ZFM Country

The world of country music is paying attention to Australian country music artist JD Reynolds. The incredible singer, songwriter, producer and award-winning choreographer has achieved international acclaim with her fresh twist on country music. The world of Professional Bull Riding all around the globe from Australia, USA, Canada to Brazil is pumped about her powerful new song ‘8 Seconds’. So much so, within hours of The Australian PBR announcing JD was performing LIVE at the PBR Monster Energy K Ranch Invitational, the event SOLD OUT within 24 hours, with fans clamouring to get a ticket, some fans paid $400 for a scalpers ticket just to see JD Reynolds. She was swamped by fans at the event, with generations of PBR and country music fans crowded around the fresh face of country just to shake her hand. One PBR rider was heard saying, “They ain’t all here to see the bulls, but we’ll take it”, with another rider saying, “When JD sang, it pumped the boys up so much, she really has a voice that makes us feel ready to go into battle”.

8 Seconds – #2 Australian Country radio chart

JD has graced the cover of Nashville Country Music Magazine and the glossy pages of Cowboys & Indians Magazine, being labelled “Country’s new ‘it’ girl”. For a new artist, JD has millions of combined song streams with smash hits such as “Whatever” (#5 Official Australian Country Music Charts) and “Rebound”.

JD cannot be more excited to be releasing her next country single “8 Seconds” on Friday October 14th AEST. This amazing and powerful country song was written by JD with her award-winning photographer mother Gayna Reynolds who captured the striking image on the cover. The song is produced by Braddon Williams (Beyonce, Snoop Dogg, Kelly Clarkson) with JD as co-producer and mastered by Andrew Mendelson himself (The Rolling Stones, Blake Shelton, Eric Church and Willie Nelson)

JD Reynolds creates a buzz in country music that has the likes of the biggest US media outlets such as NEWSMAX, Country Rebel and Guitar Girl Magazine all wanting to know who country’s new ‘it’ girl is and what inspires her fresh twist on country which already has its own country genre, “The JD Sound”. Speaking with JD LIVE with over 3 million viewers in New York, NEWSMAX told JD she has “a lot of folk’s attention” with her new sound and congratulates her on “having a team of really major players in terms of music”. And they are spot on.

As a LIVE artist, fans know they won’t see JD standing still singing her hits, they know she is an incredible stage artist and award-winning dancer and choreographer, so to see her LIVE is a memorable experience.

JD Reynolds was born an artist. “It’s in my blood. Music, melody, lyrics and dance flow through my veins” says JD.

“My songs come to me like a bolt of lightning, the JD sound, my sound, respecting country music roots yet having my own next level twist”.

“I’m a country girl, we’re built tough, and having met some of the world’s top Professional Bull Riders and their loved ones, they inspire me greatly. Their guts, hard work, determination and talent I highly admire”.

“‘8 Seconds’ is about the emotional roller coaster of the lives of Professional Bull Riders and the people who love them. From family traditions, lifelong dreams, hours of practice and injuries to climbing into the chute at an event, releasing the gate and riding for their lives, it’s not just the athlete holding on for dear life, but every person who loves them is holding on tight with them. Every single long second, until they are safely back behind the gates, their loved ones ride with them. It is the ultimate ride or die sport.

This sentiment combined with JD’s brilliant vocal that hits every corner of the heart, powerful and poetic lyrics and that overwhelming feeling of love, makes this original new country song an honest, memorable heart stopper. “I honour traditional country music roots and add my own sound. I sing with my country heart and hold no feeling back, and I proudly dedicate my song “8 Seconds” to every past, present and future Professional Bull Rider and to those who love them. Ride tonight like you’re a superhero”. – JD.

“I hope you love it and I sincerely thank you for listening”. JD Reynolds .

Fresh off the back of their performances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Hurricane Fall have returned with their brand-new single, ‘Unbreakable’. The uplifting foot-stomper is just the start of what is set to be a massive year for the 5-piece – having just signed on as Lee Kernaghan’s touring band.

‘Unbreakable’ is an anthem of resilience. “You are stronger than you believe / You’re unbreakable” sings the tracks infectious hook. It’s exactly the kind of high voltage tune fans have come to love from Hurricane Fall – pounding drums, walls of guitars and stellar vocal performances from singers, Pepper Deroy and Jesse Vee.

Lachlan Coffey (drummer), Tim Hickey (keyboardist/guitarist) and Luke Wheeldon (Lead guitarist) complete the roster. It was Wheeldon who first planted the seed for the band’s new single. “Luke was dropping his son off at school and started thinking about everyone having the same basic needs and struggles. In the end everyone just wants to be happy. He sang a lyric into his phone and built the song from there” says Pepper.

