ZFM Country

‘Sticks, Stones & Stories’ brings authentic country music and storytelling to the forefront. The album showcases Katie Brooke’s clean, crisp and mesmerizing vocal, complemented by her exceptional songwriting skills, and will no doubt be on repeat for years to come. The album is predominantly written by Katie herself but also features a cover of Zach Bryan’s popular song ‘Crooked Teeth’.

A modern twist to nostalgic 90’s country tones, ‘Sticks, Stones & Stories’ still offers something subtly different and very fresh to the country music world, which is no surprise seeing as Katie has spent her life living and breathing country music of all shades.

Katie Brooke is rapidly building a loyal following after the release of her Number #1 charting debut self-titled EP, featuring the ever-popular ‘Home Town Song’ as well as four other original tracks. Katie’s second single release ‘Dreamers Tired Mind’ was featured in a clothing campaign for Australian western clothing brand, Buckwild Country. An abundance of success for a debut release.

Katie has spent the past twelve years making her mark in the country music industry, continuously gigging throughout NSW and QLD, as well as supporting artists and bands such as Shannon Noll and The Black Sorrows. Katie has had the opportunity to perform alongside Australian country music icons such as James Blundell, Adam Harvey and Gina Jeffreys, as well as hosting and performing on the ever-popular Jim Haynes Breakfast Show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Kaylee Bell has released a fresh new “pop version” of her hit single KEITH, a tribute song to Keith Urban, in celebration of her journey competing on THE VOICE Australia and as a nod to her audience who pushed the original song to streaming heights and created a huge impact for Bell’s streaming success in Australasia.

Bell’s tribute to Keith Urban was written out of admiration for an artist she has loved and respected her whole career. She chose to use the concept of tying in Keith’s song titles throughout the song lyrics to tell a story with a summertime, Keith influenced feel.

Bell performed her original song KEITH last night on THE VOICE Australia to the superstar coaches including Keith Urban himself, Jess Mauboy, Guy Sebastian and Rita Ora. After a thrilling result of having all four chair turns, Bell was fought over by Keith and Jess, with Jess pulling a ‘block’ card on Keith, meaning he could not have Bell join his team this season.

Kaylee declares, “I was extremely thankful for the chance to perform KEITH for Keith himself, such a thrill to share this special song with him and even more so with this incredible opportunity to compete on THE VOICE Australia!”.

Bell continues her rise in the music world, with over 30 million Spotify streams and holds the reigning title of Most Streamed Female Country Artist for Australasia.

“I have always loved ‘I Was Only 19’ from the day Redgum released it back in the 80’s. However, it gained more importance to myself after befriending a Vietnam Vet through the local rugby league club that I was involved with in the late 1990’s. We became great friends and he introduced me to a few of his Vietnam Vet mates over the years, which helped gain a better understanding of what these people went through during and after the war. Unfortunately, my mate passed away five years ago, and I feel this song is a great dedication/tribute to not only my him, but all the Vets and Serviceman that have served, and continue to serve, this country.” – Ross Webb.

Ross Webb began performing just over seven years ago, and what a ride it has been since then. Being an avid country music fan, and influenced by artists such as Zac Brown, Chris Stapleton and Alan Jackson, Ross began performing with his wife Sharon and good friend Owen.

Now with full band, he has been performing and fine tuning his show around the highlands, and Southern NSW, along with juggling his day job as an Account Manager for Grant Broadcasters.

His journey into the music industry has only just begun, and we can’t wait to see where the ride takes him and his music.

We’re incredibly excited about the future for Brother Joe! “Float Trip” marks his inaugural contribution to Country Music after having made waves in the YouTube ocean under his proper name Joe Banua with “Sirens (feat. Nikki Dee)”; A tribute to heroes.

Be ready, because 2022 still holds a 12 song album to follow up “Float Trip”! We can’t wait to share them with the world!

Our deepest appreciation goes out to your station for taking the time to listen, and we hope your listeners will enjoy “Float Trip” as much as we’ve enjoyed making it!”

Randy Brooks, Program Director from KIX 102.5 in Joplin, MO says;
“Brother Joe’s new single ‘Float Trip’ is exactly the kind of high-energy, summer water jam that will make a comeback every year when the sun is hot. It’s definitely gonna be a timeless summer anthem just like ‘Chattahooche’ or ‘Pontoon’ or ‘Long Hot Summer’…..Destined to be an audience favorite!”

Little Big Town has today released their latest single, “Hell Yeah”. The song is the first single released by the ACM, CMA and GRAMMY-winning band in two years and will be on their forthcoming 10th studio album. The new record follows the No. 1 Country album Nightfall (released in 2020) which included singles “Over Drinking,” GRAMMY-nominated “The Daughters” and “Wine, Beer, Whiskey.”

