Australia's Largest Country Network
‘Black Shirt’ is a cheeky double meaning song. Country fused with Blues makes a magic riff, with lyrics which will be stuck in your head. A meeting with a saucy woman who is dangerous, that leads to more trouble. Pete wrote the song and played all instruments. Pete is releasing his music song by song in the modern music world, more than releasing Albums. ‘Black Shirt’ is very catchy and you may be caught singing it out loud in public.
www.peteobrienmusic.com
BRITTANY ELISE RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘GIRL IN THE MIRROR’ FOR MOTHER’S DAY
Just in time for Mother’s Day, country powerhouse singer-songwriter Brittany Elise will release a heartfelt new single, Girl in the Mirror on Friday, 10 May.
The Gympie Muster Australia Talent Search Winner and Toyota Star Maker Australia Finalist wrote the new track in Nashville, Tennessee alongside hugely successful songwriters Chaise Flanders, Australian Pop Artist and Kirsti Manna, who co-wrote Blake Shelton’s No.1 hit Austin .
Girl in the Mirror, the latest addition to Brittany Elise’s growing music career is written about her mother who has been her biggest supporter.
“My mum and I have always had a very close relationship, she’s my best friend. From a very young age she knew I had musical talents and always encouraged me to reach for the stars. Girl in the Mirror is really my way of thanking my mum for everything she has done for me in my life,” Brittany Elise said.
“Growing up mum used to write sticky notes to me with encouraging words and quotes on them and I used to display them on my mirror, even when I moved away from home. The sticky notes would be a reminder of my goals and gave me self-confidence even in the tough times. It was like mum was with me, believing in me no matter what every single day and this really inspired the song. I still have sticky notes from mum today, but they have extended out to my music room!”
The production of Girl in the Mirror came to life in a Nashville studio working alongside award-winning producers Michael Flanders and Caleb Flanders.
“I couldn’t be prouder of how this song came together. The incredible musicians I worked with really created something special. My mum was in Nashville when I was recording this song and I’ll never forget the moment I played it to her for the first time. We both burst into tears, it was such a special moment,” Brittany Elise said.
It’s been a huge start to 2024 with Brittany Elise’s last single Lucky being added to high rotation on multiple national radio stations when it was released in March. She was also named a Finalist in the ICMA Awards for Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. She is currently preparing for tours in the United States and Australia later this year.
Brittany Elise has been making waves both in Australia and the United States, opening for US artists Craig Wayne Boyd, The Voice US Winner and Morgan Myles, The Voice US Runner Up, as well as with Australian artists James Johnston, Amber Lawrence, and Darlinghurst. In December 2023 she completed a 30-show Something About This Town Australian Tour. Her festival appearances in 2023 included the 50th CMAFest in Nashville Tennessee, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster, Deni Ute Muster, NQ Rock’n Country, Airlie Beach Music Festival and Brisbane Ekka. Other highlights also include sold out album launches and singing the National Anthem at a National Rugby League game.
Brittany Elise has released Top 10 debuting singles, Get This Party Started, Something About This Town, Like Me That Way, Feel the Fire, Sunshine Hurricane and Find Your Music , with two songs hitting #1 on the Australian AMRAP radio charts, as well as being added to various editorial playlists on both Spotify and Apple Music, and high rotation on countless national radio stations.
www.BrittanyEliseMusic.com
Sammi Palinkas, the vibrant and talented Australian contemporary Country artist, has released her latest single, “She’s Mine to Love”.
A lyrically powerful and autobiographical Country ballad conveying the importance of learning to love oneself before you can love someone else, “She’s Mine to Love” is an empowering song that demonstrates Sammi’s artistry, capability as a vocalist, and depth as a songwriter. With her dynamic range on display and powerful stage presence, we see a different side to Sammi in this song that pays homage to late 90’s and early 2000’s country, when the likes of Faith Hill, Shania Twain, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood were topping the charts with power ballads that pulled at the heart strings.
“When Rod and I started to pen this one together, we wanted to write a song that gave people the opportunity to get to know me beyond the happy and bubbly person I am most of the time. After making a start, we invited regular Nashville co-writer Sally Barris to join us” Palinkas said. “‘She’s Mine to Love’ is probably the most important song I have ever written, and it’s certainly the most vulnerable. It’s about my journey learning one of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned – the need to love myself, look after myself, and put myself first. It took many years for me to realise the only person who had the power to do that and love that inner child of mine, was me. I’ve certainly had my fair share of life challenges and situations where you end up questioning your self-worth, lose your self-belief and self-confidence, don’t meet your own expectations of yourself, and pay too much attention to that inner voice we can’t silence that is cruel when we need it to love us the most. I wanted to turn my story and life lesson into something beautiful, encouraging, and empowering, so those who heard the song would not feel alone in their emotions. It’s no secret that I have always loved the writing styles of Diane Warren, especially the ballads she has penned over time. “She’s Mine to Love” is so authentically me because some of my earliest memories of loving country music stemmed from singing those Country ballads that delivered a story and message that resonated with me. Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood, and Shania Twain all had those one or two ballads that could stop an audience for all the right reasons. With “She’s Mine to Love” I wanted to create that song that told you how you were feeling before you’d even come to realise it.” – Sammi Palinkas
Having already made waves in the country music scene, Sammi is currently recording her debut album with award-winning Producer Rod McCormack (Paul Kelly, The Wolfe Brothers & Lee Kernaghan). Her first Country single “Meet in the Middle” debuted at #3 on the Australian iTunes Country chart, #8 All Genre and charted on the official CountryTown National Airplay Chart. Follow up singles “You’ve Lived”, “Don’t Blink” and “Let Your Hair Down” all debuted in the Top 10 on the Australian iTunes Country chart, as did her Christmas single “From Me to You”.
Sammi Palinkas’ journey in music began at the age of three, fuelled by a diverse range of musical influences that include country greats like Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and Loretta Lynn. From winning a national televised singing competition at the age of eight, to captivating audiences on stage and television, Sammi’s passion for music and performance has been evident throughout her life.
Her dedication to her craft has taken her across the globe, where she has collaborated with renowned songwriters and producers in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville. With performances at major events like the VFLW Grand Final and ‘Big Hug Day’ as well as recognition from organizations like NSAI and the International Songwriting Competition (ISC), Sammi Palinkas continues to solidify her place as one of Australia’s most promising country music talents.
“She’s Mine to love” is set to be another memorable moment in Sammi Palinkas’ ever-growing catalogue, showcasing her talent, proving she’s one to watch, and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her craft.
www.sammimusic.com
“Turn Around” Life can be challenging, especially for a 13-year-old. The phrase “turn around” refers to when everything in your life can get confusing, and you feel like you’re falling behind. You may experience setbacks and rejection, which can make you feel down. However, you will eventually realise that you must never give up, no matter what happens. You only have one life and must keep chasing your dreams, even if obstacles are in your way. You just need to find your inner strength, stand your ground, and never turn around.
“I will stand my ground – Not Turn Around”
Henry is a talented 13-year-old singer, guitarist, and songwriter from Conondale in Queensland. He started his music career at 11 by busking extensively all over the Sunshine Coast. Today, he is a regular performer on the local music scene, playing gigs across various venues on the Coast and appearing at large-scale music festivals.
In 2022, Henry had the privilege of performing at the Horizon Festival, where he opened for renowned artists Emily Wurramara and Andrea Kirwan. He was also nominated as a finalist in the Noosa Stars Alive competition and was one of the six finalists at the 2023 Gympie Country Music Muster Youth Talent Search.
Henry’s hard work and dedication paid off when he won the Caloundra Live & Local Songwriting Competition in September 2023. This led to him performing on the Kings Club VIP Stage at the 2023 Caloundra Music Festival. In January 2024, Henry attended the Tamworth Country Music Festival, where he was selected as an entrant in Maccas Golden Gig. He performed on the Riverside Campsite Stage, opened shows, and shared the stage with renowned country music artist Col Finley, a 30-year veteran of the TCMF. Tamworth also released his debut single, “Hide & Seek,” which achieved a top 10 download in its first week.
Henry’s star continues to rise, as he is set to perform at the Earth Frequency Festival in May 2024 and has just been announced in the line up for the 2024 Gympie Music Muster. Late in 2023, he received a RAF Grant, which enabled him to record his second single, “Turn Around,” due for release in April 2024.
With 28 number one singles, 17 billion streams and 20 million albums sold, reigning ACM Artist of the Decade Jason Aldean has released his highly anticipated 11th studio album, HIGHWAY DESPERADO. Aldean, who is nominated for “Top Song Sales Artist” and “Top Selling Song” for “Try That In A Small Town” at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, has recently wrapped his sold out, 40+ city headlining tour of the US.
Featured by the Associated Press, Billboard, The Tennessean, LA Times and more, HIGHWAY DESPERADO includes fourteen total tracks, including Aldean’s breakthrough Hot 100 chart-topping single “Try That In A Small Town,” which recently became his 28th career #1 single at Country radio. The album also features his current single, “Let Your Boys Be Country”, and three tracks co-written by Aldean. The 3X ACM Entertainer of the Year winner first introduced new music from the album in May with the release of the fan-appreciation anthem, “Tough Crowd,” at this year’s ACM Awards, where Aldean was an Entertainer of the Year nominee.
