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Pack A Suitcase For Secondhand Stories; “Pack your suitcase, it’s all you’ll need.”

Fusing heartfelt storytelling and authenticity, Ashleigh Dallas releases her latest single, ‘Secondhand Stories’, on January 19.

Kicking off the Tamworth Country Music Festival in style with the release of ‘Secondhand Stories’ which is also the five-time Golden Guitar winner’s headlining show at the Tamworth Town Hall on Wednesday, January 23.

The song, penned during a DAG Songwriting Retreat with Natasha Soonchild and Margaret Anne King, is an ode to wanderlust and the pursuit of personal experiences over living vicariously through others’ adventures.

The trio drew inspiration from Marg’s extensive travels, delving into conversations that sparked the song’s inception.

“This came from a morning we spent talking about what it’s like when you get out and see things,” Ashleigh said.

“We were talking about when you have awesome experiences, we have all had someone tell us how lucky we are to experience that.”

‘Secondhand Stories’ encourages listeners to embrace a sense of freedom, dream big, and embark on their adventures.

“It’s all about not living your life through someone else’s pictures and Instagram posts, don’t live your life through a secondhand story; get out and do it yourself,” Ashleigh said.

The single aims to ignite a wanderlust spirit within its audience.

“I’m hoping this song makes listeners dream that trip and do it,” Ashleigh said.

“When I hear this song, I want to be in a car driving. I hope it becomes a soundtrack for our listeners as they do these trips.”

Entering a new chapter after turning 30, Ashleigh believes ‘Secondhand Stories’ marks a pivotal moment in her career.

“I feel like I’ve really found my grounding and who I am,” she said.

“I feel like ‘Secondhand Stories’ is the start of not holding back and delving further into pushing boundaries and going past my comfort zone.”

As an artist committed to growth and evolution, Ashleigh sees this single as her personal anthem, empowering her to push boundaries and embrace new lyrical content.

“I hope this song will give me the confidence to follow my own lyrical content and push the boundaries and live life to the fullest,” she said.

‘Secondhand Stories’ is the title track of Ashleigh’s upcoming album, set to grace the airwaves in late 2024.

FROM THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS TO TAMWORTH, STUDIO8 ARE BRINGING NEW MUSIC TO COUNTRY MUSIC CAPITAL

They live together, play together and write songs together. Studio 8 is a country duo, Luke Johnson and Michelle Morgan. With Luke on guitar and vocals, and Michelle on keyboard and backing vocals, they co-write all of their original tracks. They take their inspiration from the intricacies of everyday life, the people they meet and the places they stay.

Many years ago, their ‘tree change’ from Sydney to the Southern Highlands inspired them to write their first song together, and they have never looked back. Studio8’s forthcoming debut album Into The New, will be in 2024, and was inspired by their bucket list outback camping trip across the Nullabor, through the Kimberley in 2022.

“It was an inspiring trip for both of us. It lit a fire under us as songwriters. We have written consistently ever since. We can’t wait to share all the new music with the world.” – Michelle Morgan

Their debut single ‘Red Dirt Rodeo’ was widely accepted by radio, earning an addition to ABC’s ‘Grass Roots’ program on release. They also saw success in the streaming arena, with strong play numbers and playlisting on Spotify.

“We weren’t sure what to expect when we released the last single, but we were thrilled when people started commenting about it. We received emails and messages, and we felt the love from radio. It was so encouraging.” – Michelle stated

To follow up, the duo are bringing a homage to Tamworth, just in time for the 2024 festival.

“Our first experience with Tamworth left a significant mark. It has influenced our outlook on music, our writing and the many relationships we have made through attending the festival. It made sense that we would pay tribute to this amazing event through our music.” – Luke Johnson

Dive into the vibrant spirit of the Tamworth Country Music Festival with Studio8’s new single, ‘Back to the Bush.’ A heartfelt homage to Tamworth and the love for country music, the song, with its classic tempo and Aussie vocals, pays tribute to Slim Dusty and iconic Tamworth locations.

Crafted in their backyard studio, the track was tested at the 2023 Tamworth Country Music Festival and Hats off to Country, before being recorded at A Sharp Studios in Sydney.

Henry is a talented 13-year-old singer, guitarist, and songwriter from Conondale, Queensland. He began his music career by busking extensively across the Sunshine Coast, which has helped him become a regular performer at several venues in the area.

In 2022, Henry had the privilege of opening for renowned artists Emily Wurramara and Andrea Kirwan at the Horizon Festival. He was also nominated as a finalist in Noosa Stars Alive and made it to the top six finalists at the 2023 Gympie Country Music Muster Youth Talent Search.

