ZFM Country – Page 69 – Australias largest country network

Shania Twain – Giddy Up!

GRAMMY® AWARD-WINNING ICON SHANIA TWAIN RELEASES NEW SINGLE “GIDDY UP!” – WATCH VIDEO HERE

EAGERLY AWAITED NEW ALBUM QUEEN OF ME OUT FEBRUARY 3

“QUEEN OF ME” GLOBAL TOUR LAUNCHES THIS SPRING

Strutting into 2023, five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning legend and the best-selling female artist in country music history Shania Twain shares a brand-new single entitled “Giddy Up!” today.

The track sets the stage for her eagerly awaited new album, Queen of Me, arriving on February 3, 2023. It notably stands out as her sixth original full-length offering, first record since 2017, and official debut for her new label partner Republic Nashville, a division of Republic Records.

Kickstarting the record, “Giddy Up!” rides out of the gate with a fiery, flirty, and fun chorus tailormade for singing and dancing along. As always, it showcases her show-stopping range and undeniable charisma.

Shania says, the saying “Let’s Go Girls!” is such a wonderfully uplifting sentiment now, but it’s just something I said during the recording in the studio and I guess that’s the same for Giddy Up! These lines come to me when I’m thinking about how to put a little “pep in my step”. I want people to feel good when they hear the new album. I want to set a celebratory tone and “Giddy up!” Is a way to call to the audience and say “let’s get ready for some fun!”

In other big news, Shania recently earned the “Music Icon” award at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards, and she lit up the stage with a rapturous performance – watch HERE.

Queen of Me consists of 12 new tracks. From the energetic opener “Giddy Up!” through the empowered title track “Queen of Me” and passionate finale “The Hardest Stone,” produced by and featuring Tyler Joseph/Twenty One Pilots, the LP represents a deep and dynamic creative statement from this iconic voice. She set the stage for everything with the single “Waking Up Dreaming” which Rolling Stone called “a shot of caffeinated bliss” and The Today Show called “an absolute bop.”

Shania was also announced as a headliner for Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Festival, alongside Eric Church and Kenny Chesney. The star-studded festival will take place on April 14-16, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, go HERE .

To celebrate this next era in style, she will also embark on a global Queen of Me Tour, produced by Live Nation. The tour marks the first time fans around the world will get to see the queen in all of her glory in nearly five years, following a highly successful Vegas residency run. Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Breland, Robyn Ottolini, Priscilla Block, and Mickey Guyton, Lily Rose, Talk, and Tinelle Townes will be joining Shania on select dates throughout the tour.

The Queen of Me Tour kicks off on Friday, April 28th at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA and makes stops across North America and Europe in Vancouver, Denver, Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, London, Dublin and more before wrapping up on November 14th at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC.

Additionally, Shania and Live Nation have announced that $1 of every ticket purchased to Shania’s “Queen Of Me” Tour will be donated to SKC. Established in 2010 by Shania Twain, SKC provides services that promote positive change in children’s lives in times of crises and economic hardship. SKC provides children with one-on-one consultations, academic support and group activities, as well as nutritious snacks and meal programs where needed, all while in the safe, confidence-building environment that is the Shania Kids Can Clubhouse. These children are learning the skills to cope with and overcome family hardships which, in turn, improves their ability to succeed in school. For more information about Shania Kids Can, please visit: www.shaniakidscan.com

Storer – Machinery Man

In the lead-up to their debut album together, Sara and Greg Storer, celebrate those who have an innate connection to engines with their single, ‘Machinery Man’.

The blending of family talents can be seen throughout musical history and Storer is the collaboration of siblings Sara and Greg as well as Greg’s daughters, Pip and Bonnie on backing vocals and is a winning combination.

With an ARIA for Best Country Album and 21 Golden Guitar Awards, Sara is celebrated as one of Australia’s greatest singer songwriters.

“You know she’s paid attention, heard the bush waking up in the morning, listened to the worries thrashed out at the kitchen table, smelt dry summer wheat up close, dreamed of faraway places in a bedroom with a window on a big sky, driven miles on dirt and bitumen and fallen in and out of love” – Paul Kelly on Sara Storer.

