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Lee Kernaghan has unveiled “Who I Am”, the lead single from his upcoming album scheduled for a 2025 debut. This album marks Kernaghan’s 16th studio release in a career spanning 3 decades.

“Who I Am” features 2 x Golden Guitar winner James Johnston and was written by Kernaghan and Johnston along with hit songwriters Nick Wolfe and Colin Buchanan. Produced by Jared Adlam at Machine Lab Studios “Who I Am” digs deep into Lee and James’ country roots paying tribute to the people and land they love.

“Who I Am” is a unique collaboration that began with a chance encounter between the two singers when James was just starting out. As Lee describes it, “I remember meeting James when he was just 10 years old busking on Peel St Tamworth. I shook the little bloke’s hand and signed a tour poster for him writing:

‘To James – you will rock Australian country! Lee Kernaghan 2001’

James told me that the autographed poster hung on his bedroom wall for many years alongside his childhood musical heroes. Twenty years later he’s gone on to become one of the most popular new artists in country music. To be able to release this song together and share a part of our story is pretty special to me.”

It’s the records that I wore out
It’s the heroes on my wall
It’s the dream that I’ve been dreaming of
since I was six years old

It’s the songs that I keep writing
It’s the miles that I drive
It’s the little bar in this town
I’m playing at tonight
It’s who I am

(Lyrics from Who I Am)

James recalled “As a young boy, I grew up listening to Lee’s music, it made me feel proud of the life I lived as a small town country kid. ‘Who I Am’ is an extension of that, it’s about being proud of the person you are and celebrating the life you love. To be able to have a song with this message with my childhood hero is something I’m incredibly excited about”.

Earlier this month, Kernaghan expanded his Boys From The Bush – The Concert Australian Tour , adding new dates in New South Wales and Queensland. He also hinted at the upcoming new album, revealing that he’s been working on new music in the studio and added that there will be more tour dates coming in 2025.

A STATEMENT, A LIFESTYLE AND NOW AN ANTHEM FOR LIFTING THE RIGHT ARM

“Ain’t No Better Buddy Than A Beer” is Casey Barnes’ spirited ode to beer and good times. This track from his fifth studio album, “Mayday”, invites you to let your hair down, sing along, and grab a cold one.

Reflecting on the creation of the song, which he penned in Nashville last year on a writing trip, Casey says:

“What’s the one thing in life that waits for you patiently, never judges you, and is always there? Beer. That’s the premise we embraced when writing this one, with tongue firmly in cheek. It’s a BBQ anthem, a deliberate departure from what you might be used to hearing from me. This track is all about having fun and singing along, no matter where you are around the world when they call last drinks! I was also fortunate to have the legendary Nashville songsmith Bobby Huff contribute to the tune, and we’re confident it’ll have you reaching for the fridge-in moderation, of course ;)”

“Mayday” has already made a significant impact, debuting at #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album Charts, #2 on the Australian Album Charts, and #2 on the Overall Country Album Charts. It also entered the AIR Album Charts at #1. Singles like “Mayday,” “Miracles,” “Never Give Up On A Good Time,” “Boys Like Me,” and “Summer Nights” have all topped the CountryTown Radio Airplay Charts, solidifying Barnes’ status as a country music heavyweight. Notably, “Summer Nights” clinched the APRA Award for Most Performed Country Work this year.

You’ve cranked up the volume and memorised all the lyrics-now it’s time to gather your mates and hit the road with Casey Barnes and his band to celebrate the Mayday Album Tour.

“Writing and recording new music in the studio is one thing, but my favourite part is always taking those songs on the road and playing them live for the fans! Mayday is my first album in over two years, and we can’t wait to bring our brand-new live show to amazing locations all around Australia!”

Starting this July, Casey Barnes is taking his electrifying new album across the country for a series of headline and festival shows. He has been perfecting his dynamic live performances with standout sets at CMC Rocks, Stagecoach Festival (the world’s largest country music festival), and most recently, CMA Fest this year.

