Month: July 2024

Canadian recording Artist and International touring act Aaron Halliday, is introducing the rest of the world to the first single released exclusively in Canada in 2018, as a prequel to the – yet to be named – New Album coming out later this fall. This single is very much indicative of the ‘Real life’ feeling between Aaron and his wife Sharyn. Written by Alberta/Nashville songwriter and performer Aaron Goodvin along with Shane Minor this song, despite the title, will have you Dancin’ All Night!

Powerhouse Australian country duo, The Wolfe Brothers , are back in 2024 with a bounty of new music, more tour dates and a fresh signing to ABC Music. The first single to drop is the track, “Little By Little”.

The Wolfe Brothers, comprised of Nick and Tom Wolfe, return after the success of their #1 album, “Livin’ The Dream”, in 2023. The duo have released 6 studio albums to date, been awarded 9 x Golden Guitars and amassed streams in excess of 20 million. The new single penned by Nick Wolfe; was co-produced with Rod McCormack.

As Nick describes the single, “Little By Little for us feels like the perfect way to kick off the next chapter for the band. We want to come out with a big bang, doing what we love do best – making rockin’ country music that our fans can crank up, crack a beer and let their hair down to. Lyrically the song taps into what most Aussie’s are feeling right now in 2024. The cost of living is off the charts, there’s so many crazy things happening in the world and we’re all in the same boat, just out here trying to make ends meet and do the best we can, sometimes it all gets a bit too much and we need to blow off a little steam. We hope this track can be the soundtrack to some wild nights and letting loose!”

Tom adds on “Little by Little”, “Musically this track is right in the zone of what we love and what we do best as a band. We’re not chasing a trend or a current sound, we’re just making the music we want to make. We were absolutely wrapped to have one of our musical heroes Stevie Williams from the John Farnham band join us on the song with some absolutely blistering harmonica. We can already see Little by Little becoming a staple of our live show and we cannot wait to blast it off of stages all around the country!”

GET SET TO ROAR WITH THE RELEASE OF BILLIE-JO PORTER’S NEW SINGLE ‘HOWL AT THE MOON’

Since releasing her self-titled #4 ARIA Australian Country Album, Billie-Jo Porter has followed up with two mesmerising collaboration singles. Now, the singer-songwriter reminds us to let out hair down every once in a while, in her latest solo offering, ‘Howl at the Moon’.

The concept came to Billie-Jo as the sun set over the Twilight Food Markets in Coffs Harbour. “It was a beautiful night, with the most magnificent full moon rising as I was playing my set,” she recalls. “I asked the crowd if they wanted to howl at the moon with me and like a pack of wild dingo’s, we all howled. There is something magic about letting loose and howling in a group – I knew then that I had to write a song.”

‘Howl at the Moon’ showcases Billie-Jo’s unwavering authenticity, building upon her signature sound – catchy, yet distinct and a hell of a good time. Inspired by her teenage years, the song is imbued with a sense of freedom. “Growing up in regional NSW we had to make our own fun,” she recalls of time spent with her mates following the rodeo and polocrosse circuits around on their P plates.

This sense of carefree joy and the importance of savouring the moment reflects a profound truth: the glory days are a state of mind. Billie-Jo’s intent with ‘Howl at the Moon’ is not just to reminisce but to rekindle that feeling of uninhibited joy. As she aptly puts it, “I wanted to capture the feeling of those days and remind myself not to be too serious.”

After producing her stellar self-titled debut album, Billie-Jo knew multi-award winner Shane Nicholson was the man to breathe sonic life into her new single. Inspired by the legendary Allman Brothers, the song’s vintage tones and jubilant guitars artfully blend new and old. “Shane nailed it and created some guitar licks that make you want to get out on the dance floor and blow the cobwebs off the old air guitar!!”

From her debut single release, ‘Feels Like Us’, in 2021, to a Top 10 Grand Finalist spot in Toyota Star Maker and multiple Tamworth Songwriters Association Finalist mentions, Billie-Jo has made a serious splash. In a nod to her roots, the video clip for her debut single is currently being projected in her hometown of Quirindi, as part of their award-winning Quirindi Silo Art light show.

