SARA STORER’S NEW SINGLE ‘LAYERS’ TACKLES THE HIDDEN STRUGGLES OF BULLYING AND SOCIAL MEDIA PRESSURE ON TODAY’S YOUTH

Acclaimed singer songwriter, and 22 x Golden Guitar and ARIA Award winning Sara Storer today releases the second single, ‘Layers’, from her upcoming 8th solo album set for release in 2025.

Not one to shy away from calling out injustice when she sees it, Sara has long been an advocate for the marginalised and bullied, listening to their stories and weaving them into her songs.

Sara penned ‘Layers’ after being told about the bullying of a young girl in her community. Like most teens, she had been impacted by the perfect TikTok lives of her peers. Young people are consumed by a social media world which bombards them with images of impossible perfection, and we are now seeing the damaging effects of constant social comparison on their emotional and mental health.

Amid growing calls for social media age restrictions, Sara’s latest single, ‘Layers’, speaks to the harm inflicted on teenagers by social media and the rising concern of parents and the community for the future of our young people.

Produced by multi award winning Matt Fell, the song, as Sara tells it, is a tale parents and teens are living daily:

“This song isn’t going to change the world but too often I hear of another young girl battling the pressures of social media. All the good work parents do in building solid foundations of self-love, self-confidence, fearlessness and uniqueness all destroyed by unrealistic brain washing by social media.

Perfection: girls already have it! Then there’s a tough day at school because someone said something that gave them a little bit of self-doubt. Unfortunately, today, there’s no escaping social media. It follows teens home and reinforces those damaging ideas – once restricted to the school yard- well into the night.

Girls don’t get a break! And this torture eventually erodes the core love they have for themselves. Doubt creeps in. Social media overrides all the good the parents have done. It’s in front of them on a screen 24 hours a day constantly reinforcing perfect, perfect, perfect. What is left? A young girl with severe mental health issues and an unfair start in life.”

‘Layers’ cuts through the veneer of social media perfection and asks us to see that beneath it all “there’s a girl who wants just the same things as you.”

Ronnie Joudo Releases New Single “Leave It For Tomorrow” – A Celebration of Life and Living in the Moment

Australian country sensation Ronnie Joudo is thrilled to announce the release of his latest single, “Leave It For Tomorrow,” set to drop on October 25th. This upbeat, 90s-inspired country track captures the spirit of carefree living and the joy of embracing the present.

In “Leave It For Tomorrow,” Ronnie encourages listeners to set aside their worries and fully enjoy life’s simple pleasures. The song radiates positivity with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, reminding us all that sometimes it’s okay to let the to-do list wait. With a blend of classic country twang and modern flair, Ronnie’s powerful vocals shine as he delivers a message that resonates with fans across all ages.

“Life can be overwhelming with so many things pulling at our attention,” Ronnie says. “This song is a reminder to take a step back, have some fun, and just enjoy the ride. We don’t always have to check everything off our lists. Sometimes, it’s more important to live in the moment.”

Fans can look forward to this lively anthem, which promises to be a staple at country music gatherings and playlists alike. Ronnie’s unique sound, rooted in the rich traditions of 90s country, is sure to captivate audiences and solidify his place in the genre.

Dallas Alexander- Can’t Blame It On My Bloodline
Dallas Alexander, a proud Métis artist, brings raw authenticity to country music with his single “Can’t Blame My Bloodline.” Featured on the TV show Clerks, this gritty anthem showcases Dallas’ unique sound, blending traditional country storytelling with a modern, energetic twist. Dallas has found success on SiriusXM and Indigiverse, and tours extensively across Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Canada. Managed by Cache Entertainment, a company owned by country star Gord Bamford-26-time CCMA award winner and 2-time CMA winner-Dallas is in good hands. Cache Entertainment is also responsible for the Gord Bamford Foundation and offers full-service artist management and development, supporting emerging talent like Dallas. “Can’t Blame My Bloodline” is sure to resonate with country fans seeking an authentic, powerhouse track.