Written by Allison Veltz Cruz, Jaron Boyer, and Micah Wilshire, “Let Your Boys Be Country” off of the new album, Highway Desperado, highlights the simplicity and innocence of childhood and rural life, with American Songwriter noting “lines like ‘Let everything inside these county lines be his whole world. You want him to grow up to be someone he’s damn proud to be. Mamas, let your boys be country’ nail the mindset of the song.” The music video for “Let Your Boys Be Country,” features special guest appearances by his young son and daughter.
HIGHWAY DESPERADO follow’s Aldean’s double album MACON, GEORGIA, which earned Aldean his 27th career-charting #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.
2X GRAMMY® nominee and current reigning CMA New Artist of the Year Jelly Roll continues his momentum in 2024 with the launch of his next single at radio “Halfway To Hell.” The song follows Jelly’s three consecutive #1 singles at Country radio in 2023 – his multi-week hit “Son of a Sinner,” the international multi-week #1 “Need A Favor,” and the multi-week, GRAMMY® nominated single, “Save Me” feat. Lainey Wilson. With “Save Me,” Jelly Roll became the second artist in chart history to have their first three releases all reach #1 within a single calendar year on the radio airplay charts, alongside Wynonna, who earned three #1 releases in 1992 (“She Is His Only Need,” “I Saw The Light” and “No One Else On Earth”). The milestone is one of several he discussed with the New York Times.
Having kicked off 2024 live from Times Square with the biggest NYE television celebration in the US, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, Jelly took a moment to reflect on his GRAMMY® nominations with host Ryan Seacrest, watch here. His kick-off to the new year echoes the star’s unyielding momentum in 2023, which featured numerous breakthrough moments. In December 2022, Jelly Roll celebrated his first #1 on Country radio and sold-out his hometown venue, Bridgestone Arena.
In April 2023, Jelly became CMT’s most awarded artist of the night at the CMT Awards, winning 3 awards (Male Video of the Year, Breakthrough Male Video of the Year, CMT Digital-First performance of the Year) as a first-time nominee. In May, at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Jelly made the TV performance debut of his genre-defying hit “SaveMe” alongside surprise guest Lainey Wilson and released his highly anticipated Hulu documentary, “Jelly Roll: Save Me,” which showcased much of Jelly’s story and early struggles with addiction and incarceration.
In June, the 2023 Billboard Country Power Player Cover star also earned Billboard’s 2023 Breakthrough Artist Award after a record-breaking run on the Billboard Emerging Artist chart. He also released his debut Country project, Whitsitt Chapel, which debuted #2 on the Billboard Country albums chart and #3 on the Billboard 200 chart with the largest Country debut project in Billboard Consumption Chart history and made his Nissan Stadium CMA Fest debut for more than 70,000 fans – across the street from the Nashville Juvenile Detention Center he used to reside in starting at age 15.
In September, Jelly became the most awarded artist of the night at the People’s Choice Country Awards, accepting his award live from his record-breaking sold-out 55+ date headlining Backroad Baptism Arena tour. In November, Jelly won CMA New Artist of the Year after earning 5 CMA nominations as the most nominated male artist of the night with nominations including Single of the Year (“Need A Favor”), Male Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year (“Save Me”), Music Video of the Year (“Need A Favor”) and New Artist of the Year. As a first time CMA nominee in 2023, Jelly Roll joined the ranks of past artists including Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, who each debuted with five nods in a first appearance on the CMA final ballot.
The CMA win was followed up two days later with his GRAMMY nominations for Best New Artist and Country Duo/Group Performance” for “Save Me.” The moment was captured here on social media, where visibly moved to tears, Jelly addressed his fans and the music community on his nominations. In December, on Jelly’s 39th birthday, “Save Me” broke the aircheck record for the most amount of spins per week in chart history and earned this Stoney Creek Records artist his third consecutive #1 on Country radio. His record-breaking tour dates in 2023 and future announced dates at Festivals including Stagecoach in April 2024 also earned Jelly a Pollstar award nomination for “New Headliner of The Year.” Additionally, in a full circle moment from December 2022 – when Jelly donated the Bridgestone Arena proceeds towards building a recording studio in the Juvenile Detention Center he once resided in as well as towards additional supportive outreach for at-risk youth in the Nashville community – Jelly continued to activate his local community in December 2023, pledging to help facilitate the largest holiday toy drive in Nashville history, which resulted in the donation of thousands of toys.
ABOUT JELLY ROLL:
Nashville native singer/songwriter Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) recently debuted Top 3 on the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart and #2 on the Top Country Album charts with his debut Country Album, Whitsitt Chapel (released June 2nd, 2023) – earning the biggest Country debut album in Billboard Consumption Chart history. Following his sweep at the 2023 CMT Music Awards where he earned 3 awards to become the most awarded artist of the night, the Billboard Country Power List Cover star and “country’s ‘most authentic’ new artist” (The New Yorker) recently received Billboard’s 2023 Breakthrough Award. “One of Nashville’s fastest rising stars” (The New York Times), Jelly was an 8X nominee and 4X winner at the People’s Choice Country Awards and was the most nominated male at the 2023 CMA Awards, with five total nominations capturing his first CMA Award for “New Artist of the Year.” His current hit single “Save Me” – a confessional, vulnerable expression of self-doubt- set the stage for his new season of life and took him to new heights, has more than 155 million views on YouTube and Platinum certification from the RIAA. Jelly debuted the song along with Lainey Wilson at the 2023 ACM Awards on the heels of his 28-week reign at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart. “Save Me” became his third consecutive #1 single in 2023 following his multi-week #1 hits on Country and Rock radio, “Need A Favor” and “Son of A Sinner.”
Having just wrapped his sold-out 55-city 2023 Backroad Baptism Arena Tour and celebrated multi-format success with “Need a Favor” inside the Top 10 on Hot AC and Top 25 on Top 40 , Jelly Roll continues to resonate with fans on a global scale and earn numerous industry milestones – from playing his sold-out hometown show for 18,000 fans at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to sold-out dates at the Ryman Auditorium and the release of his critically acclaimed Hulu documentary produced by ABC News, “Save Me.” Featured by Nightline, GMA, GMA3, The New York Times Billboard, Variety, CMT and more, his self-built, unconventional industry rise and unique fan connection has garnered praise from numerous outlets, with Variety noting, “for everyone who’s facing the same struggles, Jelly Roll is their Springsteen,” and American Songwriter echoing, “with a string of accolades and an extremely dedicated following, Jelly Roll has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.”
jellyroll615.com
Will Day Unveils His Latest Anthemic Single ‘Find Myself A Dirt Road’ And Announces Performance At Deni Ute Muster.
Country powerhouse singer-songwriter Will Day unveils a new single ‘Find Myself A Dirt Road’, a track that’s bound to become a radio favourite and a welcome addition to country music playlists. Co-written with his producer Jared Adlam, the song sits close to Will’s authentic country rock roots whilst utilising modern country production techniques. The chorus hits you like a wall of sound in this catchy break up song.
“I haven’t released a breakup song before, so it’s something new! My producer, Jared Adlam and I wrote this, and I love the imagery it creates in the sense of having to go and find yourself, which sometimes we all have to do. I’m really excited about what Jared has done with the production of this track. It’s still true to my country rock roots but I love how the chorus just opens up and hits you, it’s quite emotive. We also had fun utilising some cool ‘modern’ sounds.”
The last 5 years have been career defining for Will as he carves a path in the country music scene, emerging as an authentic force that modern fans crave. From songs that are endearing with heart-gripping lyrics that draw raw emotion to high energy toe-tapping country rock, Will has the creative ability to produce music that stands the test of time. Always a crowd favourite, performing at iconic events such as Tamworth Country Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster, Texas (QLD) Country Music Festival and Groundwater Country Music Festival to performances at rodeos including Winton’s Way Out Fest and sold out Brisbane shows including his Christmas Cruise, two consecutive years has ensured continued popularity.
A radio favourite gaining airplay on major stations KIX Country, ABC Country, Triple A Murri, Australian Country Radio and iHeart Country as well as adds on Spotify curated playlists including Fresh Country, Fresh Country Finds, New Music Friday and Apple Music’s Aussie Country and 5th Gear across multiple singles, have cemented further success.
2024 will showcase Will’s talent even further with his love of live touring, which includes the new announcement of a performance at Deni Ute Muster on Saturday 5th October. A favourite festival amongst the country music community will showcase a stellar lineup this year including Kip Moore (USA), Tyler Hubbard (USA), Amy Shark, John Williamson, Amber Lawrence, Brad Cox, Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley Darlinghurst and more. With country music the fastest growing genre in Australia, Will stands out as a supercharged performer that remains genuine and will undoubtably stand the test of time in the Australian country music scene.
Will Day’s single ‘Find Myself A Dirt Road’ is out to radio on Monday 29th April and digital services on Friday 3rd May.