Wheeldon began building the track in his studio before reaching out to Melbourne production duo, MSquared, for the finishing touches. “The boys developed a demo and then the tracks from that demo became the ‘bones’ of the song that MSquared collaborated on. Most of the instruments were in Newcastle and the vocals and mix were done in Melbourne.”

The band’s recent years have been true to their namesake, as they’ve enjoyed a whirlwind of successes. Their 2021 hit, ‘Another One More Time’, has clocked up over 1 million streams and received a slew of Spotify and Apple Music playlist additions on release. Not to mention it peaked at #5 on the Country Hot 50 airplay charts. In the same year the boys were nominated for a Golden Guitar award for Group / Duo of the Year.

However, the powerhouse quintet is most renowned for their live shows – a captivating performance that’s like a throwback to the glory days of live music. They’ve taken stages at many of Australia’s most loved festivals, including the Deni Ute Muster, Gympie Music Muster, VDM Fest and the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Their talents recently caught the ear of country music legend Lee Kernaghan , who has brought them on as his new touring band – a mantle previously held by The Wolfe Brothers. “[Hurricane Fall] are powerhouse musicians and songwriters and on top of that they’re top-notch fellas,” said Kernaghan. “I’m super excited to be hitting the stage with the boys and the brand-new touring show.”

The new outfit already performed their first show together last year at the inaugural Country Sounds Festival in Brunswick, WA to a packed crowd, and have just returned from performing with Kernaghan at his Tamworth Country Music Festival show, with a national tour in the pipeline for 2023.

Stadium-like, singalong tracks have definitely become the bands signature in recent years – it’s a sound that plays to their strengths and they’ve knocked it out of the park every time. The latest in line, ‘Unbreakable’, has raised the bar yet again and is sure to be a hit with listeners.

Australian Country music sensation James Johnston is back with his explosive new single, ‘GOT IT GOOD’. The track comes fresh off the back of his performance at the 2023 Tamworth Country Music Festival, where he played his debut headline show to a capacity crowd at TRECC – a show that was not only the largest ticketed concert at the festival, but also sold out in record time. Johnston also closed out the night at the 51st Golden Guitar awards, where he performed his #1 hit single ‘SMALL TOWN’ and scooped up two Golden Guitar awards – New Talent of the Year and Vocal Collaboration of the Year for ‘SAME SONGS’, a duet with Kaylee Bell.

As a family man drawing inspiration for his music through his role as a husband and father to two young sons, ‘GOT IT GOOD’ is the kind of raise-the-roof country song Johnston’s ever-growing fanbase have come to love. Its groove is contagious; effortlessly finding the middle ground between country, rock and pop. Yet, behind its energetic exterior lies a poignant message of appreciation for life’s often overlooked gifts.

“GOT IT GOOD is about appreciating the simple things in life and being grateful for what you have as you realise, these are the big things worth celebrating,” reveals James. “The perfect lives of others is just a perception and when you stop to acknowledge the little things you have in your life – a roof over your head, a job that pays the bills and a love waiting for you at home, you realise you’ve GOT IT GOOD.”

The catchy bop was penned alongside, Melbourne producers Msquared (Michael Delorenzis and Michael Paynter) and Golden Guitar nominee Melanie Dyer. Its airtight production is also thanks to the Msquared team and marks Johnston’s first full collaboration with the duo.

Since releasing the now ARIA certified gold and #1 radio hit ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ in 2021, the singer from Wingham has enjoyed a rise to fame that can only be described as meteoric. Just 19 months into his career he’s amassed a whopping 32+ million streams, has achieved a further three x #1 radio airplay hits with ‘SMALL TOWN’, ‘COUNTRY BOYS’ and ‘SAME SONGS’, and was nominated for six Golden Guitar awards – two of which he took home last week.

Quickly becoming one of the most sought after acts in Australian country music, Johnston has taken his “electrifying voice and array of feel-good country songs” – (Newsport) to some of Australia’s biggest and most loved stages. With performances at CMC Rocks, Savannah in the Round, Berry’s Big Country, Gympie Music Muster and the Tamworth Country Music Festival in the last 12 months, he’s certainly ticked a few things off the bucket list. In April 2023 he’s slated to appear at Meatstock in Toowoomba, alongside country music giants Kasey Chambers and Brad Cox.

