ZFM Country

Celebrated country music duo, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, have revealed the exciting news their forthcoming second album, Up, Down & Sideways is set to be released on Friday June 30th. To mark the occasion, the chart-topping, multi-award-winning Australian husband-and-wife duo, have unveiled their new single ‘Lost If I Lost You’ and shared details of a one-of-a kind competition.

Initially intended for Adam Eckersley Band’s third album, ‘Lost If I Lost You’ didn’t come to fruition as originally planned and ultimately found its true home recorded as a duet. It’s a heartwarming ode to the person you love, accepting every facet of you: the good, the bad, the ugly. Written during COVID, the song organically evolved into a tribute to the duo’s fans. As live performances came to a halt, it became abundantly clear how lost they would be without their fans of their recorded music and live shows.

Up, Down & Sideways is a celebration of the ups and downs of real life and real love. Produced by Robby De Sa (Gretta Ray, The McClymonts, Tina Arena) the album’s magic lies in the dynamic interplay between the couple’s distinct yet complementary musical tastes and relevance of their stories and song writing that’s resulted in award-winning successes and a special connection with live audiences and listeners across the country.

Brooke McClymont shares, “This is chalk and cheese from the first album and I feel like we’ve got the best of both of us on there. We’ve met in the middle with our influences, put them in a blender and come up with this and we feel like this album stamps a moment in time.”

“We want people to feel like we’re sitting there around their fire and sharing their problems and life with them. We want the songs to have a place in their lives.”

This idea ultimately became a reality, as Adam and Brooke aimed to bring their fans closer to their music and to their fire during times of personal and global turmoil. Faced with months of no touring, the birth of a child and the loss of a loved one, they saw it even more important to connect with their audience and share relatable stories of hardship and joy – with a whole lot of fun thrown in.

ABOUT BROOKE MCCLYMONT & ADAM ECKERSLEY

Releasing their debut album as the duo ‘Adam & Brooke’ in 2018, the #1 ARIA Country Album was received rapturously within the country community, garnering accolades and awards all over.

Taking home three awards from their four nominations at the 51st Golden Guitars awards this year, Brooke and Adam topped the night by winning the Song of the Year for their single ‘Star of the Show’,

Apple Music Single of the Year for their song ‘Memory Lane’ and the award for Country Music Capital News Group or Duo of the Year – bringing their total of Golden Guitar Award wins to 20 across their career.

Their daughter, 10-year-old Tiggy Heart Eckersley also became the youngest person in history to be recognised with a Golden Guitar Award, sharing the Song of the Year win with her parents and Dan Biederman as fellow songwriters.

COLT FORD AND JAYNE DENHAM’S “MOONSHINE” DEBUTS ON CMT INTERNATIONALLY.

“Moonshine” Music Video Collaboration Features on CMT Australia and CMT USA.

“Being featured on Jayne’s new song ‘Moonshine’ is a true honor as well as bringing more of my music to the Australian country scene. Country roots run deep, and the spirit of the countryside can be found in every corner of the world, where hardworking and down-to-earth people come together to create community.” – Colt Ford

American singer, rapper, and songwriter Colt Ford and Australia’s five-time Golden Guitar nominee Jayne Denham debut the ‘Moonshine’ music video internationally. As one of Australia’s leading country artists, Jayne Denham is one of the most admired and sought-after performers. The ‘Moonshine’ music video, filmed in Nashville, TN, is a high-energy, boot-stomping performance wrapped in a love story that premieres on CMT Australia and debuts on CMT Online.

The highly anticipated music video was directed by Rick Caballo and his assistant director Brittany Hope Hambrick of Dead Horse Branding. The story truly captures a moonshiners love story and delivers a look into Jayne’s powerhouse voice and energetic stage presence that she brings to her live shows globally.

LA Music Review says Jayne Denham “sparkles in moonshine with this groovy and truly captivating song.” The spaghetti western entertainer teamed up with country pioneer Colt Ford for the genre-breaking music video that showcases Jayne’s incredible artistry as a cross-country collaboration.

Among many accolades, this is one of the biggest milestones in Jayne’s career. Her epic single and music video collaboration with overseas counterparts continues to expand her artistic repertoire. Sophie Hamely from Sunburnt Country Music says, “Anyone who has heard a Jayne Denham song won’t soon forget it, because Denham never fails to impress. With her powerhouse voice and boundless energy – which she brings to her live shows as well – Denham inhabits her songs, bringing them to vivid life for fans.”

This creative collaboration continues to evolve in country music, with artists integrating another artist’s contribution. Written by Colin Elmore, Cameron Jaymes, and Melissa Pierce, and produced by Grammy-nominated songwriters and producers Brian Bunn and Brian White, ‘Moonshine’ is the first release of Jayne’s upcoming album ‘Moonshine’.

To accompany the upcoming ‘Moonshine’ album, Jayne has partnered with Franklin County Distillery, located in the mountains of Virginia, known as the “Moonshine Capital of the World,” to release her own line of two different flavored moonshines, Ridge Runner Pear and Orchard Peach.

Jayne’s 5th album, ‘Wanted’, came out of the gate firing all the bullets, reaching No. 1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album chart and No. 2 on the Air Australian Indie chart after Jimmy Barns. The album also landed Jayne 2x Golden Guitar Awards for Female Artist of the Year, and Contemporary Album of the Year. ‘Wanted’ led Jayne to define the foundation and essence of her brand, which electrifies costume attire and custom-made leather accessories by Buffalo Girl designer Terry Cronin. Denham has scored four No. 1 smash hits in Australia, six Top 10 songs in the National Country Charts, 12 Top 30 videos, and six Country Music Channel (CMC) nominations.

Dan Lynch’s upcoming single Australia finds itself in the same territory as Australian icons like Goanna or Warumpi Band, who proudly sang of the connection between the ancient land, its people, and their dreaming. Recorded as three different versions – each with its own unique qualities – Australia is upbeat and optimistic… a celebration of solidarity that is very welcome in these divided times.