NATALIE GAUCI REVEALS HOW SHE FEELS WITH NEW SINGLE
Multi-award-winning Australian singer-songwriter Natalie Gauci will release her new single, ‘How You Feel’ Friday 26th April.
This is the third single to be lifted from her forthcoming new album, ‘Brand New Day’.
Natalie’s previous singles, ‘Fame’ and ‘I Thought It Was You’ enjoyed widespread radio airplay across the country.
‘How You Feel’ is a very catchy Country / Pop song which has certain crossover appeal.
Beautifully produced by Andrew Beck, the track features contributions from notable musicians guitarist Ashley Naylor (Even, The Church, Paul Kelly) and drummer Evan Mannell (Missy Higgins)
Natalie’s forthcoming album ‘Brand New Day’ is scheduled for release Friday 5th July.
www.natalierosegauci.com
Multi-Platinum, award-winning country superstar Lee Brice partners up with his good friends Nate Smith and Hailey Whitters , for the release of their anthemic singalong track, ‘Drinkin’ Buddies’, out today (April 26). The song, written by Zach Kale, Chris Destefano and Justin Wilson, and produced by Ben Glover and Jerrod Niemann, is a celebratory toast to the folks who help take the sting out of a bad day and make the good ones even better.
ABOUT LEE BRICE:
When Curb Records recording artist, Lee Brice, isn’t selling out arenas, writing and recording songs, or building new brands like American Born whiskey, you’ll find the family man with his wife Sara, two young boys, and daughter. Meanwhile, with over 3.7 billion on-demand streams, and over 4 billion spins on Pandora, Brice continues to enjoy massive success at country radio, digital streaming services, and on the road. He has reached the #1 spot at Country Radio with Platinum-selling ‘Memory I Don’t Mess With’, which consecutively follows three prior #1s: ASCAP’s 2021 Country Song of the Year and 3x Platinum track ‘One of Them Girls’, ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now’ with Carly Pearce, and the 4x Platinum hit ‘Rumor’, which was nominated in the category Single of The Year at the 55th Annual ACM Awards. One of the most-played country artists of all time on Pandora, he was the second country artist behind Keith Urban to receive the Pandora Billionaire plaque.
Lee is also a GRAMMY nominee, a CMA and ACM award winner, and he’s taken nine radio singles to Number One: ‘A Woman Like You’, ‘Hard to Love’, ‘I Drive Your Truck’, ‘I Don’t Dance’, ‘Drinking Class’, ‘Rumor’, ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now’, ‘One of Them Girls’, and ‘Memory I Don’t Mess With’. Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney and others have recorded his songs, and he’s performed on numerous TV shows, including NBC’s Today, ABC’s The Bachelor, NBC’s The Voice and FOX’s Miss USA 2018. Lee performed as part of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song honoring Garth Brooks, aired on PBS March of 2020. At the 54th Annual CMA Awards, Lee took home the prize for Musical Event of the Year for his song with Carly Pearce, ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now’. At the 56th ACM Awards, ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now’ won Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year, and Lee and Carly Pearce performed the song live.Lee’s album, Hey World, has been certified Platinum and features several multi-Platinum selling hits.
Lee kicked off 2024 with an intimate acoustic tour, the Me & My Guitar Tour, and is bringing fans brand new music this Spring with his latest single, ‘Drinkin’ Buddies’ with Nate Smith and Hailey Whitters.
JOHNNY CASH’S SONGWRITING TAKES CENTER STAGE ON NEW ALBUM, SONGWRITER, MADE FROM PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED 1993 RECORDINGS
ALL SONGS WRITTEN SOLELY BY JOHNNY CASH, ONE OF AMERICA’S GREATEST SONGWRITERS
CO-PRODUCED BY JOHN CARTER CASH AND DAVID “FERGIE” FERGUSON AND FEATURING NEWLY RECORDED BAND OF MARTY STUART, DAVE ROE, PETE ABBOTT AND OTHERS PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS DAN AUERBACH AND VINCE GILL
FIRST TRACK, “WELL ALRIGHT,” AVAILABLE TO STREAM TODAY
SONGWRITER DUE JUNE 28 VIA MERCURY NASHVILLE/UMe
In early 1993, the legendary Johnny Cash found himself between contracts in his then nearly 40-year career and recorded an album’s worth of songwriting demos at LSI Studios in Nashville of songs he’d written over many years. LSI at the time was owned by his son-in-law Mike Daniels and daughter Rosey, and he wanted to help the family financially while also recording some songs special to him. Not long after the fruitful session, Johnny met producer Rick Rubin, and the recordings were shelved as the two embarked on an important and prolific musical partnership that revitalized the Man in Black’s career that would last the rest of his life.
Some thirty years later, John Carter Cash, the son of Johnny and June Carter Cash, rediscovered the songs and stripped them back to just Johnny’s powerful, pristine vocals and acoustic guitar. Along with co-producer David “Fergie” Ferguson, the two invited a handpicked group of musicians that played with Johnny, including guitarist Marty Stuart and the late bassist Dave Roe, along with drummer Pete Abbott and several others, to the Cash Cabin, a hallowed space in Hendersonville, Tennessee where Johnny would write, record and relax, to breathe new life into the tracks, taking the sound back to the roots and heart of the songs.
Releasing June 28th via Mercury Nashville/UMe, the simply and aptly titled Songwriter, features songs written solely by Johnny Cash, one of America’s greatest songwriters and storytellers. Returning the focus to Johnny’s own songwriting, the 11-track collection showcases the breadth of his writing, one that has always represented the great expanse of the human condition: there are songs of love, family, sorrow, beauty, spiritual salvation, survival, redemption, and of course, some of the lighthearted humour Johnny was known for, all sung in his unmistakable, trademark, resonant voice.
Songwriter will be available to stream and download, as well as on CD and a variety of vinyl options, including standard black and several limited edition colour variants.
Songwriter is being previewed today with the release of the first single, “Well Alright,” an upbeat and infectious tune about finding love in of all places, the laundry mat. With its humorous lyrics, galloping beat and taut acoustic upright bass “Well Alright” is prime Johnny Cash, harkening back to his ’50s hits such as “Get Rhythm,” “Five Feet High and Rising,” “Cry! Cry! Cry!” and “Big River.”
“Dad’s advice with anything, whether it was life or making music, was always ‘follow your heart,” said John Carter. And it is this truism of his father’s that guided him every step of the way when making Songwriter. After stripping the original recordings back to just Johnny’s vocals and guitar, he reached out to Fergie, a longtime friend and Johnny’s go-to engineer for nearly thirty years, and the two set off to create an album that would honour and amplify Johnny’s songwriting and timeless voice while staying true to the spirit of the recordings. Along with John Carter, Fergie is arguably one of the people who knew best what Johnny liked when it came to recording as they worked together beginning in the early 1980s when he was Cowboy Jack Clement’s in-house engineer where Johnny often liked to record. He would go on to work with him on many records, including most of his Mercury albums and the acclaimed American Recordings series with Rick Rubin, even recording his last-ever songs in his final days in 2003. “He was always my hero and I just felt like the luckiest guy in the world to get to record him,” said Fergie.
When it came time to assemble a band, two musicians were must-haves: guitarist Marty Stuart, who played with Johnny in his backing band The Tennessee Three from 1980-86, and the late, great upright bassist Dave Roe, who toured in Johnny’s band, beginning in the early ’90s and lasting nearly a decade. For Roe, the experience was a chance for a do-over as he actually played on the original ’93 session, but despite being a great electric bass player was so new to upright bass that his playing was lacking. In fact, after a gig around this same time, Johnny famously gave Roe money to take lessons and said he had six months to learn. Roe would go on to become one of the best slap bass players in the world and play on hundreds of albums before his death in 2023. Songwriter was likely one of his last sessions.
Drummer, Pete Abbott, of Average White Band fame, among many other bands and accolades, was brought in to complete the trio who both recorded together and separately at the Cash Cabin, the sanctuary and studio space that Johnny built on his property in 1979 and where John Carter continues to record. Several other of Nashville’s best, such as Ana Cristina Cash (background vocals), Matt Combs (acoustic guitar, mandolin, strings), Mike Rojas (B3 organ, piano), Russ Pahl (acoustic & electric guitar, bass, dobro, steel) and Sam Bacco (congas, percussion) were enlisted to round out the core band for the majority of the album, while others like session great and Grand Ole Opry guitarist, Kerry Marx, and vocalist Harry Stinson guested on select songs. “All those guys are the best, just cream of the crop,” said Fergie.
Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys provides a bluesy guitar solo on the track “Spotlight” and Vince Gill lends his dulcet vocals to “Poor Valley Girl.” Johnny’s good friend, outlaw country legend, Waylon Jennings, sang on two songs in the original session, “I Love You Tonite” and “Like A Soldier.”
“Nobody plays Cash better than Marty Stuart, and Dave Roe of course played with dad for many years,” said John Carter. “The musicians that came in were just tracking with dad, you know, recording with dad, just as, in the case of Marty and Dave, they had many times before, so they knew his energies, his movements, and they let him be the guide. It was just playing with Johnny once again, and that’s what it was. That was the energy of the creation.”