2024 has been a busy year for the gypsy soul, kicking off with a sold-out show at Moonshiners during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, performances at Meatstock in Toowoomba and Sydney, and touring from the border of NSW/VIC all the way to Proserpine in QLD. Billie-Jo is burning up and down the highway with more shows to come including Gympie Music Muster and a headline show at Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2025.

“Billie-Jo’s music is heart and sunshine wrapped up in great melodies and soulful vocals” – Sophie Hamley – Sunburnt Country Music. ‘Howl at the Moon’ is just that; a fun-loving romp that makes you want to howl and sing along at the top of your lungs.

Like a RHINESTONED Cowboy

Grab your boots and get ready to be dazzled, as Australian country music trio Rhinestoned ride into town with their sparkly rendition of the classic Glen Campbell hit ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ which will hit the airwaves and be available for download from July 26th.

Rhinestone Cowboy is a song written by Larry Weiss and released in 1974. 2024 marks 50 years since Glen Campbell toured Australia and first heard the song on the radio. He then traveled back to Nashville and told his record label he wanted to record the song, the rest is history and Rhinestone Cowboy went on to became a worldwide hit! “Rhinestone Cowboy is a song that really represents our journey as a band and how we have all been chasing this dream and paying our dues for a long time in the hope that one day it will all pay off.” – says Kirsty.

This reimagined version of the iconic hit combines it’s timeless charm and Rhinestoned’s retro country flair. The trio are known to breathe new life into classic hits and this song was a match made in cowboy heaven. “I love that our version of the song features Kirsty, Jesse and I on lead vocals. Producing the track with Kirsty and making it our own was a lot of fun.”- says Dan

“I am more than happy to only sing BV’s and let Kirst and Dan take the lead, but they wouldn’t let me sit in the background of this one and had me step out of my comfort zone.” – says Jesse

Rhinestoned have hit the road for their ‘Small Town Big Hearts’ tour, selling out shows across regional NSW and will hit the stage at the Gympie Music Muster next month.

JOSIE FLIPS THE SCRIPTS WITH HEARTFELT NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘LIFE ON THE FLIP SIDE’

Emerging country music sensation Josie drops her latest single, ‘Life on the Flip Side’. This heartfelt mid-tempo serves as a follow-up to her popular song ‘Freight Man’, and it dives deeper into her life on the road, capturing the unique and resilient lifestyle of rural Australia.

Inspired by Josie’s often used catchphrase, “catch ya on the flip side”, the song narrates her experiences growing up in the cab of her dad’s Western Star road train. “It’s telling the story of my life on the road from a different angle to Freight Man, touching on the fact it wasn’t exactly something kids in the school yard thought was cool right away”, admits the singer-songwriter. “Having been into many different stations and remote places across the travels in the truck, it truly opened my eyes to their lifestyle, the work that went into living that life, and how tough it really can be out there.”

She co-wrote the song with Ben Penna , with whom she also collaborated on her swaggering party track, ‘Down Here’. The pair penned the lyrics moments before a show. “After this show I said to him as he was leaving “That’s life on the flip side…that’s the hook”, and it was settled. Made so much sense!”

Recording ‘Life on the Flip Side’ was a joyous experience for Josie, thanks to the creative input of the MSquared masterminds, Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis. “They reworked the song, adding their magic touch, and the final product is something Josie is incredibly proud of, as it perfectly captures her story and the essence of life on the road.”

The music video was filmed at the Reid River Export Depot just outside of Townsville. “I was so stoked we could film in a location that felt so real and authentic,” comments the Queensland native. “Seeing the work being carried out through the day… just felt so special and full circle to be standing there all done up filming a music video for my own song about living that life”.

Since arriving on the scene Josie’s authentic brand of country music has caught plenty of attention. Her previous single, ‘Our Place’ hit #39 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts and was added to Spotify’s ‘Fresh Country’ and Apple Music’s ‘Happy Hour’, ‘Country Risers’ and ‘Aussie Country’ editorial playlists. While her music has collectively totalled more than 1 million streams.