With Australia Dan is taking his Australian heritage to everyone everywhere, showing them not just the country he grew up in, but the voices of the countless generations who came before him.

“Occasionally, we come across an artist that feels like we’ve known them forever. Their music seems to have a deja vu effect, mirroring our past moments, fun-seeking behaviors, and bittersweet relationships. Dan Lynch, an Aussie singer and songwriter from Sydney is just that. The track Australia is a supremely loveable tune with loveable vocals, a glorious piece of storytelling, a perfectly and incredibly crafted song.”

Rising country rock singer-songwriter Maddie Cail is earning a name for herself in South-East Queensland, captivating audiences with her live performances and is now set to release a new catchy, sassy track entitled ‘Giddy Up’ .

Written by Maddie and produced by Nashville based Australian producer Michael Flanders, the track was penned from a personal perspective. Every so often you see someone you know falling in love with the wrong person. ‘Giddy Up’ symbolises the relationship as a gamble, hence why the lyrics include clever betting terminologies throughout the song. Although ‘Giddy Up’ seems like it should be a sad song, it was written to give the listener a sense of closure. At the end of the story, the relationship ends but instead of being spiteful, the person in love wishes them all the best. Maddie hopes the song will resonate with her listeners and aims to give closure to those who need it.

“I am so excited to finally be releasing ‘Giddy Up’. This song is definitely my personal favourite, and I cannot wait to share it with everyone”.

‘Giddy Up’ is a follow up to Maddie’s previous singles ‘Better Than I Am’ and ‘Bad Girl Gone Good’ and comes of the back of supporting industry heavyweights, The Wolfe Brothers earlier this year.

Maddie Cail is known for drawing her audience in with her big personality, unique tone, and quirky original songs but one thing is certain, her star is on the rise, and we expect to hear a lot more from this talented artist over the next few years.

Country singer-songwriter Jimbo Stokes launches his second single “Headed Country”. Jimbo teamed up with legendary producer Rod McCormack and Nashville’s Sally Baris to create the song.

The catchy “Headed Country” shows off Jimbo’s distinctive vocals in an honest narrative – a unique feel-good track that beautifully contrasts his debut release of “Atlas” late last year, which was a touching and heartfelt tribute to his late mother. The upbeat modern country tune tells the story of Jimbo’s move from the corporate world back to the country.

“There’s such a great sense of freedom when you’re heading back out to the country or wherever home may be and I think we captured some of this in Headed Country”

Born and raised on a sheep and cattle station near Tamworth, Jimbo returned to the Hunter New England region at the beginning of the 2022 after working, studying and playing rugby in Sydney. Country hasn’t always been Jimbo’s musical home, having trained as an operatic tenor under Christine Douglas (Director/Founder – Pacific Opera), but he returned to his first love during COVID-19 times.

To bring the single video to life, Jimbo worked with Manly-based videographer Piers Haskard (known for his work with Boss Hunting and Huawei) – filming in both Sydney’s CBD and the Upper Hunter Valley where Jimbo now calls home.

2023 will be his biggest year in music by far, with three releases forthcoming

Bryce Sainty is one of Australia’s best emerging country artists and he is kicking of 2023 with a bang. Coming off a massive 2022 with the release of his EP “Hometown”, Bryce accumulated over 3 million streams and performed with some of Australia’s biggest artists including The Wolfe Brothers , Tim Freedman (The Whitlams) and Andrew Farriss (INXS).

Co-written with The Wolfe Brothers and produced by Rod McCormack, “Sideline” is the first single in a new era of music for Bryce. With powerful lyrics, “Sideline” is an upbeat motivational country song about standing up and following your dreams.

“Sideline is a personal message to myself, to motivate me to keep following my dreams and I hope that I can inspire others to follow their dreams when listening to the song.”

Bryce continues to make waves in the country music world with a massive 2023 planned full of new music and performing at festivals including Cousin Country 2023. Deemed an “artists to watch” by Spotify, look out for Bryce in 2023.

The new country power ballad from Jamie Lindsay.

Jamie Lindsay is an artist who won’t be boxed in and his new single, ‘A Lifetime To Forget You’, is musical proof.

“This song is a really big power ballad from me with a cool story in the chorus,” he said.

“It’s about falling head over heels for someone the second you meet them and are absolutely consumed by them and you know, that whatever happens, you’re never going to forget that love.”

“It stemmed from labelling myself as a country rock artist – sometimes I’ll be more on the country side and, at other times, a little more on the rock side.”

The NSW Central Coast artist grew up on a healthy diet of country, mixed with strong influences from bands including Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and other rock powerhouses.

“From a songwriting point of view, ‘A Lifetime To Forget You’ could be about a crush or it could be the love of your life – we’ve all had that feeling,” he said.

“From a producer’s point of view, I wanted it to be like those ’80’s and ’90’s power rock ballads because I want to stretch my wings and the last thing I want to do is repeat myself.”

As a singer, songwriter and producer, Jamie said he wanted to demonstrate to music lovers what he could do, without being labelled and boxed into one style of country.

“I don’t want to be predictable and I’m going to song write for me,” he said.

It’s a tale as old as time. Shanleigh Rose reminds us that sometimes you don’t have to search the world for love. Everything you have been looking for may have been next to you the whole time.

Australian singer-songwriter, Shanleigh Rose, returns with a tale as old as time. ‘Boy Next Door’ tells the story of opening your eyes to find that the person you’re meant to spend the rest of your life with, has been right next to you all along.

“Boy Next Door” is one of my favorite songs that I’ve written”, Shanleigh states. “It’s based around my parents and their love story, but also, it’s a universal story that so many people can relate to.

I even had my boy next door for a while. But it’s truly magical when the next-door neighbour love story has a happy ending, and that’s what this song’s about.”

