Month: August 2024

WYATT FLORES’ HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FULL-LENGTH DEBUT WELCOME TO THE PLAINS OUT OCTOBER 18

NEW SINGLE “DON’T WANNA SAY GOODNIGHT” OUT TOMORROW WITH AN OFFICIAL VIDEO

EXTENSIVE FALL HEADLINE TOUR CONFIRMED

Rising country artist Wyatt Flores will release his highly anticipated full-length debut album, Welcome To The Plains, October 18 on Island Records (pre-order/pre-save here starting August 30). Ahead of the release, Flores’ new single, “Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight,” will debut tomorrow at 12:01am ET alongside an official music video. Pre-save the song here .

Produced by Beau Bedford (Orville Peck, Shane Smith & The Saints) and recorded between Los Angeles and Asheville, Welcome To The Plains details Flores’ journey as he balances the struggle of leaving his hometown of Stillwater, OK with the highs and lows of life on the road. Across these 14 tracks, including songwriting collaborations with Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor and Aaron Raitiere, Flores delivers the grounded and sincere storytelling he’s celebrated for, seamlessly blending traditional country and folk sounds.

Reflecting on the project, Flores shares, “It’s an album about home and a search for happiness. It’s an album about Stillwater, Oklahoma, and all the other little towns that have raised people like you and me. It’s an album about my family, and the people and places in my life who have defined who I am today. This album is happy on one side and heartbreak on the other, and whoever you are, I hope you find something you love in here.”

In celebration of the new music, Flores will embark on his “Welcome To The Plains Tour” this fall, which includes his largest headline shows to date. Upcoming stops include Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium (two nights), Brooklyn’s Brooklyn Paramount, Los Angeles’ Fonda Theatre (sold out), Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom (two nights), Boston’s House of Blues, Atlanta’s The Eastern, Chicago’s Vic Theatre, Pittsburgh’s Stage AE, Washington D.C.’s 9:30 Club and Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s Texas among many others. See below for complete tour itinerary. Full details can be found at www.wyattfloresmusic.com/tour.

Born and raised in Oklahoma, the Mexican-American artist has established himself as one of country music’s most vital voices with his three previous EPs, including Half Life, which was released earlier this spring. Receiving widespread critical attention, The New York Times praised, “Wyatt Flores…Has a Superpower: Tapping Emotions,” while NPR Music declared, “a fantastic record…he is making a big splash out there” and Holler proclaimed, “Flores at his gloriously life affirming, existential best.”

Further adding to his breakout year, Flores is nominated for Emerging Act of the Year at the 2024 Americana Music Association Honors & Awards, was named one of Rolling Stone’s 25 “Future of Music” artists, selected as Amazon’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year, included in Spotify’s Hot Country Class of 2024 and CMT’s Listen Up class, and made his Grand Ole Opry debut earlier this year. Additionally, Flores has garnered over 325 million streams to date, saw his 2022 breakout single, “Please Don’t Go,” scale the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart and had his song “Before I Do” with Jake Kohn featured on the soundtrack for the new Twisters movie.

WELCOME TO THE PLAINS TRACK LIST

1. Welcome To The Plains
2. When I Die
3. Oh Susannah
4. Only Thing Missing Is You
5. Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight
6. Habits
7. Right Here with You
8. The Truth
9. Forget Your Voice
10. Angels Over You
11. Little Town
12. Stillwater
13. Falling Sideways
14. The Good Ones

Co-written on his recent trip to Nashville with Bill DiLuigi and Scott Barrier, “Home Town” is Will Day’s latest compelling offering. Taking a change of direction with this track, “Home Town” is a heartfelt, emotive ballad pulling on the heartstrings of the listener showcasing a more delicate side of Day’s vocals. Evoking a strong sense of imagery, “Home Town” tells the story of a person’s strong connection to the place they grew up in and whilst a lot hasn’t changed for both of them, there’s still one thing missing.

“On a recent trip to Nashville, I was fortunate to work with some amazing writers. “Home Town” was the first track written on the trip. It was a pleasure to collaborate with Bill and Scott, they’re amazing writers. I’m known for releasing country rockers, so I thought it was time for a ballad again as it’s been a few years. Jared Adlam has done a fantastic job on the production as usual. It’s a really emotive song that creates some strong imagery, so I’m looking forward to my listeners hearing it for the first time”

In further news, Will is excited to join the Groundwater Country Music Festival lineup on the Gold Coast this October. Known for his high energy performances and regular appearances at prestigious events such as the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster, Texas (QLD) Country Music Festival, and Winton’s Way Out West Fest, Will is looking forward to returning to this major festival which includes artists such as Kasey Chambers, Adam Brand, Jayne Denham, Mel Dyer, Taylor Moss, Shannon Noll and international acts Tim Hicks, Jess Moskaluke, Jim Lauderdale and Gord Bamford.

