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KIRSTY LEE AKERS RELEASES EMOTIONAL NEW SINGLE ‘MARLBORO MAN’ – A HEARTBREAKING BALLAD WRITTEN WITH LEGENDARY CO-WRITER BYRON HILL

Acclaimed country artist Kirsty Lee Akers has unveiled her much-anticipated new single, ‘Marlboro Man’ – now available on all streaming platforms. Co-written in Nashville with the legendary Byron Hill, a distinguished member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Marlboro Man is a compelling blend of raw emotion and authentic country storytelling. The song delves deeply into the themes of heartbreak and disillusionment, capturing the essence of a relationship with someone who initially appears to be a hero, only to ultimately leave you more broken than before-much like the elusive and flawed figure of the Marlboro Man.

“I’ve always been drawn to stories of love that are both beautiful and bittersweet,” says Akers. “Marlboro Man tells the story of a romance where you fall for someone who sweeps you off your feet, only to realize they’re not the one who stays. Writing this song with Byron Hill was especially meaningful to me. Byron has penned many of the classic country hits I grew up singing, and he was the very first person I co-wrote with when I first arrived in Nashville as a teenager back in 2005. To still be writing together all these years later is a very special feeling.”

Byron Hill, renowned for his extensive contributions to country music, brings his wealth of songwriting expertise to the track, while Kirsty Lee Akers’ powerful vocals and the soulful twang of the Dobro serve as the heart and soul of this timeless country ballad. Marlboro Man evokes the spirit of traditional country classics, reminiscent of the songs once heard on country radio.

A two-time Golden Guitar winner and star of The Block, Kirsty Lee Akers has earned a reputation for her emotionally charged lyrics and commanding voice. She continues to captivate audiences with her authentic storytelling, cementing her place as one of the leading voices in modern country music. Kirsty once again took on the role of producer for this track alongside her co-producer and drummer, Paul Bain. The track also features the hauntingly beautiful background vocals of Melody Pool, further enriching the emotional depth of the song. Marlboro Man is the latest in a string of standout releases that further solidify Akers’ place in the country music landscape.

With 28 #1 singles, multi-platinum country music superstar Jason Aldean – who’s currently on his 2024 extended “Highway Desperado” Tour – follows his Hot 100 #1 single “Try That In A Small Town” and anthemic “Let Your Boys Be Country” with “Whiskey Drink,” impacting radio today. Featured on his 11th studio album, Highway Desperado, the award-winning, GRAMMY nominated, and multi-faceted entertainer’s compelling new single finds a man pleading with his vices, begging them to help ease the pain of losing her. Written by Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy and John Morgan.

As featured by CBS Mornings, Associated Press, Billboard, The Tennessean, LA Times, American Songwriter , Fox and Friends and more, Aldean’s HIGHWAY DESPERADO – produced by Michael Knox – features fourteen tracks total with three co-written by Aldean – a first since his 2009 Wide Open album.

HIGHWAY DESPERADO follows Aldean’s double album MACON , GEORGIA, which earned Aldean his #1 single, “Trouble With A Heartbreak,” as well as a Billboard Music Award nomination for “Top Country Song” and awards from ACM, CMT, iHeart, and a GRAMMY nomination for “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood. Since making his chart debut in 2005, the Georgia native has earned the most Top 10 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart – more than any other artist – his “songs of small-town living, love and loss have resonated with a loyal fanbase” (Billboard) and have “vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success” (Atlanta Journal Constitution).

About Jason Aldean:

With 28 number one singles, 18 billion streams, and more than 20 million albums sold, Grammy-nominated, Multi-Platinum entertainer Jason Aldean is the current reigning ACM Artist of the Decade. Since his 2005 chart debut, the 3X ACM Entertainer of the Year winner has the most Top 10 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart-more than any other artist-with “songs of small-town living, love and loss that have resonated with a loyal fanbase” (Billboard) and “vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success” (Atlanta Journal Constitution ). He has released 11 studio albums, most recently HIGHWAY DESPERADO, which features Aldean’s breakthrough Hot 100 chart-topping single “Try That In A Small Town,” his 28th career #1 single at Country Radio. HIGHWAY DESPERADO follows the success of Aldean’s sold out, headlining tour of the same name, which was extended into 2024. For more information, visit www.JasonAldean.com .

Steve Cheers Brings Touching Poem To Life With The Release Of ‘Salute’

Released for the 110th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 1915, ‘Salute’ is a poem by the Australian writer Sydney Elliott Napier. During World War I, Sydney served with the First Australian Imperial Force.

