ZFM Country

AFTER ARIA #1’S AND 800 MILLION STREAMS, KINGSWOOD RELEASE LATEST SINGLE “GOD ALREADY KNOWS”

Following a recording breaking Australian tour consisting of over 100 shows, Kingswood have hit the ground running with their latest single “God Already Knows” from their forthcoming album “Tale of G.C Townes”.

“The single was born of the concept that eternally plagues most; the everlasting duel between fate or chance, and whether one has validity over the other. These questions seem to be most poignant and prevalent amongst apparent and important life decisions yet are the wallpaper that encompass our every move from day to day. In particular, God Already Knows beckons the questions when a life path comes face to face with a romantic path, a fantastic collision of opportunities both lost and gained, allowing for a wild pendulum between a fulfilled heart and a broken one”. – Kingswood

Kingswood’s upcoming album “Tale of G.C Townes” was written and recorded alongside “Home” in the mountains of Queensland Australia’s hinterlands on a ranch, with the finishing touches placed both on the road amongst the record breaking 110 date Australian tour and in Kingswood’s spiritual home in Nashville, Tennessee. The album and songs were engineered by Alexander Laska, Guus Hoevenaars, and Tennessee’s Eddie Spear.

The enigmatic track features all members of Kingswood alongside Shaun Richardson on mandolin and pedal steel (Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, Bela Fleck) and Billy Contreras on Fiddle.

Following his win at the Golden Guitar Awards for Male Artist of the Year 2023, Andrew Swift released his third studio album, “Lightning Strikes and Neon Nights”. The album was met to critical acclaim and debuted at #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album Chart.

Produced by Matt Fell, the album packed full of hits including “Young Lovers” “The Good Old Days” “You, Me, and a Bottle of Whiskey” and “Cheap Liquor”, the latest offering “All These Parts” mixes Swift’s signature grit with retro soundscapes and contemporary rhythms.

“There seems to be a bit of a pattern as I look back on my previous releases to include a song that I didn’t write. All These Parts is that song on this album, originally written. By Amber Rae Slade and Matt Fell, Matt pitched this song to me. I’ve always been a big fan of Amber’s work and it was a pretty easy decision to make. All These Parts is about moving on from a relationship, about cutting ties and pushing forward.” – Andrew Swift

With close to 2 million streams to date, Swift has been described as “an Australian songwriting heavyweight – with a powerfully evocative voice to match” by Country Update. Swift is undoubtedly a force to reckoned with. Both a wayward vagabond and a sweetheart, his songs brood on gut-wrenching heartache and revel in limitless joy.

Powerhouse Country Singer-Songwriter Brooke Schubert Delivers An Empowering Message In New Single ‘Stronger’.

In the vibrant tapestry of Australia’s music scene, one name shines bright, Brooke Schubert. Renowned as one of the country’s most exceptional vocalists, Brooke is poised to etch her indelible mark on the world of music. Following the resounding chart and streaming success of her previous hits, ‘New Kids In Town’ and ‘Burn Like Summer,’ Brooke returns with her latest single, ‘Stronger.’

‘Stronger’ isn’t just a song; it’s a seismic moment in Brooke’s musical journey. With poignant lyrics and an emotionally charged melody, Brooke invites us into her world of resilience and hope.

The opening lines, “One foot in front of the other is all that I know to do,” set the tone for a song that embraces the power of moving forward, even in the face of adversity. Brooke’s vocals effortlessly convey the struggle, and as the song progresses, we’re reminded that even on the darkest days, there’s a silver lining in every cloud.

“I’m beautifully broken, there’s magic in knowin’, I’m gonna be alright,” she sings with an unwavering conviction that captures the essence of inner strength. The chorus soars, a declaration of newfound resilience and determination: “I’m stronger after the break down, I’ve learned the hard way, what goes around comes back around.”