Rising singer-songwriter Claudia Tripp has unveiled her infectious country pop anthem “My Ex (But Not Really).” Produced by the highly acclaimed Michael DeLorenzis and Michael Paynter from MSquared, the song offers a fresh spin on the theme of lost love, capturing the bittersweet feeling of watching someone you never officially dated move on. With its catchy hooks, irresistible energy, and clever lyrics, Claudia’s distinctive vocals shine, ensuring this track will be an instant favourite among country and pop fans alike.

“I wrote ‘My Ex (But Not Really)’ as a fresh take on ‘the one that got away,” Claudia explains. “It captures that bittersweet feeling of watching someone you never officially dated move on. It’s a blend of jealousy, frustration, and sadness all wrapped up in an upbeat country-pop song that you can blast in the car when you’re stuck in your feelings.”

Dubbed as ‘an artist to watch’ by country music tastemakers, after becoming a Top 10 Finalist in the 2023 Toyota Starmaker Talent Search in Tamworth and more recently gaining a showcase at Brisbane’s BigSound, “My Ex (But Not Really) follows up from Claudia’s recent successful 2024 single release “Rodeo”.

This fast-rising artist has graced stages at RAC Arena and Optus Stadium in Perth and has toured with renowned artists including Travis Collins, Thirsty Merc, Tex Perkins, Daryl Braithwaite, and Russell Morris. Claudia will see out the year performing shows alongside Casey Barnes, Andrew Farriss and again with Thirsty Merc.

Claudia’s music has consistently made its mark on editorial playlists, including Spotify’s Fresh Country and major Apple Playlists including Country Caffeine, Aussie Country, Back Porch Country, New Music Daily and Country Risers further solidifying her place in the country music scene.

Known for her unique blend of heartfelt storytelling and infectious melodies, Claudia Tripp continues to grow a fanbase and a reputation for captivating live performances, she is poised to become one of the standout voices in the genre.

In the world of country music, where storytelling reigns supreme, few artists have managed to craft a tale as raw, vulnerable, and beautifully heartbreaking as Shaboozey does with his latest single, “Highway.” Fresh off two CMA Award nominations (Best New Artist & Single of the Year) the Nigerian-American artist continues to prove why he’s a rising force in the genre. Combining poignant lyrics with soulful melodies, Shaboozey delivers a ballad that delves deep into the emotional toll of a relationship’s end, with his signature Western acoustic vibe.

“Highway” is more than just a breakup song; it’s an emotional odyssey wrapped in acoustic guitars and layered harmonies, with Shaboozey’s deep baritone vocals pulling listeners into a space of reflection and melancholy. The song embodies the distinct sound that Shaboozey has carved out in 2024, a year that has seen him dominate the airwaves.

This release follows the incredible success of Shaboozey’s previous hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, which achieved double platinum sales in Australia and spent five weeks at #1 on the ARIA Singles Chart. A celebration of country values and breaking free of the 9-to-5 grind-the track highlighted his ability to seamlessly blend smooth vocals with upbeat, clap-tempo rhythms, crowd-filled backup vocals, and folksy acoustic guitar.

Shaboozey’s triumph with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” marked a significant achievement for independent artists everywhere. It was the first independent single to reach #1 on the ARIA charts in five years, holding the spot for a consecutive second week. The song’s success has seen it dominate multiple charts in Australia, including:

1 on the Aircheck National Radio Airplay Chart for 8 consecutive weeks

1 on the CountryTown National Country Radio Airplay Chart

1 on the AU Radio Monitor All Radio, by Impacts Chart for 7 weeks straight

The song’s popularity has been further amplified by remixes from illustrious DJs David Guetta and Alesso, expanding its reach across the dance and alternative genres, too. Shaboozey’s impact extends beyond his singles, with his album “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going”.

