ZFM Country

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.”

Jake Whittaker debuts with country anthem, ‘Round Here’.

Escaping the city life to the country and taking a breath is all wrapped up in Jake Whittaker’s debut single, ‘Round Here’.

Written with producer, songwriter and musician Jared Adlam, Jake said they wanted to write a “banging song” for the album he planned, and this came from that session.

“I get sick of sitting in traffic and the business of day-to-day life, so ‘Round Here’ is about all those things that build up and tick you off and you escape them by getting out to the country life and taking a breath,” he said.

“It’s also about the fact we don’t need the extra things just to show off for social media.”

The South-East Queensland artist said he wanted to enter the world of country music with an upbeat grooving country rocky song to leave listeners feeling good.

“I’m really excited about this release because I’ve been looking forward to this transition into the country for a long time,” he said.

Jake came from a soul, blues and funk background, but said he’d always loved country and was now being true to himself, citing his major influences as Brothers Osborne, Zac Brown Band, Morgan Wallen, and Luke Combs.

“This has been two years in the process for me writing with people and working closely with Jared Adlam,” he said.

“For it all to finally come to fruition, I’m just keen to get some songs out, play some shows and have fun – it hasn’t been a rushed process.

“I feel it’s the truest to myself I’ve been so far and the most me in terms of music.”

With the release of Round Here, Jake said he wanted listeners to simply enjoy it and to get some new listeners to his music.

“This is the kickstart for me and this is who I am,” he said.

“The plan is to start doing single launch shows and collaborate with other artists and be able to work together on some shows.”

Off the back of winning her fifth Golden Guitar, Tamworth’s own Ashleigh Dallas wants to ‘Take A Minute’ to savour the moment with her new single.

“Taking a minute is something most adults need to do,” she said.

“I’ve found myself saying to my daughter, Harriet, that I’ll be with her in a minute, but this song is about allowing yourself to have a minute, whether that be to enjoy the simple things or let life unravel and find your feet again.”

As well as having a strong message, ‘Take A Minute’ is also the end result of one of Ashleigh’s professional dreams coming true: writing a song with Mike Carr.

“I’ve always wanted to write with Mike and our schedules, timing and locations never lined up, so to have this opportunity to write with Mike over Zoom was great.”

Ashleigh headed into the songwriting session with the concept and loved the collaborative nature of writing with Mike, one of Australia’s premiere singer-songwriters.

“I had the concept, just found myself unable to get to that space where I could finish the song by myself,” she said.

“I’m really grateful that Mike was keen on the idea and we got this song out of it.”

‘Take A Minute’ continues the theme of Ashleigh’s Golden Guitar-winning album, ‘In The Moment’, which netted her and her producer father, Brett, Traditional Country Album of the Year in January.

“We’ve come off this record, called ‘In The Moment’, about being as present as you could be and this song embraces that message even more,” Ashleigh said.

“I hope the listeners take that minute for themselves as well – this is a subtle reminder for people to take a breather.”

The Tamworth artist said each album makes her want to stretch herself even further.

“I want to be vulnerable and keep sharing the truth behind stories; country music is about the story and connection,” she said.

“This is at the heart of every creative project I go into.”

James Keith understands the power of positivity and it fuels him like firewood to a flame.
It’s a theme that runs through the heart of his high energy brand of Country Rock.

James discovered a passion for music working on his family’s vineyard in Orange, NSW.

“Dad would have vinyls and CDs which we would play all day long.” However, before a career in
music he followed in his father’s footsteps – Peter Mortimer; a professional rugby league
player, alongside uncles Steve and Chris Mortimer – and donned the jersey for Manly.
It was back in his hometown that James holed up with producer, Craig Honeysett, at Dotted
Eight Studios to craft his debut album, ‘Life Is Good Today’. Pounding drums, blistering
guitars and anthemic choruses became the keystones that support James’ autobiographical
tales of positivity and persistence.

The ‘Say I Do’ video clip, approved for CMT’s locals only and New Country Playlists, features a ‘real life’ marriage proposal.

‘Life is Good Today’ has been James’ mantra ever since a trip to Nashville, TN in 2011. “All
the cover bands kept playing this song with the lyrics “life is good today” which really
resonated with me.”

James’ songs brim with unbridled positivity and optimism. “I look at the positive to every
situation and want my music to bring people joy not dwell on negatives.” That’s James in a
nutshell – ask anyone – his three children, his four brothers or his father; all of whom are the
inspiration behind the family orientated debut album.
Life is Good Today is set for release in 2023.

