ZFM Country

The world of country music is paying attention to Australian country music artist JD Reynolds. The incredible singer, songwriter, producer and award-winning choreographer has achieved international acclaim with her fresh twist on country music. The world of Professional Bull Riding all around the globe from Australia, USA, Canada to Brazil is pumped about her powerful new song ‘8 Seconds’. So much so, within hours of The Australian PBR announcing JD was performing LIVE at the PBR Monster Energy K Ranch Invitational, the event SOLD OUT within 24 hours, with fans clamouring to get a ticket, some fans paid $400 for a scalpers ticket just to see JD Reynolds. She was swamped by fans at the event, with generations of PBR and country music fans crowded around the fresh face of country just to shake her hand. One PBR rider was heard saying, “They ain’t all here to see the bulls, but we’ll take it”, with another rider saying, “When JD sang, it pumped the boys up so much, she really has a voice that makes us feel ready to go into battle”.

8 Seconds – #2 Australian Country radio chart

JD has graced the cover of Nashville Country Music Magazine and the glossy pages of Cowboys & Indians Magazine, being labelled “Country’s new ‘it’ girl”. For a new artist, JD has millions of combined song streams with smash hits such as “Whatever” (#5 Official Australian Country Music Charts) and “Rebound”.

JD cannot be more excited to be releasing her next country single “8 Seconds” on Friday October 14th AEST. This amazing and powerful country song was written by JD with her award-winning photographer mother Gayna Reynolds who captured the striking image on the cover. The song is produced by Braddon Williams (Beyonce, Snoop Dogg, Kelly Clarkson) with JD as co-producer and mastered by Andrew Mendelson himself (The Rolling Stones, Blake Shelton, Eric Church and Willie Nelson)

JD Reynolds creates a buzz in country music that has the likes of the biggest US media outlets such as NEWSMAX, Country Rebel and Guitar Girl Magazine all wanting to know who country’s new ‘it’ girl is and what inspires her fresh twist on country which already has its own country genre, “The JD Sound”. Speaking with JD LIVE with over 3 million viewers in New York, NEWSMAX told JD she has “a lot of folk’s attention” with her new sound and congratulates her on “having a team of really major players in terms of music”. And they are spot on.

As a LIVE artist, fans know they won’t see JD standing still singing her hits, they know she is an incredible stage artist and award-winning dancer and choreographer, so to see her LIVE is a memorable experience.

JD Reynolds was born an artist. “It’s in my blood. Music, melody, lyrics and dance flow through my veins” says JD.

“My songs come to me like a bolt of lightning, the JD sound, my sound, respecting country music roots yet having my own next level twist”.

“I’m a country girl, we’re built tough, and having met some of the world’s top Professional Bull Riders and their loved ones, they inspire me greatly. Their guts, hard work, determination and talent I highly admire”.

“‘8 Seconds’ is about the emotional roller coaster of the lives of Professional Bull Riders and the people who love them. From family traditions, lifelong dreams, hours of practice and injuries to climbing into the chute at an event, releasing the gate and riding for their lives, it’s not just the athlete holding on for dear life, but every person who loves them is holding on tight with them. Every single long second, until they are safely back behind the gates, their loved ones ride with them. It is the ultimate ride or die sport.

This sentiment combined with JD’s brilliant vocal that hits every corner of the heart, powerful and poetic lyrics and that overwhelming feeling of love, makes this original new country song an honest, memorable heart stopper. “I honour traditional country music roots and add my own sound. I sing with my country heart and hold no feeling back, and I proudly dedicate my song “8 Seconds” to every past, present and future Professional Bull Rider and to those who love them. Ride tonight like you’re a superhero”. – JD.

“I hope you love it and I sincerely thank you for listening”. JD Reynolds .

Fresh off the back of their performances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Hurricane Fall have returned with their brand-new single, ‘Unbreakable’. The uplifting foot-stomper is just the start of what is set to be a massive year for the 5-piece – having just signed on as Lee Kernaghan’s touring band.

‘Unbreakable’ is an anthem of resilience. “You are stronger than you believe / You’re unbreakable” sings the tracks infectious hook. It’s exactly the kind of high voltage tune fans have come to love from Hurricane Fall – pounding drums, walls of guitars and stellar vocal performances from singers, Pepper Deroy and Jesse Vee.

Lachlan Coffey (drummer), Tim Hickey (keyboardist/guitarist) and Luke Wheeldon (Lead guitarist) complete the roster. It was Wheeldon who first planted the seed for the band’s new single. “Luke was dropping his son off at school and started thinking about everyone having the same basic needs and struggles. In the end everyone just wants to be happy. He sang a lyric into his phone and built the song from there” says Pepper.

Wheeldon began building the track in his studio before reaching out to Melbourne production duo, MSquared, for the finishing touches. “The boys developed a demo and then the tracks from that demo became the ‘bones’ of the song that MSquared collaborated on. Most of the instruments were in Newcastle and the vocals and mix were done in Melbourne.”

The band’s recent years have been true to their namesake, as they’ve enjoyed a whirlwind of successes. Their 2021 hit, ‘Another One More Time’, has clocked up over 1 million streams and received a slew of Spotify and Apple Music playlist additions on release. Not to mention it peaked at #5 on the Country Hot 50 airplay charts. In the same year the boys were nominated for a Golden Guitar award for Group / Duo of the Year.

However, the powerhouse quintet is most renowned for their live shows – a captivating performance that’s like a throwback to the glory days of live music. They’ve taken stages at many of Australia’s most loved festivals, including the Deni Ute Muster, Gympie Music Muster, VDM Fest and the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Their talents recently caught the ear of country music legend Lee Kernaghan , who has brought them on as his new touring band – a mantle previously held by The Wolfe Brothers. “[Hurricane Fall] are powerhouse musicians and songwriters and on top of that they’re top-notch fellas,” said Kernaghan. “I’m super excited to be hitting the stage with the boys and the brand-new touring show.”

The new outfit already performed their first show together last year at the inaugural Country Sounds Festival in Brunswick, WA to a packed crowd, and have just returned from performing with Kernaghan at his Tamworth Country Music Festival show, with a national tour in the pipeline for 2023.

