Month: June 2025

featuring “Ring of Fire”

A true music legend and trailblazer, Charley Pride enjoyed one of the most successful careers in the history of country music and helped to break color barriers when he became the first black superstar within the genre. An inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame (in 2000) and proud member of the Grand Ole Opry, Pride sold tens of millions of records worldwide and toured regularly on an international basis with his extraordinary repertoire of hits. A three-time GRAMMY® award winner and 2017 GRAMMY® “Lifetime Achievement Award” recipient, Pride garnered no less than 43 chart-topping US country hits, including “All I Have To Offer You Is Me,” “Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone,” “Mississippi Cotton Picking Delta Town” and “Kiss An Angel Good Morning’ ” a massive #1 crossover hit that sold over a million singles and helped him take home the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Entertainer of the Year award in 1971 and Top Male Vocalist awards of 1971 and 1972.

Surprisingly vigorous and the picture of good health at 86 years of age, Pride had intended to continue performing and recording for as long as his voice would allow. But sadly he fell ill in late November 2020 and passed away on December 12, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19, barely a month after an unplanned final curtain call at the CMA Awards where he was honored with the CMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition to his own repertoire of legendary hits, Pride’s body of work often featured “covers” of songs that were originally popularized by other artists. The upcoming retrospective COVER STORY collects twenty-two (22) such songs that Charley recorded between 1991 and 2020 including (8) recordings that are enjoying their first official release in North America and two (2) previously unreleased recordings — “Ring of Fire” and “Heartaches by the Number.”

“Ring of Fire” is, of course, Johnny Cash’s ubiquitous 1963 classic that is generally considered to be one of the greatest country songs of all time. Rediscovered in Pride’s Dallas studio archives on a 2 inch multi-track reel simply marked “R.I.N.G”, the recording was originally committed to tape in September 1992 but only recently mixed and finalized under the supervision of Pride’s most recent creative partner, artist/songwriter/producer Billy Yates.

Legendary songwriter Harlan Howard’s “Heartaches by the Number” was originally made famous by Ray Price (a #2 country hit) and Guy Mitchell (a #1 pop hit) in the late 1950s. The recording presented on COVER STORY represents Charley’s only known studio version. More excitingly, it is the first recording to surface from Pride’s final January 2020 studio sessions with Yates. During his latter years, Pride often liked to kick off new studio sessions with a favorite classic country song to warm up his voice, build rapport with the studio musicians and set the tone for the rest of the sessions. “Heartaches by the Number” fulfilled that role during those final 2020 recording sessions.

COVER STORY drops at digital music retail on June 20, 2025.

Dianne Coombes Releases Title Track ‘Ripples On A Pond’ From Her Upcoming Album ‘Ripples’

Written as a tribute to her husband – the love of her life – Dianne shares the story of who he was, what he stood for, and what he taught her. It is a personal story written about a universal truth, an affirmation of the continuance of love and the ripple effect that our actions have on others around us. Love goes on …

Multi award winning songwriter and singer, Dianne Coombes, has loved music and singing since she can remember, with her family get-togethers always being a musical affair. Dianne’s father played in dance bands all her life and she grew up invading band rehearsals at every opportunity. She started singing with her Dad’s band from the age of 14 at all the country hall dances, balls, and the local RSL.

In 2016 she released her debut album ‘Walk With Me’, produced by Lindsay Waddington, which received great reviews and won prestigious awards. 2016 was also the year Dianne’s dear husband died of lung cancer and her world was shattered. Music became her refuge and Dianne poured herself into songwriting in an attempt to survive her grief.

Eight years down the track and she has completed a body of work that she is extremely proud of. Singles released from the album so far have enjoyed great radio success with ‘Small Town With A Big Heart’ co-written with Angus Gill, hitting the top spot on the Country Songs Top 40 Australian Airplay Chart. Three other releases have spent a prodigious amount of time in the Top 10 and have also been featured on ABC programs.

