Month: July 2024

Following a successful promotional tour in Australia earlier this year, Canadian country artist Jason Kirkness is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest release, “What’s Wrong With Me”. This heartfelt track has already resonated deeply with listeners across Canada and the US and is poised to make an impact in Australia following its radio debut on 15th July.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, Kirkness shares, “When you are at your best or you are at your worst, having someone by your side, through thick and thin, is priceless. The unwavering support can be a steady anchor in life’s unpredictable ocean, keeping you grounded when you need it most. That is the most valuable thing you can have in this world”.

Jason Kirkness has earned countless accolades including MCMA 2023 Male Artist of the Year (Canada) notable achievements such as 18 weeks in the Top 40 on Billboard Canada and recognition on the Top 100 Music Row. His music has been featured prominently on CMT Australia and received extensive airplay on major stations like KIX Country, Today’s Country 94 One, ABC Country and countless community radio stations.

“What’s Wrong With Me” promises to continue Kirkness’ streak of delivering soul-stirring country music that resonates with audiences globally. The track has already achieved 869,600 streams worldwide and has been featured across Canada in major and secondary markets including a major add to SiriusXM in its first week of release resulting in the track racing debuting at #2 on the SiriusXM Chart.

Was never intended to be a radio focus track. But US Country Radio was organically hyped on the song and airplay support last Friday and Saturday nailed down a #33 Mediabase Chart Debut. The song solidified a #29 Billboard Chart debut with just one day of airplay as a Top 3 Greatest Audience Gainer of the week.

Follows the remarkable global success of Post Malone & Morgan Wallens monster hit “I Had Some Help”, which has landed at #1 Country Radio Airplay in the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK.

“Lies Lies Lies” debuted as part of Morgan Wallens’ live Abbey Road Sessions, which were recorded in London in Studio Two of the iconic Abbey Road Studios. The video was posted to Morgans YouTube channel in March.

Youtube link: https://youtu.be/aN7WCsC9nkI?si=JLpSfcHj17IviEAW

One of the most compelling aspects of Niki Small’s emergence with her Woodward Avenue Records debut, The Chase, is the fact that she didn’t take her first singing lesson until age 25. She spent some years in Southern California making connections and honing her vocals and her craft as a songwriter before the opportunity presented itself to record an album showcasing her multitude of talents. Yet from the poetic, scene setting opening lines of her sultry, whimsically romantic debut single (the collection’s title track), those soulful, smooth vocals seem so at home amidst the bluesy, jazzy, country and Americana-tinged vibes created by producer Paul Brown and his L.A. based ensemble, that it feels like she’s a natural who’s been doing it all her life.

Written by Niki and produced and mixed by Brown – who also contributes one of his trademark edgy, crying blues guitar solos after the second chorus – “The Chase” reveals the singer as a dynamic storyteller, drawing us into a fun, freewheeling world with her lover under pink skies and street lights, where “the wind is slipping through our hair,” they’re engulfed in a wave “big enough to share” and they’re laughing and kissing under the stars. When she gets to the chorus, we learn that it’s not all that serious, but more like a glorious, sunsplashed summer fling: “Hearts beating like crazy, like they’re in a race/But I don’t care about the finish line/Baby, I’m just here for the chase…” The exciting hook finds her repeating “the chase” several times, adding wordless vocal textures for emphasis as the music and easy groove breezes along. She even shows a bit of a humorous dark edge when, in Verse 2, she sings, “I can’t tell if what I’m feeling is from the shit we’re smokin’ or somewhere far beyond…”

Listeners who take every word Niki sings literally will enjoy a fun, lighthearted summery country tune with some clever turns of phrase. What’s ironic, however, is that “The Chase” doubles as an emphatic mission statement about her long term, slow building approach to her career – and that’s something she takes very seriously. Explaining the essential romantic storyline, she says, “The song is about fun and the thrill of falling in love without caring how it turns out or where it might lead.” Diving into its deeper meaning, she adds, “The song is very much about both love and my career to this point. The lyrics relate to my ups and downs in the industry. I just knew I wanted to write songs, sing and follow wherever that desire would take me. I believe life is one percent about getting where you want to be and 99 percent experiencing life along the way.”