James Johnston is undoubtedly the hottest topic in the Australian country music scene right now. His down-to-earth songs are instant party starters, as well as possessing heart-warming sentiments of life’s simple pleasures. ‘GOT IT GOOD’ has yet again proven that this artist is right at the top of his game with nowhere to go but up.

Following on from a huge 2022 which saw her finish the year with the most played song by an Australian female artist on country radio, Amy Sheppard is back with “Couple Goals” – the new single taken from her ARIA Australian Country #1 EP, “Nothing But Wild”.

“Couple Goals” is the crossover, feel-good country-pop song of the summer. Co-written by Amy with Nick & Tom Wolfe of multi-Golden Guitar Award winning duo, The Wolfe Brothers and produced by Lindsay Rimes (Kane Brown, Lee Kernaghan, Kylie Minogue), “Couple Goals” was a crowd-favourite at Amy’s run of live shows last year and is set to be the ultimate soundtrack to kick-start 2023.

Amy says, “Couple Goals was written about my husband Lachie. It’s about knowing you’ve found “the one” and fantasising about your life and future together. I wanted to convey how much that future excites me in a piece of catchy country-pop that I hope my fans will love.”

“Couple Goals” is also the name of the successful podcast launched by Amy and Lachie in 2022, which explores modern day relationships and provides a peak behind the curtain of the life of this celebrity marriage. As Amy explains, “The song came first and inspired us to then jump behind the microphone and share more of our lives. We are always being asked how we make our busy, conflicting schedules work and how we navigate the hurdles that arise. We even have a section each episode dedicated to our pet peeves and set each other a ‘couple goal’ for the week. It’s been a lot of fun and there are plenty more episodes coming soon!”

Some of those episodes are set to feature some of the biggest names in country music as Amy and Lachie take the podcast to Tamworth where Amy will be launching the new single. Tamworth provided the backdrop for Amy’s solo debut in 2022 and she is excited to be back. “Last year, there were so many nerves – would the country community would embrace a typically pop artist? – but I have felt nothing but love and support. The country music scene in Australia is so nurturing and encouraging and I’m thrilled that Couple Goals is hitting the airwaves while I am back in Tamworth.”

As one of Australia’s most successful songwriters with her music clocking over one billion streams globally as part of her band, Sheppard, Amy is now carving her own country path in tandem with her role in the band. She launched her solo career with the hit singles “Nothing But Wild” and “Blue Guitar”, both of which reached the Top 3 of the CountryTown Hot 50 Airplay chart. In addition, her duet with The Wolfe Brothers, “Something Good’s Gonna Happen”, also reached the top 3 as well as garnering a nomination for CMT Video of the Year at the 2023 Golden Guitar Awards. “Blue Guitar” also reached #1 on the KIX Country charts. “Couple Goals” represents the next chapter in this ever evolving and exciting story.

To celebrate the launch of “Couple Goals “, Amy will be taking to the stage in Tamworth as part of Adam Brand’s Friday Night Bash where she will perform the new track alongside her recent hits, EP tracks and some unexpected covers paying tribute to some of her favourite artists. She will hit the road again with Adam Brand in Tasmania in March before a string of regional shows in March.

” Couple Goals” is out January 20, and is accompanied by the official lyric video created by frequent collaborator, Sam-Rae Creative.

Petric’s latest single ‘Beach Please’ might be the most relatable song we’ve heard in years …. “Somebody take me to a Beach Please”. This tropically influenced country song sings about the desire for white sandy beaches, and cold sangrias. Driven by a reggae styled drum beat and tasteful acoustics, ‘Beach Please’ is sure to be a playlist favourite.

“We started working on this song mid-pandemic, when all we could do in Canada was dream about white sandy beaches. ‘Beach Please’ allowed us to step outside our comfort zone and embrace different styles and sounds. It is definitely one of our more fun songs to play. We are pretty excited to perform this one for everyone on the ‘Cruisin’ Country’ event this year in Australia”.

Continuing from the success of previous singles ‘Déjà Vu, ‘KIDS’, ‘White Lyin’ ‘Night Up’ and the Australian Top 24 chart-topping single ‘Flirtin’ (with Hayley Jensen), it’s refreshing to see the band, who comprise of brothers Tom and Jason and lifelong friend Jordan Day push the boundaries with every release yet maintaining that signature Petric modern country rock sound.

