ZFM Country

After an incredible breakout year, Sara Berki is set to wind up into summer with the release of a new single ‘Drinking for Free’. Riding high from the success of previous releases, ‘Fallin’ Off The Heartline’ and ‘Good Enough’, the NSW Southern Highlands singer-songwriter has continued to impress Australian radio and music industry tastemakers alike. Receiving high rotation support across the board on all major country music stations as well major playlisting has resulted in continuous chart success on the major Countrytown Hot 50 Airplay chart.

Following Sara’s debut success of heartbreak ballad ‘Falling Off The Heartline’ and then more recently the up-tempo throwback country single ‘Good Enough’ , ‘Drinking For Free’ is a fiery and sassy track which delivers a punchy country hook which will have live audiences singing along. The storyline is about a strong woman working her magic at the bar, she’s happy to get her drinks for free but on her terms only!

“Imagine she is going out, she doesn’t have any expectations or cares in the world, and she knows she’s going to have drinks bought for her the whole night. That’s what this song is about. It’s cheeky, sassy, and flirty. It gives me Daisy Duke vibes! I was listening to early Miranda Lambert and Gretchen Wilson when I wrote it.” Sara Berki

This single comes with the announcement of Sara’s first ever ticketed, headline show, to take place at The Tamworth Hotel – Main Bar on Friday 20th January, as part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The show is presented by Ringers Western and will feature rising duo, Sons of Atticus as special guests. Tickets are on-sale now from www.saraberki.com. Sara was previously announced on the line-up of the massive, sold-out CMC Rocks QLD 2023, a major accomplishment for an artist in their debut year, Sara will join the impressive line-up that includes Morgan Wallen, Zac Brown Band, Kip Moore, Bailey Zimmerman, Hailey Whitters and many more.

With a growing catalogue of songs in the works and no signs of slowing down, Sara Berki is riding high and it’s just the beginning.

Craig Woodward’s latest single, ‘Iris’, is a country infused tribute to one of the biggest bands of the 90’s. The Goo Goo Dolls are an American hit making machine hailing from Buffalo, USA.

From an early age The Goo Goo Dolls where a regular feature of the young Craig Woodward and his mate’s soundtrack, driving around the sunny suburban streets of Australia in the 90’s. It’s only fitting Craig chose the only cover for his forthcoming album to be one from one of his hero’s.

The track was produced by Jacob Wilkes and features the amazing pedal steel energy of Sasha Ostrovsky (Hootie & The Blow Fish/Darius Rucker).

The city boy, with country soul, a dash of folk and some rock & roll. Craig Woodward is an Australian singer-songwriter currently working on his brand-new album.

Craig has consistently performed up and down the east coast of Australia for the past 25 years and his passion and commitment to his craft has only grown stronger, as he endeavours to reach more local and international fans with his music.

He has supported Australian touring acts the country over, sharing the stage with the likes of Ian Moss, Sarah McLeod, Mental as Anything, 1927, The Radiators, Adam Harvey, Hayley Jensen, Damien Leith and Shannon Noll, to name a few.

8-time GRAMMY® Award winner and 3-time ACM Entertainer of the Year, Carrie Underwood has announced the electrifying second single from her Denim & Rhinestones album, “Hate My Heart”. Underwood shared the news about her latest single with an exclusive new video clip, providing a special behind-the-scenes look at her rehearsal of the song for her upcoming tour and will release the official video for “Hate My Heart” at 4am AEDT on Thursday morning. Underwood co-wrote “Hate My Heart” with frequent collaborators Hillary Lindsey and David Garcia, as well as hit artist/songwriter Hardy.

“‘Hate My Heart’ was definitely part of my desire to have fun on this album. I wanted songs that would be exciting to perform live and would fill up an arena, and that’s exactly what we’re about to do with The Denim & Rhinestones Tour. This one is definitely going to get everyone up on their feet and having a good time. It was great writing ‘Hate My Heart’ with Hillary Lindsey and David Garcia, who I love collaborating with, and also getting to work with Hardy, who brought a cool vibe and an energy to the track.”

Underwood is also nominated for three awards at the upcoming CMA Awards on November 9, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for the multi-week #1 smash hit, “If I Didn’t Love You” with Jason Aldean.

Underwood released Denim & Rhinestones in June and is the latest collaboration with David Garcia, with whom she co-produced her critically-acclaimed 2018 release, Cry Pretty and her 2021 GRAMMY® Award-winning album of gospel hymns, My Savior

“Carrie Underwood achieves timeless, legendary country status with Denim & Rhinestones”

• The Tennessean

“And after selling 66 million albums and winning more than 100 major awards,

Underwood bounces through a mix of synth-pop, soul, rootsy country and

roadhouse blues for a 12-song set that pulsates with real joy.”