COURTNEY KEIL RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘LETS PRETEND’ + ANNOUNCES FORTHCOMING DEBUT ALBUM RELEASE

Heralded as “one of the most exciting talents in Australian country music” by Beat Magazine, and recently crowned ‘Best Female Vocal’ at the 2023 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards, Courtney Keil has once again lived up to her reputation with the release of her latest single, ‘Let’s Pretend’. The track precedes the release of Courtney’s long awaited album The Good Kind (out February 24) and is available for pre-order now.

‘Let’s Pretend’ was born from an early morning zoom co-write between Courtney, acclaimed Nashville-based songstress Sally Barris, and producer Rod McCormack. The trio have proved to be a reckonable creative force, crafting the latest of the NSW Central Coast based singer’s catchy bops.

The result of their latest collaboration is an emotive tale about risking it all for true love. ”Let’s Pretend’ is a vulnerable, heartfelt conversation between a mother and daughter about meeting someone new and hoping he is the one,” explains Courtney. Its verses wrestle a parent’s hard-learned wisdom with the unbridled optimism of youth. “Sometimes you just have to pretend that it will all work out.”

The mid-tempo, slow burn is saddled with tones from the country music playbook, both new and old. “[It was] recorded in The Music Cellar on the Central Coast (by Rod McCormack), woven together with some of my favourite classic country sounds,” recalls Courtney. Yearning electric guitar riffs collide with the unmistakable sound of dobro to provide a subtle bed for Courtney’s honey-dipped vocal. The sound is reminiscent of a 90s ballad, à la Faith Hill or Shania Twain, yet also possesses a sensibility akin to modern day hits.

Since releasing her gripping debut single ‘I Just Wanna Hold You’ within the maw of COVID-19 in 2020, Courtney has enjoyed a swift ascent. The aforementioned single garnered a semi-finalist position in the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) and was named in the Top 40 of the Vanda and Young Global Songwriting Competition, while 4 of her singles hit #1 on the iTunes Country Singles chart. All of her singles have featured on Apple Music editorial playlists, and she has consistently achieved chart positions on the Country Hot 50 airplay chart, the most recent being ‘Hard Place’, which took out the #21 spot.

Beyond the streams, Courtney has been popping up on stages around Australia. She’s opened for Aussie favourites, The Whitlams, supported Andrew Swift and Angus Gill and performed at a string of shows in Gina Jeffreys and Tania Kernaghan’s Girl Night Out Tour at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, NQs Rockin’ Country and Savannah in the Round. Courtney will launch her upcoming debut album, The Good Kind, with a live show on February 23 at The Sunken Monkey, Erina.

Courtney Keil has once again delivered a heartfelt track worthy of spinning on repeat. While it falls in line with Courtney’s joyful brand of hopeful love songs, her performance on ‘Let’s Pretend’ is markedly more vulnerable. Listeners certainly won’t have to pretend to fall in love with this instant classic.

The inspiration for ‘Time Rolls On’ came from noticing a beat up old Akubra (bushman’s) hat hanging on the wall above the stage at The Dag sheep station in Nundle, New South Wales. As soon as Brendan noticed it on the wall, he started to wonder about the journey the well-worn hat had been on, and who it had journeyed with.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Australia’s favourite husband and wife duo, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, today release ‘Country Music, You And Beer’, the new single from their highly anticipated second album.

“Country Music, You and Beer is a celebration of the simple things in life, it’s a light-hearted tip of the hat to 3 of our favourite things and will hopefully be a part of the soundtrack that plays while our fans enjoy a tin or 2 with the people they love.” shares Brooke McClymont.

The pair remain on a high following last week’s triumphant wins at the 2023 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards. Taking home three awards from their four nominations, Brooke and Adam topped the night 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.

‘Country Music, You And Beer’ is the follow-up to the upbeat single ‘Roll On Baby’, and will be the third single to be released from their forthcoming new album.

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. Last year, Brooke McClymont was voted as the runner-up on Network 10’s I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! where she won the hearts on the show with her acoustic performance of ‘Star Of The Show’, which reached #1 on the iTunes Single and Video Chart after the episode of Brooke performing it for her camp mates went to air.