Stadium-like, singalong tracks have definitely become the bands signature in recent years – it’s a sound that plays to their strengths and they’ve knocked it out of the park every time. The latest in line, ‘Unbreakable’, has raised the bar yet again and is sure to be a hit with listeners.

Australian Country music sensation James Johnston is back with his explosive new single, ‘GOT IT GOOD’. The track comes fresh off the back of his performance at the 2023 Tamworth Country Music Festival, where he played his debut headline show to a capacity crowd at TRECC – a show that was not only the largest ticketed concert at the festival, but also sold out in record time. Johnston also closed out the night at the 51st Golden Guitar awards, where he performed his #1 hit single ‘SMALL TOWN’ and scooped up two Golden Guitar awards – New Talent of the Year and Vocal Collaboration of the Year for ‘SAME SONGS’, a duet with Kaylee Bell.

As a family man drawing inspiration for his music through his role as a husband and father to two young sons, ‘GOT IT GOOD’ is the kind of raise-the-roof country song Johnston’s ever-growing fanbase have come to love. Its groove is contagious; effortlessly finding the middle ground between country, rock and pop. Yet, behind its energetic exterior lies a poignant message of appreciation for life’s often overlooked gifts.

“GOT IT GOOD is about appreciating the simple things in life and being grateful for what you have as you realise, these are the big things worth celebrating,” reveals James. “The perfect lives of others is just a perception and when you stop to acknowledge the little things you have in your life – a roof over your head, a job that pays the bills and a love waiting for you at home, you realise you’ve GOT IT GOOD.”

The catchy bop was penned alongside, Melbourne producers Msquared (Michael Delorenzis and Michael Paynter) and Golden Guitar nominee Melanie Dyer. Its airtight production is also thanks to the Msquared team and marks Johnston’s first full collaboration with the duo.

Since releasing the now ARIA certified gold and #1 radio hit ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ in 2021, the singer from Wingham has enjoyed a rise to fame that can only be described as meteoric. Just 19 months into his career he’s amassed a whopping 32+ million streams, has achieved a further three x #1 radio airplay hits with ‘SMALL TOWN’, ‘COUNTRY BOYS’ and ‘SAME SONGS’, and was nominated for six Golden Guitar awards – two of which he took home last week.

Quickly becoming one of the most sought after acts in Australian country music, Johnston has taken his “electrifying voice and array of feel-good country songs” – (Newsport) to some of Australia’s biggest and most loved stages. With performances at CMC Rocks, Savannah in the Round, Berry’s Big Country, Gympie Music Muster and the Tamworth Country Music Festival in the last 12 months, he’s certainly ticked a few things off the bucket list. In April 2023 he’s slated to appear at Meatstock in Toowoomba, alongside country music giants Kasey Chambers and Brad Cox.

James Johnston is undoubtedly the hottest topic in the Australian country music scene right now. His down-to-earth songs are instant party starters, as well as possessing heart-warming sentiments of life’s simple pleasures. ‘GOT IT GOOD’ has yet again proven that this artist is right at the top of his game with nowhere to go but up.

Following on from a huge 2022 which saw her finish the year with the most played song by an Australian female artist on country radio, Amy Sheppard is back with “Couple Goals” – the new single taken from her ARIA Australian Country #1 EP, “Nothing But Wild”.

“Couple Goals” is the crossover, feel-good country-pop song of the summer. Co-written by Amy with Nick & Tom Wolfe of multi-Golden Guitar Award winning duo, The Wolfe Brothers and produced by Lindsay Rimes (Kane Brown, Lee Kernaghan, Kylie Minogue), “Couple Goals” was a crowd-favourite at Amy’s run of live shows last year and is set to be the ultimate soundtrack to kick-start 2023.

Amy says, “Couple Goals was written about my husband Lachie. It’s about knowing you’ve found “the one” and fantasising about your life and future together. I wanted to convey how much that future excites me in a piece of catchy country-pop that I hope my fans will love.”

“Couple Goals” is also the name of the successful podcast launched by Amy and Lachie in 2022, which explores modern day relationships and provides a peak behind the curtain of the life of this celebrity marriage. As Amy explains, “The song came first and inspired us to then jump behind the microphone and share more of our lives. We are always being asked how we make our busy, conflicting schedules work and how we navigate the hurdles that arise. We even have a section each episode dedicated to our pet peeves and set each other a ‘couple goal’ for the week. It’s been a lot of fun and there are plenty more episodes coming soon!”

Some of those episodes are set to feature some of the biggest names in country music as Amy and Lachie take the podcast to Tamworth where Amy will be launching the new single. Tamworth provided the backdrop for Amy’s solo debut in 2022 and she is excited to be back. “Last year, there were so many nerves – would the country community would embrace a typically pop artist? – but I have felt nothing but love and support. The country music scene in Australia is so nurturing and encouraging and I’m thrilled that Couple Goals is hitting the airwaves while I am back in Tamworth.”

As one of Australia’s most successful songwriters with her music clocking over one billion streams globally as part of her band, Sheppard, Amy is now carving her own country path in tandem with her role in the band. She launched her solo career with the hit singles “Nothing But Wild” and “Blue Guitar”, both of which reached the Top 3 of the CountryTown Hot 50 Airplay chart. In addition, her duet with The Wolfe Brothers, “Something Good’s Gonna Happen”, also reached the top 3 as well as garnering a nomination for CMT Video of the Year at the 2023 Golden Guitar Awards. “Blue Guitar” also reached #1 on the KIX Country charts. “Couple Goals” represents the next chapter in this ever evolving and exciting story.

To celebrate the launch of “Couple Goals “, Amy will be taking to the stage in Tamworth as part of Adam Brand’s Friday Night Bash where she will perform the new track alongside her recent hits, EP tracks and some unexpected covers paying tribute to some of her favourite artists. She will hit the road again with Adam Brand in Tasmania in March before a string of regional shows in March.

” Couple Goals” is out January 20, and is accompanied by the official lyric video created by frequent collaborator, Sam-Rae Creative.