The multi-award-winning Manitoba based act have been announced to perform on ‘Cruisin’ Country’ a 7-night Royal Caribbean Country Music Cruise departing Sydney on 1st December and features Australian Country Music heavyweights such as The Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes, Beccy Cole, Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont, McAlister Kemp, Amber Lawrence, Hayley Jensen and Australian born, Canadian raised Gord Bamford and more. This cruise will form part of Petric’s first Australian tour, of which more dates will be announced over the next few months.

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.

ARIA and APRA nominated Melbourne band Kingswood have today further highlighted the rich musicality of their forthcoming studio “Home”, with the release of their new single, “Good Whiskey”. As the band’s first piece of new music for 2023, “Good Whiskey” comes served up as any quality nip of liquor should: rich to the taste, warm on the palette, leaving the consumer happy to come back for more.

The song itself is a beautiful continuation of Kingswood’s next stage of evolution – as a band, they have never shied away from embracing new influences. Here, with “Good Whiskey” and furthermore with “Home”, they revel in their best songwriting to date, marked by renewed confidence and drive for their craft.

As with their previous release from “Home” – “Burning Holes” – “Good Whiskey” speaks to the strong songwriting dynamic between Alexander Laska and Fergus Linacre, fleshing out into the full band in the studio. Such a natural sound can only come when the creatives are able to read each other with ease. And over the past three years in particular, the Kingswood dynamic brought the best out of each individual musician, while uplifting the group as a whole.

“An ode to the first town you pull into after a bold turn at one of life’s many crossroads, ‘Good Whiskey’ speaks to the tradition of a sorrowsome heart, to one full of optimism, soaking up to jewels of the earth and its people with unbridled enthusiasm. Written at the base of Tamborine Mountain on a ranch in the hinterlands upon a crisp winter evening, ‘Good Whiskey’ has a beautiful aroma and an engaging flavour. It should be an experience that upon touching your heart, excites the nerves within your being. Dark, full-bodied and just the right amount of aging has yielded this smokey, astringent, yet creamy musical experience.” – Kingswood.

Their return in 2020 with the critically acclaimed third studio album “Juveniles” signaled a new era for the Melbourne favourites, characteristically redefining their musicality and exploring new sonic territory. Demonstrating their evolution as songwriters and musicians with more stories to tell, single “Bittersweet” ranked as Triple M’s #1 Most Played Song in the country as well as ranking 45th on national radio, and #75 on the Shazam Top 200 in Australia.

Following on from a massive 30+ date international tour that brought Kingswood to crowds in Nashville, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland and Czechoslovakia, the Melbourne favourites returned to Australia galvanised for what the New Year would bring. For their legions of fans in Australia, Kingswood have been responsible for some of the best live rock and roll experiences for well over a decade.

And now, as the release of “Home” beckons this year, Kingswood are undertaking their biggest tour to date, touring nationwide on the record-breaking 120+ date ‘HOMETOWNS’ tour. Taking place over six months in a custom-modified tour van, Kingswood are kicking things off today at the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival.

NSW based country-pop duo Zac & George have just released their highly anticipated third single “Bar Stool”.

Out today via MGM, “Bar Stool “showcases Zac & George’s acoustic roots and soulful harmonies through an up-tempo high energy vibe. The song was co-written by the fast-rising duo along with good friend Lynn Wilbanks, and co-produced with ARIA award winning MSquared Productions (Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis), the team behind some of the most successful country-pop tunes of the past 18 months.

Zac & George have also put together another captivating music video, filmed by Golden Guitar award-winning videographer ‘Jay Seeney’, which perfectly accompanies the single’s up-beat country energy and meaningful lyrics.

“I really feel like this song is for the people, which is very important with not just Australia, but what the world has been through recently. It shines a light on the importance of community, which hits close to home” – George.

Zac & George’s previous single “Red Wine & Roses” has amassed over 700,000 streams since its release in August 2022. The break-out single landed the duo on the cover of the renowned Spotify playlist Fresh Country (as well as being featured on other Spotify and Apple Music playlists) and also peaked at #9 on the Australian Country Radio Chart, reaching and #3 on KIX Country radio.

“To reach the top 10 with our first ever single to Australian country radio is a pretty exciting feeling” – Zac.

Further to success with Australian radio, Zac & George have won support from many of the country’s premier country artists and have been invited to perform as main support for James Johnston’s sold-out TRECC show at the 2023 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

In support of “Bar Stool”, Zac & George have announced their first headline tour, with shows in Albury, Wagga Wagga and Sydney this April. The boys are dying to get back on the road and can’t wait to bring their acoustic high energy show to NSW.

