ZFM Country

Brewn, Canberra’s own stalwarts of the stage, present “Hands Up,” their latest single, crafted with passion to keep the crowd on their feet, clapping in time to every beat.

Inspired by more than a decade of musical exploration, and fuelled by their dedication to the journey, this track captures the bands unwavering passion for the craft.

“Any band that has been together for almost 15 years goes through some rough patches, but our mateship and passion for music has always kept us together. This track is an anthemic tale of Country music saving us at those many crossroads.” – Mick Bond (Lead Vocal, Guitar)

This track showcases the band’s collaborative spirit. Each member contributes their own unique flair, from the drummer’s rhythmic foundation to the soaring guitar melodies, and the lead vocal delivering the essence of Brewn’s signature country rock style. The energy is certain to get people to their feet.

“This track unites the band, all of us equal as one. An understanding that we are all on the same path, but more importantly of happiness in who we are. Strength in numbers is a gesture we can all relate to.” – Anthony Barbara (Guitar)

Brewn lives for the electric atmosphere of their live shows, where they feed off the energy of the crowd. This single captures the essence of those thrilling moments, showcasing the band’s love for performing and the infectious spirit they bring to the stage. Nothing like seeing a sea of people, singing along, with their “Hands Up”!

Following the success of her family project SToRer, Sara Storer is back with a solo track with what can be described as one of the most accessible songs of her career.

In a departure from character based or rural inspired songs, ‘Under Darwin Stars’ draws on themes of love and life in the city where she now lives.

‘Dust Kids’, a track from the SToRer album which featured her sibling Greg Storer and his daughters, Bonnie and Pip , took out the Golden Guitar for Bush Ballad of the Year at the Country Music Awards of Australia held in Tamworth in January this year.

Never one to stand still, Sara travelled to Tasmania late last year to record with long-time award-winning producer Matt Fell, and ‘Under Darwin Stars’ is the first offering from these creative sessions.

When asked about the inspiration behind ‘Under Darwin Stars’, Sara enthused, “There is so much to love about a hometown or a place where you’ve lived. I wanted to take a few of the things I treasure about Darwin and the north and put it in a song for all. Darwin, like anywhere in Australia, has its own unique things. The long miles, laska, the lightning and many more things are what I love about Darwin.”

Sara’s talents are not limited to singing, songwriting and performing. In between recording and touring Sara can usually be found in her home studio with her paints and canvasses creating some stunning pieces including the cover artwork for ‘Under Darwin Stars’. Many of her paintings and prints will soon be available for purchase from her website.

‘Under Darwin Stars’ is the first of several planned releases in 2024 ahead of a full album in 2025. Sara will take to the road in March for a series of shows under the banner of the Ricochet Community Recovery Tour. This is the third time that Sara has performed for the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal where she takes her show to towns in Australia that have suffered the effects of flood, bushfires, drought or more recently, economic downturn due to the pandemic.

Tori Forsyth releases her new single ‘All We Are’. This comes after the single ‘Good Enough’ and announcing her highly anticipated third studio album, All We Have Is Who We Are, which is scheduled for release on Friday May 3rd. The singer-songwriter launched 2024 with a nomination for the 2024 Q Music Award for ‘Sometimes’, and the release of her previous single ‘Good Enough’, featuring backing vocals from mentor and friend Kasey Chambers.

Tori’s last six months have been crammed with touring highlights. She locked down a coveted tour slot with American superstar Jackson Dean, and performed to packed audiences at the Gympie Muster, BIGSOUND, Groundwater Country Music Festival, and more. The new album is already earning critical acclaim: lead single ‘Sometimes’ has been nominated for Vocal Collaboration of the Year at 2024 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards. It’s just the start of Tori’s best era yet.

Opener ‘All We Are’ cracks open the album in rollicking fashion, thrumming bass and drums lifting as Tori’s vocals soar up the register. As Tori says, it’s the track that sets the tone for the entire record. “It’s about peeling the layers apart to understand that bad things don’t make you bad and good things don’t make you good,” she says. “You just are. And it’s okay to accept all of the parts of yourself. And at the end of the day, that’s all we have to fall back on.”

The Sunshine Coast artist explains, “This song is an ode to the place that brought me back to the foundations of who I am. Belladonna Hollow. A magical healing place of self-discovery and wonder. A place that was the springboard of my ultimate mission of seeking joy and not wallowing in my own self-pity. That joy and happiness is available to all. The place where I learned that self-deprecation and pity is not a heroic gesture, it’s merely a self-fulfilling narcissistic prophecy that has been taught and spread across this generation. We deserve wonderful, lovely things, our neighbours do too and when we have true joy in our hearts this will spread and create joy in the world. I am imperfect in this, but the notion is the bookmark I’ll use in each chapter of my life.”