Henry recently won the Caloundra Live & Local Songwriting Competition, allowing him to perform on the Kings Club VIP Stage at the 2023 Caloundra Music Festival. He is also set to attend the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January 2024, where he will participate in the Maccas Golden Gig.

Henry covers a broad range of genres and enjoys writing and performing his original songs. He is currently working on recording his first single, which he plans to release early in 2024.

About The Track

Hide & Seek

It is about the close bond between a brother and sister with a lifetime of memories as they grew up travelling around Australia in a motorhome. After settling down, however, the elder sister wants to leave home for adventures of her own, leading her younger brother to lament her going and reminiscing about the beautiful times they had growing up together.

Multi-award-winning singer songwriter and breakthrough actress, Lainey Wilson announced “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” as her next single following Wilson’s television debut performance of the song at the 57th Annual CMA Awards, in Nashville, TN.

As the third Broken Bow Records’ single off her critically acclaimed, award-winning album, “Bell Bottom Country”, “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” is a reflective tale of Wilson’s life; “barefoot and bareback.” The soulful yet Southern track, accompanied by Wilson’s signature sound, blends elements of Western, Rock, and Americana, to bring forth a modern yet traditional Country song as an ode to her roots.

Wilson was once again crowned as the most nominated artist at this year’s CMA Awards with a record breaking nine nominations and walking away with five wins in some of the most coveted categories including the biggest award of the evening, Entertainer Of The Year.

Lainey Wilson 2023 CMA Award Wins:
• Entertainer Of The Year
• Album Of The Year: Bell Bottom Country
• Female Vocalist Of The Year
• Music Video Of The Year: “wait in the truck” – HARDY (featuring Lainey Wilson)
• Musical Event Of The Year: “wait in the truck” – HARDY (featuring Lainey Wilson)

Melanie Dyer is kicking off the year with a new hit, “Honeymoonin”. This is the follow up to a successful 2023 with her debut performance at CMA Music Festival, a Golden Guitar nomination for Best Female Artist and her hit single releases, “Song for That” and “Dust”.

Melanie talks about her new track, “Honeymoonin is a song for couples in that blissful bubble whether it be newlyweds, first dates or long-term relationships trying to keep it exciting, it’s a song that encourages you to drink the champagne, buy the roses and book the ocean view room every once in a while! The production is a fusion of pop, country and coastal vibes which should put you in holiday mode!”

“I wrote this with two of my favourite collaborators, Karen Kosowski (songwriter & production) and Emma-Lee (songwriter) in Nashville this year while I was there playing at the CMA Festival. I have loved building a connection with these women over the last 5 years and we have created some of my favourite songs together.”

The Australian singer/songwriter has cemented herself as a leading lady in contemporary country with hits like “Memphis T-Shirt”, “Run Out Of Road”, “Song For That”, “Dumb Decisions” and “Dust”. With total sales approaching 10 million, Melanie is an APRA Professional Development Award Winner, APRA Nominated songwriter (Memphis T-Shirt) and an ‘in demand’ songwriter within the Australian music industry.

Renowned Australian country artist Amber Lawrence is set to tug at heartstrings once again with the release of her latest single, “5 Years of You”. The emotionally charged track captures the bittersweet moments as Amber’s own five-year-old embarks on the journey of starting primary school.

Amber Lawrence, 6 times Golden Guitar winner, ARIA nominee and current CMAA Female Artist of the Year is known for her soulful and authentic storytelling, and she brings her signature style to “5 Years of You”. This delicate song will resonate with parents experiencing the poignant milestone of sending their little ones off to school.

“I remember coming home from the first of the school orientation visits this year with a heart full of emotions, from excitement to sadness, and this song poured out of me” says Amber.

“5 Years of You” is a sweet tribute to the rollercoaster of emotions parents face when watching their children take those first steps into the world of ‘big’ school and is the follow up single to the chart topping “Live a Country Song” which impacted Top 5 on the CountryTown Hot 50 National Country Airplay Charts.

Amber will take to the stage in January 2024 at the Tamworth Country Music Festival – showcasing these songs and more at her show.

Following the release of his critically acclaimed debut album “Dallas/Fort Worth” that skyrocketed to #1 on the iTunes All-Genre chart, Stoney Creek Records artist Drake Milligan releases the up-tempo “I Got A Problem.” The good-time, romantic tune tells of all the ways a cowboy’s new gal has a hold on him like never before, singing: “your kiss tastes like whiskey, and I’m a drinker.”

” I Got A Problem” captures the track just like the rising star performed it at America’s Got Talent in September – returning to the scene of his national TV breakout last season. The cool-and-collected performance was so riveting, it prompted host (and early believer) Simon Cowell to invite Milligan to be a part of an upcoming AGT spin-off show.