While the playing of the musicians on the original 1993 recordings was strong, the sound quality left something to be desired as it placed the songs into a particular time. By recording a whole new band, John Carter and Fergie, along with engineer Trey Call, brought Johnny into the modern era and made an incredible sounding record that sounds like if Johnny recorded today.
“We just went rudimentary,” said John Carter of the approach. “We went straight to the roots, as far as the sound, and tried not to overly enhance it. We built as if dad was in the room. That’s what we tried to do. Between the both of us, Fergie and I have spent thousands of hours with dad in the recording studio, so we just tried to act like he was there: WWJCD, right?”
“I think this record is the way I would have liked to have made one if I would have ever been in charge of one, before Rick Rubin or after Jack Clement,” said Fergie. “I’ve known John Carter since he was a boy, so it was great to finally work with him. He gave me a lot of leeway, especially in terms of grooves and things. We went right along the same page. There wasn’t ever a conversation or plan about an end product, it was just let’s do the best we can do.”
Songwriter kicks off in a mighty way with the opening track, “Hello Out There,” a prescient song that sounds like Johnny reaching out from the beyond concerned about mankind and the state of the world as he sings with gravitas, “Hello out there/This is planet Earth/Calling Calling Calling Calling Calling, facilitating his own echoes, before continuing, “Hello out there/our net worth is/Falling Falling Falling Falling Falling” As the song continues, it crescendos with a glorious swirling of Marty Stuart’s spacey guitar licks, strings, steel guitar, pounding drums, angelic voices, and Johnny’s message of salvation, sonically falling somewhere between cosmic country and gospel. Recorded just before Johnny was recruited by U2 for Zooropa album closer, “The Wanderer,” the songs could be celestial cousins of sorts. “I believe dad wrote it about the Voyager spaceship sometime around when it launched,” said John Carter. “I remember him sitting in Cowboy’s office and singing it for him.”
At the time of the original recording, Johnny was in a great place both mentally and vocally. The songs he chose to record were personal to him and had been written over many decades, with some dating back to the mid to late ’70s. “I Love You Tonite” is a love letter to his beloved wife June Carter Cash while
“Poor Valley Girl” is about both June and her mother, country pioneer, Maybelle Carter, likely written in the wake of her passing in 1978. “Drive On” was inspired by the chronic pain he suffered from due to a broken jaw in the early ’90s and is about the hardships that were endured by veterans in the Vietnam War. “I think he wanted to understand in his heart, to find peace with his own physical pain, that there were others out there who had pains that were greater, who had PTSD that was more profound, to gain more humility or to gain more acceptance of his own condition,” said John Carter who along with Wesley Orbison, closes the song out with some duelling psychedelic guitars.
Meanwhile, “Like A Soldier” is about his struggle with addiction and ultimate recovery. “It’s something that that he wrote after his first stint in a recovery centre,” said John Carter. “He felt like he was like a soldier getting over a war. The opponent that he had been fighting, his enemy had been addiction, and he was coming into a new life and had the great opportunity for healing. That’s where the song came from.” Both “Drive On” and “Like A Soldier” were included with different recordings and arrangements on Johnny’s first American Recordings album in 1994, but these are the very first recordings.
Other tracks like the reverential “Have You Been to Little Rock?” see Johnny expressing pride for his homeland over a beautiful, traditional melody, while “She Sang Sweet Baby James,” is a tender song about a young single mother singing James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James” to comfort her baby. Johnny was a fan of Taylor’s ever since he performed on the first season of “The Johnny Cash Show” in 1971. Johnny revisits a lesser-known gem of his with “Sing It Pretty Sue,” originally released in 1962 on The Sound of Johnny Cash.
In the early ’90s as country music was changing, Johnny found himself at a lull in his career, despite his songwriting and voice remaining strong. “My dad was probably just as clear as at any point in his life and I think that voice, which was kind of ignored at the time, needs to be heard,” said John Carter. “The man at that age, at that specific point in his life, deserves more attention and focus because he sadly didn’t get as much as he should.”
For John Carter, working on Johnny’s music is a form of catharsis and communion with his dad. “It’s not about selling Johnny Cash, he would be doing that himself,” said John Carter. “I’m grateful that this record is here, even if it was only for me, because it reminds me of who my father was, and I do believe there are people out there that knew him on somewhat of a level that I did, that will be just as touched,” said John Carter. “But I also believe that there are people out there that have never heard my father’s music that will find new interest in hearing this, hearing this album and hearing my father’s voice. I hope that gleans some curiosity in some people where they dig further, and they discover more because there’s a lot to see within those pages.”
As for what Johnny might think about Songwriter, “I would think Johnny would say what he said about every record that I worked on with him, every record I think he ever made, when he got to the end of it, he always said, “I think it’s the best record I’ve ever made,” said Fergie. “You could count on that. I could just hear him say that. I think he’d be really proud of it.”
Ultimately, Songwriter is all about putting the spotlight back on Johnny’s songwriting. “I wanted it to be songs that mostly people hadn’t heard and that paid close attention to who he was as a songwriter and who he was as an American voice,” said John Carter. “One of my most important focuses in the past 10 years is to make sure that history, as best that I can possibly, is to give history the opportunity to notice him as the great writer he is. Bob Dylan says he’s one of the greatest writers of all of American written music and I agree. I want to put that in the forefront. His writing voice specifically is a certain voice, that I think if America wants to know their history, that’s a good place to look. Johnny Cash is definitely one true voice that we can listen to, specifically to his writings.”
15-Year-Old Prodigy Damon Spigle Drops Explosive Single “Never Go Back Again” Produced by Ken Royster, Secures Major Distribution Deal with Perry Music Group, Distributed by The Orchard
Kentucky, USA – April 22, 2024 – Hold onto your hats, because the country music scene is about to witness a seismic shift as Damon Spigle, the 15-year-old wunderkind from Eastern Kentucky, unleashes his latest sonic bombshell, “Never Go Back Again.” With vocals that echo the very soul of the Bluegrass State and lyrics that cut to the core of universal truths, Spigle is poised to not just push, but obliterate the boundaries of the genre, captivating audiences on a global scale.
Inspired by the legends-Johnny Cash, Hardy, Eric Church, and Zach Bryan-Spigle’s musical journey began amidst the rolling hills and verdant landscapes of Kentucky. From these fertile grounds, he absorbed the essence of country and rock, honing his craft with a passion and talent that belies his tender years. Now, armed with an arsenal of raw talent and an unquenchable fire, Spigle is ready to blaze a trail through the music industry.
In a move that has reverberated from Nashville to the farthest reaches of the globe, Damon Spigle has teamed up with the maestro of multi-platinum hits, Ken Royster, for his upcoming EP. With an awe-inspiring track record boasting 26 number one singles and collaborations with luminaries like Luke Combs, Royster is the sonic architect behind some of modern country’s most monumental hits. Together, Spigle and Royster form a powerhouse partnership destined to ignite the very soul of music itself.
“Never Go Back Again” isn’t just a song; it’s a thunderous anthem of camaraderie and resilience. It’s a clarion call to break free from the chains of the past and stride boldly into the future. With its raw emotion and searing honesty, “Never Go Back Again” serves as a rallying cry to leave behind the pain of betrayal and forge ahead toward new horizons. The clock is ticking, urging listeners to seize the moment and embark on a journey of self-discovery. So heed the call, heed the advice-don’t look back, don’t text her. Move forward with the conviction of a true pioneer, for the world awaits your next triumph.
As Damon shares with us in his own words “I he was inspired to write the song by not only going through personal experiences with toxic relationships but also by seeing and hearing other people going through the same things as me, the song is my way of explaining why not to do this and why not to go back ever again because it will only hurt you in the end, honestly I think of my little cousins when I sing this because as they get older and get to an age where they start having serious relationships I want them to always have something to help them understand there not alone. Overall, this song is just an experience that not only I’ve been through but other people as well. I’ve been there and there are songs I’ve listened to that help with breakups and wanting to get back with exes and that sort of thing and my goal is for this song to be one of those songs that everyone can go and relate to.”
“Never Go Back Again” is just the beginning of Spigle’s sonic odyssey. His forthcoming EP promises a kaleidoscopic tapestry of sound, each track offering a glimpse into the artist’s soul and musical evolution. From heartfelt ballads to foot-stomping anthems, Spigle’s EP is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the human experience.
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with a legend like Ken Royster,” says Damon Spigle. “His vision and expertise have elevated my music to stratospheric heights, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with the world.”
In addition to his musical exploits, Damon Spigle is proud to announce a groundbreaking distribution deal with Perry Music Group, distributed by The Orchard, a member of Sony Music Entertainment. This watershed moment propels Spigle to the forefront of the industry and marks a pivotal juncture in his meteoric rise.
Perry Music Group, under the stewardship of industry luminary Bryan Wayne Perry, is renowned for its unyielding commitment to artist development and groundbreaking innovation. Distributed by The Orchard, a leading music distribution and artist services company, amplifies Spigle’s reach and visibility to stratospheric levels.
“I am absolutely thrilled to embark on this exhilarating journey alongside Perry Music Group, distributed by The Orchard,” says Damon Spigle. “Their unwavering passion for music and steadfast dedication to nurturing artists is nothing short of inspiring, and I am deeply honored to collaborate with such esteemed partners.”
