ZFM Country

Country music newcomer James Keith has unveiled his latest single ‘This Town’ offering listeners a tantalizing glimpse into his formative years on his family vineyard in Orange, NSW.

‘This Town’ is just the kind of upbeat country rock James Keith has become known for. Radiating positivity and nostalgia, James cleverly leads listeners down memory lane in this ode to his hometown. “This dynamic track cleverly sprinkles clues about the town without outright disclosing its name,” he smiles. “Those familiar with Orange will recognize it instantly, while others will enjoy the guessing game.”

The creation of ‘This Town’ was as organic and dynamic as the memories it captures. Taking place at Dotted Eight studios, the single came to life under the watchful eye of producer Craig Honeysett . “When we initially started, without much knowledge of recording and producing, my band and I dove in, recording the entire track in just one day.”

They finalized elements on the fly, creating a piece that is as spontaneous as it is genuine. However, James enlisted the ears of ARIA award winning maestro Matt Fell (Troy Cassar-Daley, Fanny Lumsden), for the final piece of the puzzle. “Skip ahead 8 months, and after interacting with numerous industry experts during the journey, I decided to send the track to Matt Fell for his finishing touches. His expertise has undoubtedly elevated the track to a new level.”

The accompanying music video offers a greater depth to the memories imbued in ‘This Town’, weaving together clips of James and his brothers as they navigated their youth on the family vineyard, Mortimers of Orange. James also manages to showcase some of Orange’s most beloved landmarks.

Fans were treated to a live rendition of ‘This Town’ earlier this year when James Keith and his band supported Jon Stevens during his INXS/Noiseworks tour, as a part of the Corowa concert series. Next he has his sights set on a run of shows in Wagga Wagga.

‘This Town’ is more than music; its an experience – a love letter to the chilly wine country that James Keith calls home. This musical memoir is set to resonate deeply with anyone who cherishes their hometown memories and holds family close to their heart.

Country singer and entertainer Josh Setterfield continues his impressive journey with the release of his newest single ‘Feelin’ Love’, strengthening his position as a prominent figure in the country music landscape. The compelling contemporary country love song is set to ignite the hearts of fans with its highly relatable “boy meets girl romance” theme.

Set against a backdrop of modern country pop melodies, this heartfelt ballad explores the new emotions that surround a man as he finds himself captivated by a brunette girl he has just started seeing. The song beautifully captures the essence of curiosity, vulnerability, and the excitement of new love that could last a lifetime.

The single comes as Josh resumes the “Kinda World Tour,” and his Nashville debut; which sees him take his high energy stage show across the US and Canada; following previous map dots over the UK earlier this year and cementing his status as an unforgettable live act.

Carving out a unique and authentic space within the genre, ‘Feelin’ Love’ complements well known previous singles ‘Life Ain’t So Bad’, ‘Better Off’ and ‘Right About Now’. Already an impressive array of accolades to his name including back to back CMT #1’s, multiple top 20 radio singles over 2.5 million streams on well-known single ‘Right About Now’ and a recent nomination for ‘Best Live Performance’.

From humble beginnings, Josh’s rise in the music industry has been nothing short of extraordinary. Each release has garnered him greater attention as a songwriter and entertainer. His name is spreading far and wide as he continues to light stages up globally to a rapidly growing fan base. The enormity of success to date is a true testament to Josh – his unwavering commitment, passion and ability to connect as an artist makes him one of the most promising future country stars.

Powerhouse Country Pop Singer-Songwriter Chloe Swannell Releases Debut Single ‘Strange Love’.

There’s a fresh new country pop singer-songwriter on the scene and she’s about to turn heads. Chloe Swannell is a multi-instrumentalist hailing from Oberon in the Central West of NSW. Her debut single ‘Strange Love’ is an upbeat country pop track produced by Tarquin Halls-Corbett featuring Chloe’s impressive vocals and tells the story of a love/hate relationship with an ex.

“I think we have all been through a “Strange Love” situation. When I first heard this track, I fell in love with the lyrics and felt it was a song a lot of people could relate to. I know I certainly can! ‘Strange Love’ is a country/pop anthem for anyone who has found themselves in the impossible situation of simultaneously hating and yet still being madly in love with their ex. That is a truly strange kind of love”.

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 will be making her debut appearance at the Tamworth Country Music Festival 2024 performing at a variety of venues across the week.