Radio Is Loving Ready To Run

“Conrad is a very talented First Nations Performer that has been on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown a number of times and I can see this one breaking the charts soon as well.” – Coyote 106 FM

“Nice catchy tune with a summer feel”- James Oor Country Scotland

Conrad’s versatility in blending Country, Folk, and Americana genres will leave you in awe. Ignite your resilience, face any challenge head-on with ‘Ready to Run’.

TWO TONE PONY RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘GOING BACK’ + ANNOUNCE FORTHCOMING DEBUT ALBUM ‘BORN ON THE ROAD’

Staunch believers in authentic Australian country music, Two Tone Pony unveil their new single ‘Going Back’. The up-tempo track arrives ahead of the band’s debut album Born on the Road, set for release on Friday 19th July available for pre order now.

‘Going Back’ hits the ground running; from the driving backbeat to the twangy guitar lines, its pulse is irresistible. As its reverb-soaked licks weave between frontman David Kirkpatrick’s deft storytelling, it feels like the soundtrack to a silver screen scene. An attribute Kirkpatrick credits to producer, Rod McCormack (Gina Jeffreys, Adam Harvey).

“Rod gives it an almost spaghetti western feeling and adds to the cinematic sweep of the song,” he says.

Being the first song Kirkpatrick wrote for the band, it struggled to fit into a box. “I wrote freely, not thinking how it may sound in terms of genre,” he recalls. Yet within the storied walls of McCormack’s The Music Cellar studios, tucked away on the NSW Central Coast, the band’s unique sound took shape.

Inspiration for the song came from Kirkpatrick’s father, legendary Australian performer, Slim Dusty. “I had the vision of driving back down the Nulla Nulla Valley to my father’s dairy farm,” unpacks the songwriter. “How he might have felt returning to a place he had in his own words – escaped from.”

“Going back to where it all began / Once a boy, now a man / Crossed some lines in the sand / He’s going back to where it all began.” Kirkpatrick’s lyrics paint a vivid picture as he recounts the would-be pilgrimage.

Two Tone Pony’s alternative-tinged brand of country music is best enjoyed live. In the coming months, the Central Coast 5-piece will appear at Tamworth’s annual Hats Off to Country Festival and will be performing headline shows in Sydney and the Central Coast’s Hardy’s Bay.

The latest offering ‘Going Back’ reveals the band’s grittier side, testimony to their versatility. Feeling both familiar and fresh, the single sets the tone for the band’s highly anticipated debut album Born on The Road – out 19th July.

After amassing a staggering 40 million views on Instagram reels with a tantalizing teaser, GRAMMY®-nominated artists Quavo and Lana Del Rey release their highly-anticipated new song “Tough” today via Capitol/Interscope/Polydor. Directed by Wyatt Spain Winfrey, the video for ‘Tough’ is a mesmerizing fusion that allows both superstars to fearlessly explore each other’s musical realms, showcasing their indomitable spirit. Set in a rural backdrop, Quavo and Lana are intrepid companions, undaunted by life’s trials. On one end, Quavo brandishes his shotgun while Lana carries her guitar, symbolizing their unwavering strength despite their contrasting origins.

“Tough like the scuff on a pair of old leather boots/Like the blue-collar, red-dirt attitude/Like a .38 made out of brass/Tough like the stuff on your grandpa’s glass,” the country-trap hook goes.

Following the release of the teaser of “Tough,” the clip enjoyed various viral moments and was picked up by numerous publications, including Billboard, Rolling Stone, Spin, Hypebeast, and more. Quavo and Lana added more fuel to the conversation when they performed the song together at the singer’s headlining performance at Fenway Park in Boston. The teased reel posted on Instagram became the most viewed reel of all time for Quavo, while that became the second largest for Lana.

Tyla Rodrigues skirts the line between vintage and modern, making her old school country sound both timeless and refreshing. Today the young star-on-the-rise reveals her latest track, ‘Wish I Would’ .

Saturated with blistering guitar licks, banjo and fiddle, the breakneck-speed romp echoes the sounds of by-gone eras. Yet Tyla’s soulful vocal adds a touch of contemporary sweetness, as she farewells a toxic relationship. “I won’t come crawling back even though I could / But I bet you’re gonna wish I would”.