With the unwavering support of Perry Music Group distributed by The Orchard, Damon Spigle is primed to etch his name into the annals of music history. His forthcoming releases promise to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing his exceptional talent and visionary artistry.
“Damon Spigle is a rare gem with boundless potential,” remarks Bryan Wayne Perry. “We are ecstatic to welcome him into the Perry Music Group family and eagerly anticipate supporting his journey every step of the way.”
Stay tuned for further updates on Damon Spigle’s musical odyssey as he blazes a trail through the annals of music history. With his debut single poised to take the charts by storm, Damon Spigle is not just on the brink of superstardom-he’s rewriting the very definition of it.
Damon Spigle’s single, “Never Go Back Again,” is available now on all major streaming platforms. For the latest news and updates, visit damonspiglemusic.com and follow him on social media @damonspiglemusic.
“You can’t get in the room with Jayne Denham and not be blown away by the heart and passion of her artistry. She’s so much more than just another country artist out on a stage, and when it comes to recording her albums, well, it usually starts with “What If.'” There are no boxes, no fences, and there are no chances that she won’t take. On the heels of her groundbreaking album ‘Wanted,’ we knew the next record had to move the needle to the next level. ‘Moonshine’ is that record…Jayne rolls in like a supercharged Camaro and leaves a cloud of dust with every note, spinning gravel with every song, and leaves the listener with a burn like a straight shot of Moonshine! Twist the cap off that mason jar and take a sip of the next step in Jayne Denham’s country rock artistry. You’re gonna love the taste!”
Jayne Denham, proving again that she’s the dominant female force in Australian country rock music, unveils a new groundbreaking album titled Moonshine with the mind-blowing focus track “Lovin’ A Wild Thing.” ‘If you want the fire gotta dance in the flames, that’s what you get for lovin’ a wild thing.’ This focus track is penned by talented songwriters Brian White, Jason Sever, Ben Glover, and Chad Brownlee. The album is infused with the spirited essence of the Prohibition era of risk-taking, love affairs, and dedicated moonshine runners, the resonating themes and sounds blend uniquely in today’s modern country music scene. Drawing inspiration from the raw, wild, and action-packed sounds of that time, Jayne embarks on a sonically rich journey that evokes the spirited and illegal act of moonshine production. With Moonshine,Jayne’s musical voyage pays homage to the adventurous thrill-seekers and inevitable heartbreak that characterized a period defined by defiance and rebellion. Miranda Lambert, Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, and Jon Randall all take part in this musical campaign, as their lyrics and songs were all chosen specifically to bring Jayne’s Moonshine album to life.
Building on the success of her chart-topping album WANTED, which earned a Golden Guitar nomination for Contemporary Album of the Year in 2022, Jayne invites listeners on an adventure with Moonshine, a 10-track album that features various Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated songwriters, once again proving why she’s Australia’s leading country rock female artist.
Jayne has had various number-one hits with her industry peers. In March 2023, Jayne released her album title track, “Moonshine,” featuring Colt Ford, written by Cameron Jaymes, Colin Elmore, and Melissa Peirce. The boot-stomping cross-country collaboration infused Jayne’s country rock roots, captivating audiences worldwide with placements on CMT USA, CMT Official Top 30 in Australia, No. 5 on KIX Country, and CountryTown Hot 50.
The second single, “Face of the Sun,” written by Brian White, Megan Conner, and Pete Stewart, does not hold back with emotion or rawness. “Stunt Double” is an upbeat, fun, and cheeky song that makes listeners envision a movie in their minds from the minute they hear the lyrics. Written by Trevor Rosen, Hillary Lindsey, and Shane McAnally, it placed No. 1 on the Country Radio charts and landed on New Music Friday (USA). The fourth single release, “Are You Ready For This,” with Hurricane Fall, written by Jessi Alexander, Jon Randall, and Miranda Lambert, is a wild, loud, and rockin’ song that will get any party started. Landing on the Top 10 Tamworth Hottest Australian Country Hits, Top 40 Australian Airplay Chart, and No. 6 on the Country Thunder Top 30 Chart.
The final Moonshine single of the year was “Chain Smokin’,” written by Brandy Clark (Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker, and Kacey Musgraves) and hit songwriters Matt Jenkins and Trevor Rosen. If you have felt the void of being lonely and found yourself caught in a rollercoaster of emotions in a relationship to fill the gap, then the hard-hitting lyrical choice sets the stage for what’s to come.
“‘Moonshine’ is the next evolution in my series of era-inspired albums,” says Jayne. “While WANTED paid homage to the rugged, horseback days of old spaghetti westerns, this new record delves into the gritty, rebellious spirit of the prohibition era. Imagine mixing up a big pot of outlaw tales from the hills, seasoned with country rock. It’s about capturing the essence of a time when moonshiners ruled the backwoods and fast cars roared through the countryside. I wanted to infuse this album with that untamed energy and transport listeners to a world where the spirit of rebellion runs deep and the music hits hard.”
Moonshine was produced by Grammy-nominated songwriters and producers Brian White, who has earned sixteen #1 songs, two Dove Awards for Song of the Year, and the recent #1 “Blame It On You” (Jason Aldean), and Brian Bunn, whose songs have been recorded by Lee Brice, Jackson Dean, Chase Matthew, Parmalee, and more. The project incorporates a unique blend of country rock with a gritty edge. With soaring vocals, Jayne exudes her energy, captivating audiences with her renowned live shows, including most recently headlining her sold-out show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in the country-rock scene.
“These stories remain wild and outlaw with a contemporary twist. I thoroughly enjoyed curating songs that perfectly complement the narrative of this album. From the badass anthems to the moments of pure fun, party vibes, and heart-wrenching ballads,” adds Jayne.
“I love crafting an album that serves as a musical journey for my fans, from the opening track, “The Moonshine Raid,” to the discovery of “Moonshine Money,” where we uncover the hidden treasures stashed away by Uncle Jimmy. In a world dominated by singles, I take pride in delivering a cohesive body of work that tells a story, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the narrative from start to finish.”
To accompany the Moonshine album, Jayne has partnered with Franklin County Distillery, located in the mountains of Virginia, known as the “Moonshine Capital of the World,” to release her own line of two different-flavored moonshines, Ridge Runner Pear and Orchard Peach. If you pre-order one of the merchandise packs, you will be entered into a drawing to win a bottle of Jayne Denham’s Moonshine, soon to be available in Australia. The full-length album, Moonshine, will be available on Friday, May 3, 2024.
Wesley Dean is set to release his new album Music From Crazy Hearts , Friday April 26th, with the companion piece to an upcoming feature film, Crazy Hearts: The Documentary, which sees Dean hit the road with his family for an ambitious tour across America. With a director and cameraperson in tow, Dean and his family drove over 5000 miles from Nashville to Los Angeles in an RV via towns steeped in musical history playing shows off the beaten track; Memphis, New Orleans, Luckenbach, Marfa, Amarillo, Las Vegas, and more. The songs on Music From Crazy Hearts complement the soundscape to Dean’s own story of breaking the industry mold to carve out his name independently.
Along with the album’s release, Dean has also shared the neon-imbued music video for the country gospel track, “Mercy”.
Dean reflects on the album, “After a tumultuous landing in the US and string of challenges that left me wanting to quit the industry, I looked to the moon early one morning and prayed for the first time in my life, ‘God, have Mercy’. In that moment, I picked up my guitar and started playing what is now “Mercy” in its entirety, from start to finish, as you hear it today. It was one of those moments that music just flows without thought or conscious effort. It was an honest letter from the depths of my soul to God/Universe, whatever that means to you. That same morning, I also wrote the last song on the album, “Tomorrow”, which is fitting to think that they are now the bookends of the record.”
“Within a week I had written all the songs on the album, so I got together with my friend and producer, Justin Cortelyou, and through a twist of fate five days at RCA, Studio A were set. We recorded the ten songs live with very little overdubs. No autotune, no metronome, no studio tricks, just capturing a moment in time in one of the greatest rooms in musical history. For one incredible week I got to stand, sing and play where, Elvis, Dolly, Waylon, Willie, Stapleton, and so many more stood and recorded some of their most iconic music. It was a great honor just to be in the room, let alone cutting a record.”
“This album isn’t only my personal redemption, it’s an album for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider, like they’ve been broken beyond repair, or have to fight for their authentic self to be seen. “Music From Crazy Hearts” is for anyone crazy enough to follow that tiny voice inside their heart while battling the voice inside their head against all odds and rejection, and even though they can barely see the light sometimes, muster the courage to keep believing in their dreams.”
In a glowing album review, music journalist Dana Miller writes: “From tip to stern the Music From Crazy Hearts pirate ship was destined to be a record for the road. Captured in just five flurried days at RCA, Studio A and conjuring timeless images reminiscent of Young Guns, Dean’s basaltic, corduroy-clad voice inhabits characters here like those first popularized in Gunfighter Ballads by Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash’s “Don’t Take Your Guns to Town.” Though Dean draws effortlessly and intuitively from the archetypal well of the cowboy ballads that gave original rise to American country music, and Music From Crazy Hearts solemnly salutes both Marty Stuart and Buck Owens with its integrity-driven narratives, this is not just a horse of a different color, but one pointed in a completely different direction. Music From Crazy Hearts is an album full of stories that will cleave you in half, sung by a seeker’s voice that was designed to stitch you back together in a more self-sustaining style than you were wearing yourself before.”