• Toronto Sun

Denim & Rhinestones marks Underwood’s 10th consecutive career Top 10 debut on the Billboard Top 200 chart for all genres. All 10 of Underwood’s albums (including nine studio albums and her 2014 Greatest Hits: Decade #1) have debuted in the Top 10, beginning with her first album, Some Hearts, which was released in 2005. Denim & Rhinestones debuted as the top-selling country album in the U.S and the #1 country album in Australia, Canada and UK. She is the most-awarded female country artist for singles in RIAA history.

Underwood’s stellar year also included a commanding headlining performance at the iconic Stagecoach Festival stage, where she appeared for the fourth time, having made her Stagecoach debut in 2008, followed by performances in 2011 and 2016. A surprise performance with Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose made headlines around the world. She surprised fans again when she joined Guns N’ Roses onstage for two songs during each of their shows at the UK’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in July.

Beer Needs Drinkin’ is Reed Foley’s first single to come to the radio. The young singer-songwriter from Sparta, North Carolina is making a name for himself in country music in Nashville and beyond. His talents have taken him from small-town bars to some of NASCAR’s biggest stages and everything in between. Reed has opened for Jason Aldean, Tyler Farr, and William Michael Morgan. He’s played at Country Thunder Music Festival in Florida. He’s also had his songs featured in television advertisements promoting major sporting events including the Kentucky Derby. Reed gives back to the community including his highly successful Toys for Tots campaign.

Since its release, Beer Needs Drinkin’ has garnered significant media coverage including:

“If you find comfort in a six-pack and wetting a line, rising country singer Reed Foley’s new single is perfect for you” – Raised Rowdy

“Reed Foley, the voice of a generation of people who are ready for the weekend.” – Medium

“The New Blue-Collar Anthem” – Drop the Spotlight

Marshall Potts’ Releases New Summer Single – Heaven Or Home

Potts’s shares his story of waking up to his soul’s purpose, his trip inside to find that lost piece of himself. A cathartic journey of discovery. He explores the why of his existence and is faced with more existential questions of what’s next that invariably follows when we look deep into the unknown.

“‘Heaven Or Home’ is special. From the opening 20 seconds, it’s clear this is a perfect radio song for summer. Melodic, uplifting, catchy and fun. One for the car with the roof and windows down.” Guy B – Great Music Stories Radio

Marshall’s notes on Heaven Or Home

“This song wrote itself like so many on The Storm Album. The song shares the process of taking the time out of my busy life to look inside and see where I’ve been where I’m going. To take stock on on my life and analyze the reason I’m even here and how the experiences have molded my belief systems. Defragging my life like we would a hard drive to repair and reorganize my thoughts before the traumas and scars left their damage. To reconnect to the original child inside before life took control away from the dreamer and fear stole the feeling that all things are possible. I found myself in the process and regained that initial positivity we are all born with. Now I wonder where this all will lead and I am reminded that it isn’t the destination but the journey that is most important… that heaven or home may actually be the same place one day” Marshall Potts

Country music’s redneck rocker, HARDY, and bell bottom queen, Lainey Wilson, have joined forces for the first time and have created a powerful new song “wait in the truck”.

The song is accompanied by the Justin Clough-directed music video in which both Lainey and HARDY feature. The track was written by Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt and Renee Blair. Produced by Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells and HARDY.

“This is one of my favourite songs I’ve ever written – probably the best song I’ve ever written to be honest,” HARDY said of the song. “It hit me so hard the first time I heard the demo back, and no other song had done that before. Very excited for the world to hear the song, excited for the song to give people a platform to maybe speak out about stuff that might be going on in their own homes.” He continued, “Thank you to Lainey Wilson for doing this song with me – she crushed it, she crushed the music video, I just can’t wait for the world to see this and I can’t wait to play it live.”

Lainey Wilson said, “I always love working with HARDY, but this track is extra special. I am so proud to be part of ‘wait in the truck’ because it’s such a powerful song and story, and I really do think it will change lives.”

The song is a true country music story-telling song and tells the tale of domestic abuse and a murder as HARDY and Wilson trade off vocals. In the clip, HARDY plays the character of an unexpected stranger who is out to find justice for Wilson, who portrays a domestic abuse victim. As the clip concludes, Wilson graciously thanks HARDY, who is behind bars, for saving her from her abuser.

The single also features a stunning gospel choir, which provides an epic build throughout the arrangement, as listeners hear the fate of the man who comes to the woman’s rescue. One thing is for certain, ” wait in the truck” is a stunning result, this is unquestionably a song that has so much power behind it, both lyrically and musically…people need to hear this song, and that’s pretty much it!