Chloe Swannell’s new single ‘Strange Love’ is out at radio and all digital platforms on Friday 15th September.

‘Love Is Friendship, Set To Music’ – Jackson Pollock.

‘Clear, Like A Bell’ is the feature track from the brand new album ‘Ghosts’ by Jeremy Edwards. The song sees him teaming up with his dear friends Felicity Urquhart, Kevin Bennett and Josh Cunningham (The Waifs) in a gorgeously sweet melancholic tale of love and learning on the road to redemption.

Written by Edwards for The Song Club after a weekly prompt by Nashville based songwriter and musician, Sam Hawksley, Edwards states, “Sam’s prompt for the week was ‘Queen of hearts’ … we all rolled our eyes and then got on with it. That put me on this 70’s Dylan-esque train of thought and before I knew it, within a few hours, the song was finished”. The Golden Guitar winners and close friends of Edwards then were roped in after the Bennett idea of the verses being split into the two protagonists and an observer. The narrator, singing to the two, to all of us perhaps …

To let love in the door you’d better have your house ready
To let love in the door, you’d better have your house clean

Good advice indeed. Pair this with Josh Cunningham’s trademark beautifully cascading acoustic guitar and gorgeous gentle accompaniment and production by Josh Schuberth; ‘Clear, Like A Bell’ rings sweet and true, just like the music on Jeremy Edwards’ fourth album release ‘Ghosts’.

Like many songwriters, the recent ‘world gone mad years’ gave producer, singer-songwriter, guitarist Jeremy Edwards, a chance to slow down on the shows, and focus on the prose.

“2021-22 was a prolific time for me regarding writing and collaboration. Being able to create through this period was such a gift and was often with dear friends who I admire greatly, friends with who I’ve shared much joy and sadness in the last years”.

These collaborations became a critical part of Edwards’ new record ‘Ghosts’. Three of the album’s songs were penned with long-time friend and irrepressible leader of The Flood, Kevin Bennett (KB), a band Edwards has been a permanent member of since 2019.

The songs with Bennett; ‘Gomeroi’, ’18’ and ‘Nothin’ But The Blues’, stand tall. ‘Gomeroi’ drips of menace and heeds the dangers for a First Nations boy trapped in a doomed relationship with a girl in a small regional town. The story could be set in 1950’s, or modern-day Australia – a fact which adds an extra layer of poignancy. Edwards says, “to speak or write about deeply complex, subtle or overt racism regarding First Nations people in Australia feels so complex at times. Placing a love story around that complexity made it easier for me somehow”.

’18’ was a first for both writers – a melody and progression sent to Bennett on a whim, who came back with the lyrics, a moving ode to adolescent anxieties and the road ahead. “KB had seen me go through some ups and downs as a dad of a fiery daughter … he’d been there too. Problem was when I tracked the vocal for the song, I could barely get through the bloody thing without crying!”

‘Nothin’ But The Blues’ became a reality after the confronting experience of a very public ‘live co-write’ as song writing mentors. As members of an annual song writing mentoring event with Shane Nicholson, Luke O’Shea, Felicity Urquhart, Jen Mize and others, two of the mentors have to write a song from scratch in front of their peers and up to thirty other writers live. “Possibly the most terrifying thing in the world for a lot of people”, Edwards laughs. “Well, we got a bloody good song out of that I reckon!”.

The ‘tune in, drop out’ Black Crowes vibes of ‘Edge Of The World’ (featuring singer and Rough N’ Tumble band mate Jen Mize) and the Trumpian dystopia blues ‘Good Morning America’ highlight the album’s production by multi-instrumentalist Josh Schuberth; at times beautifully lush and subtle, and at other times wrapping snug and tight around Edward’s more visceral roots-based incursions. Schuberth can be found playing on most records made by comrades Matt Fell and Shane Nicholson and was introduced to Edwards through the crew’s mutual brother in arms lost to suicide, Glen Hannah.

Hannah and Edwards had planned to make Edwards’ new album together after the success of their rock album with the collective Teisco (pronounced Thai-sko) West, (with drummer Steve Fearnley, Nicholson, Fell, Bennett, Lyn Bowtell and regular collaborator with Edwards, Felicity Urquhart).