ABOUT SHABOOZEY:

Shaboozey is building his own world, carving his lane in the alternative country and hip-hop space. Born to parents of Nigerian descent and raised in the small town of Woodbridge, VA, the multi-faceted artist grew up on an eclectic mix of music encompassing classic hip-hop and R&B, to country and blues icons like Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, and Lead Belly, to master lyricists, such as Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.

A true crossover artist, he began his epic rise to stardom with two standout features on Beyoncé’s “COWBOY CARTER”- the only artist with multiple appearances on the album. His latest body of work, the critically acclaimed masterpiece “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going”, debuted in the top five of the Billboard 200 and was praised by Rolling Stone for “honoring country tradition and moving it forward.” NPR says he is “The future of country music,” and the Los Angeles Times has crowned him as “the breakout country artist of the year.” The album’s smash single “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” has achieved 6X RIAA- platinum certification, holds the longest reign of 2024 at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has broken records dominating Billboard’s Country Airplay and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts.

The single has accumulated over a billion streams across DSPs, propelling him into mainstream stardom and securing the title of song of the summer 2024. It also made history with “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” making Shaboozey and Beyoncé the first Black artists to score back-to-back No. 1s on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. He garnered Best New Artist and Song of the Summer nominations at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards , recently won the New Artist of 2024 and New Artist Song of 2024 awards at the People’s Choice Country Awards and was named a TIME100 NEXT honoree. He has also been nominated for New Artist of the Year and Single of the Year at the 2024 Country Music Association Awards.

Highlighting not only his musical vision but also his commitment to influencing modern fashion, Shaboozey recently debuted his collaboration for YSL Beauty’s MYSLF Le Parfum for a groundbreaking campaign. Honouring his Virginia roots, Shaboozey continues the region’s long-standing tradition of prolific creativity by expanding the scope of contemporary hip-hop, introducing modern Americana to a global audience, and bringing a unique sense of artistry to the world. His debut headline tour “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” sold out in every market ahead of its launch and he is set for a run of arena performances supporting Jelly Roll’s “Beautifully Broken” tour.

The 2023 Golden Guitar Female Artist of the Year, Amber Lawrence, is a well-established fixture in country music with over 20 years in the industry. Heralding in a new album project for release in 2025, Amber Lawrence drops the second single, “You Can Admit You Like Country Music”. The single is the follow up to her anthemic hit, “Kick The Doors Down”, which was co-written with Phil Barton.

As Amber describes the new single, “You Can Admit You Like Country Music is a hugely fun, energetic, rollicking country song, about you guessed it, the world’s current obsession with Country Music. After being invited to talk on TV’s ‘The Project’ about the rise of Country Music, I sat down and wrote this latest single. It’s a celebration and an acknowledgement of the power of country music; a tongue in cheek boot scooting party tune”.

In her career to date, Amber has released 7 studio albums , 3 Children’s albums, is a 6 x Golden Guitar winner and 2 x ARIA award nominee, and is constantly evolving to continue to grow her sound and fanbase.

Amber has just announced her Tamworth Festival appearances with her headline show on Friday 24th of January at Blazes, and her all-ages

Stepping out into a powerful new era of music, multi-platinum, 3x JUNO Award winning country entertainer Brett Kissel has released his bold new single “Let Your Horses Run.” An inspiring track filled with a newfound sense intensity “Let Your Horses Run” is now available to Australian Country radio.

“I wrote this song with Jesse Frasure, one of Nashville’s biggest and best hit makers,” shares Kissel. “I love creating with him because I can be fully immersed in the creative experience, and I can be honest and transparent. You can’t write a song about life, advice, encouragement, strength, and courage if you’re not with someone you trust. It took only a few hours to write this one. Everything lined up perfectly.”

Kissel’s latest offering showcases his evolution as a songwriter and performer. With a profound sense of reflection, this track represents a zenith of artistic maturity for Kissel, underscored by what may be his most compelling vocal performance to date.