Rose is a shy and quietly spoken artist with a talent of writing songs that speak loud and clear. She possesses a unique blend of lyrical prowess and vocal range that allows her to deliver emotionally impactful music in a captivating manner. Her songs draw breath from both her personal experiences and universal themes, making them simultaneously intimate, exceptional, and memorable.

At 17, with a skill beyond her years, she effortlessly weaves together melodies and metaphors, creating complex harmonies that make her performances both lively and crisp. Her extensive range and lyrical depth enable her to captivate audiences with both heartfelt ballads and upbeat anthems.

Shanleigh draws inspiration from the works of artists like Taylor Swift, Fanny Lumsden, Luke O’Shea, Olivia Rodrigo, and Missy Higgins. Her contemporary fusion of alternative country and folk, create a vibrant tapestry of sound that is both pleasing to the ear and hard not to love.

“I’m super excited for this year! I hope to showcase my music to as many people and places that I can. I’m always writing new material and chasing that catchy hook, looking for the melodies in every situation.

I recently got a job at a local recording studio and I’m graduating grade twelve in November which I can’t wait for. And then, it’s music, music, music! To have my songs be a source of comfort or relatability for somebody would truly be a dream.”

After releasing two independent singles, ‘Good Luck With Your Love’, and ‘Find Myself’, Shanleigh is now working on her debut EP. Fearless in her exploration of different themes, Shanleigh’s songs cover a wide range of experiences, from the joys of heartbreak, to the irony of the beauty culture often portrayed on social media. The EP is sure to be filled with stories that resonate deeply with her listeners.

Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen collaborate to share the love!

It’s all about sharing the good vibes for Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen and that’s exactly what they have achieved with their latest collaboration, ‘Let Your Love Flow’ – out April 14.

The award-winning recording artists said they love this song for its high vibrational energy and uplifting positive lyrics… “let your love flow like a mountain stream, let your love flow to all living things…”

“Music makes you feel all emotions and ‘Let Your Love Flow’ really says it all in the title of the song. You feel uplifted and happy!” Jason said.

“By joining forces with Tania, we’ve taken this song to another level which I feel will have a whole new impact on many people.”

These chart-topping artists are no strangers to collaborating together, having released ‘Back Home Again’ in 2021. It was the stellar success of that recording which has brought them back together in 2023.

“Jason is an incredible talent and such a down to earth great guy. He is the quintessential “hat trick”, he’s got the voice, the charisma and the looks!” Tania said.

The feeling is mutual for Jason: “I’m truly blessed to be able to join forces with Tania and her incredible wealth of talent. From the moment we first met, there have been lots of laughs and conversations about music and just how it has such an incredible impact on people and their lives.”

This dynamic team have expanded their music audience worldwide through the power of social media. Their ‘country classic’ duets, filmed exclusively for their Facebook followers, have received over 8 million views and counting, testament to Tania and Jason’s continuing popularity.

It’s clear to see, when Jason and Tania perform together a feel-good wave flows from them. Eager to share this energy with their audiences it’s only fitting that Tania and Jason are about to embark on a national tour.

Tania and Jason will be performing a collection of their original hit songs along with some of their favourite country classics. They have also handpicked some of Australia’s finest musicians to join them on tour.

Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen’s, Let Your Love Flow National Tour has been aptly named, so get yourself ready to let your love flow, this concert is a must see!

Dynamic Pop Country Singer-Songwriter Natalie Pearson Releases ‘Not In These Boots’.

Natalie Pearson returns with a brand new single ‘Not In These Boots’.

The upbeat track was co-written with powerhouse Nashville based songwriter Phil Barton and fellow country artist Brook Chivell, and was produced by Gold Coast producer Jared Adlam at Machine Lab Recordings. A well-constructed and polished pop-country arrangement, with a commanding vocal performance and empowering lyrics, this track is bound to resonate with Natalie’s growing fanbase.

“I had the best time writing this one over in Nashville. The whole vibe of the trip was inspiring, and Phil Barton just had this electric energy in the writing room that created the foundation for a really catchy pop country song. We got a bit sassy, a bit clever and very girl power. I’m loving the pop direction, and Jared did an amazing job on the production. I can’t wait to share it!”

Continuously earning respect from her peers including major artists such as The Wolfe Brothers, Travis Collins and Adam Brand, Natalie is no stranger to touring, performing at Australia’s most iconic music festivals including Tamworth Country Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster, Deni Ute Muster, Groundwater Country Festival and Fresh Country Music Festival (along with Casey Barnes, The Buckley’s and Josh Setterfield). Her edgy blend of country pop mixed with a country rock edge and powerhouse vocals have ensured Natalie has made her mark in the industry.

With her empowering and positive attitude on life, it’s easy to see how quickly Natalie’s fan base has grown and have been loyal throughout her career. Natalie has always conveyed a strong message to believe in yourself and her honesty is very relatable.

Dynamic vocals, magnetic personality, combined with an engaging and a high energy live performance while also having the ability to strip a song back to expose the raw and emotional side, ensures Natalie is one of the most versatile live performers in Australia. Watch this space for further releases in 2023 as Natalie’s star continues to shine.

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.

Multi-platinum, iconic Canadian Dean Brody has released his new single “Where’d You Learn How To Do That” a fun, upbeat track, showing off his country roots, that will anchor his live show later this year. As the top-selling internationally signed country artist in the world, with today’s release it’s easy to see how Brody has become Canadian country music royalty.

“It’s been a while since we had a song that brings a party like this one does”, says Brody, “so I’m hoping everyone loves it as much as I do, I think we’re all ready to have some fun”. Not one to ever slow down, Brody has been busy the past year setting records and marking major career milestones. The past two years saw the acclaimed artist land his sixth and seventh number ones at Canadian country radio on back-to-back duets with his history-making track “Boys” feat. Country music’s fastest rising star Mickey Guyton and “More Drinkin’ Than Fishin” with labelmate Jade Eagleson. He also secured his 18th CCMA Award, landing the “Top Selling Canadian Single” with his #1 track feat. The Reklaws, “Can’t Help Myself”…A song which has resonated Globally!