The single follows her recent release, ‘Straight Outlaw’, with both songs set to appear on the singer-songwriter’s debut EP Upon Reflection, set for release on 10th October. Among the liner notes is Tyla’s ace producer Rusty Crook. “I was extremely privileged to have this track recorded and produced in Tamworth, NSW by the ever-talented Rusty Crook,” she recalls – noting that the time they spent on ‘Wish I Would’ far exceeds any other track the pair have tackled. “Rusty and I have been working together over the past few years and he never fails to bring my big musical ideas to life.”

As an old-school country artist, Tyla effortlessly combines elements of classic country, blues, and folk. Her straight-shooting storytelling – covering love, heartbreak, and the simple joys and struggles of everyday life – has the ability to transport listeners to a bygone era, while redefining the boundaries of country music.

Since arriving on the scene, Tyla has notched up a great deal of hours on stage, appearing at some the country’s biggest jaunts including Tamworth Country Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster, and Groundwater Country Music Festival. Earlier in 2024 she was lucky enough to sing alongside global superstar, Noah Kahan, at his sold-out Sydney show. “It is a moment that I have to pinch myself about still to this day,” she laughs.

In the coming months, Tyla will embark on a headline run of dates across multiple states, showcasing tunes from her forthcoming EP Upon Reflection. “I cannot wait to get on the road in September for my headlining tour bringing all of my new tracks including ‘Wish I Would’ to a town near you!”

Tyla Rodrigues is a rare talent with a knack for taking something old and making it new. Her Country sounds of yesteryear are both nostalgic and progressive. While ‘Wish I Would’, places her clever songwriting centre stage, it shines as danceable, singable, bonafide country hit.

CMAA The Academy of Country Music Australia (The Academy) alumni Beth Lucas and Mark Lavender have teamed up to release a rock charged country break-up anthem, Pieces.

Penned by Lucas’ long-time friend Mikey Adams, who is best known as bassist and songwriter in Boston-based pop punk band, A Loss For Words, Pieces shares both perspectives of a relationship breakdown. Adams, now based in Nashville and furthering his songwriting career recorded the song in the US with producer and multi-instrumentalist Chris Curran, with Australia’s Peter Eckel (Open Season Band) featuring on banjo.

Lucas & Lavender recorded both their vocal parts in Australia and called in James North to mix and master the track locally. This is the second track that Lucas and North have worked on together.

Known for his love of country music, Mark Lavender has tailored his path as a performing musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Born and raised in Bundaberg QLD, Lavender hit the stage at 12 years old, performing at country music festivals throughout Queensland, allowing him to build a strong following at an early age. Lavender is cemented in the Australian country music landscape, regularly performing for and with Brad Cox and Sammy White and graduating The Academy in 2023, alongside Lucas.

A regular fixture on the local alternative scene during the late 2010’s, Lucas’ country music career is relatively young, having only made the genre switch within the last few years. Although still considered an emerging artist within the country space, Lucas’ star is on the rise after winning the Ekka’s Country Music Showdown talent search (2023), being named the recipient of the Keith Urban scholarship to attend The Academy (2023) and opening for Australian country music heavyweights Adam Brand, Travis Collins and more.

When the song was initially offered to Lucas, it was to duet with Adams, however a joint decision was made to instead offer the male part to a local country artist and Lucas knew immediately that Lavender would be the best fit. Lucas says, “The song excited me from the get-go, probably because of my personal history with Mikey’s band, but also because it gives a fresh take on modern country rock/pop. I love the arrangement of the song, the back and forth between the two parts and the addition of the banjo obviously gives it that country twang. When Mikey gave me the green light to choose an Aussie counterpart, there was no question in my mind that Mark would nail it. He was on board from the start and his enthusiasm to be involved definitely confirmed that he was the right choice. We’re all so stoked with how it came out and that’s also thanks to our mixing engineer, James North who was working with multiple different file formats and vocal recording conditions, so to get the song to where it is now was no small feat on his part either.”

The subject matter of the song may be on the sadder side but the upbeat tempo and driving guitars will leave the listener tapping along before the first verse hits. For fans of Hardy, Casey Barnes and Josh Setterfield.