Mixing traditional country twang and a dose of right-now swagger, Milligan performed over 100 U.S. shows last year and will keep the throttle pinned opening for fellow Texan Cody Johnson, along with an extensive headlining tour of the U.S. From there, he’ll fly to Europe for six shows including stops in Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and the U.K. Milligan already has two international festivals on tap for 2024, as he’s booked for big-time appearances in Australia (CMC Rocks QLD 2024 – March 15) and Norway (Den Forvitnelege Countryfestivalen 2024 – July 27).

It all follows the acclaimed release of Milligan’s 2022 album debut, Dallas/FortWorth, and looking ahead, fans can expect all new music in 2024.

About Drake Milligan:
Drake Milligan burst onto the national music stage entering the Billboard Emerging Artists Chart at #5 after dominating iTunes with his debut album “Dallas/Fort Worth”, charting back-to-back #1 hits on the iTunes Country Songs Chart, #1 on iTunes All-Genre Chart and reclaimed the #1 spot on iTunes Country Albums Chart, all while simultaneously holding positions #1, #2, #3 and #5 on iTunes Country Video Chart. In the UK, Milligan’s debut album spent 11 consecutive weeks in the Top 20 of the Official Country Artists Albums Chart. A student of classic Country music with the swagger of early Rock ‘n’ Roll, the Fort Worth, Texas native is an electrifying entertainer who is packing Country fans into clubs’ night after night on tour. Milligan cites George Strait and Elvis Presley – the King of Country and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – as musical heroes. His unique twist of traditional Country has been embraced by fans, peers and the media alike. Milligan has performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Grand Ole Opry, Stagecoach and CMA Music Festival. He has earned high praise from People, BBC, USA Today, Parade, American Songwriter, CMT, Billboard, ET, Access Hollywood, Cosmopolitan, Cowgirl Magazine and Taste of Country. Following his debut album – co-produced by award-winning Tony Brown and Brandon Hood – the Stoney Creek Records artist is back with new music, dropping the good-time, romantic tune, “I Got A Problem,” alongside his fun-loving duet “Honky Tonkin’ About” with Canadian supergroup The Reklaws

Rising Country Singer-Songwriter Finnian Johnson Brings In 2024 With New Release ‘I’m Doing Well’.

Rising country artist Finnian Johnston is launching into 2024 with a new release ahead of appearances at Tamworth Country Music Festival in January. ‘I’m Doing Well’ is a powerful song poured straight from the heart. Its lyrics serve as a reminder that no matter what you may go through in life, you can always acknowledge that you are pushing through it.

“I’m Doing Well is the most special song I’ve ever written, coming straight from my heart for anyone to connect with” – Finnian Johnson.

Co-written with Golden Guitar winning songwriters Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley, and produced by Lewis Mitchell, ‘I’m Doing Well’ is Finnian’s second original release and follows up his exceptional 2023 debut ‘Dishonest’ which was heavily supported by Australian country radio and included a high rotation add on iHeart Country Australia.

Over the past few years, Finnian has been honing his craft and building a solid reputation performing at shows and festivals, combined with national television exposure on Season 11 of the popular television series The Voice Australia, where he made the Top 12.

2023 gave Finnian continued exposure as a Top 10 Finalist in Toyota Starmaker at Tamworth Country Music Festival and was announced as a Finalist in the 2023 NAB Talent Search at the Gympie Music Muster. Finnian also toured along the eastern seaboard with Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley, supported Taylor Moss and performed at events such as Smoke in Broke in NSW which has resulted in a significant profile boost.

Finnian has hit his stride in Australian country music, thanks to determination, hard work, and sheer talent. Writing from a place of truth and real-life experiences combined with his unforgettable deep and dulcet tone has ensured industry are taking note and he is on the cusp of greater exposure in 2024.

Catch Finnian at Tamworth Country Music Festival, followed by a string of new releases in 2024.

Three-time Grammy® Award winning superstar Tim McGraw has surprised fans with new music, with the release of a six-song EP titled Poet’s Resumé – available now on Big Machine Records.

In the spirit of being thankful, Poet’s Resumé is McGraw’s way of saying thank you to his fans for an incredible year, which included the release of his 17th studio album Standing Room Only in August, earning career honours such as the ACM Icon Award & the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s President’s Keystone Award, and notching his 47th No. 1 this week with his single “Standing Room Only.”

With this most recent No. 1, McGraw has now amassed 69 Top 10 radio hits throughout his career. He extends his Mediabase record for the most weeks at No. 1 with all titles to 74 weeks. In the process, he sets the record for the longest span from first to latest at 29 years and 6 months, surpassing George Strait.

Poet’s Resumé was produced by McGraw and his longtime producing partner Byron Gallimore, and features songs written by some of McGraw’s favourite songwriters.