With over 12 years of making music behind him, 32+ Top 10 singles and 325+ Million Global Streams, Brody continues to prove why he is one of Canada’s most celebrated country icons.

About Dean Brody:

Multi-platinum, iconic Canadian artist Dean Brody is celebrating the biggest years of his career. No country artist has owned the Canadian “Live” stage more than Dean in recent years with three national arena tours (2 breaking national ticket sale records), an acoustic national tour and as the only Canadian country artist to hold a 7-year residency at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage.

Not one to ever slow down, Brody has been busy setting records and marking major career milestones. 2021 saw the acclaimed artist land his sixth and seventh number ones at Canadian country radio on back-to-back duets with his history-making track “Boys” feat. Country music’s fastest rising star Mickey Guyton and “More Drinkin’ Than Fishin” with labelmate Jade Eagleson. He also secured his 18th CCMA Award, landing the “Top Selling Canadian Single” with his #1 track feat. The Reklaws, “Can’t Help Myself”. He kicked off 2022 by earning a JUNO Awards nomination for Country Album of the Year and securing his first TRIPLE-PLATINUM single with “Bring Down The House,” making him only the second artist in Canadian history to ever achieve this status on a single. He also landed his eighth #1 with his single “Where’d You Learn How to Do That”. Brody celebrated these moments with fans throughout the year with headlining stops across the country including Budweiser Stage (Toronto), Festival Country Lotbinière and Dauphin Country Fest, a 10-night residency at the Calgary Stampede as well as a show in his hometown of Fort Steele with the NHLPA.

A passionate storyteller and unmatched lyricist, Dean has risen and continues to remain at the top of the Canadian country landscape with an impressive 34 Top-10 singles (including 8 #1’s), 18 CCMA Awards, 2 JUNOs, more than 425+ million global streams and numerous gold and platinum certified singles (including 1 triple platinum and 3 double platinum). Only Shania Twain has more Canadian streams than Dean when looking at Canadian country artists “lifetime” results.

While a consistently celebrated entertainer, Dean also dedicates a large part of his life to philanthropic efforts through his charity, The Dean Brody Foundation. To continue his foundations’ mission, Dean has recently entered a partnership with International Justice Mission (IJM), a global organization that shares the core values and goals of The Dean Brody Foundation. Working together to prevent violence and exploitation before it happens, the multi-year partnership with IJM will provide Dean the opportunity to work as an IJM Canada Ambassador and highlight his decade-long fight for justice on a global scale.

BAREFOOT JOE is a country music artist and songwriter with a soulful country sound. New to the country music scene, BAREFOOT JOE has already been nominated for the Josie Award for Best Male Vocalist in Country (2022). As a songwriter, BAREFOOT JOE has worked with a wide variety of writers, producers, and artist, including Clarence Jey, Joshua Thompson, Danny Kensy, Dakota Jay (Rad Records), and Corey Lee Barker.

BAREFOOT JOE has opened for a number of artist including, John Rich, Old Dominion, Michael Ray, Brett Young, Tony Jackson, Southerland, and Confederate Railroad.

ABOUT JUST PLAIN CRAZY

Written by BAREFOOT JOE (J. McMinn), Corey Lee Barker, Randi Driscoll, and Danny Kensy, Just Plain Crazy, fittingly, released to digital on Valentine’s Day 2/14/23.

Recorded at Nashville’s longest continuously running studio, Hilltop Recording Studios, Just Plain Crazy features BAREFOOT JOE’s soulful lead vocals over a beautiful authentic Nashville ensemble. While contrasting how, often, opposites attract, BAREFOOT JOE playfully sums up relationships with “We’re either crazy in love or just plain crazy!”

QUOTES

trosser6258 Today’s Country 2023

“The introduction to ‘Just Plain Crazy’ by Barefoot Joe opens with a set of smooth and easy listening instrumentals that quickly establishes a connection between himself and the audience. The vocal production from Joe is excellent because most listeners can hear the passion and conflicting tone behind each lyric that he sings. The lyrics have a creative and romantic narrative / message that is fun to listen to and visualize due to all the fine details. The rhythm has a soft and uplifting tempo that perfectly keeps the audience engaged with the song. The instrumental variety chosen for the song blends country and rock together to create a tender sound that perfectly complements Joe’s soulful vocal tone. Overall, the song is a great listen and will make for a great addition to the playlist.”

In 1960 Grand Ole Opry Star Ferlin Husky released a song pinned by Bob Ferguson called “Wings of a Dove”. This song was No 1 for 10 nonconsecutive weeks on the country charts. Fast forward 60 years the brothers of the Flat River Band are sitting around the garage reminiscing and hearing their Grandpa Sitze sing that old song. It only made sense to write a song about a dove in remembrance of their childhood days playing music with their grandpa.

In your face three part harmony Impacting Radio Now

Brendan McMahon returns with his brand new single, ‘I Hear Your Voice (The Soldier)’, a song dedicated to the brave young soldiers who, over the years, have left their loved ones to fight for the countries they love.

When you listen to Brendan McMahon’s music, you gain a strong sense of the man behind the songs. An inveterate traveller and astute observer, possessed of an enquiring and open mind – these are just some of his personality traits that shine through.

McMahon is a multi-award winning singer-songwriter with over twenty years’ experience. Not afraid to defy expectation, his music is eclectic, adventurous, and blessed with a ‘limitless fluidity’. Having visited over fifty unique and varied countries, his travel experiences, specifically his observations of history, cultures, people, architecture, and nature, are at the root of his creativity and songwriting.