On the sentiment behind the track, he explains, “It’s really an advice song for anyone ready to take on the next big leap in their life, explaining that you can be a force of nature if you want to be, and you can be unstoppable if you put your mind to something that inspires. Words like ‘bust down the gate’ or ‘you can’t tie an anchor to a freight train’ are all metaphors for life. And to be perfectly honest, I wrote it with my kids in mind. Knowing one day they’ll be teenagers ready to chase their dreams – these are the words and thoughts I would share with them… ‘Let your horses run.'”

Having recently supported Keith Urban, Kissell is gearing up for a busy summer festival season, hitting some of the biggest stages across Canada.

ABOUT BRETT KISSEL:

Known for his charismatic personality, dynamic stage presence, and unique musical style, Brett Kissel has soared to the top of the Canadian country music charts as one of Canada’s most celebrated and beloved entertainers.

With 22x CCMA awards, 3x JUNO awards, 2x Gold-certified albums, 4 Platinum singles, 10 Gold singles, and an impressive track record of 18x Top-10 radio hits, including 4x #1 singles, his talent and popularity are undeniable.

The 5th generation farm and ranch-raised Albertan has always stayed true to his roots, even while performing around the world. Kissel has toured with Brad Paisley and Garth Brooks and collaborated with Grammy winners Charley Pride, Dave Mustaine, Nelly, and 98°, and most recently, TikTok sensation Cooper Alan.

Following a year-long, four (4x) album roll out of “The Compass Project” that was accompanied by an extensive cross-Canada tour, Brett Kissel steps into a new chapter of music with “Let Your Horses Run”, a brand-new single that reflects on resilience, perseverance, and courage.

Ronnie Joudo Releases New Single “Leave It For Tomorrow” – A Celebration of Life and Living in the Moment

Australian country sensation Ronnie Joudo is thrilled to announce the release of his latest single, “Leave It For Tomorrow,” set to drop on October 25th. This upbeat, 90s-inspired country track captures the spirit of carefree living and the joy of embracing the present.

In “Leave It For Tomorrow,” Ronnie encourages listeners to set aside their worries and fully enjoy life’s simple pleasures. The song radiates positivity with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, reminding us all that sometimes it’s okay to let the to-do list wait. With a blend of classic country twang and modern flair, Ronnie’s powerful vocals shine as he delivers a message that resonates with fans across all ages.

“Life can be overwhelming with so many things pulling at our attention,” Ronnie says. “This song is a reminder to take a step back, have some fun, and just enjoy the ride. We don’t always have to check everything off our lists. Sometimes, it’s more important to live in the moment.”

Fans can look forward to this lively anthem, which promises to be a staple at country music gatherings and playlists alike. Ronnie’s unique sound, rooted in the rich traditions of 90s country, is sure to captivate audiences and solidify his place in the genre.

Sheyna Gee, a celebrated artist on the Nashville country music scene, has released her latest single, “Neon Angel (Cowboys Never Stay),” marking her debut radio release in Australia. This raw and emotive ballad, co-written with Van Andrew, captures her personal journey of love and heartbreak, blending traditional country sounds with a modern twist.

“Neon Angel (Cowboys Never Stay)” beautifully intertwines themes of lost love with a backdrop of neon lights, showcasing Sheyna’s incredible vocal range. Produced by Matt McClure, the track exemplifies her unique ability to balance grit with a feminine touch, delivering a sound that is both vulnerable and powerful.

“This is an autobiographical song about my journey finding love and experiencing heartbreak. Hopefully, listeners can find beauty in the pain,” Sheyna shares.

Sheyna has taken her music to audiences around the world, performing at major festivals such as C2C in London, Buckle Up Festival in Sweden, and Bonnaroo in Tennessee. With a growing presence on social media, she boasts an impressive 227,000 followers on TikTok, where she has become known for her original songs and engaging content.