She has shared stages with renowned artists like Brad Cox, Lane Pittman , Wade Forster and Troy Cassar-Daley. In 2024, Josie graced the stages of several major festivals – including Country Fest, Winton Way Out West Fest, and the sold-out Lasso CMF – while soon to impress at upcoming festivals, Bowen’s Bottoms on the Grass in August and Gatton’s Lights on the Hill in October.

Josie is making waves in the Australian country music scene with her powerful voice, authentic storytelling, and undeniable swagger. Her music, deeply rooted in the country’s rural landscape, is sure to stir the soul and get boots tapping.

Infectious groove! Summer dance party! Country! Are you ready to be teleported back to a honky tonk in the 1990’s? Brooks and Dunn meets Luke Combs – we’re gettin’ WONKY TONK – with Rachel Lipsky. Co-written with Timothy Baker (⅓ of the Old Hickory trio signed to River House Records), produced by number one songwriter, Jeff Coplan.

TANIA KERNAGHAN’S NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘SADDLE SISTERS’ CAPTURES THE MAGIC OF HORSE RIDING AND IT’S AFFINITY WITH THE SISTERHOOD

One of Australia’s endearing daughters of country music, Tania Kernaghan is back in the songwriting saddle with a brand-new single. Two of Tania Kernaghan’s greatest passions – horse riding and songwriting – unite in her latest offering ‘Saddle Sisters’.

‘Saddle Sisters’ is a beautifully crafted homage to the bond between girls and their horses, the friendships forged around the riding fraternity, and how the love for the lifestyle lingers no matter how long you have been out of the saddle – something that is close to Tania’s heart.

Co-written with her “good mates” Rod McCormack, Templeton Thompson, and Sam Gay, ‘Saddle Sisters’ was inspired by Tania’s recent experiences on a horse-riding trek.

“I started hosting small groups on five-day Cattle, Bush and Beach Rides (with Rainbow Beach Horse Rides near Gympie, Qld) in 2022. The rides attracted mostly ladies who came from all over Australia, all with various backgrounds. I noticed that despite our differences, the one thing we all had in common was our love of horses and it wasn’t long before we branded ourselves the ‘Saddle Sisters’. At the time I thought, “What a great title for a song.”

Tania found the same passion for horses and heartfelt emotion ran deep in all the groups she hosted, those moving insights the catalyst for her to put pen to paper again.

“I hope when people listen to Saddle Sisters, that the nostalgia of the song, reliving the joy that horses and riding together can bring, will put a smile on their faces. And if they haven’t ridden for a while, that Saddle Sisters might inspire them to get back in the saddle.”

Co-writer Rod McCormack also produced ‘Saddle Sisters’, his working relationship with Tania harking back to her platinum-selling debut album 1996’s December Moon. “I knew Rod would give Saddle Sisters a contemporary country sound while staying true to my traditional country roots.”

Produced by multi award winning Duncan Toombs of The Filmery, the accompanying video clip was shot at Stonewall Equestrian Centre near Gosford NSW. “When I look back at how the idea for the Saddle Sister’s came about – (Hosting rides with Rainbow Beach Horse Rides) then writing the song and recording the track with my good mate, Rod, then wrangling a wonderful group of women and their horses to feature in the video, coupled with enlisting the talents of Duncan Toombs, for me it was like a dream coming true to see everything come together. I am so grateful to everyone who helped me bring Saddle Sisters to life.”

Tania’s own history with horses and riding goes back to her grandmother who rode track work for a racehorse trainer.

“Nana Roberts was a great horsewoman and my mother Pam also bred pleasure horses. Her palomino Geronimo appeared on one of dad’s (Ray Kernaghan) album covers and in several of his TV commercials promoting his music. Gerry, as we called him, was part of our family. We’d take him everywhere. Barbecues on the banks of Murray where we grew up or visiting nan and pop on the stock routes where they drove sheep and cattle. It was like taking the family dog in the car, except he was in a float.”

Tania Kernaghan is currently touring nationally for her Let Your Love Flow concerts and will be making special appearances at this year’s EKKA at Brisbane Showgrounds, performing the national anthem and ‘Saddle Sisters’ on horseback each night in the main arena.

‘Saddle Sisters’ – out now and available across all music streaming platforms.

