ZFM Country

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.

Jump on your bike because Jason McDaniel’s new single is gonna make you grab a Harley and hit the road.

Harley Davidsons have been a long-term passion of Melbourne singer-songwriter Jason McDaniel and this comes to life in his new single aptly titled, ‘Harley Ride’, out March 10.

“I love Harley Davidsons, wild music and whiskey and am heavily involved in the HOG Club and play country rock, so I wanted to write something different,” he said.

“There are not many songs written about Harleys in the country arena and I don’t sing sad songs.”

Jason has been riding the iconic motorcycles since 1993 when he bought his first Harley and hasn’t looked back.

“Harley Davidsons have had their marketing push for years around everything different, passion, outlaw and freedom and that’s what Harley tends to represent,” he said.

“Besides that, they’re great motorbikes. For me to apply that kind of passion to my songwriting and then try to back up that music with sounds and a feel that would suit that type of mystique was what I wanted to achieve.”

The harshest critics are always going to be those who know Harleys best – other riders, and they’ve embraced the song since their sneak preview.

‘Harley Ride’ was also the song that netted Jason his manager/producer, musician Dave Wilkins.

“This was the first song I played for my now manager, Dave Wilkins,” Jason said.

“He got into it and got the groove and could see where I was going, now Dave’s new company Crank Entertainment Group have signed me to their label and this was the song that started that relationship.”

Of course, you don’t have to be a Harley rider to embrace the passion behind this new single.

“This song is all about the passion for riding, whether it’s a Harley or any other brand of motorbike, it’s about getting out there on the road being a bit free and just firing up the two wheels,” Jason said.

“Everyone likes to ride down a highway or a twisty road – there’s no feeling like riding a motorbike in that environment full stop.”

Harley Ride follows on from ‘A Tall Glass of Country and a Shot of Rock ‘N’ Roll’, as Jason relaunches his rocking country music career.

DALTON DOVER’S “GIVING UP ON THAT” MOST ADDED AT US COUNTRY RADIO

Georgia Native’s First Single with UMG Nashville/Mercury Records Earns 60 First Week Stations as Streams Exceed 1 Million in Two Weeks

As a Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class and a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023 Class, Dalton Dover continues to reach new career milestones with the debut of his first single via UMG Nashville/ Mercury Records, as “Giving Up On That” is the most added song at US Country radio with 60 first week stations, along with fans streaming the song and garnering over 1 million streams in the first two weeks of its release.

“To have this much support on my first official single is such an incredible feeling,” shares Dover. “Thank you to my team for believing in me and this song and thank you to Country radio for your excitement and enthusiasm. This is definitely a week I’ll never forget!”

Written by Dover with Adam Craig and Josh Pierce, “Giving Up On That” showcases Dover’s sharp vocals as he pleads with a long-gone lover, recounting his previous screw-ups and outlining the steps he’s taken to prove his loyalty and his desire to try again, as Country Now lauds “Dalton Dover is off to a roaring start in 2023,” with The Boot praising, “this heartbreak track has all the makings of a country radio hit,” while MusicRow boasts, “This power ballad of regret and yearning gives him a super showcase for his dynamic, whisper-to-a-scream vocal ability. A solid winner. Make this man a star.”

Dover prepares to make his international debut at C2C: Country to Country Festival’s CMA Songwriters Series before joining Chase Rice on the Way Down Yonder Tour in April. This summer, the Georgia native will perform at the 50th Anniversary of CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium’s Platform Stage and Chevy Vibes Stage. Dover honed his captivating live show last year with two performances at CMA Fest, opening for Luke Comb’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium show in Atlanta, Ga. and joining Priscilla Block’s Welcome To The Block Party Tour.

After being named a Spotify 2022 Artist to Watch, he released “Hear About A Girl,” earning praise from Billboard noting, “Dover’s voice is both intimate and commanding on this track,” while MusicRow asserts it confirms “we’re in the presence of a master country talent when this man sings…Make him a star. Now.” He followed the song with “Damn Good Life,” with The Boot sharing, “Dover is savoring every moment in his uplifting new single,” while Country Now observes, “Between the optimistic narrative that Dover delivers through his crisp vocals and the carefree tune highlighted by the impressive guitar strum, nothing but a good time can be had when this song comes through the speakers.”

