Ella & Sienna, teenage singer-songwriter sisters from the Adelaide Hills, release their long-awaited single ‘Next To Mine’ on Friday 11 March 2022. Produced by ARIA and Golden Guitar winning producer Matt Fell at Love Hz Studios in Sydney, the track embodies their formidable combination of soaring vocals, captivating sibling harmonies, catchy pop hooks, and country inspired storytelling.

Sienna says “‘Next To Mine’ was written during the first pandemic lockdown in 2020. I wanted to create an energetic, up-tempo reflection of our love and care for family and friends.” Ella adds “We were inspired by the shared feeling of heartache and longing to be close to loved ones through the uncertain and devastating times.”

On the track Ella & Sienna reveal growth as artists, exposing stronger musicianship and poise with song writing and vocals, while showcasing their unique blend of pop, folk and country.

Proving they are amongst the most exciting emerging artists in their field, Ella & Sienna have captured a compelling string of accolades over the past two years including; Finalist in the Folk Alliance Australia 2021 Youth Folk Artist of the Year, Live Performance Category Winners in the Songwriters Composers and Lyricists Association 2021 Festival of Original Music, winners of the Art Gallery of South Australia Battle of the Bands 2020, second place in both the Battle of the Young Stars and Best of the Buskers competitions at the Tamworth Country Music Festival 2020 and Semi-Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition 2020.

Both talented multi-instrumentalists, their live performances mainly feature Ella on vocals/guitar, and Sienna on vocals/bass. Their original music brings a unique blend of modern country, folk and acoustic pop. Prepare to be blown away by the dynamic vocals, incredible harmonies and fun vibe created by these emerging artists!

“They are trailblazing youngins from the Adelaide Hills, cranking out rivetingly impassioned slivers of sharp and summery folk. Acoustically inclined, the duo’s performance wields a uniquely charged energy… Peter Noble, if you’re reading this, get these girls on a Bluesfest lineup ASAP!” – Matt Doria, Australian Guitar’s Fresh Frets.

Two years ago Tamworth-bred country artist Allison Forbes had the world at her feet. Her debut album ‘Bonedigger’ – produced by Oz country legend Shane Nicholson – had come out in early-2020 to near universal acclaim, debuting at #1 on the ARIA Australian Country charts.

It was the second highest-selling independent record across all genres in that heady first week, with Forbes’ distinctive take on outlaw Americana near omnipresent on country radio, topping numerous radio charts in the process.

It’s hard to imagine things going better for the mould-breaking singer-songwriter – Forbes and ‘Bonedigger’ would go on to score four prestigious Golden Guitar nominations at the 2021 Tamworth Country Music Festival, and be voted Most Popular Female Artist at the 2020 Independent Country Music Awards – but then… the COVID pandemic struck.

Instead of Forbes being able to hit the road and consolidate the hard-fought traction she’d achieved with ‘Bonedigger’ – connecting with her existing audience and winning over new fans with her captivating live show – the country plunged into lockdown and the hard-fought momentum began slowly ebbing away.

Such immeasurably poor timing would have justifiably broken many artists, but instead Forbes doubled down and poured her heart and soul into what would become her brilliant second album, ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’. It’s a collection which hones and magnifies Forbes’ indubitable talent to create an album conceived in and forged by adversity, yet which transcends its tough-times genesis courtesy the stunning empathy and compassion which floods through these beautifully-rendered tales of loss and grief.

“It was really an album that I didn’t know that I needed to make until I wrote the songs, and even now looking back on it I didn’t realise how relevant it was going to be,” Forbes admits. “Everyone was experiencing a lot of loss, including myself. I lost one of my best friends fairly early during the pandemic – I’ve also dedicated the album to him – and I think that loss tied in with a lot of other confusion, and a bit of angst as well. There’s a muse that’s a common thread through the songs.

“They’re definitely the most personal songs I’ve ever written. I usually tend to be quite metaphorical when I write, which is not something that I’ve ever done on purpose – maybe it’s been a fear of revealing too much – but the songs here are very, very close to the bone.”