Day’s music continues to resonate with fans across various platforms, earning significant radio airplay on KIX Country, ABC Country, Triple M Country, iHeartCountry Australia, and Australian Country Radio. His tracks have been featured on prominent Spotify playlists including Fresh Country, Fresh Country Finds, and New Music Friday, as well as Apple playlists like Aussie Country, 5th Gear, Today’s Country, Country Drive, and Back Porch Country. His music also has enjoyed recognition with a spot on Amazon Playlist Breakthrough Country (Canada).

In more exciting news, Will was recently announced as a finalist in the prestigious Nashville based 2024 Unsigned Only Competition for his previous single “Find Myself A Dirt Road”. A sister competition to the International Songwriting Competition, Unsigned Only attracts entries from around the world and this year had over 5,000 entries. Only 4% are fortunate enough to get placement in the finals and Day is the only Australian in the ‘Country Category’.

Will Day shows no signs of slowing down and continues to deliver his own signature style of country rock. His ability to blend upbeat, electrifying tunes with emotional, touching lyrics has made him a crowd favourite. Whether he’s commanding the stage with a lively country rock-infused track or serenading the audience with a soulful ballad, Day consistently delivers an engaging and memorable experience.

Australia’s newest country music sensation, Bella Mackenzie, has sparked a fire in country music fans and it’s going fully ablaze today with the release of her second single ‘WASTED’ featuring US country artist LECADE, and the announcement of her debut EP WILD THING dropping Friday November 22nd . The EP can be pre-ordered and pre-saved from here.

Bella proves real strength in her songwriting, unafraid to show her vulnerable side in ‘WASTED’. The burgeoning artist co-wrote her new single, with multi-instrumentalist and producer Jacky McCormack and LECADE. Written with strength and pride, the raw duet intertwines Bella and LECADE’S vocals seamlessly.

“WASTED is the struggle of two ex-lovers who run into each other downtown and can’t figure out if they still have that old spark or if it’s just the alcohol talking,” Bella shares.

LECADE says, “Working with Bella and her team was great. She is talented and I was excited to be part of such a cool song with her”.

‘WASTED’ is the follow up single to ‘COWBOY’ Bella Mackenzie’s first single through Island Records Australia. ‘COWBOY’ was instantly added to KIX Country, ABC Country, iHeartCountry, Nova Fresh Country and Triple M Country, peaking at #2 on the Australian Country Radio Charts. With over 500K global artist streams and 300K single streams for ‘COWBOY’ combined, the song was added to Spotify’s Fresh Country playlist, secured Apple Music’s Priority Songs with multiple editorial placements and the video added to RAGE and CTM Australia.

Bella Mackenzie will be performing at BIGSOUND next month, followed by Boots, Buckles & Beers Country Music Festival and Ridin’ Hearts Festival in the coming months.

Award-winning artist Natalie Jean has once again captivated audiences with the release of her latest country rock single “The What For”. Co-written by Natalie Jean and award-winning artist Nicki Kris, the song showcases the duo’s talent for crafting authentic music that resonates with listeners.

“The What For” produced by Alexi Von Guggenberg and Natalie Jean, is a powerful and relatable track that explores themes of freedom and having a good time. With its infectious chorus the song is sure to have everyone tapping their feet and grooving to the beat.

Natalie Jean’s unique sound and ability to connect with her audience shine through in “The What For”, making it a must-listen for fans of country rock music. The collaboration between Natalie Jean and Nicki Kris has resulted in a truly special and memorable track that is sure to solidify their status as respected artists in the industry.

Rick Rubin author of The Creative Act: A Way of Being says “Epiphanies are hidden in the most ordinary of moments: the casting of a shadow, the smell of a match igniting, an unusual phrase overheard or misheard. A dedication to the practice of showing up on a regular basis is the main requirement.”

When asked what the motivation was for this collaboration, Natalie said: “We were at a mutual friend’s party, and someone mentioned “The What For” and we didn’t know what that was. After some thought, we got a clue and thought it would be a great song”.

“The What For” is now available on all major streaming platforms. Don’t miss out on this incredible new release from Natalie Jean and Nicki Kris.

Natalie Jean is a Billboard, Itunes, Apple Music, Amazon Charting artist. Natalie is also an award-winning multi-nominated singer/songwriter performer.

www.natalie-jean.com

Nicki Kris is an award-winning Billboard Charting artist. Her songs have been featured in award-winning movies, TV shows, and on radio stations worldwide

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)’.

’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.

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!!