2025 has had a great start for Dianne who was a finalist in seven categories of the Independent Country Music Awards of Australia, finalist in the Australian Bush Balladeers Association Music Excellence Awards, and finalist in the Tamworth Songwriters Association – an award she previously won in 2017 as well as a finalist for five other years.

Her upcoming album ‘Ripples’ is a testament to the privilege of love and life experience, amplified by the amazing vision and production skills of Angus Gill.

ARIA-charting country sensation Taylor Moss is set to deliver another defining moment in her career with the release of Firecracker (Reignited), a reimagined version of her celebrated debut album. Set for release on Thursday, 19th June 2025, the album arrives alongside the brand new single “The One”, an emotionally charged and empowering anthem that showcases Taylor’s strength as both a storyteller and vocalist. Pre-orders for the album and special vinyl edition are now live!.

Firecracker Reignited is not just a deluxe version – it’s a bold reinvention. The original album, which debuted at #7 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart and earned nominations for ‘Best Album’ at both the Golden Guitars and Countrytown Awards, captured national attention with its heartfelt songwriting and infectious energy. Now, Taylor breathes new life into the project with six exclusive bonus tracks, including “The One”, a previously unreleased lost track, a rare demo, a collaboration with Robbie Mortimer and two acoustic renditions of the song that launched her career. The re-release will also be available in a limited edition double coloured vinyl, giving fans a unique collector’s piece to mark this milestone.

The new single “The One” stands out as a poignant, country-rooted narrative about betrayal, resilience, and female solidarity. Though it remains sonically true to Taylor’s established style, the subject matter cuts deeper than ever. Sharing the inspiration behind the song, Taylor explains, “‘The One’ is a powerful, honest anthem about betrayal and sisterhood. It tells the story of discovering a partner’s double life – and instead of turning against the other woman, finding strength in each other. We were both victims of the same lies, and together, we walked away and saved ourselves from further heartbreak.” With this release, Taylor continues to elevate her storytelling and emotional connection with listeners.

To celebrate the release, Taylor Moss will hit the road this July with the Firecracker Reignited Experience Tour, offering fans a raw and intimate live experience unlike any before. In a series of stripped-back performances, Taylor will guide audiences through the stories behind each song, revealing how every lyric and note came to life. The tour promises a one-of-a-kind opportunity for fans to connect with the heart of her music in an up-close and personal setting.

With Firecracker Reignited, Taylor Moss once again proves why she is one of Australia’s most exciting voices in country music. This new chapter is not just a revival – it’s a reckoning, a celebration of growth, and a reminder that sometimes the most powerful sparks come from what’s already burned bright.

Firecracker Reignited and “The One” will be available on all major platforms from Thursday, 19th June 2025

“Inside Looking Out” Redefines Family Through Soulful Melody

Brother Hollow is thrilled to announce the release of “Inside Looking Out,” a deeply moving song that redefines the concept of family. This heartfelt track illustrates that family connections extend far beyond mere blood ties, resonating with anyone who has ever felt a bond with those they hold dear.

The emotional vocals from front man Daniel Thornton contribute to the song’s raw power, allowing listeners to connect deeply with its message of love and unity in diversity. “Inside Looking Out” invites everyone to reflect on the relationships that shape us, reminding us that true family can be found in our closest friends, mentors, and communities.

Brother Hollow has poured their heart into this piece, creating a soundscape that captures the essence of the human experience. Their poignant lyrics, combined with evocative instrumentation, promise to engage listeners and provoke thought about the nature of family.

“With ‘Inside Looking Out,’ I aimed to express the importance of the connections we build in our lives,” says Daniel Thornton. “I hope this song encourages everyone to celebrate the relationships that truly matter, regardless of how they are formed.”

“Brother Hollow” Latest Single, “Inside Looking Out” Is Available
through M2M Media Connect

Dean Perrett Returns With His Brand New Album And Single

‘Famous At Home’ is the latest single to be lifted from Dean Perrett’s brand new album ‘Bush Troubadour,’ his 19th full album release.

We all know a person we have met on life’s journey who we can picture in this scene, those down to earth, hardworking folk, who are the definition of humbleness.

