ZFM Country

Sara Berki has today released her second single, “Good Enough”, an up-vibe slice of throwback country which takes elements of classic country, presented through a modern lens. The track is the follow-up to Sara’s breakout debut single, “Falling Off the Heartline”, which was released earlier this year.

The Bowral based singer-songwriter made an impressive debut with “Falling off the Heartline”, which received major playlisting and radio airplay support – not an easy feat for a heartbreak ballad, produced entirely with organic instruments and true country grit.

Both tracks were written by Sara and are reminiscent of breakthrough singer-songwriters of recent years, such as Kacey Musgraves, Hayley Whitters and Ingrid Andress. Both songs are part of a five song EP to be released in October which was produced by Simon Johnson (Troy Cassar-Daley) and mastered by Grammy Award winner, William Bowden (Gotye).

Sara commented on the song, “Good Enough was one of those songs that felt so organic, so easy and it was a pleasure to write it. The story of the song is about when that one person comes along and accepts and loves you unconditionally for everything you are, almost questioning “Why did you ever put up with anything less than you’re worth?”. Which is the love that was “just good enough”. Musically, it’s playful, hoppy and sweet. I wanted people to feel what I felt about this song and I can only be hopeful that they will”.

In addition to showing extraordinary songwriting promise, Sara is also lighting up audiences with her live performances. Sara was one of the highlight artists at the 2022 Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival, with her honest and engaging presence creating a buzz around the industry.

With an EP to follow in October and more music in works, this is just the beginning for Sara Berki.

When James Johnston released his debut single ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ in the winter of ’21 it smashed all expectations – reached #1 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart, racked up 14 million streams to date and highlighted Johnston as one to watch in country music. Recently, Johnston has been breaking records by becoming the first independent country music artist in over 21 years to have a single certified Gold by ARIA. Every track that’s followed has been a hit for Johnston. His latest single, ‘SAME SONGS’ featuring Kaylee Bell hits airwaves today and is sure to blaze the same trail.

‘SAME SONGS’ is an anthemic ode to the songs that shaped a generation. “These are the soundtracks to the stories of my life,” echo’s Johnston’s gritty vocal in the first verse. Known for his strong relationship with his fans, it was them who decided Kaylee Bell should be his co-star in this nostalgic epic. “Grown from a single Tiktok video, SAME SONGS is my first collaboration. When I reached out to fans on who they’d like to see me collaborate with I was inundated with requests to partner up with Kaylee.”

The New Zealand-born singer/songwriter even wrote her own verse for the tune, tipping her hat to country legend Dolly Parton as well as pop queens Beyoncé and Britney Spears. Similar to Johnston, Bell has been kicking career goals lately. She’s already the most streamed female country artist in Australasia – a mantle she’s held for the last 4 years – and now after performing her original song ‘Keith’ to coach Keith Urban on The Voice Australia, the song has become a global hit.

When it came to producing ‘SAME SONGS’, the two singers were on opposite ends of the globe. Collaborating once again with long-time friend and producer Justin Wantz, Johnston recorded his vocals in Sydney whilst Bell recorded hers in Nashville.

Since its release to streaming platforms in July, ‘SAME SONGS’ has already received over 645k streams in a matter of weeks. It’s the kind of success the country boy from Wingham has become known for. After his unstoppable debut, his follow up, ‘SMALL TOWN’, flew to #1 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart, where it roosted for 10 consecutive weeks. His most recent single, ‘COUNTRY BOYS’, has enjoyed several weeks dancing around the top ten – and claiming the #1 spot – with Bell’s ‘Keith’, which also recently peaked at #1.

After graduating high school over a decade ago, Johnston took a year to ‘give music a crack’.

He bought a van and set out on the great Australian road trip, playing in every little town and pub he could find. Not much has changed years later, however he’s traded the sticky pub floor for the bright lights of some of Australia’s largest festivals. August will see him at Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, NQ’s Rock’n Country in Mackay, as well as the beloved Gympie Music Muster. He’s also slated to perform at the Baralaba Bash, Savannah in The Round and the titanic, CMC Rocks in 2022.

Home is where the heart is for James Johnston, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. Cliché as that may sound, the singer/songwriter has built an impressive career with a swag of songs that celebrate life in Australia. Thumping anthems dipped in nostalgia has been the secret formula for this rising star, yet its success lies in its authenticity. James Johnston is the real deal. His latest, ‘SAME SONGS’, is yet another feather in his cap – a rousing collaboration between two artists at the top of their game.

Drunk on … Life, love, hope, dreams, country music? Find your bliss! Donna Fisk is drunk on the glorious experience of recording and working with the amazing live musicians and sensational producer Robert Angello, in Nashville, Tennessee, USA for her brand-new sing ‘Drunk On That’. It’s a party song.

“My interpretation of the lyric is to be intoxicated by possibilities” says Donna. “I produced a sunny video for the song as well and I think it brings the idea together. Happy listening!”.

Donna Fisk is an award winning singer, songwriter, producer and Royal Command Performer with several number one chart topping hit recordings and the honour of being immortalised in the Australian Country Music Hands of Fame.

Woven into the narrative of Australian country music, it’s a family tradition akin to the Dusty, Kernaghan and Chambers clans, with father Gene Bradley Fisk being a pioneer artist of the outlaw country genre, and radio personality inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Donna features in many music publications including Andrea Lemon’s book ‘Rodeo Girls Go Round The Outside’, exploring modern day female trailblazers for Australian country music. Touring her own show as well as performing and recording overseas, incorporating appearances on local and international media, the country music star is the voice on many national advertising campaigns including being assigned to perform for the Australian Government campaign song, ‘Building On A Strong Foundation’ as the anthem for The Australian Centenary Of Federation.

