ZFM Country

SARA STORER AND JAMES BLUNDELL COLLABORATE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON A REMARKABLE NEW SONG

Today marks a very special release of a new single Sweet Dreams Way Out West from Sara Storer and James Blundell.

Written by Storer, the song title is a combination of two titles that will be familiar to fans. Says Storer of the inspiration behind the song, “Like me, James has a love of Australia, its characters and places. So, as I was preparing for when James and I team up to share the stage in Tamworth next year, I thought let’s give the audience a new song and let’s release it as a duet. The idea sounded great…now to write a song! After a few failed attempts I tried combining a song title from both our back catalogues. How would ‘Sweet Dreams Way Out West’ sound? It sounded like a good love song to me, and away my imagination went.”

It is remarkable to think, but this is the first time Storer and Blundell have collaborated on a song together. “I have been a fan of Sara’s since her debut album, Chasing Buffalo,” says Blundell. “She is one of our greatest songwriters. I love the fact that she is authentic and sings in her own voice. Through the years I have often thought about writing or recording with Sara so when she contacted me with her idea for a song I was on board straight away. I love the song with its romantic theme and infectious melody, and I am really looking forward to performing it on stage with her.”

Storer and Blundell are putting on a concert at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January under the title of Sweet Dreams Way Out West celebrating the iconic songs of both award-winning artists. More tour dates are being planned for March-April 2022.

Further information about Sara Storer

Well known for her ability to tell an authentic story with the landscape and characters of Australia as inspiration, Sara has penned and recorded some of country music’s most loved and enduring songs. Tracks such as Buffalo Bill, Back Outback, Man Trap, Raining on the Plains, Beautiful Circle, Sweet Dreams, Come On Rain, and Raindance have kept audiences flocking to Sara’s shows for more than 20 years.

Further information about James Blundell

Although it was the hit single Way Out West that bought James to national prominence, it’s his amazing catalogue of original compositions that best tells the story of his musical journey since the release of his self-titled debut album in 1989. A prolific songwriter, James has released 14 albums during his career to date with hits and album favourites that include Kimberley Moon, The Blue Heeler, Hand It Down, This Road, Rain on a Tin Roof, Mysterious Ways, Ring Around The Moon and so many more. Acknowledged by many as the artist who single-handedly shaped modern Australian country music, James is more relevant today than ever.

A redefined version of the late Reg Lindsay’s classic 1978 Golden Guitar winning song for Male Artist of the Year, ‘Silence On The Line’ takes the version that Reg recorded, and more than three decades later, presents a superb collaboration of the original. New production and technical wizardry adds Jodie Crosby’s vocal as the long-suffering wife answering the phone call from her rodeoing husband, and offers something different for fans of both artists.

Reg Lindsay OAM

At the age of 21, Reg won the Tim McNamara Talent Quest in Sydney NSW, with the first prize bring a recording contract with the Rodeo Label. In 1955 Reg was invited on tour with Canadian singer Wilf Carter, before touring with his own show, including radio and recordings.

In 1965, Reg hosted the Country & Western Hour in Adelaide. A couple of years later, in 1968, he made his first trip to Nashville where he performed at the Grand Ole Opry, where he was presented with an Honorary Citizenship of Tennessee. His biggest hit was ‘Armstrong’ written by John Stewart. A film clip of the song is in the time capsule at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston.

In 1977 Reg hosted Country Homestead in Brisbane and continued touring, recording and doing his radio shows whilst traveling to the US promoting Australia while touring the States. He was a multi award winning artist, with gold and silver records, Logies, Golden Guitars, and many other citations.

Reg Lindsay was an international entertainer, recognised by CMA Nashville for continuous outstanding contribution to the Country Music Industry. Sadly, Reg passed away on August 5th 2008.

Jodie Crosby

Jodie Crosby is one half of the Golden Guitar winning and inaugural CMAA Independent Entertainers Of The Year, The Crosby Sisters. Jodie has also notched up a career as a solo artist, including #1 releases in both Australia and Europe.

The Crosby Sisters appeared as support acts for the likes of Charley Pride, Dr Hook and almost every big Australian star, and were the last independent act to tour with the Slim Dusty Show.

A long-time fan of Reg Lindsay, and having appeared on a number of shows with him in the past, Jodie jumped at the chance to be involved in the ‘Silence On The Line’ project. Her voice and tonality are the perfect match for Reg’s voice as the pair give new life to this classic country song.

Nashville based, Alabamian country artist Jackson Capps released his angsty yet nostalgic breakup song, “LAX” on August 6 2021, with his Australian Radio Premiere the same day.

That feeling of a first-love-lost is explored in “LAX” as it paints the picture of a long anticipated departure from LA after a bittersweet breakup. While country sensibilities are clearly evident with Capps’ classic tone, fiddle and slide guitar, “LAX” also channels the sounds of America with influences of Bruce Springsteen meets Ryan Adams, and melancholy Don Henley vibes.