Leading up to the album’s release Dean shared a number of singles including the radio edit of “Gunslinger” , exclusive to AUS/NZ audiences, which CountryTown called a “raw, road-ready cowboy anthem” and premiered the live acoustic version saying, “he conjures a blues soul that’s ancient and genuine, a spirit you don’t hear in singers all that often anymore”. He also released the band version of “Blood Brothers” worldwide, which Magnet Magazine called “an epic country-tinged rocker”. Other US focused singles were “Don’t Look Back” featuring Sarah Buxton, which Glide called “a gorgeous work of country-laced Americana that resonates with all of us”, and “Burn This House”, both of which attracted early attention from BrooklynVegan, Whiskey Riff, Holler and more.
After relocating from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2021 to pursue the natural evolution of his music into the country/Americana roots rock scene, Dean released his first album dedicated to the genre, Unknown (considered for a Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album), and has quickly followed up with Music From Crazy Hearts, a dynamic musical journey deftly weaving the depth of artists like Cash and Dylan with a contemporary psychedelic cowboy vibe.
Dean was previously known and loved as the Australian Idol winner ‘Wes Carr’ of platinum single, You, and gold selling album, The Way The World Looks , fame.
Country music’s hottest rising act Shaboozey releases his latest single ” A Bar Song (Tipsy)”. The track serves as the fourth single off the sonic outlaw’s highly anticipated album “Where I’ve Been, isn’t Where I’m Going” out May 31st.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy) ” beautifully embodies the values synonymous with the genre, filled with liquor, parties and breaking out of the routine 9-to-5. Written by Shaboozey, the track builds on the Virginia native’s devotion to country music as he sets his smooth vocals to an upbeat clap tempo and includes crowd-filled backup vocals, well-placed fiddle riffs, and a folksy acoustic guitar.
On “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey shares… “Early 2000s Hip-Hop and R&B were such a huge part of my childhood and I had been wanting to flip one for a while into a country song, so we did it with “Tipsy.” I love how it turned out because it’s a true blend of genres I love. It’s a song that I wanted people to hear and just wanna have fun and party!”
Shaboozey continues to break out in both country music and in pop culture. Honored with the privilege of joining Beyoncé on her critically acclaimed masterpiece COWBOY CARTER with features on Billboard Hot 100 charting tracks “SPAGHETTII” and “SWEET HONEY BUCKIIN,'” which resulted in his Billboard Hot 100 debut, the Nigerian-American artist has gained more than 12 million monthly streams.
Streaming juggernaut and critically acclaimed single “Let it Burn,” the haunting heartbreak track “Anabelle,” and most recently, “Vegas,” a sing-along ready single straight from the wild west, give fans a taste of what to expect on “Where I’ve Been, isn’t Where I’m Going”. With shows across Nashville, New York and Los Angeles this May, fans can expect a stand- outset with his latest tracks as well as to-be- released songs from the highly anticipated upcoming album.
ABOUT SHABOOZEY:
Rising multi-media artist Shaboozey intends to build his own world, determined to carve his own lane in the Alt-Country / Hip-Hop space; he crafts a sound that pays homage to a cast of traditional western influences, such as Bob Dylan, Lead Belly, Johnny Cash, and Leonard Cohen, while looking into the future of what the two genres have yet to introduce. Remaining true to his Virginia roots, Shaboozey hopes to continue the region’s long-standing tradition of producing some of the most prolific creatives of the new millennium. This time through elevating the scope of contemporary hip-hop and introducing a modern Americana culture to a global audience.
JEREMY TURNER RETURNS WITH THE ULTIMATE DRINKING ANTHEM ‘MUST’VE BEEN DRUNK’.
Country singer-songwriter Jeremy Turner has landed onto the country music scene like a breath of fresh air, finding his place very quickly in this fast-changing genre which has exploded over the last few years.
Jeremy’s latest single ‘Must’ve Been Drunk’ pays a tongue-in-cheek homage to a great night out and let’s face it – who hasn’t enjoyed the occasional unforgettable bender?
“Ahhhhh, we’ve all been there – the night where too much fun and too much booze collide! For me, it was the kick-off to my most recent Nashville adventure, a whirlwind of good times, if somewhat hazy. While in town on a writing trip, I found myself at my very first NFL game, indulging in cold brews and classic American hotdogs. The aftermath? Without giving too much away from that fateful night, I woke up with no idea where I was or how I got there….. All I know is that it was a heck of a time. I write the song the following day with fellow Aussies, Phil Barton, and Kylie Sackley. A hangover was never more productive!
Knowing how all my Aussie mates like to party, I like to think this song could somehow be the unofficial drinking song of the year.”
With a voice that is commanding of any festival stage, Jeremy Turner exudes a country music charm and charisma while delivering in depth storytelling. His stage presence is undeniably powerful, emotional, and relatable while inserting that perfect mix of Aussie larrikinism.
Previous singles ‘She Keeps Comin’ Around’ and ‘Try To Stop Me’ gained the attention of Australian Country Radio and industry tastemakers alike. ‘She Keeps Comin’ Around’ reached #23 on the Countrytown airplay charts with major adds on KIX Country and ABC Country, as well as Apple Music playlisting on Today’s Country and Aussie Country. Second single ‘Try To Stop Me’ was featured on ABC Country’s Grass Roots and added to KIX Country and Triple M Country along with major Apple Music playlisting on New Music Daily, 5th Gear, Country Risers and Aussie Country.
Jeremy Turner has captured the hearts of music fans across Australia with his gritty, gifted voice which is reflected in a rapidly growing audience. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a Jeremy Turner show on a stage near you and make sure his latest single ‘Must’ve Been Drunk’ is added to your favourite playlist.
Flatland Cavalry teamed up with their long-time inspiration Randy Rogers for a “joint” release of fan favourite single “Let it Roll” commemorating 4/20. An official music video inspired by “That 70s Show” shot on 35mm accompanied the release.
About Flatland Cavalry
Lubbock roots-country outfit Flatland Cavalry straddles the line between the Panhandle and the badlands of West Texas with their bright, earthy country ballads and gritty folk ramblers. Vocalist and chief songwriter Cleto Cordero’s honest, smooth songwriting revolves around the vernacular world of West Texas that he’s constructed with dusty, sun-soaked character sketches, brooding self-evaluations, and candid love songs that all have the ability to turn into singalong anthems. Based in both Texas and Nashville, Flatland Cavalry is Cordero (vocals, acoustic guitar), Jason Albers (drums), Jonathan Saenz (bass), Reid Dillon (electric guitar, harmonica, second fiddle), Wesley Hall (fiddle) and Adam Gallegos (piano, keys, mandolin, banjo, electric guitar).
2024 ACM NOMINEE DYLAN SCOTT SHARES LATEST SINGLE ‘THIS TOWN’S BEEN TOO GOOD TO US’ WITH COUNTRY RADIO
Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott has delivered the deluxe edition of his latest album Livin’ My Best Life (Still). In addition to five highly-anticipated unreleased tracks, beloved fan-favourites ‘This Town’s Been Too Good To Us ‘, ‘I’ll Be A Bartender’ and ‘Boys Back Home’ are seen on the expanded 26-song collection.
Scott recently impacted US Country radio with ‘This Town’s Been Too Good To Us’ which has exceeded over 146M streams. Written by Scott and songwriting heavy-hitters John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips and Ryan Vojtesak, the track finds Scott paying homage to his hometown of Bastrop, Louisiana as he reminisces on the cherished memories that shaped him.
Though he has already established himself as one of Country music’s hottest stars, Scott’s 2022 sophomore album, Livin’ My Best Life elevated his success with each new radio hit and fan favourite: ‘New Truck’, ‘Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl)’, ‘Nobody’, and its title track. Draped in the signature feels that define his craftsmanship as a vocalist, artist and songwriter, the album shines a spotlight on his uncanny ability to walk the perfect line between party anthem and soft ballad, tugging at your heart while encouraging you to raise your cup.
Scott’s momentum carries over from his recent success with ‘Can’t Have Mine’, his fourth Country radio No.1 single. This adds to a string of accolades Scott received last year, including ‘Can’t Have Mine’ notching RIAA Certified Gold in June 2023, No. 1 single, ‘New Truck’ securing RIAA Certified Gold, and debut No. 1 single, ‘My Girl’ achieving RIAA Certified 3x Platinum status. Across his expansive catalog, Scott has garnered over 2.6B streams and counting.
