Jonny Reid – Portaferry

The Irishman has been entertaining Australian audiences for several years now, all the while crafting his own catalogue of original music. Originally from the small seaside town of Portaferry on the North-East Coast of Ireland, Reid’s thoughts often turn towards the simple joys of his hometown.

“I have very fond memories of where I was born and grew up, and I haven’t forgotten where I’ve come from. A simple life to some, but it was everything to me”.

The follow-up work to his iTunes number #1 debut album, ‘Portaferry’ sits somewhere between Keith Urban and Kip Moore, with Jonny letting his raspy voice shine throughout. It’s one to play loud, and one to play often.

2021 saw the release of his long-awaited debut album, ‘Another Life’, which reached number #1 on the iTunes Country Album Chart, and number #3 on the iTunes All Genre Album Chart. That success saw Reid play headline shows in the UK, Ireland, Switzerland and Australia in 2022.

Having previously toured with acts such as Nanci Griffith (USA), Ritchie Sambora (USA), Hermitage Green (Ire), and upcoming tours with acts Andrew Swift (Australia) and The Coronas (Ire), Reid is no stranger to performing live.

July 7th sees the release of Reid’s new single ‘Portaferry’, and the first since joining up with in demand Australian producer, Michael J. Bono (Avril Lavigne, Blink 182) creating a fresh radio friendly sound.

An electric live performer and a busy touring schedule … this year looks to be Reid’s biggest yet.

Luke O’Shea and Ashleigh Dallas – Next Best Thing

The title track to Luke O’Shea’s forthcoming album, ‘Next Best Thing’, sees Luke teaming up yet again with his multiple Golden Guitar winning musical mate, Ashleigh Dallas.

Inspired from the passing of songstress Nanci Griffith, Luke was exploring a sweet, melancholy melody found in a new open-tuning of the guitar when an impromptu telephone conversation with Ashleigh left him with the striking words ‘next best thing’.

“Imagery is everything with songwriting,” Luke said.

“And when you hear, or rather when you can paint a big visual canvas with just a few, very select words, then that is the eureka moment!”

Luke knew exactly what to do with that new melody and later that evening called Ash up to declare that they had a new duet.

“Thankfully Ash loved the song as much as I did, and she could easily relate to the various ebbs and flows of our favourite things in life,” Luke said.

“I also loved the double entendre of ‘Next Best Thing’ which seemed a perfect title for my upcoming album.”

Ashleigh said she enjoyed working with Luke on another collaboration and was looking forward to listeners hearing this new release.

The joyous video for ‘Next Best Thing’ sees the award-winning trio of Luke, Ash and video co-director Jay Seeney, of Blacklist Productions, reuniting for the first time since the success of the 2022 CMT Video Clip of the Year Golden Guitar-winning ‘Long Way ‘Round’.

“There really is a special friendship and chemistry between Ash and myself,” Luke said

“The unique ability of Jay to be able to encourage and capture that connection, and that joy, is what makes him so easy to work with and such an in-demand director.”

The Long and Short Of It – Wake Me Up

The Long and Short Of It release their brilliant cover version of the global smash hit, ‘Wake Me Up’. A song by Swedish DJ and record producer Avicii, ‘Wake Me Up’ was released as the lead single from his debut studio album in 2013. It reached number one in Europe and was a top charting single in various countries worldwide including Australia.

The Long and Short of It are David Baird and Patsy Toop OAM, who first met in 2007 and already have an impressive resume to boot that includes six album releases, two EPs, and have earnt themselves a slew of awards including a Tamworth Songwriters Award (2011), a Tasmanian Independent Country Music Award for Most Popular Duo (2016), three-time winner of an Indie Country Music Australia (ICMA) Award for Most Popular Independent Country Duo (2017, 2019 & 2021), a Southern Star Awards Award for Best Duo or Band (2016) and a two-time winner of a Gold Media Medallion Award for Best Duo Nationally (2015 & 2018) – to name a few.

The pair’s sumptuous harmonies have been described as “honey-coated chocolate.” David and Patsy continue to uphold their commitment to penning songs that are relatable, inspirational and are storytelling. Since their first release in 2009, the pair have continued to grow musically with every release.