During her career Donna has shared the stage with acclaimed artists such as John Denver, Donny Osmond, Dame Edna Everage, Tom .T. Hall, Canned Heat, Muhummad Ali, Brian Cadd, Susan Raye, James Morrison, Tommy Emmanuel, Dave Dudley, Blood Sweat and Tears, and The Seekers.

Donna Fisk’s forthcoming new album, recorded in Nashville with accomplished producer Robert Angello at the helm (Chet Atkins, Suzy Bogguss, Jo Dee Messina, Steve Wariner, Tanya Tucker, Garth Brooks), will be released in 2022.

Leaving Lennox have released their brand-new single, ‘Not Hurting’ , an empowering anthem for anyone who is on the backend of a toxic relationship. The country-pop song was written and produced by the pair and features the acclaimed Aaron Sterling on drums and Eric Fortaleza on bass.

Australian pop-country duo, Leaving Lennox (Lauren Valatiadis and Michael Hambly) made the move to Nashville in April of 2019 and have been paving their way since.

In early 2022, the pair were featured as rising artists on Season 3 of The Song, alongside acclaimed songwriters, Rob Thomas, Melissa Etheridge, Kenny Loggins, Sarah McLachlan, Gary Allan, Brian McKnight and Amy Grant.

Their US Summer shows have included Bonnaroo, NASCAR and NSC’s Nashville Soccer Stadium with Gibson guitars.

Leaving Lennox’ release ‘Not Ready (To Leave Just Yet)’, saw Spotify streams reach over 250K and featured the acclaimed instrumentation of Aaron Sterling (touring drummer – John Mayer), David Levita (touring guitarist – Tim McGraw) and Eric Fortaleza, (touring bassist – Lindsay Ell). ‘Not Ready’ charted at #16 on the Australian Country Charts, while also gaining Leaving Lennox their television debut on CMT.

Combining pop-country with haunting harmonies, soulful guitar work and live-looping, the award-winning duo have performed alongside the likes of Lady A, Brothers Osborne, Lindsay Ell, Eddie Montgomery and Tanya Tucker.

The duos musicianship, unique vocal blend, and storytelling, are influenced by the harmony of Fleetwood Mac, rawness of The Civil Wars, storytelling of Willie Nelson, and guitar work of John Mayer.

Contemporary country music singer-songwriter Bella Mackenzie releases her new single “1,2,3 You and Me” to radio and streaming services. Produced by multi Golden Guitar Winner Rod McCormack, the song was co-written with Bryce Sainty and is part of the prize package for the inaugural ‘KIX Start Rising Star Competition’.

With a fun storyline and electric atmosphere, “1,2,3 You and Me” is an up tempo, contemporary country song that is bound to make you sing along. Inspired by the sounds of old school Jackson 5 to contemporary Dan + Shay with a hint of 90’s Country, this song has something for everyone.

“Inspired by some of my favourite things living in the country, pickup trucks around a fire, country music blaring and that one crush that you can’t help but want to talk to, that is the story of 1,2,3 – You and Me”

As an ambassador for respected brands such as Wrangler, Bullzeye and Pure Western, Bella has the support of country music’s new breed of talent with opening spots and recent songwrites with Brad Cox, James Johnston and Melanie Dyer.

Bella was also the winner of KIX COUNTRY’s KIXSTART 2021 competition where she was given the opportunity to have her new single produced by the amazing Rod McCormack. In addition to this, Bella received mentorship from Gina Jefferys. Bella says, “KIXSTART was such an honor for me and boosted my career from the second I won. The support from KIX Country and everyone else involved has been so amazing and I could never have imagined a year ago that I would have accomplished some of what I have today”.

“1,2,3 You and Me” follows Bella’s hit singles “Miss You No More”, “Aint For You” and “Make Me Want Love”.

Multi-Platinum Country music star Dierks Bentley today releases “Gold,” a single about gratitude, presence and the treasures to be found in the moment that you are in. The bright and banging record sets the stage for Bentley’s tenth LP, arriving early next year after an especially careful production process, one helmed by the artist himself for the first time. To listen, click here.

“2020 was a chance for me to give my guitar and the road a little rest. It gave me the chance to spend a lot more time adventuring outdoors with family and friends, but also alone. It also gave me time to reset and rekindle my love of Country music and a lot of the types of songs and sounds that I fell in love with when I first got to Nashville,” explains Bentley. “I think you’ll hear that in this first track, but it carries across the whole album.”

While he’s long been a Music Row standout for devotion to his roots in classic Country and bluegrass, Bentley has never been so free to infuse his passions into music destined for the competitive commercial Country arena. Working with trusted collaborators Ross Copperman, Reid Shippen and Jon Randall Stewart, he led an effort that mashes up several Nashville golden ages as well as homage to the Grand Ole Opry’s century of influence.

That 10th album landmark speaks to how time has flown in Bentley’s unique, 21st-century career. He landed his first publishing deal in 2001 and released his debut album in 2003, producing an instant #1 country radio single. The years since have revealed a rare consistency that’s fueled longevity – eight more albums that reached the top of the Country sales charts, resulting in 21 No. One songs, 6.4 billion streams, three CMA Awards, 14 GRAMMY® nominations and membership into the Grand Ole Opry. Trendy sounds have ebbed and flowed around him over these two decades, but fans have relied on Bentley for something more nourishing and individual. The new single “Gold” promises a landmark album that will build on that enviable legacy.

‘Boots and Hats and Boots and Hats’ is a fun country song that reinforces individuality and the fact you don’t have to be a cowboy to like country music!

Carl…ness.