Title track ‘Ghosts’ features another Golden Guitar winning amigo and Edward’s band leader in The General Waste – Shane Nicholson, who brings a beautifully gentle and Bon Iver-esque touch to the ‘hope after tragedy’ song penned by Edwards for friend Felicity Urquhart.

The album signs off with Edwards and Jen Mize (who also plays cello here) in a song initially penned for Edward’s father, singing …

Maybe it’s people, who you need the most
These last days been good you know
So good for the soul
With people

The lyrics in the song may be singing back to Edwards, reminding him and us of the real deal here, the ties, the shared history, the love that connect people, and connect him.

Brisbane singer songwriter, Sorensen, releases his new single ‘Roar’ on September 15th, 2023.

‘Roar’ is a song written by Sorensen that comes from his deep passion for motorsport.

“I have been a keen follower and lover of motorsport for a long time now. The excitement of these machines being driven to the extreme, in close quarters with each other, is very exhilarating. There is nothing like being at the track on race day”.

‘Roar’ is an up-tempo, catchy country rock song, with a supercharged chorus that will be an anthem for any motorsport fan. The lyrics will resonate with any petrolhead.

There’ll be sparks flying, rubber burning
Doors banging, tempers rising
Can’t wait to hear those engines roar

Sorensen worked closely with Supercars race winning team Matt Stone Racing for the promo of ‘Roar’, with the team using the song as their anthem for their upcoming enduro campaign, culminating in the Bathurst 1000.

New single, a Two Way Street.

The Two Way Street of life is brought to song in Sari Abbott’s new single, out on September 8th.

The Sunshine Coast artist co-wrote Two Way Street with 2022 Toyota Star Maker Max Jackson, while attending The CMAA Academy of Country Music senior course in Tamworth in January this year.

“The whole idea of Two Way Street is to acknowledge that sometimes you need to take the plunge and go it alone especially when relationships come to an end. You’ve just gotta have the courage to do your own thing”.

The singer-songwriter said, as well as being about growing up on her street where she’d lived all her life until recently, the song refers to her taking to the road and sometimes having to leave people behind.

“Two Way Street also holds memories about growing up with my neighbours who I’ve known forever and having fond memories of building tree houses on a spare block of land on our street,” Sari said.

“I’m hoping other people can find inspiration from the song because it’s very relatable with most people having a treehouse, growing up with awesome neighbours, and there comes a time when you leave the nest”.

“My song deals with that idea that it’s okay to be nervous about exploring new places and meeting new people, and when you leave some people behind in your life, you’re not cutting them out forever you’re just going on a journey for a little while. I want to inspire people to do what they want in life while their young and don’t hold back. I’m looking forward to hitting the open road and exploring my country while I’m young.”

Catch Sari at the Gympie Music Muster from August 24 performing her new single and her many other originals.

Sari hits the road in October in her beloved Toyota Troopy named Bob, heading from Queensland to Victoria for Christmas before heading across the Nullabor with friends to continue on her music journey.

Brendan McMahon Recalls His Childhood Memories With ‘Send In The Clowns’.

Growing up in a small country town is fantastic. Most of the time you can make your own fun and adventures, but every now and then something incredibly exciting would happened … the circus would come to town!

When you listen to Brendan McMahon’s music, you gain a strong sense of the man behind the songs. An inveterate traveller and astute observer, possessed of an enquiring and open mind – these are just some of his personality traits that shine through.

McMahon is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter with over twenty years’ experience. Not afraid to defy expectation, his music is eclectic, adventurous, and blessed with a ‘limitless fluidity’. Having visited over fifty unique and varied countries, his travel experiences, specifically his observations of history, cultures, people, architecture, and nature, are at the root of his creativity and song writing.

Brendan grew up in the small town of Kapunda near South Australia’s Barossa Valley. He discovered his love of music at the tender age of 15 after being “awed and floored” seeing Jimi Hendrix play on television; amazed by the sounds that Jimi could pull from a guitar and captivated by the iconic performer’s showmanship. Borrowing money from his mother (and paying it back at $2 a week) he promptly bought himself a $60 guitar and amp rig from a mate.

Initially wanting to be a glam-rock superstar in the 80s and 90s (think Van Halen, Kiss, Def Leppard), McMahon later transitioned to the more storytelling driven tunes of songwriters such as Paul Kelly, Harry Manx, Richard Thompson and Garth Brooks, artists that continue to inspire him today.