ABOUT HARDY:

Big Loud Records’ heavy hitter HARDY broke out with critically acclaimed 2020 debut album, “A ROCK”, “an album that owes as much to AC/DC as George Jones” and “one of the most self-assured full-length debut albums in years” (Billboard). The project joins countrified mixtape “HIXTAPE VOL. 1” and most-recent “HIXTAPE VOL. 2”, as well as career-launching EPs “THIS OLE BOY” and “WHERE TO FIND ME.” HARDY is the 2022 ACM Songwriter of the Year and two-time AIMP Songwriter of the Year, additionally nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 2021 CMA Awards. One of CRS’ 2021 New Faces of Country Music, a two-time CMA Triple Play award recipient and a Vevo DSCVR artist, the pride of Philadelphia, Miss. has earned his reputation as “a breakout in the making” (HITS). HARDY has co-penned 11 #1 singles since 2018, including his own chart-topping, double platinum-certified single “ONE BEER” feat. Lauren Alaina + Devin Dawson, and most-recent #1 alongside Dierks Bentley + BRELAND, “Beers On Me.” Serving as direct support on Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous Tour now, HARDY has also opened for Jason Aldean, FGL, Chris Lane, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell and more.

ABOUT LAINEY WILSON:

ACM New Female of the Year 2022 winner, Lainey Wilson has earned the enthusiasm of the industry, having been named to nearly every “Artist to Watch” list, winning MusicRow Magazine’s Discovery Artist of the Year award and being crowned Billboard’s “Top New Country Artist of 2021,” the Louisiana native is one of Nashville’s hottest and most buzzed-about new artists. Landing her first No. 1 with her PLATINUM Certified ACM Song of the Year “Things A Man Oughta Know,” nearly 10 years to the day after leaving her small farming community in a camper trailer to chase her dreams, she has won over legions of fans with her signature Bell Bottom Country sound and aesthetic, which blends traditional Country with a modern yet retro flare. A prolific and sought-after songwriter (having co-writer credits on songs by artists including Luke Combs, Flatland Calvary and more), Lainey is a fresh, fierce voice in Nashville, delivering one of the “Top Country Albums of 2021” (Rolling Stone, Taste of Country, and American Songwriter) with her label debut, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’. With a rockstar stage presence, her artistry has taken her across the globe, performing for sold-out crowds throughout the US, UK, and Germany with notable names like Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, Randy Houser and more. Her next single, “Heart Like a Truck” was released May 20, following up her recent return to the top of the Country radio charts with the two-week No. 1 hit, “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell. She will release her hotly anticipated album, “Bell Bottom Country” on October 28, just before making her acting debut on the hit series Yellowstone on November 13.

After the success of her last release, ” Iconic” which staked claim in the National country airplay charts for 14 weeks, Hudson Rose is back with the brand new single “Misery”, out October 28th.

The catchy country pop track was written about those days where you’ve just had enough and need a song to sing at the top of your lungs in the car with the windows down. As Hudson states, “This song was inspired by the people who just always seems to have something to say, who add their two bobs worth whether you asked for it or not.”

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Alanis Morrisette, Breland and Keith Urban, “Misery” is aimed not only to country music fans but for all music lovers. The country-trap inspired single was written and recorded alongside MSquared Productions and mastered by Leon Zervos at Studio 301. Hudson credits a lifelong exposure to a variety of music as her inspiration for the variety of multi-genre sound in this country-pop anthem.

“I once heard someone say that country music should be for everyone and that is what I aim to achieve in my music “- Hudson Rose.

With well received performances under her belt at Tamworth Country Music Festival, opening for country trailblazer James Johnston and attending the Junior Country Music Academy in 2019, Hudson is no stranger to the country audiences. Amassing over 65,000 streams on Spotify along with her previous single being added to high rotation on Triple M Country, ABC Country, KIX Country and iHeart Country Radio. With its catchy banjo riff and country trap beat, “Misery” is a track that draws you in and deserves your attention.

Country music newcomer, James Keith, creates music fuelled by positivity. In a previous life he was a professional rugby league player, now he’s turned his talents to the stage with the release of his debut single, ‘Life Is Good Today’.

James’ new single is a stirring country rock tune designed to exude feel good vibes. “There is so much negativity in the world and it really bothers me,” declares James. “This song has a really positive vibe with lots of energy and gives the listeners several simple reasons, from having a beer with your old man, to waking up next to someone, or going to a show and singing along, to just “LIVE IN THE MOMENT, CAUSE LIFE IS GOOD TODAY”.

The 4-minute anthem pumps through the speakers like something from the glory days of live music – big electric guitar riffs, thunderous drums and James’ down-to-earth vocal front and centre.