Australian siblings – Katelyn, Liam & Kasey O’Donoghue are the voices behind the sweet tones and captivating harmonies of the group, Homegrown Trio.

Finding their passion for music in their early childhood growing up on a million-acre cattle station, they have taken their country roots and love for pop melodies to create a fresh modern sound for country music. Forming in 2010, the siblings are no strangers to the music scene having spent years crafting the effortless, familiar blend they are renowned for.

Their sneak leaked rendition of “Fast Cars ” on The Voice Australia in 2018 gained over 1 million views which caught the attention of global coaches Kelly Rowland, Delta Goodrem, Boy George & Joe Jonas joining ‘Team Jonas’ team to reach the Top 16. With their dedication and drive, Homegrown Trio relocated to the epicentre of country music – Nashville, TN in 2021. Their success was validated within the first few months after landing the opening slot for The Jonas Brothers, Kelsea Ballerini & Jordan McGraw on the Remember This US Tour. This was soon followed by inking a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, which kickstarted a whirlwind 12 months of writing with some of Nashville’s most prominent, award-winning songwriters. The past year saw the trio in the studio with Grammy & CMA Award winning producers, Dann Huff (Keith Urban), Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift) & Joy Williams (The Civil Wars).

Homegrown Trio released their debut single, “Heartbreaker ” in April 2024 which peaked at #7 on the CountryTown Hot 50 Airplay Chart and #6 on the Kix Country Hottest 20.

Continuing with the momentum of “Heartbreaker “, the band are set to release their next single, “Call It Magic”.

“This song was sparked by the feeling of falling for someone you know could end up breaking your heart. Sometimes it’s worth a heartbreak to feel a little magic”.

“We wrote this song 2 days before we jumped into the studio, talk about perfect timing! We were on the last day of recording and still deciding between two songs but after playing both in the studio, it was pretty clear “Call it Magic” was the pick. We loved writing this one with David Garcia & Lydia Vaughan, taking inspiration from Keith Urban’s “Golden Road” album & Taylor Swift’s early records. It looked a little different in the writing room, it had a completely different hook and ‘call it magic’ was only just a line we used in the chorus. After playing it in the room with our producers, they all agreed ‘call it magic’ needed to be the hook of the song. Working alongside Dann Huff , Nathan Chapman & Joy Williams was a dream and watching this song come to life was incredible. We grew up being inspired by albums these people have worked on, so it was pretty incredible that we got the chance to create music with them! We’re so proud of this record and we can’t wait for you all to sing Call it Magic at the top of your lungs!”

Talking Points:

Toured with The Jonas Brothers & Kelsea Ballerini on the Remember This US Tour 20
Signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music in Nashville.
Moved to Nashville TN in 2021
Top 16 of The Voice Australia in 2018
Worked with producers – Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift), Dann Huff (Keith Urban) & Joy Williams (The Civil Wars)
Heartbreaker written by Katelyn O’Donoghue, Liam O’Donoghue, Kasey O’Donoghue & Sammy Telford in our hometown in 2020.
Spent our early childhood on a million-acre cattle station in Far North Queensland before moving to Charters Towers.
“Heartbreaker” peaked at #7 on the CountryTown Hot 50 Airplay Chart and #6 on the Kix Country Hottest 20.

Andrew Farriss AM, the multi-platinum, award-winning songwriter of INXS fame, continues his stellar career with the release of his new single, “Something Stronger”.

A blazing fusion of country and rock, “Something Stronger” captures the raw energy and reckless abandon of youth, fuelled by hot emotions and a thirst for life’s wilder moments.

“I wanted to record a song about grit and passion,” says Farriss, and indeed Farriss’s signature storytelling and evocative melodies have again created a powerful anthem, evoking a sense of nostalgia for youthful adventures, filled with cheap whiskey, burning rubber, and the thrill of chasing dreams.

“We drank cheap whisky burnin’ down our teenage throats. A fire on the end of a hand-rolled smoke.”

“These words capture the raw energy and recklessness of youth for many past and present,” Farriss explains, “the deep yearning for something more intense… something stronger.”

“Something Stronger” is a taste of what’s to come from Farriss’s highly anticipated second solo album, “The Prospector”, due in early 2025.