‘Famous At Home’ is modelled from one such person who was an inspiration to Dean. His pride was in raising his family of hard-working, God-fearing salt of the earth people. His focus was never of riches or wealth. He never made the big time, but his heart would swell with proudness when he said he was “famous at home.”

The track was co-written with the great Australian wordsmith, Colin Buchanan, and recorded under the masterful production of Lindsay Waddington at his LWM House Studio.

For an authentic traditional Australian country sound, look no further than bush ballad singer-songwriter, Dean Perrett.

There is an old saying, write and sing about what you know, and having been raised on the family cattle property Bowenfels, a soul of pure country is a natural thing.

Dean’s credibility as a writer of Australian bush songs goes unquestioned. When not making music, he was in the saddle on his family’s Queensland cattle property. Just like Dean, the songs he writes and sings, are authentic and genuine. This is why the great Australian music genre, the bush ballad, is so important to him.

Over the last 35 years, Dean has gained his place as one of Australia’s favourite bush balladeers and leading traditional country artists.

Flat River Band consists of three brothers Andy, Chad and Dennijo Sitze.

The brothers would hurry home each day to enjoy reruns of The Dukes of Hazzard. One day, as they watched Rosco’s speed trap antics in Hazard County, The Oak Ridge Boys took the stage at the Boar’s Nest. It was during this performance that the brothers first heard the song “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight.” This experience marked a pivotal moment for the Flat River Band, bringing their journey full circle.

www.flatriverband.com

JAY SANTILLI UNVEILS HEART-WRENCHING NEW SINGLE “REWIND” – A SOULFUL TAKE ON LOVE, LOSS AND LETTING GO.

Following the breakout success of “TROUBLE,” Jay Santilli returns with a heartbreak anthem you’ll want to have on repeat.

After teaming up with Tori Darke for high-energy hit single “TROUBLE”, which was added to numerous editorial playlists on Spotify and Apple Music as well as being on high rotation across most major Australian country radio stations-Jay Santilli is back with another powerful release, “Rewind.”

Written alongside Nashville-based talents Noah Needleman (who also produced the track) and Morgan Johnston, “Rewind” digs deep into the emotional loop of a relationship that’s hard to let go. With raw honesty and a soaring chorus, Santilli captures the cycle of leaving, returning, and reliving every high and heartbreak. It’s a track about holding on too long, hoping for the kind of goodbye strong enough to finally break the pattern.

“‘Rewind’ is one of those songs that came straight from the heart. I wrote it in Nashville last year with Noah Needleman and Morgan Johnston, and it felt like something really honest was pouring out of us in that room. Noah also produced the track and brought so much care and emotion to it. It’s about that feeling of getting stuck in the past, replaying the good to justify the bad and I think so many people will connect with that. I’m so proud of this one and can’t wait for it to be out in the world.”

Jay Santilli

A rising force in the Australian country scene, Santilli continues to build momentum with sold-out headline shows, major festival appearances, and high-profile support slots for artists including Kaylee Bell, Taylor Moss, Travis Collins, and more recently Josh Setterfield, Tom Busby and many more. Having just returned from Italy where she performed at the Sweat and Dust Country Music Festival, she now launches into promoting “Rewind” which is another bold step forward, showcasing her ability to pair emotional depth with undeniable hooks-and solidifying her as one of the genre’s most compelling voices.

With each release, Jay Santilli continues to carve out her unique space in the country music landscape-where soul, strength, and storytelling intersect. As her fanbase rapidly grows and her voice resonates louder across the nation, she stands as one of the most exciting and authentic new voices in the genre.

Dallas Alexander’s “7 Words” New Single
“7 Words” is a fiery breakup anthem that sets heartbreak ablaze. With gritty country-rock energy, Dallas torches the past-memories, mementos, and every last ounce of regret. It’s the sound of closure with a match in hand and zero apologies. If payback had a bluesy country-rock soundtrack, this would be it.

🎧 “7 Words” Add to radio today!

