ZFM Country

Brook Chivell Drops New Anthem “Drink Around Here” – A Nod To ’90’s Country With A Modern Edge

Get ready to raise a glass and hit the dance floor, because Brook Chivell’s latest track, ‘Drink Around Here,’ is set to deliver a powerful dose of good times and classic country vibes with a modern twist.

With its flanger-soaked guitars, honky-tonk swagger, and an infectious sing-along chorus, ‘Drink Around Here’ is the perfect anthem for those seeking to escape life’s stresses and find joy in the company of friends and a cold drink. Inspired by the feel-good spirit of country legends like Alan Jackson and early Tim McGraw, this track is a reminder that, no matter what life throws your way, there’s always a reason to raise a glass and toast to the good life.

“I’ve always been a fan of classic country with that real, authentic vibe,” says Brook. “Thirsty for a good time? Let’s take a sip. That’s how we drink around here.”

Brook Chivell, known for his powerhouse vocals and high-energy performances, has made his mark in the Australian country rock scene. His signature sound, blending country twang with modern rock production, continues to captivate listeners worldwide. ‘Drink Around Here’ marks the fourth release in Brook’s ambitious plan to drop a new song every month in 2025, showcasing his ability to effortlessly blend nostalgia with a contemporary edge.

His chart-topping singles ‘In My Life’ and ‘Hot Country Girl’ have made him a mainstay on country radio, with steady streams and a dedicated fanbase. His electrifying live performances at renowned festivals like Groundwater Country Music Festival, Gympie Muster, and Deni Ute Muster have solidified his reputation as a fan favourite and an unforgettable performer.

‘Drink Around Here’ is more than just a song; it’s a statement of Brook Chivell’s unwavering commitment to creating authentic, powerful country music. Whether delivering a party anthem or a heartfelt ballad, Brook’s music is always real, always raw, and always ready for the stage.

Brook Chivell’s new single ‘Drink Around Here’ is out to radio on Monday 14th April and all digital services on Wednesday 30th April.

REBEL YELL from the perspective of JOEY HENDRICKS

Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music Nashville & daschent®

Press:

“YOU’VE NEVER HEARD REBEL YELL LIKE THIS BEFORE.. 11/10!!”

-Terry Crews (from The Longest Yard with Courtney Cox and Adam Sandler)

ABOUT JOEY HENDRICKS

‭ Since moving from Anacortes, Washington to Nashville in 2017,‬‭ artist/songwriter Joey Hendricks has heard his thought provoking‬‭ songs surrounding love, loss, addiction and familial struggles sung by‬‭ artists Lady A, Bryan Martin, Chayce Beckham and Nate Smith or‬‭ released through his own musical endeavors. Hendricks, continues to‬ craft music with fellow songwriters Lori McKenna, Aaron Ratierre,‬‭ Alysa Vanderheym, Luke Laird, Micky Ekko, Daniel Ross, Barry Dean,‬‭ Dan Layus, Austin Niveral, Jeff Trott, Andy Skib, Jordan Fletcher while‬‭ releasing music throughout 2025 for himself along with his new‬‭ project, verygently, who landed an agency deal with Wasserman Music‬‭ having not ever played a show and signed a record deal with‬ NashVerse/Warner Music after being a band for less than a year. To‬‭ say the least, the future is looking bright for Joey Hendricks.‬

Sean Harrison is a well-traveled, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter from Fayetteville, Arkansas. His 2020 debut album “Halfway From Nashville” cemented his reputation as a witty, insightful Southern songwriter whose quirky, self-mocking songs explore the average guy’s stumbles and struggles through American life. His style crisscrosses boundaries of Americana, combining influences from Folk, Country, Rock and Blues.

Harrison’s second full-length album – “Ghastly Love (And Other Dubious Tales)” — explores deeper connections into the root-sounds and modern expressions of the Americana genre. With guest artists including Gurf Morlix and Earl Cate, the album will release this April.

Songs Sean wrote and produced for Milton Patton in 2015 climbed several Billboard Charts including a high mark of #50 on the Top 200 Country Album chart, and #6 on Heatseekers South Central regional chart for independent artists; music videos from that album gained more than 10 million views, that year; one song was featured in the film ADDicted (2015).