“LAX” was co-written by Capps, Alex Tomlins and J.W. Faria, co-produced by Capps, Alex Tomlins and Jed Smith, performed by Capps’ Nashville live band, mixed by GRAMMY-award winner Brandon Bell, and mastered by Daniel Bacigalupi of Infrasonic Studios.

While many artists have been inspired by country music from a young age, Capps additionally had an once-in-a-lifetime experience at the age of 12 when Marty Stuart invited Capps on the Grand Ole Opry stage to perform with him. Determined to pursue his dream, he graduated high-school early to relocate to Nashville and has spent the last 3 years consistently writing and honing his live performance skills, performing 4-5 times a week with his six-piece band. In 2020 Capps released two singles with “Yesterday’s Makeup” charting at #83 on the Australian iTunes Country Charts.

Jackson’s single, “LAX” is now available to stream or download on all platforms.

Coming fresh off their recent hit Where Is The Love, Key Loch are bringing us another passionate single! Come Home To Me is a worthy successor to their emotional last single, and the beautiful tones of Avery May Parker’s voice combined with the smooth drums and gentle guitar will make you feel right at home.

Key Loch are Damien Reilly and Justin Gross. They are the founders of the 90’s power Aussie Rock Band Southpaw, which you can learn more about at www.southpawmuzik.com . They bring together a production history between them of 50 years of song writing and playing live music in Australia. And this time, the duo are featuring a third member to their killer ensemble, that being Avery May Parker! A sweet and soulful performance in every lyric, Avery’s voice and Key Loch’s expert playing guarantee that every time you listen to Come Home To Me, it’ll hit you right where it counts.

This track is an emotional story about a husband that has been sent off to war, with his wife pining for his return. “Come home to me”, come back alive, come back safe. It’s a heartfelt scenario that cuts deep and pulls no punches. Avery once again knocked it out of the park with her vocals, and alongside Damien and Justin’s incredible production, we think this one is bound to be a massive hit!

The cozy chord progressions and delicate lyrics will transport you homely times, to nostalgic times you once fondly lived through, and to happy times that are yet to come, or perhaps never will come and are bound to your imagination. The future is a mystery, however the passion presented in this song is a constant, one that cannot be altered, merely moulded to suit your idyllic preference. Key Loch are making a name for themselves in the music world with hits like this, and it’s only a matter of time before that name becomes a household one!

Aimee Hannan’s new single ‘Brighter Side’ was co-written with nine-time Golden Guitar winner Lyn Bowtell. Aimee has drawn upon her own life experiences to deliver the essence of the song as well as her observations of the world around her during the current pandemic. Life has been difficult for many, with people experiencing mental health issues, missing family, and all of the associated problems we have been sharing.

Now is the time we can look on the ‘Brighter Side’ with this bubbly upbeat song speaking of letting go of the negative and enjoying the positive things in life. Produced by Rod Motbey at his Tracking Dog Studios, Aimee will have you singing and dancing along with her as she heads into this celebration of life.

Aimee found her love of country music at age ten, joining the local country music club. She was soon selected to open Lee Kernaghan’s Hat Town tour in Queensland. Aimee then travelled the countryside competing in many festivals throughout Queensland and NSW with great success, as well as graduating from both the Junior and Senior programs at the CMAA Academy of Country Music.

Singing is a major part of Aimee’s life however it became increasingly difficult to perform as she was struggling with a rare medical condition that was causing her heart to fail, and it became necessary for Aimee to have her leg amputated. Staying true to herself, Aimee was back on stage months later performing from her wheelchair until her prosthetic was made. Nothing could stop her.

After competing in Today’s Country Brand New Star competition, she connected with fellow artists Gina Jeffreys and Max Jackson and with their help co-wrote a collection of songs, some of which Aimee recorded on her debut album ‘Stronger’, recorded at Hillbilly Hut Studios with Simon Johnson.

A multiple JUNO & CCMA Award winning entertainer, Dallas Smith is one of the most celebrated artists in Canadian Country music history, amassing 18 Canadian gold-certified single, 3 Canadian gold-certified albums, and 4 Canadian platinum-certified singles, including “Timeless”, “Drop”, and ” Trippin’ Point & Wastin Gas”.

Smith is the first and only Canadian Country artist to have 11 #1 singles , and the first to have 22 consecutive Top 10 singles. He has received 35 CCMA Award Nominations, and 11 CCMA wins, along with 5 Juno Award Nominations and 2 JUNO wins. His CCMA Award wins include, Album of The Year, Male Artist of The Year, Single of The Year, and he is reigning CCMA Entertainer of the year, two years running.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Dallas to premiere his new single “Hide From A Broken Heart” exclusively on the 2021 CCMA Awards (11/29

• 2022 National headlining tour to be announced 11/22, in tandem with “Hide From A Broken Heart” single announce + pre-add/pre-save launch.

• 11 career country #1 singles and half a BILLION combined streams to date

• 5 CCMA Nominations (2021), including: Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year, Fan’s

Choice, Album of the Year & Male Artist of the Year.

