Month: April 2024

Dolly Parton’s reimagined version of her friend and fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Tom Petty’s “Southern Accents” from the forthcoming Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty was just released alongside a premiere of the music video on CBS Mornings’ as part of the show’s “What to Watch” segment.

“I was fortunate enough to get to know Tom over the years,” reflects Parton. “He’s such an iconic artist and important songwriter. I’m so honored to be a part of this special album and to be able to share my version of one of Tom’s best songs, ‘Southern Accents’.”

The beloved song-a Petty classic and considered by Petty to be one of the best he ever wrote-takes on new life in the world of Country music as Parton’s beautifully intimate version arrives alongside a new video directed by Trey Fanjoy, featuring poignant home videos and professional footage of Petty throughout his life-watch HERE.

“Southern Accents” comes ahead of Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, the Country tribute album lovingly curated by some of the late rocker’s closest friends and collaborators. The album is officially set to be released on June 21 (via Big Machine Records in partnership with the Tom Petty Estate) and is available to pre-order now HERE.

Executive produced by Petty’s close confidant, GRAMMY® Award-winner George Drakoulias (Barbie, The Black Crowes, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), with Randall Poster (Killers of the Flower Moon, Skyfall, Wes Anderson) and Scott Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group) Petty Country finds some of the most lauded voices in Country music exploring the extensive Petty catalog and putting their own personal touches on some of his greatest hits. Highlights include a handful of songs by Petty’s longtime friends and collaborators, such as George Strait, Steve Earle, Willie Nelson with Lukas Nelson, Bluegrass pioneer Marty Stuart and The Heartbreakers’ Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. Contemporary Country superstars Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Carly Pearce, Lady A, Margo Price, Rhiannon Giddens-who most recently played banjo and viola on Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em”- Thomas Rhett, Wynonna Judd and Lainey Wilson pay tribute to the late rocker with their own spin on fan favorites. See below for a complete track list for Petty Country.

” Southern Accents” follows the release of Dierks Bentley’s take on the all-time classic, “American Girl,” which became Bentley’s highest charting single raced up the charts upon launch at Country radio and is currently climbing through the Top 40. Praised for “spright banjo, mandolin and guitar fusions” that “meld perfectly with Bentley’s own grainy, Rock-leaning vocal” (Billboard), the track has garnered more than 3.4 million streams.

Tom Petty, albeit widely known for his rocker grit and California anthems, is often credited as Contemporary Country music’s biggest Rock influence. A Gainesville, Florida native, Petty straddled the American coasts, leaving his native Florida for his adopted home of Los Angeles, while keeping one foot firmly rooted in the south. The region’s influence can be heard throughout Petty’s discography, with lyrics about growing up in the south paired with his famous airtight melodies and rough vocal character that defines the state of Country music today.

Petty’s deep roots in Country music saw collaborations and long-lasting friendships with a number of the genre’s greatest artists, including Carl Perkins (Petty inducted Perkins into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), Johnny Cash (The Heartbreakers were the backing band on Cash’s Unchained), June Carter Cash, Marty Stuart, John Prine, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, George Strait, Hank Williams Jr. and Willie Nelson included. Today, Country songwriters consistently reference their love and admiration for Petty, and in many ways, how Petty’s influence shaped their own sound.

Over his 40-year career, Tom Petty became one of the biggest cultural icons in the world. In addition to the 13 studio albums he made with the Heartbreakers, Petty recorded three solo albums, including the acclaimed Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers. Petty was also a member of the supergroup, Traveling Wilburys, alongside George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne; and in the pre-Heartbreakers band, Mudcrutch. Hailed as one of the greatest Rock artists of all time, Petty’s list of achievements included: being a multi-platinum ARIA accredited artist, multi-Grammy Award winner, performing to over 140 million fans and selling over 85 million records, Super Bowl halftime performer, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Tom Petty passed away in 2017 shortly after completing his 40th anniversary tour, but his music continues to reach fans, both new and old, around the world today.