About Dalton Dover
Lauded by MusicRow as a “master country talent,” Dalton Dover’s current single “Giving Up On That” via UMG Nashville/Mercury Records was the most-added track at US Country Radio upon its debut with 60 first week adds and garnered over 1 million streams in the first two weeks of its release. Named a Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class and a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023 Class, he will make his international debut in March at C2C: Country to Country Festival’s CMA Songwriters Series before joining Chase Rice on the Way Down Yonder Tour in April. Dover first started singing at church as a kid, winning his fifth-grade school talent show performing Justin Bieber’s “Baby.” In that moment Dover’s love of performing was born. By the age of 16 he had picked up a guitar and started teaching himself to play, yet it was his grandfather who turned him on to country music and artists such as Keith Whitley, Rhett Akins, Joe Diffie and Steve Wariner. Performances at local bars soon followed along with sharing covers of some of his favorite songs on TikTok. It was there he caught the ear of producer Matt McV and A&R veteran and founder of Droptine, Jim Catino, who quickly signed Dover. His debut track “You Got a Small Town,” produced by McV, quickly garnered critical acclaim from Billboard, MusicRow, Country Now and Wide Open Country. With his debut and his follow-up “Baby I Am” earning notable playlisting, Dover was named a Spotify Hot Country 2022 Artist to Watch along with a spotlight as Billboard’s February Country Rookie of the Month and a nod for MusicRow ‘s 2022 Discovery Artist of the Year. After opening for Luke Comb’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium show in Atlanta, Ga., Dover set out on a seven-date run of his own headlining shows, performing across multiple locations of Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, followed by Priscilla Block’s Welcome To The Block Party and his debut at the Grand Ole Opry.

Canadian Country artist Karli June announces her Australian radio debut with her empowering song “Makes You Pretty”. A touching ode to women who are struggling to see beauty in the parts of themselves that they’ve been told are flaws, “Makes You Pretty” is off Karli’s debut EP “Where You Come From”, which has garnered over 1.5 million streams to date.

“‘Makes You Pretty’ is a boot-stomping anthem about celebrating where a woman’s true beauty comes from. We wrote it about the feeling so many women feel – that they’re not pretty. It celebrates the laugh lines, the strength you have to make through tough times, and the kindness of your heart. I hope it leaves every woman feeling beautiful and strong,” said Karli.

The empowering track was co-written by Karli and hit songwriters Karen Kosowski (Meghan Patrick, The Washboard Union, Tim Hicks, Mickey Guyton) and Tori Tullier (Emma White, Tim Hicks). Produced by Kosowski, ” Makes You Pretty” is a key release for the up and coming singer-songwriter, following 16 months of career of growth after being selected as a 2021 participant in the prestigious TD Incubator for Creative Entrepreneurship powered by SOCAN Foundation, being one of three finalists selected to represent Ontario in the 2021 nationwide Jim Beam Talent Search and being selected as Arcadia Broadcasting’s “Break Out Artist” for “Makes You Pretty” in Canada.

“This song is about finding your value as a woman. Knowing that your strength lies in the hardest moments, and the way you care for others,” said Karli. “It also touches on the lies that girls believe about themselves and encourages them to find their true worth.”

Karli and her band have been hitting the live circuit, with several key shows this past year including; being selected to perform on the Bonfire stage in London, ON during the CMA Ontario award weekend where they opened for award winning country artist Tebey, showcasing in Toronto, ON at Canadian Music Week, performing at 2 songwriter rounds in Calgary, AB during the Canadian Country Music Awards weekend and opening for award-winning Country music group The Washboard Union at the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival.

Born in Listowel, ON, Karli fell in love with music as a child, singing in her church’s choir, at local fairs and singing competitions. During her teens she began writing songs in earnest, studied piano, taught herself guitar, and took every opportunity to perform live during school concerts, in musical theatre productions, and at the local pub.

Karli is currently in the studio writing and recording new music with industry heavyweights including hit song-writer Deric Ruttan (Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley) and producer Gavin Slate (Mickey Guyton, Meghan Patrick, Tim Hicks, The Reklaws, James Barker Band).

Brooke Harvey flies in with new single, Little Bird.

“Little bird, little bird when you cry, cry, cry, are you lonesome as the sky?”

Bluegrass influences, alt-country, Americana and the backing vocals of Kasey Chambers, all merge in harmony on Brooke Harvey’s new single, ‘Little Bird’.

The second single off ‘Home’, her forthcoming album, ‘Little Bird’ arrives in the footsteps of her debut single, ‘Southern Sky’.

The NSW Mid-North Coast singer-songwriter said many of the songs from the album were written over quite an extended period.