’12-Pack (Dad Bods)’ has been accompanied with loads of fun and out of the box marketing across Grant’s socials and is now taking things up a notch adding a visual treat. Grant Joseph has teamed up with Happy Dad Hard Seltzer to bring you the newly released official ’12-Pack (Dad Bods)’ music video. Get ready for a fun and hilarious ride that perfectly captures the spirit of the summer of Dad Bods!

Scene favourite Chloe Swannell is celebrating the release of her much anticipated new single “Livin’ In The Country”. Due to drop on streaming services on August 30th, this upbeat track is full of catchy melodies and feet tapping beats, that will ensure country music lovers will be kicking up their boots.

“This was one of the first songs I ever wrote as a teenager. Growing up I wasn’t always the most popular and often wondered what it was like to get invited to the all the parties, so I wrote this song as a reminder to my young self. For me growing up and living in the country is the only place I will truly call home. I am so excited to be releasing this song as the title track for my debut EP”. Chloe Swannell

Hot on the heels of her second single “Unchained” charting at #10 on the AIR charts and #11 on iTunes Country Charts, the track was also featured on CMT’s “New Country” and “Locals Only” programs, ABC Country’s Saturday Night Country with Beccy Cole, and was featured on Apple Music playlists “Country Risers”, “Lil Bit Country” and “Aussie Country”. Chloe is excited to be working once again with producer Tarquin Halls-Corbett to create this upbeat country rock banger.

Chloe’s passion for music extends beyond her own career as the founder of a well-known music studio in the Central West of NSW. No stranger to the stage she has shared the spotlight with artists such as Beccy Cole, Amber Lawrence and Hayley Jensen, as well as performing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival 2024 on the Fanzone Stage, Riverside Stage and special guest for Hayley Jensen at Moonshiners.

Chloe has announced her first string of shows beginning in September 2024 which celebrates her debut EP release “Livin’ In The Country” and her second appearance at the Tamworth Country Music Festival 2025.

The EP, also titled “Livin’ In The Country,” promises to be a celebration of country life with a collection of tracks that capture the essence of rural living and the joy of kicking off your boots.

Join Chloe Swannell in celebrating the release of “Livin’ In The Country” and experience the heart and soul of country music firsthand!

Chloe Swannell’s new single “Livin’ In The Country” is out at radio on Monday 26th August and all digital platforms on Friday 30th August.

Award winning and chart topping country troubadour, Andrew Swift, is gearing up for his 4th studio album release; dropping the first single, “(Hot Damn) It’s Been A Minute “. The new studio album is scheduled for release in 2025.

Joining forces again for this first single with renowned produced by Matt Fell; who worked on his past three #1 ARIA Australian Country album release, “Lightning Strikes and Neon Nights”, “The Art of Letting Go” and “Call Out For The Cavalry”.

As Andrew describes the new single, “I’ve found myself saying, ‘hot damn, it’s been a minute’ a little more often than I’d like to be. Time seems to have been getting away a little too easily the past few years and catching up with friends feels like it’s happening less frequently. But when we do get together, things pick up exactly where they left off. I always enjoy writing with Phil Barton, and this song was no exception. We always seem to get on the same page very quickly and always manage to write something I’m excited to record and release.”

ABOUT ANDREW SWIFT:
He’s released 3 ARIA #1 albums and garnered 3 CMAA Golden Guitar awards – most recently Male Artist of the Year 2023. Accolades have come thick and fast for lovable troubadour, Andrew Swift, since his foray into Country music some years ago. As Swift stood on the Toyota Star Maker stage in 2017, before thousands of Tamworth festivalgoers and surrounded by his fellow top 10 finalists, he waited nervously for one name to be read the victor…It wasn’t his. But that balmy January night kickstarted the singer-songwriter’s illustrious career. To date Andrew Swift has garnered awards for Best New Talent, Best Alt Country album and Best Male Vocalist .

With a voice that captivates and a down-to-earth charm that makes everyone feel at home, Denvah has swiftly become a shining star in the Australian Country Music scene since her debut EP in 2020. Her rich background in dance and musical theatre, starting at the tender age of 4, has made the stage her second home.

Riding high on her success as the 2023 winner of the Groundwater Kix-Start and Gympie Muster Talent Competitions, Denvah dazzled TV audiences nationwide as the quirky Country Girl from Rockhampton, securing a spot in the Australian Idol Top 3 with a series of unforgettable performances. Now a household name, Denvah’s appeal continues to soar as she enchants audiences with her natural effervescence.

Denvah has graced numerous festivals and events, including the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Country Fest QLD, Gympie Music Muster, and Groundwater Country Music Festival. Along her journey, she has shared the stage with and supported celebrated artists like Morgan Evans, Kasey Chambers, Brad Butcher, Lee Kernaghan, Troy Cassar-Daley, and Busby Marou.

