, furthermore time and experiences that I couldn’t get back. My Mum, Dad and Nan have given me so much great life advice as I’ve grown up. Rod and I wanted to write ‘Don’t Blink’ as a gentle reminder to listen to the advice and experience of those around you, because life flies by when we get caught up in the day to day, and it can all be over much sooner than we realise. Cody Johnson’s ‘Til You Can’t’ is a song both Rod and I love. It has such an uplifting feel that draws you in, and then delivers a hook and a message that really makes you think – it’s almost bittersweet against the general feeling of the song. When writing ‘Don’t Blink’, Rod and I wanted to create something positive and memorable to listen to, but when it counts really makes you think.” – Sammi Palinkas

With a lifetime of accolades, from winning a national televised singing competition at age 8, to starring in SEL/GFO’s Melbourne season of “Annie” at age 11, Sammi has developed her craft and written for many years between Australia and the US (LA, NY, Nashville), collaborating with renowned songwriters and producers including Andrew Bolooki (Selena Gomez, The Weekend, Post Malone), Fiona Kernaghan (Mindy McReady, Tina Arena), Sally Barris (Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Lee Ann Womack), Sam Gay (Deric Ruttan, Little Texas, Bryan White) and Templeton Thompson (Reba McEntire, Jo Dee Messina and Little Texas) amongst others.