Sandy Summers Releases Powerful New Single, If I Were A River
If I Were A River showcases ICMA’s Best New Independent Female Artist, Sandy Summers, with her moving new single, released November 14.Written with 10-time Golden Guitar winner Lyn Bowtell during the 2025 SHE Songwriting Retreat and produced by Simon Johnson, the song was born in a setting as striking as its message. Inspired by the mountain that towered over their writing session and the breathtaking moment an eagle flew over them, the song captures the stillness and power of nature.With Lyn Bowtell on backing vocals, the track aims to reflect the rhythm of the land itself — steady, soulful, and full of quiet strength. Lyrically, it draws on the resilience and renewal found in the natural world, using the river as a symbol of endurance and grace. The melody works to emulate strength, rising and falling like the flow of the current it celebrates.Sandy said the writing session was one she’ll never forget.“That moment when the eagle flew over us, it felt like nature was speaking — reminding us how powerful and fragile the world can be at the same time,” she said.“The river became a metaphor for everything we go through — it bends, it floods, it finds its way around obstacles, but it always keeps moving forward. That really spoke to where I was in life at that time.”If I Were A River is both a reflection and a reminder that no matter how the landscape shifts or the seasons change, there’s power in persistence, beauty in movement, and healing in the flow of life. It’s a song that speaks to anyone who’s ever stood still long enough to feel the earth breathe beneath their feet.
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PORTIA CLARK – Drink Around the World
From homeless to Hollywood elite, Australia based singer Portia Clark reveals her debut album release during Elton John event .
Zambian born vocalist Portia Clark surprises the celebrity packed crowd at the Starkey Hearing Foundation’s event with Elton John in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA by announcing the release of her first album, Weather the Storm.
“ It was surreal to sing to Elton John,” shares Clark. “Elton is one of the true music legends of all time.”
After performing, she received a standing ovation and heartfelt praise for her exceptional voice by the who’s who of Hollywood, including legendary music producer David Foster, actor Kevin Costner, actress Geena Davis, comedian Chris Tucker, and entrepreneur Daymond John.
ABOUT THE ALBUM Weather the Storm is a bold, soulful record full of anthems of resilience and redemption. The album showcases Portia’s extraordinary vocal range, powerful storytelling and deep emotional delivery. From sweeping ballads
Chloe Styler – Placeholder
BIGSOUND 2025 Showcase Artist650k+ Total Streams Across All Platforms’Breakout Artist of the Year’ at the 2024 Gold Coast Music Awards2025 Gold Coast Music Award Finalist for Artist of the Year, Video of the Year and Song of the YearSpotify playlist support on hits different, Tapestry, Fresh Country and All New CountryApple Music playlist support on New Music Daily, New in Pop and more’Push & Pull’ – First Play on Triple J Unearthed TOPS (Thursday, August 14) ”Aussie pop artist Chloe Styler moves beyond her country roots with Push & Pull, a shimmering, upbeat pop track rich in emotional complexity. ” (Happy Mag) [About ‘Push & Pull’]
There’s an ache that lingers beneath the surface of Chloe Styler’s infectious smile and glossy pop exterior, and she lets it surface on her new single, ‘Placeholder’, out Friday, November 14. Known for her bright, buoyant energy and heartfelt storytelling, the Gold Coast songwriter turns inward, unravelling a shattering recollection of being a stand-in. With her shimmering pop anthems and growing national acclaim, Chloe Styler continues to evolve. Her previous single ‘Push & Pull’ marked the beginning of a new chapter, arriving alongside her BIGSOUND 2025 appearance and adding to an already impressive list of milestones. Each release shows Chloe stepping further into her own light, blending impassioned songwriting with a glowing pop sensibility that feels both personal and universal. Bruised and achingly human, ‘Placeholder’ has a diary-like intimacy polished with pop precision. A warm acoustic guitar opens the track, steady and unguarded, as Chloe’s tender vocals trace the first cracks of heartbreak. The resilient chorus finds Chloe standing firm within the ache, as layers of gliding electric guitar, soft synths and mandolin breathe new colour into the sadness. When the drums arrive, they drive the pain home, pulling everything together into something defiant and unbreakable. ‘Placeholder’ sits in the aftermath of false promises and realising that affection was about convenience, capturing the