About Petty Country:

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers was one of the most singular and distinctly American bands. Beyond the west coast Rock-Folk jangle, San Francisco psychedelia and a blast of British invasion, the south’s influence was a constant throughout Petty’s songwriting in his words, truths and especially his defiance and dignity. Petty Country: A Country Celebration of Tom Petty draws on all the aspects and flavors of the Gainesville-raised icon’s roots and leans into the genre that defines the region, bringing the top talent in Country and Americana music together to create a 20-song tribute to Petty’s dynamic musical legacy (out June 21 via Big Machine Records). Executive produced by Scott Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group), George Drakoulias (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Black Crowes) and Randall Poster (Wes Anderson, Skyfall) with the oversite of the late icon’s daughter, Adria Petty, the collection pulls from across various realms and seasons of music to create a full picture of Petty’s impressive catalog. Artists lending their talents to the project include: Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Luke Combs, Steve Earle, Wynonna Judd, Lady A, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Carly Pearce, Thomas Rhettt, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson and many more. True to the originals, true to what those songs could be, Petty Country, like Traveling Wilburys, shows vast the influence and reach of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and highlights the previously unseen breadth and Country reach of Petty’s songs.

“The sound and style of Petty reverberates irrepressibly throughout country music,
where he holds more sway than any other rocker.”

Kirsty Lee Akers is in her Cowgirl Era with… GIRLS ARE WHY THE WEST IS WILD

In the realm where melodies meet magic, 2 time Golden Guitar winner and star of The Block – Kirsty Lee Akers strides forth in her Cowgirl Era, a spirit woven with threads of the wild frontier.

Welcoming the dawn of 2024, Kirsty unveils her latest ode, “Girls Are Why The West Is Wild.” A song for the cowgirls, the untamed hearts and the daring souls who roam free.

Penned in Nashville alongside hit songwriters Kirsti Manna and Bill DiLuigi, this anthem marries grit with grace. “In June of last year, I attended a co-writing session in Nashville. Arriving a little early, I found Bill DiLuigi already there. Although we had just met, it was clear that Bill had done his homework and understood me as an artist. While waiting for Kirsti to join us, Bill shared an idea he had, which I instantly loved. Before long, we had a chorus ready. When Kirsti arrived, she quickly added her touch of magic,” Kirsty shares.

Once again, Kirsty steps into the producer’s role alongside co-producer Paul Bain to breathe life into this track. With the banjo strings harmonizing with Kirsty’s vocals, creating a blend reminiscent of Dolly Parton and Lainey Wilson, each listener is sure to remember the moment when they first heard “Girls Are Why The West Is Wild.”

Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan has released a new song across all digital platforms, “Love You, Miss You, Mean It.” He first showcased the song in late February performing it during Country Radio Seminar in Nashville at Universal Music Group Nashville’s annual luncheon and then shared the performance with his fans on social media. “Love You, Miss You, Mean It,” written by Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Jordan Minton and Jacob Rice, will impact country radio on Monday, April 8. Three major radio chains will spotlight the single – iHeartCountry, Audacy and Beasley.

“This song was special from the first time I heard it,” said Luke. “I knew it would resonate. It’s about young love and that whole process of trying to make relationships work through the on-again and off-again cycles. My wife and I went through that journey during college and I know a lot of people out there have too.”

On April 17 Luke will kick off his 2024 “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” in Canada in Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome with Chayce Beckham and Tenille Arts joining. The tour will run through mid-September. As he has done for many years, Luke will welcome multiple special guests throughout the tour: Tenille Arts, Chayce Beckham, George Birge, King Calaway, Dillon Carmichael, Larry Fleet, HunterGirl, Ella Langley, Tracy Lawrence, Kameron Marlowe, Chase Matthew, Meghan Patrick, Lily Rose, Josh Ross, Alana Springsteen, Zach Top, and DJ Rock. The tour boasts two stadium dates this year, Truist Field in Atlanta on August 17 with Bailey Zimmerman, Kameron Marlowe and Chayce Beckham and Wrigley Field in Chicago on August 25 with Bailey Zimmerman, Tracy Lawrence and Chayce Beckham.

During his career Luke has performed for more than 14 million fans inclusive of his numerous headline tours, “Crash My Playa,” “Luke Bryan: VEGAS” and “Farm Tour.” “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” is aptly titled after a song from Luke’s highly anticipated upcoming album.

About Luke Bryan

During his career, Luke has amassed a total of 21.2 Billion global streams, 11.5 Million global album sales and 55.3M track sales worldwide. He is the most digital single RIAA certified country artist of all time with 84M digital single units and 15.5M album certified units for a total of 99.5M.

He has placed 30 singles at #1 and has accumulated 56 total weeks spent at #1 in his career. 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.

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.

Rising talent, Jimbo Stokes, has started the year with a bang! Off the back of a successful Tamworth Country Music Festival; Jimbo Stokes secured a partnership with ABC Music kicking off with the release of his exciting new single, “Got Me Good”.