Brooke McClymont is one third of top-selling, award-winning Australian country music trio The McClymonts. With over 200,000 album sales, 40 million streams, two ARIA Awards, fifteen Golden Guitar Awards, one CMA (USA) Award, one APRA Award and five #1 ARIA Country Albums, the McClymonts are a dominant female group in Australian country music with major success from hits such as ‘Kick It Up’, ‘Wrapped Up Good’ and ‘I’ve Got This’.

Adam Eckersley has won two Golden Guitar Awards: the first in 2015 for New Talent of the Year; and then in 2016 in the Group or Duo of the Year category with The Adam Eckersley Band. Their 2014 debut album, The First Album, debuted in the Top 5 on the ARIA Country Chart, with The Second Album debuting at #7 the following year. Adam has also been recognised for his songwriting, winning the APRA Award for Country Work of the Year (2015), and receiving an Honourable Mention in the International Songwriting Competition in 2014.

A tribute to Australia’s pioneering farmers gets a modern country treatment in Jax Tonic’s new single, ‘Country Boy’, out February 3, revealing a new side to the singer-songwriter.

Although from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Jax dreams that the country boy is, in fact, himself.

“Country Boy is a tribute to farmers and their families, highlighting all the amazing work they do,” he said.

“I believe we should get right behind them and this song was written about a farmer and what they do in their life, their grit and their hard work ethic.

“It’s not only about the farmer, but about their family and their kids and everything they go through with being away from home at times and coming back. Deep down, I want it to be me.

“I have a hidden passion to want to be on the land.”

Jax does have country roots with his mother’s family from Forbes and often spends time with farming friends.

“As I get out and about and learn more about everything, it’s a tribute to what farmers do for our country – it’s got its ups and downs depending on the weather and other factors but they keep going,” he said.

“Country Boy highlights the old school farmers, while recognising the new people coming through, but with the theme that they ‘don’t make them like they used to’.

Being his second single release since launching his original music career, and hot on the heels of ‘On The Front Foot’, Country Boy aims to give listeners a sense of who they are.

“I want the listeners to get a sense of belonging to the whole country culture and way of life and a feeling of pride around that,” Jax said.

“Giddy up might be the “let’s go girls” of 2023!” – Entertainment Tonight

“Shania Twain knows how to make a pure pop country bop.” – Consequence

“Superstar status and genre-crossing appeal…an era-defining artist” – NME

“The triumphant return of a global icon” – Music Week

Today, five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning legend and the best-selling female artist in country music history Shania Twain proudly presents her eagerly awaited new album, Queen of Me. Listen to Queen of Me-HERE. Fans can also shop https://officialstore.shaniatwain.com/ for signed LPs, CDs, box sets, exclusive picture discs, cassettes, and more. RUN, DON’T WALK!

Building anticipation for the SHANIA-SSANCE, the Queen herself heralded the record with a series of fan-favorite bops, including “Waking Up Dreaming,” “Last Day of Summer,” and “Giddy Up!” Each track incited widespread acclaim from Rolling Stone, Billboard, Entertainment Tonight, Variety, People, Consequence, NME, Music Week, and so many more.

Queen of Me has ALL the makings of another Shania classic. It’s confident. It’s catchy. It’s compelling from beginning to end all powered by the kind of anthems that transformed her into a multi-generational icon. The record is a limitless expression of pop that allows it to sit comfortably next to Twain’s many chart successors, enshrining it as the most upbeat, playful, and joyous of all her albums.

The album is sonically inspired by ’70s and ’80s funk and rock-just like the sounds she grew up with and considered her heroes. It’s a departure from the past and a strident step into an ever-improving future.

The album consists of 12 new tracks. In the stand-out friendship anthem “BEST Friend,” Shania affectionately gushes over her closest confidant as she emphasizes “you always take the blame and you know I’d do the same for you. No matter what, yeah I got you, and I know that you got me.”

The LP represents a deep and dynamic creative statement from this iconic voice – from the energetic opener “Giddy Up!” through the empowered title track “Queen of Me,” and the passionate finale “The Hardest Stone” – which was produced by Tyler Joseph (Twenty One Pilots).

With Queen of Me, Twain proves once more that she’s got as much to offer as she ever has, and that she’s never going to run out of great ideas.

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

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

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

The Long and Short Of Its highly successful single ‘A Little Love Will Fix You Up’ takes listeners instantly to a place of high vibrancy and bright energy, feeling whisked away to a world of positive reassurance that love will fix you up. The single release from duo members David Baird and Patsy Toop comes off of their highly acclaimed album ‘Midnight Choir’, which climbed to #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart, as well as #3 on the ARIA Country Albums Chart and #6 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart. This latest release has a feel good summer sound to it, and the comfort that this song places upon listeners is powerful, soothing, and needed in a medium people use so much, like music.