‘I Hear Your Voice (The Soldier)’ came from a simple keystroke on the piano according to Brendan. “I was sitting at my piano when a vision of a young soldier on a battlefield, thousands of miles from his home and country, entered my mind”.

“I started tapping on one piano note, and ‘I Hear Your Voice (The Soldier)’ was the end result. I could visualise the soldier thinking about his young bride across the other side of the world and at the same time, she was thinking about him. Their communication was almost telepathic as they yearned to be in each other’s arms”.

The dynamic video for ‘I Hear Your Voice (The Soldier)’ was filmed by seven-time Australian Country Music Award wining Producer and Director, Duncan Toombs, and absolutely encapsulates the sentiment of this powerful song.

Country fans love a drinking song, and Bundaberg Mark Lavender’s new single is an uplifting celebration of mates, beers and the good things in life – think Zac Brown’s Country Fried vibe.

Mark wrote ‘Wash The World Away’ when the world shut down and he couldn’t enjoy a beer with mates, but was wishing for everything he was missing.

“I wrote it during COVID when everything was really bad and all the pubs and clubs closed down, so everyone was sitting around at home,” he said.

“The song is about how you’re going to sit back, have a beer and a smoke and think about the positive things you have at home. I wanted to put a positive spin on the situation instead of another COVID song.”

The catchy single is the second to come from the Queensland Wide Bay artist who always aims to spread the happy vibes, while conveying strong messages.

“When I do it at my gigs, both the younger country fans and the older crowd sing along,” he said.

“I want it to stick in your head as a happy, go lucky song.”

Having graduated from the prestigious CMAA Academy of Country Music in January 2023, Mark is working to build his audience with his new music, reaching bigger platforms and having a bigger presence in 2023.

“I want to release more songs and thought ‘Wash The World Away’ was a good start to 2023,” he said.

“I have a lot of happy go lucky songs like that, but also singles that will be more heartfelt like previous single, ‘Strong Man’, but they’re always about real issues and real people and putting my own spin on it one way or the other.”

Recorded with Buddy Hyatt Productions in Nashville, Mark recorded the vocals for ‘Wash The World Away’ in Bundaberg with the rest of the track recorded in Music City USA.

“I formed that relationship with him in Nashville when I was there in 2016 when I recorded my previous single, ‘Strong Man’, live in the studio,” Mark said.

Multi-Platinum certified star Darius Rucker returns to Country radio with a new preview of his forthcoming album, Carolyn’s Boy, with new single “Fires Don’t Start Themselves”.

Written by Dan Isbell, Ben Hayslip and Jacob Rice, the sensual song showcases Rucker’s smooth baritone celebrated by Billboard as “one of the most distinctive voices of the modern country era” and by The New Yorker as “extraordinary: rich, round, and full of nuance.”

“When I first heard ‘Fires Don’t Start Themselves,’ the hook immediately got me,” reflects Rucker. “The beginning of the chorus, ‘Let’s drink what’s left of this…’ is classic ’90s Country. I love it!”

Rucker will also kick off his Starting Fires Tour on June 15, visiting 21 cities across the U.S. and Canada throughout the summer. Joining the three-time GRAMMY winner as direct support across most dates is popular Americana band Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, with rising star Drew Green as direct support on select dates.

He also recently announced the lineup for his second annual Riverfront Revival Music Festival, taking place October 7-8 in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. Joining Rucker to perform are fellow headliners Turnpike Troubadours, plus Lainey Wilson, Band of Horses, Greensky Bluegrass, Niko Moon, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Drivin N’ Cryin , Megan Moroney, Elvie Shane and more.

Additionally, Rucker will return to the stage this spring with his Hootie & the Blowfish bandmates, taking over the picturesque stretch of white sand beach at Moon Palace Cancún for the second annual HootieFest: The Big Splash, a four-day celebration of all things rock. Set for April 26-29, the destination event will feature three headlining performances on the beach by the GRAMMY Award-winning band, plus daily pool parties, intimate oceanfront performances from Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies, Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, Everclear, Edwin McCain, Lit and Cowboy Mouth, as well as a special Hootie & the Blowfish sunset show.

We all remember that time first time we fell in love, you know the kind of love that puts hope in your heart and wind in your hair. The kind of feeling that you want to hold onto forever – kind of like fireflies in a mason jar. Well, that is exactly what Hudson Rose has captured in her latest single “Fireflies in Tennessee”.

On the back of her hit “Misery”, Hudson has followed up with a single that perfectly captures the excitement, hope and magic of young love. When asked about “Fireflies in Tennessee” – Hudson says “I want this song to feel familiar, like something you’ve heard or experienced before. Something that makes you smile and feel warm inside. As a songwriter I love creating stories and emotions that people didn’t know they needed to hear” she continues. Hudson has always used song writing as a form of communication with her fans and community and this single is no different. “I wanted to capture that feeling of butterflies in your stomach forever” – Hudson says. “Fireflies in Tennessee” is a catchy single that you will have on repeat, tapping along right from its release.

About Hudson Rose:
Hudson Rose grew up listening to a variety of music and in 2016 received her first guitar, a mini Maton and just three weeks later, in January 2017 she set off for her first Tamworth Country Music Festival. That combined with a trip to see her idol Keith Urban she was hooked, determine to use her voice and ability to tell stories through music. Hudson arrives in life with a glass half full attitude and a commitment to her music and regional community. Hudson Rose diffuses her music with an irresistible mix of hope, honesty, and fearless authenticity revealing layers of herself with each single and showing her ability to put it all out there while crafting catchy and deep melodies. Hudson Rose is an incredibly humble musician who unfailingly holds her own with industry veterans as she shares the stage, studios and airways cultivating her honest and optimistic style everywhere she goes.

Expect to hear the name Hudson Rose more and more in 2023. The young Regional NSW artist has seen a steady rise in her short career following the independent release of debut single in 2020.