Australian export now based in Nashville, TN – Carl Wockner was recently awarded Musician Of The Year by the LiveWire Prestige Awards, Global winner of the IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards USA) and Finalist Nominee for the Independent Music Awards USA. Featured in multiple TV and film appearances, and boasting a fast growing YouTube Channel, Carl is becoming known as one of the world’s most engaging and talented solo performers.

His signature vocals and guitar flavor, matched with his off-the-cuff live looping agility combined with award winning songwriting, submerges the listener into a musical experience unique to each individual performance.

Wockner pulls inspiration from multiple genres with artists such as John Mayer, Amy Winehouse, Dr Dre, Erykah Badu, Jon Bellion, Jason Isbell, Justin Bieber, Hall & Oats, Prince, Keith Urban and Dave Matthews (and many more) – it’s easy to see where he gets his extremely vast array of musicality.

Carl’s recent single studio releases have shown the evolution of his artistry and boast elements of pop, country and R&B, all combined with his unique acoustic and vocal presence and honest lyricism.

His debut album ‘Crayon Days’ recorded in Nashville, TN in 2013, saw Carl’s title track land in the International Billboard Charts. The album also received a 2016 IMA (Independent Music Awards) Finalist nomination for Best Adult Contemporary Album. It was following this success that Wockner relocated his family to Nashville TN, USA as a strategic move for his evolving career.

Emerging country artist Brittany Maggs is thrilled to be releasing original music, with a distinct new feel to her latest song, “Carefree”.

” Carefree” marks a return to Brittany’s roots in country music, with its heartfelt lyrics and infectious chorus. The song’s title sets the tone for the track.

On her new single, Brittany says “Carefree tells the story about when a relationship ends and you just want to have fun and live life to its fullest. The lyrics ‘that promise, you broke it’ are so relatable because we’re all human, people make mistakes, and it’s about living through the tough times, knowing that you’re going to be ok. There’s a freedom and lightness when something ends and I hope that everyone listening can join me in embracing a carefree spirit.”

The accompanying music video, shot by award winning Tribal Apes, continues the theme and features Brittany performing from her heart. A country girl at heart, Brittany grew up in Sydney’s North West and loves spending time on the family property with her horses.

After spending four years in Los Angeles developing her sound, Brittany decided it was time to come home to Sydney, where she has since been working on her original music. She recently performed at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and opened for the McAllister Kemp Tour earlier this year.

Brittany is excited to share “Carefree” with her growing fanbase, following the release of her earlier singles, “Reasons” (2019), “Lazy Boy ” (2019) and “Underneath The Sheets” (2020). The 22-year-old has gained an impressive following on social media, boasting more than 40 million views on YouTube and more than 380,000 fans on TikTok.

Brittany Maggs’ new song ‘Carefree’ is out Friday 29 July.

Highlights:

Over 40 million YouTube views
Played Tamworth Country Music Festival 2022
Opened for McAllister Kemp Tour May 2022
More than 380,000 TikTok followers

Other than those people who thrive in the cold weather, I think we can agree there is something special about summer, and Central Coast artist Jamie Lindsay is counting the moments in his new single, ‘Bring On The Summertime’.

Other than wishing winter away, a riff from guitarist mate Jake Tuffin (Duncan Toombs, Casey Barnes) prompted Jamie’s new single.

“Every now and then he sends me guitar riffs in a Dropbox folder we have,” Jamie said. “Sometimes when I’m looking for an idea, I have a listen to what Jake has put in the folder and this riff caught me. I thought, ‘it’s catchy, I would love to write something to that’ and then wondered how it made me feel. It made me feel really good, because it’s vibey and happy and that’s when I thought about what else made me feel really good – summer and the weather.”

The track seems self-explanatory with the Central Coast artist addressing his thoughts on winter and how he’s longing for summer, but there’s more to this song than meets the eye.

“Although this song is about wanting summer back, there’s a deeper meaning here, because I’m also talking about the two years we’ve just had and about the good time we had about before COVID,” Jamie said.

“Summertime is getting back to the parties and out of lockdown is about getting back to those good times before we were all locked down and miserable.”

This song is sure to warm your winter days as we move closer to warm days ahead. Jamie recorded and produced this track, which was mixed by Billy Decker in the US.

‘Lost With Me’ was inspired by Amber’s time spent touring outback Australia, performing in a new town every night, falling in love with the freedom and being able to share that with a like-minded partner.

The track, which was written by Amber, features vocals from renowned Nashville artist Karli Chayne, and instrumentation from Nashville based artist and producer James Sinclair-Stott. Recorded in both Australia and Nashville, this is the first of many upbeat, modern pop country singles showing off Amber’s new direction since her last release ‘Painted Me Grey’ in November 2021.

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.

Amber first picked up the guitar at thirteen and has been enthralled by 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”.

Amber first discovered her love for the stage after performing live at local festivals in her hometown as a young girl. She then 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.

Inspired by the storytellers who she grew up listening to, the concept of recording fairytale- with the bandive performing live together, took Shelby back to her roots, feeling the joy music can bring amidst the journeys we all walk everyday while writing each of our chapters through joy, pain, happiness, love, hope and so much more.

Shelby has played alongside national acts such as James Arthur, Pentatonix, Sabrina Carpenter and Howie Day while playing at iconic venues in the United States. Her music has been featured on radio stations both nationally and internationally, such as 93.1WPOC, fresh fm 94.7 and 98.7 WTMD with a radio hit TOP 10, “Fun In The Sun”, on the European Indie Music Charts.