Niki has called The Chase (the album) a collaborative effort based on her engagement with Brown and the dynamic crew of L.A. musicians who on the title track create a cool, laid-back foundation featuring Shane Theriot’s subtle rhythm guitar and Marco Basci’s bluesy old school keyboard accents. The rhythm section features bassist Bob Glaub and drummer Tony Braunagel.

While Niki showcases the full range of her talents throughout the collection – including her Linda Ronstadt like ability to recreate classic and obscure older songs in her own style – “The Chase” offers a splendid intro to her beautiful vocal vibe and incredible songwriting skills.

• Jonathan Widran

Australian country pop sensation Kaitlyn Thomas has launched her latest single “Hell Of A Long Time,” delivering a powerful blend of sassy lyrics and country rock energy that promises to captivate listeners across the nation. Written by Kaitlyn Thomas, Troy Kemp, Michael Paynter, Michael Delorenzis and produced by powerhouse duo MSquared, “Hell Of A Long Time” is a bop about catching up with friends and family that you haven’t seen in a long time. Knowing that time may change us, but it will never change the bond and good times that we all share.

Building on the success of her previous hits, Kaitlyn Thomas has garnered significant attention with her distinctive edgy country sound and charismatic performances. Her recent singles have enjoyed high rotation on prominent radio stations such as KIX Country and Triple M Country, as well as being featured on esteemed editorial playlists including Fresh Finds and Fresh Country on Spotify, and Aussie Country & Country Risers on Apple Music.

Kaitlyn’s music has resonated strongly on streaming platforms, with her single “Damn You” amassing over 191,000 streams on Spotify alone. Her previous achievements on the charts include reaching #5 on the Top 30 Country Charts at Country Thunder and achieving #13 on PlayMPE’s top 20 streams. Additionally, she secured the 16th spot on the Oz CMR Tasmania chart.

Having enjoyed national exposure on the 2023 series of Australian Idol, Kaitlyn’s most recent achievement was being announced as a Top 12 Talent Search Finalist at the 2024 Gympie Music Muster. The winner will be announced at the festival in August.

With an impressive resume that includes recognition from radio tastemakers such as KIX Country, ABC Country, iHeart Country, Australian Country Radio, Country Thunder as well as support on music videos on CMT Australia, Kaitlyn Thomas continues to establish herself as a rising star in the country music scene. Her latest release “Hell Of A Long Time” is poised to further solidify her reputation for delivering compelling music that resonates with audiences everywhere.

” Going Nowhere Fast” a far cry from reality for Lane Pittman and the dynamite year he is currently having. From his debut EP to his first headline tour and even further with spotlight performances at Nashville’s CMA fest, Lane is certainly going somewhere fast.

Co-written by Nashville icons Eric Paslay, Rivers Rutherford and Warren Zeiders, “Going Nowhere Fast” became an obvious standout in the EP which debuted on the ARIA Country Album Charts at #1 and #8 in the ARIA Australian Album Charts. A huge feat that was shared moments after stepping off stage at CMC Rocks in March this year.

Previous single “Let’s Get Lost” climbed to #7 on the CountryTown Airplay Charts while Lane took the Let’s Get Lost Tour across the country, selling out headline shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Saving “Going Nowhere Fast” as the final song at each show became a standout moment in each town. When the fiddle began to play, a match goes off in the room sparking energy inside every fan; the show is coming to an end, but the party is just starting.

Lane reflects after seeing audiences react to the song: “Going Nowhere Fast is such a fun song for me! It’s the song that I really get to cut loose. This leans into more Country Rock but I think that’s why I love it so much. We knew we wanted to lean this way after hearing the original work tape for it and thinking we had a really cool opportunity to spice it up”.

The single will also be accompanied by a ‘fan made’ music video featuring footage sent in by fans from the Let’s Get Lost Tour. The idea came after the tour as fans infiltrated Lanes inbox with moments from each show, now fans who missed out on tickets can feel what it was like to be at a Lane Pittman show.