“Phillip and I wrote this with Tyler Hubbard and Corey Crowder,” said LBT’s Jimi Westbrook. “I remember when Corey brought that hook in that day. He sang his idea and when he turned that phrase at the end of the chorus, we were all like ‘hell yeah!’ We always have a blast writing with those guys.”

“This song is a classic breakup song, flipped upside down,” continued Sweet. “It’s pure feel-good vibes. We are so excited to premiere it on the CMT Music Awards which has always been a home for us in releasing new music. Big thanks to iHeart for the radio World Premiere. Hell yeah!”

About Little Big Town:

GRAMMY, ACM, CMA, and AMA Award-winning group, Little Big Town — consisting of members Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook — first entered the music scene more than 20 years ago with hit songs “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Good As Gone” and the GRAMMY-nominated “Little White Church.” The bands breakthrough albums Tornado and Pain Killer produced multiple #1 singles, including “Pontoon,” “Tornado,” and “Day Drinking,” as well as the history-making, best-selling country single of the year (2015) “Girl Crush.” 2017’s, The Breaker, debuted #1 on the Billboard Country Charts and Top 10 (No.4) on the Billboard 200 to critical acclaim. The album features their GRAMMY-winning, multi-week #1 single, “Better Man,” as well as the 2019 GRAMMY-nominated, “When Someone Stops Loving You.” Critically acclaimed and GRAMMY-nominated “The Daughters,” “Over Drinking,” and hit single “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” are the latest from the bands self-produced ninth studio album Nightfall which was released at the top of the Billboard Country Charts in January of 2020. To date “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” has reached global streams of over 316 Million. The bands tenth studio album is set for release later this year.

“Free and Easy” is a stadium-sized anthem, showcasing Marshall Potts’ soaring, full throttle voice that could easily rival any top rock idol’s.

“If you need to know how I’m feeling Let’s share a bottle and some of your time Cause I need to feel free and easy Before I’m gonna let you in my mind”

From this opening invitation to the sky punching chorus and rollicking outro, “Free and Easy” showcases Potts’ journey of self discovery and personal evolution in a big, bold way. It’s an attention holding, larger-than-life declaration much like the towering billboard that introduced Potts to Music City.

2021 Golden Guitar winner Kirsty Lee Akers has written about many different themes over her career, but never about herself, until now. The new single ‘Wild One’ shares the story of Akers’ drive, commitment and unending passion for music as a career. From the dive bars to the big stage, it’s been quite a journey so far.

“When I write songs they are normally about friends or family or completely made up stories but wild one is the first song I’ve ever written about myself. This one tells the story of my journey being obsessed with music from the day I was born, and chasing that dream till I can’t chase any more.” Stated Akers

The track was written with two of Kirsty’s favourite collaborators in Nashville, Phil Barton and Bruce Wallace. It is a fun, driven song, that Akers gave a real 90’s country vibe when she took the producer’s chair and went into the studio.

The track is the 3rd single lifted from Akers’ 6th studio album, entitled ‘WILD’ that is released on April 15, 2022.

About The Album – WILD – Out April 15

WILD is the exciting new album from Kirsty Lee Akers. The 2021 Golden Guitar-winner, Star maker winner and star of Channel 9’s ‘The Block’ is back with a vengeance, after battling her way through the global pandemic.

Written and recorded during various stages of the 2020-21 lockdown, the album echoes sentiments experienced by many during that time. From imagining overseas adventures long since cancelled, to freedoms previously taken for granted before COVID-19, and love that kept many homes together. The project delves into many facets of life that humanity dealt with together during this unique time in history.

Following up from her most successful album to date, this 6th studio album brings together some of Akers’ most trusted co-writers in Phil Barton, Trey Bruce, and Bruce Wallace, as well as new colleagues connected with virtually around the world. Akers again took the producers’ seat, making her one of the few female, First Nations producers on the country music landscape. In addition to her lead direction, she added long-term band members and skilled musicians in their own right, Dan Ebbels, Paul Bain, and Isaac Kennedy to the mix.

The result is an eclectic, passionate, and heartfelt mix of Kirsty Lee Akers. From her signature modern Country Music stylings, infused with the heritage and roots of Americana, held together by lashings of classic Pop indulgence.

The album will be the first released through Kirsty’s own independent label, Rider Records.

“Words can be so hurtful, faceless lies are painful. Don’t fool yourself into think that it’s nothing when it might mean something to someone else…”

The need for real human connection and to break away from the divisive influence of social media is the inspiration behind Lyn Bowtell’s latest single, ‘Woman To Woman’.

Hook-ridden and with a driving beat, ‘Woman To Woman’ sees the multi-award-winning singer-songwriter at her thoughtful best with the John Mayer infused, adult contemporary feel filling this track with radio-friendly vibes.

After two years of watching people being hurtful to each other on social media, and being separated from family and friends by travel and border restrictions, Bowtell reminds us it’s time to get together and look each other in the eyes once again.