Pushing into new avenues with his production, the country singer teams up with legendary Sydney rap producer Colcci (Hooligan Hefs) and rising star Jacky McCormack for “Got Me Good”. The song was mastered by Chris Gehringer (Ed Sheeran, Drake) and audio engineered by Mixtri (Kid Laroi).

“Got Me Good” is a powerful, bold and gripping heartbreak tune. The song showcases Jimbo’s captivating voice and distinctive writing style with a cross-genre flair not seen before in Australian country music.

As Jimbo describes the new single, “Got Me Good” was incredibly fun to make. It was a thrill to work with Colcci and Jacky, two of the best producers in Australia across rap and country respectively. We wanted to create something new and distinct, with a strong country sound and impactful storytelling, but with a modern twist, we are all very proud of the result.”

As Natalie Waller (Head of ABC Music) confirms, “Having met Jimbo through Toyota Starmaker, I was impressed with his fresh take and the new avenues he was exploring for country; all the while retaining the essence of the genre.”

“Got Me Good” is the follow up single for this Scone based country singer. His breakout year in 2023 saw two singles rocket up the country music charts and assert himself as one of the leading young country talents in the industry. The momentum continues this year with a series of singles planned and an EP slated for later in 2024.

Australian siblings – Katelyn, Liam & Kasey O’Donoghue are the voices behind the sweet tones and captivating harmonies of the group, Homegrown Trio.

Finding their passion for music in their early childhood growing up on a million-acre cattle station, they have taken their country roots and love for pop melodies to create a fresh modern sound for country music. Forming in 2010, the siblings are no strangers to the music scene having spent years crafting the effortless, familiar blend they are renowned for.

Their sneak leaked rendition of “Fast Cars” on The Voice Australia in 2018 gained over 1 million views which caught the attention of global coaches Kelly Rowland , Delta Goodrem, Boy George & Joe Jonas joining ‘Team Jonas’ team to reach the Top 16. With their dedication and drive, Homegrown Trio relocated to the epicentre of country music – Nashville, TN in 2021. Their success was validated within the first few months after landing the opening slot for The Jonas Brothers, Kelsea Ballerini & Jordan McGraw on the Remember This US tour . This was soon followed by inking a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, which led to a whirlwind 12 months of writing with some of Nashville’s most prominent, award-winning songwriters.

The past year saw the trio in the studio with Grammy & CMA Award winning producers, Dann Huff (Keith Urban), Nathan Chapman(Taylor Swift) & Joy Williams (The Civil Wars) . Now, their set to release an electric, catchy single titled “Heartbreaker”. The first single of a year full of releases debuting the new Homegrown Trio sound.

“We are so excited to be releasing Heartbreaker as our first single back since making the move to Nashville. We wrote this song in 2020 with one of our close friends, Sammy Telford in our hometown. Heartbreaker is an electric song that tells the story of someone trying to move on from an old relationship. We had an amazing time working with Nathan Chapman in Nashville recording this song. We’re excited that Heartbreaker is the first single out to introduce the new sound of Homegrown Trio.”

Talking Points:

Toured with The Jonas Brothers & Kelsea Ballerini on the Remember This US Tour 2021
Signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music in Nashville.
Moved to Nashville TN in 2021
Top 16 of The Voice Australia in 2018
Worked with producers – Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift), Dann Huff (Keith Urban) & Joy Williams (The Civil Wars)
Heartbreaker written by Katelyn O’Donoghue, Liam O’Donoghue, Kasey O’Donoghue & Sammy Telford in our hometown in 2020.
Spent our early childhood on a million-acre cattle station in Far North Queensland before moving to Charters Towers.
www.HomegrownTrioOfficial.com

Golden Guitar and CMC Award Winner Christie Lamb embraces her country roots with her brand new single “Damn Best”.

“Damn best is all about what it means to be country. It’s about values and how often it’s the simplest things in life that brings us the most joy and make life so much better. This one goes out to the honest, hardworking, open road loving, everyone’s your mate, kind of country fans”.

Following on from the success of her Golden Guitar Top 5 Highest Selling and ARIA Number #1 Album “Truth”, Christie worked with producer Stuart Stuart (Sheppard, Dean Lewis, Amber Lawrence) for a second time and recorded the single remotely once again.

“I wrote this song on my to Nashville last year and it was one of my favourite co-writes I’ve ever had, as well as the quickest. There was such a good feeling in the air, and I just love the feel good, down to earth vibe of this song”.

“This song feels like a country anthemic sing along which I really love. I’ve always loved the toe tapping groove of this song and it makes me so excited to know that soon we will be playing it live, bringing it to country music fans who share the same values and country frame of mind as I do.”