As the song unfolds, it becomes a testament to the idea that life’s challenges, like the turning of the world and the setting of the sun, are part of a larger cycle. Brooke’s music is a reminder to take life day by day, to find happiness despite everything, and to emerge from the fire and rain stronger than ever.

With its empowering message and Brooke’s captivating vocals, ‘Stronger’ is a powerful anthem that leaves you feeling inspired and ready to face whatever challenges life may bring. It’s a testament to the Brooke’s talent and resilience, and it’s bound to resonate deeply with listeners as they find their own strength within its melodies.

This remarkable track will feature on Brooke’s debut album, due for release in 2024.

Brooke Schubert’s new single ‘Stronger’ is out to radio 25th September and digital platforms on 29th September.

‘The Bush Takes Care Of Its Own’ is a heartfelt Australiana ballad written and recorded by Golden Guitar winning singer songwriter, Matt Scullion.

The track is the second single from Matt’s chart topping album ‘Nation Of Abbreviation’, which was produced by Matt at his recording studio in the Northern Tablelands of NSW. It was written on the Ukulele which features prominently throughout the song.

‘The Bush Takes Care Of Its Own’ captures not only the resilience of hardworking people in the bush, but the feeling of community spirit that is still alive and kicking in rural Australia.

People around here keep to themselves
They’d rather be left alone
But when there’s a problem, they’re happy to help
Cause The Bush Takes Care Of Its Own

With three successful albums under his belt, and 26 number one songs to his credit, Golden Guitar winning Australiana singer songwriter Matt Scullion has plenty to sing about.

Matt’s songs are a mix of witty old school storytelling and tongue in cheek Aussie humour as he sings up all things Australian. His lively yet intimate shows tug on your green and gold heartstrings as he swaps between acoustic guitars, banjo, and ukulele.

Matt’s tours regularly and can often be heard on Australian radio, while his songs have been recorded by the likes of Lee Kernaghan, Travis Collins, Sara Storer and Cold Chisel.

GRAMMY-winning duo Brothers Osborne release Brothers Osborne, their self-titled fourth studio album via EMI Records Nashville. The album was named one of the most anticipated albums of the year by the Los Angeles Times who call it “a lively self-titled” album which adds “fresh sounds and textures to the Osbornes’ solidly built songs.” The duo is currently on the cover of American Songwriter who say a “sense of comfortable confidence echoes through all eleven tracks on Brothers Osborne, which builds off the duo’s trademark meld of classic Southern rock and polished modern country.” Brothers Osborne is available in all formats here.

Last week, Brothers Osborne, the reigning CMA Vocal Duo of the Year, were nominated again in this category. They are five-time winners of this award and have six CMA awards in total. John Osborne of the band was additionally nominated in the Album of the Year category for his work as producer on Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville.

For their self-titled release, the brothers enlisted Mike Elizondo (Sheryl Crow, Turnstile, Dr. Dre, Twenty One Pilots, Lin-Manuel Miranda) to produce, entrusting him with curating his own band of studio musicians, including Paul McCartney’s drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. behind the kit. Miranda Lambert provides the LP’s sole guest vocals on “We Ain’t Good At Breaking Up,” after co-writing the song with Brothers Osborne and Jesse Frasure.

The brothers co-wrote every song on the album, including their chart-climbing current single “Nobody’s Nobody,” penned with Elizondo and Kendell Marvel, capturing a message of inclusion and acceptance.

Brothers Osborne are one of music’s most consistently adventurous bands, a duo connected by not just blood, but also a lifetime of performing together, and a shared working-class upbringing in Deale, Maryland. The reigning CMA and ACM Duo of the Year winners are leaders of a progressive and still classic school of country music, and the faces of the new generation of Nashville. Anchored by TJ’s baritone and John’s guitar, every one of the album’s 11 tracks are distinctly Brothers Osborne songs – the album is also their most musically diverse yet, along with a new producer’s direction, it features synthesizers, and a piano ballad.