About Tim McGraw

McGraw’s unparalleled career includes sales of over 96 million records worldwide, 47 number-one radio singles, 19 number-one albums and countless industry awards and accolades. He holds the record for second-most #1 albums in the U.S. just behind George Strait. His unique chart achievements include having three singles in the Top 20 of the radio charts on multiple occasions, as well as having two singles spend over 10 weeks at number one. He has brought to life some of the biggest hit singles of all time, including “Live Like You Were Dying” and “Humble and Kind,” a message that continues to impact fans around the world, including a Spanish version sung by McGraw. He has routinely been cited as one of the biggest touring artists in the history of country music. As part of the host committee, McGraw welcomed the largest outdoor crowd ever to his Nashville performance at the 2019 NFL Draft. He also appeared in the NFL Tailgate Party for Super Bowl LII and the College Football Playoffs 2020. His latest album “Standing Room Only” includes the title cut single, which launched with the most first-week streams of any track in McGraw’s career.

Mike Kuster is releasing “Back To Feagaville”, his third single from his sophomore album, Country So Fresh You Have To Check Your Boots, to radio. It follows the successful single, “Front Porch Swing” which spent several weeks at Number 1 in Europe and continues climbing the charts of independent radio.

Mike grew up on a small farm in Frederick County, Maryland. This new single celebrates the magic of the closest little village to his family’s farm, Feagaville.

“When you grow up in a place so rural, a place like Feagaville is the center of your world. From the pronunciation of the word to the amenities afforded to the community along Ballenger Creek, everything about it is unique and special to those of us who grew up there. Happiness for me was riding from our farm to Feagaville to get a soda, a candy bar, and seeing friends at church and 4-H meetings. It was freedom, independence, and joy in a little trip to that little town” Mike explained.

“Back To Feagaville” features Mike’s vocals backed by a talented crew of studio musicians assembled by Kuster and producer, Daniel “Dr.” Ford. Grammy and IBMA Award winning fiddler, Michael Cleveland plays fiddle. Chris Condon, known for his work as Billy Ray Cyrus’ guitarist and music director, laid down guitar tracks with Mike. Caleb Mundy, a Music Row staple, plays bass. Dr. Ford plays drums and keyboards, and provides back-up vocals.

Mike Kuster has released two full studio albums and one EP since 2002. Mike wrote all the songs on these albums. His first album, Better Late Than Never, received critical acclaim and was listed by several critics as an essential album of 2002. His single, “Daddy’s Blue Jean Jacket”, from that album was named Independent Music Network’s (IMN) County Song of the Year for 2021. Mike was named IMN’s Country Impact Artist of the Year for 2022.

Mike’s EP, Mountain Monsters of Maryland, celebrates the legends and myths of Frederick County as it celebrates its 275th Jubilee in 2023. It was released for the Jubilee and Halloween to a lot of acclaim and received lots of attention as a Halloween Country Album.

Mike Kuster and his live band, The Catoctin Cowboys, tour the Mid-Atlantic region with their “Honky Tonkin’ Good Time Show”. They have played venues as small as backyard parties to shows with over 2,000 in the audience. Each show includes a mix of Mike’s original songs and some of the best traditional Country classics.

Mike continues to live in a small town in Frederick County, namely Walkersville. He and his wife, who met in high school, recently celebrated twenty-five years of marriage. They have three children who live with them in their slice of heaven in small-town America.

With a touring drummer for a father, Larissa was raised on a tour bus surrounded by family and music. When Larissa was a toddler, she fell in love with country music as she and her father sang along to a worn-out cassette of George Strait while riding together in the combine on her family’s farm.

Since those formative years, Larissa has grown into a multi-award-winning singer/songwriter penning relatable lyrics that move the hearts of her listeners. Her distinctive voice is an easy listening standout with a sound all her own.

This song is a powerful reminder for those moments in life when the weight of the questions we face becomes overwhelming. It is a beacon of hope, meant to uplift those who feel trapped in the midst of tough times, convincing them that they have the strength to persevere another day. The message of love embedded within this song is a lifeline for all those who are struggling, offering them a glimmer of hope and a reminder that they are not alone. Personally, I have always aspired to create a song in the vein of “Lean on Me,” as it served as an anthem during my own darkest days. My ultimate goal for this song is that it finds its way to those who are navigating through the shadows, becoming their very own anthem of hope and resilience.

Aleyce Simmonds Embraces Deeply Personal Infertility Struggle.

“This is a song for any of you out there who have known this pain and this yearning. Not just to be a mother, but to know what it’s like to desperately want anything in life, to do everything within your power to achieve it and for whatever reason, it be just out of reach. I urge you not to wait, and not to give up. Anything worth having is worth fighting for. Don’t leave a single stone unturned or breath unaccounted for” – Aleyce Simmonds.