The poem was written when Napier was assistant editor of The Sydney Mail and was first published in that paper on 21st April 1937. After hearing the poem read by the NSW Premier at the 2024 Anzac Ceremony, Steve decided to pay tribute to the work with original music, recording it in Nashville in late 2024.

Steve Cheers hails from the NSW Southern Highlands, where he has worked in and on the regions entertainment industry for over 25 years. Apart from releasing and performing his own music, he has also worked as an artist manager, promoter, theatrical actor producer and director, and with his wife Geralyn, runs the local Music Centre which has educated many thousands of students over the years.

Entertainment has run in the bloodlines of Steve’s family for generations, and continues with members of his own family engaging in music teaching, composing, performing, and other artistic endeavours.

Brook Chivell Drops New Anthem “Drink Around Here” – A Nod To ’90’s Country With A Modern Edge

Get ready to raise a glass and hit the dance floor, because Brook Chivell’s latest track, ‘Drink Around Here,’ is set to deliver a powerful dose of good times and classic country vibes with a modern twist.

With its flanger-soaked guitars, honky-tonk swagger, and an infectious sing-along chorus, ‘Drink Around Here’ is the perfect anthem for those seeking to escape life’s stresses and find joy in the company of friends and a cold drink. Inspired by the feel-good spirit of country legends like Alan Jackson and early Tim McGraw, this track is a reminder that, no matter what life throws your way, there’s always a reason to raise a glass and toast to the good life.

“I’ve always been a fan of classic country with that real, authentic vibe,” says Brook. “Thirsty for a good time? Let’s take a sip. That’s how we drink around here.”

Brook Chivell, known for his powerhouse vocals and high-energy performances, has made his mark in the Australian country rock scene. His signature sound, blending country twang with modern rock production, continues to captivate listeners worldwide. ‘Drink Around Here’ marks the fourth release in Brook’s ambitious plan to drop a new song every month in 2025, showcasing his ability to effortlessly blend nostalgia with a contemporary edge.

His chart-topping singles ‘In My Life’ and ‘Hot Country Girl’ have made him a mainstay on country radio, with steady streams and a dedicated fanbase. His electrifying live performances at renowned festivals like Groundwater Country Music Festival, Gympie Muster, and Deni Ute Muster have solidified his reputation as a fan favourite and an unforgettable performer.

‘Drink Around Here’ is more than just a song; it’s a statement of Brook Chivell’s unwavering commitment to creating authentic, powerful country music. Whether delivering a party anthem or a heartfelt ballad, Brook’s music is always real, always raw, and always ready for the stage.

Brook Chivell’s new single ‘Drink Around Here’ is out to radio on Monday 14th April and all digital services on Wednesday 30th April.

REBEL YELL from the perspective of JOEY HENDRICKS

Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music Nashville & daschent®

Press:

“YOU’VE NEVER HEARD REBEL YELL LIKE THIS BEFORE.. 11/10!!”

-Terry Crews (from The Longest Yard with Courtney Cox and Adam Sandler)

ABOUT JOEY HENDRICKS

‭ Since moving from Anacortes, Washington to Nashville in 2017,‬‭ artist/songwriter Joey Hendricks has heard his thought provoking‬‭ songs surrounding love, loss, addiction and familial struggles sung by‬‭ artists Lady A, Bryan Martin, Chayce Beckham and Nate Smith or‬‭ released through his own musical endeavors. Hendricks, continues to‬ craft music with fellow songwriters Lori McKenna, Aaron Ratierre,‬‭ Alysa Vanderheym, Luke Laird, Micky Ekko, Daniel Ross, Barry Dean,‬‭ Dan Layus, Austin Niveral, Jeff Trott, Andy Skib, Jordan Fletcher while‬‭ releasing music throughout 2025 for himself along with his new‬‭ project, verygently, who landed an agency deal with Wasserman Music‬‭ having not ever played a show and signed a record deal with‬ NashVerse/Warner Music after being a band for less than a year. To‬‭ say the least, the future is looking bright for Joey Hendricks.‬

Sean Harrison is a well-traveled, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter from Fayetteville, Arkansas. His 2020 debut album “Halfway From Nashville” cemented his reputation as a witty, insightful Southern songwriter whose quirky, self-mocking songs explore the average guy’s stumbles and struggles through American life. His style crisscrosses boundaries of Americana, combining influences from Folk, Country, Rock and Blues.

Harrison’s second full-length album – “Ghastly Love (And Other Dubious Tales)” — explores deeper connections into the root-sounds and modern expressions of the Americana genre. With guest artists including Gurf Morlix and Earl Cate, the album will release this April.