The duo’s 2013 release of ‘You Made Me Stronger’ earned them a Songwriter, Composers and Lyricists Association (SCALA) Festival Of Original Music (FOOM) Award, describing their title track as a “Brilliant Masterpiece” with four of the album’s tracks peaking at number one on Australia’s leading national country music airplay chart. The pair’s 2016 album ‘The Night Of Our Life’ jumped into ARIA Chart at number 3 and remained in the charts for over 20 weeks, whilst also producing four number one independent radio airplay hits. Their ‘Limited Edition Requested Favourites’ album debuted at Number 5 on the ARIA Country Albums Chart. The album is an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary country music. From ballads to beer-drinking songs- all are heartfelt renditions to inspire happy thoughts and good times.

Self-described as their “best work to date,” ‘Midnight Choir’ is their most recent album from the award-winning Melbourne country duo, which blends traditional and contemporary country. The album debuted at #1 on the ARIA Country Music Albums Chart.

Leading its charge was the single ‘Cowboy Lonesome’, that paints the picture of a lonely cowboy missing his partner in the wilderness and how that rural and outback isolation presents a whole new level of loneliness.

The single was the debut collaboration between the pair and Nashville-based producer, Kenny Royster, whom the pair met during a trip to Nashville in 2013 and is credited for his work with US country superstar Luke Combs. The single ‘Midnight Choir’ has also been released with abundant success.

On the live circuit, their captivating and engaging live shows have earned the adoration of fans and critics alike and have frequented country music festivals in Tamworth, Mildura, Canberra, Mt Gambier, Ballina, amongst others over the past decade.

Ella & Sienna – It’s Not Me, It’s You

Ella & Sienna, singer-songwriter sisters from Adelaide Hills, South Australia have already proven they are one of the most exciting emerging artists in the Australian music scene today. Inspired by artists such as Missy Higgins, Fleetwood Mac and Taylor Swift, the multi-instrumentalist siblings bring together a unique blend of pop, country, and folk influences. Renowned for their formidable combination of soaring vocals, captivating sibling harmonies, catchy pop hooks, and country inspired storytelling, Ella & Sienna create music with staying power.

Empowering and unapologetic, Ella & Siena’s latest release ” It’s Not Me, It’s You” embraces the sister’s newfound country-pop sound. The upbeat, dynamic song was co-written in early January with legendary Nashville songwriter Phil Barton. Brought to life in studio by renowned Australian music producer Rod McCormack, the anthemic track embodies vocal harmonies that soar over rich layers of overdriven rock influenced guitars and energetic drums intertwined with banjo and slide.

Phil is the most enthusiastic writer and a total creative genius. We all had a lot of fun with this one” – Ella

“Recording with Rod McCormack was an incredible experience. We had a very clear idea of what we wanted the track to sound like, and Rod really brought this vision to life even better than we’d imagined.” – Sienna

Over the past two years, these award-winning sisters have had some amazing success. They have performed on main stages at Tamworth Country Music Festival, Groundwater Country Music Festival, Gympie Muster, NQ’S Rockin Country, the EKKA, Semaphore Music Festival, Country by the River, Fleurieu Folk Festival, and Valley Folk Festival, among others. Having played support spots and shared stages with John Schumann (Redgum), Amy Sheppard (Sheppard), Kristy Cox and Jayne Denham, to name a few. As recent graduates of the Country Music Association of Australia Junior Academy, the sisters have been mentored by industry professionals, and have even seen Kasey Chambers join them on stage at the 2020 Tamworth Country Music Festival .

For musicians of such a young age, Ella & Sienna’s long list of achievements is astounding; Winners of MOST POPULAR COUNTRY ARTIST in the South Australian Music Awards 2022, Winners of the GROUNDWATER KIX START and NQ’s ROCKIN COUNTRY REBOOT competitions for 2022, Top 24 Finalist in THE VOICE AUSTRALIA – Season 11 (2022), Finalist in the Folk Alliance Australian YOUTH FOLK ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2022 and 2021, 2nd place in both the Battle of the Young Stars and Best of the Buskers competitions at the TAMWORTH Country Music Festival and Semi-Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition 2020.