hurt of being kept close, led on, but never chosen. Chloe writes from that raw middle ground where clarity stings as much as confusion, yet it’s through this honesty that she finds her strength. What begins as self-doubt becomes self-realisation, marking the moment someone stops waiting to be wanted and starts reclaiming their worth. Speaking candidly about the track, Chloe shares:“This song stirs up some messy, emotional feelings and still leaves an ache in my chest when I listen to it. But it’s honest, it’s raw, and it lives in that uncomfortable space between wanting to be loved and knowing you’re just being kept around as an option in someone’s life. There’s no real resolution. It just sits in the sadness of that truth. It’s the heartbreak that comes when you finally see things for what they are, and you have to find your own closure because they’ll never actually give it to you. Here’s to never being the placeholder again though. That sucked.”For ‘Placeholder’, Chloe Styler trades her glittering pop glow for something more fragile and cinematic. In doing so, she shares a deeply personal story that gives voice to those who have been taken for granted, who have given more than was ever returned, and who find strength in the realisation that love should never be one-sided.’Placeholder’ is out on Friday, November 14
Braden Hull – Hey Son
“Living away from your Mom can have its challenges. But your Mom living away from you can have its tears. Whether it’s a random Monday or a holiday, there’s 2 words I always look forward to hearing, Hey Son.” – Braden Hull
Braden Hull: A Southern Storyteller Through Music:Hailing from a small, one-stoplight town in North Carolina, Braden Hull captures the full spectrum of life with his music. He takes listeners on an emotional journey reflective of his roots, family, beliefs, and personal experiences with love, death, heartache, and celebration. His soul-baring
lyrics are relatable stories that resonate with anyone, no matter where they call home.Braden Hull’s music embodies a genuine brand of country that’s uniquely his personal themes set him apart in the country music scene. His first single, “Falling Out of Love,” garnered over one million views on TikTok and garnered local radio airplay. The song, from a child’s perspective about the divorce of his parents, offers hope to those in similar situations.When Braden hits the stage with his larger-than-life personality, armed with a flat-top or backed by a full band, get ready for a fun ride! He always leaves fans wanting more with his soulful, therapeutic, candid, and unforgettable performances.
This rising star is on his way and Braden is excited to be releasing additional new music very soon. Stay tuned!
KINGSWOOD RETURN WITH “LAST FIRST KISS” — A DANGEROUSLY ROMANTIC COUNTRY ROCK BALLAD!
Multi-platinum and gold ARIA-certified, ARIA-nominated, and four-time Golden Guitar-nominated powerhouse KINGSWOOD are back with their latest single, “ Last First Kiss: https://api.plaympe.com/playerapi/click/eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3MuZGlzY28uYWMvYnl1YnF0em5jcmN3IiwicmVjaXBpZW50aWQiOjkzMTk4LCJyZWxlYXNlaWQiOjIwMDg1MDg1OX0.29_12nZ7dMyRufyFwY1YQ9qxvETJt2nsBPNg8_VOlnY .”As one of Australia’s most enduring and genre-defying bands, KINGSWOOD have amassed over 90 million global streams, received multiple industry accolades, and cultivated a reputation for pushing musical boundaries.Some know them as a country band, others as a rock band — but everyone will agree their forthcoming album is a pure Country Rock triumph. Inspired by the spirit of Neil Young, Gram Parsons, and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, KINGSWOOD deliver a sound that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly timeless.“Last First Kiss” is an earnest yet romantically charged country rock ballad that captures the elation of finding forever in a single moment. It’s the second glimpse into KINGSWOOD’s ever-expanding world of music — a reminder that love truly conquers all.When life has been rough and there’s little left to show for it, “Last First Kiss” celebrates that one courageous leap into the unknown — the kind that lands you on your feet, dancing around the kitchen with a heart full of hope and wonder.“This song is dangerously romantic,” the band says. “Use with caution… or without.”With a career spanning more than a decade, KINGSWOOD have established themselves as one of Australia’s most versatile and authentic musical acts. Their ability to move fluidly between rock and country has earned them both critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase across the globe.Their forthcoming album cements their evolution — a pure country rock journey that blends grit, groove, and heart, and places them proudly in the lineage of great storytellers.