Songs Sean wrote and produced for Milton Patton in 2015 climbed several Billboard Charts including a high mark of #50 on the Top 200 Country Album chart, and #6 on Heatseekers South Central regional chart for independent artists; music videos from that album gained more than 10 million views, that year; one song was featured in the film ADDicted (2015).

Sean came by his writing and storytelling style naturally. He was born in Nashville and raised mostly in Arkansas, where he grew up in the literary home of the late novelist/screenwriter William Harrison, probably best known for writing the cult-classic movie “Rollerball.” The elder Harrison taught creative writing at the University of Arkansas, which put Sean in frequent company of numerous talented writing students and visiting writers. It also connected him to a lively college campus during the turbulent cultural renaissance of the late 1960s. Sean lived some years in Europe, then Texas, with a lot of traveling and finally back home to Fayetteville. “I have busked in London, Bath, Paris, Florence and Venice, southern Spain and other parts of Europe, New York City, Dallas/Ft. Worth,” Sean said. “It’s only looking back that I can appreciate where I’ve been.”

Gord Bamford Celebrates the Good Old Days with New Single “Cowboys Were Kings”

Australian born/Alberta-raised country music powerhouse Gord Bamford is back with a brand-new single, “Cowboys Were Kings,” a heartfelt tribute to the good old days. Known for his undeniable presence in the Canadian country scene, Bamford has earned an impressive collection of accolades, including twenty-six (26) Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards, JUNO nominations, and a record-setting two-time recognition from the Country Music Association (CMA) Global Music Artist award.

“Cowboys Were Kings” is a song that takes listeners back to simpler times, evoking nostalgia for a period when hard work, tradition, and the spirit of the cowboy were revered by all. With this release, Bamford pays homage to the timeless roots of country music, celebrating the values that shaped the genre.

With an extraordinary career spanning over two decades, Gord Bamford’s achievements are remarkable. His musical catalog includes an astounding collection of accolades, including:

26 x CCMA Awards

2 x CMA Awards

1 x Platinum Album

1 x Platinum Single

2 x Gold Albums

7 x Gold Singles

28 Top 10 Singles

2 x #1 Canadian Billboard Singles

1 x #1 AUS KIX Top 20 for 4 weeks

With over 132 million total streams across the US and Canada, 5 billion+ audience impressions worldwide, and more than 1.15 million career radio spins, Gord Bamford’s music has truly resonated with fans around the globe. His legacy continues to grow as he garners millions of listeners and makes an impact on both Canadian and international airwaves.

A Country Girl’s Anthem of Good Friends, Good Times, and a Little Hellraising

“Damn That’s Right” is a song about a girl raised on the land who embraces hard work but also knows how to let her hair down. She spends long hours keeping up with the guys, and they better keep up with her as the sun sets.

Mackenzie Lee is an emerging talent in the country music industry, known for her unique voice, commanding stage presence, and relatable songwriting. Since her debut, she has built a loyal fanbase and garnered critical acclaim for her ability to blend various genres, creating music that resonates with a broad audience. With a series of successful singles and a rapidly growing social media following, Mackenzie is on her way to becoming a significant figure in country music.

“This song celebrates down-to-earth country girls who enjoy a beer on ice and don’t mind raising a bit of hell,” says Mackenzie.

“Damn That’s Right” features a compelling mix of powerful lyrics and rich country-rock melodies. This eagerly awaited release highlights Mackenzie’s distinct style and blends heartfelt emotion with vibrant energy. Released through Music 2 Media as Part of Her JNR Winners Prize Pack Country Stars 2024

“Damn That’s Right” was produced by Nyssa Ray at Nyssa Ray Recordings. Fans and new listeners can look forward to an electrifying auditory experience that showcases Mackenzie Lee’s capabilities as a dynamic and versatile artist. “Damn That’s Right” is already generating significant buzz, with excitement building among fans and industry professionals. Mackenzie Lee’s distinctive sound and lyrical depth are poised to make a lasting impression, offering a fresh perspective and a sense of familiarity. The production quality of the single reflects Lee’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to her craft.

Col Finley, Founder of Country Stars Australia, has praised the song, further solidifying Mackenzie Lee’s reputation as a rising star in the country music scene.

Artist Quote –

“This song celebrates the down-to-earth country girls who enjoy a beer on ice and who don’t mind raisin’ a bit of hell”

Rising Nashville vocalist and songwriter Carter Faith unveils a new song, “Grudge,” today. ‘Grudge’ is just a silly little song that I wrote to get some pettiness out of my system,” says Faith. “I think we all have one or two people we can think of who pissed us off good 😉 Thanks to Tofer Brown and Steph Jones for writing this one with me!”