This is just the beginning for Zac & George, who will soon follow their new single with more music they have spent years developing in both Australia and Nashville.

The new offering from Will Day ‘Always A Girl’, is an edgy, modern track which stays true to his country rock roots. “It’s been quite some time since I released a love song, and I really connected with this track, it’s fantastic songwriting’. In perfect time for summer, this catchy and infectious track will set the airwaves alight in the new year.

‘Always A Girl’, was written by Nashville based powerhouse writers Kyle Jacobs (Garth Brooks/Tim McGraw) Phillip Lammonds (Darius Rucker/Blake Shelton) and Adam Craig (Jason Aldean/Dustin Lynch) and was produced by ARIA and Golden Guitar Award winning producer Matt Fell.

Will Day has been making waves in modern country music over the last few years. From gutsy toe tapping tracks such as ‘Countrified’ to emotive ballads like ‘Dear Dad’ and ‘Simple Then’ (with Brooke Schubert) and the heart-warming 2022 track ‘We Got This’, it’s no surprise that Will Day is making a long-lasting impact on the country music scene. The previous few years have been career defining, with singles added to major stations KIX Country, ABC Country and iHeartCountry on high rotation, resulting in chart success on the major Countrytown Hottest 50 Chart and the Top 20 KIX Country Chart.

With countless major events and music festivals under his belt including Tamworth Country Music Festival, Groundwater Country Music Festival, Savannah in the Round, Gympie Music Muster, Winton’s Outback Festival, Round Up for CMC Rocks, Texas Country Music Festival, Curdimurka Outback Ball (SA), Warwick Rodeo and Birdsville Races, it is proving that Will Day is earning the reputation as one of Australia’s premier country music artists and one that is making a lasting impression. 2023 will see a strong focus on touring across the country as well as new music on the horizon.

Will Day’s single ‘Always A Girl’ is out to radio on 16th January and on digital platforms on 20th January.

Embracing ’90’s country vibes and a strong positive message, Mel Lukin has launched into the year in a stellar fashion with ‘One Way Ticket’ out on January 27.

With nearly two years between releases, the Gold Coast singer-songwriter is coming out strong with a year of new music ahead.

“I’m always conscious about what I want to write about and I’ve been going through a period of writing with people and formulating ideas for songs and, within that process, I came across a writer in Nashville who had a catalogue of songs and this song jumped out at me,” Mel said.

“I wanted to do an up-tempo song and I loved the message in ‘One Way Ticket’ because I’m very specific about what I wanted to sing about because of where I’m at in life and I want to encourage my two daughters to chase their passions.”

Major influences including Martina McBride shine through Mel’s delivery of this song with its strong message of living life to the full, driving beat and country feel with dobro and electric guitar blending seamlessly.

“Country has always been part of what I listened to with Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes and Martina McBride major influences and my mum loves Shania Twain, so I love 1990’s country,” Mel said.

“I released my first EP in 1999 and a lot of those songs are country-influenced and, in recent years, country music has really felt like home for me.”

Mel said she wanted to launch into 2023 with the message in ‘One Way Ticket’ to encourage all her listeners to get out and live life.

“It’s so important to show the kids that anytime and at any age, you can reignite your passion and I want to release my own music, recording and releasing an album worth of songs over the next couple of years,” she said.

“I want to release an album that I’m proud of and do small tours on my own, as well as play as many stages on festivals as I can, and open for some amazing acts.”

Mel also has causes that are close to her heart and wants to use her music to support those in years to come.

Lyn Bowtell’s latest single from her ARIA Country #1 Album ‘Wiser’ is ‘Looking For Nobody’, released January 6th.

This tongue-in-cheek song uses a play on words to describe looking for someone who’ll love and support you, even when you’re feeling low.

The title came to Lyn upon leaving the show after her third round on season six of ‘The Voice’, and the ideas behind the song brewed for a year or two before she finished it.

With a fun, light-hearted upbeat feel, and quirky production from Shane Nicholson, ‘Looking For Nobody’ is the perfect addition to any summer playlist.

“I love how the production has captured the cheekiness in the lyrics of the song and it’s so much fun to perform live,” Lyn said. “Live audiences love to sing it along with me so I’m really looking forward to hearing the response from radio listeners.”

Get all the summer feels and get ready to sing along to the latest fun masterpiece from the nine-time Golden Guitar winner and three-time 2023 Golden Guitar nominee.

‘Looking For Nobody’ is due for release the week before Lyn takes to stages across the Country Music Capital and throughout the Tamworth Country Music Festival.