Petric’s latest single ‘Beach Please’ might be the most relatable song we’ve heard in years …. “Somebody take me to a Beach Please”. This tropically influenced country song sings about the desire for white sandy beaches, and cold sangrias. Driven by a reggae styled drum beat and tasteful acoustics, ‘Beach Please’ is sure to be a playlist favourite.

“We started working on this song mid-pandemic, when all we could do in Canada was dream about white sandy beaches. ‘Beach Please’ allowed us to step outside our comfort zone and embrace different styles and sounds. It is definitely one of our more fun songs to play. We are pretty excited to perform this one for everyone on the ‘Cruisin’ Country’ event this year in Australia”.

Continuing from the success of previous singles ‘Déjà Vu, ‘KIDS’, ‘White Lyin’ ‘Night Up’ and the Australian Top 24 chart-topping single ‘Flirtin’ (with Hayley Jensen), it’s refreshing to see the band, who comprise of brothers Tom and Jason and lifelong friend Jordan Day push the boundaries with every release yet maintaining that signature Petric modern country rock sound.

The multi-award-winning Manitoba based act have been announced to perform on ‘Cruisin’ Country’ a 7-night Royal Caribbean Country Music Cruise departing Sydney on 1st December and features Australian Country Music heavyweights such as The Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes, Beccy Cole, Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont, McAlister Kemp, Amber Lawrence, Hayley Jensen and Australian born, Canadian raised Gord Bamford and more. This cruise will form part of Petric’s first Australian tour, of which more dates will be announced over the next few months.

Passion, and persistence, combined with raw talent and high expectations, has been the formula for success for Petric. The band have accumulated over 15 million worldwide online streams, 10 charting singles, and 3 Top 20 hits. Petric’s latest album ‘Flashbacks’ alone has accumulated 3 million online streams and has opened doors to multiple international markets including Australia.

ARIA and APRA nominated Melbourne band Kingswood have today further highlighted the rich musicality of their forthcoming studio “Home”, with the release of their new single, “Good Whiskey”. As the band’s first piece of new music for 2023, “Good Whiskey” comes served up as any quality nip of liquor should: rich to the taste, warm on the palette, leaving the consumer happy to come back for more.

The song itself is a beautiful continuation of Kingswood’s next stage of evolution – as a band, they have never shied away from embracing new influences. Here, with “Good Whiskey” and furthermore with “Home”, they revel in their best songwriting to date, marked by renewed confidence and drive for their craft.

As with their previous release from “Home” – “Burning Holes” – “Good Whiskey” speaks to the strong songwriting dynamic between Alexander Laska and Fergus Linacre, fleshing out into the full band in the studio. Such a natural sound can only come when the creatives are able to read each other with ease. And over the past three years in particular, the Kingswood dynamic brought the best out of each individual musician, while uplifting the group as a whole.

“An ode to the first town you pull into after a bold turn at one of life’s many crossroads, ‘Good Whiskey’ speaks to the tradition of a sorrowsome heart, to one full of optimism, soaking up to jewels of the earth and its people with unbridled enthusiasm. Written at the base of Tamborine Mountain on a ranch in the hinterlands upon a crisp winter evening, ‘Good Whiskey’ has a beautiful aroma and an engaging flavour. It should be an experience that upon touching your heart, excites the nerves within your being. Dark, full-bodied and just the right amount of aging has yielded this smokey, astringent, yet creamy musical experience.” – Kingswood.

Their return in 2020 with the critically acclaimed third studio album “Juveniles” signaled a new era for the Melbourne favourites, characteristically redefining their musicality and exploring new sonic territory. Demonstrating their evolution as songwriters and musicians with more stories to tell, single “Bittersweet” ranked as Triple M’s #1 Most Played Song in the country as well as ranking 45th on national radio, and #75 on the Shazam Top 200 in Australia.

Following on from a massive 30+ date international tour that brought Kingswood to crowds in Nashville, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland and Czechoslovakia, the Melbourne favourites returned to Australia galvanised for what the New Year would bring. For their legions of fans in Australia, Kingswood have been responsible for some of the best live rock and roll experiences for well over a decade.

And now, as the release of “Home” beckons this year, Kingswood are undertaking their biggest tour to date, touring nationwide on the record-breaking 120+ date ‘HOMETOWNS’ tour. Taking place over six months in a custom-modified tour van, Kingswood are kicking things off today at the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival.

NSW based country-pop duo Zac & George have just released their highly anticipated third single “Bar Stool”.

Out today via MGM, “Bar Stool “showcases Zac & George’s acoustic roots and soulful harmonies through an up-tempo high energy vibe. The song was co-written by the fast-rising duo along with good friend Lynn Wilbanks, and co-produced with ARIA award winning MSquared Productions (Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis), the team behind some of the most successful country-pop tunes of the past 18 months.

Zac & George have also put together another captivating music video, filmed by Golden Guitar award-winning videographer ‘Jay Seeney’, which perfectly accompanies the single’s up-beat country energy and meaningful lyrics.

“I really feel like this song is for the people, which is very important with not just Australia, but what the world has been through recently. It shines a light on the importance of community, which hits close to home” – George.

Zac & George’s previous single “Red Wine & Roses” has amassed over 700,000 streams since its release in August 2022. The break-out single landed the duo on the cover of the renowned Spotify playlist Fresh Country (as well as being featured on other Spotify and Apple Music playlists) and also peaked at #9 on the Australian Country Radio Chart, reaching and #3 on KIX Country radio.

“To reach the top 10 with our first ever single to Australian country radio is a pretty exciting feeling” – Zac.

Further to success with Australian radio, Zac & George have won support from many of the country’s premier country artists and have been invited to perform as main support for James Johnston’s sold-out TRECC show at the 2023 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

In support of “Bar Stool”, Zac & George have announced their first headline tour, with shows in Albury, Wagga Wagga and Sydney this April. The boys are dying to get back on the road and can’t wait to bring their acoustic high energy show to NSW.

This is just the beginning for Zac & George, who will soon follow their new single with more music they have spent years developing in both Australia and Nashville.