Importantly though – despite the serious themes threading through the narratives – ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ is far from a grim listen, with a healthy dose of hope and positivity never far from the surface.

“I always do have a glimmer of hope in my songs, I’m a really optimistic person at heart,” the singer smiles. “I wouldn’t want it to be completely sombre and depressing. I always want there to be a little bit of something – a little bit of hope that life will continue or that things will get better. I always aim to have positivity shining through even the bleakest moments.”

Having already spawned three strong singles in ‘Pieces Of Silver’, ‘Only Got One Road’ and ‘Save You Now’, this time around on ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ Forbes’ songwriting acumen was abetted by the skills of ARIA Award-winning producer Matt Fell (Troy Cassar-Daley, Shane Nicholson, John Williamson), who – working remotely from his Leichhardt studio – helped bring her fledgling ideas to stunning fruition, both in terms of song arrangements and the crack band he pulled together for the occasion.

“I remember saying to Shane [Nicholson] about producing ‘Bonedigger’, ‘How are you going to make all these songs work together?’ and he was, like, ‘That’s why I lose sleep at night!'” she laughs. “Matt was essentially the same, he just took these songs and put this beautiful flavour on them.

“They just flow and blend really well together, and they sound like the story – the story of me at the time. That’s what a brilliant producer does, he’s the brains behind it and the one who takes these simple ideas and basic demos and turns them into these incredible, melodic and beautiful musical journeys.”

And while the music on ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ is undeniably of the country persuasion, the intoxicating blend of traditional country, alt-country, folk, rock and bluegrass – unified by Forbes’ commanding vocals – defies easy classification, not that it’s of any concern to Forbes herself.

“I just do what I do, really. I’m not sure if I fit into the classic country music style, although I think that’s changing a lot,” the singer muses. “Without being too cliché, I think there are a lot of different types of music now that are borrowing from other genres but still fitting under the country music umbrella.

“I have a lot of respect for traditional country music – obviously growing up in Tamworth I’ve grown up listening to bush ballads and traditional country artists my whole life, and I have a huge respect for them. So the natural country influence is there – it’s just there, and it always will be there but there are other influences that have crept in over the years – a bit of rock influence, and I love bluegrass and there’s some obvious flourishes showing up from that field.

“But I’m happy to just do what I do and not fit too much into any pigeonhole – I’m happy to be genre-bending! I’m happy to welcome all kinds of country music into the fold, into the mix. Things are changing – the world’s changing, music’s changing – so we’ve got to keep changing and evolving as well. It’s all about the songs.”

And despite the troubled times which ushered ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ into the world – and the many opportunities sadly missed due to circumstances far beyond her control – for Allison Forbes nothing is more important than simply being true to herself.

“It’s a double-edged sword to try to be yourself and be authentic – being authentic and really honest means more to me than anything – but it’s difficult because I guess I’m not really a game-player: I don’t follow the same path as a lot of the successful artists. I’m coming to terms with the fact that mainstream success may be something I’ll never have, but I’ll always be me, and I’m okay with that.”

Tony Kennelly is a seasonal performer that will take you on a journey with his unique style of song writing.

The inspiration for his songs come from a lifetime of events that have moved him to write, and at the same time, be able to tell a story. He loves nothing more than to share his music with others and have people being part of the performance, finding themselves drawn into the words and music he so skillfully portrays. He says, “I love it when people applaud, it touches me deeply”.

Tony’s second album, ‘Battlegrounds’, is a testament of Tony’s mastery of songwriting ability. Produced by Shane Nicholson, a legend in his own right, Tony’s recent single releases have been played throughout Australia on numerous radio stations. ‘Leave The Gate Open’ was released with consistent airplay. ‘Wasted Time’ done very well on the charts, whilst ‘Sailing’ has continued to be on high rotation throughout the country.

Another feather in his cap for many years, Tony’s music has been always been in the Top 10 of any contests he has entered his songs into. This year being no exception, with four out of five songs entered in the Australian Songwriters Association in the top 30, and one in the Top 10. Not bad considering the number of entries.

