ZFM Country

Still riding high from their Tamworth Country Music Festival debut, Two Tone Pony today unveil their lively new single, ‘Caroline’.

The track is a tangle of banjo and guitars, set to a driving backbeat, reminiscent of an Allman Brothers classic. “I was definitely channelling the Allman Brothers sound, in particular Dicky Betts the guitarist” reveals frontman, David Kirkpatrick .

Recorded with multi award winning producer Rod McCormack at his Central Coast hideaway, The Music Cellar, the two attempted to replicate Dicky Betts’ iconic sound. “Rod researched his sound and recorded my guitar solo in a simulated set up like his – very cool! We then got Rod to add his trademark banjo picking to contribute to the rolling guitar feel of the song.”

“I hear the sound of the steam whistle,” sings David’s storied vocal in the opening line. The idea for ‘Caroline’ began when David became fascinated with the paddle steamers that serviced the wool trade on the Murray Darling River. “I was taken by the fact that it was quite dangerous – the boats could become stranded in a tributary if the water level dropped and could be stuck for months before rains came and flooded the rivers again.”

Yet, ‘Caroline’ is not the name of the wearied paddle steamer in this somewhat sea shanty, but rather the woman who waits for her love to return. “I envisaged a young bloke who signs on for the money not really knowing what is in store and then finds himself stuck on the boat while his fiancé – Caroline – waits for him not knowing what has happened.”

The soon to be revealed video for ‘Caroline’ even incorporates a piece of living history, the Nepean Belle. A paddle steamer still in operation, criss-crossing the waters of Penrith’s Nepean River.

‘Caroline’ follows on from Two Tone Pony’s single, ‘Stormy Weather’, which peaked at #11 on the Country Songs Top 40 airplay chart, the third of which to climb the chart since the band’s debut last year.

Hitting the touring circuit for the first time in 2023, the band performed at the Half Way Bash in Charleville with Robbie Mortimer to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of Slim Dusty’s song ‘Charleville’. More recently they made their Tamworth Country Music Festival debut performing 6 gigs in 8 days – including the Tamworth Songwriters Association awards night and the Toyota Fanzone stage.

Two Tone Pony have a modern sound that harps back to country’s roots, the perfect complement to their stories of Australian life and the land. Despite the success they’ve seen in the last year, one thing remains of utmost importance; “playing in a band of great friends and players and enjoying the music.” That comradery certainly shows in their distinctive music, and you can see them performing at Hardys Bay Club on Saturday 24th February. This is undoubtedly just the beginning for Two Tone Pony.

Produced by Dave Pomeroy, background vocals The McCrary Sisters

Bandits, Ballads and Blues is James Talley’s fifteenth album, recorded in Nashville, TN, at the legendary Sound Emporium, home to many of his recording projects over the years. Produced by dear friend, longtime collaborator, and talented bassist, Dave Pomeroy, the album features backing vocals from Regina, Ann, and Alfreda McCrary plus Jason Kyle Saetveit, Doyle Grishman on guitars and pedal steel, Mike Noble on guitars, fiddle from Billy Contreras, Dave Pomery on bass and Mark Beckett on drums. Andrew Carney plays trumpet.

His family was from Oklahoma, but eventually settled in New Mexico, where Talley spent most of his formative years. Many of the songs on this album are part of a group that he wrote about New Mexico and life in the Southwest. Back and forth between Nashville and New Mexico, these songs were either started or completed at Talley’s home in rural northern New Mexico. Americans have always had a fascination with the New Mexico outlaw, Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War. In the album’s opening track, “The Love Song of Billy The Kid”, Talley has the Kid tell his life’s story to his querida, his beloved. Tom “Black Jack” Ketchum, although not as well-known as Billy the Kid, was a train robber and horse thief, with a bandit’s heart at the end of the 19th Century. He was finally caught, tried, and hanged in Clayton, New Mexico. Talley also tells the story of a Vietnam Veteran, his friend and former neighbor Frank Archuletta in the song, “For Those Who Can’t.”