The new offering from Will Day ‘Always A Girl’, is an edgy, modern track which stays true to his country rock roots. “It’s been quite some time since I released a love song, and I really connected with this track, it’s fantastic songwriting’. In perfect time for summer, this catchy and infectious track will set the airwaves alight in the new year.

‘Always A Girl’, was written by Nashville based powerhouse writers Kyle Jacobs (Garth Brooks/Tim McGraw) Phillip Lammonds (Darius Rucker/Blake Shelton) and Adam Craig (Jason Aldean/Dustin Lynch) and was produced by ARIA and Golden Guitar Award winning producer Matt Fell.

Will Day has been making waves in modern country music over the last few years. From gutsy toe tapping tracks such as ‘Countrified’ to emotive ballads like ‘Dear Dad’ and ‘Simple Then’ (with Brooke Schubert) and the heart-warming 2022 track ‘We Got This’, it’s no surprise that Will Day is making a long-lasting impact on the country music scene. The previous few years have been career defining, with singles added to major stations KIX Country, ABC Country and iHeartCountry on high rotation, resulting in chart success on the major Countrytown Hottest 50 Chart and the Top 20 KIX Country Chart.

With countless major events and music festivals under his belt including Tamworth Country Music Festival, Groundwater Country Music Festival, Savannah in the Round, Gympie Music Muster, Winton’s Outback Festival, Round Up for CMC Rocks, Texas Country Music Festival, Curdimurka Outback Ball (SA), Warwick Rodeo and Birdsville Races, it is proving that Will Day is earning the reputation as one of Australia’s premier country music artists and one that is making a lasting impression. 2023 will see a strong focus on touring across the country as well as new music on the horizon.

Will Day’s single ‘Always A Girl’ is out to radio on 16th January and on digital platforms on 20th January.

Embracing ’90’s country vibes and a strong positive message, Mel Lukin has launched into the year in a stellar fashion with ‘One Way Ticket’ out on January 27.

With nearly two years between releases, the Gold Coast singer-songwriter is coming out strong with a year of new music ahead.

“I’m always conscious about what I want to write about and I’ve been going through a period of writing with people and formulating ideas for songs and, within that process, I came across a writer in Nashville who had a catalogue of songs and this song jumped out at me,” Mel said.

“I wanted to do an up-tempo song and I loved the message in ‘One Way Ticket’ because I’m very specific about what I wanted to sing about because of where I’m at in life and I want to encourage my two daughters to chase their passions.”

Major influences including Martina McBride shine through Mel’s delivery of this song with its strong message of living life to the full, driving beat and country feel with dobro and electric guitar blending seamlessly.

“Country has always been part of what I listened to with Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes and Martina McBride major influences and my mum loves Shania Twain, so I love 1990’s country,” Mel said.

“I released my first EP in 1999 and a lot of those songs are country-influenced and, in recent years, country music has really felt like home for me.”

Mel said she wanted to launch into 2023 with the message in ‘One Way Ticket’ to encourage all her listeners to get out and live life.

“It’s so important to show the kids that anytime and at any age, you can reignite your passion and I want to release my own music, recording and releasing an album worth of songs over the next couple of years,” she said.

“I want to release an album that I’m proud of and do small tours on my own, as well as play as many stages on festivals as I can, and open for some amazing acts.”

Mel also has causes that are close to her heart and wants to use her music to support those in years to come.

Lyn Bowtell’s latest single from her ARIA Country #1 Album ‘Wiser’ is ‘Looking For Nobody’, released January 6th.

This tongue-in-cheek song uses a play on words to describe looking for someone who’ll love and support you, even when you’re feeling low.

The title came to Lyn upon leaving the show after her third round on season six of ‘The Voice’, and the ideas behind the song brewed for a year or two before she finished it.

With a fun, light-hearted upbeat feel, and quirky production from Shane Nicholson, ‘Looking For Nobody’ is the perfect addition to any summer playlist.

“I love how the production has captured the cheekiness in the lyrics of the song and it’s so much fun to perform live,” Lyn said. “Live audiences love to sing it along with me so I’m really looking forward to hearing the response from radio listeners.”

Get all the summer feels and get ready to sing along to the latest fun masterpiece from the nine-time Golden Guitar winner and three-time 2023 Golden Guitar nominee.

‘Looking For Nobody’ is due for release the week before Lyn takes to stages across the Country Music Capital and throughout the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

GRAMMY® AWARD-WINNING ICON SHANIA TWAIN RELEASES NEW SINGLE “GIDDY UP!” – WATCH VIDEO HERE

EAGERLY AWAITED NEW ALBUM QUEEN OF ME OUT FEBRUARY 3

“QUEEN OF ME” GLOBAL TOUR LAUNCHES THIS SPRING

Strutting into 2023, five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning legend and the best-selling female artist in country music history Shania Twain shares a brand-new single entitled “Giddy Up!” today.

The track sets the stage for her eagerly awaited new album, Queen of Me, arriving on February 3, 2023. It notably stands out as her sixth original full-length offering, first record since 2017, and official debut for her new label partner Republic Nashville, a division of Republic Records.

Kickstarting the record, “Giddy Up!” rides out of the gate with a fiery, flirty, and fun chorus tailormade for singing and dancing along. As always, it showcases her show-stopping range and undeniable charisma.

Shania says, the saying “Let’s Go Girls!” is such a wonderfully uplifting sentiment now, but it’s just something I said during the recording in the studio and I guess that’s the same for Giddy Up! These lines come to me when I’m thinking about how to put a little “pep in my step”. I want people to feel good when they hear the new album. I want to set a celebratory tone and “Giddy up!” Is a way to call to the audience and say “let’s get ready for some fun!”

In other big news, Shania recently earned the “Music Icon” award at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards, and she lit up the stage with a rapturous performance – watch HERE.

Queen of Me consists of 12 new tracks. From the energetic opener “Giddy Up!” through the empowered title track “Queen of Me” and passionate finale “The Hardest Stone,” produced by and featuring Tyler Joseph/Twenty One Pilots, the LP represents a deep and dynamic creative statement from this iconic voice. She set the stage for everything with the single “Waking Up Dreaming” which Rolling Stone called “a shot of caffeinated bliss” and The Today Show called “an absolute bop.”