Timeless, poignant and beautiful, ‘Unsteady (Ever Since You’re Gone)’ sounds like classic Everly Brothers meets Beatles wrapped inside a western movie soundtrack – and yet it is unmistakably Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham! Their voices weave together and tell the tale with emotive precision as the narrative builds from delicate to defiant over the course of the song.

‘Unsteady (Ever Since You’re Gone)’ is almost a prequel to Felicity and Josh’s #1 ARIA debut album The Song Club, which told the beautiful story of new beginnings and new love, and earned them 4 x Golden Guitar award nominations. Stopping short of venturing into the gory details, ‘Unsteady (Ever Since You’re Gone)’ winds the clock back to reveal the less than beautiful landscape that the unexpected pairing of Felicity and Josh emerged from.

Written from inside his own dark days during that period, the song chronicles Josh’s reflections on the slow process of healing from trauma to almost wholeness as the broken bits leave wounds, wisdom and the determination to begin again. As the song says, “It’s better to have loved and left than never to have left at all”, and sometimes leaving is the only loving outcome for everyone involved – sometimes the only thing to do is learn your lessons, move on, and have faith that the scars you carry will carry you forward to the new beginning.

While walking along a black sand beach at that time, Josh noticed a solitary white gull feather surrounded by the vast expanse of black sand. The feather looked pure and beautiful in its whiteness but also bleached and windswept from the elements. But rather than appearing like a white flag of surrender, it seemed to convey resilient defiance to the darkness that engulfed it. The image was so striking that it became the inspiration for not only the song, but also the path forward – a path that ultimately led him to Felicity who was in her own process of venturing forward from the world of darkness that had enveloped her in the wake of her late husband’s passing.

In spite of its weighty origins, ‘Unsteady (Ever Since You’re Gone)’ is truly uplifting and serves as a mantra for anyone who needs to move forward and leave the dark behind. With a follow up full length album to come in August 2023, ‘Unsteady (Ever Since You’re Gone)’ provides a tantalising glimpse into what’s in store from Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham.

Multiple Aria and Golden Guitar award winning producer Matt Fell came on board as the perfect partner to help Felicity and Josh realise their vision. The all-star rhythm section of Matt himself on bass and Josh Schuberth on drums, thickens up the sound and makes a solid bed for Josh Cunningham’s electric guitar, high strung guitar and tenor banjo to lay in, adding texture and sophistication to the distinctive sound that the couple make.

‘Unsteady (Ever Since You’re Gone)’ was recorded at home on the Central Coast of NSW. Josh Schuberth added drums at Burning Mountain Studios in the Blue Mountains of NSW and Matt Fell added bass guitar, percussion and mixed the song at Wilder Studio in Tasmania. It was mastered by William Bowden at King Willy Sound, also in Tasmania.

Deciding who was best equipped to visually capture the essence of ‘Unsteady (Ever Since You’re Gone)’ was an easy choice. Long time friend and collaborator, Duncan Toombs of The Filmery, masterfully tapped into the balance of fragility and strength in the lyric. Felicity and Josh are presented in black and white, standing out against the darkness like solitary white feathers on a black sand beach. The occasional feather float’s serenely through shot, and the close-up colour vision of the guitar playing provides contrast and speaks to music’s healing power to bring life back to colour following a season of bleak blackness. The clip was shot at The Filmery studio in Gosford with the assistance of 10-year-old Eliie, who did a superb job of releasing the feather to the breeze that drifted poignantly through the clip.

‘Unsteady (Ever Since You’re Gone)’, the new single from Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham is out now through ABC Music.

Powerhouse Singer-Songwriter Brooke Schubert Releases ‘New Kids In Town’

Brisbane singer-songwriter Brooke Schubert has shared stages with some of the world’s biggest artists, but her career is only just beginning. Known as a powerhouse live performer with her signature style of country and rock, Brooke has taken the last few years to write and record songs that reflect her true self and she’s now ready to show them to the world.

Her first offering ‘New Kids In Town’ is a sophisticated and catchy track, which showcases Brooke’s vocal capabilities and is destined to resonate with audiences with its worldwide appeal.

“Chasing sunsets with the windows down, we sing Eagles ‘New Kid In Town” – the opening lines of our new road trip anthem for 2023. The imagery of liberated love is captured by a world class vocal performance and a driving back beat that is synonymous with the freedom of travelling the wide-open road.

“On my way home from Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2022, I was letting the hundreds of kilometres pass me by while listening to The Eagles back catalogue. I was letting those harmonies wash over me, while getting lost in their lyrics all over again. I guess The Eagles sound country now more than ever with the evolution of music through the decades. But one thing is undeniable about their music – the way it makes you feel.

‘New Kid In Town’ is one of my all-time favourites. One of my first memories is my Mum sitting on the couch singing and playing it on her guitar. Maybe that explains my emotional attachment to the band, who knows?

Looking back, me showing my respect to them, even in a small way, was always going to happen.

I wrote ‘New Kids In Town’ while travelling down that New England Highway, recording it straight into my voice memos as it was coming to me. This song, to me, felt like home as soon as I finished writing it.

I can only hope you chase the sunsets with your windows down while listening to my ‘New Kids In Town”.

Brooke is no stranger to music lovers, having had her profile boosted with appearances on The Voice and Australian Idol but she has been touring since she was a child. Her biggest appearance yet was with Keith Urban on his ‘Light The Fuse’ Tour of Australia.

There is a debut album on the way in 2023 with a collection of songs co-written with country music heavyweights Kaylee Bell, Graeme Connors, Nolan Songs, Jerry Flowers, Linc Phelps and Natalie Pearson, along with shows and appearances at music festivals. Watch out Australia, there is a new kid in town and she’s ready to take on the world!

Award Winning Country Music Artist Col Finley Is Living His Best Life.

Col Finley returns in 2023 with a new offering and a fresh lease on life.