• 35 career CCNA Nominations and 11 CCMA wins, including: Entertainer of the Year (2020/2019), Top Selling Country Album (2020/2017), Male Artist of the Year (2019), Album of the Year (2017), and Single of the Year (2017).

• 5 JUNO Award Nominations & 2 JUNO Award wins, including the award for JUNO Country Album of the Year (Lifted).

• 3 Gold albums, 1B Gold singles and 4 Platinum singles (Music Canada)

• Dallas co-hosted the 2019 Canadian Country Music Awards with Billy Ray Cyrus.

• #1 Most Played solo Canadian Country artist of 2020 (MediaBase)

• The only Canadian Artist to have 22 consecutive Top 10 singles

• The most #1 songs by a Canadian Country artist ever, in the NielsenBDS era, surpassing Shania Twain.

• Past festival tour dates include Faster Horses, Watershed, Big Valley Jamboree, Country Thunder, Boots & Hearts, Calgary Stampede, Cavendish Music Fest

• Most recent headlining tour was “Friends Don’t Let Friends Tour Alone” (Fall 2019) with Dean Brody and MacKenzie Porter.

• 500,000 concert tickets sold as a country artist.

• Smith is the creator of the charitable organization, Lifted, which is a non-profit committed to ensuring mental health services are accessible to anyone in need.

Sharing music from the release of his debut country solo album at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Andrew Farriss now has lots more to celebrate with a nomination in the 2022 Golden Guitar awards for Heritage Song Of The Year. The track that earned the nomination, the gun-slinging “With The Kelly Gang” paints a vivid picture of Australian history.

Releasing “With The Kelly Gang” to radio in the lead-up to the 2022 Tamworth Country Music Festival, the song is an important part of the new musical direction that Andrew is heading in. When he was writing and recording his self-titled solo album, he knew from the start that he wanted to tell the story of an Australian outlaw, to bring the album full circle from its tales of international cultural spirituality, back to home.

Andrew said “The legend of the Ned Kelly and his gang has fascinated generations I’ve always been interested in Australia’s history, and I’ve since learned both sides of the Ned Kelly Story. This song captures a moment of Australian culture that felt right with the outlaw theme of my album, and I really enjoyed writing it with Mark and Jay O’shea”.

Andrew specifically chose to keep the instrumentation in the song ‘old-school’, using acoustic instruments, Irish flute, harmonica and mandolin, instead of loops, samples and drum machines, to enhance the historic feel of the track. The result is a song that centers the listener in a place and time, contemplating another side of an infamous outlaw.

With even more energy than before, Brock Colley is back with his brand new single ‘Rush’. With rock and roll ganjos creating vibey hooks and huge sounding choruses, ‘Rush’ sets the scene for couples that have true passion for one another. High energy, high passion and high excitement.

Armed with his new single ‘Rush’ and an upcoming EP, Brock Colley is back and ready to hit the road again. Following on from his early 2021 charting single ‘No Mascara’, Brock has brought an even more energetic approach to his latest creation. In between writing for other artists and juggling the touring world, he is still finding time to delve deeper into his own recording career and sound.

In his own words, 2022 is going to be a year that is more festival and tour focused, and Brock’s love for being around people will be at the forefront of what this next season entails.

“Love your neighbour as yourself” is easier said than done. Steve Cheers has worked in many helping environments over the years with people whose stated goal was to live up to these lofty ideals. Consequently, he has reflected on them a lot, because they’ve always seemed difficult to live up to in reality. Still, Steve has known some truly wonderful, selfless people who have come close. Being nice to those we like is easy, but doing the same for people who rub us the wrong way, not so easy. The people who can are amongst those we should respect the most.

Steve Cheers hails from the NSW Southern Highlands, where he worked in and on the regions entertainment industry for 25 years. Apart from releasing and performing his own music and that of his former band ‘Cowpoke’, he has also worked as an artist manager, promoter, theatrical actor producer and director, and with his wife Geralyn runs the local Music Centre which has educated many thousands of students over the years.

Entertainment has run in the bloodlines of Steve’s family for generations, and continues with members of his own family engaging in music teaching, composing and performers and other artistic endeavors.

Rising country artist, Hudson Rose makes a welcome return in late 2021, offering a brand new single ‘Drivin’ To You’. Co-written and produced by Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis, from the famed MSquared Team, this confident country pop track with an outlaw vibe, displays infectious and energetic hooks and a strong kick throughout the song.

Torn between what you know you should do and what you’re pulled towards? ‘Driving To You’ is about exactly this, trying to stop yourself from getting in the car to go somewhere you know you shouldn’t go and the inner struggles that go with that – in this case it’s being drawn to the classic ‘bad boy’.

“The idea for this song came from a short video I saw where a girl said the only thing that could stop her from going to see a guy was having a drink, because then she can’t drive. I could relate to this as we all have things, we know we shouldn’t do or places we shouldn’t go, but for some reason we are drawn to still do it. I developed the idea lyrically, put a strum pattern to it and presented it as an idea to Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis from MSquared. Working with MSquared was a great experience and definitely a relationship that I would like to pursue in the future”.