Sean came by his writing and storytelling style naturally. He was born in Nashville and raised mostly in Arkansas, where he grew up in the literary home of the late novelist/screenwriter William Harrison, probably best known for writing the cult-classic movie “Rollerball.” The elder Harrison taught creative writing at the University of Arkansas, which put Sean in frequent company of numerous talented writing students and visiting writers. It also connected him to a lively college campus during the turbulent cultural renaissance of the late 1960s. Sean lived some years in Europe, then Texas, with a lot of traveling and finally back home to Fayetteville. “I have busked in London, Bath, Paris, Florence and Venice, southern Spain and other parts of Europe, New York City, Dallas/Ft. Worth,” Sean said. “It’s only looking back that I can appreciate where I’ve been.”

Gord Bamford Celebrates the Good Old Days with New Single “Cowboys Were Kings”

Australian born/Alberta-raised country music powerhouse Gord Bamford is back with a brand-new single, “Cowboys Were Kings,” a heartfelt tribute to the good old days. Known for his undeniable presence in the Canadian country scene, Bamford has earned an impressive collection of accolades, including twenty-six (26) Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards, JUNO nominations, and a record-setting two-time recognition from the Country Music Association (CMA) Global Music Artist award.

“Cowboys Were Kings” is a song that takes listeners back to simpler times, evoking nostalgia for a period when hard work, tradition, and the spirit of the cowboy were revered by all. With this release, Bamford pays homage to the timeless roots of country music, celebrating the values that shaped the genre.

With an extraordinary career spanning over two decades, Gord Bamford’s achievements are remarkable. His musical catalog includes an astounding collection of accolades, including:

26 x CCMA Awards

2 x CMA Awards

1 x Platinum Album

1 x Platinum Single

2 x Gold Albums

7 x Gold Singles

28 Top 10 Singles

2 x #1 Canadian Billboard Singles

1 x #1 AUS KIX Top 20 for 4 weeks

With over 132 million total streams across the US and Canada, 5 billion+ audience impressions worldwide, and more than 1.15 million career radio spins, Gord Bamford’s music has truly resonated with fans around the globe. His legacy continues to grow as he garners millions of listeners and makes an impact on both Canadian and international airwaves.

A Country Girl’s Anthem of Good Friends, Good Times, and a Little Hellraising

“Damn That’s Right” is a song about a girl raised on the land who embraces hard work but also knows how to let her hair down. She spends long hours keeping up with the guys, and they better keep up with her as the sun sets.

Mackenzie Lee is an emerging talent in the country music industry, known for her unique voice, commanding stage presence, and relatable songwriting. Since her debut, she has built a loyal fanbase and garnered critical acclaim for her ability to blend various genres, creating music that resonates with a broad audience. With a series of successful singles and a rapidly growing social media following, Mackenzie is on her way to becoming a significant figure in country music.

“This song celebrates down-to-earth country girls who enjoy a beer on ice and don’t mind raising a bit of hell,” says Mackenzie.

“Damn That’s Right” features a compelling mix of powerful lyrics and rich country-rock melodies. This eagerly awaited release highlights Mackenzie’s distinct style and blends heartfelt emotion with vibrant energy. Released through Music 2 Media as Part of Her JNR Winners Prize Pack Country Stars 2024

“Damn That’s Right” was produced by Nyssa Ray at Nyssa Ray Recordings. Fans and new listeners can look forward to an electrifying auditory experience that showcases Mackenzie Lee’s capabilities as a dynamic and versatile artist. “Damn That’s Right” is already generating significant buzz, with excitement building among fans and industry professionals. Mackenzie Lee’s distinctive sound and lyrical depth are poised to make a lasting impression, offering a fresh perspective and a sense of familiarity. The production quality of the single reflects Lee’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to her craft.

Col Finley, Founder of Country Stars Australia, has praised the song, further solidifying Mackenzie Lee’s reputation as a rising star in the country music scene.