ABOUT DYLAN SCOTT:
Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott is a triple threat – a powerful vocalist with a deep, unmistakable drawl; an old-soul songwriter with a young spirit; and a family man with a tender heart. The ACM-nominated, multi-Platinum singer has notched four No. 1 singles at radio (“My Girl,” “Nobody,” “New Truck,” and “Can’t Have Mine”), as well as Top 5 hit “Hooked.” Following his first career nomination for “Best New Country Artist” at the all-genre iHeartRadio Music Awards and a coveted spot among Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music, his Platinum-certified ode to his wife, “Nobody,” earned him a 2021 CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year. Dylan presented the CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year Award at the 2022 CMT Music Awards on CBS. Scott earned a 2023 ACM nomination in the category, New Male Artist of the Year. Alongside Jason Crabb, Scott won his first GMA Dove Award in 2023 for the song, “Good Morning Mercy.” With career streams exceeding 2.6B, the Louisiana native has provided tour support for Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan and Chris Young, among others, cementing him as an in-demand live act. Livin’ My Best Life, the latest album from Scott, features fiery, No.1 single “New Truck,” along with viral TikTok ballad, RIAA-Certified Platinum, No.1 radio single, “Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl).”
In response to explosive fan demand on TikTok, platinum-selling and award-winning artist and songwriter Tebey (pronounced Tay – Bay) has released a country rendition of The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’. Released worldwide, the track has already had over 2.3 million global streams and 18 million impressions on Instagram; airplay in 9 countries; charted on Apple Music in 86 Countries; and hit Top 3 on the Spotify Viral Chart in Sweden and Norway, and the Viral Top 15 in his native Canada.
Tebey first recorded a short snippet of the song and posted it to social media (March 3rd), which generated such an immediate, positive response that his team encouraged him to promptly record a full studio version of the cover. The resulting TikTok clip of Tebey’s take on ‘Blinding Lights’ had over 12 million views in one week, and Tebey’s clips featuring the song have now surpassed 21 million total views. The official lyric video is available to view here.
His unique country twist on the acclaimed, record-breaking pop song rapidly captured the attention of users worldwide. It was even noticed by The Weeknd himself, who posted about the song on Instagram and reposted Tebey’s video on his own page; now his 5th most viewed TikTok video ever.
“It was never my intention to release a fully produced country version of ‘Blinding Lights’. This whole thing has been driven solely by the fans, and their reaction to a performance video I made to foster more connection with them on social media,” said Tebey. “I thought that doing a countrified version of a pop song might be a fun piece of content for fans and gain me some new followers on TikTok and Instagram, but I’m just as shocked as everyone how viral this has gone. Once I saw the reaction my version was getting online, my producer and I literally raced to finish the song and get it out to the streaming platforms within days.”
The fan-driven cover was produced by Danick Dupelle (Tyler Joe Miller, Matt Lang) and Tebey, and views across the artist’s socials continue to build at a rapid rate, with an increase of over 200% on all platforms.
After key country radio programmers expressed interest in receiving the track to keep up with the high demand from the public, the track has now been officially serviced to radio in Canada and multiple other countries worldwide, alongside his current single “Hold Your Horses”, which is currently in the Top 25 of the Canadian country radio chart.
ABOUT TEBEY:
Peterborough, Ontario native and current Nashville resident, Tebey is an award-winning artist, producer and accomplished songwriter with over 100 million streams, 608,000 Canadian radio spins and an audience of 998 Million to date (Mediabase). Overall, he has had four Top 5 Canadian country radio singles, five Top 10 singles and five Top 20 singles as a recording artist. Though he’s been experiencing a steady trajectory for over a decade, the past four years in particular have yielded some of Tebey’s biggest successes. These accomplishments include three #1 songs as a writer: a US Billboard #1 with Justin Moore’s ‘Somebody Else Will’ a Canadian #1 with Gord Bamford’s ‘Dive Bar’ and his first #1 as an artist and writer with his Gold single ‘Who’s Gonna Love You’, which also received a SOCAN award. 2021 saw the release of Tebey’s most successful album to date, The Good Ones, which included multiple Top 10 hits including the title track, a duet with Quebec pop star Marie Mai, followed by the Sink With The Sun EP in 2022. Most recently, Tebey released his single ‘Hold Your Horses’ this past January, which has been rapidly climbing the Canadian country radio chart.
New Curb Records artist Kelsey Hart officially unveils “Life With You,” the wedding song of 2024. Beginning today, fans can also watch the sentimental music video for “Life With You,” featuring footage from Hart’s real-life wedding, HERE.
As Hart began teasing the track on his social platforms, “Life With You” immediately struck a chord with listeners. One reel previewing the first-dance ballad has garnered more than 10 million views and 1.5K user generated videos on Instagram, gaining the country riser more than 25K new followers in just two days. Additionally, the clip has received well over 4 million views on TikTok with Hart tallying 10.5K TikTok creates thanks to the instant popularity of the video and the way fans are using the song to soundtrack their lives. The track has also accumulated 14K pre-saves on DSPs.
Originally written for his wife, with whom he recently celebrated one year of marriage, the piano-led mid-tempo selection is a sweet tribute to life’s ordinary moments and a tender ode to a love worthy of long-term commitment. The ballad, used as Hart and his wife’s first dance song at their own wedding, showcases the newcomer’s romantic side following a string of scorching anthems like “Country In Business” and “4×4.”
Pledging forever, Hart penned the song with Scott Stepakoff and Kyle Schlienger. Meanwhile, Blake Bollinger produced the track.
Since landing his first gig at 19 as the lead singer of a local country band, Hart has diligently cultivated his passion for country music and honed his craft as a deft songwriter. After garnering his first album cut in 2017, Hart became an in-demand collaborator when he moved to Nashville, where he quickly established himself as a sought-after co-writer, vocalist and artist on the rise. Hart’s songs have been recorded by Jake Owen, Dylan Scott and Trace Adkins, among others. The newcomer is currently in the studio working on songs he’s excited to share in the months ahead.
About Kelsey Hart:
Curb Records recording artist, songwriter, and Kentucky native Kelsey Hart has quickly secured his place among the best and brightest in the songwriting community, penning songs for hitmakers such as Jake Owen, Dylan Scott, and Trace Adkins. In addition to his songwriting prowess, Kelsey’s own artistry – which has amassed 52 million streams – is making an impact as the launch of his new radio single “Life With You” has garnered over 237M TikTok views, 385K TikTok Creates, debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Country Digital Songs Chart, and reached #1 on the Hot 30 Weekend Countdown on SiriusXM The Highway. Hart’s previously released debut EP, Give You Mine, marked Hart’s official foray into the artist spotlight, a place he’s dreamed of being since his childhood days of belting gospel music from the passenger seat in his dad’s truck.
Kirsty Lee Akers is in her Cowgirl Era with… GIRLS ARE WHY THE WEST IS WILD
In the realm where melodies meet magic, 2 time Golden Guitar winner and star of The Block – Kirsty Lee Akers strides forth in her Cowgirl Era, a spirit woven with threads of the wild frontier.
Welcoming the dawn of 2024, Kirsty unveils her latest ode, “Girls Are Why The West Is Wild.” A song for the cowgirls, the untamed hearts and the daring souls who roam free.
Penned in Nashville alongside hit songwriters Kirsti Manna and Bill DiLuigi, this anthem marries grit with grace. “In June of last year, I attended a co-writing session in Nashville. Arriving a little early, I found Bill DiLuigi already there. Although we had just met, it was clear that Bill had done his homework and understood me as an artist. While waiting for Kirsti to join us, Bill shared an idea he had, which I instantly loved. Before long, we had a chorus ready. When Kirsti arrived, she quickly added her touch of magic,” Kirsty shares.
Once again, Kirsty steps into the producer’s role alongside co-producer Paul Bain to breathe life into this track. With the banjo strings harmonizing with Kirsty’s vocals, creating a blend reminiscent of Dolly Parton and Lainey Wilson, each listener is sure to remember the moment when they first heard “Girls Are Why The West Is Wild.”
“Girls Are Why The West Is Wild” is now available for streaming on all platforms.
Renowned country artists The Bellamy Brothers and Gene Watson have joined together for a cover of the duo’s “Forever Ain’t Long Enough.” With a combined total of numerous No. 1 singles, this trio has released a “sublimely country (MusicRow)” version, which is sure to delight country music fans.
Originally released in 1990 on the Bellamy Brothers’ 14th studio album, Reality Check, this beloved song is now being reintroduced to fans as a powerful duet, given a fresh new twist with the addition of Gene Watson’s vocals. For David Bellamy, the song holds a special significance as he explains, “I wrote the song in the style of real classic country. I wanted it to sound like something that came from the Countrypolitan era, and of course, everlasting love is a favorite subject of every songwriter.”
Working with the “Love in the Hot Afternoon” singer then made sense, given their shared admiration for classicism within the country genre. “Having Gene duet with us on the song was a dream come true,” David shares. “He’s one of the few real classic country singers that understands songs like this.” Watson himself says he “was flattered” to be tapped for the new rendition, and adds that he appreciates how it feels like “real country music.”
www.bellamybrothers.com
One of the most compelling aspects of Niki Small’s emergence with her Woodward Avenue Records debut, The Chase, is the fact that she didn’t take her first singing lesson until age 25. She spent some years in Southern California making connections and honing her vocals and her craft as a songwriter before the opportunity presented itself to record an album showcasing her multitude of talents. Yet from the poetic, scene setting opening lines of her sultry, whimsically romantic debut single (the collection’s title track), those soulful, smooth vocals seem so at home amidst the bluesy, jazzy, country and Americana-tinged vibes created by producer Paul Brown and his L.A. based ensemble, that it feels like she’s a natural who’s been doing it all her life.