Tony’s latest release from the ‘Battlegrounds’ album is ‘Kicking Stones’. It will take you back to a time of leaving the security of school life, to the uncertainty of the work place, with the added pressures of actually working for a living and becoming somewhat overwhelmed. The chorus of the song is a metaphor … “We’re Just Kicking Stones” … but is very relatable to us all. It could be said that this one is a light-hearted look at life.

With the talents of Shane Nicholson’s production, and the backing vocals of Allison Forbes, ‘Kicking Stones’ will be one of those songs you will want to hear a lot of.

‘Unsolved Mystery’ is the new radio single by Nashville based Australian artist Grayson. The song is a mix of modern country and easy listening, which is perfect for today’s radio format and listeners.

Grayson captures the heart of every moment with his gift of storytelling. His music and lyrics captivate us with not only tales of heartfelt experiences, but the often forgotten moments in between. Grayson captures those precious moments and delivers them to his audience with a rare, raw sincerity.

Michael Edser is Grayson, which is a reference to his childhood street where he grew up in Australia and where he spent many years developing his talent to write, sing and play music.

A captivating songwriter with a style reminiscent of some of the greats in the industry, Grayson receives international praise for being a unique artist with an Americana/country folk style. As his music evolves, he continues to differentiate himself from the current musical landscape on mainstream country radio.

Grayson relocated to the US in 2011 and currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Since making America his new home, he has continued developing his talents as an artist and widening his fan base. The documentary ’66 Days On Route 66′ won the Gold Award at the 2011 Cinerokom Film Festival in LA, and captures Grayson’s 66 performances on tour in the US over the course of 66 days on Route 66. The journey chronicled his discovery of the behind-the-scenes America, and his own self-discovery, as he learned more of who he really is, as a musician, as a visitor, and as a human being. Through a series of vignettes and short-take interviews, Grayson shares his perspective and views of the American Dream, Route 66, and not just what he is offering to America through this tour, but what he believes America offers him in return.

In addition to writing and recording his own music, Grayson is a highly sought after producer and guitar session player in Nashville. He is known in the recording studio for his technical abilities as a guitarist, as well as his sharp ear and talent creating moving melodies and powerful arrangements for other artists, turning bedroom demo’s into radio ready masterpieces.

Between 2015 and 2020, Grayson produced, arranged and played on over 70 projects for other artists across all musical genres, whilst recording and releasing his own material, and touring.

● Single – “Give Heaven Some Hell” (writers: HARDY, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps) is Top 20 at US country radio, earning most added upon launch. Watch its moving music video directed by Justin Clough here.

● Serving as direct support now on Morgan Wallen’s THE DANGEROUS TOUR.

● Wrapped a direct support run on Jason Aldean’s BACK IN THE SADDLE TOUR last fall.

● Made his late-night debut on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Nov. 8 – watch here.

● Nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 2021 CMA Awards.

● HIXTAPE: Vol. 2, the second iteration of the game-changing countrified mixtape, released in December with HARDY featured on six tracks. The project also includes country stars like Dierks Bentley, Jimmie Allen, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Chris Lane and more.

● Featured alongside BRELAND on Dierks Bentley’s current single “Beers On Me” which the trio performed at the 2021 CMA Awards – watch here.

● Shined a light on his rock ‘n roll roots with a grungy cover of Puddle of Mudd’s “BLURRY” – listen here.

● Debut album “A ROCK” received critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone praising HARDY as “a prolific songwriter” with a “knack for irreverent storytelling.” Billboard calls the album “one of the most self-assured full-length debut albums in years” and “an album that owes as much to AC/DC as George Jones.” The New York Times’ Jon Caramanica named it one of his Best Albums of 2020, and Billboard selected it as one of the 10 Best Country Albums of 2020.

● Scored his first #1 as an artist with PLATINUM sophomore single “ONE BEER” feat. Lauren Alaina & Devin Dawson. Watch the music video starring all three country collaborators here.