For as long as singer-songwriter Aleyce Simmonds can remember, she has dreamt of being a mother.

“Having the most incredible and selfless mother myself, a woman who has always without fail, given everything within her power for me, my two sisters Karlee and Sarah and our little angel brother, Joshua, certainly would have fuelled this fire,” she said.

“What shoes to fill, but my gosh have I wanted to try get close.”

Now that the Tamworth Golden Guitar winning artist is weeks from welcoming her first baby, Aleyce is highlighting her struggles with infertility and hoping to help others heal along the way with her new single, ‘Being A Mother’, out December 8.

“Life doesn’t always go as we plan,” she said.

“Between not meeting my life partner until later in life, a journey with endometriosis and adenomyosis amongst other things and a career where I toured the world making music, being a mother was something that wasn’t quite possible for me in the way that I hoped it would be.”

When Aleyce met her now husband, Nathan Love, she said she saw the pieces start to fall into place.

“I had met a man who would be a beautiful father and with whom, I couldn’t wait to start a family,” she said.

“We started trying quite early in our relationship because, when you know you know and, we had a special family member holding on to life with every little hope and we were desperate to give him another reason to hold on.”

However, a few years down the track, they were still unable to have the baby they so dearly wished for.

“Instead of holding our baby, I was holding our hopes and watching tears fall more and more with each passing month,” Aleyce said.

“It wasn’t truly until the news that we were expecting a second and third nephew or niece that the all-consuming love hit me even harder and I realised that time was never going to wait and we’d already waited too long.

“With the support of our families, but in particular, my sister Karlee who encouraged me constantly to try IVF, we finally took the leap.”

When Aleyce began writing ‘Being A Mother’, she was “drenched in tears on the floor, feeling alone and isolated and broken”.

Sharing the story with her drummer friend, Mat Duniam, together they finished ‘Being A Mother’ and, like a manifestation, Aleyce is now enjoying feeling those little kicks and hearing her little girl’s heartbeat.

“I hope with all my heart that one day you can hold your dream in your hands, like my wildest dream to be a mother, will soon be in mine,” she said.

Rising talent, 16-year-old singer songwriter Emmagen Rain, is thrilled to release the first single from her new project, Don’t Wanna Meet Your Parents.

Nurtured over the last 3+ years by ABC Music following stellar performances on The Voice Australia in 2020 and her #1 JJJ Unearthed track, City Lights Call. Emmagen has been honing her singing, song writing and multi instrumental skills; recently nominated at the Gold Coast Music Awards 2023. Emmagen has amassed over 2 million in streams.

Emmagen’s latest single, Don’t Wanna Meet Your Parents, was co-written with Alex Mathers and Ingrid Oram. As Emmagen describes the track, “It’s about not wanting to progress a friendship to the next level.”

“i don’t wanna meet your parents

i don’t want a heart to heart

i don’t wanna go that distance

just to end up at the start”

JOSH SETTERFIELD MAKES ARIA DEBUT AT #2 ON THE COUNTRY CHARTS WITH NEW EP ‘RISE’ FEATURING NEW SINGLE ‘STAY’
Country Music ‘star on the rise’, Josh Setterfield, returns to Australia to perform his first ever Australian headline show in his hometown of Brisbane on Saturday, January 13 2024, marking the culmination of his ‘Kinda World Tour.’ Finishing 2023 on an even bigger high note, Josh’s EP ‘RISE’, featuring the new single ‘Stay’ has debuted at #2 on the Australian ARIA Country Chart a significant milestone and career achievement for an Australian artist. Produced in Canada and mastered in the home of Country Music, Nashville, this EP is a testament to Josh’s burgeoning global career.

Josh’s career has skyrocketed throughout 2023, which has seen his audiences grow immensely by captivating them with his charismatic, engaging, and highly entertaining stage presence that Josh is bringing to country music. His international footprint expanded significantly after being invited to play shows and festivals across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

His Brisbane show promises to be a celebration of his rising career and the new ‘Rise’ EP spotlighting chart-topping CMT singles like ‘Right About Now’ and ‘Better Off,’ alongside the latest release, ‘Stay,’ Penned by Canadian songwriters Craig Brooks and Zach Ouimet, ‘Stay’ is a quintessential country track, resonating with anyone who’s ever experienced a moment they wish could last forever. Bringing together big guitars over a very catchy melody and hook – it will have listeners hitting the replay button time and time again.

With over 6 million streams, multiple top 5 radio singles, and global radio support, Josh Setterfield has become a fixture at Australia’s major country music festivals, including Gympie Muster, Groundwater Country Music Festival, and more. In 2024, he is set to make his debut at the prestigious CMC Rocks, a sold-out festival boasting some of the world’s biggest country stars, including Tyler Hubbard, Lainey Wilson, and Chris Young.