From house shows to national venues, private parties to an interactive experience for Children’s Hospitals sharing her personal story, casinos or conference events, Shelby Blondell is an artist whose music has a unique sound that catches your heart and fuels your soul!
With this release Shelby hopes to bring people back to memories with ones they love with the music and hope the words may inspire that we can turn the page and write our fairytale.

Potts’s shares his story of waking up to his soul’s purpose, his trip inside to find that lost piece of himself. A cathartic journey of discovery. He explores the why of his existence and is faced with more existential questions of what’s next that invariably follows when we look deep into the unknown.

“‘Heaven Or Home’ is special. From the opening 20 seconds, it’s clear this is a perfect radio song for summer. Melodic, uplifting, catchy and fun. One for the car with the roof and windows down.” Guy B – Great Music Stories Radio

Marshall’s notes on Heaven Or Home

“This song wrote itself like so many on The Storm Album. The song shares the process of taking the time out of my busy life to look inside and see where I’ve been where I’m going. To take stock on on my life and analyze the reason I’m even here and how the experiences have molded my belief systems. Defragging my life like we would a hard drive to repair and reorganize my thoughts before the traumas and scars left their damage. To reconnect to the original child inside before life took control away from the dreamer and fear stole the feeling that all things are possible. I found myself in the process and regained that initial positivity we are all born with. Now I wonder where this all will lead and I am reminded that it isn’t the destination but the journey that is most important… that heaven or home may actually be the same place one day” Marshall Potts

EMI Records Nashville singer/songwriter Kylie Morgan has released her anticipated EP, P.S. With each track telling a chapter of her story, Kylie co-penned all seven songs, produced by Shane McAnally and Ben Johnson. She opens up about the new project – a continuation of her debut EP Love, Kylie – in the official trailer, available here.

“If you’ve ever been in love, dared to dream, been told you’re not good enough, gotten your heart broken or just want to let your hair down and let it all go – I wrote this record for you,” Kylie shares in the clip.

Showcasing her signature vulnerability across the collection of tracks including fan-favorite ‘Independent With You’, she brings carefree fun with ‘Love Like We’re Drunk’ and a clever kiss-off on ‘Country Anyway’, teaming up with her longtime co-writer Walker Hayes.

An upbeat anthem with in-your-face honesty, her debut single to country radio ‘If He Wanted To He Would’ is the radio focus single from the EP. Kylie serves it up straight with lyrics including: “If he loved you he would tell you, If he missed you he would call, If he wants you to meet his momma, Then he would bring you home.” Watch the “If He Wanted To He Would” lyric video here .

P.S. Track List:

1. Independent With You (Kylie Morgan, Erik Belz, Palmer Lee)
2. If He Wanted To He Would (Kylie Morgan, Zandi Holup, Ben Johnson)
3. Love Like We’re Drunk (Kylie Morgan, Jeff Garrison, Brian White)
4. Gucci (Kylie Morgan, Nicolette Hayford, Pete Good)
5. Country Anyway (feat. Walker Hayes) (Kylie Morgan, Elaina Jones, Walker Hayes)
6. Over A Redneck (Kylie Morgan, Nate Kenyon, Blake Bollinger)
7. Mean Girls (Kylie Morgan, Shane Stevens, Nash Overstreet)

About Kylie Morgan:
Exuberant and ethereal, Kylie Morgan is turning heads with her new EP P.S., out everywhere now. Pairing articulate, coming-of-age revelations with fun up-tempo anthems, P.S. features seven tracks each co-written by Kylie, including her debut single to country radio, ‘If He Wanted To He Would’. P.S. is the anticipated follow-up to her breakout EP, Love, Kylie – a bold introduction that scored the Oklahoma native a place as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, VEVO’s 2021 DSCVR Artists to Watch, and to CMA’s coveted KixStart program. Already surpassing 100 million global streams, Kylie has been praised for her “powerful voice” (CMT) with “infectious arrangements, irresistibly clever lyrics and a vibrant, empowering energy” (American Songwriter). On the road this summer, she recently wrapped the GOOD TIME TOUR with Niko Moon after previously opening for artists including Dan + Shay, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Kip Moore, Jason Derulo, Gavin DeGraw, Brett Eldredge and Billy Currington.

Keith Urban releases his second single for 2022 with ‘Brown Eyes Baby’.

Played for the first time during the opening night of Keith’s North America tour, fans immediately began sharing clips online and created a swell of interest around the track.

With its beautiful, melodic chorus and a signature Urban guitar hook, his fans have fully embraced the song and will see it brought to life on stage for the remainder of 2022 with shows in the US, Canada and when he returns to Australia for his long awaited ‘Speed Of Now Tour’ starting on

1 December on the Gold Coast and stopping in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Newcastle, Wollongong and a special festival show in Deniliquin NSW.

‘Brown Eyes Baby’ follows February’s ‘Nightfalls’ which Keith wrote and recorded with Greg Kurstin.

The first radio single from Steve Cheers’ forthcoming fourth solo album, ‘My Father’s Hands’, is a tribute to Australia’s steel making industry of the 20th Century. The track and album ‘Signs Of Life’ (scheduled for released September 1st, 2022) is Steve’s second collaboration with Producer Matt Fell, and continues to reflect his melodic modern Australian country style.

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, 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 endeavours.

“Kiss Me Like You Mean It” is the fourth single from Casey’s smash hit new album, “Light It Up”, and follows the multi-million streaming hits “God Took His Time on You”, “Come Turn Me On” and “Get To Know Ya”.

With 36 million combined streams and seven consecutive #1 hits on the CountryTown Hot 50, Casey is one of the most loved and in-demand artists in Australian country music today.