‘Living Your Best Life’ (co-written with fellow band member Billy Handley) is an exciting up-tempo track and is Col’s first single release since 2018, but it is the start of many tracks focused on ‘living our best lives’.

The emotion and energy behind this song are evident as Col explains: “Life is treating people hard, the uncertainty is overwhelming, we need to turn it around and the only person who can turn it around is YOU!!! Immediately we can do it by choosing the path we walk and our tone when we talk. Creating a better place for others will create a better space for YOU!!”

This positive outlook on life comes from witnessing a difficult time through a worldwide pandemic. The isolation, the lack of contact with family and friends and the outside world. From this we learn that life is precious, and we should enjoy every minute and never take anything for granted. Celebrate the good times and love those around us unconditionally. Col has a simplistic way of bringing songs to life, with subjects such as his love for family, his country and its heritage, and his controversial past of the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Those dark days saw Col and wife Nellie struggle for 14 years to be clean and to learn to live with anxiety and depression. His latest single ‘Living Your Best Life’ grew from those ashes and is a testament to their success. ‘Living Your Best Life’ is a mantra that Col and Nellie have been centred around for the past few years. Life is so unpredictable, and everyone is unsure of the future. Col’s belief is “it’s time to stop letting the future control us so let’s start controlling it” by LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE.” To live one’s best life is to say and do or be surrounded by the things that create the best you! It’s about taking control of our lives and embracing our family, friends, and the world we live in”.

The new single is bound to resonate with Col’s fans who have been enjoying his energetic live shows for years. With six successful commercial albums under his belt, Col has continued to be at the forefront of Australia’s country music scene over the past three decades. A constant advocate in mental health awareness, Col has been devoted in giving back to the community.

2023 will be a new chapter, which will see Col writing the soundtrack and performing in an Australian feature film ‘Nowhere Man’, performing at festivals, and touring to towns to play for his loyal and loving fans.

With Col Finley’s seventh album on the horizon, his love for crafted songs will be a big feature in this new project with the album due for release in 2024.

“The passion and drive that I get when I write and perform inspires me to keep producing. Music is so powerful and still so deep in my soul, I just love it and all it creates”.

Expect to see Col touring extensively in 2023-24 along with highly anticipated new music releases. An exciting year awaits!

Col Finley’s new single ‘Living Your Best Life’ is out to radio on Monday 27th March and all digital platforms on Friday 31st March

In 1902, a lively young man – known to his mates as Mickey Brennan – started work on the Mount Kembla Coal Mine high on the stunning NSW South Coast escarpment, known to the local indigenous Dharawal people as ‘Jumbulla’ – a good place for hunting wallaby.

After just one week on the job, Mickey – seeing the complete disregard for safety and care for its workers – told his boss he was ‘out of there’ – and as he entered the mine for what was to be his last day – a large pocket of unventilated coal seam gas hit an exposed candle flame causing a devastating explosion that claimed 96 souls in, what is still to this day, Australia’s worst mining disaster.

More than 12 years on, we are still putting our hunger for coal, gas and ultimately ‘profit’ over the health and well-being of not just our miners and surrounding communities, but the entire planet.

Mickey Brennan’s body was the only one never recovered from the disaster but many witnesses claim his ghost still resides in the cellar of the local Mount Kembla Pub.

“There’s a lot we don’t know about the soul – sometimes it can’t move on until the truth’s been told!”

Hopefully this song ‘Hey Jumbulla (The Ghost of Mickey Brennan)’ allows Mickey to find some long overdue peace.

The song was written by Luke O’Shea and Zane Banks after a conversation they had late one night about Zane’s great-great grandfather and uncles who were working inside the mine that day and miraculously survived the explosion.

“My mother’s family lived on Mt Kembla for several generations dating back to the early Victorian period,” Zane said.

“My great-grandmother, Agnes Perry (1899-2007) acquired many fascinating tales about the area, its history and local characters over the course of her long life.

“She was the last living person who was on Mt Kembla when the coal mine exploded on 31/7/1902 and one of the stories she told me – which left an impression – was the tragedy of Mickey Brennan and his ghost.

“It’s a tale which has been worthy of a song for over a century but was meeting Luke in 2022 in which I found the person to sing such a tune.”

This is the second single to be lifted from sixteen-time Golden Guitar winner Luke O’Shea’s highly anticipated new album, ‘Next Best Thing’, to be released later in the year.

She’s played alongside some of the biggest names in country music, graced the charts and her debut single has had over a million streams – now Abby Christo has released her latest single ‘Note To Self’.

Sure to hook fans, old and new, ‘Note To Self’ is a great country-pop song full of optimistic, feel-good Nashville vibes and all about letting go of the things out of your control. “I suffer from bad anxiety, so I wanted to write a song to listen to when I’m overthinking. A song that says ‘some things are meant to be, others aren’t’.” Based between Sydney, Australia and New Zealand (Auckland and Taranaki), ‘Note To Self’ was made with the support of NZ On Air and written and recorded between the two countries – both in-studio and remotely. Abby says that the country sounds reflect her passion for country music, and that the honest, raw lyrics represent who she is as a person. “I’m vulnerable, optimistic, curious, and my music gives me a platform to be able to express it all.”

Also being released today is a music video filmed on a ‘random farm’ a few hours out of Sydney and co-directed by Abby and Blacklist Productions. “For me, sunsets, cowboy boots and open backroads bring me a lot of joy, so I had to have them all in the video! Visually, it’s how I feel when I hear the lyrics – letting go, road tripping and being at ease.” Filmed on the ‘hottest day ever’, the artist did her own hair, makeup and wardrobe changes outside the back of a car. “There were cows and birds around which felt really wholesome and grounding. The scenery made me love the song even more because it brought it to life.”

Currently based in Sydney, Abby is busy writing her second EP, and has festival performances lined up, including CMC Rocks in Queensland with Morgan Wallen and Zac Brown Band. She also has an exciting songwriting trip planned to one of the great homes of country – Nashville – later in the year.