Artist Quote –

“This song celebrates the down-to-earth country girls who enjoy a beer on ice and who don’t mind raisin’ a bit of hell”

Rising Nashville vocalist and songwriter Carter Faith unveils a new song, “Grudge,” today. ‘Grudge’ is just a silly little song that I wrote to get some pettiness out of my system,” says Faith. “I think we all have one or two people we can think of who pissed us off good 😉 Thanks to Tofer Brown and Steph Jones for writing this one with me!”

Faith, who is gearing up to release her debut album, will join Little Big Town on tour this summer. The shows include pavilions and amphitheaters across the country kicking off in Rogers, AR on July 24. The new dates come in addition to a recently wrapped tour with Ella Langley and Faith’s current run with Carly Pearce. She also makes her Stagecoach festival debut this month in Indio, Calif.

Earlier this year Faith debuted a new track, “If I Had Never Lost My Mind…,” to widespread acclaim. The song followed her Capitol Records Nashville debut The Aftermath EP last fall, which featured a duet with Alison Krauss and drew praise from Billboard, The Tennessean, American Songwriter and more.

Faith continues to build her fanbase in Nashville and beyond, recently signing with Universal Music Group Nashville and Universal Music Publishing Group. Other 2024 highlights include her performance at CMA Fest, her twelfth show at the historic Grand Ole Opry, her first shows in London and Berlin at Country to Country (C2C) Festival, contributing vocals to Bon Iver’s “AWARDS SEASON” and supporting Luke Grimes on tour for the second year in a row.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Faith relocated to Nashville after college to pursue her dream of becoming a country musician, learning the ropes from seasoned professionals who saw her massive potential. Fast forward a few years, and Faith has accumulated over 117 million global streams on tracks like “Wild,” “Greener Pasture” and “Already Crazy.” Her soaring vocals and authentic storytelling, paired with a delicate delivery and breezy confidence, have captivated audiences and led to stages shared with Little Big Town, Keith Urban and one of her biggest influences, Willie Nelson. Furthermore, she was recently featured on MusicRow’s Next Big Thing and All Country News’ Artists to Watch lists for 2025 and has been featured in CMT’s 2023 Next Women of Country and LISTEN UP 2024 campaigns, in addition to being the first country artist featured in Spotify’s Fresh Finds multi-genre program.

Rory Phillips Releases Stirring Single And Video For ‘Dear Mum And Dad’

A poignant tribute to the ANZACs by the 2023 NSW Folk Federation Young Folk Artist of the Year, featuring Dobe Newton OAM of The Bushwackers.

Country and folk artist Rory Phillips is set to release his highly anticipated single, ‘Dear Mum and Dad’, on April 11, 2025. The heartfelt track brings a fresh, emotional perspective to the ANZAC legacy, telling the story of a young boy who runs away from school to enlist with the ANZACs during World War I.

The narrative unfolds through a series of letters written by the boy to his parents, capturing his journey from bravery and youthful optimism to the tragic despair of war. As the letters progress, listeners experience the emotional highs and lows of war, culminating in the devastating news of the boy’s death in battle.

‘Dear Mum and Dad’ is a powerful exploration of bravery, loss, and the harsh realities of war, framed through the lens of a young man and a family’s heart-wrenching sacrifice. Rory Phillips’ songwriting, penned at The Academy of Country Music in collaboration with Andrew Scharf, Jayne Denham, and Alan Caswell, creates a moving portrayal of the ANZAC experience. Produced by Roger Corbett at The Valley Studio, the track features the iconic voice of Dobe Newton OAM, best known as enigmatic frontman for The Bushwackers and as co-writer of the legendary song ‘I Am Australian’.

“This song is one of the most poignant songs about the ANZAC experience that I have come across in my lifetime,” says Roger Corbett of The Bushwackers.

‘Dear Mum and Dad’ marks the third single release from Rory Phillips, following his success as the 2023 Folk Federation of NSW Young Folk Artist of the Year. His deep connection to storytelling and “music with a message” shines through in this release, demonstrating his commitment to preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Australia, with a nod to his own New Zealand lineage as well.

Phillips claims “I’ve been participating in ANZAC Day marches and services from when I was a baby in a pram, so when Andrew Scharf came to us at The Academy with this idea for a song, it truly resonated with me, and I wanted to make it my own. With his blessing, and with financial support from the Country Arts Support Program, administered by Eastern Riverina Arts on behalf of the NSW Government, I think I’ve been able to achieve that.”

Fans of Rory Phillips can stream ‘Dear Mum and Dad’ on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms starting 11 April 2025. The song is accompanied by a powerful and moving music video, created in collaboration with Tracy and Josh Beveridge of Roaming Creatives, and was shot on location at Newcastle’s Fort Scratchley and The Rail Motor Society at Paterson NSW. The touching music video will be released prior to ANZAC Day, and it beautifully complements the song’s emotional narrative.

Tania Kernaghan & Jason Owen Breathe New Life Into A Classic With ‘Try A Little Kindness’

Australian country music powerhouses Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen are back with a fresh take on a beloved classic – ‘Try A Little Kindness’ – injecting their signature harmonies and heartfelt storytelling into Glen Campbell’s timeless anthem.

As they embark on their 2025 National tour, the dynamic duo is keeping the momentum alive, delivering a rendition that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. With their undeniable chemistry and deep connection to the song’s uplifting message, Kernaghan and Owen are once again proving why they’re two of the genre’s most authentic voices.

More than just a cover, their version of ‘Try A Little Kindness’ is a call to action – a reminder that kindness, love, and great music never go out of style.

This latest release is poised to resonate with fans old and new, bringing a little more heart to the charts.

Listen now and spread the love.

SHABOOZEY ANNOUNCES COMPLETE VERSION OF RIAA PLATINUM ALBUM “WHERE I’VE BEEN, ISN’T WHERE I’M GOING”

With New Features From Jelly Roll, Myles Smith & Sierra Ferrell

New Single “Blink Twice” Ft. Myles Smith Out Now

Upcoming Festival Performances At Coachella & Stagecoach

Following the biggest global breakthrough of the last 12 months, multi-Platinum recording artist Shaboozey, announces Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going: The Complete Edition, an extended version of his RIAA Platinum-certified breakthrough album featuring brand new music and special guests… The 18-track project will be released on April 25 via Empire.

Along with today’s news, Shaboozey has released a brand new single and music video, “Blink Twice,” featuring BRIT Award-winning UK artist Myles Smith.

Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going: The Complete Edition features six brand-new songs, including his most recent single “Good News,” which received its first RIAA-Gold certification, as well as today’s track “Blink Twice.” The new single features Shaboozey’s signature rich, smokey timbre and melodic, Western-style guitar-another showcase of the artist’s arena-ready charm that enraptured the globe last year.

Later this month, Shaboozey will take the stage of both Coachella as well as Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California – a rare feat for an artist and a move that highlights his widespread multi-genre appeal. He is hot off of his global “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” headline tour, which saw Shaboozey playing his largest venues to date and his first overseas shows.

Shaboozey’s breakthrough country anthem and song of the Summer (and the Fall and the Winter!) “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was awarded 8x RIAA-Platinum certification in under a year and broke the record for most weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Radio Songs chart. The track has also reached #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay Charts and Mediabase/Country Aircheck. Shaboozey made history as the first artist to ever have a single break the top 10 across all four charts: Country Airplay, Pop Airplay, Adult Pop Airplay, and Rhythmic Airplay, and the second ever single by a Black artist to top both the Billboard Hot 100 and Country Songs Charts.

The song has also amassed over a billion streams and landed in the Top 10 in several countries across the world with multiple No. 1s in Australia (becoming the first independent single to reach No. 1 on the Australian Recording Industry Association charts this year) Canada, Sweden, Denmark, and the UK’s Big 40. The track is considered one of 2024’s best songs, with the backing of The New York Times, Variety, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Complex and even Barack Obama.

Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going is Shaboozeys’ most boldly realized work yet. Holding strong on the Billboard 200 charts since release with significant inclusion in “Best Albums of 2024” list by Rolling Stone, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter and Essence, the Virginia-bred singer and songwriter charts a cinematic road trip through the wilds of the American West, bringing a powerful new depth to his storytelling while pushing further into the country/folk-inspired sound he’s explored in recent years.

Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going Complete Edition Tracklisting:

1. Horses & Hellcats
2. A Bar Song (Tipsy)
3. Last Of My Kind (feat. Paul Cauthen)
4. Anabelle
5. East Of The Massanutten
6. Highway
7. Let It Burn
8. My Fault (feat. Noah Cyrus)
9. Vegas
10. Drink Don’t Need No Mix (feat. BigXthaPlug)
11. Steal Her From Me
12. Finally Over
13. Amen (feat. Jelly Roll)
14. Hail Mary (feat. Sierra Ferrell)
15. Fire And Gasoline
16. Blink Twice (feat. Myles Smith)
17. Good News
18. Chrome

ABOUT SHABOOZEY:

6X GRAMMY® nominated singer-songwriter Shaboozey is building his own world, carving a 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 RIAA-gold certified 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 “honouring country tradition and moving it forward.” NPR calls him “the future of country music,” and the Los Angeles Times crowned him as “the breakout country artist of the year.” The album’s breakthrough anthem, the 6X RIAA-Platinum certified, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” holds the record for the longest-leading Hot 100 No. 1 ever by a solo artist while also topping Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay Chart, and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts. The single has accumulated over a billion streams across DSPs and made history making Shaboozey the first Black male artist to simultaneously top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Hot 100. He has earned nominations for the upcoming 2025 GRAMMY® Awards in the general field (Best New Artist & Song of the Year), country (Best Country Song & Best Country Solo Performance), and rap (Best Melodic Rap Performance) categories. He won the New Artist of 2024 and New Artist Song of 2024 awards at the People’s Choice Country Awards, garnered Best New Artist and Song of the Summer nominations at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, and is nominated for New Artist of the Year and Single of the Year at the 2024 Country Music Association Awards. He was also named a TIME100 NEXT honouree and Billboard Country Power Player. Highlighting not only his musical vision but also his commitment to influencing modern culture, Shaboozey 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 currently performing in arenas in support of Jelly Roll’s “Beautifully Broken” tour.

“A pathbreaker as a Black country artist, shaping his career on his own terms

KIRSTY LEE AKERS RELEASES EMOTIONAL NEW SINGLE ‘MARLBORO MAN’ – A HEARTBREAKING BALLAD WRITTEN WITH LEGENDARY CO-WRITER BYRON HILL

Acclaimed country artist Kirsty Lee Akers has unveiled her much-anticipated new single, ‘Marlboro Man’ – now available on all streaming platforms. Co-written in Nashville with the legendary Byron Hill, a distinguished member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Marlboro Man is a compelling blend of raw emotion and authentic country storytelling. The song delves deeply into the themes of heartbreak and disillusionment, capturing the essence of a relationship with someone who initially appears to be a hero, only to ultimately leave you more broken than before-much like the elusive and flawed figure of the Marlboro Man.

“I’ve always been drawn to stories of love that are both beautiful and bittersweet,” says Akers. “Marlboro Man tells the story of a romance where you fall for someone who sweeps you off your feet, only to realize they’re not the one who stays. Writing this song with Byron Hill was especially meaningful to me. Byron has penned many of the classic country hits I grew up singing, and he was the very first person I co-wrote with when I first arrived in Nashville as a teenager back in 2005. To still be writing together all these years later is a very special feeling.”

Byron Hill, renowned for his extensive contributions to country music, brings his wealth of songwriting expertise to the track, while Kirsty Lee Akers’ powerful vocals and the soulful twang of the Dobro serve as the heart and soul of this timeless country ballad. Marlboro Man evokes the spirit of traditional country classics, reminiscent of the songs once heard on country radio.

A two-time Golden Guitar winner and star of The Block, Kirsty Lee Akers has earned a reputation for her emotionally charged lyrics and commanding voice. She continues to captivate audiences with her authentic storytelling, cementing her place as one of the leading voices in modern country music. Kirsty once again took on the role of producer for this track alongside her co-producer and drummer, Paul Bain. The track also features the hauntingly beautiful background vocals of Melody Pool, further enriching the emotional depth of the song. Marlboro Man is the latest in a string of standout releases that further solidify Akers’ place in the country music landscape.

The track is available on the 11th April on all major streaming platforms. For more information, promo requests, or to schedule an interview, please contact: