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Twenty-five years ago, 16-year-old Melissa Bajric walked into the studio to record her debut album, Believe In Me, with multi-award-winning producer Lindsay Butler. ‘My Dad Was a Road Train Man’ became the album’s first radio single and the song that launched Melissa’s professional music career. Now, a quarter of a century later, that same 16-year-old voice has been brought into the present with a brand-new production that celebrates everything Melissa has learned, experienced and achieved along the way. Melissa has always held Lindsay Butler in the highest regard, and his influence on her early recording career was pivotal. It is both fitting and deeply nostalgic for Melissa that the track opens with Lindsay’s original track ID — a sound normally heard only on the working track in the studio — instantly transporting her back to those early optimistic days. The original recording also featured drums by Lindsay Waddington, the musician who has gone on to become Melissa’s on-stage Musical Director, her current producer and one of the most important musical collaborators of her career. He has once again played the drums for the new production, merging the past with the present. This release is about more than a song. It is a celebration of 25 years of music and the people who made the journey possible — the producers and musicians who helped shape her music, the industry people who opened doors, the friends and collaborators who stayed the course, and the fans who kept turning up to shows, buying the records and singing along to the songs. Every one of them is part of this recording. 

2025 West Australian Country Music Awards Female Artist of the Year Claudia Tripp returns with her captivating new single, “High Stakes”, an anthemic celebration of taking a chance on love, even when everything is on the line.Blending polished pop production with country heart,  “High Stakes” captures the exhilarating mix of excitement and vulnerability that comes with opening yourself up to someone. With infectious hooks, soaring vocals and emotionally honest lyrics, the track explores the gamble of falling in love and deciding the risk is worth taking.”I’d had the lyric ‘loving you is high stakes’ stuck in my head for weeks before writing this song on one of my first days in Nashville,” Claudia says.”I think everyone knows that feeling of falling for someone and realising it could wreck you if it falls apart but wanting to lay all your cards on the table and take the risk anyway.”Written by  Claudia Tripp,  Lydia Sutherland and  Aaron Pollock, and produced by award-winning Michael DeLorenzis and  Michael Paynter (MSquared), “High Stakes” perfectly showcases Claudia’s ability to pair commercial country-pop with authentic storytelling.Originally from Kalgoorlie and now based in Perth, Claudia has been writing songs since the age of seven and has quickly emerged as one of Australia’s most exciting new voices in country music. Renowned for her powerhouse vocals, infectious melodies and relatable songwriting, she continues to build a loyal and rapidly expanding fanbase.

Her impressive live résumé includes performances at some of Australia’s biggest events, including  Strummingbird, sharing the stage with international stars  Jelly Roll and  Shaboozey, performing at  Optus Stadium ahead of the AFL Grand Final before more than 40,000 people, and entertaining crowds of over 15,000 at  The Perth Muster. She has also toured alongside some of Australia’s most respected artists, including  Thirsty Merc,  Travis Collins,  Casey Barnes, and  Andrew Farriss.Following her standout showcase at  BIGSOUND, where she earned widespread industry recognition, Claudia’s momentum has continued to accelerate. With more than  one million Spotify streams and growing national support from fans, media and radio alike, she is cementing her place as one of the country’s brightest rising stars.In recent news, Claudia has been announced on the lineup for the iconic  Gympie Music Muster this August, where she’ll perform alongside some of Australia’s biggest names in country music.      With its irresistible hooks, polished production and universal message about risking everything for love,  “High Stakes” marks another exciting chapter in Claudia Tripp’s rapidly rising career.

After spending the past year immersed in Nashville’s world-renowned music scene, Australian country artist Jackson James returns with his first new music since 2023, unveiling the infectious new single ‘Rich Guys’.
 
A breezy, feel-good anthem packed with coastal charm and modern country energy, ‘ Rich Guys’ reminds listeners that life’s greatest riches aren’t found in bank accounts. Blending Jackson’s Australian upbringing with the contemporary sounds of Music City, the self-produced single delivers an instantly memorable chorus that feels tailor-made for life’s simple pleasures.
 
“‘Rich Guys’ is about realizing the richest moments in life aren’t measured by money – they’re found in backyard parties, good friends, cold drinks and warm summer nights,” tells the singer-songwriter.
 