An artist with songs that resonate deeply, Denvah’s vibrant persona and exceptional songwriting skills have quickly won over audiences. Her latest single, “Do Without “, which stayed in the Top 20 of the Countrytown Official Hot 50 chart for multiple weeks, has solidified her place as one of Australia’s most promising country music talents.

Denvah’s newest single, “Making Cups of Tea”, transports listeners to a specific moment in time, evoking deep nostalgia and the warmth of cherished memories. As Denvah explains, “While ‘Making Cups of Tea’ explores a very specific time, it taps into the nostalgic and reminiscent feelings of a past memory or experience. The story-oriented song gives specific details of a memory, giving listeners the feeling of involvement in the narrative, while still leaving room for curiosity. The track is a true recount of a life-changing event, told through memories, inside jokes, and personal breakthroughs, to fully encapsulate the gravity of this momentous occasion.”

Denvah’s unparalleled storytelling, coupled with her unique voice and engaging performances, ensures that “Making Cups of Tea” will be a standout track in her ever-growing discography.

Prolific country singer/songwriter, Melanie Dyer, has established herself as a leading female contemporary country artist who bounces her career between her home in Australia and country music’s capital, Nashville. With hit singles under her belt and industry accolades, Melanie releases her new single, “Deep End”.

The track is a collaboration featuring this year’s Australian Idol winner, Dylan Wright. Fresh from his win on the national TV program, Dylan has cemented himself as an accomplished vocalist and songwriter in his own right.

As Melanie describes the track, “Deep End is about that moment you’re falling for someone and while figuring out if it’s reciprocated, your heart’s gone and thrown you in over your head. The song wasn’t written as a duet, but after living with the demo for a year, it became obvious that it was missing a male voice and perspective. After hearing Dylan’s incredibly smooth and soulful voice on the Sons Of Atticus releases and again when he won Australian Idol this year, I knew he was the guy for the song. I was so happy he said yes right away!”

“I wrote “Deep End” with Phil Barton and Forest Whitehead in Nashville, June 2023 and exactly a year later I went back to Nashville where Tom Jordan (Seaforth) produced the song and recorded my lead vocals. A few days after landing back home, Dylan jumped in the studio to record his vocals remotely.”

Dylan confirms, “I’ve always been a big fan of Mel and when she asked me if I wanted to be on a track with her, I couldn’t hold back my excitement. I absolutely love the song and I think our vocals work so well together. We’d only met for the first time while recording this song but she’s so talented and such a joy to be around that it felt like we’d been working on music together for years.”

Melanie Dyer is currently touring Australia and will be joined by Dylan Wright at the Gympie Music Muster.

Portia Clark’s heartfelt new single “Blindly” inspired by Stevie Wonder

Australia’s Portia Clark is thrilled to announce the release of her single, “Blindly,” which is a heartfelt ode to unconditional love and admiration, drawing inspiration from Stevie Wonder’s profound influence on music and Portia’s own personal connection to his artistry.

Blindly video is currently being supported by CMT in their playlists.

With lyrics that paint a vivid picture of unwavering devotion, the song captures the essence of loving someone for who they truly are. Portia’s emotive performance and soulful delivery shine through in lines like, “You see me as beautiful when I’m feeling ugly, and I know when somebody loves me, truly loves me… blindly.”

The song showcases Portia exceptional talent in blending country and soul influences, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. Her powerful vocals are complemented by rich instrumentation, making “Blindly” a standout addition to her imminent album release.

Portia “This song is incredibly special to me because it reflects a love that is deep and unconditional. It’s inspired by Stevie Wonder, who has always been a hero of mine. His music and the way he views the world have profoundly influenced me. I hope ‘Blindly’ touches the hearts of everyone who listens to it, just as Stevie’s music has touched mine.”
“You play piano like my hero and I love you, baby. And you make me breakfast on hungover mornings, and I thank you, honey.” – “God only knows how you always see the best in me. And that kind of love just amazes me ‘cuz what we’ve got is…” – “Deeper than my brown eyes, stronger than the diamond on my left hand. And you see me as beautiful when I’m feeling ugly. And I know when somebody loves me, truly loves me… blindly.”

Portia is quickly becoming a beloved figure in the country soul genre, known for her authentic storytelling and rich, expressive voice. “Blindly” is set to continue this legacy, offering fans a heartfelt and relatable new anthem.

ABOUT
Portia was homeless, hungry, victim of domestic violence and the daughter to a deceased South African freedom fighter during the Nelson Mandela apartheid times and is now a proud Australian philanthropic rising country music star blending heartfelt lyrics with soulful melodies to create a unique and captivating sound. With her deep roots from country Zambia giving passion for storytelling. Her music is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and authenticity.