“Damn Best” showcases Christie at her best. The catchy feel-good track showcases Christie’s storytelling, hooky melodies, powerhouse vocals and her country swagger.

“When it came to shooting the music video with Blacklist Productions, we wanted to capture the fun of simple country living. We found a retro lakeside caravan in a flower farm and knew it had the feel-good energy we were looking for”

The rest of the year will see Christie travel to overseas to England before returning home to complete her next album and play some of Australia’s premier festivals like the Gympie Music Muster, Wangaratta Country Music Festival and Mandurah Country Music Festival.

www.ChristieLamb.com

Jay Santilli Returns With An Emotionally Driven Heartwarming New Single ‘Long Way Home’.

2024 Top 10 Toyota Star Maker finalist, country singer-songwriter Jay Santilli returns with a song that is personal and close to her heart. The essence of ‘Long Way Home’ lies in embracing life’s uncertainties and daring to take risks. Set against enchanting melodies, the song reflects on the inevitability of change and the pursuit of dreams amidst challenges. Inspired by personal experiences, including the journey through IVF while navigating the decision to pursue music as a career, the track resonates with a universal message of resilience and trust in fate.

“‘Long Way Home’ talks to, daring to embrace life’s uncertainties and take risks, finding solace in the journey itself”.

Melbourne based Jay Santilli has made a name for herself as her star continues to rise in country music. After taking time off to focus on family, she is now forging a career in music and is creating waves with her unique focus on storytelling and heartfelt lyrics. Catching the eye of industry tastemakers landed her a Top 10 placement in the 2024 Toyota Star Maker Final in Tamworth earlier this year where she performed on the main stage at Toyota Park, delivering an emotional rendition of ‘Long Way Home’ to rave reviews.

Throughout her career, Jay has performed across the country and has shared the stage with some of the most prominent names in country music including Morgan Evans, Jasmine Rae, Travis Collins and many more. Her live performances are known for their energy and emotion, leaving audiences spellbound.

With her incredible talent and dedication to her craft, Jay Santilli is undoubtably one of Australia’s most promising country music artists. Her unique voice and tone have captivated audiences across the country, as she continues to make her mark in the industry, while being rewarded with a rapidly growing fanbase. Jay is currently working on new material and is looking to releasing an EP by the end of 2024.

The Shelly Jones Band pull on the emotional heartstrings with their latest single ‘Dance’ from their new album ‘Defining Moments’.

A dazzling moon, the stillness of night and a weeping cello entice the listener into an emotional trance on this mesmerizing gem about taking every opportunity to share quality time with your loved ones while you have the chance, as we never know what tomorrow will bring.

The Shelly Jones Band are an Australian husband and wife duo who have certainly made a big impact on the independent Australian Country Music scene already, having accumulated 12 #1 Hits on the Australian Country Songs Top 40 Chart to date. Throw in a few International #1 hits on Independent country music charts in Europe and the USA, in addition to multiple awards and it makes for an impressive musical resume!

Based on the Mid North Coast of NSW AUSTRALIA, these two award-winning singer-songwriters (Shelly and Lester) have been performing professionally together for over 15 years in their current format with a stellar reputation for delivering catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, beautiful harmonies, great musicianship and a hint of cheeky humour.

Benny Allen Releases A Cover Of The Beatles’ Classic ‘Here Comes The Sun’, in the lead-up to his brand new children’s album, ‘Friends With Honey Musical Kids Show’.

Benny Allen has collaborated with the acclaimed bee-ducator Helen Charles, to record an album of bee themed songs for children.

‘Here Comes The Sun’ is a featured track from the ‘Friends With Honey Musical Kids Show’ album, and is being released to radio, in the lead-up to the album launch for World Bee Day (May 20th 2024).

“It’s a song about growth, and the respite that change can bring, but we use it to educate kids about why we see more bees in Spring and Summer”.

“The Friends With Honey Musical Kids Show, both as an album and as a stage show, is about weaving songs and storytelling together, to provide a way of educating kids and adults about the importance of bees to pollination and our food security”.

It’s an interesting departure for Benny Allen, who has spent the last few years carving a path as an award winning artist in the Australian country music scene.

“Helen is so passionate about educating people about bees, sustainability and the environment, that it can’t help but rub off”, Benny said. “Having the opportunity to record some well known songs, as well as write with Helen, has made this the most exciting project I’ve been involved with to date”.

‘Here Comes The Sun’ was recorded with Golden Guitar nominated producer, Michael Carpenter in his Sydney studio, and is being released to radio and digital platforms on the 5th April 2024.