Shania was also announced as a headliner for Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Festival, alongside Eric Church and Kenny Chesney. The star-studded festival will take place on April 14-16, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, go HERE .

To celebrate this next era in style, she will also embark on a global Queen of Me Tour, produced by Live Nation. The tour marks the first time fans around the world will get to see the queen in all of her glory in nearly five years, following a highly successful Vegas residency run. Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Breland, Robyn Ottolini, Priscilla Block, and Mickey Guyton, Lily Rose, Talk, and Tinelle Townes will be joining Shania on select dates throughout the tour.

The Queen of Me Tour kicks off on Friday, April 28th at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA and makes stops across North America and Europe in Vancouver, Denver, Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, London, Dublin and more before wrapping up on November 14th at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC.

Additionally, Shania and Live Nation have announced that $1 of every ticket purchased to Shania’s “Queen Of Me” Tour will be donated to SKC. Established in 2010 by Shania Twain, SKC provides services that promote positive change in children’s lives in times of crises and economic hardship. SKC provides children with one-on-one consultations, academic support and group activities, as well as nutritious snacks and meal programs where needed, all while in the safe, confidence-building environment that is the Shania Kids Can Clubhouse. These children are learning the skills to cope with and overcome family hardships which, in turn, improves their ability to succeed in school. For more information about Shania Kids Can, please visit: www.shaniakidscan.com

In the lead-up to their debut album together, Sara and Greg Storer, celebrate those who have an innate connection to engines with their single, ‘Machinery Man’.

The blending of family talents can be seen throughout musical history and Storer is the collaboration of siblings Sara and Greg as well as Greg’s daughters, Pip and Bonnie on backing vocals and is a winning combination.

With an ARIA for Best Country Album and 21 Golden Guitar Awards, Sara is celebrated as one of Australia’s greatest singer songwriters.

“You know she’s paid attention, heard the bush waking up in the morning, listened to the worries thrashed out at the kitchen table, smelt dry summer wheat up close, dreamed of faraway places in a bedroom with a window on a big sky, driven miles on dirt and bitumen and fallen in and out of love” – Paul Kelly on Sara Storer.

When Sara’s brother Greg isn’t co-writing hits, he is working his property near Warren in NSW as a farmer, but is no stranger to songwriting and has co-written and performed with his sister since 2005 when they released ‘Chillers Bend’, their first duet.

“Greg knows and understands, and has a rare talent for conveying humour, pathos, love, and fear through his music” – Music journalist Susan Jarvis on Greg Storer.

‘Machinery Man’, released on January 6, is the second single from Golden Guitar and ARIA Award winners’ debut album self-titled album, ‘Storer’, out on January 13.

“A song for our machinery men and women – the ones that seem to fix anything with just a spanner, whereas we’d have to use the whole toolbox!” Sara and Greg said.

“They’ll get you out of all sorts of trouble and are very handy to know. Thank God someone put a spanner in Bill’s hand!”

This track is the follow-on from their hit single ‘Show Me’.

‘Machinery Man’ tells the story of a boy who has been obsessed with machines since he was young, and grows into a man who has sump oil on his hands and diesel running through his veins.

He continues his love of machinery throughout his life, heading off to learn more as a teenager and young man, and then off across Australia working on engines and machinery throughout his life.

This is a tribute to all those men and women who work with their hands and have an innate talent with engines.

Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist Kiara Rodrigues heads into the competition with a shiny new country heartbreak drinking single, released January 6.

Written with Nashville-based Aussie expat, Katrina Burgoyne at The CMAA Academy of Country Music senior course, ‘Message In A Bottle’ is a song about heartbreak, drinking and self-sabotage.

“It was a song I’d half started and kept in the cupboard but not really looked at, and when I found out who my co-writing partner would be, I knew exactly which song I wanted to work on with Katrina,” Kiara said.

“Any good country heartbreak song involves drinking, but one wine and I’m asleep, so I’ve used plenty of creative licence in this song. It’s about knowing that there’s a whole lot ahead of you in terms of the healing process, but tonight you’re relying on that bottle of wine.”

Kiara said everyone had their own coping mechanisms and felt this song would resonate with plenty of listeners. “Whether you’re a drinker or not a drinker; we’ve all had that heartbreak,” she said.

The song’s country flavour is boosted by production from Nash Chambers, another expat now living and working in Nashville. “Nash’s production style was something I really resonated well with,” Kiara said. “He’s got a keen eye and ear for what sounds good and the vocals were recorded with Liam Kennedy-Clark in Maitland. I’m incredibly honoured to be working with Nash because he’s produced some of my favourite records that I grew up listening to.

“It’s exciting to be releasing this single before Toyota Star Maker and being able to showcase the single in the competition.” This is the first time the Sydney singer-songwriter has been named among the top 10 entrants in the prestigious and long-running country music talent search.

“This is something I’ve dreamed of since I first started country music in 2005,” she said. “To have those dreams of being in the top 10 realised, on the day I found out, I was in a complete state of shock – a very excited shock.”

Whether she is successful in Star Maker or not, Kiara plans to “run with it”. “I’ve got a whole heap of other songs I’ve written would love to turn into an EP and if I won, the trip to Nashville would bring about amazing co-writing opportunities,” she said.

“I would love to have a run of shows across the east coast in all the states I’ve lived in and to have that lovely Rav 4 to do it all in would be amazing. The Toyota Star Maker prize would be a great way of facilitating all those hopes and dreams.”

Coming back to the Tamworth Country Music Festival is also a reminder of how far Kiara has come in her career. “Missing the festival really drove home how much the Tamworth Country Music Festival is part of my identity,” she said.

“I’ve been coming since I was nine years old. It feels like coming home with I’m at the Tamworth festival. It’s also a good reminder of the experiences and memories I’ve made being part of the Australian country music industry”.

Sunday Chapel was written and produced by Dave Herrera and is a story about how the Chapel is the rock for his family and the community through thick and thin, baptisms, weddings and funerals, the Chapel will always be there even at the end and generations thereafter.