When Sara’s brother Greg isn’t co-writing hits, he is working his property near Warren in NSW as a farmer, but is no stranger to songwriting and has co-written and performed with his sister since 2005 when they released ‘Chillers Bend’, their first duet.

“Greg knows and understands, and has a rare talent for conveying humour, pathos, love, and fear through his music” – Music journalist Susan Jarvis on Greg Storer.

‘Machinery Man’, released on January 6, is the second single from Golden Guitar and ARIA Award winners’ debut album self-titled album, ‘Storer’, out on January 13.

“A song for our machinery men and women – the ones that seem to fix anything with just a spanner, whereas we’d have to use the whole toolbox!” Sara and Greg said.

“They’ll get you out of all sorts of trouble and are very handy to know. Thank God someone put a spanner in Bill’s hand!”

This track is the follow-on from their hit single ‘Show Me’.

‘Machinery Man’ tells the story of a boy who has been obsessed with machines since he was young, and grows into a man who has sump oil on his hands and diesel running through his veins.

He continues his love of machinery throughout his life, heading off to learn more as a teenager and young man, and then off across Australia working on engines and machinery throughout his life.

This is a tribute to all those men and women who work with their hands and have an innate talent with engines.

Kiara Rodrigues – Message In A Bottle

Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist Kiara Rodrigues heads into the competition with a shiny new country heartbreak drinking single, released January 6.

Written with Nashville-based Aussie expat, Katrina Burgoyne at The CMAA Academy of Country Music senior course, ‘Message In A Bottle’ is a song about heartbreak, drinking and self-sabotage.

“It was a song I’d half started and kept in the cupboard but not really looked at, and when I found out who my co-writing partner would be, I knew exactly which song I wanted to work on with Katrina,” Kiara said.

“Any good country heartbreak song involves drinking, but one wine and I’m asleep, so I’ve used plenty of creative licence in this song. It’s about knowing that there’s a whole lot ahead of you in terms of the healing process, but tonight you’re relying on that bottle of wine.”

Kiara said everyone had their own coping mechanisms and felt this song would resonate with plenty of listeners. “Whether you’re a drinker or not a drinker; we’ve all had that heartbreak,” she said.

The song’s country flavour is boosted by production from Nash Chambers, another expat now living and working in Nashville. “Nash’s production style was something I really resonated well with,” Kiara said. “He’s got a keen eye and ear for what sounds good and the vocals were recorded with Liam Kennedy-Clark in Maitland. I’m incredibly honoured to be working with Nash because he’s produced some of my favourite records that I grew up listening to.

“It’s exciting to be releasing this single before Toyota Star Maker and being able to showcase the single in the competition.” This is the first time the Sydney singer-songwriter has been named among the top 10 entrants in the prestigious and long-running country music talent search.

“This is something I’ve dreamed of since I first started country music in 2005,” she said. “To have those dreams of being in the top 10 realised, on the day I found out, I was in a complete state of shock – a very excited shock.”

Whether she is successful in Star Maker or not, Kiara plans to “run with it”. “I’ve got a whole heap of other songs I’ve written would love to turn into an EP and if I won, the trip to Nashville would bring about amazing co-writing opportunities,” she said.

“I would love to have a run of shows across the east coast in all the states I’ve lived in and to have that lovely Rav 4 to do it all in would be amazing. The Toyota Star Maker prize would be a great way of facilitating all those hopes and dreams.”

Coming back to the Tamworth Country Music Festival is also a reminder of how far Kiara has come in her career. “Missing the festival really drove home how much the Tamworth Country Music Festival is part of my identity,” she said.

“I’ve been coming since I was nine years old. It feels like coming home with I’m at the Tamworth festival. It’s also a good reminder of the experiences and memories I’ve made being part of the Australian country music industry”.