About Dallas Alexander

A Nashville-based Canadian artist blending the grit of Red Dirt with the edge of Outlaw country, Dallas Alexander writes raw, three-chords-and-the-truth songs that hit home. With over 1.6 million streams on Can’t Blame My Bloodline, he’s gaining momentum fast. A former special ops sniper turned singer-songwriter, Dallas brings lived experience to every lyric-connecting with audiences through unfiltered, powerful storytelling.

For those who missed it the first time… and the second…

Australia’s cowpunk misfits Wattmore are back-again-with “Romantic Side,” a punk-country sucker punch to modern dating culture that refuses to die quietly. You thought this song was a one-night stand? It’s still in your kitchen, eating cereal in your band tee.

Since its release, “Romantic Side” has:

Clocked nationwide radio play across community and commercial stations
Picked up ink from Rock Era, IndieDock, Broken 8 Records, and other discerning weirdos
Proven that sarcasm and sincerity make a killer couple

Now, in its third radio wave, “Romantic Side” returns with new reviews, new listeners, and the same big heart wrapped in barbed wire. It’s cheeky. It’s sharp. It’s got twang, teeth, and a chorus that sticks like a bad decision.

Produced by Lindsay Waddington
Written by Aiden & Kai Boak + Allan Caswell
Comes fully loaded with grit, hooks, and just enough sarcasm to be legally classified as therapy.

“It’s a nostalgia-soaked lament for love before the digital apocalypse.” -Indie Dock

“Raw, rollicking and razor-edged.” – Broken 8 Records

“A genre-smashing single… cheeky energy and rebellious charm.” -Rock Era

FOR FANS OF:

Frank Turner, Corb Lund, The Living End, Oasis and your ex who still listens to Johnny Cash

ABOUT WATTMORE:

Formed in Brisbane by siblings Aiden and Kai, Wattmore blends punk guts, country storytelling, and a little bit of RocknRoll. From swiping left on love to ghosting genre boundaries, they make music that’s catchy, chaotic, and best served with last night’s regret.

You don’t have to like country. Or punk. But you will remember Wattmore.

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Zach Top is back with his highly anticipated new album Ain’t In It For My Health-out August 29 on Leo33. Ahead of the release, the first single, “Good Times & Tan Lines,” is out today. The new album follows last year’s breakthrough debut album Cold Beer & Country Music and comes on the heels of recently achieving his first #1 song at country radio with “I Never Lie.”

Top debuted “Good Times & Tan Lines” live last night at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest and will continue to perform throughout the summer as part of Dierks Bentley’s Broken Branches Tour. Upcoming stops include Toronto’s Budweiser Stage, Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome and New York’s Madison Square Garden as well as festival performances at Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Watershed Festival, Country Calling and more. See below for complete tour itinerary, full details can be found at www.zachtop.com/tour.

The new music adds to a landmark year for Top, who was recently named 2025 ACM New Male Artist of the Year and performed “a moving acoustic rendition” (American Songwriter ) of his song, “Use Me,” during the live ACM Awards ceremony. Additionally, Top recently performed “I Never Lie” on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” was named “the future of country music” by Billboard, was nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 58th Annual CMA Awards, received Discovery Artist of the Year at the 2024 MusicRow Awards and released Me & Billy-a three-song EP featuring 2x Grammy Award-winning artist Billy Strings (listen here).

Upon its release last year, Cold Beer & Country Music garnered over 3.5 million streams in just its first week and went on to be nominated for ACM Album of the Year. Produced by Carson Chamberlain (Billy Currington, Easton Corbin), the record received widespread acclaim with The Tennessean saying it’s full of “star-making tunes,” while Country Central praised, “Cold Beer & Country Music is a masterclass in traditional country music…With a record this strong, Zach Top has proven himself as a standout rising star in this format and a premier vocalist in country music.”

Raised in Sunnyside, WA, Top grew up on classic country music around the family farm. At the age of seven, he formed a band with his siblings which set the stage for his musical ambitions. Throughout his teenage years and early twenties, Top honed his craft by playing in various bluegrass bands before moving to Nashville in 2021, where he has been steadily making his mark as an artist to watch.