“The songs on ‘The Prospector’ are about searching for the gold in life – reaching out for something higher,” Farriss explains. “It’s about digging deep inside, and encouraging others to look for the real treasures in life.”

The accompanying music video is a visual feast that captures the song’s essence – “fast cars, open roads, burning embers, a welcome home and raised glasses,” he smiles.

Farriss kicked off his solo career with an acclaimed self-titled debut album in 2021 featuring the high-rotation radio hits “Come Midnight” and “Good Momma Bad”, with “You Are My Rock” achieving a Top-100 Billboard Indicator chart hit in the USA. In 2022, he earned a Golden Guitar nomination for ‘Heritage Song of the Year’ for ” With The Kelly Gang.”

Accolades and global success aside, at the heart of it all, Andrew is a dedicated family man who has spent the past 30 years living and working on an established farming property near Tamworth, where he raises cattle and grows grains.

Beyond his solo work, Farriss continues to write and produce music for other artists, recently receiving notable acclaim for his collaboration with Yirrmal, a North-East Arnhem Land songwriter. His contributions have been recognised with numerous awards, including a Producer of the Year ARIA Award and an induction into the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016.
Fans can catch Farriss on tour across Australia in 2024 and 2025, where he’ll perform “Something Stronger” alongside his acclaimed solo material plus his songwriting classics.

“Get ready to buckle up for an exhilarating ride,” he says, “as we hit the road and ignite the stage.”

www.andrewfarriss.com

COUNTRY SONGSTRESS COURTNEY KEIL TEAMS UP WITH GINA JEFFREYS FOR NEW SINGLE ‘WORN IN’

Country music songbird Courtney Keil teams up with the incomparable Gina Jeffreys on her latest single, ‘Worn In’.

Courtney often fuses the sounds of 90s country queens with a contemporary edge; a style in which her silky vocal certainly sounds ‘worn in’. The nostalgic production also serves as the perfect backdrop for a duet with Jeffreys – a 90s country queen in her own right.

Although Courtney admits the song initially wasn’t intended to be a duet, eventually signing on Jeffrey’s was a no-brainer. “The more I came back to the song, I couldn’t help but hear a strong female duet voice on it. The beautiful, Gina Jeffreys, who of course is my mentor and dear friend agreed to collaborate with me on the track.”

The pair sound as if they’ve sung the song for years, thanks to a real-life friendship reminiscent of the song’s title. “I first met Courtney back in 2020 just as the world was shutting down due to the pandemic,” recalls Jeffreys. Unable to collaborate in person, they took to Zoom and a friendship sparked. “Courtney and I became great friends, spending many hours writing and talking during the pandemic. I think Courtney is an old soul and we feel like we have known each other for a hundred years, so when she asked me if I’d like to be a guest on her new song Worn In – I was truly honoured.”

The song gets its airtight production courtesy of Rod McCormack; multi-award-winning producer, long-time collaborator with Courtney and husband to Jeffreys. Within his Central Coast studio, The Music Cellar, the future hit took shape. “I couldn’t be happier with the result – it gave me goosebumps the first official listen through,” says Courtney.

‘Worn In’ is the anticipated follow-up to Courtney’s single, ‘All About You’; a passionately charged up-tempo track, which rose to #28 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts. Recently the singer-songwriter has received many accolades, including ‘Best Female Vocal’ at the 2023 & 2024 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards.

On the road she’s warmed up stages for some the best in the biz – Adam Harvey, The Whitlams Black Stump and her duet partner, Gina Jeffreys. Most recently she delighted audiences in opening slots for superstars Brain Cadd and Karise Eden. Later this year she’ll join a stellar line-up at the revered Gympie Music Muster in Queensland.

Courtney Keil is an artist with “lyrical depth, emotional connection and ability to create engaging music that speaks the truth” (Beat Magazine). Her latest offering has that in spades. “It’s a heartfelt lyric that really resonates with me, with a traditional country sound that I just love. Makes me wanna hug my old friends and never throw out those old boots!” agrees her collaborator, Gina Jeffreys, whose voice blends stunningly with Courtney Keil’s on this timeless track.