“He is one of the most amazing entertainers full of high energy that captures his audience and grabs their full attention! He definitely left Flagstaff Arizona with new fans! Can’t wait to get him back to the US in 2024!” – Vicki & Mike in the Morning (92.9 Kaff Country)

Don’t miss Josh’s first-ever Australian headline show in Brisbane as he aims to elevate country headline shows to new heights bringing a big stage, high energy festival style show to the Arcana Empress Theatre. Be sure to check out the newest single ‘Stay’ from EP ‘Rise’, which is set to be the new country smash for the summer!

www.joshsetterfield.com

About the track: Funny how the universe can bring two complete strangers from different worlds together, throw them on a life roller coaster and unequivocally hook them for life. My wife and I have riding our roller coaster for over 10yrs and she’s still got me hooked.

Track quote: My heart keeps beating loud this roller coaster love.

Today Lana Del Rey releases her rendition of the 1971 John Denver classic ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’. The track, a one-off single, is Lana’s second release following her Grammy nominated and critically acclaimed ninth studio album, ‘Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd’.

Recently, Del Rey was nominated for five Grammys Awards for her album ‘Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd’.

Album Of The Year –

‘Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd’

Song Of The Year –

‘A&W’

Best Alternative Music Album –

‘Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd’

Best Alternative Music Performance –

‘A&W’

Also featured on –

Taylor Swifts ‘Midnights’ (Album Of The Year Nominee)

Jon Batiste’s ‘World Music Radio’ (Album Of The Year Nominee)

‘Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd’ was co-produced by Lana Del Rey alongside Mike Hermosa, Jack Antonoff, Drew Erickson, Zach Dawes, and Benji, and includes features from Jon Batiste, Bleachers, Father John Misty, Judah Smith, Tommy Genesis, and SYML.

Casey Barnes is set to close out 2023 and kick start into 2024 with the new feel-good summer hit, “Miracles”.

“Miracles” is the fourth single from a brand-new studio album to be released in 2024 and was co-written by Casey with Nashville hit-makers, Kaci Brown & Sam Gray, the team behind Casey’s smash hits “God Took His Time On You”, “We’re Good Together” and “Sparks Fly”.

Produced by MSquared, the team behind Casey’s ARIA, APRA & Golden Guitar Award winning album, “Light It Up” and follows previous singles “Never Give Up On A Good Time” and “Boys Like Me”, both of which reached #1 on the CountryTown Top 50 Airplay Charts.

Casey commented on the song, “Something magic always seems to happen when the three of us get in a room. It was so good to team up again with Sam and Kaci from Brown & Gray to co-write ‘Miracles’ together on my most recent trip to Nashville. We’ve had such an amazing track record over the last few years with multiple country radio number 1’s so I’m really excited to get this new one out there! Miracles has such a positive message too, all about those sliding door moments in life and the power of how the right relationship can bring you out of even the darkest places”.

It has been a massive year for Casey, in addition to the awards and #1 singles, his massive City Nights Tour included a sold-out show at the Zoo in Brisbane, showcasing at CMA Fest in June and being nominated for a CMA Award for Global Artist of the Year.

To top it off, Casey was recently announced on the line-up of Stagecoach Festival, the world’s biggest country music festival, which takes place at the Coachella site in California in April 2024. Casey is the only Australian artist included on the massive line-up. The festival will follow appearances at Tamworth Country Music Festival in January and CMC Rocks QLD in March.

Brookes latest single is currently #18 on the Texas Regional Radio Report and has spent twenty-six weeks on that chart. She also had a long-running Trop Rock hit in 2022 with “Me Time” which was on the Trop Rock charts for over a year. Now she has teamed up with Flying C Records out of Nashville and is seeing more attention and bookings. Watch for bigger and better thing in 2024 for Brooke Graham.

This Christmas, let Brooke and the music and emotion of Merryachi Christmas carry you away from all of your troubles and take you to your own personal happy place.

Single Background

Mental health impacts everyone in one way or another, either directly or via people we know. “Heavy On Me” is a song about the importance of mental health, understanding the symptoms, and knowing when to reach out to friends, family or even strangers in times of need.

Andy Quotes

“What a lot of people don’t know about me is that despite my sometimes confident and strong exterior, on the road performing at event after event, I have had to manage anxiety and self-doubt my entire life.”

“Heavy On Me is an empowering song about removing the stigma and shame around mental health and the importance of asking for help and acknowledging when you’re down.”