With over 161K streams to date, this single has hit new heights and numbers for The Long and Short Of It, and has put them on the map globally, garnering attention across the globe. “Sometimes it’s difficult to find the right person to love,” David Baird says, “But don’t give up because time will heal all and love is the ultimate tonic that will fix you up.”

The lyrics of this song ring true and assure anyone that much can be fixed with love. This song is the type that someone can cling on to and feel moved by, or even better, changed by. “When you feel your world will never ever be the same, there’s no way you could get over the break, stealing for a healing left you feeling that you can’t trust, oh, a little bit of love, a little love will fix you up.”

David and Patsy’s warm vocals are perfectly layered within the song and express the immense passion and emotion that are woven into the lyrics. The album was produced by Emmy Award-winning Music Producer Kenny Royster, who is notable for producing Luke Combs’ number-one hit, ‘Hurricane,’ and working with Michael Ray and Trace Adkins.

Continuing the success of the ‘Midnight Choir’ album, “‘A Little Love Will Fix You Up’ was written to inspire anyone to get over a heartbreak and find new love as a little love will fix you up,” adds Kenny.

It is widely known that any great songwriter must be able to effectively communicate emotion through their lyrics, and The Long and Short of It have surely mastered that skill, as proven through this new single. The duo continues to create traditional country music by penning relatable lyrics that are truly inspiring. The way that David and Patsy so seamlessly communicate feelings to their listeners through their authentic lyrics is rare. A true testament to the power of their songwriting, and the precision of it as well.

Just in time for Valentines Day. From the hugely successful ‘Jealous of the Sky’ album which has so far delivered three independent country #1’s in the US, UK and Europe. Australian music legend Marty Rhone’s renaissance continues with another great track from his first US country album recorded at Cactus Studios in the Hollywood Hills by record producer heavyweight David J Holman (Grease and Xanadu soundtracks, Gwen Stefani). A track written for Marty by Aussie country heavyweights Gina Jeffries and Rod McCormack for those for whom Valentines Day might be a bit special this year or those who just like a pulsating country rock song with a solid beat and loads of energy. There is also a music video which spreads optimism and warmheartedness. Thanks for listening and considering. Six decades as a recording artist has not diminished this Aussie legends ability to deliver.

Hot off the back of three sold out shows with International Superstar Ed Sheeran , Kaylee Bell releases a new hit single “BOOTS ‘N ALL” a nod to Shania Twain and all her 90’s inspirations. Bell just returned from Tamworth where she celebrated 10 years of Toyota Star Maker, played a sold out show at TREC with James Johnston and took home her first Golden Guitar Award for Vocal Collaboration . Bell is currently on the biggest tour in the world, the ‘Mathematics’ Stadium World Tour with Ed Sheeran playing to crowds of around 80,000 every night.

“BOOTS ‘N ALL” is a song written by Bell, Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis of MSquared and Emily Hatton at an APRA Songhubs in Brisbane. Bell initially had the song title and describes the song as Shania meets HAIM, an up-tempo, ‘tongue in cheek’ song about the expectation placed on a future partner. It is a playful, feel good anthem that Bell hopes will be screamed by the masses. The track was produced by Lindsay Rimes (Kane Brown) and is set to become a huge song in Bell’s energetic live show, that is quickly winning over new fans both in Australia and NZ.

No stranger to the international stage, Bell is enjoying a highlight-filled music career brimming with an impressive catalogue of self-written hits. Recently appearing on The Voice Australia in 2022, her single ‘Keith’ went viral and has since amassed over 14 million streams on Spotify alone and with over 40 million streams, Bell is the ‘Most Streamed Female Country Artist’ in Australasia for the past four years.

2022 saw Bell open for New Zealand’s biggest band on the SIX60 Stadium Tour, headline Coca Cola Christmas in the Park NZ, and open for US Country Star Brad Paisley on the NZ leg of his World Tour alongside Morgan Evans.

Bell will continue the Ed Sheeran tour playing three sold out stadiums across NZ, then will be back to Australia where she will appear at both Gippsland and Goulburn Festivals through April, before heading back to Nashville where she plans to finish her record.

Cultivating the ground work for a momentous 2023 and hurtling toward the launch of their debut album, the Vixens of Fall deliver their stunning new single and self-love anthem, “Mirror Mirror”.