While produced and engineered by Craig Honeysett at Dotted Eight Studios in Orange, James took a hands-on approach to the recording. “I had a hand in all aspects of every instrument in the production phase.”

‘Life Is Good Today’ is more than just a song for James Keith, it’s a mantra. It all began when he visited Nashville, TN in 2011. “All the cover bands kept playing this song with the lyrics “life is good today” which really resonated with me.” Country music with a positive message has been his focus ever since.

But before he had this epiphany in Music City, he’d been involved in the family business – professional rugby league. His father, Peter Mortimer, played professionally for 11 years (alongside uncles Steve and Chris Mortimer), notching 5 grand finals with the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. When the opportunity arose to follow in his father’s footsteps, James moved from his hometown of Orange to Sydney’s Northern Beaches to don the jersey for Manly.

However, Orange still holds a special place in James’ heart, which is why it was the site of the video clip for ‘Life Is Good Today’. Shot by Dave Smyth (The Studio Door) and Craig Honeysett during a live performance at the CWA Hall in Orange, it captures the raw energy James projects through his music. Behind the band sits an illuminated ‘Tootsies’ sign – a throwback to that life changing Nashville trip, where many a late night was spent listening to the twang of a tele in Broadway’s famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.

‘Life Is Good Today’ begs its listeners to pause and count their blessings. Which, to James Keith, is paramount. The unbridled optimism and positivity he weaves into his high energy country rock makes for an impressive debut.

It’s been five years since his last solo single, ‘It’s Only Midnight’. Now, five-time Golden Guitar nominee, Matt Cornell, is back with a brand-new song, ‘Stick Around’.

The single draws on Matt’s love of 80s music to create an awesome blend of country rock on this anthem track. Matt’s gripping vocal tears right through the middle of a weave of pounding drums and lofty guitars, as he sings about settling down with the love of his life.

” ‘Stick Around ‘ explores the weird phenomenon that True Love often strikes when we least expect it,” explains the Gold Coast based artist. “The idea that something so solid and long lasting can be borne out of one boozy fleeting flirty moment.”

The song began to take shape when producer Jared Adlam gave Matt some new listening material. “I mentioned to him how I wanted to embrace my rock background & love of 80’s music, he then turned me onto American artist ‘ Hardy’, I was hooked straight away.”

The pair teamed up with artist and songwriter Tim Aitken and wrote the song in a blitz. “The chemistry was instant. Stick Around was written in a few hours.” However, the song’s tale of true love is more prophecy than reality for Matt. “I feel in a way, where I’m at in my life, Stick Around is kind of a wish for me personally, I’m currently single, & wanting to settle down to start a family one day, in this song, the guy meets his life partner, has the two kids & a dog, there’s hope for me yet.”

The single’s stellar video clip – directed by Golden Guitar winning Jay Seeney of Blacklist Productions – sees Matt live the words to his song. From the chance meeting in a bar, he croons about in the song’s first verse – “And if it wasn’t for the liquor, I wouldn’t talk to you / It sounds funny but it’s true” – to a stolen kiss under golden sunset.

As one half of Golden Guitar nominated duo, Cornell & Carr, Matt has had his solo career on the backburner in recent years. “Having been focused on Cornell & Carr the past few years, & not having released anything solo for five years, I wanted to make sure this next single made a statement, & lets people know I’m back.”

Despite his brief solo hiatus Matt has been anything but idle throughout his lifelong music career. Sneaking in the back doors of venues to play professionally when he was just 16, he’s enjoyed an illustrious career as a bass player to some Aussie music royalty. He’s plucked the 4-string for Baby Animals, Richard Clapton, Rose Tattoo, Shannon Noll and now Adam Brand.

He’s fronted the stage at the famous SXSW festival in Texas and supported Richard Marx on both his 2016 and 2018 Australian tours. Matt absolutely lives and creates music, to the point where he says, “I make music because I have to, not because I want to: I ‘m obsessed with it.”

Unsurprisingly, Matt grew up in an extremely musical family. The son of performers Cheryl Assange and former Delltone Wayne Cornell, his parents would often rehearse shows in the loungeroom. Matt’s uncle, George Assange (also performed under the name Vic Sabrino), was also influential, being the first Australian to make a rock ‘n’ roll recording in 1955.

With the release of ‘Stick Around’ Matt is thrilled to be getting out on the road to perform. He’ll be performing once again at his 6th annual Sydney Harbour Cruise, The Stock Route Country Music Festival and Country on Keppel in 2023.

‘Stick Around’ embodies Matt Cornell’s rock spirit perfectly. His style of storytelling is both familiar and unique and makes for an excellent re-introduction to this magnificent artist.

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 avout a Colorado Fireman recalling a romatinc 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.”