His electrifying live show has been wowing fans on the ‘Light It Up’ tour and Casey has performed at, or is due to perform at most of the biggest events on the country music calendar, including CMC Rocks, Gympie Muster, Groundwater Country Music Festival, Big Country Festival as well as the iconic Bluesfest.

“Kiss Me Like You Mean It” is a slice of country-pop, with an earworm of a hook, powered by a funk infused horn section. The track was co-written by Casey with songwriting partners Kaci Brown and Sam Gray, along with the album’s producer M Squared (Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis).

“This was the first time the 5 of us collaborated on a track and it worked out perfectly!” Casey commented. “I’d come up with the original demo with Sam and Kaci over in the US, but when I took the song to MSquared they thought we could take it to a whole new level by adding in some other production elements. That brass line at the end of the chorus is an ear worm and gets stuck in your head straight away! This is gonna be great live.”

It’s been an incredible year for Casey with “Light It Up” reaching #1 on the ARIA Australian Artist country album chart, his previous album “Town of a Million Dreams” passing 90 weeks on the chart, winning Artist of the Year at the Gold Coast Music Awards, being nominated for an ARIA Award, APRA Award and multiple Golden Guitar Awards and having “Light It Up” used as the backing track for the AFL’s TV promo’s for the kick off of the 2022 season – and there’s no signs of slowing down.

Casey recently wrapped up the ‘Light it Up’ national tour, which saw him & his band perform for thousands of fans around the country. He will soon kick off a run of festival dates which will take him across the country again.

Gold Coast country stars Hinterland have always run their own race. From launching the band during COVID lockdowns, through to coming out of the gate with made-for-stadium country-rock stompers, the band have taken artistic decisions and a career path that has been uniquely Hinterland .

‘ Stay In Your Lane ‘, the group’s sixth single takes a distinctly country turn, shelving the big sound of their chart hits ‘Loud’ and ‘Treating Me Good’ for a more traditional country sing-a-long flavour that will delight both old fans and new alike.

“‘ Stay In Your Lane ‘ is about focusing on your own journey and success, not comparing yourself to others,” said vocalist Jesse Emmanuel. “I think we’re all guilty of it from time to time and often we overlook our own wins and don’t give ourselves enough credit if we aren’t kicking the same goals as someone else. But everyone is on a different path and has a unique story.”

Hinterland’s unique story began with the members playing together in duos The Bostocks (Rachel and Robbie) and The Daisy Dukes (Rachel and Jesse) before combining to pursue their mutual goal of becoming an original country music stadium act. Rachel Bostock is one of the most revered violinists in Australia and a 3 time Golden Fiddle Award winner. Robbie Bostock is a National Songwriting Award winner and has toured the world playing guitar on the biggest stages with some of our huge homegrown talent. Jesse Emmanuel (daughter of legendary guitarist Phil Emmanuel) also has an APRA Songwriter Award under her belt and has co-written recent hits for Taylor Moss, Sabrina Durante and many more.

With their big stomping singles ‘In The Hinterland’, ‘ Loud’, ‘Giddy Up’ and ‘Treating Me Good’ all hitting the top 10 of the Countrytown radio charts, ‘ Stay In Your Lane’ shows a softer, more traditional side to the band.

Cowgirl Crazy is an uplifting, good time, girl’s night out on the town song! A carefree, feel good song about letting the worries of the day just melt away while hanging out with your friends. It will make you want to kick up your boots, dance till you drop and let the good times roll!

“If you want to get the crowd on the dance floor, just play Cowgirl Crazy by Justin Kane!” – Jeff Meek-WDHR, Pikeville, KY

About Justin Kane

Justin Kane served our country in the Navy onboard the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman in Norfolk, Virginia, as a Master at Arms for Command Naval Region Southwest in San Diego, California, and finally onboard the U.S.S Bonhomme Richard. He then went on two deployments to the Persian Gulf and served with some of the bravest and most honorable people he had ever met.

Following his service, he decided he couldn’t ignore his love for music and decided to use his gift from God to share his love for the U.S. and to spread the message that WE ARE STRONG as a country when we are united together, WE ARE RESOLUTE when we stand together, WE ARE COURAGEOUS when we have faith in ourselves, in our country and in God. However busy our lives may be, we can be grateful for what we have because FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

Justin is a born entertainer and strives to make the lives of those who listen to his music better. His high energy show is an eclectic mix of country, southern rock, modern-day country hits and all-American originals. He wants to provide people with a chance to escape their day to day worries, whether for thirty minutes or several hours. That escape can help them face the challenges of our day to day lives. If his music can do that for others, then his goal has been reached.

The new single and fan favorite, COWGIRL CRAZY” by Justin Kane aims to do just that. We hope your listeners will enjoy this fun-loving feel-good song!

You may remember Hunter Kaine from her massively successful 2020 debut, ‘Long Way From Lonely’ – a longing Country ballad that featured Australian music legend, Shane Nicholson. Or perhaps you remember Kaine from her stint as a lead vocalist in Melbourne Country Rock outfit, Deep Creek Road. After enduring one of the world’s lengthiest COVID lockdowns, the Victoria native is now back with the release of her stellar new single, ‘Mind of its Own’.

‘Mind of its Own’ oozes Country pop vibes; jangly acoustic guitars and hook-laden vocals, wrapped around a beat that transports you smack bang into the middle of an arena stage mosh pit. Yet behind that slick façade lies the tale of a tortured heart. “This beat in my chest is messin’ with my head,” sings Kaine in the rousing first verse. In her words, the song speaks of “relationships that have ended, that continue to haunt us and keep us locked into the past with a former lover.”

The bop came to Kaine pre-pandemic, as she was collecting songs for her debut album. “[It] was a really special offer to me two years ago by some really incredible writers based out of Nashville.” Her instant connection with the song meant she kept a close hold on it all this time. “I still feel so great about it two years on (after covid), which really is testament to great writing.”