Hudson is continuously discovering ways to reinvent herself, and with each release showcases a different side to her personality, always delivering a confident message. Previous hits ‘Never See Me Cry’ (2020) and ‘One More Kiss’ (2021) both received chart success and solid airplay with high rotation adds on major stations KIX Country, Triple M Country, ABC Country and Australian Country Radio as well as Spotify and Apple Music playlist additions and music clips added to CMT Australia. 2021 also saw Hudson win the Maureen Wagner Memorial Award for Most Promising Young Artist in Australian Country Music and was included on the line-up in the inaugural Road to Roma Country Music Festival in March.

Hailing from NSW’s mid north coast, Hudson Rose has captivated audiences in her local area and went on to impress judges at the 2018 Tamworth Country Music Festival’s busking competition, where she was chosen out of hundreds to perform on the festival’s main stage as part of their Top 10. She returned the following year, to perform across various venues, gained a supporting spot with Homegrown and has continued to perform in her local area before the Covid19 pandemic forced the music industry to shut down. As the country now opens up and the live music scene comes back to life, Hudson is looking forward to Tamworth Country Music Festival and the new year ahead.

There is something distinctly refreshing about Hudson Rose’s gift of storytelling. Together with a vibrant, down to earth personality, unquestionable star quality and at just 19 years of age, Hudson Rose in an impressive new voice on the country music scene in Australia and one to watch as her story unfolds.

Adam Brand bounces back into the spotlight today with the release of his glorious new single ‘Still the One’. Through his heartfelt and engaging lyrics, Adam delivers an irresistible reflection on sustaining connection in the face of adversity.

Across more than two decades in music, soulful country songsmith Adam Brand has made a close study of love in its every facet.

“These two people have been through a crazy, difficult time”, Adam says of the couple at the heart of “Still the One”, “just like every relationship does. Just like we, as a country and world, are going through right now. But no matter what happened in the past or what will happen, they’re saying, you’re still the one. We’ll stick together through thick and thin.”

It’s a timely message of hope, confirming Adam’s gift for unearthing those shared experiences that bind people from all walks of life together: from connecting over the wobbly table at a café to weathering the pang of physical separation.

“Even though it’s a love song between two people, there are so many relationships that are under duress at the moment,” Adam reflects. “There’s a lot of separation in the world because of borders. I hope everyone has somebody they can look in the eye and say, whatever happens, no matter what comes our way, we’re sticking through this.”

Combining irresistible pop production, a dancefloor-ready beat, and Adam’s own earthy brand of heartland country soul, “Still the One” finds Adam exploring new vistas in sound.

Since bursting onto the scene with his celebrated self-titled debut album in 1998, Adam Brand has taken home 12 CMAA Golden Guitar Awards and netted 6 ARIA Award nominations. Across 15 studio albums, Adam has celebrated three platinum and five gold album certifications. Confirming Adam’s incomparable power as a fan favourite performer Australia wide, the world-beating artist has taken out seven CMC Oz Artist of the Year Awards – more than any other artist in the awards’ history.

Starting with the high-octane “Built for Speed” in 2002, Adam has enjoyed an unbroken string of No.1-charting ARIA Country Albums. 2020’s “Speed of Life” took out the No.6 spot on the overall ARIA Albums Chart, marking Adam’s sixth studio album to make the Top

10. As dozens of No.1 hit singles confirm, Adam ranks among the most successful Australian artists of all time.

A heartfelt love song for troubled times, “Still the One” is Adam Brand at his insightful, articulate best. It’s a healing balm, and a joyous celebration of constancy and resilience.

The singer-songwriter has always been blessed with ample helpings of the perfect combination of beach and bush in Port Macquarie to inspire his musical output and the new single is the perfect summer ode to home.

“Hometown is inspired by my time living in Sydney and that feeling of excitement and longing to get on the road back home,” said Chris Rose. “It talks about all my favourite things. Parties on the sand with my mates, summer nights in late December, surfing, camping and more. Although it’s an upbeat/uplifting track, there’s a little nostalgic sadness buried in there.”

It’s the perfect time for nostalgia, especially with borders opening and Australians getting to visit home or see loved ones, many for the first time in over a year. Rose’s love for his home will be mirrored across the country’s highways and airports right around Australia this holiday season and this track will become the anthem we didn’t expect to need in 2021.

Despite being a relative newcomer to country radio, Chris has been a stalwart of the live music scene, getting his break as part of the TDP (Talent Development Program) which has helped shape the early careers of artists including Morgan Evans, Brad Cox and Tom Jordan (Seaforth). He supported some of Aussie music’s most iconic artists like The McClymonths, Black Sorrows and Daryl Braithwaite and is now stepping out to do his own shows, including his ‘Hometown’ launch party on December 3 at ‘Hello Sailor’, Port Macquarie.