Written alongside Melanie Dyer and Angus Gill, ‘Rich Guys’ took over a year for everything to fall into place.
 
“Some songs are written in hours and some even take years for all the elements to line up and the universe to deliver the song. Melanie, Angus and I wrote the title and chorus hook quickly and the rest of the song followed about one year later. I’m a very visual person, I can visualise then create and songwriting works the same way, see the story, write the story, tell the story.”
 
Jackson also took full creative control behind the console, producing the single himself from his Nashville home studio. Beginning with an acoustic guide recorded while back in Australia, the track evolved through collaborations with some of Nashville’s finest musicians, including acclaimed guitarist Gideon Boley.
 
“I love the idea of cutting a song with a live band – that’s the Nashville way – however I also love having time to hand pick the exact players I want and the efficiency of having them record their parts in their own spaces. You can refine your parts with this process and cherry pick what works best for the song and that’s how this one came together. To have great players and friends come together from opposite sides of the world, ‘It don’t get better than this’!”
 
Following his previous release ‘Get Around to It’, which reached #43 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart, Jackson’s latest single marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Since relocating to Nashville alongside partner and fellow country artist Melanie Dyer, he has immersed himself in one of the world’s most respected songwriting communities, while continuing to build a career that spans songwriting, session work, filmmaking and production.
 
It’s been an unforgettable year for Jackson, who has performed at CMA Fest in Nashville, SXSW in Austin and represented Australia at the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C., performing for members of the Royal Australian Air Force, United States military generals, ministers and diplomatic guests. 
 
Away from the stage, he has continued refining his craft inside some of Music City’s most respected studios, working alongside musicians whose credits include Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, The Chicks and many more.
 
Already recognised as an award-winning filmmaker and photographer before relocating to the United States, Jackson’s visual storytelling continues to shape his songwriting, bringing a cinematic perspective to songs that feel equally at home on Australia’s coastline and the streets of Nashville.
 
With ‘Rich Guys’, Jackson James delivers a poignant reminder. While the song playfully imagines how the wealthy might spend their evenings, it ultimately lands on a far simpler truth – the best moments in life can’t be bought.

Following the success of her heartfelt single She’s a Bird, South Australian singer-songwriter Jo Page takes a bold turn into darker territory with Here Lays She That Hated Everyone, the final single before the release of her debut EP, Reckless & Redeemed, arriving on 4 th  September.Fuelled by thunderous drums, gritty guitars and unapologetic attitude, the country-rock anthem tells the story of a woman the world wrote off long before she stopped caring what it thought. Equal parts tongue-in-cheek and cautionary tale, the song explores what happens when heartbreak, disappointment and betrayal harden into bitterness.Rather than celebrating becoming the villain, the song asks a confronting question: How are villains created in the first place?

“We are rarely one thing or the other,” says Page.  “Within the same person can exist hope and despair, faith and doubt, forgiveness and resentment. Some days we soar. Other days we struggle beneath the weight of everything we’ve carried.”

That tension forms the beating heart of Reckless & Redeemed.Blending country, rock, soul and blues, the eight-track EP is a collection of stories about what it means to be human. Through cinematic storytelling, deeply personal testimony and unflinching examinations of grief, faith and survival, Page explores the contradictions that live within us all.From the outlaw grit of  Fire in His Eyes  and the rebellious swagger of  Here Lays She That Hated Everyone , to the nostalgic warmth of  When We Knew Nothing,  the resilience of  She’s a Bird  and the vulnerable honesty of  Keep On Keepin’ On , the record moves through every corner of the human experience.Because life rarely asks us to be one thing or another.Sometimes we are reckless.Sometimes we are redeemed.Most of the time, we are both.Standing as the shadow to  She’s a Bird’s  light,  Here Lays She That Hated Everyone  is more than a single. It is the key that unlocks the emotional landscape of Reckless & Redeemed, a record that invites listeners to sit honestly with every part of themselves, even the pieces they would rather leave in the dark.