“I hope listeners to ‘Woman To Woman’ might be a little less influenced by social media in their everyday life and consider going to the source of information before they cast judgment on people,” the singer-songwriter said.

“It’s great to be able to reach out across boundaries and borders to talk to people, but social media does come with negative effects as well and we are understanding that more and more now”.

“I’ve never had anything particularly damaging said to me on social media, although there were a few moments after The Voice, but I’m lucky in that respect. Country music people are usually friendly, supportive and good-natured.”

Through ‘Woman To Woman’, Bowtell and co-writer Kevin Bennett send the timely message that how we speak to each other is important, and not to dismiss how easily we can make people feel distress and hurt with what we casually and carelessly type on a keyboard.

“Don’t think that writing something horrid online doesn’t mean something to someone else, of course it does – it’s hurtful and degrading,” Bowtell said.

“I have missed my friends and the simple pleasure of talking and connecting with people, I think we are all excited to get back to the face-to-face conversations and real-life experiences that we have sacrificed in the last few years.”

The accompanying video, shot by Duncan Toombs of The Filmery, stars Bowtell, a 1970 Jaguar XJ6 and Lyn’s friends and backing singers on this track, Jen Mize, Kim McCartin and Kelly Brouhaha.

Multiple ARIA and GRAMMY Award winner Keith Urban unveils his first single of 2022, ‘Nightfalls’, a euphoric moonlit anthem co-written with Greg Kurstin (Adele, Beck, Paul McCartney) and Mozella (Madonna, Rhianna). Bound to be a crowd favourite at Keith’s forthcoming ‘THE SPEED OF NOW WORLD TOUR’ shows, the infectious track marks a similar return of Urban’s high-energy, in-the-moment spirit and all-round divergent musicality.

Keith says, “Writing “Nightfalls” with Greg Kurstin and Mozella was pure joy. Two summers have gone by with no way to tour and the desire to have that feeling again inspired every part of this song and recording. In a world so full of real struggles and fractures, I wanna try and bring something to help us exhale and be in the moment – if only for 3 mins and 41 seconds.”

‘Nightfalls’ follows on from ‘Wild Hearts’ and Urban’s global smash, his duet with P!nk, ‘One Too Many’, which to date has amassed 340 million worldwide streams. The song has become Urban’s 43rd Top 10 single in the U.S. and his 27th #1 in Canada. It was certified double platinum in Australia, reached #1 on the Australian Artist singles chart and has spent 44 weeks in the Top 50 UK Airplay Chart. Urban’s latest album, THE SPEED OF NOW Part 1, marks the fourth in an historic streak of simultaneous #1 album debuts in the United States, Canada and Australia.

THE SPEED OF NOW WORLD TOUR gets underway in April at the O2 Academy in the UK before ending up in Australia in December with Birds of Tokyo as the special guest.

Grammy-nominee Jason Aldean starts off the new year with the announcement of his next single “Trouble With A Heartbreak,” available alongside its haunting music video now. The reminiscent track is featured on the second installment of his 10th studio album MACON, GEORGIA (Macon Music/Broken Bow Records), which is available April 22nd, as its aching video is set in Las Vegas during National Finals Rodeo where a cowboy finds himself navigating a broken heart. The track is now available with the pre-order of the collection’s second installment GEORGIA here , while MACON is fully available here .

“The cool thing about putting out two parts of this record is having fans hear all the different influences I grew up on,” Aldean said. “This song hit me right when I heard it and reminded me of those bitter R&B breakup songs that take me back to riding through the backroads of Georgia.”

Written by Kurt Allison, Brett Beavers, Tully Kennedy and John Morgan, “Trouble With A Heartbreak” follows Aldean’s 26th career chart topper and multi-week No. One “If I Didn’t Love You” featuring Carrie Underwood. Directed by long-time collaborator Shaun Silva, its video was shot in December during Aldean’s sold-out, three-night run at The Park Theatre.

Fans can now watch the video here: https://youtu.be/TAtWP5Mct5I

The three-time ACM “Entertainer of the Year” has bolstered 26 No. One hits, 15 billion streams and more than 20 million albums sold while “MACON exhibits Aldean’s dynamic approach to Country music,” (American Songwriter). Notably, seven of Aldean’s previous studio albums have been certified PLATINUM or more and he has the most Top 10 song on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, more than any other artists, since making his chart debut in 2005. Aldean just wrapped the “explosive run” (Tulsa World) behind his BACK IN THE SADDLE TOUR 2021, as he continues be one of a card-carrying member of Country’s elite headliners whose incendiary tours are nearing legendary status. The multi-Platinum singer has launched Wolf Moon Bourbon, an 80-proof bourbon that has been distilled from Midwestern grains and aged for four years offering a finish of caramel, oak, and spice. For more information, visit www.JasonAldean.com.