Spending his late teens and early twenties as a lead singer/lead guitarist in rock cover bands playing across Adelaide and country Victoria, McMahon honed his skills the hard way – in front of demanding Australian pub and club crowds. In 1998, and now bitten by both the song writing and performance bug, McMahon released a 7-track EP called ‘Picture This’ with his band The Cunning Stunts.

In 2015 and 2016, Brendan released the solo albums ‘Falling To Earth’ and ‘Marker 7-58′ under the moniker of Satellite Gods, and in doing so was fortunate enough to collaborate and work with some renowned Australian musicians including Peter Maslen (Boom Crash Opera), Jason Vorherr (Darryl Braithwaite), Bob Spencer (The Angels), Simon Hosford (Vanessa Amorosi) and Wilbur Wilde (Ol’ 55).

After supporting artists such as Boom Crash Opera, Russell Morris, Wendy Stapleton and The Chantoozies in Australia, Brendan released the LP ‘On This Fine Occasion’ in 2017, which received great reviews both locally and internationally.

In 2019, McMahon, who now calls Melbourne home, released ‘In The Moment’ – his 4th solo album. Maturity, reflection and drawing on his personal experiences, his inspired yet refined lyrics again take listeners on a captivating journey.

Recorded with Steve Vertigan at Soggy Dog Recording Studios, and again drawing upon Australian music royalty in its creation – namely Dave Leslie (Baby Animals), Danny Spencer (Jimmy Barnes Band), Brett Kingman (James Reyne Band), and Peter Maslen and Jason Vorherr, plus a string trio from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (Sarah Curro, Gabi Halloran and Paul Zabrowarny), this powerful album embraces the essence of story-telling and leaves you thinking about the songs long after the last track finishes.

2020 seen the release of ‘No Rush Today’, an album that debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes country music chart on release. McMahon feels his 5th solo offering cemented him in the Country Rock space. The album delivered 3 top 10 AMRAP singles, ‘Jack’, ‘Sugar Cane Man’ and ‘Wired To The Moon’ along with strong charting on many other Australian charts including a No.4 position in France with ‘Sugar Cane Man’.

June, 2022, marked the release of ‘As The Road Unfolds’, the most successful record to date. It debuted as the highest selling Australian album on the iTunes Country chart and has also delivered no less than six chart topping singles – ‘Jenni J’, ‘When I See You Tonight’, ‘I Feel A Change’, ‘Skin & Bone’, ‘Gundry’s Track’ and ‘Back Roads’.

Where to from here? With three chart topping tracks from his highly anticipated 7th solo album already released, ‘New Country Morning’, ‘Time Rolls On’, and ‘It’s Good To Be Alive’, and the powerful and poignant ‘I Hear Your Voice (The Soldier)’ featuring the very talented Montana Sharp, it’s full steam ahead for the remainder of 2023.

Mackenzie Carpenter is channelling her inner Cyndi Lauper with the release of “Country Girls (Just Wanna Have Fun)” available now via The Valory Music Co. Almost 40 years to the day since its release (September 6th in 1983), Carpenter has reimagined the lyrics and added a fresh Country spin to the iconic ’80s anthem. True to the young songwriter’s style, the new version aims to sprinkle just enough cleverality and amusement to create a fun tune that can be cranked up and danced to.

“I showed up to a write one day saying I wanted to write the country version of ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ and next thing you know we started ad-libbing and ended up re-writing the ’80s classic…but with a whole lot of country flair,” shared Carpenter. “It all came together in a really fun, colorful way and I hope people feel like they can crank it up and have some fun-the boys too!”

Paying homage to the harmless rebellion in the original tune, “Country Girls (Just Wanna Have Fun)” brings everything a fun night out honky tonking could need, neon lights, whiskey, a cowboy, and of course, the girls. “Want a cowboy to take my hand and boot scoot and two-step me to a cover band,” sings Carpenter. “I’ll whiskey wink, he’ll think that he stands a chance, and kiss him just because country girls just wanna have fun.”

Despite the ability to write a vulnerable heartbreaker like “Jesus I’m Jealous,” Carpenter’s knack for cheeky lyrics accompanied by a healthy dose of sass shines bright across her self-titled debut EP in tracks like the TikTok-viral, “Huntin’ Season,” and her advisory “Don’t Mess With Exes.” This next release is no exception and is meant to be a soundtrack to going out and having a blast with friends.