Jimmie Allen – Small Town Anthem
Multi-Platinum Artist, Jimmie Allen’s New Single “Small Town Anthem” OUT NOW!GRAMMY-NOMINATED, MULTI-PLATINUM COUNTRY STAR JIMMIE ALLEN ANNOUNCES ‘STORIES BEHIND THE SONGS’ US TOUR
NASHVILLE, TN – JULY 9, 2025 – Today, Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jimmie Allen has announced his multi-city ‘Stories Behind the Songs’ US tour.Running from September 5 through November 29, the 14-date tour will kick off this fall in Dallas, TX with stops across North America in Syracuse, Rutherford, Kansas City, Portland, and more before wrapping up on November 29th in Rochester, NH. Three studio albums later, ACM & CMA New Artist of the Year nods, and Grammy Best New Artist nom (first male country artist nominated in the category), Allen continues to showcase his versatility on most any stage he graces blending heartfelt country with urban influences to create his signature sound. Set to release a new 2-pack of feel-good anthemic records later this month, Allen’s storytelling continues to evolve as his artistry blossoms, with this new ‘Stories Behind the Songs’ tour being a natural next step giving his devoted fans an unrivaled acoustic experience in each market.
ABOUT JIMMIE ALLENWith his initial debut single “Best Shot”, Jimmie Allen immediately was noticed by the industry for his magnetic stage presence and storytelling. Originally from Milton, Delaware, the country artist continues to break barriers and redefine the genre with his bold fusion of country, pop, R&B, and hip-hop. His chart-topping debut made history, as “Best Shot” became the first No. 1 hit by a Black artist launching his country career. Allen’s rise only accelerated from there. In 2021, he swept major honors as New Artist of the Year from the Grammy, Academy of Country Music, and Country Music Association awards. His powerful performances have lit up stages across the country, including the Barefoot Country Music Festival, and his growing influence earned him a feature on The Jennifer Hudson Show. Beyond the music, Allen is a jack of all trades. He co-hosted the 2022 ACM Awards, competed on Dancing With the Stars, and became a published author with his acclaimed children’s book My Voice is a Trumpet. Whether on stage, on screen, or on the page, Jimmie Allen brings unmatched energy and a heart to everything he does, showing no signs of slowing down. His newest hit song “Country Boys Never Learn” collaborated with Young Grey and Noah Curtis has 280k streams and rising. He also has many partnerships with Dove, Frozen Farmers, Tate Howelo and Sony Music. Jimmie Allen remains an advocate for representation in country music, speaking on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the genre.
Lyn Bowtell – Scene of the Crime
Lyn Bowtell hits ARIA Charts with Paper Cuts in wake of Scene of the Crime release
In 2023 at The Dag Songwriters Retreat in Nundle NSW a song surfaced that Lyn Bowtell never planned to write. ‘Scene of the Crime’ came to life as a co-write with The Flood’s Kevin Bennett—one of those songs that just demanded to be written.“Sometimes songs don’t give you a choice. They arrive, and you just have to find a way to give them the attention they deserve,” Lyn said.
The track was too personal and too raw to finish alone, so Lyn brought it to KB, who helped her shape the chorus. What began as a song she never intended to release, soon revealed itself in the studio as one that absolutely cried out to be heard.
‘Scene of the Crime’ is drawn from Lyn’s own lived experience of domestic violence, coercive control and alcoholism. It is also a reflection of the countless stories she hears from women who approach her after shows: “That happened to me. That’s what my sister went through. That’s what my daughter is facing.”“We are in a crisis as a society. I don’t have the answers, but I know change begins when we create space for these difficult truths to be told and with this song I’m opening a conversation, standing in solidarity with survivors, and encouraging action.”
The music video, directed by Tracy and Josh Beveridge of Roaming Creatives, and featuring actress Esther Sparkes, walks a delicate line between honesty and sensitivity. With careful performances and unflinching imagery, the team captured the weight of the song without crossing into gratuitousness.
“Everyone felt the heaviness and emotional weight of this story. It wasn’t easy to sing nor to film, but the subject matters too much to gloss over or dilute.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), text 0458 737 732 or visit their website for online chat and video call services – available 24/7.
Scene of the Crime was the last single released before Lyn’s new album, Paper Cuts, was released.
Paper Cuts has spent three weeks on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart and debuted at No. 1, also making appearances on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart and ARIA Country Albums Chart.Lyn is touring Paper Cuts through Victoria and South Australia with Felicity Dowd and also performing shows with Luke O’Shea.
Victoria Crosby- Yodeling With Duke
’Yodeling with Duke’ is a joyful, toe-tapping celebration of bush life and the bond between a girl and her horse. Inspired by Victoria Crosby’s real-life four-legged mate, Duke, this track is packed with charm, character, and a good dose of yodeling. It’s light-hearted and loud in all the right ways – a bit of fun before the full album, ‘North of the Range’ rides in this November. With classic country roots and a wink to the golden era of yodeling gone by, this is a song for anyone who’s ever belted out a tune in the ute, the saddle, or the shower. One thing’s for sure: when Victoria and Duke come galloping through your speakers, you’ll be grinning the whole way.
Melanie Dyer – Homemade
NASHVILLE BASED/ AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY SONGSTRESS
MELANIE DYER RELEASE ANTHEMIC NEW SINGLE, HOMEMADE
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,
The song is particularly personal to Melanie’s current circumstances, not only as an Aussie aboard; but also as her 4th generation family farm in Mt Russell Queensland was sold just prior to her move to Nashville. Reflecting on all these life changes was the catalyst for Homemade
As Melanie describes the track, “ Homemade is a self-affirming celebration of the values instilled in me from my family and the place where I was raised. The production of earthy banjo, steel and acoustics are carried by the anthemic drum beat that is a reminder of my true country core. Since moving from a farm in regional Australia to Nashville, Tennessee, ‘Homemade’ is the first single to set the tone for what’s to come on my next album.”
The song was written by Melanie Dyer, Karen Kosowski (Brett Kissel, Mickey Guyton) and Emma-Lee (Mackenzie Porter, Sacha, Mitchell Tenpenny). The track was produced by Grady Saxman who has worked with Jelly Roll, Luke Combs and Dustin Lynch.
HONOR – MIDNIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA
The backstory of the classic song “Midnight Train to Georgia” is one that my producer, Dennis Money, and I love! Jim Weatherly originally wrote the song as “Midnight Plane to Houston,” anticipating a country cut from an artist like Glenn Campbell. However, the song was first picked up by Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston’s mother, and later by Gladys Knight and the Pips. Gladys Knight said she didn’t take planes, she took trains, and she was going to Georgia! Thus, the song “Midnight Train to Georgia” was created, and Gladys Knight made it legendary.At SweetSong Nashville, Dennis Money crafted a reimagined country version of “Midnight Train to Georgia,” by replacing the horn section with fiddles and steel guitar. The world-class musicians brought HONOR’s version of “Midnight Train to Georgia” to life with a Nashville twist. SweetSong Nashville and HONOR are both proud to record on an analog system without any vocal-tuning or auto-tuning. HONOR’s music video was filmed in the SweetSong Nashville studio. The video on YouTube already has over 500,000 views! We have also been blessed to be featured on more than twenty-two different channels, networks, and shows!