An International Songwriting Competition semi-finalist, Jo Page has spent more than 16 years performing across Australia, opening for artists including Eskimo Joe, Birds of Tokyo, Daryl Braithwaite and Shannon Noll. Her recent singles  Fire in His Eyes ,  When We Knew Nothing  and  She’s a Bird  have earned support from ABC Country, Apple Music editorial playlists and radio stations nationwide, establishing her as one of Australia’s rising independent country-rock artists.Adding to an already exciting year, Page has been selected to participate in The Campfire Sessions, a songwriting initiative presented by the CMAA Academy of Country Music in partnership with the Gympie Music Muster. Held during Pre-Muster in August, the program will see Jo collaborate with fellow emerging artists while being mentored by award-winning songwriters and respected industry professionals.The experience will provide Jo with the opportunity to develop new material, expand her songwriting skills, and build valuable industry connections. As part of the program, she will also perform at the Academy Showcase during the Gympie Music Muster, giving audiences a glimpse of one of Australia’s rising country music talents.In other news, Jo has also been announced as a finalist in the prestigious Listen Up Music Competition, an award-winning mental health music charity that celebrates original songwriting while raising awareness and supporting mental wellbeing through music. Jo will perform in the Adelaide Final at the Rhino Room on 19th September.With  Reckless & Redeemed  arriving on 4 th  September, Jo Page continues to build a catalogue of songs that explore the beauty, heartbreak and contradictions of being human.

RustRiders are a Los Angeles country-rock trio made up of Ryan Curtis, Victoria Renee, and Jon “Lovebone” Gus. Built on three-part harmonies, big hooks, and the kind of sound that happens when modern country crashes head-on into classic rock and roll, the band brings together the heart of Luke Combs, the edge of Eric Church, and the harmony-driven spirit of Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles, with a little dirt under the fingernails.RustRiders recently signed a production deal with Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis, where they recorded their debut seven-song EP, Iron Blood and Rust. Their first single, “High Life,” releases June 26 on all DSPs and will lead a full rollout of new singles every 6 to 8 weeks.The band is targeting country radio first, while also pursuing Americana, rock, college, internet, and independent stations that support hook-driven, high-energy songs with real guitars and real vocals. The “High Life” campaign includes multiple lo-fi music videos releasing every two weeks, a larger official music video planned 5 to 6 weeks after release, podcast appearances, press outreach, heavy social media posting, behind-the-scenes content, performance clips, and fan-list growth through therustriders.com:

CELEBRATED SINGER/SONGWRITER CAITLYN SHADBOLT RELEASES HER 4TH STUDIO ALBUM, LIFE IS FOR LIVING
Aussie singer/songwriter, Caitlyn Shadbolt, releases her fourth studio album, ‘Life is for Living’.  Co-produced by Caitlyn, Jared Adlam (James Johnston, Tyla Rodrigues, Mack Geiger) and Gavin Carfoot (renowned Australian country songwriter). Caitlyn put pen to all tracks on the album; which features the hits Homemade Honey, Where The Lemons Grow, Wildflowers and includes the new single/album title track. ‘ Life Is For Living: ’(single) was co-wrote with Nick Wolfe (The Wolfe Brothers) and Jared Adlam.As Caitlyn describes the album , “’Life is for Living’ is a reminder that life should be about adventure, belly laughs, terrible dance moves, making memories, good mates, embracing the chaos, and finding the silver linings when life pegs lemons at your face. We’re not here to just pay bills and figure out what do make for dinner (again). This collection of songs are all about those moments in life – the small little things that matter.”An ARIA-charting country artist, Caitlyn Shadbolt is one of Australia’s most dynamic and engaging live performers, known for her powerhouse vocals, infectious energy, and cheeky storytelling. Hailing from Gympie, Queensland, Caitlyn first captured national attention as a finalist on The X Factor Australia before forging a successful career as a singer-songwriter and entertainer. Her career has seen her perform at some of the country’s largest events, including Big Red Bash and CMC Rocks, as well as representing Australian country music on the world stage at CMA Fest in Nashville, Tennessee.With multiple charting singles, millions of streams, and a loyal audience of more than 100,000 followers across social media, Caitlyn continues to build momentum with her signature blend of modern country,  heartfelt lyrics, and vibrant stage presence. Her hit single My Break Up Anthem became one of the biggest country radio songs in Australia, spending six consecutive weeks at #1 and finishing as the second  most-played song on Australian country radio (behind Sam Hunt’s Body Like a Backroad). Her upcoming album, ‘ Life Is For Living’, celebrates adventure, resilience, and making the most of every moment.