“We wrote Mirror Mirror from the perspective of self-love. It’s a reflection of acknowledging life’ s ups and downs… the Magick… the Chaos and the beauty that comes from both,” the sister trio said of the new single. The track lilts around within a soft, mid-tempo Country Rock space, with its lyrical messaging lending itself to a dancing-on-the-bed-singing-into-a-hairbrush moment.

The track demonstrates the Vixens sonic diversity, yet another single on a strong list of previous releases that will build the foundations of an impactful debut album, which the sisters successfully crowd-funded last year and are due to release this coming March.

Their previous single, “Prove You Wrong”, garnered traction with over 70,000 streams, a #1 spot on the AMRAP charts and title of #1 Most Downloaded single to Australian Country Radio during release. “Mirror Mirror” is a co-write between the Vixens of Fall, Rod McCormack (Paul Kelly, The McClymonts, Beccy Cole) and Sam Gay (Little Texas, Montgomery Gentry, Bryan White, Johnny Rodriguez).

The Vixens have shown their community a consistent commitment to spreading the good word on no-holds self-love and passionate self-empowerment, with “Mirror Mirror” creating another vessel for this important perspective. “Life is always teaching us lessons whether we see them straight away or not… the value comes from sitting with your journals, your thoughts or yourself in the mirror and knowing that end of the day… everything always works out as it should,” say the Vixens.

2023 has already started with full energy, seeing the sisters venture to the 51st Tamworth Country Music Festival to play multiple shows, including a performance at the TCMF People’s Choice Awards, of which the group were recently nominated for Best Group or Duo and were the recipients of the ICMAA award for the Most Popular Australian Independent Country Music Band 2023 .

“Mirror Mirror” can be enjoyed in all the usual spots; and for lovers of a good old fashioned hard-cover copy, keep an eye out for the debut Vixens of Fall album this coming March.

Mentana presents their new radio single Winnipeg Girls, taken from the Rise From the Wreck album.

Co-produced by Mentana and Philippe Brault, Rise From the Wreck is a driving, pulsating guitars, a powerful, raspy voice, angelic harmonies, soulful piano, and feverish rhythms. That, in a nutshell, is what the new Mentana stellar Rise From the Wreck album is like. Thematically, their deft and deeply felt storytelling is a tapestry of resilience, wanderings, and the idea of facing the unknown. There’s something absolutely cinematic in scope in their gritty folk stylings.

Moving across time and space, taking us on intimate journeys that follow bruised and broken characters through the Western Canadian Badlands, into Winnipeg dive bars, under the wide open Texas sky, and all the way back up to singer-songwriter Robin-Joël Cool’s roots in a tiny Acadian hamlet that only survives in the imagination, like so many ghost towns that have been swallowed up by time. This album bears witness to all the contradictions that exists in the Americas.

It is an ode to the adventurous spirit that brought so many to these shores, seeking fortune, glory, or simply survival, but also a cathartic exploration of the tragedies that define what was once called The New World.

Bio

Mentana is a Montreal-based band whose cinematic folk takes the listener on a journey in the midst of stirring narratives that weave and unfold like short films. Robin-Joël Cool’s signature gritty, raspy vocals and driving guitars are at the centre of their sound, while Viviane Audet’s velvety piano and angelic backing vocals round out the higher register. The rhythm section, comprised of Yannick Parent on drums and Erik West-Millette on bass (West Trainz, Neil Young, over 200 sound recordings, 50 as producer/composer) chugs along languorously on certain tracks and charges like a runaway train on others.

In 2014, the band independently released a first EP called Western Soil. In 2015, they signed their first record deal, enlisted the help of Montreal-based electronic music producer Leon Louder and recorded Inland Desire. After the album launch in March 2016, the band toured across Canada and Europe. At the time, Mentana was featured in a TV documentary by Germany’s ZDF. As a result, Inland Desire shot straight to the top of the iTunes Germany Folk Music charts. On three occasions, they were invited to play at the German Ambassador’s residence in Ottawa, Canada.

Aside from their work with Mentana, Viviane and Robin-Joël compose a wealth of music for film, documentary, and theater. Over the past ten years, they have written original music for some twenty projects and have been nominated for the Canadian Screen Awards, the Gemini Awards, and l’ADISQ.