James Talley moved to Nashville in 1968. He worked in the state’s social services department and as a carpenter, all the while honing his songwriting craft, paying attention to the world around him and following the advice of Pete Seeger, who told him to write what he knew, write about his family. That’s how it began on Talley’s first album, Got No Bread, No Milk, No Money, but We Sure Got a Lot of Love (Capitol Records, 1974), he continues that tradition with the new songs he’s written for Bandits, Ballads and Blues (Cimarron Records, Inc., 2024).

Melbourne-Based Singer-Songwriter Jay Santilli Returns with a Heartfelt Rendition of Brandi Carlile’s ‘The Story’

After a hiatus from the music scene to focus on her growing family, Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Jay Santilli had a busy 2023 releasing two new tracks ‘Love Someone Else’ and ‘Come Back Home’ which were both widely well received. Now she is stepping back into the spotlight with an emotionally charged rendition of Brandi Carlile’s iconic track, ‘The Story.’ Collaborating with producer Daniel Kelaart and guitarist Alex Tomlins, Santilli has meticulously crafted a unique interpretation that pays homage to the original’s authenticity.

Now, with a young family in tow, Santilli is excited to share her latest musical endeavor with the world. The debut performance of ‘The Story’ took place at the Toyota Star Maker Grand Final, where Santilli captivated an audience in the 1000s marking a pivotal moment in her musical career.

Following the release, Santilli’s journey will unfold through radio interviews, street press features, and a robust social media campaign. ‘The Story’ is not just a cover; it signifies the beginning of a significant musical chapter for Santilli in 2024.

Santilli’s singing and writing is deeply rooted in emotion and passion, reflecting her unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling. With years spent honing her craft and sharing stages with phenomenal talents, Santilli invites music enthusiasts to join her on this exciting next phase of her musical journey.

Established in 2022, Tommy Bomb originates as an alternative rock group hailing from Nashville, TN. Their distinct musical style seamlessly blends rhythmic grooves and gritty vocals with energetic, hip-swaying beats that are sure to keep you moving throughout the night.

Their debut single “Actin’ Tough” is a song about playing hard to get, not in a flirtatious way, but a defensive way to save oneself from getting hurt, but always ending up alone because of it.

“We wrote the song four to five years ago. We were just out of band practice, having just
jammed, and someone in the band started playing the chords and it came together in a
quick, organic way. Same goes for the lyrics. Pretty sure we just wrote the lyrics right
there on the spot, and it’s been a song we’ve loved ever since and thought it would be a
solid debut to introduce the world to us”

• Tommy Bomb.

Drawing inspiration from alternative rock acts Kings of Leon, The Strokes, Parcels, Growlers, and Cage The Elephant, Tommy Bomb captures the essence of introspection, resilience and human experience. Their lyrics touch on themes of love, loss and self-discovery resonating with audiences on a deep, emotional level. Since their formation, they have made a name for themselves by performing at some of Nashville’s most renowned venues in the indie rock scene. Their energetic and captivating live shows have left audiences spellbound. The upcoming release of their debut EP is coming in spring and has already provided people with excitement. In carving a niche for themselves in the indie rock genre, they are committed to pushing boundaries and constantly evolving their sound.

Rising Queensland Country Singer-Songwriter Maddie Cail Releases ‘My Dog’.

Queensland country singer-songwriter Maddie Cail returns in 2024 with a brand-new offering which is bound to capture the hearts of country music and animal lovers alike.

‘My Dog’ is a fun song written by Maddie Cail after an incident occurred with her dog that went viral on TikTok. Comments made about her dog’s appearance inspired the quirky track and soon became her most requested song at her live shows. The lyrics in the chorus hook transform the listener with a catchy line “don’t talk about my dog” which soon became an easy song to sing along to after only hearing it for the first time. Overall, this is a funny song that will put a smile on the listeners face and is aimed at all the dog lovers in the world.

Maddie Cail is a down to earth singer-songwriter who grew up on the Gold Coast. Over the past few years, she has been busy building her music profile as a country singer. She has made a mark on the country music scene by opening for The Wolfe Brothers in January 2023, headlined the Mudgeeraba Show, sang at the Ekka, Gold Coast Show and performed at her first festival, The Gympie Muster. Maddie is due to perform at Meatstock Toowoomba in March alongside industry heavyweights such as The Wolfe Brothers, James Johnston, Casey Barnes, Kaylee Bell, Zac & George, Amy Sheppard, and Max Jackson, along with Woodgate Music Festival and Gladstone Country Music Festival in April. From producing great music to captivating her audience onstage, she has everything it takes to make it in the music industry.