Lake Macquarie, NSW – Independent folk/country singer-songwriter Lucy Beveridge is releasing her debut original single, “A Million Different Things,”on August 7, 2026 with Community Music.

The track explores personal freedom and asks a simple question, why do we outgrow our sense of wonder as adults? The song is a beautiful reminder to reconnect with the curiosity and childlike magic we all left behind.

“The song is about my journey of trying to reconnect with my own personal freedom,” says Lucy. “I believe, as children, we have something that we tend to outgrow as we trickle into adulthood. Within the lyrics, I speak on learning to tap into the inner child that lives within all of us, learning once again to embrace freedom and childlike wonder. Curiosity doesn’t have to be something that we outgrow, and I hope listeners can connect with that.”

“A Million Different Things” showcases Lucy’s signature folk/country sound, creating an intimate atmosphere that allows the message to take centre stage. This debut original single marks an exciting first chapter for the Lake Macquarie artist as she introduces her honest songwriting to the world.

The single drops on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, on August 7, 2026.

About Lucy Beveridge
Lucy Beveridge is a Lake Macquarie-based singer-songwriter who crafts authentic folk/country music rooted in real human experiences. A recognised young talent , Lucy is the Folk Federation of NSW Young Folk Artist of the Year, a winner of the prestigious Mothertone Gympie Music Muster Junior Talent Search, and received the APRA AMCOS ACMF National Songwriting Competition Young Songwriter of the Year Award . “A Million Different Things” marks an exciting next step in her musical journey as her debut original single.

Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley are one of Australia’s most celebrated country music duos, renowned for their powerful songwriting, authentic storytelling, and captivating live performances. Their eagerly anticipated third studio album, Souls On Show, arrives on August 28, 2026, showcasing a collection of songs born from community, connection, and the realities of everyday life. Following the success of previous singles “Now I’ve Said It”, a Top 40 Australian Country Radio hit, “Someone Else’s Dream”, a Top 10 Country Radio hit, and “In And Out Of Love”, the duo return with their latest single (and new radio focus), “Too Long Between Drinks”- a warm, nostalgic celebration of the friendships that pick up exactly where they left off, no matter how much time has passed.
Their acclaimed sophomore album, Up, Down & Sideways, debuted at #1 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart and #1 on the ARIA Country Albums Chart, earning both ARIA and Golden Guitar nominations. Across their careers, Brooke and Adam have amassed an extraordinary list of accolades, including 20 Golden Guitar Awards, APRA AMCOS Song of the Year, Apple Music Single of the Year, and multiple Country Music Awards of Australia honours. 
Before joining forces, Brooke achieved national success as a founding member of the iconic country trio The McClymonts, while Adam built an acclaimed career through the Adam Eckersley Band, earning multiple Golden Guitars, an APRA Award, and ARIA Country Top 10 albums. Together, they have forged a unique musical partnership that continues to resonate with audiences nationwide.
Beyond music, the pair have become familiar faces on Australian television through appearances on Travel Guides, Celebrity Amazing Race, and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!. Whether performing on festival stages, touring regional Australia, or hosting their beloved “Hang at the Wang” farm concerts, Brooke and Adam continue to connect with fans through music that celebrates love, resilience, family, and community.
New album Souls On Show out August 28. New single “Too Long Between Drinks” available now.

Two of Australian Country Music’s most applauded performers, Darren Coggan & Genni Kane, unite in an uplifting celebration of love and life with a cracking new single release, ‘First Light’. The spirited song also featuring Australia’s finest Bluegrass pickers; Kym Warner on Mandolin, Ian Simpson on Banjo & Peter Denahy on Fiddle. At its core, ‘First Light’ is more than a song. It’s a reminder, deeply human and quietly profound, an exploration of gratitude, hope and resilience, finding peace in the balance between letting go of the past and embracing the present moment with love and grace.   Lending her beautiful voice to this song, is Australian music royalty, Genni Kane. Genni Kane first found her feet as a songwriter and lead vocalist with the legendary 80’s band Flying Emus.  With a swag of Golden Guitars, Independent Country Music Awards and the coveted Toyota Star Maker under his belt, Darren has carved an impressive career in the Australian country music industry, defined by authenticity and connection. Darren’s last single release, ‘Always Believe In Love’, was warmly embraced by radio, hitting the number one position on the AMPRAP Country/Blues & Roots charts. In the wake of that success, Darren continues to do what he’s always done best; connect, and his new offering, ‘First Light’, will no doubt shine its own warmth across the airwaves and into the hearts of country music fans alike.