Kaine is meticulous when it comes to her songs’ production and for this single she reached out to fellow Melbournite, Adrian Hannan (Delta Goodrem, Vanessa Amorosi). His studio, the Song Store, is nestled in the idyllic hills of the country side, which possesses “all of the country music vibes you could ever need”. Although the recording process did not begin in such a picturesque setting.

“My producer Adrian Hannan and I are from Melbourne, a city that experienced one of the toughest and longest lockdown periods in the world,” recalls Kaine. So, they took it online. “Using Zoom to communicate during the tracking process was a quirky experience, but we had an absolute ball!”. Luckily, after restrictions lifted, they were finally in the same room. “Once the lockdowns were over, I was able to attend the Song Store and record my lead and backing vocals.”

But before Kaine ever reached those dreamy hills, she was one half of the duo, Honey Train – who frequented the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Then later she became a vocalist for country rockers, Deep Creek Road. She more recently travelled to Nashville TN, where she met fellow Australian born songwriter Phil Barton – hit-writer for Morgan Evans, Lee Brice, The Wolfe Brothers and so many more. It was Barton who passed Kaine a demo of ‘Long Way From Lonely’. She recorded the song and it went to #12 on The Music Network Country Hot 50 airplay chart. It also racked up a healthy 700k+ streams on Spotify.

With a voice like Kaine’s it’s no surprise she’s achieved success so early in her career. Her pipes have all the twang of an authentic southern drawl and the gusto of a global popstar. The clever production on ‘Mind of its Own’ provides the perfect stage for them to soar. The single is sure to be a triumph for the rising star – so If you haven’t made your mind up yet about Hunter Kaine this ought to do the trick.

Ella is back with her brand-new single ‘Along The Way’, produced by ARIA Award winning Matt Fell. The upbeat, catchy melody combined with her captivating storytelling, will make you want to sing and tap along. Bringing together the worlds of pop and country, Ella emphasises the importance of embracing life’s journeys and looking forward rather than behind.

Young country pop artist, Ella Powell, has been named as a rising star, making an impressive mark in the Australian music industry at the age of eighteen. Fans of Taylor Swift and Kelsea Ballerini will connect with Ella’s honest lyrics, powerful vocals and storytelling ability that is engrained into the core of her music. Audiences are captivated by her live performances, as seen when she won the People’s Choice Award at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, cementing a clear and promising path within the industry.

With numerous single releases and headlining shows under her belt, Ella is one to watch. Her single ‘Paper Town’ was named on High On Country’s top 22 of 2021, alongside a number of iconic Australian artists including Morgan Evans and Keith Urban, as well as being played on radio stations both nationally and internationally.

Ella’s previous release, ‘Side Effects’, received airplay and press throughout the UK and US, also making an appearance on ABC’s ‘Saturday Night Country.’ Her top 10 position within the AMRAP Regional Charts is reflective of the unique flare Ella brought to the industry with the single. She was also named the CCMA National Junior Songwriter of the Year.

Ella’s musical ability and skillset, combined with her confident presentation as a unique artist, is truly outstanding and shows the capability of her artistry that is well beyond her years. 2022 is looking promising for her, having the opportunity to continue working with multi award winning producer Matt Fell on more of her catchy, relatable singles and debut EP. Through her musical success and individual style, Ella has come to the attention of numerous industry names in Australia and overseas, building on the strong foundations she has created to continue as a successful recording artist.

“Ella creates the perfect blend of Country, Pop and Folk” – Countrytown

“Powell is a teenager yet her maturity as a singer and songwriter suggests she has been working on her craft for some time. Given the quality of music she is releasing, she will be even more people’s choice of artist over the next few months” – Sunburnt Country Music

Bursting from the stables to the stage, the triple threat singer-songwriter, actress and equestrian star Sabrina Durante is riding to the top with her new single ‘Saddle Up’.

Her debut single ‘Glad Its Not Me’ made waves across Australia in early 2022, with over 300 spins on radio and adds on Kix and Triple M Country.

With her sparkling smile and signature bejeweled Akubra to match, has spent many years in theatre and TV as well as most recently as the leading lady of popular Gold Coast live attraction ‘Australian Outback Spectacular’.

But it’s music and horseriding that have always been her first loves, with ‘Saddle Up’ combining both in a song that will resonate with both city and country fans alike.

“Horses have been such a big part of my life, right from when I was born. I have forever lived and breathed everything to do with horses growing up on my family’s property. ,” said Sabrina Durante.

“I was inspired to write this song to remind myself, and everyone, that sometimes you need to take a step back from reality. To do the things that make you remember who you are, and what really matters. Just like the old saying ‘get back on the horse’. For me. To “Saddle Up. ” is my escape; the place I ground myself, and find peace from daily stresses.

As well as graduating NIDA and starring in stage productions ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘ High School Musical’ and TV’s ‘Love Child’, Sabrina Durante has a long history in equestrian, winning Australian National Equestrian Championships multiple times in the show horse discipline and being a member of the Queensland Dressage Squad.

“It’s easy to forget about the important things when life gets heavy and things get tough. But it’s in these moments we truly have to return back to what’s most important in life, and to me, that is being happy. ‘Saddle Up’ was written as a reminder of that. Happiness is found in people, places, moments – and those are the things I turn to when life feels like it’s not on my side.”

Showcasing their amazing vocal ability, Bryce Sainty and Taylor Moss have teamed up to release a country ballad like no other. An outright love song, “Sunday Best” is an intimate piano ballad written by Bryce Sainty, Rod McCormack and Sally Barris.