Lane will be hitting the road again for a string of festivals and shows including performances at Gympie Muster, Savannah in the Round and just announced – supporting Riley Green in Brisbane this October. These won’t be his only appearances with more shows to be announced in the coming weeks.

Lee Kernaghan has unveiled “Who I Am”, the lead single from his upcoming album scheduled for a 2025 debut. This album marks Kernaghan’s 16th studio release in a career spanning 3 decades.

“Who I Am” features 2 x Golden Guitar winner James Johnston and was written by Kernaghan and Johnston along with hit songwriters Nick Wolfe and Colin Buchanan. Produced by Jared Adlam at Machine Lab Studios “Who I Am” digs deep into Lee and James’ country roots paying tribute to the people and land they love.

“Who I Am” is a unique collaboration that began with a chance encounter between the two singers when James was just starting out. As Lee describes it, “I remember meeting James when he was just 10 years old busking on Peel St Tamworth. I shook the little bloke’s hand and signed a tour poster for him writing:

‘To James – you will rock Australian country! Lee Kernaghan 2001’

James told me that the autographed poster hung on his bedroom wall for many years alongside his childhood musical heroes. Twenty years later he’s gone on to become one of the most popular new artists in country music. To be able to release this song together and share a part of our story is pretty special to me.”

It’s the records that I wore out
It’s the heroes on my wall
It’s the dream that I’ve been dreaming of
since I was six years old

It’s the songs that I keep writing
It’s the miles that I drive
It’s the little bar in this town
I’m playing at tonight
It’s who I am

(Lyrics from Who I Am)

James recalled “As a young boy, I grew up listening to Lee’s music, it made me feel proud of the life I lived as a small town country kid. ‘Who I Am’ is an extension of that, it’s about being proud of the person you are and celebrating the life you love. To be able to have a song with this message with my childhood hero is something I’m incredibly excited about”.

Earlier this month, Kernaghan expanded his Boys From The Bush – The Concert Australian Tour , adding new dates in New South Wales and Queensland. He also hinted at the upcoming new album, revealing that he’s been working on new music in the studio and added that there will be more tour dates coming in 2025.

A STATEMENT, A LIFESTYLE AND NOW AN ANTHEM FOR LIFTING THE RIGHT ARM

“Ain’t No Better Buddy Than A Beer” is Casey Barnes’ spirited ode to beer and good times. This track from his fifth studio album, “Mayday”, invites you to let your hair down, sing along, and grab a cold one.

Reflecting on the creation of the song, which he penned in Nashville last year on a writing trip, Casey says:

“What’s the one thing in life that waits for you patiently, never judges you, and is always there? Beer. That’s the premise we embraced when writing this one, with tongue firmly in cheek. It’s a BBQ anthem, a deliberate departure from what you might be used to hearing from me. This track is all about having fun and singing along, no matter where you are around the world when they call last drinks! I was also fortunate to have the legendary Nashville songsmith Bobby Huff contribute to the tune, and we’re confident it’ll have you reaching for the fridge-in moderation, of course ;)”

“Mayday” has already made a significant impact, debuting at #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album Charts, #2 on the Australian Album Charts, and #2 on the Overall Country Album Charts. It also entered the AIR Album Charts at #1. Singles like “Mayday,” “Miracles,” “Never Give Up On A Good Time,” “Boys Like Me,” and “Summer Nights” have all topped the CountryTown Radio Airplay Charts, solidifying Barnes’ status as a country music heavyweight. Notably, “Summer Nights” clinched the APRA Award for Most Performed Country Work this year.

You’ve cranked up the volume and memorised all the lyrics-now it’s time to gather your mates and hit the road with Casey Barnes and his band to celebrate the Mayday Album Tour.

“Writing and recording new music in the studio is one thing, but my favourite part is always taking those songs on the road and playing them live for the fans! Mayday is my first album in over two years, and we can’t wait to bring our brand-new live show to amazing locations all around Australia!”