Tyler Hubbard continues to show his distinction as a writer and artist on his sophomore album ‘Strong,’ out April 12th via EMI Nashville. Co-produced by Hubbard alongside Jordan Schmidt, the Georgia native’s 13-track album is a reflection of Hubbard’s unique ability to epitomize his passion for life and love. Alongside the announcement of Tyler’s new album ‘Strong’, he’s also dropped the latest release from the new album ‘Wish You Would’.

Tyler wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on ‘Strong.’ Constructed both lyrically and sonically to emote a sense of thrill and fun, the tracks range from previously released ‘Back Then Right Now’ and ‘Turn’ to ‘Wish You Would’.

Throughout the album, ‘Strong’ embodies a distinct variety of both sonic and geographical-driven influences. Tracks like ‘Vegas’ stamp the vulnerability of love at first sight, while ‘American Mellencamp’ is pure, heartfelt fun. Songs like ‘Take Me Back’ and ‘Park’ offer unique views of hometown reminiscence, while ”73 Beetle’ is an ode to fatherhood, family and dream-filled aspirations.

The title track ‘Strong’ is a lyrical depiction of Hubbard and the album as a whole. “It represents the overall project and where I am,” says Hubbard. “It’s also how I’m feeling. And, hopefully, it helps and encourages others to channel their inner strength in a way that can be fun. We are all probably a lot stronger than we think.”

Hubbard’s current single ‘Back Then Right Now’ is currently Top 20 and climbing at Country radio. It follows RIAA 2x Platinum No. 1 single ‘Dancin’ In The Country’ and RIAA Platinum No. 1 single ‘5 Foot 9’ – both from his debut solo album ‘Tyler Hubbard,’ which has garnered more than 1 billion streams since its release in 2023.

Hubbard’s announcement comes on the heels of his nomination at the iHeartRadio Music Awards for ‘Favorite Debut Album.’ Fans can hear songs from ‘Strong’ and more when Hubbard supports Kane Brown’s In The Air Tour this year, which kicks off in March and includes stops in Toronto, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and more.

Clancy Pye Releases Summer Country Anthem, ‘Drink About’.

Australian singer-songwriter Clancy Pye is set to captivate country music fans with the release of her highly anticipated single, ‘Drink About,’ scheduled to hit the airwaves on February 16.

Hailing from Orange, NSW, Clancy Pye is a two-time Toyota Star Maker grand finalist, with ‘Drink About’ the second single from her upcoming album.

Growing up immersed in the rich tradition of playing and singing drinking songs in local pubs, Clancy draws inspiration from iconic artists such as Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, and Slim Dusty. With a desire to infuse a feel-good, uplifting anthem into her album, Clancy said ‘Drink About’ was a summer song that radiated a playful and light-hearted vibe.

“When I was writing this song, it was the idea of catching up with someone you haven’t seen in a while and having a lot to talk about and inevitably, a lot of things to drink about,” Clancy said.

‘Drink About’ is a throwback to the classic drinking songs that have shaped Clancy’s musical journey. The track serves as a celebration of camaraderie and shared experiences, embodying the spirit of a feel-good country drinking anthem that fans of the genre are sure to gravitate towards.

“Over the last couple of years, I’ve been writing and experimenting with different styles,” she said.

“‘Drink About’ is a result of my time in Sam Hawkley’s Song Club, where I wrote about 150 songs during the COVID years. The joy and excitement I experienced during that creative process gave me the freedom to write without overthinking or having any sense of limitation which has really shaped my song writing.”

The song, produced by Sean Rudd, features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Mickey Pye on guitars, Sean Rudd on bass, Nick Woodford on backing vocals, Pete Drummond on drums, Casper Tromp on keyboards/synthesizer and, of course, Clancy Pye herself on vocals. The mastering of ‘Drink About’ was expertly handled by Paul Blakey.