Ella & Sienna have most recently featured as the CountryTown and KIX Country ‘Centre Stage Artist’, following the release of their debut EP “Seven Ways to Say You’re Fine”, which was produced by multi-award-winning producer Matt Fell in Tasmania. A number of singles from the EP, including “Next to Mine”, “Saved” and “Don’t Call Me” enjoyed major support from Country Radio including KIX and ABC Country, success on the CountryTown Hot 50, AMRAP and other charts, with hit major editorial playlists on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube Music. The music video for single “Saved” was added to high rotation on CMT, and their ecent single,”‘The City in July” hit Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist.

“We are so grateful for KIX Country and their KIXSTART competition for giving us the opportunity to work with these legends and make this song a reality!” – Ella

Brooke Schubert – Burn Like Summer

Contemporary Country Singer-Songwriter Brooke Schubert Releases ‘Burn Like Summer’.

Following the monumental success of her previous single ‘New Kids In Town’, singer-songwriter Brooke Schubert returns with another single ‘Burn Like Summer’. Written by powerhouse writers Jerry Flowers and Kaylee Bell, ‘Burn Like Summer’ is a sizzling country track. With a driving backbeat, clever melodies and a raw, sensual energy, this uplifting song captivates from the first note. It’s a passionate journey that celebrates the transformative power of love, leaving a lasting impression with its irresistible charm.

Brooke’s first single earlier this year, ‘New Kids In Town’ was extremely well received on Australian Country Radio. With high rotation adds across the board on KIX Country, ABC Country, iHeartCountry, Triple M Country and Australian Country Radio as well as countless other stations has ensured long term success on the Official Countrytown Hottest 50 Chart, where it appeared in the second week of release and is still charting 9 weeks on.

Being no stranger to music lovers, Brooke enjoyed a profile boost with an appearance with Keith Urban on his ‘Light The Fuse’ tour of Australia. Her new unreleased album is a direct reflection of her inspirations as she moves seamlessly between Rock and Country.

“My style has always been the dirtier sound of Country, it’s where I feel most comfortable singing and writing”. Brooke said.

The 2023 releases will all feature on Brooke’s debut album containing a collection of songs co-written with country music heavyweights Kaylee Bell, Graeme Connors, Nolan Songs, Jerry Flowers, Linc Phelps and Natalie Pearson, along with shows and appearances at major music festivals.

Get ready to be swept away by the infectious energy and unforgettable melodies of ‘Burn Like Summer’. Brooke Schubert is on fire and ready to rock.

Brooke Schubert’s new single ‘Burn Like Summer is out to radio 3rd July and digital platforms on 7th July.

BROOKE MCCLYMONT AND ADAM ECKERSLEY – What Are You Waiting For

Celebrated Country music duo, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, have today released their second album, Up Down & Sideways.

Following on from 2018’s Adam & Brooke – their first album together, Up Down & Sideways is a celebration of the ups and downs of real life and real love. Produced by Robby De Sa (Gretta Ray, The McClymonts, Tina Arena) the album’s magic lies in the dynamic interplay between the couple’s distinct yet complementary musical tastes and relevance of their stories and song writing; which has also resulted in award-winning successes and a special connection with live audiences and listeners across the country.

Brooke McClymont shares, “This is chalk and cheese from the first album and I feel like we’ve got the best of both of us on there. We’ve met in the middle with our influences, put them in a blender and come up with this and we feel like this album stamps a moment in time.

“We want people to feel like we’re sitting there around their fire and sharing their problems and life with them. We want the songs to have a place in their lives.”

This idea ultimately became a reality, as Adam and Brooke aimed to bring their fans closer to their music and to their fire during times of personal and global turmoil. Faced with months of no touring, the birth of a child and the loss of a loved one, they saw it even more important to connect with their audience and share relatable stories of hardship and joy – with a whole lot of fun thrown in.