New Year, New Me, New Chapter. Kick off 2023 with the perfect song to start your next chapter. A contemporary country track that’s set to make 2023 the best year yet. Inspired from heartbreak, Cassidy-Rae hits all the right notes sharing relatable life lessons – let go of the things that are holding you back. Written by Cassidy-Rae, and produced by Michael Carpenter, feel empowered with ‘Next Chapter’, an upbeat, feel-good song reminding us to turn the page on the past.

Cassidy-Rae is moving from strength to strength – awarded Sutherland’s Entertainer of the Year, voted Best Female Vocal at the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards, and continuing the #1 iTunes charting single streak with single ‘Lately’ .

This next chapter sees Cassidy-Rae sharing her music nationally and internationally on an exciting 3-week residency from 23rd February – 16th March visiting the east coast of Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Maintaining popularity among fans and media alike, Cassidy-Rae constantly pushes the boundaries with every release, gaining placements on Spotify’s Fresh Country Playlist and Apple Music Playlists such as Aussie Country and Today’s Country. This talented artist’s videos have premiered on Country Music Television, and she has continuously received support from Australian Country Radio, ensuring chart success on Countrytown’s Hottest 50 Chart.

With over 100,000 followers across social media, Cassidy-Rae continues to creatively connect with fans worldwide, performing and sharing her life through Live Streams – Sunday SitDown and Wednesday Night Lives every week.

As a graduate of the Country Music Academy of Australia, Cassidy-Rae is a powerhouse to be reckoned with, appearing at major events such as Tamworth Country Music Festival, Blue Water Country Music Festival, Ballina Country Music Festival, Basin Music Festival, Canberra Folk Festival, Outback Blacktown Country Music Festival and more.

Cassidy-Rae delivers vibrant, confident, and authentic performances from her guitar and keyboard. Constantly a fan favourite with her positive attitude and larger-than-life stage presence, it’s not hard to work out why she has amassed such a loyal following that’s bound to stay with her for many years to come.

Cassidy-Rae’s new single ‘Next Chapter is out to radio and all digital platforms on Friday 27th January.

‘Wasted’ is a song about deep heartbreak after realising that the person you were in love with is incredibly toxic. It touches on the embarrassment after ignoring all the red flags. The lyrics are a double entendre, not only relating to how she is getting “wasted” as a way of dealing with the pain and how she wasted so much time on the wrong person, but how he made her feel crazy and how she felt that she was crazy for loving someone like him.

Inspired by the late Patsy Clines’ 1961 hit ‘Crazy’, the song ‘Wasted’ takes on a more modern twist of dealing with heartbreak in today’s society.

Amber McIntosh is an Australian artist based in Far North Queensland. The soft voiced, dynamic, and sometimes crossover artist blends characters and influences of modern pop and modern country music. Possessing a smooth lower range, Amber leans more towards a soft and breathy falsetto mirroring her middle voice.

Accompanied by her less refined and cut to the core lyrics, Amber has a way of writing to ignite personal and emotional intimacy.

As a youngster, she was surrounded by music and the arts; her mother is an artist and uncle a musician. The family circle of friends were also musicians, and Amber naturally gravitated toward music and began her creative journey, singing and writing songs. As a teenager, the guitar became her instrument, and as her confidence grew, she began performing at local talent shows.

Amber has always been enthralled by the songs and lyrics by the likes of Jeff Buckley, Fleetwood Mac, and Crowded House. It’s not just these alt-rock classics that Amber admires; she also harbours a deep love for Norah Jones. “She has certainly been a large influence in my song writing, I would listen to her debut album on my cassette player every night”.

After discovering her love for the stage, Amber took to the road spending most of 2018 and 2019 touring the Northern Territory, Western Queensland, and Queensland’s East Coast. Sharing the stage with fellow Australian country artists, some of her favourite performances to date have been Winton’s Way-Out West Fest, Kickstart Music Festival Yeppoon, and North Queensland Toyota Cowboys pre-game entertainment.

Following the successful independent release of her first single ‘Painted Me Grey’, Amber placed runner-up in the Radio Eastern 98.1fm Talent Search, as well as receiving a large amount of radio play from both commercial and community radio stations. She followed with ‘Lost With Me’ and ‘If This Is Love’.

An artist with a refreshing style, Amber McIntosh is now set to release her fourth single ‘Wasted’, accompanied by a music video directed by Jay Seeney. ‘Wasted’ is sure to spark emotion and connection with a wide range of audiences.

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

8 Seconds – #2 Australian Country radio chart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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