Herrera said “we all need a rock and a place to support us during the good and bad times”

Herrera wrote the track with the help of Cory Coppin, Kale Coppin co-writers and Dave Herrera produced the track.

Herrera continues to put his spin on Country music as he combines heavy drum beats, electric guitars, dobro, bass and the storytelling of country music with his new music.

Along with his singles, Herrera takes pride in creating music videos that are entertaining for all ages. The music video for “Visiting Nashville” now has 440K+ views and rising. You can check out several of his music videos on YouTube which include Hella Country, Hollywood Sign, My First 69, Shades, Hollywood Sign, Boys were Back Intown and an unofficial and unmixed version of the video for Hell of a Holiday.

Herrera is currently in the studio and will embark on live shows in 2023.

Herrera is continuing to work on more music, coming soon!

Since the release of his debut Single ‘Run’ in June 2022 Duncan Toombs has made the front of the stage his new home. Wowing audiences all over Australia whilst touring with Beccy Cole & Adam Harvey for the last 5 months, the spotlights are finally revealing to fans and fellow artists the talents that Duncan has been hiding for some time. With streaming for his 2 singles now approaching the 300K mark, this highly awarded filmmaker and sought-after guitarist to the stars (Kasey Chambers, Adam Brand, Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey, Adam Eckersley Band), is set to back it all up with a brand-new single named

‘A Gift’.

‘A Gift’ is a beautifully woven ballad that showcases Duncan’s warm heartfelt vocals.

It’s gently spoken lyrics are relatable to us all and reflect on life, love, family and this beautiful planet that we all share. Duncan shared some of his thoughts about writing the song.

” I wrote a gift when the world stopped during covid 19. I had a lot of time to reflect on different things as did a lot of my friends in the music industry. During the lockdowns I remember feeling grateful for everything my journey in music had given to me. I often try to be consciously grateful for my family, friends and opportunities the universe has blessed me with, but the Lockdowns really brought these thoughts and emotions to the surface. I truly think Life here on earth is a gift.”

DUNCAN TOOMBS

‘A Gift’ was recorded at The Music Cellar (Central Coast, NSW) with an all-star band handpicked by Duncan and his co-producers, Scott Bird and Rod McCormack. It has proven to be a favourite amongst the few who have been able to hear Duncan’s pre released Album.

Duncan has our industry on the edge of it’s seat, waiting to hear his debut album ‘Steel On Steel’. With songs like ‘A Gift’ …Duncan keeps setting a high bar for contemporary Country music here in Australia.

Duncan’s long-time industry friends have been showing a lot of support.

“There is a warmth that washes through you when Duncan Toombs takes the spotlight. His voice is powerful and rich and you get a sense of his beautiful heart when he delivers his honest lyrics. His songs feel like home. Whether he’s tearing apart a guitar solo or moving a crowd with his vocal performance, Duncan is a show stopper. He’s been 6ft from stardom too long, I’m delighted to see him stepping into the middle. I could be his biggest fan.”

Beccy Cole

“I’ve always loved Duncan Toombs’ voice and I’m so glad that he has finally stepped out of the background and into the spotlight,” says Adam Harvey.

Bill Chambers says “Duncan is the essence of true country music that is so rare these days”

Kasey Chambers commented, “Duncan Toombs has one of the most authentic modern country sounds you’ll hear.”

Much loved, country music queen, Gina Jeffreys, goes further and says “rich, beautiful, heartfelt vocals with an undeniably refreshing return to traditional country sounds. I absolutely love Duncan’s voice, and this will be one song that gets high rotation in our house!”

`Driving Me Insane’ is the latest single from Robert Ross. It centres around a relationship and love story where the man is giving all his love, but the lady is trapped in memories of a failed relationship and not letting go of all of the negatives. The more love he gives, the more she pushes away. The fear and trust issues keep coming back to haunt her and strain their relationship. Because his love for her is so strong, he is not willing to give up, even though it is very trying and taxing on him, so much so that he feels like it is driving him insane. He feels he has to get away but his love for her is so strong he comes back.

Singer songwriter Robert Ross was born in New Brunswick, Canada. He moved to Australia in 2009 and became an Australian Citizen in 2014.

Robert has become immensely popular in the Cairns region while performing live for many audiences over the years. He has also entertained throughout Australia, and internationally in Nashville, USA and Canada.

Robert’s style is influenced by country greats Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Randy Travis and other country artists such as Sawyer Brown, as well as good ole Rock n’ Roll. He says “My music comes from life. The good, the bad and the hilarious! This is where we all have something in common”. A fan once told him, “You know who you are; you sing from the inside out. That is your soul talking with your music”.

Ghostly Gums Walking away CMAA Golden Guitar
nominated Bush Ballad of the year

Nominated for Bush Ballad of the year by the CMAA at the 2023 golden Guitar Awards
Winner of “Most Promising New Talent 2022” at the People’s Choice Awards

Winner of “Most Popular New Male Artist of 2021” by Independent Country Music Association

Winner of 3 “Purple Guitars”

Winner of “Australian Busking Championships 2019 – Gundagai”

11 Top 20 singles on the “Country Songs Top 40 Australian Airplay charts” (including 4 Number One singles “Before I Go”, “1993” and “Fallen Snow” and “Fireflies”).

“1993” spent 16 weeks on the Australian Country Top 40 Charts.

Love, Lies & Dirty Dishes Debuted at #3 on the ARIA country Album charts
2 top 5 Albums on the Official iTunes Country Album Charts, Love, Lies & DirtyDishes Debuting at #2.

Andy Shows his diversity with a more traditional style after a Stella few years, 5 #1 singles, a #3 album on the Australian Country ARIA Charts with Love, Lies & Dirty Dishes.

I was given these amazing lyrics from Kath Stewart and I wanted to pay tribute to the traditional style the way they were written. I composed 2 versions of the song. This version was produced by Lindsay Waddington who I thought of right away, I wanted a producer that understood bush ballads.

Chatting with Lindsay about how inspired I was after watching “Slim and I asked Lindsay how Slim would approach a song like this. It was a tribute to a legend.

