Rising Australian country star Sammi Palinkas is set to make a bold statement with her latest single, “What This Woman Wants”, a high-energy anthem about knowing your worth and refusing to settle for anything less than you deserve. The track, written with award-winning Australian country producer Rod McCormack (Lee Kernaghan, The Wolfe Brothers, Paul Kelly) and Emmy-nominated Nashville songwriter Joie Scott (Shania Twain, Colin Raye, Anne Murray), channels the strength and spirit of modern womanhood with a fiery, unapologetic sound.
Inspired by the dynamic energy of Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine” and the fearless fun of “Best Worst Ex” by Alexandra Kay and Julia Cole, “What This Woman Wants” delivers an empowering message wrapped in vibrant, contemporary country production. A standout lyric from the chorus, “If you can’t bring the heat, then get out of the kitchen,” playfully reclaims a traditional image of women as homemakers, flipping the narrative to reflect today’s expectations for balance, respect, and equality in relationships.
The single is the first taste of Palinkas’ forthcoming debut album, “No Settlin’,” a 15-track project set for release in mid-2025. Reflecting on the past five years of her life and career, the album tells stories of resilience, love, and personal growth. “What This Woman Wants” has been intentionally timed for release ahead of International Women’s Day 2025, kicking off a steady rollout of new music every 4-6 weeks leading up to the album release, with additional tracks extending into a deluxe edition through the end of the year.
Accompanying the single is a visually striking music video directed by long-time collaborator Bonnie Jarrett of BonnCreative. Filmed at Co.Bake Studios in Melbourne, the video takes an unexpected turn, placing Palinkas as a cooking show host who finds herself in a wildly entertaining plot twist-accidentally eliminating her overconfident co-host. “Bonnie and I had so much fun bringing this crazy storyline to life. Early last year, people kept telling me I looked like Western Barbie, so I decided to have some fun with that in the visual campaign for my album. In my determination not to become just another blonde country singer, we took that colorful persona and blended it with sharp, playful commentary on women in the industry.”
Palinkas has already made an undeniable impact on Australia’s country music scene. Her debut country single “Meet in the Middle” debuted at #3 on the Australian iTunes Country chart and #8 across All Genres. Subsequent hits, including “You’ve Lived,” “Don’t Blink,” and “Let Your Hair Down,” have all secured Top 10 positions, solidifying her status as one of the brightest rising stars in the genre.
From winning a national singing competition at just eight years old to performing at major events like the VFLW Grand Final, Palinkas has dedicated her life to music. Her journey has taken her around the world, collaborating with top songwriters in Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville. Recognised by prestigious organisations like NSAI and the International Songwriting Competition, her talent and determination continue to set her apart.
“What This Woman Wants” will be available on all streaming platforms soon. Stay tuned for more music and tour announcements as Sammi Palinkas continues to carve her path in country music.