Written by Niki and produced and mixed by Brown – who also contributes one of his trademark edgy, crying blues guitar solos after the second chorus – “The Chase” reveals the singer as a dynamic storyteller, drawing us into a fun, freewheeling world with her lover under pink skies and street lights, where “the wind is slipping through our hair,” they’re engulfed in a wave “big enough to share” and they’re laughing and kissing under the stars. When she gets to the chorus, we learn that it’s not all that serious, but more like a glorious, sunsplashed summer fling: “Hearts beating like crazy, like they’re in a race/But I don’t care about the finish line/Baby, I’m just here for the chase…” The exciting hook finds her repeating “the chase” several times, adding wordless vocal textures for emphasis as the music and easy groove breezes along. She even shows a bit of a humorous dark edge when, in Verse 2, she sings, “I can’t tell if what I’m feeling is from the shit we’re smokin’ or somewhere far beyond…”
Listeners who take every word Niki sings literally will enjoy a fun, lighthearted summery country tune with some clever turns of phrase. What’s ironic, however, is that “The Chase” doubles as an emphatic mission statement about her long term, slow building approach to her career – and that’s something she takes very seriously. Explaining the essential romantic storyline, she says, “The song is about fun and the thrill of falling in love without caring how it turns out or where it might lead.” Diving into its deeper meaning, she adds, “The song is very much about both love and my career to this point. The lyrics relate to my ups and downs in the industry. I just knew I wanted to write songs, sing and follow wherever that desire would take me. I believe life is one percent about getting where you want to be and 99 percent experiencing life along the way.”
Niki has called The Chase (the album) a collaborative effort based on her engagement with Brown and the dynamic crew of L.A. musicians who on the title track create a cool, laid-back foundation featuring Shane Theriot’s subtle rhythm guitar and Marco Basci’s bluesy old school keyboard accents. The rhythm section features bassist Bob Glaub and drummer Tony Braunagel.
While Niki showcases the full range of her talents throughout the collection – including her Linda Ronstadt like ability to recreate classic and obscure older songs in her own style – “The Chase” offers a splendid intro to her beautiful vocal vibe and incredible songwriting skills.
Brad Cole, an Australian contemporary country musician, calls the outskirts of southern Sydney home. With a polished sound blending contemporary country with catchy hooks and melodic structures, Cole’s music appeals to a wide age range, encompassing both male and female listeners.
Cole is excited and grateful for the opportunity to share his music with audiences in the US and beyond. He is eager to see his brand of contemporary country embraced worldwide.
His talent has earned him recognition, notably as a finalist at the esteemed Australian APRA Awards for ‘Most Played Country Music Work on Australian Radio & TV’. Notably, he was the sole independent and self-published artist nominated for this honor, reflecting his esteemed status within the Australian music scene. Cole and his band have graced major country music festivals and events in Australia, and his performances have been featured on Australian television, including collaborations with the cast of ‘Dancing With The Stars’.
“Hold Me In Your Arms Tonight” is a contemporary country ballad crafted for female listeners, delving into themes of love’s ups and downs, ultimately finding solace in the arms of true love.
Acclaimed country-pop sensation, Hayley Jensen, is back, fiercer than ever, with her latest offering, “Stomping Ground” out now via MGM Distribution. This foot-stomping anthem promises to set airwaves on fire & ignite festival stages.
Produced by the award-winning production team MSquared (Casey Barnes, Zac & George, Kaylee Bell, James Johnston) and co-written by Jensen alongside Troy Kokol and Alexandra Adamoski (Alee), “Stomping Ground” is a catchy, high-octane celebration of freedom & friendship. The lyrics paint vivid scenes of late-night escapades and carefree revelry that transport listeners to a world where gravel roads lead to unforgettable nights. With its infectious energy “Stomping Ground” is destined to become a staple in country-pop playlists.
As a two-time CMAA Golden Guitar Finalist for ‘Female Artist of the Year’ in 2022 & 2023, and the recipient of the ICMA ‘Most Popular Female Artist’ Award in 2024, Jensen’s trajectory in the industry is on the rise. No stranger to the spotlight, she first shot to fame two decades ago as a Top 4 finalist on the 2nd Season of ‘Australian Idol’, and later made a ‘chair turning’ return to the small screen on ‘The Voice’ where she was dubbed ‘the whole package’ by her coach, Kylie Minogue.
A powerhouse vocalist and dynamite live performer, Hayley’s made waves headlining her own shows as well as festival stages both here in Australia and abroad, including headlining the main stage at Tamworth Country Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster, Charters Towers Country Music Festival (headliner), Deni Ute Muster, PBR Australia Events & Festivals plus many more. Abroad, she’s performed at the Calgary Stampede & Dauphins CountryFest in Canada, Buckle & Boots Country Festival in the UK, and various performances in the US.
Her previous album, “Breakin’ Hearts” soared to the top of the ARIA Charts as the #1 Country Album, and featured eight hit radio singles including the title track, “Karma”and “Better Than That”. “Breakin’ Hearts” was the #1 Australian song on the official CountryTown radio airplay charts & added to Spotify’s ‘Fresh Country’ playlist. It was also one the most played songs on SiriusXM (CBC Music now Top of the Country) on digital radio across North America.
After navigating a tumultuous period, marked by the departure from her previous (now defunct) record label, Jensen has emerged stronger than ever. Reclaiming her narrative with the relaunch of her own label, “White Dove Music” and collaborating with an exceptional new team, including esteemed photographer and creative director Michelle Pitiris – “She is Aphrodite”, known for her recent work photographing Taylor Swift live for Rolling Stone Magazine, and Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis at MSquared Productions, Jensen is poised to light up the airwaves.
“Working alongside MSquared on the production of “Stomping Ground” was an absolute dream. Their passion and creativity breathed life into every note and lyric, taking the song to new heights. Together, with Troy & Alee, I feel we’ve crafted a track that embodies the spirit of adventure and the joy of living in the moment, and I’m so excited to get it out there! Aesthetically, it was also amazing to collaborate with the incredible Michelle (“She is Aphrodiete”). I’ve admired her work for so long and I really feel like we captured the visuals perfectly which has elevated the entire project. All of these new creative partnerships have really inspired me as an artist, and I’m excited to continue working together in the future. Yes! There is more on the way!” says, Hayley.
THE HONOURABLE ANTHONY ALBANESE MP PRIME MINISTER OF
AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES “ALMOST ANZAC DAY”
JAMES BLUNDELL’S BRILLIANT NEW SINGLE
IN SUPPORT OF VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
I was raised a country boy, cattle, and cane
I fought the war on terror, then they put me on a plane
We came back in pieces, none of us the same
Every night I’m drowning in the blood of Baghdad rain.
This Friday 9:45am April 12, The Honourable Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia will launch “Almost Anzac Day”, James Blundell’s brilliant new single, in support of veterans and their families, at Hyde Park Anzac Memorial Auditorium in Sydney. “Almost Anzac Day” is a powerful poignant anthem for and about our times. James will premiere the song live, accompanied by guitar, piano and a string quartet at the Auditorium.
The launch MC will be Senator Anne Urquhart . Other speakers include:
Tim Cuming, head of SMEAC, a not-for-profit Veterans for Veterans organisation
Amanda Young, General Sales Manager KIX Country Radio Network,
Judy Smith Manager James Blundell Music – and acknowledgement of the support of Aussie Legends Hemp in co-creating the Wonderwheel Music label distributed by MGM.
James Blundell is one of the most influential Australian male country artists of his generation with a career spanning 34 years, 14 studio albums, multiple CMAA Golden Guitar Awards, and inductions to the CMAA Roll of Renown and the CMC Hall of Fame.
“Almost Anzac Day” is the third single from Blundell’s forthcoming album “World Don’t Stop”. It was recorded and produced in upstate New York by the Grammy-winning team of Larry Campbell and Justin Guip and written by Terry McArthur and Mika Koukkanen. “James is a master storyteller and we felt this was one story he would absolutely resonate with,” says Terry McArthur.
“Even though they had no knowledge of Anzac Day, the entire ensemble declared this is an anthem! My vocals were recorded as the track went down. I remember feeling incredibly uplifted by and connected to the music…and the lyrics are so strong. All I had to do was fall into the moment and let the story come through” says James recalling the recording of the song.
All proceeds from the sale of the single will be donated to SMEAC. “James Blundell has always been a great Australian, and a staunch supporter of the Defence Force and its Veterans. His generous donation of the royalties from his latest single will assist SMEAC to provide accommodation, food, medical services, and support to all veterans in need especially veterans in crisis situations such as homeless veterans,” says Tim Cuming.
Almost Anzac Day is also the soundtrack for a series of KIX Country Community Service Announcements voiced by James that will promote awareness of “Open Arms” a 24-hour free support and counselling services available to veterans and their families