GRANT JOSEPH INTRODUCES THE NEXT SUMMER ANTHEM ’12-PACK (DAD BODS)’!!

Grant Joseph is an emerging country artist hailing from Trenton, Ontario. After years of establishing himself into his local country music scenes, he is now set to make waves with his first big single ’12-Pack (Dad Bods)’, releasing July 19, 2024.

’12-Pack (Dad Bods)’ is poised to be the song of the summer, bringing a fun and happy vibe that’s sure to get everyone moving. The track celebrates the joy and confidence of embracing the dad bod, with catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms perfect for all summer playlists.

’12-Pack (Dad Bods)’ has already been accompanied with loads of fun and out of the box marketing across Grant’s socials and will have the addition of the track’s exciting and humorous music video set to release in early August, adding a visual treat to this summer anthem.

The song has already garnered the attention of the hard seltzer company, Happy Dad, who has come on board as the main feature for the song’s marketing and music video.

After being hospitalized with an injury in the spring that now prevents him from strenuous exercise, Grant took this as an opportunity to embrace the Dad bod this year. He is now celebrating across the country with all of those alike, making Dad bods the hottest ticket of the summer of 2024!!

Multi-platinum group Parmalee follows the release of their new single “Gonna Love You” with the powerful and autobiographical music video that recreates the night they were victims of an attempted robbery which left their drummer with a 5% chance of living.

Following a show in SC, brothers Matt and Scott Thomas were in their RV when two robbers entered the vehicle demanding cash. Soon after, a gunfight broke out, and though Scott fended off both intruders, he was shot three times. He was airlifted to a hospital where he spent 40 days, 10 in a coma, recovering from his injuries.

“We felt like this was the right song and the right time to tell this story,” said Scott. “It was emotional and surreal for all of us to relive that experience, but we knew it was time.”

Miraculously, just 4 months after the incident, the band took the stage for the first time since the shooting occurred. That night, they secured a record deal they had been working on for years. “We couldn’t believe how many people came together to help us. We would’ve never made it through had it not been for our fans, families, friends, and all the bands and musicians who came together to help us out! We didn’t even ask, they just did it!”

“Gonna Love You” follows their most recent #1 single, “Girl In Mine”. With four 4 # 1 radio singles and three consecutive in as many years, Stoney Creek Records’ Parmalee has now scored more#1’s than any other band or group in country music during that time.

“Girl In Mine” was the follow-up to their #1 record-setting, “Take My Name,” which was Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2022, and the #1 Platinum hit, ” Just The Way” with Blanco Brown. The band first topped the charts with a song inspired by their home state, “Carolina.”

ABOUT PARMALEE:

Parmalee is one of Country music’s most successful acts with four #1 singles, multiple platinum records, and more than 1 Billion on-demand streams. Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), Cousin Barry Knox (bass), and life-long friend Josh McSwain (guitar/keyboard), the North Carolina natives first topped the charts with “Carolina,” followed by their PLATINUM-certified No. 1 single with Blanco Brown, “Just the Way”. They followed with “Take My Name”, which was Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2022. They recently scored their third consecutive #1 single with “Girl In Mine”. Those three #1’s and 15 other tracks are available on their new album For You 2. For more information, visit: www.parmaleemusic.com .

Short description of the release/song:

I grew up in a small town in Texas, which meant some of my first ever gigs were in blue collar bars and honky tonks. I have made so many lifelong friends in those places and, to me, you meet people right where they are at. No showing face, just in a bar to wind down and make memories! This song’s vibe is definitely a windows rolled down, singing it out with your friends down a back road.

Short Bio:

While others her age were spending their weekends partying, Mary Sarah was out working with the likeness of Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, and many more on her “Bridges” duet album where she paid respect to the legends before her. Wasting no time after a legendary album, Mary Sarah went on to receive a 4-chair turn and placed 5th on Season 10 of The Voice. Garnering more than 275,000+ streams on Spotify and over 200,000+ followers on all socials, fans are eager and anticipating much more to come. Her current singles, “Stubborn” and “Chain Smokin'”, bring a fresh yet familiar sound to the country music scene that is sure to leave a lasting mark.