A self-described ‘Heartbroken Optimist’, Abby Christo first stepped into the spotlight in 2015, when she appeared on X- Factor NZ as part of duo Mae Valley. They broke charts with their debut self-titled EP and played alongside global country megastars like Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Kelsea Ballerini. In 2017, Abby spent 2 years finding her voice as a solo artist, penning her debut single Kiss Me Into Monday, which has had over 1.4 million streams. It was during the pandemic Abby wrote her debut solo EP SLOW DOWN GIRL – an EP that contains her most authentic music yet. She went on to sell out her first headline Sydney show in July 2022, celebrating the release of her EP. With new music on the horizon, many listeners will find solace and hope in Abby Christo’s country songs.

Brittany Maggs, the hottest new artist in Australian country music, is gearing up to release her latest single, ” Typical Country Girl”. The song is a catchy and upbeat country-pop track that showcases Brittany’s powerhouse vocals and infectious energy. The track is a celebration of the people who love country but don’t quite fit the mould, with lyrics that are sure to resonate with fans of all ages.

Born and raised on a property, Brittany grew up surrounded by horses, wide-open spaces, and of course, country music. Her passion for the genre runs deep, and she has always been drawn to the authenticity and storytelling that defines the country music sound.

“Once I had decided to go into the genre that always had my heart, I felt like whenever I told someone about my decision it was followed by one question, ‘what makes you different to everyone else?'” Brittany shares. “I felt like I kept trying to tell people exactly who I was, but for me, music has always been the best way to communicate.”

With “Typical Country Girl”, Brittany feels that she has found the perfect way to express her unique identity and share her story with her growing fanbase. The song describes her perfectly, she says, and it’s her chance to explain to people exactly who she is in a way that she feels she can express herself perfectly.

“I may not dress a certain way, act a certain way, but that doesn’t make me any less than anyone else,” Brittany explains. “I’m different, but at the heart of it all, I’m just a girl doing what I love and just wanting to share my music with the world.”

The numbers don’t lie when it comes to Brittany’s talent and appeal. Following the release of her single “Carefree”, Brittany amassed over 500,000 streams on Spotify in just a few short months. She has gained an impressive following on social media, boasting more than 40 million views on YouTube and more than 380,000 fans on TikTok.

Not only is she a fan favourite, but she is also highly regarded by many of the best in the industry. “Brittany Maggs is one of the hottest new acts Australian Country has seen in recent years,” says Casey Barnes.

Brittany boasts over 84,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, showing a strong and committed fan base. With a high-energy live show that leaves audiences wanting more, no festival line-up is quite complete without someone like Brittany Maggs.

” Typical Country Girl” promises to be yet another hit for the rising star, and fans can’t wait to hear what she has in store next. Be sure to check out the track and experience the infectious energy and unique sound that has made Brittany Maggs one of the most exciting new talents in the Australian country music scene.

RAECHEL WHITCHURCH RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘I’M NOT COOL’

Two-time Golden Guitar nominee Raechel Whitchurch has revealed the first new music since her ARIA #1 debut album, Finally Clear. The loveable songbird has struck gold once again with the light-hearted single, ‘I’m Not Cool’.

‘I’m Not Cool’ is the kind of tongue-in-cheek bop that sums up the Alt-Country singer. A seriously good songwriter, who doesn’t take herself too seriously. She established herself early on as one not afraid to colour outside the lines and this single beams with that same self-assuredness. “No I’m not cool / Oh but neither are you so it’s alright”.

Inspiration for the tune came from a chat between friends. “I wrote this song after having a conversation with one of my good friends, Fanny (Lumsden). We were both laughing about how we weren’t cool and how we wouldn’t be able to fake it even if we wanted to.”

“I couldn’t get this song idea out of my head that I should make fun of myself by listing all of the uncool things I do, and then as I was writing it, I started thinking about how everyone is super uncool when they first fall in love. Your heart races, you stumble over your words, you daydream… It all came together for the chorus, and I’m Not Cool was the end result!”

The joyful bop hits the ground running – opening with a duo of dreamy guitars that instantly make you tap a beat. As with her previous work, she once again enlisted the talents of multiple Golden Guitar and ARIA winner, Matt Fell (Fanny Lumsden, Troy Cassar-Daley), for the producer’s chair.

Though for an artist as busy as Whitchurch it’s amazing she even found time to record the song at all. “I recorded this single at Matt Fell’s new place, Wilder Studios, down in Tasmania. I had back-to-back tours with Adam Harvey, then Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, and straight after the tours wrapped I flew to Tasmania, 7 months pregnant, to record new music.”

Being a constant go-getter, she wasn’t about to let her impending little one hold her up. “I’ve never recorded when I was so heavily pregnant before and it was definitely more challenging than any other recording process before. The whole family came and we stayed in a little cabin near the studio, and it was so cold that it was snowing overnight!”

She had a little help from family when shooting the single’s music video too. “I really wanted to include my husband Ben in the video so we created a storyline of us going away on a retreat together, that I am not very excited about.” Shot in Mangrove Mountain with director, Ashley Taylor, the clip sees the couple very much in their element. “In real life, Ben and I love to tease each other and play practical jokes, so it was quite easy to film this video. I just wish that Ben hadn’t got me so good with the flour in the face!”

Since garnering two Golden Guitar nominations with her ARIA #1 debut album, Finally Clear, Whitchurch has had a jam-packed tour schedule. She not only supported Adam Harvey, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham on national tours but also embarked on her own east coast headline tour. Later this year she’s slated to appear at the massive Let’s Wing It Festival in Scone.

‘I’m Not Cool’ is another triumph from this new star. “Raechel is a perceptive, thoughtful songwriter who deftly crafts her music to create songs that are personal yet universal – the mark of a true songwriter” (Sue Jarvis – Country Music Capital News). Her latest single is further proof she’s the real deal.