● Kicked off his career with the EPs “WHERE TO FIND ME” (Jan ’19) and “THIS OLE BOY” (Oct ’18) and debut single “REDNECKER” which introduced his brand of country.

● Counts over 1 BILLION on-demand artist streams in the US to date.

● ACCOLADES + AWARDS: Won the 2020 AIMP Songwriter of the Year Award and the 2019 AIMP Rising Artist-Writer of the Year Award and earned a 2019 CMA Triple Play Award. Voted one of CRS’ 2021 New Faces of Country Music, named a Vevo DSCVR artist, a MusicRow’s 2020 Next Big Thing artist, and a CMT Listen Up Artist for 2019.

● SONGWRITING MILESTONES: Has scored NINE #1 singles as a writer – FGL’s 2X PLATINUM “Simple,” Chris Lane’s 2X PLATINUM “I Don’t Know About You,” Blake Shelton’s 4X PLATINUM “God’s Country,” Morgan Wallen’s 3X PLATINUM “Up Down” and PLATINUM “More Than My Hometown,” Jameson Rodgers’ PLATINUM “Some Girls,” LOCASH’s GOLD “One Big Country Song,” Cole Swindell’s GOLD “Single Saturday Night” and PLATINUM “ONE BEER.”

● Made his first-ever headline run on SIRIUSXM’S THE HIGHWAY FINDS TOUR in October 2019, performing sold-out dates nationwide with openers Hunter Phelps and Sean Stemaly. Previously toured with Florida Georgia Line and Morgan Wallen.

● Attended the Recording Industry Management program at MTSU majoring in songwriting, mentored by Rick Carnes, the writer behind classics like Garth Brooks’ “Longneck Bottle,” The Whites’ “Hangin’ Around,” and Reba McEntire’s “Can’t Even Get The Blues.”

● Raised in Philadelphia, MS (population 7500) and home to country music legends like Grand Ole Opry member Marty Stuart and songwriter/producer Derek George (Bryan White, Randy Houser). Hearing Eric Church’s “Homeboy,” made HARDY realize country music had room for Rock and his style of music.

● FUN FACTS: Pink Floyd is his favourite band. Has the ticket to his hometown’s legendary county fair tattooed on his wrist – part of a “Mississippi sleeve” he’s adding to as a tribute to the state that built him.

Releasing his first solo single in almost 15 years, Mike Carr really needs no introduction to those Aus Country fans in ‘the know’.

Mike is an Australian Country songwriter right out of the top drawer having penned big hit songs for Adam Brand, Adam Harvey, Amber Lawrence and Melinda Schneider to name but a few.

As one half of the Golden Guitar nominated duo Cornell & Carr Mike has gathered many accolades and recently notched up the duo’s biggest hit to date with the outrageous Top Ten hit song ‘Whatchawanna’.

Following the hit, both Mikey and Matty decided it was time for the lifelong friends to take a creative ‘Gap Year’ in order to release their own musical labours of love.

In Mike’s case, it has resulted in the beautifully ludicrous single ‘Haircut’, a wonderfully catchy instant classic that claims the pathway to happiness may well begin with a short back and sides. (No really!)

Multi award winning country singer/songwriter Paul Costa returns with new single ‘Drinkin’ Hours’.

With a mantle full of awards and many chart hits to his credit, Paul Costa has no desire to slow down, kicking off 2022 with the release of his new single ‘Drinkin’ Hours’. Set for release on Friday 25th February, this catchy track is bound to make you want to let your hair down, relax and have a drink with great company.

‘Drinkin’ Hours’ is the ultimate upbeat feel good song made for Paul Costa’s rich vocal range and masterful delivery. “Cause there’s no working during drinkin’ hours, leave it all at the door”. This rhythmic and very catchy tune has hit written all over it and will have you singing along with good friends in no time! The track was written by Bobby Tomberlin (Blake Shelton, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill), Wil Nance (George Strait, Brad Paisley, Joe Nichols) and Dan Alley.