“We are always pushing ourselves, always evolving and not afraid to change,” John says. “But at the end of the day, we are also who we are.”

“This is a defining record at this point in our career, where we needed to put it all on our shoulders,” TJ says. “And we did. Like it was when we were growing up, it’s just John and me.”

Brothers Osborne Track Listing:

1. “Who Says You Can’t Have Everything” (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Casey Beathard)
2. “Nobody’s Nobody” (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Mike Elizondo, Kendell Marvel )
3. “Might As Well Be Me” (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Corey Crowder, Julian Bunetta)
4. “Sun Ain’t Even Gone Down Yet” (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Corey Crowder)
5. “Goodbye’s Kickin’ In” (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Lee Miller, Mike Elizondo)
6. “Love You Too” (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure)
7. “New Bad Habit” (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Lee Miller)
8. “We Ain’t Good At Breaking Up” (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert)
9. “Back Home” (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Lee Miller)
10. “Ain’t Nobody Got Time For That” (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Jaren Johnston, Lee Miller)
11. “Rollercoaster (Forever And A Day)” (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Jamie Hartman)

ABOUT BROTHERS OSBORNE:

Brothers Osborne are one of music’s most consistently adventurous bands, a duo connected by not just blood, but also a lifetime of performing together, and a shared working-class upbringing in Deale, Maryland. The reigning CMA and ACM Duo of the Year winners, John and TJ Osborne are leaders of a progressive and still classic school of country music, and the faces of the new generation of Nashville.

The siblings took home their first GRAMMY in 2022, winning Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their song “Younger Me,” inspired by TJ’s recent coming out. The song is featured on the deluxe version of their GRAMMY-nominated album, Skeletons. The band has been nominated for 10 GRAMMYs in total, standing as five-time CMA Vocal Duo of the Year, and are four-time ACM Duo of the Year. Overall, they have collected six CMA awards, seven ACM trophies and received the ASCAP Vanguard Award in 2019. Their critically acclaimed hit songs have tallied multiple RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications, while surpassing more than 2.8 Billion global streams.

Previously sharing the bill with Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert, Brothers Osborne’s latest headlining We’re Not For Everyone Tour hit more than 50 markets. Last fall, John Osborne produced Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, and Brothers Osborne contributed the song “Play Ball.” They wrapped 2022 with a limited-edition collaboration with WhistlePig Whiskey, launching the WhistlePig PiggyBack Legends Series: Brothers Osborne Barrel. Their fourth studio album, Brothers Osborne, released September 15th (EMI Records Nashville), featuring the chart-climbing single “Nobody’s Nobody,” out now.

A force-of-nature talent with the passion to match, emerging country singer-songwriter Finnian Johnson has a deep love for country music. Over the past few years, he has been honing his craft and building a solid reputation performing at shows and festivals, combined with national television exposure on Season 11 of the popular television series The Voice Australia, where he made the Top 12.

Winning hearts and fans across the country with his deep and dulcet tone, it now seems fitting for Finnian to release his own original music, a self-penned soulful pop-country track called ‘Dishonest’.

“I wrote this this about a year ago, sitting in bed with my guitar trying to write anything. In country style, I pulled inspiration from the struggles of moving on after a breakup. What started out as just my voice and guitar, has turned into this awesome sound with Nashville pedal steel and soft acoustic guitar. I’m beyond excited to announce my first original single! It’s been a long time coming and I hope you love it as much as I do!”

Finnian has performed at Tamworth Country Music Festival and Gympie Music Muster, singing alongside country music legends such as Troy Casser-Daley, Bill Chambers and Troy Kemp. Earlier this year, he toured with Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley on their ‘Country Music, You and Beer Tour’ along the East Coast of Australia from January to May. Finnian went on to release his debut single ‘July’ receiving over 250,000 streams to date.

2023 has given Finnian continued exposure as a Top 10 Finalist in Toyota Star Maker at Tamworth Country Music Festival and was recently announced as a Finalist in the 2023 NAB Talent Search at the Gympie Music Muster.