With an infectious melody, fun lyrics, and a line-up of talented musicians, ‘Drink About’ is poised to be a standout track that showcases the diversity and depth of Clancy’s songwriting. Having received an overwhelmingly positive response during her live performances, ‘Drink About’ is sure to have listeners up and dancing and maybe even reaching for the phone to catch up with friends they haven’t seen in a while.

Bundaberg’s emerging musical talent, Keely Ellen, is set to make a splash in the music scene with the release of her debut single, ‘Red Head’, on February 16.

The song, co-written with renowned songwriter Katrina Burgoyne two or three years ago, serves as a powerful anthem that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance.

‘Red Head’ is a personal reflection by Keely, drawing inspiration from her own experiences of facing bullying due to her distinctive red hair. The song encourages listeners to embrace their differences rather than hide them, promoting a message of self-love and empowerment.

The lyrics of ‘Red Head’ delve into the deeper meaning behind the song, touching on Keely’s journey of overcoming adversity and finding strength in her uniqueness. Collaborating with the talented producer and multi-instrumentalist Benjy Pocock of Vibetone Recording Studio, who played all the instruments, the single promises a captivating blend of sassy but heartfelt lyrics and musical prowess.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for ages, and it’s all finally coming together,” Keely said.

“‘Red Head’ is a song that really sums me up well, putting my character across and allowing me to introduce myself through my music.”

With infectious vibes and relatable themes, she hopes the song resonates with a wide audience, whether they share the experience of having red hair or connect with the broader message of embracing individuality.

As Keely Ellen prepares to launch her debut single, music enthusiasts and fans alike can look forward to a fresh and authentic voice in the industry.

‘Red Head’ will be available on all major streaming platforms on February 16, marking the beginning of a promising musical journey for this talented Bundaberg singer-songwriter.

Celebrated Australian Country Star, Adam Brand releases his new single, “Sleepless Nights”. Penned earlier in 2023, the song resonated with Brand deeply in light of the devastating event with the family home burning down just weeks before Christmas last year. Thankfully with no one injured, this song took on new meaning and is a reflection of Adam’s thoughts on his role in his family.

As Adam describes it, “As a father I believe my job is to protect my family with every fibre of my being and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for my children. As parents we all know that the weight of that responsibility sometimes feels overwhelming. One day my baby girls will have their own family and will experience sleepless nights as they pace the floor trying to figure out life’s many challenges….but not tonight.”

Over an already stellar career Adam Brand has won 12 Golden Guitars and has been nominated for 6 ARIA Awards. Across 15 studio records, he has three platinum and five gold albums, and eight CMC Oz Artist of the Year Awards. Adam Brand was nominated at this year’s Golden Guitars for Vocal Collaboration.

Singer-Songwriter Chloe Swannell Releases Upbeat Country Pop Banger ‘Unchained’.

Country singer-songwriter Chloe Swannell is a multi-instrumentalist born and bred in Oberon in the Central West of NSW. Her debut single, ‘Strange Love’, released Sept 2023, debuted at #5 on AMRAP Regional Charts and #6 on the iTunes Country Charts. It was featured on Grass Roots on ABC Country and was added to the Aussie Country Playlist on Apple Music.

Chloe’s latest offering, ‘Unchained’ is another upbeat country pop banger, about feeling trapped in a relationship. “It’s about letting go of the past and looking forward to the future by surrounding yourself with friends and loved ones for support – now I’m finally unchained, it’s time to learn to love again”. Chloe once again worked with producer Tarquin Halls-Corbett, to create this uplifting new radio track.

Chloe’s passion for music extends beyond her own career as the founder of a well-known music studio in the Central West. No stranger to the stage she has shared the spotlight with artists such as Beccy Cole and Amber Lawrence, as well as performing at the Australian War Memorial, Government House, and The Sydney Opera House.

Chloe made her debut appearance at Tamworth Country Music Festival 2024, performing on the Fanzone Stage, as a special guest of Hayley Jensen at Moonshiners and performed at the Riverside Stage & Take-Away.

Chloe Swannell is captivating, producing effortless vocals and always delivering an unforgettable performance. A star on the rise.

Chloe Swannell’s new single ‘Unchained’ is out at radio on Monday 12th February and all digital platforms on Friday 16th February.