Faith, who is gearing up to release her debut album, will join Little Big Town on tour this summer. The shows include pavilions and amphitheaters across the country kicking off in Rogers, AR on July 24. The new dates come in addition to a recently wrapped tour with Ella Langley and Faith’s current run with Carly Pearce. She also makes her Stagecoach festival debut this month in Indio, Calif.

Earlier this year Faith debuted a new track, “If I Had Never Lost My Mind…,” to widespread acclaim. The song followed her Capitol Records Nashville debut The Aftermath EP last fall, which featured a duet with Alison Krauss and drew praise from Billboard, The Tennessean, American Songwriter and more.

Faith continues to build her fanbase in Nashville and beyond, recently signing with Universal Music Group Nashville and Universal Music Publishing Group. Other 2024 highlights include her performance at CMA Fest, her twelfth show at the historic Grand Ole Opry, her first shows in London and Berlin at Country to Country (C2C) Festival, contributing vocals to Bon Iver’s “AWARDS SEASON” and supporting Luke Grimes on tour for the second year in a row.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Faith relocated to Nashville after college to pursue her dream of becoming a country musician, learning the ropes from seasoned professionals who saw her massive potential. Fast forward a few years, and Faith has accumulated over 117 million global streams on tracks like “Wild,” “Greener Pasture” and “Already Crazy.” Her soaring vocals and authentic storytelling, paired with a delicate delivery and breezy confidence, have captivated audiences and led to stages shared with Little Big Town, Keith Urban and one of her biggest influences, Willie Nelson. Furthermore, she was recently featured on MusicRow’s Next Big Thing and All Country News’ Artists to Watch lists for 2025 and has been featured in CMT’s 2023 Next Women of Country and LISTEN UP 2024 campaigns, in addition to being the first country artist featured in Spotify’s Fresh Finds multi-genre program.

Rory Phillips Releases Stirring Single And Video For ‘Dear Mum And Dad’

A poignant tribute to the ANZACs by the 2023 NSW Folk Federation Young Folk Artist of the Year, featuring Dobe Newton OAM of The Bushwackers.

Country and folk artist Rory Phillips is set to release his highly anticipated single, ‘Dear Mum and Dad’, on April 11, 2025. The heartfelt track brings a fresh, emotional perspective to the ANZAC legacy, telling the story of a young boy who runs away from school to enlist with the ANZACs during World War I.

The narrative unfolds through a series of letters written by the boy to his parents, capturing his journey from bravery and youthful optimism to the tragic despair of war. As the letters progress, listeners experience the emotional highs and lows of war, culminating in the devastating news of the boy’s death in battle.

‘Dear Mum and Dad’ is a powerful exploration of bravery, loss, and the harsh realities of war, framed through the lens of a young man and a family’s heart-wrenching sacrifice. Rory Phillips’ songwriting, penned at The Academy of Country Music in collaboration with Andrew Scharf, Jayne Denham, and Alan Caswell, creates a moving portrayal of the ANZAC experience. Produced by Roger Corbett at The Valley Studio, the track features the iconic voice of Dobe Newton OAM, best known as enigmatic frontman for The Bushwackers and as co-writer of the legendary song ‘I Am Australian’.

“This song is one of the most poignant songs about the ANZAC experience that I have come across in my lifetime,” says Roger Corbett of The Bushwackers.

‘Dear Mum and Dad’ marks the third single release from Rory Phillips, following his success as the 2023 Folk Federation of NSW Young Folk Artist of the Year. His deep connection to storytelling and “music with a message” shines through in this release, demonstrating his commitment to preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Australia, with a nod to his own New Zealand lineage as well.

Phillips claims “I’ve been participating in ANZAC Day marches and services from when I was a baby in a pram, so when Andrew Scharf came to us at The Academy with this idea for a song, it truly resonated with me, and I wanted to make it my own. With his blessing, and with financial support from the Country Arts Support Program, administered by Eastern Riverina Arts on behalf of the NSW Government, I think I’ve been able to achieve that.”

Fans of Rory Phillips can stream ‘Dear Mum and Dad’ on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms starting 11 April 2025. The song is accompanied by a powerful and moving music video, created in collaboration with Tracy and Josh Beveridge of Roaming Creatives, and was shot on location at Newcastle’s Fort Scratchley and The Rail Motor Society at Paterson NSW. The touching music video will be released prior to ANZAC Day, and it beautifully complements the song’s emotional narrative.