Originally from California, Sheyna began her musical journey at the age of 5 and was performing in her first band by age 6. Her career highlights include performing for a U.S. President, sharing the stage with legends like Stevie Wonder, and taking the spotlight on Broadway in New York.

She has also been recognized with multiple awards, including LA Music Awards for ‘Best Country Single’, ‘Best Singer-Songwriter’ and Silver in the Young Arts ‘Female Singer’ category before moving to Nashville where she now performs up to 200 shows a year.

As she continues to tour, Sheyna’s star is on the rise, drawing industry attention and a rapidly expanding fanbase. Her music has been featured on prominent Spotify editorial playlists, including “New Music Friday Country,” “New Music Friday,” and “All New Country” and she has graced the covers of “Fresh Finds Country” and “New Country” on Tidal.

Whether on stage or engaging with fans online, Sheyna is dedicated to sharing her love for travel, entertainment, and country music. One thing is for sure – Sheyna Gee is leaving her mark on the country scene as a breath of fresh air, with her unique storytelling, authenticity, poignant lyrics and the ability to strike the listener at their core with her gritty vocal tones and emotional delivery.

Sheyna Gee’s new single “Neon Angel (Cowboys Never Stay)” is out at Australian Country Radio on 25th October.

Elly McK & The Unbelievers Unveil Their Stunning Third Single: “The Wind-Up”

‘The Wind Up’ – Now available on all streaming platforms, this is the perfect time to give it a listen before the band celebrates with a special single release gig this Sunday, October 27th, at 5 PM at The Standard Hotel in Fitzroy, Melbourne.

Americana/alt-Country band Elly McK (pronounced “Mack”) & The Unbelievers return with their highly anticipated third single, “The Wind-Up,” released on 10/10/24. This track continues to showcase the band’s unique take on the Americana sound, with a beautiful, heart-wrenching vibe prevailing.

“The Wind-Up” tells the story of a protagonist who’s been ground down by the pressures and strains of a relationship. As the tension builds, she realises that the time has come to break free from the bindings that have held her captive. Elly McK’s vocals, dripping with both sorrow and resolve, weave a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The lyrics, steeped in metaphor, capture the essence of this emotional journey, while the band’s sound delivers it with clarity and depth.

In this release, Elly McK is exposed as not just a performer but as a storyteller, and The Unbelievers deliver the powerful subtlety required to let the song do its best work. The band’s instrumental backdrop serves as the perfect emotional foil – this is an outfit that knows when less is more.

Recorded at the band’s space with the usual team of Sam Price engineering, Dan Glasgow mixing and Ben Feggans mastering, “The Wind-Up” underscores the band’s commitment to creating music that is both honest and sonically rich.

Fans can experience “The Wind-Up” live on the band’s upcoming NSW tour, 17-20th October, and the release will be celebrated in their hometown of Melbourne, at the Standard Hotel, 27th October.

The single will be available from Amrap for radio play from 1st October and for streaming and download on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music from 10th October.

About Elly McK & The Unbelievers

Elly McK (pronounced “Mack”) & The Unbelievers have been carving up the Americana and alt-country scene, following the success of their first two singles, each showcasing the diversity of their sound. “Down On Your Luck”, “Bones” and now “The Wind Up” explore the Americana genre in different ways while displaying outstanding musicianship. Frontwoman Elly McKinnon leads the charge with her soulful voice, backed by the formidable talents of The Unbelievers – Sam Price on drums, Jordy Hickey on double bass, and Monty Price on guitar. Known for their raw storytelling, rich harmonies, and a sound that blends rootsy twang with modern grit, the band has quickly gained a reputation for captivating live performances and evocative song writing. As they continue to carve their path, Elly McK & The Unbelievers are proving to be an undeniable force in the Australian music landscape.

Melbourne single launch:
27th October 2024 – 5pm – The Standard Hotel, Fitzroy VIC