Love lost, love found, the arrival of her children and the crazy Covid times, all contributed to delay her album’s release.

“Little Bird was written some time back and I wrote the song from a perspective of someone dying or the little bird being a metaphor of life,” she said. “I do love birds , so used them as the metaphor in the song.”

Brooke said ‘Little Bird’ “wrote itself very quickly” and now that she was setting it free into the world, she wanted, most of all, for listeners to enjoy it.

“I would love listeners to get something from it on an emotional level and, of course, for people to enjoy my music when they hear it,” she said.

This will be final single before the release of ‘Home’, Brooke’s album, in May.

“I believe ‘Southern Sky’ and now ‘Little Bird’ are indicative of the sound of the album as all the songs are in that vein: they’ve got quite a traditional country feel. I didn’t particularly target a ‘sound, it just kind of fit,” she said.

The feel of the songs is no surprise, as the Bulahdelah artist is heavily influenced by Lucinda Williams, Lori McKenna, and Justin Townes Earl.

“I love all music, but my style has always remained country singer-songwriter and Americana vibe and bluegrass – those traditional styles.”

Five-time Golden Guitar nominee Jayne Denham releases her new single ‘Moonshine,’ featuring American singer, rapper, and songwriter Colt Ford. As one of Australia’s most admired and sought-after country western rock performers, Jayne brings listeners a storytelling anthem that takes you on a journey of love, loss, fight, and glory. Australia’s leading country artist Jayne Denham releases ‘Moonshine’ as her new album’s title track and debut single.

Written by Colin Elmore, Cameron Jaymes, and Melissa Pierce, and produced by Grammy-nominated songwriters and producers Brian Bunn and Brian White, ‘Moonshine’ is a song with danceable melodies, wrapped in a love story, that will entice audiences globally. Hailing from down under, Jayne says, “When I first heard ‘Moonshine,’ I knew it was the perfect fit for me, and I could immediately hear exactly how I wanted to sing it. Colt Ford is the perfect addition for the direction of the song, and to have him featured on it was the piece of the puzzle that fit so seamlessly.”

The creative lyricism accompanied by Jayne’s powerhouse vocals and Colt Ford’s lyrical additions, ‘Girl when I give you this kiss, like moonshine hitting your lips’ makes this single a standout track with undeniable talent interwoven between an Aussie and American singer.

Colt Ford says, “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.” The lyrics are a true representation of said talent, with classic country roots intermixed into the rendition and liquor theme of the record.

“I am not the type of artist to write many love songs, but when I heard ‘Moonshine,’ I knew if I was to write a love song, this was it,” adds Jayne. Jayne continues to expand her artistic repertoire with this epic single collaboration involving overseas counterparts that marks one of the biggest milestones in her career.

To accompany the single release of ‘Moonshine,’ 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 flavoured 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 Award nominations 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.

The ever-evolving story of Kingswood births a new chapter with the release of their long-awaited new studio album, “HOME”.

Having teased the record in recent months with dynamic singles including “Good Whiskey”, “Burning Holes” and “One Too Many Times”, Kingswood set it up early that this album would feature the band’s most cohesive and representative material to date.

Incorporating myriad sonic influences and a reinvigorated approach to their musicianship, “HOME ” is more than just another step forward for the ARIA and APRA nominated group – it is a realisation of the last few years of tireless work and exploration of new sounds.

Title track “Home” also serves as the album opener – a perfect way to set the tone of the record to follow. Like previous singles, “Home” lets the songwriting dynamic of Alex Laska and Fergus Linacre shine; open lyricism meeting deft musicality at every turn.

“Home is an age-old tale of young love being forced to broach the harsh face of life, a duality of which we all contend with at some point”.

“Old roots meet new, whereby the branching can create opprobrious chasms. These chasms however lead to repair, growth, flourishing, the cycle of the ever blossoming flower, the very fuel of life itself, where all beginnings have an end, and appropriately all ends have a beginning. Home can represent a place in time and space or it can be the very moment, the air that allows one to breathe life into consciousness. It’s the rising sun of the album, a sonic manifestation of Kingswood’s own new dawn.” – Alex Laska, Kingswood

Recorded on a ranch in Wongawallan, QLD at Fallguy Studios, “HOME” saw Kingswood work with Nashville based engineer Eddie Spear (Zach Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlisle) on final mixing and mastering; putting the final touches on this musically rich 12-track body of work.