It was written for the farmers who have struggled, and are still struggling. They are the backbone of this great nation. And we often forget that

A real farmer’s daughter born in the “land of the living skies” of the Canadian prairies, Jordyn Pollard has been inspired by BIG things her whole life – so it’s no surprise that she recorded this song written by BIG GRAMMY winning songwriters, Emily Weisband, Laura Veltz, Madison Marlowe and Taylor Dye (of Maddie and Tae).

“Love Letter” perfectly captures Jordyn’s loveable, quirky personality and innocent pop sound that has had her compared to artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Shania, and Taylor Swift.

Over 500 downloads since last year and 2 out 3 stations who stream it have added or downloaded for consideration!

The Sydney Morning Herald ranked Christmas Cafe at the # 3 spot for their Ultimate Holiday Playlist enjoying the stellar lineup with the likes of Brett Eldredge, Nora Jones, Kelly Clarkson, LOLO, and Amanda Shires. Here’s what they had to say ” What’s not to love about a Colorado Fireman recalling a romantic roadhouse rendezous over an acoustic guitar shuffle? Tim Champlin is Interstate Cowboy talk-singing a snowed-in Christmas Eve when ” I had to park my rig and wait/It was like a skatin’ rink out there”. The thing with the waitress wasn’t love/ it was the next best thing”. He says he slept on the couch and we believe him.” Tim recently shared the stage with Lily Rose and Frank Ray at the Infamous “Country Jam” in western Colorado. Tim has also penned several songs with legendary Hall of Fame Songwriter Dean Dillon.

Ghostly Gums Walking away CMAA Golden Guitar
nominated Bush Ballad of the year

Nominated for Bush Ballad of the year by the CMAA at the 2023 golden Guitar Awards
Winner of “Most Promising New Talent 2022” at the People’s Choice Awards

Winner of “Most Popular New Male Artist of 2021” by Independent Country Music Association

Winner of 3 “Purple Guitars”

Winner of “Australian Busking Championships 2019 – Gundagai”

11 Top 20 singles on the “Country Songs Top 40 Australian Airplay charts” (including 4 Number One singles “Before I Go”, “1993” and “Fallen Snow” and “Fireflies”).

“1993” spent 16 weeks on the Australian Country Top 40 Charts.

Love, Lies & Dirty Dishes Debuted at #3 on the ARIA country Album charts
2 top 5 Albums on the Official iTunes Country Album Charts, Love, Lies & DirtyDishes Debuting at #2.

Andy Shows his diversity with a more traditional style after a Stella few years, 5 #1 singles, a #3 album on the Australian Country ARIA Charts with Love, Lies & Dirty Dishes.

I was given these amazing lyrics from Kath Stewart and I wanted to pay tribute to the traditional style the way they were written. I composed 2 versions of the song. This version was produced by Lindsay Waddington who I thought of right away, I wanted a producer that understood bush ballads.

Chatting with Lindsay about how inspired I was after watching “Slim and I asked Lindsay how Slim would approach a song like this. It was a tribute to a legend.

It was written for the farmers who have struggled, and are still struggling. They are the backbone of this great nation. And we often forget that

“I just love the song. It’s an earworm, and brings back memories from my childhood. Dad loved music and we would go down to the local hot food takeaway shop which had a jukebox. He would give us some money to put songs on, as long as we put on ‘Slipping Away’ for him. We have been playing the track at shows for a couple of years and the crowds love to sing along”. – Ross Webb.

Ross’s latest single ‘Slipping Away’ is a trip down memory lane to the 70’s. Ross and his band have put their own mark on this Australian classic and it’s sure to get you singing along.

Ross has been performing country music for over nine years. Influenced by performers such as Zac Brown, Chris Stapleton, Alan Jackson, he has been experimenting with his sound in recent releases.

The latest single follows his previous releases, ‘One Of A Kind’ and ‘I Was Only 19’. Now with a full band, he has been performing and fine tuning his show around the highlands, and Southern NSW, along with juggling his day job as an Account Manager for Grant Broadcasters.

His journey into the music industry has only just begun, and we can’t wait to see where the ride takes him and his music.

‘Faultline’ is a country rock song with gritty guitar riffs that gets you hooked after the first five seconds. The brand new track from Hannah Lee is about getting confident walking the very fine line of having a good time, and talking it too far … You don’t know why you do it, but you do.

Hannah is a country singer/songwriter with an authenticity, strength, and power in her voice that is a stark contrast from her ever-smiling, positive, country girl nature. Hailing from the picturesque valley of Bellangry, NSW, Hannah grew up listening to her parents record collection including Garth Brooks, Jimmy Barnes, AC/DC and Carrie Underwood. This broad and diverse range of genres and voices contributed to her unique sound, providing her with the ability to belt out rocking country classics, all the way through to retelling heartbreaks with just her and her guitar.

Hannah has had quite the year in 2022, opening for Catherine Britt, as well as travelling throughout the Mid North Coast performing her own music. She has just finished recording her debut EP, with every song written solely by herself.

Hannah’s debut single, ‘Just Look Back’, reached #3 on the iTunes Country Song Chart. The self-directed and produced music video was featured regularly on CMT, with the song giving Hannah a loyal following of country loving fans eagerly waiting her next instalment.

Previous single, ‘Momentary Thing’, went straight to number #1 on the iTunes Country Song Chart, as well as continued to appear in the top 10 most downloaded country tracks for radio airplay via PlayMPE.

Hannah Lee, with her unique ability to both break hearts, and get the crowd on their feet through her lyrics, melodies and vocals, is more than equipped and ready to make her mark on the Australian country music scene.

The brand new single from Brooke Harvey, ‘Southern Sky’, tells the story of a young Australian soldier who is sadly killed in action whilst fighting in Vietnam, leaving behind his young pregnant wife. The song is told from the perspective of the young soldier, who’s remains are yet to be uncovered and returned home to Australian soil, and to the wife he left behind.

Hailing from Bulahdelah, a small country town on the Mid North Coast of NSW, it was on the long trips to and from the city that Brooke developed a genuine fascination for music. On high rotation were the songs from some of her earliest musical influences, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and Patsy Cline.