Watch this space as Finnian Johnson embarks on a new journey of releasing his own music. His star is bound to shine bright and Australian audience are ready to embrace this exciting new talent.

Finnian Johnson’s new single ‘Dishonest’ is out at radio on Tuesday 19th September and all digital services on Friday 22nd September.

Mixing nostalgia and passion of young love into a blast of upbeat Country Rock, the Josh Thompson, Thomas Rhett, and Zach Crowell penned track is tailor-made for his exhilarating live shows. Also produced by Crowell, the ringing guitars and classic dobro meet a pounding pulse as the heartbeat to Lynch’s bursting vocal, full of energy and ready to move fans by the tens of thousands. Likewise, the Chris Hickey directed music video shows the supernova in his element, surrounded by festivalgoers from Country Jam USA 2022 as the life of the party – like he’s done for 10 years straight. Whether connecting before the concert, thrilling a crowd onstage, or creating the soundtrack to a starry-eyed couple’s love story, the proven entertainer has never been more magnetic or more in tune with the moments that define forever-kind of memories.

“Literally, I was at the lake when I heard it the first time. I was in a great headspace; the day was beautiful. All of my friends were, ‘Play that again’ which is a good sign. It doesn’t have to be one girl, but just that feeling coming over you.” – Dustin Lynch.

First heard on his fifth studio album “Blue in The Sky”, which delivered the history-making PLATINUM, six-week #1 collaboration “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter)” and hit single “Party Mode”, Lynch is taking these smashes and more to the stage. “Stars Like Confetti” was featured in E! News’ The MixtapE! and Entertainment Tonight’s New Music Releases lists was praised as a “feel-good song” by All-Access.

“You can’t help but smile. This good-time banger captures being dizzy in love so marvellously. Get up and bop around the room or turn it up on the open road.” – MusicRow.

ABOUT DUSTIN LYNCH:

Dustin Lynch has “built one of the most consistent recording careers in modern country music” (Billboard), achieving eight #1’s, four Top 5 albums, 10 GOLD and PLATINUM certified singles, and tallying over 4.04 BILLION global on-demand streams. Lynch’s fifth studio album, “Blue in The Sky” (Broken Bow Records), feature current-single “Stars Like Confetti”, in addition to the history-making PLATINUM, six-week #1 “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat MacKenzie Porter)”, and latest hit “Party Mode”.

“Dustin Lynch’s new music will have you embracing the party 24/7”, hails E! News, as the good tine follow up to TULLAHOMA – which delivered consecutive PLATINUM chart-toppers “Ridin’ Roads” and “Good Girl”, in addition to GOLD, Top 5 “Momma’s House”. Since his PLATINUM breakout “Cowboys and Angels” in 2012, Lynch’s headlined packed venues and toured with country’s biggest names like Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley, and Kane Brown this spring. Likewise, the Tennessee native has earned industry recognition as a Grand Ole Opry member, as well as high-profile nominations for the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and CMT Music Awards.

A luminary in the world of music, Andrew Farriss has dedicated over four decades to writing, producing, and performing songs that have left indelible marks on audiences worldwide. Known for his integral role as the co-founder and key songwriter for INXS, his solo career has been just as impactful. His self-titled solo album released in 2021 gained acclaim and spawned hits like “Come Midnight” and “Good Momma Bad”.

2023 is an exhilarating year for Andrew, as he participated in Don McLean’s nationwide Australian tour, served as a featured showcase artist at SXSW in Austin, Texas, and sat on the Eurovision Australian judge’s panel. These achievements come on the heels of a Golden Guitar nomination in 2022 and a Top-40 Billboard Indicator chart hit “You Are My Rock”.

Now, Andrew is gearing up for the release of his new single, “Someone For Everyone”, which is set to premiere on radio on September 18, 2023, and will be available on all streaming platforms by September 22. This poignant ballad explores themes of love and companionship, affirming that there is someone out there for everyone.