Mercury Nashville rising star Priscilla Block has released her latest song ‘Peaked In High School’ for all of those who feel more grateful the school years are over than thanks for the good time. Written by Block with Sarah Jones, Josh Beale and Kate Hasting, Block taps into her high school years, feeling on the outside and coming to grips with friends who turned “too cool” – but Block executes the song with her playful, signature wink.

“I was the girl that had no interest in doing things how everybody else did them,” Block shares with PEOPLE. “This song kinda just goes out to anybody that that’s ever made me feel not enough. And to any young people out there, people tell you that high school will be some of the best years of your life. I am living proof that it is not. I wish I knew that back in the day. I would have saved so many fricking tears.”

Known for her relatable, candid lyrics, Block continues to prove to that her best years are still ahead. She released her self-titled major label debut earlier this year and is currently one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, is November’s Opry NextStage featured artist, has her smash single ‘Just About Over You’ climbing US country radio airplay charts, and earned critical praise including American Songwriter which notes, “Priscilla’s songs emanate authenticity, making others feel they have a place at the table, and someone new to relate to.” Block has toured with Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi and more.

About Priscilla Block

Country artist Priscilla Block draws listeners in with her unfiltered, relatable songwriting and catchy melodies. Pegged as a 2021 Artist to Watch by Amazon Music, PANDORA, Spotify, CMT, The Boot, MusicRow, HITS, Sounds Like Nashville, Country Now, Music Mayhem and more, Priscilla’s honest and upfront approach promotes self-love, empowerment, and acceptance through her own blend of country pop and southern rock, dubbed the Block Party sound.

In early 2020, Priscilla was struggling to make ends meet after losing her job and her apartment. Unable to get out and play in person due to Covid-19, Priscilla began experimenting on TikTok and quickly developed a rabid fanbase with songs like ‘Thick Thighs,’ ‘PMS’ and ‘Just About Over You’. Fans rallied together to independently fund Priscilla’s recording and since its release, ‘Just About Over You’ peaked both the iTunes Country and All-Genre song charts, the song was named one of The New York Times Best Songs of 2020, and it is now Top 20 on US country radio. ‘Just About Over You’ along with ‘Wish You Were the Whiskey’, ‘I Bet You Wanna Know’ and three more originals written by the young star comprise Priscilla’s self-titled major label debut EP released April 30.

Originally from Raleigh, NC, Priscilla moved to Nashville to pursue music shortly after high school. In Nashville, the affable, hardworking, student of life worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, then a chance encounter with her idol – Taylor Swift – was the sign she needed to dive all the way in on her music. Priscilla is a seasoned performer sharing the stage and opening for artists including Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Kelsea Ballerini, Rodney Atkins and more. She is currently on the road with Ashley McBryde.

Multi award winning performer, Darren Coggan and his daughter, seventeen-year-old singer/songwriter Olivia Coggan, collaborate to release a stunning collection of songs celebrating family, hope and home on their debut EP, ‘Dear August’.

The seven songs that feature on the EP are uplifting affirmations of the universal values we all hold true. In the world we live in today, being reminded that life is beautiful and to love one another is a mantra we all need.

The first single and title track of the EP, ‘Dear August’, is a song that will resonate with so many, a prayer for the sun to break through to a new day.

“During the endless months of lockdown throughout 2021, my version of ‘home schooling’ was to record this EP of some of our favourite songs that Olivia and I have naturally gravitated towards over the years. I am incredibly proud of Olivia and what we have captured and I hope that the songs bring joy to the listeners” commented Darren.

“Singing together is something that Dad and I have always done for as long as I can remember. In fact, there is a bonus track on the EP of a recording of Dad and I singing the Kasey Chambers song ‘Dad Do You Remember?’, when I was 8 years old, it’s pretty cute and a nice little time capsule to reflect upon” says Olivia

Olivia Coggan is emerging as a fabulous young singer/songwriter, gathering high praise from some of the music industry’s most respected performers including Kasey Chambers, Felicity Urquhart and Emma Pask. Olivia is currently writing songs for her debut release scheduled for 2022.

Darren Coggan is one of Australia’s most exciting and diverse artists – a masterful storyteller who has carved an impressive career in the Australian country music industry. Darren is equally at home in musicals and on screen, currently presenting the lifestyle TV program Sydney Weekender, but is probably best known for his critically acclaimed portrait of Cat Stevens, which has inspired audiences in the most prestigious theatres around the world, including sold out performances at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Liverpool Philharmonic.

Going Home For Christmas features Johnny Dan on vocals along with world famous musicians Matt Bissonnette (Elton John, David Lee Roth), Gregg Bissonette (Ringo Starr, David Lee Roth), Paul Bushnell (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill), Matt Laug (Alanis Morrisette, Slash), Bob “Boo” Bernstein (Dwight Yoakam, Tanya Tucker) and was mixed by LA legend and Grammy Winner Tom Weir at Studio City Sound and Mastered by Grammy winner Gavin Lurssen.

Kaylee Bell is ecstatic to announce her next single “Living Free”, a collaboration with US superstar Lindsay Ell, will be out from November 5. “Living Free” is an anthemic single about living in the moment.