Originally featured on Bryce Sainty’s EP “Hometown”, “Sunday Best” has been re-recorded with the addition of Taylor’s vocals to take “Sunday Best” to the next level.

“I was so excited to work Taylor on this song. Sunday Best is my favourite song on the Hometown EP and to be able to add Taylor’s vocals to it has taken it to a whole new level and I can’t wait to share it with you all”.

Both Bryce and Taylor have been on a roll this year with 2 singles in the top 5 radio charts. Bryce’s single “This Summer’s The One” was the #1 most downloaded song on Play MPE across all genres, and reached #4 on the National Country Charts. Taylor’s single “Get it Girl” reached #1 on the National Country Charts . Bryce and Taylor have also garnered more than 2 million streams each as they continue to forge a path for themselves in the country music arena.

Achievements To Date:

2022 “This Summer’s The One” peaked #4 on the National Country Airplay Charts

2021 Release ‘Just Chillin”- Featured on Mainstream playlists including New Music Friday 2021 Surpassed 2,000,000 streams
2020 On The Weekend – #11 on The Music Network Country Chart
2020 Named “Artist To Watch” by Spotify

2020 Released “Do You Remember” – 400,000 Streams
2019 The Music Network Top 50 Country Chart – KIX FM Top 5 – “Never Going Back”
2019 Released “Never Going Back”, “Table For Two” and “Goodbye” – over 700,000 streams. 2018 Released “Eleven Eleven” and “Something I Want” – Top Radio Singles
2017 Nomination for CMC Award – Best New Artist

2016 Released single “STATUS” – #2 on iTunes

2014 Star Maker Top 10 Finalist
2013 Released Debut EP – Top 5 on iTunes
2013 Performed and Featured on Channel 10 tv show – What’s Up Down Under
2012 Released Debut Single “Message In A Bottle” – Top 10 on iTunes – Top 50 CMC
2012 Graduated the CMAA Academy of Country Music
2011 Winner – Todays Country 94One Brand New Star Competition

Multi-platinum, 8-time GRAMMY Award winner Carrie Underwood has today released her highly anticipated album, Denim & Rhinestones via Capitol Nashville.

Underwood co-wrote 11 of the 12 tracks on Denim & Rhinestones with many of her frequent collaborators such as David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller, Ashley Gorley, Josh Kear, and Chris DeStefano, who have written many of Underwood’s biggest hits. She also welcomes more recent co-writers on the album, including Michael Hardy and Lydia Vaughan, the latter of whom co-wrote “If I Didn’t Love You,” Underwood’s multi-week #1 smash hit duet with Jason Aldean.

Denim & Rhinestones is the latest project between Underwood and David Garcia, having co-produced her critically acclaimed 2018 release, Cry Pretty, which marked the first time Underwood produced her own album. Garcia and Underwood also co-produced Underwood’s 2021 GRAMMY Award-winning album of gospel hymns, My Savior.

Underwood says of Denim & Rhinestones, “We cover a lot of ground on this album. We have a lot of songs that have a bit of a ‘throwback’ feel, but they sound super fresh. I grew up listening to so many different kinds of music and that is extremely evident in this body of work. These are musical influences that are all in me and work their way out, and I just decided this time not to get in their way. I think this whole album ended up being a big reflection of me as a person and as an artist.”

Underwood says, “After spending over two years with My Gift and My Savior, which were such passion projects and so close to my heart, putting together REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency was really the catalyst for this album. I was just ready to have fun and to write songs that make me happy to listen to and happy to sing.”

Discussing the title track, Underwood says, “The song ‘Denim & Rhinestones’ is super fun, with a bit of a retro vibe – we just go together, like a sweet tea and a lemon, like denim and rhinestones. You have these things that are great on their own and then you put them together and they just fit. That’s how this album feels.”

Garcia says, “Carrie is one of the greatest singers of our time. Her power and control in the studio is unparalleled. We had such a great time making this record, and it turned out exactly how we wanted it to!”

The album release comes on the heels of Underwood’s 8th GRAMMY Award win for Best Roots Gospel Album for My Savior on April 3, where she also performed the first new single from the album, “Ghost Story.”

About Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, film, and as a New York Times bestselling author and successful entrepreneur. She has sold more than 66 million records worldwide, recorded 28 #1 singles (14 of which she co-wrote), and has seven albums that are certified Platinum or Multi-Platinum by the RIAA, all while continuing to sell out arena tours across North America, the UK and Australia. All nine of her consecutive album releases from the beginning of her career debuted #1 on the Billboard Country Chart, making her the only artist to accomplish that feat. She has won over 100 major awards including 8 GRAMMY Awards, 16 ACM Awards including three for Entertainer of the Year (the first female in history to win twice and the only female ever to win three times), 23 CMT Music Awards (holding the record for the most award wins ever for the show), 7 CMA Awards, and 17 American Music Awards. She has also built a successful business portfolio inspired by her passion for health and wellness. She founded and created the fitness and lifestyle brand, CALIA by Carrie Underwood and her first book, FIND YOUR PATH was an instant New York Times bestseller. She launched her fit52 app in 2020, and expanded her lifestyle portfolio with an equity partnership with BODYARMOR Sports Drink in 2021.

Awarded TSA New Songwriter of the year Emily Hatton, is a Melbourne-born country singer-songwriter, who brings fire and an energy to her performances that few emerging artists can replicate. Seamlessly blending country and pop stylings, her energetic presence delivers catchy hooks coupled with authentic, personal stories. Hatton is a dedicated songwriter with great emotional range. She crafts her music from places of strength to vulnerability, but all the time with heartfelt, true-to-life experience woven in to complete the storytelling.