‘Friends With Honey Musical Kids Show’ is being released on the 17th May 2024, in time for World Bee Day. In the lead up to their ticketed album launch show at the RSPCA Pawditorium on the 18th May 2024. Benny and Helen will perform at Luna Park Melbourne during the Easter School Holidays.

Friends with Honey Musical Kids Show – Sing. Dance. Learn.

Benny Allen

Winning Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards in both 2021 and 2020, it’s hard to believe Benny Allen ‘Never Knew I Was Country’.

‘The Battle Of Point Nepean’ took out the Best Bush Ballad category in 2021, going back-to-back with his 2020 Best Video award, for ‘Never Knew I Was Country’.

2021 releases included the piano power ballad ‘Sing A Song For Me’ and honky-tonk inspired ‘Tired All The Time’, which both debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Country Music Chart, and also made it onto the Australian Independent Record Labels Associations charts. The dark murder ballad ‘Rosepetals And Gunpowder’ and bush ballad ‘The Old Guard’ also charted well on release, with No. 2 positions on the iTunes Country Music Charts

The 2020 year was capped off with the release of the up-tempo, Bluegrass inspired ‘Lady Luck & Me’ – which spent over three months in The Music Network’s commercial radio play Hot 50 Country Songs.

The video clips for both ‘Lady Luck & Me’, ‘Rosepetals And Gunpowder’ and ‘Tired All The Time’ have been strongly supported by local media; including Foxtel’s CMT channel, and Channel 31 Melbourne’s Nu Country TV

Helen Charles

Helen LOVES bees! She loves nature. She loves plants, animals, flowers, and all of the insects.

As the founder of environmental education business Friends With Honey, Helen has provided workshops on Bee Education, Citizen Science, Pollination and Biodiversity to Pre-Schools, Schools, Councils and Community Groups.

Helen’s passion for bees spreads to all who are around her.

Briana Dinsdale Returns With A Soulful Moody Track ‘Whiskey Worked That Way’.

Country singer-songwriter Briana Dinsdale is back in 2024 with a refreshing new attitude and maturity and a new single that is going to capture the hearts of music lovers everywhere.

Briana Dinsdale’s new single, ‘Whiskey Worked That Way’, signifies a pivotal moment in her career. Produced by Michael and Caleb Flanders in Nashville, the track delves into the complex emotions of anger, lust, heartbreak, and affection all at once. Briana eagerly anticipates this release as the inaugural piece in a series of tracks that will define her musical journey throughout her twenties – a compelling and exciting progression.

“I’m incredibly thrilled to share this song with the world. Collaborating with three of my favourite industry figures – Jen Mize, Robbie Mortimer and Chloe Styler was an incredible joy. The moment we penned it, we sensed how special it was. The urgency to bring it to life in the studio was undeniable, and having the opportunity to do so in Nashville, my dream city, made it even more special. Working alongside Michael and Caleb felt like working with family. I feel immensely grateful for the involvement of these two remarkable individuals in every aspect of the release. I can’t wait for people to hear it, and I hope they love it as much as I do.”

In the world of Country music, a fresh, vibrant talent is emerging. Briana Dinsdale has a voice that captures the essence of both heartache and hope, and her journey in music has already been marked by remarkable achievements. In 2022, Briana’s dedication to her craft were recognised when she was awarded the prestigious Keith Urban Scholarship to The CMAA Academy of Country Music.

Briana’s live performances are a testament to her captivating stage presence. Having graced the stages of acclaimed festivals such as the Groundwater Country Music Festival and the Gympie Music Muster, whilst also sharing stages with artists such as the Wolfe Brothers, John Williamson, Pete Murray, and The Whitlams.

What truly sets Briana apart is her exceptional songwriting prowess. Her lyrics resonate with wisdom beyond her years, delving into deep emotions that connect with listeners of all ages. Recognizing her talent, Briana has had the privilege of collaborating and co-writing with esteemed artists such as Casey Barnes and Bill Chambers, both ARIA award winners, and Melody Moko and Lyn Bowtell, both Golden Guitar winners.

Briana Dinsdale’s previous singles ‘Irresistible Force’ and ‘Last Name’ were well received by radio nationally and a with fast-growing fan base and respect from industry peers, firmly cements Briana as one of Australia’s brightest emerging country music artists.

Briana is set to create waves with this exciting new single release which promises to captivate audiences with its rich storytelling and soulful melody.

Briana Dinsdale’s new single ‘Whiskey Worked That Way’ is out to radio on 2nd April and digital platforms on 5th April.