At just three years of age, Brooke began to serenade her parents from the back seat of the car. It was at the age of eight that Brooke strummed her very first chord on the guitar. Not long after, she began writing songs of her own.

Throughout her early teenage years, Brooke went on to perform in various local festivals and cafes in the Newcastle and Hunter Region. Her song ‘Shiny Car’ was selected to feature on the Smokestack Compilation CD which resulted in frequent airtime across Australian radio, including ABC.

At 14, Brooke was ‘Unearthed’ by Triple J. She performed live to air on Triple J from Newcastle’s Civic Park as part of the Unearthed program. Since then, Brooke has continued to fine-tune her musical talents, performing in pubs and clubs along the Mid North Coast of Australia.

Brooke has supported artists such as Kasey Chambers, Shane Nicholson, Fred Eaglesmith, Jim Lauderdale, and Kim Richie, and more recently alongside Bill Chambers at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Okemah Oklahoma.

Hot on the heels of his debut solo single “5 Foot 9” landing at #1 on the USA Country Airplay Chart and cracking the Aussie Country Airplay top 15, Nashville-based superstar TYLER HUBBARD drops his exciting new single “Dancin’ In The Country”.

The title track to his most-recent EP, “Dancin’ In The Country” is co-written with Aussie icon Keith Urban, and having just finished touring with Urban, Hubbard is closing the year in spectacular fashion.

His as-yet untitled debut album is slated for release in late January 2023.

Over the last 10 years, Tyler Hubbard has endeared himself to Country Music fans across the globe as the lead-vocalist of record breaking, multi-platinum duo Florida Georgia Line. Hubbard has also proven himself as one of the most in-demand songwriters in Nashville, writing tracks for artists like Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Lindsay Ell, Billy Currington, Jimmie Allen & Kane Brown.

About Tyler Hubbard

With 19 No. 1 singles on country radio, countless awards, and sold-out tours, Tyler Hubbard has already had a remarkable career as a songwriter and as one half of multi-platinum duo Florida Georgia Line. Now ready for the next chapter, the Georgia-native and prolific songwriter has written well over 100 songs as he works towards his debut solo album release on EMI Nashville.

For the new album, Hubbard teamed up with some of Nashville’s most prominent hitmakers including Ross Copperman, Zach Kale, Rhett Akins, Rodney Clawson, Jon Nite, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett and more. The project will show Hubbard’s many musical sides and influences from urban to contemporary Christian with his country roots remaining in the forefront.

There aren’t many things in life better than waking up to the open fresh air of the country. ‘New Country Morning’ is inspired by one of the many experiences Brendan had camping in the outdoors. A campfire at night, some damper, and maybe a whiskey to warm him up and send him off to sleep. Waking up to the sounds of nature on a fresh cool morning is something he’ll never get tired of.

Award winning singer songwriter, Brendan McMahon, grew up in the small town of Kapunda near South Australia’s Barossa Valley. He discovered his love of music at the tender age of 15 after being “awed and floored” seeing Jimi Hendrix play on television; amazed by the sounds that Jimi could pull from a guitar and captivated by the iconic performer’s showmanship. Borrowing money from his mother (and paying it back at $2 a week) he promptly bought himself a $60 guitar and amp rig from a mate.

Initially wanting to be a glam-rock superstar in the 80s and 90s (think Van Halen, Kiss, Def Leppard), McMahon later transitioned to the more storytelling driven tunes of songwriters such as Paul Kelly, Harry Manx, Richard Thompson and Garth Brooks, artists that continue to inspire him today.

Spending his late teens and early twenties as a lead singer/lead guitarist in rock cover bands playing across Adelaide and country Victoria, McMahon honed his skills the hard way – in front of demanding Australian pub and club crowds. In 1998, and now bitten by both the song writing and performance bug, McMahon released a 7-track EP called ‘Picture This’ with his band The Cunning Stunts.

In 2015 and 2016, Brendan released the solo albums ‘Falling To Earth’ and ‘Marker 7-58′ under the moniker of Satellite Gods, and in doing so was fortunate enough to collaborate and work with some renowned Australian musicians including Peter Maslen (Boom Crash Opera), Jason Vorherr (Darryl Braithwaite), Bob Spencer (The Angels), Simon Hosford (Vanessa Amorosi) and Wilbur Wilde (Ol’ 55).

After supporting artists such as Boom Crash Opera, Russell Morris, Wendy Stapleton and The Chantoozies in Australia, Brendan released the LP ‘On This Fine Occasion’ in 2017, which received great reviews both locally and internationally.

In 2019, McMahon, who now calls Melbourne home, released ‘In The Moment’ – his 4th solo album. Maturity, reflection and drawing on his personal experiences, his inspired yet refined lyrics again take listeners on a captivating journey.

Recorded with Steve Vertigan at Soggy Dog Recording Studios, and again drawing upon Australian music royalty in its creation – namely Dave Leslie (Baby Animals), Danny Spencer (Jimmy Barnes Band), Brett Kingman (James Reyne Band), and Peter Maslen and Jason Vorherr, plus a string trio from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (Sarah Curro, Gabi Halloran and Paul Zabrowarny), this powerful album embraces the essence of story-telling and leaves you thinking about the songs long after the last track finishes.

November 2020 saw the release of ‘No Rush Today’, an album that debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes country music chart on release. McMahon feels his 5th solo offering cemented him in the Country Rock space. The album delivered 3 top 10 AMRAP singles, ‘Jack’, ‘Sugar Cane Man’ and ‘Wired To The Moon’ along with strong charting on many other Australian charts including a No.4 position in France with ‘Sugar Cane Man’.

Once again, the collaboration of Soggy Dog Studios (Steve Vertigan) and McMahon, along with the incredible session musicians from previous albums, has delivered an album of stories about personal journey, travel experiences and people.

June, 2022, marked the release of ‘As The Road Unfolds’, the most successful record to date. It debuted as the highest selling Australian album on the iTunes Country chart. It has also delivered no less than seven chart topping singles – ‘Jenni J’, ‘When I See You Tonight’, ‘I Feel A Change’, ‘Skin & Bone’, ‘Gundry’s Track’, ‘Back Roads’ and ‘President Reynaldo’.