Career highlights to date

. Nominated for a CMAA Golden Guitar award 2023 “Bush Ballad of the year” for “Ghostly Gums” (Walking Away)

. Winner of Best Bush Ballad 2023 at the Peoples Choice Awards Tamworth

. Winner of “Most Popular Male Artist of 2023” by Independent Country Music Association

. Winner of “Most Popular Music Video of 2023” by Independent Country Music Association

· Winner of 5 “Purple Guitars including 2023 Best Male Vocal and Best Album

· Winner of “Most Promising New Talent 2022” at the People’s Choice Awards, Tamworth

· Winner of “Most Popular New Male Artist of 2022” by Independent Country Music Association

. Andy has been nominated for multiple APRA AMCOS TSA SONGWRITER Awards

· Winner of “Australian Busking Championships 2019 – Gundagai”

Fresh from supporting US artist Jackson Dean, alt-country singer-songwriter Tori Forsyth releases her new single ‘Made Your Bed’. This comes after ‘Sometimes’ featuring friend and country music icon Shane Nicholson. Sometimes is currently nominated for Vocal Collaboration of the Year at the Toyota 52nd Golden Guitar Awards. This brings Tori’s Golden Guitar Nominations to four across her career.

The single’s low-slung bassline and curls of pedal steel, has a bluesier feel with Tori’s blues-tinged vocals and incomparable songwriting. ‘Made Your Bed’ finds Tori pondering the space between the high road and low road.

The Sunshine Coast artist explains, “Made Your Bed is simply the refusal to conform, for better or worse, because your own morals are stronger and a tribute to folks with an alternate opinion of that.”

The new single is supported by an official video directed by Bradley Murnane who also shot the video for Tori’s previous single ‘Sometimes’. Filmed in Eudlo, Queensland, the same location as the ‘Sometimes’ video, Bradley shares,

“The making of ‘Made Your Bed’ was a tricky one. We’d shot the music video for ‘Sometimes’ throughout the same day and needed to be finished by sunset to start filming for ‘Made Your Bed’. A storm was brewing by afternoon and we had no time to rehearse or experiment with shots as we were losing light fast. We got a couple of takes with Tori and the boys building the fire. The rain was starting to come down and it was looking like the fire scenes might not even happen. But…somehow we got a few moments of stillness and the clouds moved revealing a glowing full moon which can be seen in some of the shots. It was one of those music videos that was so unpredictable and we all just reacted to each other. It was really beautiful..”

‘Made Your Bed’ is produced by Scott Horscroft (Charlie Collins, Brooke & Adam Eckersley) and recorded at The Grove Studios, NSW with her full band of Reece Baines (drums), Matthew Newton (guitars) and Zachary Miller (bass). Joining Tori in the studio are the Mak Brothers, Thom (guitar) and Andy (keys), as well as on pedal steel guitar, multi-instrumentalist Jy-Perry Banks.

Tori has been cultivating a steadily growing fanbase since the release of her evocative single ‘New Wall’ and her acclaimed EP Black Bird (2016). Tori’s highly anticipated 2018 debut album Dawn of the Dark was hailed as one of the standout country album releases of the year and her second album Provlépseis (2021) produced singles ‘Be Here’ and ‘Down Below’ which resonated with her loyal fans. Tori currently boasts over 15 million artist global streams on Spotify alone.

Refreshed and refocused, ‘Made Your Bed’ is the second single Tori Forsyth has released this year. Returning to her unique alt-country sound that first launched her music career, 2023 has kicked off to a great start for the 4 x Golden Guitar Nominee.

From her appearances at Gympie Muster, BigSound 2023 and the recent Jackson Dean support and Groundwater Country Music Festival Broadbeach, there is a newfound freedom and lightness propelling Tori back to her rightful place at the forefront of Australian country music. Queensland Music Trails’ epic nine-day experience, Outback Trails, will return in April 2024 and have recently announced Tori as their first live music act.

Riding the wave of her biggest year to date, Kaylee Bell is poised to set the airwaves alight once more with the release of her latest single “Good Things”.

In signature Bell style, a dynamic blend of country and pop influences, “Good Things” exudes optimism and an irresistible energy that will resonate with fans of all genres. With a tempo that begs the toe to tap, lyrics that herald in the warmer months, “Good Things” encapsulates the spirit of taking risks, pursuing dreams, and celebrating life’s brighter moments, making it a perfect addition to any summer playlist.

Produced by the acclaimed Stuart Stuart, renowned for his work with Australian hit group Sheppard, and co-written by Kaylee Bell, Melanie Dyer, and hit-making duo MSquared , “Good Things” is an upbeat and infectious summer anthem that encourages dreamers and go-getters to seize the moment.

Kaylee Bell’s powerful vocals bring a fresh and contemporary perspective to the world of country music. Her emotionally charged delivery, combined with the skilled production of those she works with in studio have seen Bell go to a whole new level in 2023.