The new single is supported by an official video directed by Bradley Murnane who also shot the video for Tori’s previous singles ‘Sometimes (feat Shane Nicholson)’, ‘Made Your Bed’, and ‘Good Enough’. Filmed in Eudlo, Queensland, in the same location as the previous singles, Bradley shares,

‘All We Are’ is produced by Scott Horscroft (Charlie Collins, Brooke & Adam Eckersley) and recorded at The Grove Studios, NSW with her full band of Reece Baines (drums), Matthew Newton (guitars) and Zachary Miller (bass). Joining Tori in the studio are the Mak Brothers, Thom (guitar) and Andy (keys), as well as on pedal steel guitar, multi-instrumentalist Jy-Perry Banks.

Tori has been cultivating a steadily growing fanbase since the release of her evocative single ‘New Wall’ and her acclaimed EP Black Bird (2016). Tori’s highly anticipated 2018 debut album Dawn of the Dark was hailed as one of the standout country album releases of the year and her second album Provlépseis (2021) produced singles ‘Be Here’ and ‘Down Below’ which resonated with her loyal fans. Tori currently boasts over 15 million artist global streams on Spotify alone.

Refreshed and refocused, ‘All We Are’ is the second single Tori Forsyth has released this year. Returning to her unique alt-country sound that first launched her music career, 2024 has kicked off to a great start for the 4 x Golden Guitar Nominee.

There is a newfound freedom and lightness propelling Tori back to her rightful place at the forefront of Australian country music.

Nashville-based Aussie artist Wesley Dean shares a special version of his new song “Blood Brothers”. This full-band rendition is a preview of the emotionally charged acoustic version that’s featured on his much-anticipated upcoming LP “Music From Crazy Hearts” out April 26th.

Dean is hot off the back of the Crazy Hearts Across America Summer Tour where he and his family drove over 5000 miles from Nashville to Los Angeles in an RV via towns steeped in musical history playing shows off the beaten track; Memphis, New Orleans, Luckenbach, Marfa, Las Vegas, and more. With a director and cameraperson in tow, the tour was recorded as part of the upcoming feature Crazy Hearts: The Documentary, where “Blood Brothers” and the other nine album tracks complement the soundscape to Dean’s own story of breaking the industry mold to carve out his name independently.

“Deep longing of nostalgia has always been a fountain of endless creativity for me, and ‘Blood Brothers’ is about a friendship from birth that was unbreakable, and then broken,” shares Dean. “The line ‘grown up problems kill off the young’ is the heart of the chorus because time’s sleight of hand can sometimes deceive the young into thinking everything lasts forever.”

“Every line in the song has a distinct lucid memory, taking me back to memories of the small country towns where I grew up. The freedom of two pre-teen boys running through paddocks and ‘getting lost in open spaces’, climbing on farm machinery, kicking the football together and talking about girls. I really wanted to convey that sentimental feeling in this song. The distant dream of two best friends who’ll always have ‘the memories of what matters the most’, because even though adulthood dissolved their connection, the imprint of their innocence still exists ‘somewhere in the corridors time’.”

Previously, Dean released “Don’t Look Back” featuring Sarah Buxton. With first single “Burn This House,” the two tracks have attracted early attention from BrooklynVegan, Whiskey Riff, Holler and more. In Australia, Dean released “Gunslinger”, a song addressing masculinity in amongst riffs that rip through your body like a 90’s rock song, but draws you in with the skill of Springsteen.

From tip to stern the Crazy Hearts pirate ship was destined to be a record for the road. Captured in just five flurried days at RCA and conjuring timeless images reminiscent of Young Guns, Dean’s basaltic, corduroy-clad voice inhabits characters here like those first popularized in Gunfighter Ballads by Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash’s “Don’t Take Your Guns to Town.” Though Dean draws effortlessly and intuitively from the archetypal well of the cowboy ballads that gave original rise to American country music, and Crazy Hearts solemnly salutes both Marty Stuart and Buck Owens with its integrity-driven narratives, this is not just a horse of a different color, but one pointed in a completely different direction. Crazy Hearts is an album full of stories that will cleave you in half, sung by a seeker’s voice that was designed to stitch you back together in a more self-sustaining style than you were wearing yourself before.

For more than a dozen years Dean’s been one of Australia’s best-known artists, armed with a larger-than-life voice that catapulted songs like “You” to the top of the charts. Even so, the Adelaide native found himself boarding an American-bound plane in early 2021 with his young family. Dean’s effortless ability to embody multiple genres, such as roots rock, soul and folk meant, after a brief hiatus from the spotlight of earlier years, Dean was able to return to music on his own terms, writing songs that mixed heartland hooks with heart-baring honesty for his previous album and American debut, “Unknown”.