Success is no stranger to Paul. In January 2018, during Tamworth Country Music Festival, Paul was inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame, highlighting his successful music career. His album ‘Whisper In The Crowd’ was also named Album of the Year at the People’s Choice Awards – an award voted by fans. In addition, Paul was named a finalist for Male Artist of the Year at the prestigious CMC Music Awards.

Paul’s fifth studio album, ‘Whisper In The Crowd’, debuted at #3 on the Australian ARIA Country Album Chart. The album saw Paul in full flight both vocally and musically, showcasing a bold new sound for this world-class artist.

Always the consummate showman, Paul has built a reputation of being one of the most energetic live performers in Australian country music. He has performed at major events both locally and internationally and has had the honour of performing for our troops in East Timor in 2008 and The Middle East (Iraq) in 2019. He’s also a proud ambassador for Mission Australia and the Canberra Police and Citizens Youth Club.

In perfect timing with this release, Paul will be performing at Country By The Murray at Murray Bridge in South Australia on 26th March, alongside artists such as Lee Kernaghan, Amber Lawrence, Casey Barnes, Andrew Swift, and Jayne Denham.

One thing is certain, Paul is having far too much fun taking his brand of music to his loyal fans around the country.

Known for their witty, thought provoking and honest storytelling, Alt Country outfit Copperline have today revealed their highly emotive new single ‘Lucinda’ – a dedication to a daughter whose time was all too brief. From working on television commercials (as well as starring in an ad campaign with Hollywood heart throb Orlando Bloom), lead vocalist Brad Christmas has reconvened the band to create this warm embrace of a single, which features on a new album set for release in 2022.

Produced by multiple ARIA and Golden Guitar winner Shane Nicholson at his Sound Hole Studio on the NSW Central Coast, Copperline have created a work that carries some deep emotions. “This is probably the most deeply personal song I’ve ever written,” Christmas says. “A gift to my little girl whose stay in this world was all too brief, but still meant the world to us. A reminder to her that she’ll always be in our hearts.”

The sensitive production by Nicholson brings out the warmth in the music, and it also brings forth the beauty of the dedication to a departed daughter in the lyrics “‘Cause all that we have left now, is to promise this my dear, Lucinda, darling, we will not forget that you were here.”

Copperline have had a storied career to date, with the 2018 release of their debut album Rusty Fords and Weatherboards delivering singles ‘Woman’s Touch’, ‘King of this Country’, ‘Please Don’t Cry’, and ‘Next Year’, gaining new listeners and extensive airplay across the country. Their richly evocative music has seen them receive 7 x Australian Songwriters Association nominations, and 2 x Tamworth Songwriters Association nominations.

Aside from his role in Copperline, Christmas is also a highly sought-after session musician, playing in Steve Kilbey’s band The Church. A qualified teacher, Christmas spent time teaching English through music to students in Japan. On returning to Australia, Christmas enlisted band members of Copperline – Richie Gosling and Gareth Richards – to create a children’s act called The DoDaDums. With performances at events including the Teddy Bear’s Picnic, The Royal Easter Show and Kids Day Out, The DoDaDums have also appeared on Seven’s Sunrise, and created a pilot for a television program on ABC TV.

As the opening lyrics to ‘Lucinda’ emote: “No one knows what they’re supposed to say, that don’t stop them saying it anyway…” songwriter Brad Christmas has cut through his pain to find the perfect set of words to express his feelings. Children are special, and they deserve a special song to their memory. Copperline has found the right balance of remembrance, pathos and poignancy with which to memorialise someone so young. This is a song that will become as special to listeners as it is to the band.

Copperline are a band who play richly expressive music that allows the audience to feel a wide range of different emotions. Take a listen to ‘Lucinda’ and let your heart soar and your soul move.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT JACKSON CAPPS

“Jackson has the unique ability to create modern music that appeals to fans of country music from any generation. I find his sound refreshing and exciting.”