The elevation of the band’s sound – from the “Microscopic Wars” era through to “After Hours, Close To Dawn” and more recently, “Juveniles” – threads beautifully throughout “HOME”. Tales of sorrow meet stories of late night recklessness. An undistilled passion springs forth from this record; whether it’s in the sonic builds of tracks like “Mother Did Say” and “Movin’ On”, or the way emotional nuance strikes on “God & Gun” and “Riches”.

Kingswood retained the grit without losing the heart of the music with “HOME”; for the band, this was a record that was a necessity for them to make.

“A renaissance of all that ever fuelled the Kingswood machine. The album was born of necessity in a time where the human condition was put on trial and out of the ashes grew the phoenix that we call ‘Home’. What originally began as an escapist experiment; a veil of fiction that was created to alleviate a lack of social interaction and observation, bore the spirit of truth, wrapped in a marvellous mythology that was created by us and embodied our innermost thoughts and feelings.

“Home represents the pillars that make this band what it is and embodies everything that makes us powerful and whole. Step into a world, created for us to accompany lament, joy, sorrow, love, yearning, anger, passion and above all hope. Call it what you will, Home is a burgeoning of guitars, harmony, reckless abandon with sheer will at the steering wheel, reflecting the beautiful surrounds of ranch life at the base of Mount Tamborine, with a good dose of good whiskey and a home away from home in Nasvhille, Tennessee to provide the finishing touch.” – Kingswood

The release of “HOME ” follows on from a successful return to touring for Kingswood. The band spent a large portion of 2022 touring their acclaimed third studio record “Juveniles” (and it’s inspired companion album, “Reveries”) internationally; completing a 30+ date tour that took Kingswood to crowds in Nashville, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland and Czechoslovakia before bringing them home to Melbourne.

2023 has already begun in a massive way for the band, as they currently take their music around Australia on a record breaking 120+ date tour. Customising their own tour bus for the journey, KINGSWOOD are traversing each corner of the country, rolling into town with their electric live show, ready to burn. With tour dates set to take them through into June

Iowa native, Hailey Whitters is returning to her roots with the release of her third studio album “Raised”, which was inspired by her Midwestern hometown and the formative years she spent there.

The latest single off her recent album “Plain Jane” will give you a very clear picture of Hailey and who she is.

Written by Hailey along with Cary Barlowe and Hillary Lindsey, there are some great lyrics that portray her as an imperfect human who has a lot of flaws, yet one who has learned to own them and use it to her advantage in a way.

ABOUT HAILEY WHITTERS:

This Iowa-born, Nashville-based rising country star scored her breakthrough moment in 2020 with the release of her self-funded debut album “The Dream”, which was praised as “the year’s deepest country album” (The Washington Post) and went on to appear on more than 15 year-end best of lists including #1 on both Stereogum’s “10 Best Country Albums of 2020” and Garden & Gun’s “Best Southern Albums of 2020” list. The subsequent deluxe album “Living The Dream” found Whitters’ self-fulfilling “The Dream’s” prophecy and enlisting her friends and collaborators Brent Cobb, Jordan Davis, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Little Big Town, and Trisha Yearwood to appear on five new songs, leading NPR’s Fresh Air to call her “one of the most interesting voices in country music.” In 2021 alone, Whitters toured with Luke Combs and Midland, was named the inaugural Opry NextStage Artist of the year, scored her first CMT Music Award nomination for Breakthrough Video of the Year (“Fillin’ My Cup” feat. Little Big Town) and received her first GRAMMY nomination for Song of the Year for “A Beautiful Noise,” which was written by Ruby Amanfu, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, Alicia Keys, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Linda Perry and Hailey Whitters, and performed by Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile. On March 18, 2022, Whitters released her third studio album “RAISED” via Pigasus / Songs & Daughters / Big Loud, which features her debut single at country radio “Everything She Ain’t”. Ranking among the most added upon its impact, the track was also named one of Rolling Stone’s “Best Songs of 2022 So Far”. With her debut headline Heartland Tour and performances at Tortuga Music Festival and Stagecoach Festival under her belt, the rising star boasts over 100 million streams across her catalogue and will hit the road all summer with Jon Pardi and Lainey Wilson on his Ain’t Always The Cowboy Tour.

Nashville-native singer-songwriter ERNEST had a record year after dropping his first full-length album ” FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM)” to critical acclaim in March 2022, which saw him earn his fifth, sixth, and seventh #1’s as a songwriter while his debut single “Flower Shops” feat. Morgan Wallen simultaneously reached RIAA platinum certification. Most recently honoured as one of Variety’s coveted 2022 Hitmakers, the CMA Triple Play Award winner was also selected as a 2023 MusicRow Next Big Thing artist. Selling out his first ever headline tour across college towns this past fall, he rounded out a stacked year of touring on the road with labelmate Morgan Wallen as part of his record-breaking Dangerous Tour.