Country music continues to prove it knows no borders as American country veteran  Chris Chitsey joins forces with one of the United Kingdom’s most exciting emerging country artists,  Bee Smith on their new transatlantic duet,  “Summer Before The Fall,” available now via Clinetel Nashville Records with distribution through SONY/The Orchard.Blending contemporary country production with timeless storytelling, “Summer Before The Fall” explores the emotional crossroads that occur when lifelong friendship begins to evolve into something more. Written by Smith and Thornton Cline and produced by acclaimed Nashville hitmaker  D. Scott Miller, the song captures the uncertainty, hope, and vulnerability of risking everything for the possibility of true love. Built around a question many have quietly asked themselves—what happens when your best friend becomes the love of your life?—the duet follows two lifelong friends as they confront feelings they’ve never fully acknowledged. Through heartfelt lyrics and soaring harmonies, Chitsey and Smith bring the story to life with authenticity and emotional depth. The single has already earned a nomination for Vocal Event of the Year & Song of the Year at the 2026 Josie Music Awards, which will be held this September at Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry House.“There is an excitement building around this song,” says Smith. “Bringing it to life with Chris made it even more meaningful. The moment I heard his voice, I knew he was the perfect fit. I feel incredibly fortunate to have Chris and such an exceptional group of musicians contributing to this record.” The collaboration arrives at a significant moment for both artists.In recent years, Chitsey has experienced a remarkable career resurgence. Since signing an eight-single deal with Clinetel Nashville in 2023, he has delivered a string of global No. 1 hits, including “Last Time I Saw You,” “Life Is Hard, Whiskey Is Easy,” “Every Small Town,” “Chasing Taillights” and, most recently, his biggest radio success to date, “Where Ya Been Girl.” His music has also crossed into film and television, with “Every Small Town” serving as the theme song for the streaming reality series  Only in Iola, in which Chitsey appears throughout multiple seasons. Meanwhile, Smith continues to establish herself as one of the UK’s most promising country music exports. The 2025 ISSA Songwriter of the Year has earned international recognition for her emotionally resonant songwriting, soulful vocals, and growing collection of industry accolades, including multiple Josie Music Award nominations and Top 10 placements in the World Songwriting Awards.Adding to the excitement surrounding the release, the artists recently returned from Cancun, Mexico, where they spent a week filming the official music video for “Summer Before The Fall.” Set against a breathtaking backdrop of turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and stunning Caribbean sunsets, the video perfectly captures the song’s story of friendship, possibility and romance. With its universal message, cinematic storytelling, and undeniable vocal chemistry, “Summer Before The Fall” is poised to become one of the standout country duets of the summer.Beyond the music, Chitsey continues to partner with brands that reflect his connection to craftsmanship, heritage, and lifestyle culture, including Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, Deep Eddy Vodka, Marriott International, Inc., Chuck Norris’s CForce Premium Artesian Water, American Hat Makers, Molly’s Custom Silver, TEXITCoin, Clinetel Nashville Records, and SONY/The Orchard.About Chris Chitsey: Chris Chitsey is a Texas-born country recording artist whose career spans decades and includes numerous international chart-topping singles. Known for his authentic country sound and dynamic live performances, Chitsey has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years, earning multiple No. 1 hits and expanding his reach through music, television, and strategic brand partnerships. For more information and updates, visit  ChrisChitseyMusic.com:

About Bee Smith: Bee Smith is an award-winning UK artist and songwriter known for blending contemporary country influences with heartfelt storytelling. Recognized internationally for her songwriting and vocal performances, Smith continues to build a global audience while emerging as one of the leading voices in modern UK country music. For more information and updates, visit  BeeSmithMusic.com: