Emerging contemporary country artist Sammi Palinkas is set to release her highly anticipated single, “No Settlin'”.

“No Settlin'” is a powerful anthem about embracing authenticity and refusing to settle for anything less than what brings true happiness.

“I had so much fun writing this song with Rod McCormack and Nashville’s Sally Barris,” says Palinkas. “When Rod came up with the line, ‘there’s no settlin’ for me, even when I settle down,’ it immediately struck a chord with me. We grow up with this idea of the ‘white picket fence’ dream, but life doesn’t always unfold that way. ‘No Settlin’ came from that realisation: I’d rather be happy on my own, pursuing what I love, than settle for anything less.”

The song channels the energy of country icons like Lainey Wilson, alongside nostalgic influences from late ’90s and early 2000s country music-the era when Palinkas first fell in love with the genre. “I hope listeners feel empowered to follow their own path, whatever that looks like for them,” she adds.

Visually, “No Settlin'” stands out just as much as it does sonically. Palinkas collaborated with Bonnie Jarrett of BonnCreative to craft a vibrant and imaginative music video. Inspired by comments that she looked like a “Western Barbie,” Palinkas was determined to avoid becoming just another blonde country singer. “I had this colourful, dollhouse-like vision for the video, and I used AI to bring my ideas to life and share them with Bonnie. From there, we worked to create something truly special,” she explains.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the video depicts Palinkas literally setting the traditional “white picket fence” dream on fire, before driving off in a vintage Mustang, symbolising her journey toward personal happiness and freedom.

“No Settlin’ marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for me, and I’m beyond proud of the world we’ve built around this song and my album. I can’t wait to share it with everyone,” says Palinkas.

Sammi Palinkas has already made a significant impact on Australia’s country music scene. Working with award-winning producer Rod McCormack (known for his work with Paul Kelly, The Wolfe Brothers, and Lee Kernaghan), her debut album is set to be one of the year’s most anticipated releases.

Palinkas’ previous singles have garnered impressive success. Her debut country single “Meet in the Middle” debuted at #3 on the Australian iTunes Country chart and #8 across All Genres. Subsequent releases, including “You’ve Lived,” “Don’t Blink,” and “Let Your Hair Down,” all landed in the Top 10, further cementing her place as one of the brightest emerging stars in the genre.

From winning a national singing competition at just eight years old to performing at major events like the VFLW Grand Final, Sammi Palinkas has dedicated her life to her craft. Her musical journey has taken her across the globe, collaborating with top songwriters in Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville. Recognised by prestigious organizations like NSAI and the International Songwriting Competition, her talent and determination continue to shine.

“No Settlin'” promises to be another significant milestone leading into Palinkas’ debut album release. Fans can catch her first headline show at George Lane in St Kilda this November 14th.

Multi #1 hit singer-songwriter John Morgan’s debut single “Friends Like That (feat. Jason Aldean)” impacts Australian country radio.

Releasing a ramped up, new version of his fan-favorite song, John enlisted his buddy and mentor country superstar Jason Aldean for some vice-induced good times post breakup. Making us wish we all had friends like that, having toured with Aldean, Riley Green, ERNEST and Jameson Rodgers, John just made his Grand Ole Opry debut, as this barn burner raised its hand. Racking up over 30 MILLION on-demand streams, the rowdy party-starter was originally featured on his recently released debut EP Remember Us?

“To have Jason Aldean as a mentor over the past few years, he went from being someone I was a fan of to someone I call a friend, so it’s extra special to have him on one of my songs,” says John. “Having a song on the radio is what you always dream about when you pursue this career. I grew up on country radio and to know that another kid might grow up with me on the radio and want to pursue a music career too is a really cool thought.”

“I’ve been in town here in Nashville for 25 years, and John Morgan is one of the most talented guys I’ve ever come across in all aspects – as a singer, as a songwriter and as a performer,” says Aldean. “It’s a really cool thing for me as an artist to sign another artist, so jumping on this song that’s also jump starting his career along with going to radio, I’m excited for what’s to come from John Morgan and glad he’s one of ours and on our team.”

Praised by People as “a solo artist intriguing enough to watch,” the BBR Music Group/Broken Bow Records/Night Train Records artist co-wrote the song with BrentAnderson, Will Bundy and Lydia Vaughan. Produced by Aldean with his long-time bandmates, prolific #1 songwriters Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy, “Friends Like That” is “a live concert favourite whose banjo and steel underpinnings still allow room for a hard-rocking core” (Tennessean).

Having written a multitude of songs for not only Aldean but Jon Pardi, Dustin Lynch, Thomas Rhett, George Birge, Michael Ray and more, John is readying even more new music, while hitting the road for renowned country music festivals such as Nashville’s CMA Fest and Panama City Beach’s Gulf Coast Jam.

ABOUT JOHN MORGAN:

With a style that’s defined by melodic grit and a craftsman’s approach to songwriting, John Morgan brings a blue-collar toughness to country that’s pulled straight from the only life he knows. Hailing from a tiny town called Sylva, deep in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, John grew up immersed in bluegrass tradition and even toured the festival circuit each summer in a family band, before diving into songwriting, inspired by six-string legends from Tony Rice to John Mayer . More than a year after selling everything he had to follow his dream, an only-in-Nashville story involving Uber drivers and impressive demos led to a writing session with Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy – two incredible songwriters and longtime bandmates of Country superstar Jason Aldean. That session led to the superstar cutting numerous songs written by John, including #1 hit singles “Trouble With A Heartbreak” and the GRAMMY® nominated, ACM Single of the Year “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood. Signed to Aldean’s Night Train Records, his imprint with BBR Music Group, the sought-after, naturally gifted songwriter who has written for Jon Pardi, Dustin Lynch, Thomas Rhett and more and toured with Aldean, ERNEST, Riley Green and Jameson Rodgers – now continues to cross off bucket-list items. Having made his Grand Ole Opry debut and released an anthemic debut EP “Remember Us?”, John’s barn-burner, fan-favorite track “Friends Like That (feat. Jason Aldean)” is available now and currently climbing the country radio charts.

Tanner Adell is here to unapologetically pave her own lane in Country music.

Brought up between the coast of Manhattan Beach, California and the rustic charm of Star Valley, Wyoming, the songstress lived a free-spirited childhood in the country, complete with cowboy boots and rodeos. Weaving the tales of her upbringing through her musical storytelling, Tanner’s lyricism keeps its roots in Country while infusing an addictive blend of pop vocals and hip-hop beats. Tanner spills out energetic tunes and honest ballads that draw upon her personal narrative as a biracial woman embracing the truest version of herself.

Tanner reclaimed the power back for the girls with her July 2023 debut mixtape, “Buckle Bunny”, a first-of-its-kind in the Country genre, which earned praise from The New York Times, NPR, Billboard, MusicRow and more. As fans continue to discover and rave over Tanner’s unique style through her “Buckle Bunny” mixtape, she continues to have a huge 2024 of new music and touring while she graces the stage at some of the biggest domestic and international festivals including Faster Horses and Golden Sky, already checking off C2C, Stagecoach and Hangout Festival.

Tanner continues to keep fans on the edge of their seat, pushing the genre boundaries yet again in the forthcoming pop-infused get-over-you anthem, “Whiskey Blues ,” Twisters soundtrack feature “Too Easy,” and her most recent summer bop “Cowboy Break My Heart”.

She made her TV performance debut on the Jennifer Hudson Show earlier this year and most recently performed on the 2024 BET Awards. The rising star promises to keep reimagining music with unbridled innovation while making her mark on Music City and beyond.

ABOUT TANNER ADELL:

The best Country songs are ones that exist at the intersection of where emotions meet experience. For rising Cali-bred Country star Tanner Adell, she has plenty of both. Last year, Tanner cemented her stardom presence within the industry with the release of her debut mixtape “Buckle Bunny”, garnering praise from the likes of The New York Times, NPR, Billboard, MusicRow and more. With tracks like “I Hate Texas,” Tanner lays down the candid reasons why she hates Texas after a bitter breakup, and the equally cutting “Throw It Back” and “FU-150,” along with the TikTok darling “Buckle Bunny.” Each track showcases Tanner’s undeniable knack for crafting witty anthems. And that is Tanner Adell’s superpower: her modern take on Country music mixed with unapologetic honesty is what will propel her straight to stardom. In July 2023, Tanner released her debut mixtape, “Buckle Bunny”, another first for Country music, and has seen exponential growth and discovery since its release as she promises to keep reimagining music with unbridled innovation.

Tanner moved to Southern California with her adopted family at birth. Her father was born in the highly rural town of Springfield, Utah, while her mother spent her life bouncing between Santa Barbara, California and Star Valley, Wyoming. “My mom grew up doing rodeo, and she showed horses all over the world. She was really, really good,” Tanner explains. “And so it was just always kind of a thing.” Tanner was homeschooled, yet spent her summers in Wyoming, learning how to drive a four-wheeler at 8 and a car at 10, living what she calls a “free-spirited” childhood in the country, all while clad in hand-me-down cowboy boots – a testament to her unconventional upbringing straddling two different worlds.

Music became a part of her life very early, as she was belting out songs from Phantom of the Opera at 6 a.m., even as a little girl. At 4 years old, she learned how to play the piano and later the guitar – she has written songs for as long as she can remember. Genre never really entered her mind, as artists like Josh Turner were just as big of a deal to her as Beyoncé. Her accelerated homeschooling led Tanner to graduate high school early, and she enrolled in Utah Valley University in their Commercial Music Program.

In 2021, after the pandemic hit, Tanner moved to Nashville to pursue music. While a few opportunities fell through, her label meetings taught her some valuable lessons as a biracial female Country artist fighting the Nashville stigma. Staying true to herself, Tanner continues on her meteoric ascent to stardom as an independent artist. After unleashing her debut mixtape, “Buckle Bunny”, in 2023, Tanner continues her massive 2024 full of new music and touring, gracing the stage at some of the biggest domestic and international festivals including C2C, Stagecoach, Faster Horses, Golden Sky and Hangout Festival.

You’d be hard pressed to find another star whose life mirrors Tanner Adell’s, and that’s why her music is so beautifully raw. Here is an artist who has experienced more in just a few decades of life than most will in a lifetime and has set those experiences to music. At the heart of it all, she stands firm in her individuality: “No one is ever going to question if I am being myself or not.”

TEXAS SINGER & SONGWRITER DYLAN GOSSETT RELEASES NEW SINGLE “TREE BIRDS” OUT NOW CONFIRMED FOR 2025’S STAGECOACH FESTIVAL & COUNTRY 2 COUNTRY

Today, Austin, TX singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Dylan Gossett drops his new single entitled “Tree Birds,” out now via Big Loud Texas / Mercury Records-listen HERE.

“Tree Birds” marks the latest release from one of this year’s fastest-rising country stars. On the song, harmonica echoes over softly strummed acoustic guitar, as Dylan’s emotional vocal delivery takes hold during the heavenly hook, “You remind me that there’s something up above. Do I deserve all your love? I swear I don’t. When you need me, just know that I’ll show up. Oh I’ll go anywhere, state, city, or town. I promise you’re the best damn thing from the South.”

Gossett shares, “‘Tree Birds’ is a song that we’ve been playing live at our shows for quite some time now. It has a lot of Texas Country roots. I went in and tracked it with the band to try to capture the energy of the live performances.”

Over the past year, the critically-acclaimed artist has skyrocketed to the forefront of country music. His breakout hit single “Coal” has amassed over 322 million global streams and Platinum Certifications in Australia, Canada, and Ireland. Not to mention, it notably cracked the Spotify Top 200, Billboard Hot 100, UK Official Singles Chart Top 100, Top 25 on the Billboard Country Digital Songs Chart, and Top 5 on the Spotify Viral 50 US and Global Charts.

In honor of Country Music Month, Amazon Music recently tapped Dylan to contribute “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right (Amazon Music Original),” out now. He also was featured on the much-talked-about Twisters: The Album Soundtrack with his original song “Stronger Than A Storm.” Closing out a busy summer, he delivered a showstopping rendition of “Coal” during ESPN’s College GameDay at his alma mater Texas A&M-watch a clip of his performance HERE.

Described as “one of country music’s most in-demand live draws” by Rolling Stone, Gossett is currently on his 43-date international trek titled “The Back 40 Tour,” with upcoming sold-out shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on October 23rd, New York’s Irving Plaza on November 16th and 17th, and additional dates across North America, Australia, and New Zealand throughout the rest of the year. He will also be making his debut at Stagecoach Festival and Country 2 Country in 2025. See the full list of upcoming tour dates below and HERE. This run follows his sold-out North American and European headline tours earlier this year and high-profile festival appearances, including SXSW, CMA Fest, Hangout Music Festival, Tortuga Music Festival, and more.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR DYLAN GOSSETT:

“2024 Artist To Watch” – The New York Times Popcast

“A formidable, heart-on-his-sleeve singer-songwriter with immense potential.” – Billboard

“Even in country’s current era of overnight successes and viral sensations, Dylan Gossett stands out.” – Rolling Stone

“One of the newest golden boys in country music” – Euphoria Magazine

“Signature sound and powerful storytelling” – Music Row

“One of the future stars of country and Americana” – Holler Country

ABOUT DYLAN GOSSETT:

Dylan Gossett is a 25-year-old singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas. Gossett began writing and recording music during his early teen years using Garage Band on his mother’s computer. Throughout high school, college at Texas A&M, and a job at Formula 1 Racing, music remained Gossett’s true passion. Inspired to finally release music by a new generation of singer-songwriters he saw emerging online, Dylan began posting videos of his songs in April 2023 – immediately, his music struck a chord with a global audience.

Gossett released his first single “To Be Free” (entirely self-written, recorded, produced, and mixed in his bedroom) in June 2023. Shortly thereafter, he teased a snippet of what would become his next song and breakout viral hit “Coal.” The video instantly took off, gaining over one million views within the first week. He quickly got back into his bedroom and created the song from scratch before releasing it in July 2023. Since its release, “Coal” has garnered over 322 million global streams, received Platinum Certifications in Australia, Canada and Ireland, debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and the Official Singles Chart Top 100 in the U.K., reached the Top Five on the Country Radio Chart in Australia, and climbed the Spotify U.S. Top 200. The New York Times called “Coal” “one of the year’s best country songs,” and Billboard declared, “‘Coal’ and ‘To Be Free’ position Gossett as a formidable, heart-on-his-sleeve singer-songwriter with immense potential.”

In October 2023, Gossett released his highly anticipated debut EP No Better Time (also self-written, recorded, produced, and mixed in his bedroom) via Big Loud Texas / Mercury Records. The EP received a slew of critical acclaim from The New York Times, Billboard, Grammy.com, Atwood Magazine , MusicRow, Holler, Country Central, and more. He then followed it up with his widely praised 2024 EP, Songs In The Gravel, which he wrote and self-produced, while also teaming up with notable producers Eddie Spear and Ian Fitchuk on a few tracks. On the touring front, this fall he will embark on his headlining The Back 40 Tour. Last spring, his first-ever headline (and international) tour, dubbed the No Better Time Tour, sold-out immediately upon on-sale. Gossett has supported Noah Kahan in arenas across Australia, and Morgan Wallen at Houston’s Minute Maid Park, as well as opened for Wyatt Flores and Brent Cobb on their fall 2023 tours. This year, Gossett’s festival trek includes debuts at SXSW, CMA Fest, Hangout Music Festival, Tortuga Music Festival, Two Step Inn Festival, and more

Shanleigh Rose – Shows Her Depth, Maturity & Openness with Haunting New Single “Lost.”

The 21-year-old singer-songwriter steps away from her usual edgy, alt Country tunes to convey a profound and thought-provoking message. Still, this prolific songwriter continues to display her depth of character and maturity with her latest single, “Lost.” The song’s lyrical flow and visual essence reflect the thoughts of a young woman facing mental health struggles.

“Lost” gives me goosebumps and, at some points, makes my hair stand on end. This is a Shanleigh Rose masterpiece, as Col Finley (M2M MD) described.

When I wrote this song, I was struggling a lot with my mental health, specifically anxiety. I felt so lost and defeated as if no amount of running from this problem could ever make it go away for good. This song is all about the nature of mental health and how it ebbs and flows like the tide; some days feel better, and some days feel heavy. I wrote this song as a way to cope, and I wanted to share it with everyone out there feeling the same way, letting them know that they aren’t alone in this journey. Express Shanleigh Rose

“Lost” is a haunting track that blends the storytelling essence of country and folk. This song captures the unrelenting pull of mental health through a metaphor of the ocean. “Lost” tells the story of trying to find safety and stability on dry land, only to be drawn back into the crashing waves. With Rose’s vivid imagery, her lyrics create a profound sense of struggle and vulnerability.

Track Description –

“Lost” is a haunting track by Shanleigh Rose that blends the storytelling essence of country and folk. This song captures the unrelenting pull of mental health through a metaphor for the ocean. “Lost” tells the story of trying to find safety and stability on dry land, only to be drawn back into the crashing waves. With Rose’s vivid imagery, her lyrics create a profound sense of struggle and vulnerability.

Artist Quote –

At the time I wrote this song, I was struggling a lot with my mental health, specifically anxiety. I felt so lost and defeated as if no amount of running from this problem could ever make it go away for good. This song is all about the nature of mental health and how it ebbs and flows like the tide; some days feel better, and some days feel heavy. This song was written as a way for me to cope, and I wanted to share this with everyone out there feeling the same way and knowing that they aren’t alone in this journey.

LUCY PARLE BIOGRAPHY

Few storytellers can distil raw emotion into melody like Lucy Parle. The golden-haired songbird’s authentic take on Country music, pageants wisdom beyond her years.

Lucy Parle’s journey unfolds like a dance – literally. Inelegantly pirouetting across the back rows of her ballet class, she sensed she was twirling down the wrong path. “Every concert I was put in the back row. My mum used to tell me it was because I was taller than the other girls, but looking back at the videos, it was because I was really bad at dancing,” laughs the young singer-songwriter.

At 8 years old she stumbled onto her true calling; trading the tutu for a violet acoustic guitar. “I told my mum that I wanted to do singing lessons instead of dancing,” she recalls. The only caveat being that she learn to accompany herself on an instrument too.

From that moment she was hooked. After all, music was in her blood; her great-grandfather, an avid banjo player, would sing with Lucy as a toddler, famously noting “that kid can hold a tune”.

Her home was constantly filled with song, largely due to her mother’s affinity for Country music. “My singing teacher always said I had a natural twang to my voice, so she would teach me early Taylor Swift songs and Kasey Chambers songs.”

Like many starry-eyed singers she started small, playing to whoever would listen. Attending school during the week, then frequenting every market, café, restaurant – or even pub – that she could on the weekend, the talented 12-year-old was well and truly hustling. “My mum would always be close by and I remember sometimes I would just be playing to her.” Lucy took every opportunity to hone her craft. “Sometimes I would even busk outside Coles while I waited for my mum to do the shopping.”

Her commitment paid dividends. Two years later, the singer-songwriter was crowned the victor of Central Coast Discovered and was accepted into the prestigious Academy of Country Music in Tamworth, where she received mentorship from some of Australia’s brightest and most enduring stars.

The Australian Songwriters Association named her Youth Songwriter of the Year in 2017 and 2020 as well as Folk/Acoustic Songwriter of the Year in 2018. She won the ‘Youth Songwriter’ category at the Tamworth Songwriters Association Award’s in 2019 and 2020, and took out first place in the coveted International Songwriting Competition (ISC), ‘Teen’ category in 2020.

In the space of 4 years Lucy had gone from aspiring musician to bonafide star on the rise. “I have seen Lucy develop into an artist who, I believe, has the potential to be one of Australia’s and the world’s finest writers and performers,” admits veteran producer and songwriter, Rod McCormack.

As a standout performer in Triple J’s Unearthed High (2020, 2021), Lucy attracted the attention of boutique indie label, Double Drummer and ORiGiN Music Publishing. Joining the label roster, she released her stories to the world; eventually clocking over 1 million streams on DSPs and earning her the moniker, “the Australian Taylor Swift”.

“When I hear Lucy Parle sing, I get chills! Lucy is full of fire and drive. Her songs have so much wisdom and grace from someone so young. Her voice is effortless, powerful and vulnerable” – Sally Barris, songwriter (Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood).

Eventually the market stalls and crowded restaurant corners were traded for vibrantly lit stages and theatres around the country. As opening act for Greta Stanley (2022), Casey Barnes (2022), Ash Grunwald (2023), Alex Lloyd (2023), 1927 (2023), Mahalia Barnes (2024) and The Whitlams (2024), she more than earned her stripes. Experiencing Lucy’s live show is like having a chat with your best friend; relaxed, fun and uninhibited.

Accolades and opportunities came swiftly, but in 2022 the singer-songwriter found herself at a fork in the road. “I took a conscious step back to reflect on the direction my music was heading.” Waving goodbye to both her publisher and label, Lucy began work with Australian producer, Rod McCormack (The Wolfe Brothers, Lee Kernaghan, Paul Kelly), whilst collaborating with a host of ace writers in Nashville.

Returning to her Country music roots, Lucy’s most recent release ‘Best of Me’ scored playlist recognition on Apple Music and was added on full rotation to Kix Country, iHeart Radio, ABC Country, Australian Country Radio and CMT Australia, among many others. This is no small feat for an up and coming artist.

Lucy’s latest offering, ‘Love Yourself Better’, is story telling at its finest. Leaning on a traditional country landscape, the song features Lucy’s cozy vocal, anchored upon a wash of banjo and timeless guitars.

“I wrote Love Yourself Better as a letter to my best friend, who was going through a tough breakup at the time. I remember going over to her house after it happened and sitting on her bed talking it out. I just vividly remember thinking that if only she could see herself the way I do, she’d know how much better she deserves. So, I decided to write this song for her and anyone else who’s felt heartbroken, to remind ourselves who we are when it feels like everything’s falling apart.” – Lucy Parle.

“Lucy is truly an unbelievably talented songwriter and performer with talent well beyond her years” – Gina Jeffreys, multi award winning artist and songwriter. Lucy’s songwriting is fearless; her voice, self-assured; and her sound, equally authentic and fresh.

MARKETING PLANS

I am currently working with Mardi Caught, Sarah Hamilton and Elfira Vania from The Annex to develop a strong presence on streaming services and social media platforms with a focus on audience growth. Specifically, strategic content creation, digital marketing strategy, media advertising, digital analysis to determine efficiency of marketing and playlisting. I also regularly work with publicist Jules Delemare from Wildheart Publicity.

KATIE BROOKE UNVEILS NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘A LITTLE DIRT’ A REFLECTIVE ANTHEM OF REGRET AND RESILIENCE

Praised for her contemporary take on classic country sounds, Katie Brooke confronts her past on the reflective new single, ‘A Little Dirt’.

The new single follows on from the singer-songwriter’s provocative hit, ‘Can’t Fake That’ . The country proud bop rose to #26 on the Country Songs Top 40 Australian Airplay Chart, and secured spots on Apple Music’s ‘Aussie Country’ and ‘Back Porch Country’ editorial playlists.

In ‘A Little Dirt’, Katie holds herself accountable to a murky past. “A Little Dirt is a radically honest song about facing and owning life’s regrets,” she shares. “I certainly have regrets, especially from my 20’s when I was still figuring it all out and getting to know myself as an adult. Whilst there are many things I’d change if I had the chance, I’m also a firm believer in divine timing and that everything we experience on our individual timeline has a higher reason and rhyme.”

Despite the gravity of her challenges, the songbird endeavoured to bring a lighter tone to a heavy theme. “I chose a lighter feel to the song, a bright melody, an uplifting chorus,” she explains. “This is a song of support for anyone who feels the very common burden of regret, and that “should’ve, could’ve” feeling that no one escapes in life.”

The recording session, led by long-time producer, Rusty Crook, featured legendary fiddle player Jason Roller – well-known as a Nashville session player, guitarist for Alabama and Staff Band and guitarist at the Grand Ole Opry.

The single’s music video is brimming with visual symbolism. Shot in a woolshed on the outskirts of Tamworth with Jeremy Minnett of Eyes and Ears Creative at the helm, the duo had to get creative to tell their story. “We thought it would be a great idea to grab a hand full of dirt and get a shot of it falling through my hands – NOT as easy as you’d think!” laughs Katie. “The ground was really hard and dry, so I found a nice piece of dried cow poo, crumbled it up and used it for dirt! Cow poo is something I’m very familiar with living on a farm so it didn’t bother me so much.”

Katie’s inspiring brand of country music earned her a Grand Finalist spot in the 2023 Listen Up Music Songwriting Prize and has led her to stages alongside some of the best in the biz – Shannon Noll, The Black Sorrows and earlier this year, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley. Along with a slew of headline shows in the calendar for later in the year, the singer-songwriter will appear at Coffs Coast Country Music Festival and the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

If you’ve seen Katie Brooke perform, you’d know that her style is just as on point as her music. Offstage, the boho cowgirl is a stylist and ambassador for Wrangler, Pure Western, Thomas Cook and Twisted X Boots.

“A little dirt just makes me who I am” Katie sings self-assuredly in the song’s chorus. With ‘A Little Dirt’, Katie Brooke showcases her ability to blend vulnerability with an uplifting melody. Her honest storytelling, combined with a fresh yet timeless sound, is certain to resonate with listeners.

ZAC CROSS BAND REVEAL NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘TAKE THE BLAME’

Aussie Country rockers Zac Cross Band return with their heavy hitting single, ‘Take The Blame’.

Coupling a sound that stretches the boundaries of Country music with vulnerable storytelling, ‘Take The Blame’ is a hard-rocking, bittersweet love letter. Frontman, Zac Cross, admits the life of a musician is often a “rollercoaster”, which can sometimes take our nearest and dearest for an unwanted ride.

“This was one of those songs that was written within an hour after having a bad day,” he reveals. “The song also doubles as an apology to the people that are affected by the ups and downs and the highs and lows that is the music industry. ‘Take The Blame’ attempts to take responsibility for the difficulties that a person can put on a relationship while riding these highs and lows.”

The boys have been busy at work this year with producer Jared Adlam (Adam Brand and Matt Cornell), crafting singles for their debut album. However, ‘Take the Blame’ was never intended to make the cut. “We had another song picked for this release, which was locked and loaded and ready to go, until we recorded ‘Take The Blame’. Our release schedule originally had it pegged to drop late 2025, but we immediately knew that we could not wait on this one. We sent it to many people within our team and the response made it a no-brainer, it has to come out now.”

The track cleverly superimposes a weighty theme over uplifting music. “There’s a really cool grey area there that can have an emotional effect and can make the lyrical content super relatable to the listener. We think we’ve found a real sweet spot within our sound for this one!”

The Rockhampton 4-piece pulled out all the stops on the song’s music video, flying a helicopter into the guitar solo. “The big moment, by far, is Lachlan’s solo in a big cloud of dust at sunset with the chopper flying overhead. He is a big Guns N Roses fan and we gave him his ‘November Rain’ moment!”

The boys’ previous single, ‘Matter of Time’ peaked at #12 on the Country Radio Charts, while 2024 has proved to be a massive year on tour. They’ve rocked festivals like Baralaba Bash, Country on Keppel and most recently Gympie Music Muster, while supporting legends The Wolfe Brothers and Jon Stevens. In 2025 their sights are set on a national headline tour.

With ‘Take The Blame’, Zac Cross Band continue to push the boundaries of Aussie country rock, blending raw emotion with hard-hitting music. As the band builds momentum, both on tour and in the studio, they’re proving that their distinctive sound and storytelling are here to stay.

Michelle Walker Unveils Joyful New Single ‘Get Me Out Of Here.’

Get ready to embrace adventure with the release of ‘Get Me Out Of Here,’ the exhilarating new single from Michelle Walker.

Collaborating with renowned Australian country artist Lyn Bowtell, this upbeat track captures the essence of exploration and the thrill of the great outdoors.

‘Get Me Out Of Here’ invites listeners to leave behind their daily routines and dive into the beauty of camping, fishing, and discovering what lies beyond the horizon. With catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the song celebrates the joy of venturing into nature and living life to the fullest.

“Working with Lyn was magic,” says Michelle. “We wanted to create a song that inspires people to seek new adventures and embrace the journey ahead. Whether it’s the open road, a tranquil fishing spot, or a cozy campsite, life has so much to offer if you’re willing to explore!”