In less than eighteen months since the release of her debut single, Sara Berki has established herself as one of the most exciting and prolific new artists in Australian country music and she continues the momentum with her fiery new single, “Favour”. The self-penned track, her eighth track release overall, follows the success of previous single, “A Boy That’s Into Trucks”, which reached #3 on the CountryTown Hot50 Airplay chart (Australia’s official country airplay chart).

Sara also today announces her headline Tamworth Country Music Festival show, taking place at the Tamworth Hotel on Sunday 21st January, 3.30pm. Sara will make a triumphant return to the Tamworth Hotel following her sold-out show at the 2023 festival.

“Favour” is a U-turn for Sara, a bold and empowering song about being cheated on but ultimately being stronger for the experience. The track features the most electric production of Sara’s releases to date.

Sara commented, “Favour is a song written from a past experience of being cheated on. I was hurting and even though my friends would tell me that I was so much better off, I just couldn’t see it at the time. There are so many things you can do to try and get over someone, but the best feeling is reaching the point when you realise that you’ve healed and that they’ve ultimately done you a favour.”

“Production wise, I wanted to do something different to anything I’ve released before.” Sara continued. “It’s heavy and I really think it’s a surprising choice of production, which I was so keen to tap into. Inspirations have come from my rock and roll upbringing. It’s super dynamic, the bass and drums are punchy, and I love that there’s fiddle and banjo following the riff. This is a fun song to play live!”

The Bundaberg born, Southern Highlands raised singer-songwriter made an impressive debut in 2022 with her first three singles, “Fallin’ Off the Heartline”, “Good Enough” and “Drinking for Free” reaching the Top 20 of the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart, while “A Boy That’s Into Trucks”

became Sara’s highest charting single so far, at #3. Sara released her debut EP, “Heartline” in January and her catalogue has achieved over 1.6 million total streams to date.

Sara has enjoyed a great run of live shows throughout 2023 and will top it off with appearances at Groundwater Country Music Festival at the Gold Coast in October and the inaugural Ridin’ Hearts Festival at Sydney and Melbourne in November and headlined by U.S star, Bailey Zimmerman. Sara is the only Australian female artist on the massive Ridin’ Hearts line-up

Country singer-songwriter Peter Chapman returns with a new offering after releasing ‘That Kinda Bar’ earlier this year. Known for his quick wit and tongue in cheek humour, ‘Pick You Up’, again showcases Chapman’s fun personality.

“‘Pick You Up’ is a song written about a time in my life that I was working in a bar and one of the many situations I found myself in while working in that type of environment”.

Raised on music legends such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bryan Adams, Cold Chisel and Lee Kernaghan, Peter Chapman is a Brisbane-based Country Music artist who likes to tell stories and has a damn good time in the process.

He has toured Western Queensland on three occasions where he swam with crocs in Adels Grove, performed from the bar top in Quilpie, performed at the iconic Birdsville Races and the Birdsville Pub and even laced up the gloves for a few rounds in the World-Famous Fred Brophey Boxing Tent.

In 2022, Chappo (as he’s affectionally called) toured with Golden Guitar winning Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley for 21 shows in NSW and Queensland, as well as opening for legendary band Dragon.

Touring continued into 2023, with performances at Tamworth Country Music Festival, Stock Route Country Music Festival and further touring with Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley on their Queensland leg of their tour. Chappo then jumped on Busby Marou’s ‘Tiny Towns Tour’ for a month of shows through regional Queensland including outback towns. With upcoming shows and festivals in Texas, QLD, Newcastle, Armidale, and Ballina just around the corner, Peter Chapman is looking forward to being back on the road and performing ‘Pick You Up’ live.

Chappo loves a good time and that’s exactly what he wants to share with his audience every time he walks on stage.

Peter Chapman’s new single ‘Pick You Up’ is out at radio and all digital platforms on Monday 18th September.