Now, the charismatic entertainer who “single-handedly discovered a way to unite old-school country enthusiasts with listeners that enjoy mainstream music” (CMT) is set to continue his “stunning return to country music’s traditional essence ” (The Tennessean) with deluxe album “FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM): Two Dozen Roses”. Building upon the project and recognized as a top release of the year by Holler. and The Tennessean, ERNEST adds 13 more original songs to the collection “filled with retro country truth and relentless heartbreak” (Taste of Country).

“I can’t wait for everyone to hear the new music,” shares ERNEST. “It’s even more of the real, honest storytelling that the album was built on, and continues the character’s love story right where it left off with ‘Some Other Bar.’ It’s very reflective, I think everyone will be able to relate to a part of the story in some way. I’m really proud of it!”

The lyrical innovator creates a playful poetic, almost nursery-rhyme-like melody on his new single “Miss That Girl”. Featuring an up-tempo beat with a lot of poetic-refrain style lyrics. The verses are mostly acoustic guitar, as the narrator calls on some of his vices to help him through a heart wrenching break up and keep him from “missing that girl.”

Resuming his role as the tragic hero, “Miss That Girl” is accompanied by a video directed by Justin Clough with a treatment conceptualized by his wife, acclaimed creative Delaney Royer, the video was shot in Columbia, Tennessee and gives life to the track that yearns for relief from heartbreak.

ABOUT ERNEST:

Nashville’s most unpredictable hit maker ERNEST is “The Charmer” (MusicRow), a triple threat talent and one of Music City’s on the rise artist/writers that’s changing the status quo. As a chart-topping songwriter, he fuses influences ranging from Eminem to George Jones, creating a twist-heavy verse style that’s become his signature, proving its mettle, and earning him six #1 hits to date. The eccentric free spirit and 2022 CMA Triple Play Award winner launched his debut single to country radio “Flower Shops” feat. Morgan Wallen in January to 88 first week stations, the #1 most added single of the week, and is Top 20 and rising now. His debut full-length album of the same name – Flower Shops (The Album) – is out now, showing off the more classically country side of his craft. ERNEST appeared alongside 90s country legend David Lee Murphy and labelmate Ben Burgess on HIXTAPE: Vol. 2 track “Red Dirt Clouds” last fall, and his podcast Just Being ERNEST is in its third season, hosting guests like Keith Urban, Diplo, Jason Aldean, Bobby Bones, and Craig Wiseman , with many more to come.

Let’s be honest living life is hard, but being a female can make it even more difficult! That’s why KC Johns latest single “Dodging Bullets” is an anthem for all woman paving their own road in life. It’s infecious guitar riff and lyrical message will leave your listeners drumming on their steering wheel with their confidence soaring. “Dodging Bullets” was chosen as KC’s latest single as a recommendtion from Sony and Concord Music after performing the song during an artist showcase in Nashville, TN. Both A&R teams fell in love with the track, and they couldn’t have helped KC pick a better single for where she is at in her career.

KC Johns is an artist who always has the future in mind and never lets a moment go to waste. “Dodging Bullets” is a track that portrays KC’s determination to make her life a success and it’s an ideal that many female listeners can relate to! We are excited to have the chance to become part of your programming! A number of KC Johns previous singles, including “Whiskey Break”, “Confused” and “Famous” have gotten great coverage from stations all over the world through PlayMPE and “Dodging Bullets” is one more to add to the collection!

One has toured with Taylor Swift, has 12 x Golden Guitars and 11 x CMC awards to his name; the other is a 5 x Golden Guitar nominee and has played bass with some of Australia’s most revered acts. Combined they share over 50 million streams and today, Adam Brand and Matt Cornell join forces to deliver the rousing new single, ‘Our Church’.

Since departing the Baby Animals over a decade ago for a gig with Adam Brand, Matt Cornell has walked the path of country music. The pair quickly became thick as thieves. When a global pandemic threatened to demolish that path, their comradery gave them resilience.

“Before ‘Our Church’ was a song, it was our weekly catch up with a couple of my close brothers during covid,” recalls Brand. Both being ‘foodies’ who frequently share their culinary skills with social media fans, it was only natural to host the catch ups at cafés all over QLDs Gold Coast.