The album is led by the single ‘ What Are You Waiting For ‘, which was written when Brooke and Adam went to Sydney for a co-write, couldn’t find a park and wondered who could live in the middle of Sydney. It was all they could think about when they went into the writing room; and this song could be the new anthem for a regional tourism campaign.

In addition to the new single, Up, Down & Sideways also includes, ‘Wild Side ‘, which is a song written through COVID when Brooke and Adam could only party with each other, but realised they were pretty good at it; and ‘Rock Bottom’, which came at a point when the couple thought that they might have been drinking too much, and felt it was healthy to check in with themselves and get back in control. This song is a reminder to have those moments.

The track ‘High On A Monday ‘ is self-explanatory and even comes with its own explicit language warning. Being touring musicians, the couple has their weekends on a Monday and this song just reminds us all that people are always telling us what we should and shouldn’t do and offering unwanted advice… This is the song to tell them what to do with their opinions and to live your life your way.

The album also features an introspective, but very relatable track called ‘Don’t Give Up On Me Yet’, which was another one written through COVID when everyone was going through ups and downs and struggling. Brooke and Adam are easy-going, but they admit they have their “moments” together, especially during the lockdowns. This song says that they know they’re not the person they want to be at the moment, but asks their partner not to give up on them yet because they know they’re going to do better.

The tracklist is rounded out with their previously released singles, ‘Lost If I Lost You’, ‘ Country Music, You & Beer ‘, ‘Memory Lane’, ‘Roll On Baby’, and the winner of the Golden Guitar APRA AMCOS Song of The Year, ‘Star Of The Show’.

ABOUT BROOKE MCCLYMONT & ADAM ECKERSLEY

Releasing their debut album as the duo Adam & Brooke in 2018, the #1 ARIA Country Album was received rapturously within the country community, garnering accolades and awards all over.

Taking home three awards from their four nominations at the 51st Golden Guitars awards this year, Brooke and Adam topped the night by winning the Song of the Year for their single ‘Star of the Show’.

They also won the Apple Music Single of the Year for their song ‘Memory Lane’ and the award for Country Music Capital News Group or Duo of the Year – bringing their total of Golden Guitar Award wins to 20 across their career.

Their daughter, 10-year-old Tiggy Heart Eckersley, also became the youngest person in history to be recognised with a Golden Guitar Award, sharing the Song of the Year win with her parents and Dan Biederman as fellow songwriters.

Shane Douthwright – The Weekend

Shane Douthwright is excited to release “The Weekend” for summer 2023.

This Country release is an upbeat sing-along song that will get you ready for summer and your weekend.

Shane recently completed a solo Country music four-week contract on the Oasis Of The Seas with Royal Caribbean where he was able to showcase some of his newly penned songs and was extremely well received by the guests.

Shane holds a very busy schedule with 66 shows booked for the months of July and August. You can see Shane at the Down River Music Festival as well as Levee on The Lake and Rogersville Bluegrass Festival along with many other venues throughout NB and PEI.

Adam Brand – Now We’re Talking

The song is about how in this fast paced, here today, gone tomorrow world, two people can find each other against all odds, and build a beautiful life together. As Brand describes his single, “It’s crazy to think that two people who are complete opposites can come together and find love, so don’t give up, they could be just around the corner!”

Reflecting on his own life Brand writes in this song, “Now we’re talking, Bout a baby girl, We’re gonna bring into the world, She’s gonna wrap me round her pretty little finger like her mumma does…and she does.”

Anyone who knows Brand, knows how his daughters Pepper and Connie have had a profound effect on his life and as always, his life and heart are proudly pinned to his sleeve in this beautifully written song dedicated to anyone who has found true love against all odds.

Adam Brand’s career has spanned three decades, 15 studio albums, multiple #1 singles and full length releases.

Mel Lukin – Look Up

Singer Songwriter Mel Lukin Delivers An Important Message In Her New Single ‘Look Up’.

Talented Queensland based singer-songwriter Mel Lukin is set to make her mark in 2023 with a fresh wave of music, a revamped image and a contagious positive energy.