Award winning country sensation Kaylee Bell today releases her new album “Nights Like This” a thrilling country pop collision featuring a blend of previously released hits and brand-new offerings that showcase the artist’s exceptional talent and diverse influences.

Recorded in the heart of country music, Nashville, by renowned producers Lindsay Rimes and Brandon Hood, the album is a testament to Bell’s songwriting prowess, with credits on every track. Bell’s melodies echo a catchy hit quality that transcends both country and commercial radio, making it a must-listen for fans of all genres.

The album caps off Bell’s most successful year to date to date, featuring a CMA Global Award, a Golden Guitar Award, her “Red” EP being certified Gold in Australia and her 2019 single “Keith” charting on the US Billboard Country Charts and being certified Gold in Aotearoa.

This is the album for the fans and Bell is under no illusion that it’s her fans who she owes a great deal of gratitude to”To be releasing music the way I want to do it and with a whole heap of new fans along for the ride is the best feeling. I’m so excited to have this full album out featuring my favourite songs I’ve ever written, and songs that have propelled me to a whole other level this past year is so exciting. We’re taking them on the road throughout New Zealand and Australia over the next few weeks and I can’t wait to share them live with all my fans” – Kaylee Bell

Album opener and new single “Take It To The Highway” is the perfect stake in the ground to set the tone of the album. Written with Lindsay Rimes and Phil Barton (co writers of hit single “Keith”) it’s a power anthem of a song that also kicks off Bell’s live show setting her up as a force to be reckoned with on the country scene.

A standout on the 11-track album is the poignant ballad “Where Were You”, where Bell unveils a softer, more vulnerable side of her vocal delivery. Drawing inspiration from 90s country ballad queens Trisha Yearwood and Faith Hill, Bell navigates emotional depths with grace and authenticity. Another one of the album’s highlights is the stripped-back version of Bell’s hit single “Keith “, following its unexpected resurgence on the US Billboard charts in late 2023 thanks to a viral moment on TikTok which saw the video of her performing it live for Keith Urban on The Voice Australia viewed over 23 million times. The organic growth of the track, now four years old, is a testament to Bell’s undeniable talent and the unwavering support of her rapidly expanding fan base.

“Nights Like This” is a rollercoaster of hits that captures Bell’s electrifying energy and spirit, mirroring her powerhouse performances on the international stage. The album is set to redefine the Country Pop landscape and solidify Kaylee Bell as a leading figure in the music industry.

With a touring drummer for a father, Larissa was raised on a tour bus surrounded by family and music. When Larissa was a toddler, she fell in love with country music as she and her father sang along to a worn-out cassette of George Strait while riding together in the combine on her family’s farm.

Since those formative years, Larissa has grown into a multi-award-winning singer/songwriter penning relatable lyrics that move the hearts of her listeners. Her distinctive voice is an easy listening standout with a sound all her own.

Mark Thornton is a multi-talented guitar player, producer, and engineer based in Nashville, Tennessee.

His experience as a professional guitarist began in the ’80s, in the Los Angeles country western scene, playing at the famous Palomino Club and the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum. Between 1997 and up until his death in 2008, Mark was the guitar player for guitar legend Jerry Reed, recording and touring with him throughout the country. While versatile in his playing, his true strength lies in classic fingerstyle guitar (as well as a variety of classic country styles) and being a master of tasteful simplicity and tone.

His studio, Sidekick Sound, was founded in 1994 and has been graced by great pickers and players over the years, including Jerry Reed, Paul Yandell, Marty Stuart, Chris Scruggs, Wylie and the Wild West, and the Davidson Brothers. His production roster includes producing and engineering records for CMH Records, The Pickin’ On series.

He currently plays in and around Nashville with his band “The Sidekicks”, and spends the rest of his time recording, producing, and engineering great records.

Website
www.themarkthornton.com

Elyse Saunders is an award-winning country artist that’s rapidly growing her name in Canada. With over 3.5 million streams to date, Elyse has carved a path in country music with powerhouse vocals, memorable live shows, undeniable drive, and impressive songwriting abilities. As a songwriter, she’s had 12 outside song cuts this year and was rewarded for her work as a winner for CBC Toyota Searchlight song contest in 2021. She’s making huge strides in Canada while building international buzz, earning her the title of award-winning artist at the 2023 CMA Ontario awards and 3 x Mississauga Music award winner.

Now, her 2024 breakout song “Never Have I Ever” has been released to Australian radio and was co-written by Elyse and Jason Blaine at Jason’s family home in Nashville, TN. This song represents a new era of music coming from Elyse, truly highlighting the country star she is. Produced by award winning Dan Swinimer (Madeline Merlo, Tyler Joe Miller), the track highlights fiery vocals by Elyse with feature guitar solos and vocal BG’s from Jason Blaine. Catching industry buzz ahead of its release, “Never Have I Ever” was selected as a Top 10 Country finalist for Nashville’s 2023 Unsigned Only competition and now marks her first hit as a top 40 Canadian chart topping single and still climbing.

With what could be his biggest single to date, Casey Barnes makes an early stamp on 2024 by releasing the foot stomping new anthem “Mayday”. Following an ARIA in 2022 and a dominant 2023 that included chart topping singles and Golden Guitar wins for Toyota Album of the year and Highest Selling Country Album of the Year. Casey is propelling to new heights with this fresh new single, bigger live stages and an album announcement right around the corner.

“Mayday” follows singles such as “Miracles”, “Never Give Up On A Good Time” and “Boys Like Me” all of which have taken their place at #1 on the CountryTown National Airplay Charts, and all expected to make their way into Casey’s next studio album this Autumn.

Co-written with the world renowned Morgan Evans he states: “We had fun writing Mayday and you can probably hear that in the record! I feel like it really captures Casey’s energy and I can’t wait to see him play it live!” Along with Casey’s comments: “Last year while I was in Nashville the opportunity came up to co-write with Morgan Evans and ‘Mayday’ was the little gem that transpired from that session. I think we both knew instantly that the song was a standout to the point where I remember Morgan saying something like ‘if you don’t cut this single, I will’. And, providing the extra flair, New York producer Andrew Maury (Kacey Musgraves, Lizzo, Shawn Mendes) jumped on the mixing adding brand new elements that turn Mayday into a real earworm.

“When it came to finishing the new album what I was really searching for was that one massive anthem on the record, that was going to jump out at fans and also be great for our live show too” Casey mentions as big festival shows such as CMC Rocks and Stagecoach (Indio, CA) are just around the corner. Soon to be a staple and crowd favourite on the live stage.

Brian Cadd Releases Second Single ‘The One That Got Away’ Ahead Of New Album ‘Dream Train.’

Australian country-rock pioneer, Brian Cadd, is set to captivate fans once again following the January release of his single ‘You Know What To Say’, with his latest single, ‘The One That Got Away,’ released on Friday March 8, 2024. This compelling track serves as a precursor to his forthcoming album, ‘Dream Train,’ which is now available for pre-order and is scheduled for release on Friday, April 5.

Cadd, a trailblazer in the realm of country music, reflects on his musical journey with a sense of fulfilment and excitement as he unveils his latest masterpiece, ‘Dream Train.’ After decades of shaping the landscape of Australian music, Cadd returns to his roots with an album that pays homage to the genre he has always cherished.

“I should have done this 30 years ago.”

‘Dream Train’ represents a culmination of Cadd’s prolific career, drawing inspiration from his rich experiences as a country-rock pioneer in Australia and his tenure in Nashville, the heart of country music.

Commenting on the release of ‘The One That Got Away,’ Cadd shares, “If ‘Let Go’ has a much younger sibling, it is ‘The One That Got Away.’ Born fifty years apart, they share the same parents; all the beautiful slow country songs I fell in love with over the years that talk about powerful personal events and feelings.”

‘Dream Train’ marks Cadd’s first album in five years, following the critically acclaimed ‘Silver City’ in 2019. Robert Rigby, Managing Director of Ambition Entertainment, expresses enthusiasm about Cadd’s return, stating, “We are thrilled to have such a legendary and fine artist on the Ambition label. Brian Cadd has been making music for over six decades. He is truly Australian music industry royalty.”

Renowned for his exceptional song writing prowess, Cadd’s illustrious career has left an indelible mark on the global music scene. His songs, including classics such as ‘Let Go,’ ‘Ginger Man,’ and ‘A Little Ray Of Sunshine,’ have been embraced by audiences worldwide, earning him accolades and recognition from peers and fans alike.

Cadd and his band of ‘naughty musicians’ featuring Pete Robinson on guitar, John Creech on drums, Paul Cartwright on bass, Shane Reilly on pedal steel and Clare O’Meara on fiddle, will launch ‘Dream Train’ with an exclusive Melbourne performance on Friday April 5. They will perform songs from Brian’s forthcoming album ‘Dream Train,’ as well as hits and favourites at Caddo’s most-loved Melbourne venue, Memo Music Hall in St Kilda.