“We found it was helping us deal with the mental anguish of our industry being on its knees, the work & money we had lost. In particular, I was really struggling,” adds Cornell. “But I found solace in my mates, in our little catch up every week. I’m not a religious man, but I decided to call it Church.”

The song had its origins at a song writing hub in Brisbane – Song Culture. “On the final day, the last writing session was with Gavin Carfoot, Linc Phelps, Brook Chivell & Jake Whittaker. We discussed writing a song about mates, mates who are very close, kinda like a brotherhood” says Cornell. “That’s when I proceeded to tell the boys about Church.”

Cornell sent the acoustic demo to Adam Brand the very next day, whose immediate response was “let’s record this song, let’s do a duet.” Brand also later contributed some powerful lyrics to the song’s back half. “If you go to war, I go to war, brothers & sisters we’re in this together.”

You can feel the emotion in ‘Our Church’ from the very first line sung by Cornell. His voice, brimming with raw emotion, gallops atop a slowly building bed of guitar and synth; soon to explode into the song’s anthemic chorus. Produced by Jared Adlam, both music and lyrics blend together eloquently.

After drag racer Sam Fenech recently lost his life on the track, the boys’ song became a fitting tribute. “Adam’s great friend Wade Aunger, after hearing ‘Our Church,’ thought it would be a very moving tribute” shares Cornell. The video honouring the late racer, using ‘Our Church’ as its soundtrack, featured on several motorsport social media pages and received over 100k views.

The single’s official music video, shot and directed by Golden Guitar winner Jay Seeney, is a heart-warming tribute to the true-life story. The video starts out with Cornell making a plea to Brand, saying “he’s struggling,” that’s when Brand springs into action and rally’s the troops, and all the boys rush to Cornell’s aid to get around him. The song’s fellow writers and attendees of Song Culture were invited to record vocals on the track, which also made for some fun cameos in the video.

Adam Brand and Matt Cornell are not just guys who play in a band together. They’re not just mates. They’re brothers. They’re also both powerhouse performers in their own right, with their recent shows on the Tamworth Country Music Festival Toyota Park main stage proving a hit with thousands of festivalgoers.

This much needed collaboration is about more than music. This is about shining a light on mental health. This is about comradery and hope. This is their church.

Emerging Australian singer songwriter Lily Grace celebrates her journey to Nashville with the release of her single, ‘Follow My Road’, available everywhere today.

Written by Lily with Chaise Flanders and Kirsti Manna, and produced by award-winning Michael Flanders, the lyrics bring a confident narrative to this rising singer-songwriter’s story as she ventures from Australia to Nashville with an upbeat, catchy tempo to compliment.

“I wrote ‘Follow My Road’ to empower people to follow their dreams and set out on their own path. This song is about being independent and not needing to be reliant on anyone else; a man, a parent, etc. It’s important to know your own values, attitudes and beliefs and put these first. Stay true to yourself, your emotions and trust that you’re the captain of your own ship,” Lily shared.

In 2022, Lily was the supporting act for Vance Joy at Riverstage in Brisbane, playing to a crowd of over 10,000 and most recently performed at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

She released her single “The Two of Us Meet,” which has now garnered over 1 million streams on Spotify alone, debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Australia Country Chart and landed her on Spotify’s New Music Nashville, CMT’s Australia Playlist and climbed to CMT Australia Top 30 as well.

Lily was awarded the People’s Choice Award and was a top three finalist for Breakout Artist of the Year in the 2022 Gold Coast Music Awards.

She was awarded Best Video for ‘Annie June’ in the Australian Country Music People’s Choice awards and was a finalist in several categories including Best Female Vocalist and Most Promising Future Star.

Earlier in 2022, she was nominated in 9 categories of the 2022 Tamworth Songwriters Association Awards and won awards for both Country Song of the Year and Country Rock Song of the Year.

The demand for her music in the U.S. has drawn her to Nashville, where she spent over 6 weeks doing radio interviews, television appearances, podcasts, songwriting, recording and performing in 2022.

The future of this young artist certainly looks bright.

Pete Cullen has done it all. From sleeping in tour vans, playing dive bars around the country, to performing on some of the biggest stages alongside the biggest names in the country. But in today’s musical landscape this is often the resume of those experiencing ‘overnight’ success.

Recently securing distribution through Australian and Nashville based company MGM, Cullen brings his overnight pedigree and delivers magically on his new single ‘Heart Of Steel’, produced by Nash Chambers.