Fueled by an upbringing consisting of a rowdy support system, back porch hootenannies and juicy drama that feeds any plot, the affable and kind Carpenter continues to embrace the crazy and “tacky” aspects that make life a little more fun. Since signing her record deal with The Valory Music Co. last year, Mackenzie is recognized in Country music as an artist to watch, being included in several spotlight programs including the CMT Next Women of Country class of 2023 and Nashville Briefing’s Artists To Watch 2023. This summer, she took the stage at major events like CMA Fest, Country Thunder, Tortuga Music Festival, Stagecoach and also made her Grand Ole Opry debut June 20th

Canadian Country Trio Petric Join Up With Powerhouse Vocalist Christie Lamb To Release ‘Single Problem’ And Get Set To Tour Australia.

Multi award-winning Canadian act Petric are gearing up to bring their special blend of Canadian pop country to Australian audiences. To celebrate in the lead up to their first Australian tour, the three-piece outfit is set to release ‘Single Problem’, a catchy country pop track which features Australia’s powerhouse vocalist, Golden Guitar and CMC Award winner, Christie Lamb.

“‘Single Problem’ has always had a special place in our hearts. It was one of our biggest charting hits in Canada, a couple of years ago. Having the opportunity to take a fresh approach to the song and collaborate with Christie has felt really great. Her voice is beautiful, and we love the way this track has turned out.” Jason Petric

The Manitoba based act have released a succession of successful singles in Australia including ‘Déjà Vu, ‘KIDS’, “White Lyin’, ‘Night Up’, ‘Beach Please’ and the Australian Top 23 chart-topping single ‘Flirtin’ . (with Hayley Jensen). They are excited for their upcoming Australian tour which will see them performing their catchy hook-driven tracks to Australian fans. With shows in Brisbane and Sydney, Petric then board the 7-night Royal Caribbean Country Music Cruise, Cruisin’ Country which features Australian Country Music heavyweights such as The Wolfe Brothers, James Johnston, Casey Barnes, Beccy Cole, Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont, McAlister Kemp, Amber Lawrence, Hayley Jensen and Australian born, Canadian raised Gord Bamford and more.

Meanwhile Australia’s very own Christie Lamb is excited to be collaborating with Petric on this single.

“I am so excited for you all to hear my brand new single ‘Single Problem’. I loved working on this track with the guys from Petric. It’s such a cute, fun, and fresh track about how good it feels when you find the one.” Christie Lamb.

The vibrant multi-instrumental award-winning singer has performed at high profile and iconic events such as CMC Rocks, Gympie Music Muster, The Big Red Bash, Groundwater Country Music Festival, NQ’s Rockin’ Country, Savannah in the Round, Cruisin’ Country, Country Rocks Festival and more and is known as one of Australia’s leading female country music entertainers.

Passion, and persistence, combined with raw talent and high expectations, has been the formula for success for Petric. The band have accumulated over 15 million worldwide online streams, 10 charting singles, and 3 Top 20 hits. Petric’s latest album ‘Flashbacks’ alone has accumulated 3 million online streams and has opened doors to multiple international markets including Australia.

Petric and Christie Lamb’s new single ‘Simple Problem’ is out at radio on Monday 4th September and all digital services on Friday 8th September.

Jake Whittaker shows a different side to his music with his new single, ‘Later’.

Written with best mate and producer, Jared Adlam, ‘Later’ was inspired by how the two friends met their respective partners.

“The first verse is about how I met my fiancée, as we sat out under the stars and chatted on the concrete water tank at the back of the property,” Jake said.

“‘Later’ was the first word we came up with for the song, then pulled the inspiration from that. We wanted a song with some depth to show that there’s more to me than just the mullet, moustache, and party song.”

Following on from singles, ‘Round Here’ and ‘Drink To That’, ‘Later’ shows a more lyrical and storytelling side to Jake’s music.

The radio-friendly single has also aided in Jake getting ‘brownie points’ with his fiancée, Nicole. “She loves it,” he said.

As with the previous singles, Jake wants to keep bringing music to his listeners that they can enjoy, while building his audience.

“The reaction to ‘Round Here’ and ‘Drink To That’ has been pretty spectacular; the country community has welcomed me with open arms,” he said.

“The country scene is full of great people from the fans to the industry people.”