Her new offering, ‘Look Up’ is a feel-good country track that incorporates harmonic flavours, showcasing her unique style while staying true to her musical roots. In this song, Lukin explores the impact of social media, screens, and the digital age on today’s young people and society as a whole. With heartfelt lyrics and a compelling message, ‘Look Up’ urges listeners to break free from the digital distractions and reconnect with the world around them. Lukin’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery bring the song to life, making it a captivating anthem that resonates with listeners of all ages. With its timely and thought-provoking subject matter ‘Look Up’ is poised to make waves on the airwaves, reminding us all to embrace the present moment and cherish the real connections in our lives. Get ready to be swept away by this enchanting country track that invites us to rediscover the beauty of the world when we simply take the time to “Look Up”.

“I wrote this song with talented songwriter, Nolan Wynne’ in May of last year. We sat down together and just started chatting about life as you do when starting the writing process. He has young girls also, and we shared common experiences and concerns which made writing this song so fulfilling. I had the title ‘Look Up’ and the concept for a quite a while, and Nolan and I rounded it out together and created the song ‘Look Up’. Currently, kids and teens hardly engage in face-to-face conversations, and is crucial for us to help our youth in redirecting their attention towards the real world. Together, let’s encourage our young people to “Look Up”. This song means so much to me personally and it’s my honest to date”.

Mel is no stranger to the music industry. Her debut single ‘On The Water’ released in 2020 was featured in the HBO US TV series ‘Almost Paradise’ while her song ‘Caught Up In A Dream’ made waves on radio charts in 2021, with the music video also featured on Foxtel’s CMT. Earlier this year she unveiled her latest single ‘One Way Ticket’ further solidifying her growing popularity. Inspired by artists such as Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, The Chicks and Faith Hill, Mel’s captivating vocals and uplifting messages shine through in her releases.

Mel’s musical prowess and narrative storytelling have earned her praise from festival-goers. She has performed alongside renowned artists like Brad Butcher, Matt Cornell and James Blundell at events like ‘Country on Keppel’ as well as the inaugural ‘Down on the Farm’ festival.

Mel Lukin offers an uplifting musical experience with catchy melodies and an irresistible island party ambiance. Her positive energy and melodic charm create a world of good vibes and memorable tunes for her listeners. Stay tuned for show announcements to promote Mel’s 2023 releases.

Mel Lukin’s new single ‘Look Up’ is out at radio on Monday 26th June and all digital services Friday 30th June.

Jeremy Turner – She Keeps Comin’ Around

Gritty Southern Queensland-based country artist, Jeremy Turner, has dropped his mighty debut commercial single, She Keeps Comin’ Around, available for airplay and out now across streaming platforms.

She Keeps Comin’ Around is the first in a series of singles to come from Jeremy Turner, an exciting new talent on the Australian country music landscape. Written by Jason Matthews, Johnny Bulford, and Aussie ex-pat, Phil Barton, the track was also produced by Phil Barton along with Brad Winters and mastered at Georgetown by Andrew Darby.

She Keeps Comin’ Around has all the earmarks of rocking, modern country, and tells the story of a dysfunctional relationship, where neither party can let it go. Each time he tries to make a break, she opens the door again, and they are drawn back together. As one line in the song states, “Old habits die hard in the moonlight.”

Described as a little rough around the edges, but with a heart of gold and a voice to match, Turner is winning over fans at a record pace. With the release of She Keeps Comin’ Around and an action-packed schedule on the radar well into 2024, his support (and star) is sure to continue to rise.

ABOUT JEREMY

Jeremy Turner is a gritty singer-songwriter originally from Murwillumbah, NSW, but now calls Queensland home. While he may list his address in Fernvale in Southern Queensland, Turner embodies the lifestyle of a traveling musician, spending most of the year on the road, taking his sound to his supporter base.

His love of country music has already seen him tour extensively between Australia, New Zealand, and even the USA. He has spent many years mastering his craft as a storyteller, grinding away at the things that make him tick, writing, recording, and performing music.

Turner lists his inspiration as artists including Cody Johnson, Leanne Womack and Keith Urban, an eclectic mix of artists to be sure, but just like Jeremy, there is something for everyone within.