Earlier this year, she embarked on her debut headline tour of New Zealand, playing 17 shows across the country, and selling 8,000 tickets. Her single “Boots n’ All” hit #1 on the NZ Hot Single Chart and became a mainstay on commercial radio. Bell also received an ARIA Gold certification for her “Red” EP, the first female country artist to do so in Australasia in 20 years. She has recently relocated to Nashville, where more good things are bound to come her way.

Wrapping up his HSC, 17-year-old Tamworth, NSW school student Lane Pittman returns with his flowing mullet and brand new single “Ain’t Too Much To Ask”. With his time spent on The Voice Australia behind him Lane’s focus has shifted to playing shows and releasing new music, and that couldn’t come quicker after just wrapping up a huge Australia and NewZealand tour with Country Music megastar Luke Combs, selling out arenas across both countries (Qudos Bank Arena SYD, Rod Laver Arena MEL, Brisbane Entertainment Centre BRS, AEC Centre ADL, RAC Arena PER and Spark Arena NZ).

The reception for his first single “Love In A Country Town”, released through Chugg Music has been immense as it climbed to #4 on the National Country Airplay Charts. The vibe around Lane as an emerging artist has now seen him on line-ups for festivals such as Meatstock and CMC Rocks 2024.

Written by US giants Neil Mason (from The Cadillac Three), Dan Fernandez and Dan Wilson, Lane mentions that “Ain’t Too Much To Ask” is such a special song to me, from the minute I heard it I knew we were onto something special. Recording it came super easy as I channelled my own feelings and really brought that into the song. Keeping it super stripped back was important as I felt the lyrics stood out on their own. Anyone who has been or is head over heels in love will hopefully be able to relate to the sentiment of the song.”

ABOUT LANE PITTMAN:

Born in Mount Isa, QLD and raised in country music capital Tamworth NSW, country music has been part of Lane for his entire life. Seeking inspiration from the legends such as Alan Jackson, Randy Travis and Brooke & Dunn, through to today’s biggest stars like Keith Urban, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen, Lane has taken it all in to make a style all his own, which he is ready to take to the world at the fresh age of just seventeen.

Australia was introduced to Lane Pittman in April 2022, when the then 16-year-old school student from Tamworth NSW with the glorious mullet haircut and even more sensational vocal tone wowed audiences with his cover of Luke Combs “Even Though I’m Leaving” as his audition for The Voice Australia. All four chairs turned, and Lane joined Team Keith (Keith Urban).

Lane’s performance of “Even Though I’m Leaving” was uploaded across socials and has so far been viewed over 5 million times across YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

The performance caught the eye of Luke Combs, and his team and Lane was invited to be the opening act on Luke’s massive, sold-out Australian & New Zealand Tour with Cody Johnson, taking place in August 2023. Lane also appeared at CMC Rocks and sold out his first ever ticketed show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2023.

Lane is completing his Higher School Certificate in 2023 and looking forward to getting stuck into writing and performing and releasing more music and all that lays ahead in his musical journey.

Rachel Lipsky was interviewed on National Radio Show ‘Up All Night’ with CMA Nominee Patrick Thomas (WKDF Nashville 103.3FM) and many others are already on board for some “Black Magic” – Rachel Lipsky will be interviewed on ‘Up All Night’, Weds, Nov 1st, with Patrick Thomas. Produced and co-written by #1 Songwriter and Producer, Jeff Coplan (Love and Theft, Tim Hicks, Blackjack Billy). Rachel has had the honor of touring 7 times with Armed Forces Entertainment to Afghanistan, Kuwait, more of the Middle East, Africa, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Kosovo.

Hurricane Fall’s Country Ballad, ‘Before You’, To Sweep Hearts And Airwaves On November 10th.

Get ready to fall in love all over again with the highly anticipated release from Hurricane Fall, ‘Before You’. This beautiful country ballad will be hitting the airwaves on November 10, and promises to capture the hearts of music enthusiasts everywhere.

Written by Hurricane Fall, alongside hitmakers Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis, ‘Before You’ is a testament to the power of love, and the joy that it brings to our lives. The bands soulful vocals and heartfelt storytelling make this track an instant classic that will resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds.

“The inspiration behind ‘Before You’ is the indescribable feeling of finding that one person who completes your world”.

Initially penned by vocalist J.Vee for his wife, Jesse continued, “I wanted to convey the magic and warmth of love through this song, and I hope it resonates with listeners in a way that brings a smile to their faces”.

Whether you’re a country music enthusiast or simply a lover of great music, this song is sure to touch your heart and inspire feelings of love and gratitude.

Hurricane Fall have been on the road with country music legend Lee Kernaghan, and with a steady stream of new music on the way, 2024 is going to be huge.