Living Free was written in Nashville by Bell along with Sam Sumser (produced Lizzo and Keith Urban), Michael Lotten and produced by Grammy nominated Lindsay Rimes and Simon Oscroft (Midnight Youth, Disney USA Producer).

Bell comments, “It was an honour to team up with Lindsay on this track, despite the global pandemic we were still able to work together from opposite sides of the world. This song is message of empowerment, and we can’t wait to play live together! I hope it’s a positive reminder for us all right now to focus on what really matters.”

Following the release of “Living Free”, Bell will also be releasing her next album “SILVER LININGS” on November 26, featuring collaborations with artists such as Lindsay Ell, The McClymonts, Josh Mirenda and more.

Bell was recently selected by Spotify to represent New Zealand Australians artists as the face of EQUAL Global Music Program, profiled on a massive billboard in Times Square New York. Bell’s single “Keith”, written as a tribute to Keith Urban, recently passed 5 million streams on all platforms making Bell the first Australasian artist since Kasey Chambers to pass five million of a song, an amazing achievement for a self-funded and self-managed independent artist.

Bell’s recent single “That Summer” was the most added song to mainstream radio in New Zealand for the month of May and Bell continues to reign as the Most Streamed Female Artist for Australasia.

www.kayleebellmusic.com

Courtney Keil continues her ascendancy as one of the best new talents on the Australian country scene with her latest single ‘Little Heartbreak’. The Melbourne based singer / songwriter has seen her previous three singles ‘Where Does All The Love Go’, ‘Hummingbird’, and ‘I Just Wanna Hold You’ all hit No.1 on the iTunes Country Singles charts, with the latter also peaking at #15 on TMN CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart and earning a semi-finalist spot in the 2020 International Songwriters Competition.

‘Little Heartbreak’ is a song that adds to the rich, time-honoured tradition of lovelorn breakup songs in Country music. “This song is inspired by the challenges of dating and facing ‘little heartbreaks’. Events build on each other: the ‘what if’s,’ first date failures, falling for someone then being rejected”, Keil says. “Our main focus can be on major losses, long term relationship breakdown, and divorce which can underscore the pain and heartache of an ongoing dating cycle.”

Working with Rod McCormack at his Music Cellar studio on the NSW Central Coast, Keil took inspiration from one of the greats of 90s Country and worked with a few legends to bring the track to fruition. “I had the pleasure of writing this with Gina Jeffreys, Rod McCormack, Sam Gay and Templeton Thompson. We were musically inspired by Lee Ann Womack’s 1997 release ‘Man With 18 Wheels’.”

‘Little Heartbreak’ is a bouncy and upbeat song that cleverly hides the pain within the lyric. As Keil sings “I know paper cuts aren’t deep, they still sting and bleed,” this is a song to be uplifted with, after an emotional knock-down. “I hope this song gives the listener space to process the ‘little heartbreaks’ and to honour the pain that comes with them, even if not as outwardly noticeable as the big breaks!” she says.

Keil is set to kick off 2022 in a big way as part of the ‘Country Girls’ Night Out’ tour playing with Gina Jeffreys and Tania Kernaghan, which commences in January at the 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival. She has also been playing the role of June Carter Cash alongside Daniel Thompson in “Johnny Cash: The Concert” throughout 2021 (pre-lockdown) which will be continuing in 2022.

Courtney Keil is well on her way to making an indelible mark on Australia’s country music landscape. ‘Little Heartbreak’ is the latest in a string of singles that has enchanted the hearts of fans everywhere and is set to find and even bigger audience. She is that rare talent to make sunshine out of rain, and that magic is why she is one of the most remarkable up-and-coming talents in Australia right now.

Hello, you’ve heard MICHAEL JAY HUGHES’ hard-hitting song “Dirt Road Whiskey”….But you haven’t heard his two recently released singles….until now, and they are getting international attention. Check out new originals from MJH “Playing With Fire” and “Keith Whitley Songs”.
Additionally, Michael Jay sat down recently and answered some questions with Nashville Voyager Magazine. More to come and more music coming soon!!

“The Ring A Ting Song” opens with Amy Jack’s lush vocals, accompanied by beautiful bells and a steady drum beat, drawing the listener in. Not only does the song have a catchy melody, but the lyrics spread joy and peacefulness around the world. “The Ring A Ting Song” has all the makings of an instant holiday classic.

Emma Dykes is shining a light on homelessness and spreading kindness with her latest single, ‘Walk A Mile’. Released on October 29, Emma was inspired to write ‘Walk A Mile’ after seeing how a homeless man was treated on the subway in New York.

The North Coast singer-songwriter joined forces with Golden Guitar winner Roger Corbett, and they crafted the song to show the human side of homelessness and to remind people to be kind.

“I went to Nashville to record the album, ‘The Riddle of Life’, and (husband) Aaron took me on the subway. There was a man who was telling his story of how he became homeless,” Emma said. “People pretended he wasn’t there and ignored him, but halfway through the trip, a lady and her Son got on the train. The little boy started playing with the man who was homeless and as people watched on, he became just a normal person on the train.