‘Heart Of Steel’ pays homage to the countless Australians who keep Australia moving. The truckers.

“My mate Danny’s old man, Frank Whyatt was a trucker” states Pete. “Danny would tell me he’d be gone from home for weeks. There were no mobiles or internet back then, so Frank used to pull the horn a few kilometres from home and Danny would race his family down the street to meet him.”

Cullen makes the obvious connection between trucking life and country music, but takes a different road than the one usually ending in heartbreak.

“Truckers and musicians share a common thread. You leave your loved ones behind. Life on the road can be fun and exciting. But when the crowd goes home and you’re coming down there’s only one place you want to be … home!”

Like a big truck engine, the rhythm section stirs. The guitar chimes – like only a country guitar can – and the pedal steel arrives. ‘Keep a light on for me, I’ll be home before you know, may you have the sweetest dreams, while I chase the white lines home’. The ingredients for a country music classic are all here. The band, the voice, the writing, the passion.

But don’t be deceived. Of course, there’s heartbreak on the road. But this is a love story. The photographs on the dashboard, the yearning for home.

“Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of performing at Followmont Transport functions and the thing that they all have in common is that they always talk about looking after your family.”

‘Heart Of Steel’ is a refreshing addition to not only the Australian country music landscape, but, to the genre as a whole. It’s exciting, it twangs, and amongst all, has big heart.

Here’s To The Ones – The Wolfe Brothers pay homage to our women.

The Wolfe Brothers new single is a song that is both special and personal to brothers Nick and Tom Wolfe. With this single release the Tasmanian based duo delivers a song of respect and gratitude to all women, an ode that is a well overdue musical “tip of the hat” to the women who nurture, protect and inspire the males of our country – the mothers, wives, partners and friends.

Tom Wolfe explains the origins of the song this way. “On Feb 17th we are going to be releasing a brand new song ” Here’s To The Ones”. We are not going to tell you it is the party anthem of 2023, or the next summer hit or put up a bunch of TikTok posts asking you if we should release it. We are releasing it because we consider this one of the more important songs we have ever written and recorded.”

“The original spark of an idea for this song began at a mates farm in Paratta, Tasmania a few years back. After watching him work literally sun up to sun down he said some words that truly stuck with us. When speaking about the love he has for wife he said, “that’s the backbone of our country, the ones who feed the ones who feed the country”. It was an incredible sentence. I had never thought about it or heard anyone say it like that before.”

“We started thinking about this statement and how it applies in our own life and how incredibly lucky we are to do what we do. There is no way that any of what Nick and I are doing now would have happened without some incredibly supportive women.”

“At the end of 2022 we lost our family patriarch, our biggest supporter, our incredible mum. She consistently put others first for her entire life as a teacher, friend and mother. We could have never achieved any of this without her.”

“One of the lines in the song is “There’s so many songs ’bout a guy working hard it’s about time the girls got one too” sort of says it all.”

This song is for our mum, our wives Ally and Tani. But also, for all of the incredible women who are as selfless, caring and loving as they are! You all are the greatest…Here’s to the ones!”

This song is the second single from The Wolfe Brothers new album “LIVIN’ THE DREAM” due for a 14th April release. It follows their recent multiple week #1 smash hit, the album’s title track, “Livin’ The Dream”.

Australian Country artist Tori Darke is excited to announce the release of her highly anticipated new single “Dodged a Bullet”.

The emotionally charged track showcases Tori’s powerful vocals and relatable lyrics, which will be a hit for country fans across the globe. Tori has been making waves in the Australian country music scene for many years with her authentic sound, personally penned lyrics and mesmerising on stage presence.

With “Dodged a Bullet”, she delivers a poignant portrayal of the aftermath of a toxic relationship. “I wrote this song about the realisation that I had dodged a bullet by getting out of a toxic relationship,” says Tori. “I hope that it can resonate with anyone who has been in a similar position and serve as a source of strength and empowerment.”

The raw and honest lyrics of “Dodged a Bullet” are paired with a catchy and infectious melody, making it a standout track from Tori. “I really wanted to capture the feeling of relief and gratitude that comes with getting out of a toxic situation,” explains Tori, “I poured my heart and soul into this song, and I can’t wait for the world to hear it.”

With her powerful voice and relatable lyrics, Tori has become a favourite among fans by sharing her enthusiasm and love of Country Music.

“Dodged a Bullet” is just the beginning of what’s to come in 2023 and the near future. Produced by Andrew Cockrane of Red Engine Recordings, who Tori last worked with on her #1 ARIA charting album “Silver Lining”.