Starting this July, Casey Barnes is taking his electrifying new album across the country for a series of headline and festival shows. He has been perfecting his dynamic live performances with standout sets at CMC Rocks, Stagecoach Festival (the world’s largest country music festival), and most recently, CMA Fest this year.

Radio Is Loving Ready To Run

“Conrad is a very talented First Nations Performer that has been on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown a number of times and I can see this one breaking the charts soon as well.” – Coyote 106 FM

“Nice catchy tune with a summer feel”- James Oor Country Scotland

Conrad’s versatility in blending Country, Folk, and Americana genres will leave you in awe. Ignite your resilience, face any challenge head-on with ‘Ready to Run’.

TWO TONE PONY RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘GOING BACK’ + ANNOUNCE FORTHCOMING DEBUT ALBUM ‘BORN ON THE ROAD’

Staunch believers in authentic Australian country music, Two Tone Pony unveil their new single ‘Going Back’. The up-tempo track arrives ahead of the band’s debut album Born on the Road, set for release on Friday 19th July available for pre order now.

‘Going Back’ hits the ground running; from the driving backbeat to the twangy guitar lines, its pulse is irresistible. As its reverb-soaked licks weave between frontman David Kirkpatrick’s deft storytelling, it feels like the soundtrack to a silver screen scene. An attribute Kirkpatrick credits to producer, Rod McCormack (Gina Jeffreys, Adam Harvey).

“Rod gives it an almost spaghetti western feeling and adds to the cinematic sweep of the song,” he says.

Being the first song Kirkpatrick wrote for the band, it struggled to fit into a box. “I wrote freely, not thinking how it may sound in terms of genre,” he recalls. Yet within the storied walls of McCormack’s The Music Cellar studios, tucked away on the NSW Central Coast, the band’s unique sound took shape.

Inspiration for the song came from Kirkpatrick’s father, legendary Australian performer, Slim Dusty. “I had the vision of driving back down the Nulla Nulla Valley to my father’s dairy farm,” unpacks the songwriter. “How he might have felt returning to a place he had in his own words – escaped from.”

“Going back to where it all began / Once a boy, now a man / Crossed some lines in the sand / He’s going back to where it all began.” Kirkpatrick’s lyrics paint a vivid picture as he recounts the would-be pilgrimage.

Two Tone Pony’s alternative-tinged brand of country music is best enjoyed live. In the coming months, the Central Coast 5-piece will appear at Tamworth’s annual Hats Off to Country Festival and will be performing headline shows in Sydney and the Central Coast’s Hardy’s Bay.

The latest offering ‘Going Back’ reveals the band’s grittier side, testimony to their versatility. Feeling both familiar and fresh, the single sets the tone for the band’s highly anticipated debut album Born on The Road – out 19th July.

After amassing a staggering 40 million views on Instagram reels with a tantalizing teaser, GRAMMY®-nominated artists Quavo and Lana Del Rey release their highly-anticipated new song “Tough” today via Capitol/Interscope/Polydor. Directed by Wyatt Spain Winfrey, the video for ‘Tough’ is a mesmerizing fusion that allows both superstars to fearlessly explore each other’s musical realms, showcasing their indomitable spirit. Set in a rural backdrop, Quavo and Lana are intrepid companions, undaunted by life’s trials. On one end, Quavo brandishes his shotgun while Lana carries her guitar, symbolizing their unwavering strength despite their contrasting origins.

“Tough like the scuff on a pair of old leather boots/Like the blue-collar, red-dirt attitude/Like a .38 made out of brass/Tough like the stuff on your grandpa’s glass,” the country-trap hook goes.

Following the release of the teaser of “Tough,” the clip enjoyed various viral moments and was picked up by numerous publications, including Billboard, Rolling Stone, Spin, Hypebeast, and more. Quavo and Lana added more fuel to the conversation when they performed the song together at the singer’s headlining performance at Fenway Park in Boston. The teased reel posted on Instagram became the most viewed reel of all time for Quavo, while that became the second largest for Lana.