• Chris Yow, Raised Rowdy

“[About LAX] A bright country pop song with a rousing chorus and some emotive delivery alongside…”

• Bristol Funk

“[About Yesterday’s Makeup] With a booming baritone voice and the support of an all-star roots band, Jackson delivers a bittersweet mix of country-flavored melody and beautiful harmony. Classic elements of fiddle and electric guitar come together behind this rock-solid groove to support the tragedy of a love gone wrong, as we experience the vicious grasp of loneliness, and the power it has to lead us astray…”

• CHILLFILTR.com

Nashville based, Alabamian country artist Jackson Capps released his angsty yet nostalgic first-love-lost breakup song, “LAX” on August 6 2021.

While country sensibilities are clearly evident with Capps’ classic tone, fiddle and slide guitar, “LAX” also channels the sounds of America with influences of Bruce Springsteen meets Ryan Adams, and melancholy Don Henley vibes.

“LAX” was co-written by Capps, Alex Tomlins and J.W. Faria, co-produced by Capps, Alex Tomlins and Jed Smith, performed by Capps’ Nashville live band, mixed by GRAMMY-award winner Brandon Bell, and mastered by Daniel Bacigalupi of Infrasonic Studios.

Capps has been based in Nashville, TN since early 2018, after he graduated high-school early to relocate from his hometown of Trussville, AL. He has spent the last 4 years consistently writing and honing his live performance skills, performing in Nashville 4-5 times a week with his six-piece band. In 2020 Capps released two singles with “Yesterday’s Makeup” charting at #83 on the Australian iTunes Country Charts. 2021 saw Capps’ perform as the opening act for Jamey Johnson at a charity event in Birmingham, AL, which led to an incredible opportunity of Capps’ performing a full band set as the opening act for the band Alabama at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

Jackson’s single, “LAX” is now available to stream or download on all platforms.

Triple Golden Guitar winners and 2021 Australasian Country Music Roll Of Renown Inductees, The Bushwackers, have released their latest single ‘This Little Town’.

Over these pandemic years there has been an exodus from the big cities into regional Australia, with many people enjoying the sense of community and simple living that life in a little town can bring. “This little town is jacarandas and walks in the afternoon……..” say the lyrics, emphasising the focus on the people, gardens and lifestyle at the core of ‘This Little Town’.

This song is written and performed by Roger Corbett, the principal songwriter for The Bushwackers since 1980 when he joined the band. He is joined by veteran Bushwacker, Dobe Newton, on tin whistle and backing vocals, and Clare O’Meara on accordion, with newcomers Liam Kennedy-Clark on guitars and backing vocals, Gabi Louise on fiddle and Michael Carpenter on drums.

The music video, created by young Newcastle director Jeremy Minett of Eyes & Ears Creative, shows the band in the little town of Lorn, near Maitland, where Roger drew his inspiration for the song. “The town is such a close knit community” says Roger, “the song just wrote itself, from all the great friendships, love and support we’ve had through our four years here. We all look out for one another and we’re happy to take the time to have a chat and take life a little slower.”

The Bushwackers have performed in the township a few times to sold out crowds. It makes a huge difference for a band who have had so many shows postponed and cancelled over the last two years.

Regional Australia is an amazing place to live and Roger feels very lucky to be part of the community there. “It’s just a little spot in the country, where the river runs wide and brown, but it’s starting to feel like home, this little town”.

Although The Bushwackers are a household name, some ‘youngsters’ may not know entirely what The Bushwackers are renowned for. Their energetic live shows have had thousands of fans dancing in the aisles with legendary performances at The Port Fairy Folk Festival, The National Folk Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, The Gympie Music Muster, Woodford Folk Festival, The Americana Conference (Nashville) The National Celtic Festival and countless other events.

Dobe Newton and Roger Corbett bring their combined experience of over 90 years of playing in The Bushwackers with all the songs, stories, humour and history that kind of a journey entails. The Bushwackers perform an exciting blend of Australian music featuring the lagerphone of frontman Dobe Newton, Roger Corbett on guitars, and the addition of fiddle, bass and drums rounding out the sound. Their music is all Australian, with all the stories, humour and sense of history that has helped to forge our national identity.