Adding to the excitement, Michelle collaborated with North Queensland producer Mike Myers for the first time, co-producing the track together.

“Working with Mike was an incredible experience,” Michelle shared. “We meshed well together in the studio, and Mark’s creative vision truly helped bring the song to life.”

Listeners can expect a lively mix of country and rock influences, woven with storytelling that resonates with anyone who’s ever yearned for freedom and the thrill of the unknown. ‘Get Me Out Of Here’ is sure to become the anthem for all those eager to hit the road and discover the great outdoors.

Don’t miss out on this exhilarating new track that will make you want to pack your bags and hit the open road – the adventure begins now!

Bio

Hailing from Tully, North Queensland, Michelle Walker is known for making waves in the Australian country music scene as both a captivating recording artist and an award-winning songwriter. She infuses her music with a vibrant, signature style that sets her apart. Michelle has played at a swag of places, including the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Gympie Muster, as well as other festivals and venues up and down the east coast. Her spine-tingling vocals resonate with warmth and authenticity, effortlessly winning the hearts of country music lovers everywhere. With each performance, Michelle invites audiences on a journey filled with emotion and adventure, leaving them eager for more.

Congratulations Ashleigh Dallas on your ‘Setting Suns’ ARIA Chart Result!

01 on the ARIA Top 20 Australian Country Album Chart.

07 on the ARIA Top 20 Australian Album Chart (all genres).

13 on the ARIA Top 40 Country Album Chart.

‘Setting Suns’ also hit #01 on the Australian Independent Record Labels Association Album Chart.

“There is something about Dallas’ voice, without obvious effort and certainly without the affectations of mournful instrumentation or mood-imposing arrangements, which carries that tone and makes you look past the surface and the subtext to something deeper still. Something in you, beyond the song.

Rather than weighing the song down, her voice quietly opens up the possibilities of interpretation, so that absences tug a little harder, pleasures come slightly questioned, futures feel a bit more uncertain. Something is at play underneath, niggling at this benign surface.

What’s it like when sound is bright, the words optimistic and the energy up, but there’s something in the voice, something deeper, that may be telling you another story?” – Bernard Zuel

Five time Country Music Award Of Australia (Golden Guitar) winning artist, Ashleigh Dallas, is proud to unveil her sixth studio album, ‘Setting Suns.’

The new record, crafted with the expert touch of Country Music Award Of Australia (Golden Guitar) winning producer Brett Dallas, marks a pivotal moment in Ashleigh’s musical journey. The collaboration between father and daughter working on Dallas’ sixth studio album showcases their love and resilience, as outside forces created barriers that they had to overcome.

‘Setting Suns’ is a testament to Ashleigh’s evolution as a songwriter, as each track explores profound themes of family, love, unpredictability, and grief. The album also highlights the strength in Ashleigh’s own musicianship, with her playing an array of instruments including banjo and fiddle alongside fellow musicians Brett Dallas, Lindsay Dallas and Michel Rose.

Dallas has been consistently building strong foundations over her fifteen years of recording, however the strength and growth in her latest offering highlight her ability to translate personal experiences into universal connections.

Production by Brett Dallas, whose renowned craftsmanship has shaped some of Ashleigh’s previous award-winning works, sees Ashleigh’s vision come to life with a sound that is both fresh and deeply resonant.

The album reflects Ashleigh’s journey towards embracing her own legacy, celebrating the strength she’s gained, and the distinctive path she has carved in country music. We also see Dallas honour her songwriting, digging lyrics from her most inner self.

“This album is the beginning of a new chapter for me,” Ashleigh Dallas shares.

“Setting Suns is an album we leapt into at full speed, forced to then slow down to a barely moving roll, as we faced what life was throwing our way head on. Trying to look on the bright side, I’ve embraced further self-discovery and acceptance that I will continue to share with the hope of building a stronger authentic connection with my audience, and my industry.”

“On this record, you can hear where I’ve been, and excitedly, where I’m going. I believe you can literally hear the love of our little family unit, which continues to strengthen as we come together. It’s been overwhelming, sometimes confronting, but each step filled with pure heart.”