Recently, Emily has been announced as a Top 40 finalist in this year’s Vanda and Young Global Songwriting Competition, as well as a semi-finalist in the 2020 International Songwriting Competition. She also performed in Melbourne’s Official Golden Guitar 2021 event, endorsed by the Country Music Association of Australia and the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Before the health restrictions crippled any touring plans for 2020, Emily toured with QLD country-rock group Eight Second Ride, playing to near sellout crowds across a dozen of locations. Despite the unforeseen circumstances, nothing has stopped Hatton from releasing her debut self-titled EP (that she co-produced), which hit #4 on the Country iTunes Charts . Being dubbed “One to Watch” by the Nashville Songwriters Association as a songwriter, it’s no surprise her songs have accumulated over 100,000 organic streams across platforms, resonating with international audiences.

Following the success of “Why’d You Have to”, (#1 iTunes Country Charts; #2 AMRAP Charts, KIX Country Exclusive Premiere, Runner-Up SongTuner’s Songwriting Competition) Hatton has taken her career to a new high, being announced a Top 10 finalist in the first ever Annual Groundwater KIX Country Start competition.

Emily has also been awarded a scholarship to attend The CMAA Academy, before a string of solo shows at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, all in January 2023.

Having performed in small pubs, all the way to main stages at music festivals, Emily knows how to captivate an audience at every level, and adapt her style, to suit the ambience needed. From crowd-pleaser “bangers,” to lazy day Sunday acoustic vibes, or even the Country niche, she’s got you covered.

Emily’s new single, “Red White and Wine” is a nod to her connection to, and love of America, through family relations. The track features Katie Jayne (2022 Top 10 Starmaker finalist), and is written around the theme of the American Independence Day, 4th of July. Emily flew up to Newcastle to record with Rhys Zacher (Spinlight Studio), Tim Tricky and Lachlan (Dusty) Coffey of Hurricane Fall. Emily states, “we wanted to create something a bit unique and left of centre, paying homage to traditional Country, whilst also adding a modern flare. Tim jokingly put on an organ effect for his keys, and at first we all laughed, but then after a while, it actually grew on us; we thought it suited that big, American National Anthem-style sound incredibly well. You can hear that on the track.”

In reference to the writing process, Emily says, “This song got me through the repercussion of seclusion I felt deeply from the past two years. My lyrical brain couldn’t fathom how to channel it at first, but after 8 months of writer’s block, the floodgates opened into a catharsis of escapism – the real, raw emotions painted a story around the 4th of July – Independence Day: I drew the contrast between the epitome of the celebration of liberty, with the legal obligation at the time, not being allowed to venture outside our four walls. The most isolated feeling I ever had, became an epiphany; this was

For more than twenty years Duncan Toombs has been quietly kicking massive goals in the Australian country music industry. He’s toured and recorded with Kasey Chambers, Adam Brand and Lee Kernaghan (to name a few) and was an integral member of the Golden Guitar award winning group the Adam Eckersley Band for 3 years. He’s perhaps best known as the gifted filmmaker behind countless great music videos at The Filmery, but now he’s added one more feather to his cap, with the release of his sensational debut single, ‘Run’.

The stranger to the spotlight has announced his arrival with a good old fashioned love song. “Run is a song about my wife Amanda and I falling in love,” he grins. “I believe if you ever get the chance to find someone or something you love in this life. Hold on tight … and RUN through life!” That’s exactly how this tumbling track makes you feel – as though you’re whizzing down a highway with your hand out the window or bounding through a sun-drenched field of overgrown grass. Toombs’ warm vocal captures the sentiment perfectly and invites you on his own personal leap-of-faith journey.

The single was recorded during a two-day spell at Rod McCormack’s, The Music Cellar on the NSW Central Coast. McCormack, along with Toombs and Scott Bird produced the debut effort with a little help from some of Australia’s top hired guns. “I was extremely lucky to record this song with a bunch of incredible musicians whom I’m lucky enough to call friends,” rejoices Toombs. One such friend was the highly praised, award magnet, Matt Fell. “I was also very lucky to have Matt Fell play in the band and throw in some absolute magic.”

Toombs is only on the cusp of his solo career, yet his praises are already being sung. “He has one of the most authentic modern country sounds you’ll hear. ‘Run’ is a true reflection of this,” says the incomparable Kasey Chambers. Much loved, country music queen, Gina Jeffreys, goes further and says “rich, beautiful, heartfelt vocals with an undeniably refreshing return to traditional country sounds. I absolutely love Duncan’s voice, and this will be one song that gets high rotation in our house!”

With 7 x Golden Guitar wins already under his belt for ‘Music Video of the Year’, along with a further 2 x Golden Guitar awards for New Talent of the Year and Best Group or Duo as an integral part of the Adam Eckerskley Band, Toombs is thrilled to be finally sharing his own songs with the world, while on tour this year. “I am so excited to be hitting the road this year touring with my long-time friend Lyn Bowtell,” confesses Toombs.” I will be putting together some of my very own showcases also.” For a long time, country music fans have had no doubt they’re in for a world class performance when Duncan Toombs is in the band – now even more so that he’s front and centre behind the mic.

‘Run’ is the first step for Toombs into uncharted territory. Yet with such a large family of industry and fans throwing their support behind him, his debut single is bound to find success. Just one of his biggest champions, Kasey Chambers, said – “many of us have been waiting for Dunc to share this other side of his talents and I’m happy & proud that the time has finally come!” With ‘Run’ being the first single to emerge from Toombs’ upcoming album, listeners ought to hold on tight, because this driven debut is just the beginning of a whirlwind of great music and stories.