Australian country singer Brook Chivell unleashes a new single ‘Put ‘Em Up’ and it’s set to light up the airwaves. Due for release on February 20th, this song is a perfect blend of country and rock, featuring a groovy beat that will have you moving your body in no time.

Produced by Jared Adlam at Machine Lab, the dynamic single showcases Brook’s unique style and vocal range. With its catchy lyrics and groovy tempo, ‘Put ‘Em Up’ is sure to be a hit with Brook’s dedicated fan base.

“I’m so excited to finally release this single. It’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. I think it’s a great representation of who I am as an artist, and I hope it will be a real crowd-pleaser”. Brook Chivell

Brook’s contemporary country rock sound combined with powerhouse vocals has seen him open for artists such as Adam Brand, Morgan Evans, McAlister Kemp, Travis Collins and The Wolfe Brothers. He’s performed at some of Australia’s most iconic Country Music Festivals including Deni Ute Muster, Gympie Music Muster, Sydney Country Music Festival, Groundwater Country Music Festival as well as touring nationally.

Brook Chivell’s single ‘Put ‘Em Up’ is out at radio and digital services on Monday 20th February.

Australian singer/songwriter Casey Barnes has just achieved what is known as the holy trilogy in country circles.

Casey won the ARIA for Best Country Album at the end of 2022, then started 2023 scoring the Top Selling Australian Album of the Year and then the prestigious Toyota Album of the Year gong at the Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth.

“That’s pretty rare,” Casey says of the hat trick. “I remember stopping and thinking ‘OK, this has actually happened, be grateful.'”

Gratitude is something Casey Barnes is very familiar with. He’s an overnight sensation nearly 20 years in the making. He’s perfected the hustle and patience required to make it in the music business, respected in the industry for his hard work and dedication.

“For quite a long time it felt like you’re taking a few steps forward but then you get a knock back but you keep going again. It happens in stages. However, in the last 12 months everything feels like it’s clicked into place. We’ve opened the floodgates; everything seems to be going right. And you get that new injection of excitement and coming off the back of the ARIA win and the Golden Guitars, you want it to go to that next level. There’s that expectation and excitement.”

Casey Barnes starts 2023 with his biggest success just ahead of him as he enters a new musical chapter. The first taste of that era is the wildly-catchy new single “Summer Nights “. For a songwriter who has documented everything from unconditional love to unthinkable grief, right now, it’s time to party. Written with Melbourne hitmaking team MSquared (Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis), it’s a celebration of great times fuelled by beer, whiskey and your favourite song turned up loud.

Summer Nights is the future soundtrack to your next party – and it’s also purpose-built for small clubs and huge festivals.

“I wanted to write something universal,” Casey says. “That’s what people come to see you for. They’re working their arses off all week in a job they may not really love, so on the weekend they just want to let their hair down with their best friends, not take life too seriously and have some fun.”

Casey may be staring down the most exciting period of his career, but after years of hard work, he knows timing is also critical.

“If a lot of the stuff happening for me right now had happened seven or eight years ago, I probably wasn’t ready. Since then, I’ve become a better songwriter and on the live front our band can mix it with the best artists out there. I’ve learned a lot about the industry and I’ve got the right people around me”.

“You’ve got to do the hard yards and earn your stripes in the music industry, which is how it should be. It’s taken me a while to get to this point. People want to see if you are the real deal, if you are taking it seriously and not just sticking your toe in. Similar to the market in Nashville, you can’t just fly in and fly out, you have to be committed to it. Once they realise that, they take you seriously and things start to happen.”

One song that made things happen for Casey is “God Took His Time On You”, from the ARIA winning album “Light It Up”. The 2022 single opened doors for Casey in Australia and the US, with heavy radio play and over six million streams on Spotify alone. After successful shows in the US late last year, Casey returns to the US in June this year for shows across the country and the CMA Fest in Nashville. Casey has also just returned from writing with some of Nashville’s most successful songwriters as he continues to hone his craft.

“Every person you get in a room with there’s a different energy, so I’ve came back with some really great songs and they’ve bought out different musical sides of me and different lyrical topics. It’s important as you grow as an artist you don’t want the next album to sound the same as the last album, you want to evolve.”

And he’ll keep connecting with fans, whether it be on Tik Tok (“my two daughters gave me some tips on how to use it”) or an upcoming tour.

“I feel like I’ve played the long game by not giving up and now all that hard work is paying off.”