Dave Herrera – Sunday Chapel

Sunday Chapel was written and produced by Dave Herrera and is a story about how the Chapel is the rock for his family and the community through thick and thin, baptisms, weddings and funerals, the Chapel will always be there even at the end and generations thereafter.

Herrera said “we all need a rock and a place to support us during the good and bad times”

Herrera wrote the track with the help of Cory Coppin, Kale Coppin co-writers and Dave Herrera produced the track.

Herrera continues to put his spin on Country music as he combines heavy drum beats, electric guitars, dobro, bass and the storytelling of country music with his new music.

Along with his singles, Herrera takes pride in creating music videos that are entertaining for all ages. The music video for “Visiting Nashville” now has 440K+ views and rising. You can check out several of his music videos on YouTube which include Hella Country, Hollywood Sign, My First 69, Shades, Hollywood Sign, Boys were Back Intown and an unofficial and unmixed version of the video for Hell of a Holiday.

Herrera is currently in the studio and will embark on live shows in 2023.

Herrera is continuing to work on more music, coming soon!

Duncan Toombs – A Gift

Since the release of his debut Single ‘Run’ in June 2022 Duncan Toombs has made the front of the stage his new home. Wowing audiences all over Australia whilst touring with Beccy Cole & Adam Harvey for the last 5 months, the spotlights are finally revealing to fans and fellow artists the talents that Duncan has been hiding for some time. With streaming for his 2 singles now approaching the 300K mark, this highly awarded filmmaker and sought-after guitarist to the stars (Kasey Chambers, Adam Brand, Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey, Adam Eckersley Band), is set to back it all up with a brand-new single named

‘A Gift’.

‘A Gift’ is a beautifully woven ballad that showcases Duncan’s warm heartfelt vocals.

It’s gently spoken lyrics are relatable to us all and reflect on life, love, family and this beautiful planet that we all share. Duncan shared some of his thoughts about writing the song.

” I wrote a gift when the world stopped during covid 19. I had a lot of time to reflect on different things as did a lot of my friends in the music industry. During the lockdowns I remember feeling grateful for everything my journey in music had given to me. I often try to be consciously grateful for my family, friends and opportunities the universe has blessed me with, but the Lockdowns really brought these thoughts and emotions to the surface. I truly think Life here on earth is a gift.”

DUNCAN TOOMBS

‘A Gift’ was recorded at The Music Cellar (Central Coast, NSW) with an all-star band handpicked by Duncan and his co-producers, Scott Bird and Rod McCormack. It has proven to be a favourite amongst the few who have been able to hear Duncan’s pre released Album.

Duncan has our industry on the edge of it’s seat, waiting to hear his debut album ‘Steel On Steel’. With songs like ‘A Gift’ …Duncan keeps setting a high bar for contemporary Country music here in Australia.

Duncan’s long-time industry friends have been showing a lot of support.

“There is a warmth that washes through you when Duncan Toombs takes the spotlight. His voice is powerful and rich and you get a sense of his beautiful heart when he delivers his honest lyrics. His songs feel like home. Whether he’s tearing apart a guitar solo or moving a crowd with his vocal performance, Duncan is a show stopper. He’s been 6ft from stardom too long, I’m delighted to see him stepping into the middle. I could be his biggest fan.”

Beccy Cole

“I’ve always loved Duncan Toombs’ voice and I’m so glad that he has finally stepped out of the background and into the spotlight,” says Adam Harvey.

Bill Chambers says “Duncan is the essence of true country music that is so rare these days”

Kasey Chambers commented, “Duncan Toombs has one of the most authentic modern country sounds you’ll hear.”

Much loved, country music queen, Gina Jeffreys, goes further and says “rich, beautiful, heartfelt vocals with an undeniably refreshing return to traditional country sounds. I absolutely love Duncan’s voice, and this will be one song that gets high rotation in our house!”

Robert Ross – Driving Me Insane

`Driving Me Insane’ is the latest single from Robert Ross. It centres around a relationship and love story where the man is giving all his love, but the lady is trapped in memories of a failed relationship and not letting go of all of the negatives. The more love he gives, the more she pushes away. The fear and trust issues keep coming back to haunt her and strain their relationship. Because his love for her is so strong, he is not willing to give up, even though it is very trying and taxing on him, so much so that he feels like it is driving him insane. He feels he has to get away but his love for her is so strong he comes back.