“I’ve always loved the saying ‘walk a mile in someone else’s shoes’. It could be that someone is having a bad day, it’s not necessarily about you, but they may have had rough times. We don’t know, and shouldn’t judge, without walking a mile in their shoes.” Emma said, from the outside looking in, you didn’t know what the man’s story was until he explained that his father had cancer and his family had ended up with no home.

“I wrote it with Roger Corbett when he offered to spend some time with me writing and mentoring. I knew Roger from the Academy of Country Music and it was so good to catch up with him and write something with the same essence but still a bit different to what I normally write,” she said.

“Walk A Mile reminds us that although we might not feel we have much to give people, you can always give them a smile and that’s really needed at the moment. It’s a nice time to release this song for that reason because it has a happy vibe and an inspirational feel.” Emma said we all needed a reminder to choose kindness now and then.

After becoming a mum to her son, Ryder, 18 months ago, it’s been a while between new singles for Emma, but she’s ready to pick up the guitar and get back into making music. “Being a mum now, ‘Walk A Mile’ hits home more than ever,” she said. “I want to make sure we’re going in the right direction in the world for him to grow up in. Our kid’s futures depend on the world we create today”.

Dave Herrera was inspired to write the song Hella Country after working and taking care of his family ranch which is located in a small town surrounded by rice fields, orchard farmers, cattle, vineyards and the hard working blue collar families that keep the small town going.

It’s not just music, it’s a lifestyle, living through and relying on a good or bad season where we might not get necessities like water, when we’re delivered a summer full of droughts or wild fires that alter the growing environments.

Herrera said “what Hella Country means to me is a culture of hard working, never giving up, and doing what we can to provide for our families with the environment that surrounds us.

Herrera wrote the track with the help of Cory Coppin co-writer and produced the track with co-producer Jeff Balding. “Hella Country” was recorded at WestRoc Studios.

Following the massive success of her debut EP “Iconic” and the recent summer smash, Australian #1 Country radio single “Middle Ground”, pop-country sensation Rachael Fahim is delivering another piece of musical gold, with the alluring “Darts In The Dark”, a song that is said to be Rachael’s BEST SONG YET!

Rachael co-wrote “
Darts In The Dark” during the 2021 ‘Country meets pop’ song camp with the songs producer Robby De Sa (The Veronicas / Maya Cumming / The McClymonts), Ned Philpott and US writer Rosi Golan, who has written hits for the likes of Little Big Town, Billy Currington, Lennon Stella and Christina Aguilera.

“When we wrote this song, I was talking about how I often feel stuck while everyone around me seems to be moving forward, life can be a rollercoaster, but you just have to sit back, enjoy the ride and just focus on your own path” says Fahim.

“Rosi had this amazing title and the song just flowed, we literally had a finished production 6 hours later!”

“Darts In The Dark” is the follow-up to her biggest hit ever on country radio, “Middle Ground”, which spent a massive 5 weeks at #1 on the official Australian Country singles airplay chart earlier this year.

Rachael Fahim has been the most streamed Australian female pop-country artist for the last 3 years with over 11 million audio streams since the release of her “Iconic” EP.

The 2017 Star Maker winner has previously been globally promoted as a “Countrywide” feature artist on Apple Music and an “Artist to Watch” on Spotify.

Rachael achieved commercial pop radio airplay with the single, Even If I Wanted To” featuring Brad Cox in 2019. The track was the 2nd most added song to Australian radio the week of release.

Darlinghurst’s long awaited, self-titled debut album debuted at #1 on the ARIA Country Album Chart, #1 on the ARIA Australian Country chart, #9 on the ARIA Album Chart and #1 on the AIR 100% Independent Album Chart.

Over the past two years Darlinghurst have scored 6 x Top 5 The Music Network CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart hits, were nominated for their very first Golden Guitar for New Talent of the Year and performed at the Groundwater Country Music Festival, Deni Ute Muster, Gympie Music Muster, Live & Loud Stage Tamworth as well as open for artists such as Jimmy Barnes, James Blundell, The Wolfe Brothers and The Black Sorrows.

‘Bad Things’ is the cheekiest track off Darlinghurst’s debut album, sung by the two ‘naughty’ ones of the band! Cassie and Pagan. “We’re pretty confident women, and we thought it was very important for us to put it out there, that it’s okay for women to be expressive; and feel empowered to make decisions about what they desire without judgment.” says Cassie. “And it’s also a cheeky song with a play on words that can raise an eyebrow or two! But yes, throw your hair in the wind, and be you. Just be you!”

Today, 3 x time ARIA Award and 11 x Golden Guitar winning Shane Nicholson announces extra live shows and releases his new radio single ‘Helena’ the follow up to his Top 15 Country Radio single ‘And You Will Have Your Way.’ In line with the release, Shane will also release a live video of ‘Helena.’

Shane describes ‘Helena’ as a dream song. “I’ve never had a dream song before. I was a little bit jealous of people who had. I woke up one morning and had the title and sort of a little melody in my head. ‘It only hurts for a while’ is the tagline. In the dream it was ‘Helena it only hurts ’till you die’ – that was a little bit sadder [he laughs], maybe not as hopeful. That was the original version I wrote. I backtracked a bit and thought no I’m gonna make this a little more hopeful and open-ended.

“It was fun to record. I was having a great time, playing and playing, then I started adding backing vocals and I got carried away with it one night. You know, a couple of whiskeys and a microphone. It ballooned into something bigger and shinier than I thought it would.”

Living In Colour was released in August, hit Top 5 on the ARIA Country Chart and is nominated for ARIA Best Country Album. It was written and recorded in Shane’s Central Coast studio pretty much on his own due to Covid restrictions. I just found it fun to be doing it myself. It was sort of a return to the old days, my teenage years, when I had my first Pro-Tools set up on old computer and I was making demos and putting songs together, learning about the mechanics of production in a bedroom in Brisbane in my parents’ house,” he says excitedly. “I haven’t really done that since then, being able to sit there by myself and pick up instrument after instrument. It was mostly me and a bottle of whiskey into the night, that was it.

ABOUT SHANE NICHOLSON

Nicolson’s storied career started in the late 1990s with his first Brisbane based band Pretty Violet Stain. With a solo career launch in 2002 with the release of ‘It’s a Movie’, he’s since followed up with nine albums, including 2015 ARIA Award winning ‘Hell Breaks Loose’ and 2 x ARIA Award winning albums with Kasey Chambers – the platinum selling, ARIA No.1 album ‘Rattlin’ Bones’ and ‘Wreck and Ruin’. With 11 x CMAA Golden Guitar awards under his belt including 2021 APRA Song of the Year for ‘The High Price of Surviving’, Nicolson has also been recognised internationally with 2 nominations for USA Americana Music Association awards. As a seasoned producer, Nicholson has been busy working with Alex Lloyd, Tori Forsyth, Beccy Cole, Michael Waugh and Camille Trail.

Nicholson is a rare talent who has bridged the gap between Alt-country and the mainstream. He crafts his songs seamlessly and can wrap up difficult subject matters with music of uplifting beauty and charm. He has released 4 songs from Living In Colour – The High Price Of Surviving, Harvest on Vinyl, Life Ain’t Fine and his latest single, And You Will Have Your Way’ which captures Nicholson’s charismatic talent for writing striking songs that pay tribute to the unpredictability of human experience.

Pioneer of the Australian Hip Hop scene and Yorta-Yorta man Briggs is releasing his newest single ‘Shadows’ ft Troy Cassar-Daley today through Island Records Australia.

An adaptation of the Troy Cassar-Daley original ‘Shadows On The Hill’, this unique collaboration produced by Jaytee Hazard, brings together two iconic artists to acknowledge an important part of Australia’s history.

”Shadows On The Hill’ started its song line around a fire on Gumbaynggirr country at our men’s camp. There was one powerful moment for all of us when a massacre was mentioned that happened up the river from where we camped with our families for many generations, the wind died down, the air around us was still and not one bird sang. My old uncle stood up and said, ‘Don’t be scared the old people know we are here; they are just letting us know’. The trees on the mountains across the river from us stood long and lonely. I believe the old people gave me this song to acknowledge the pain and to share one of the many brutal stories of this land and more importantly to share the truth. Because song lines never end and make their way through thousands of generations, I shared the song with Briggs so the next generation can hear the story of the ‘Shadows On The Hill’ Troy Cassar-Daley.

Briggs says on the song ‘Shadows was brought to me by Troy; I was honoured he’d share this part of his story with me. There was so much depth and this haunting truth that is woven through his words.’

‘As a kid I’d often remember rumours about what parts of Melbourne were old ‘graveyards.’ Which I guess is a way to explain a massacre site or to reconcile it for young ears. Where the bodies dropped they built a fuckin parking lot.’

‘Australia has a hard time acknowledging its truth. There’s a partial map of massacre sites in the artwork. It’s documented; it’s factual. The first war began in 1788. It had all the symptoms of a war. There were opposing nations, a clear objective of taking land, everything in it and the expansion of the Crown. Australia enjoys its cherry-picked history.’

‘Genocide isn’t just rifles. It’s in introducing dependency and then removing the care. It’s exclusion from the health care system, it’s exclusion from the economy and society.’

‘Governor Macquarie said, ‘Hang the natives from the tree to deter others.’ They named a Bank, University and many other streets and landmarks after him. People get cancelled for tweets in 2021, this guy still has a statue.’

‘Blackfullas personify survival. We embody the values of our culture; that’s what we carry.’

The song features as part of the forthcoming ABC two-part series ‘Going Country’. Hosted by Justine Clarke, the series premieres on Tuesday November 2 at 8:30pm and travels to locations that have played an integral part in the creation and inspiration of iconic county music songs as well as the lives of the artists who have helped shape Australian Country.