Singer songwriter Robert Ross was born in New Brunswick, Canada. He moved to Australia in 2009 and became an Australian Citizen in 2014.

Robert has become immensely popular in the Cairns region while performing live for many audiences over the years. He has also entertained throughout Australia, and internationally in Nashville, USA and Canada.

Robert’s style is influenced by country greats Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Randy Travis and other country artists such as Sawyer Brown, as well as good ole Rock n’ Roll. He says “My music comes from life. The good, the bad and the hilarious! This is where we all have something in common”. A fan once told him, “You know who you are; you sing from the inside out. That is your soul talking with your music”.

Andy Penkow – Ghostly Gums (Walking Away)

Ghostly Gums Walking away CMAA Golden Guitar
nominated Bush Ballad of the year

Nominated for Bush Ballad of the year by the CMAA at the 2023 golden Guitar Awards
Winner of “Most Promising New Talent 2022” at the People’s Choice Awards

Winner of “Most Popular New Male Artist of 2021” by Independent Country Music Association

Winner of 3 “Purple Guitars”

Winner of “Australian Busking Championships 2019 – Gundagai”

11 Top 20 singles on the “Country Songs Top 40 Australian Airplay charts” (including 4 Number One singles “Before I Go”, “1993” and “Fallen Snow” and “Fireflies”).

“1993” spent 16 weeks on the Australian Country Top 40 Charts.

Love, Lies & Dirty Dishes Debuted at #3 on the ARIA country Album charts
2 top 5 Albums on the Official iTunes Country Album Charts, Love, Lies & DirtyDishes Debuting at #2.

Andy Shows his diversity with a more traditional style after a Stella few years, 5 #1 singles, a #3 album on the Australian Country ARIA Charts with Love, Lies & Dirty Dishes.

I was given these amazing lyrics from Kath Stewart and I wanted to pay tribute to the traditional style the way they were written. I composed 2 versions of the song. This version was produced by Lindsay Waddington who I thought of right away, I wanted a producer that understood bush ballads.

Chatting with Lindsay about how inspired I was after watching “Slim and I asked Lindsay how Slim would approach a song like this. It was a tribute to a legend.

It was written for the farmers who have struggled, and are still struggling. They are the backbone of this great nation. And we often forget that

Jordyn Pollard – Love Letter

A real farmer’s daughter born in the “land of the living skies” of the Canadian prairies, Jordyn Pollard has been inspired by BIG things her whole life – so it’s no surprise that she recorded this song written by BIG GRAMMY winning songwriters, Emily Weisband, Laura Veltz, Madison Marlowe and Taylor Dye (of Maddie and Tae).

“Love Letter” perfectly captures Jordyn’s loveable, quirky personality and innocent pop sound that has had her compared to artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Shania, and Taylor Swift.

Interstate Cowboy – Christmas Cafe

Over 500 downloads since last year and 2 out 3 stations who stream it have added or downloaded for consideration!

The Sydney Morning Herald ranked Christmas Cafe at the # 3 spot for their Ultimate Holiday Playlist enjoying the stellar lineup with the likes of Brett Eldredge, Nora Jones, Kelly Clarkson, LOLO, and Amanda Shires. Here’s what they had to say ” What’s not to love about a Colorado Fireman recalling a romantic roadhouse rendezous over an acoustic guitar shuffle? Tim Champlin is Interstate Cowboy talk-singing a snowed-in Christmas Eve when ” I had to park my rig and wait/It was like a skatin’ rink out there”. The thing with the waitress wasn’t love/ it was the next best thing”. He says he slept on the couch and we believe him.” Tim recently shared the stage with Lily Rose and Frank Ray at the Infamous “Country Jam” in western Colorado. Tim has also penned several songs with legendary Hall of Fame Songwriter Dean Dillon.