ZFM Country

New Zealand music icon Gin Wigmore makes a commanding return with her new single ‘Country Diamond’ – an intimate, soul-baring glimpse into the start of a bold new chapter.
 
The lead track from her soon-to-be-announced project, ‘Country Diamond’ is a nostalgic ode to Gin’s upbringing, reflecting on her past and the “what if’s” that could have been over dreamy, melancholic guitar strums.
 
“One person or moment can change your life forever,” says Gin. “So I began daydreaming about what could have been if I had chosen to follow another type of person from my past down the rabbit hole. Remembering how they made me feel and what life could have possibly looked like now if I had ended up seeing where that road could have led us.”
 
 ‘ Country Diamond ’ introduces a different side of Gin – still grounded in the enthralling vocals and unmistakable raw, raspy tone that made her a global name, but opening the door to give a taste of what will be her most fearless body of work yet.
 
ABOUT GIN WIGMORE:
One of New Zealand’s most critically acclaimed musical exports, Gin Wigmore is a generation-defining artist with a fearless, unapologetic spirit and inimitable voice heard around the world. With over 630 million plus global streams to date, four multi-platinum studio albums in New Zealand and Australia, 6 New Zealand Music Awards, and global sync placements across Grey’s Anatomy, Orange Is The New Black, Teen Wolf, and more, Wigmore has carved an uncompromising path to international success on her own terms. Almost two decades into her career, Gin Wigmore’s lasting impact places her as an undeniable force to be reckoned with.

Fresh off the back of a stellar performance at South by Southwest in Texas, Australian songbird Melanie Dyer reveals her deeply personal new single, ‘Mama Knows Best’.
 
Grounded in acoustic guitar, ‘Mama Knows Best’ puts Melanie’s honeyed vocal front and centre, while shimmering steel guitar gives the track its expansive, country pop glow. It’s a song that doesn’t reach for grandeur – it earns it, line by line – anchored in lived experience and delivered with clarity and conviction.
 
“Watching my mum raise my sisters and me with such unwavering intuition – despite having to navigate the world without her own Mother from such a young age – has been the greatest inspiration in my life. This song is more than just a thank you for her strength and sacrifice; it’s a recognition of the quiet grace it takes to carry the heaviest loads just to make the world feel lighter for everyone else.”
 
Written in Nashville alongside Imogen Clark and Jeff Cohen, the track came together with an emotional immediacy that’s felt in every note.
 
“I took the saying ‘Mama Knows Best’ to the write and this song, along with a few tears, poured out of us. Having moved away to a new country and being so far from my family, this song hits home more than ever. It makes me want to cherish the time I have with my Mum and hold her even closer.”
 
Produced in Nashville by Grady Saxman at Saxman Studios, the recording captures that same emotional weight with a refined, radio-ready polish. “Working with Grady in Nashville brought a whole new depth to this song. We really focused on letting the story lead everything – keeping it honest and spacious so every lyric had room to land. It felt like we captured something really special in the studio.”
 
Visually, the single is brought to life through a stripped-back clip directed and produced by Jackson James and filmed in Melanie’s hometown of Inverell. Racing against the sunset, the pair hauled an old dresser into a paddock and shot everything in under an hour.
 
“The most special part was having my Mum in the clip. We spent the afternoon getting ready together. I did her hair and makeup, which felt like such a beautiful full-circle moment. It took me right back to when I was little, only back then, she was the one doing mine.”
 
“The video also features a cherished black-and-white photograph of my Nanny, whom we sadly lost when my Mum was just in her early twenties and had recently given birth to my eldest sister. There was something so deeply emotional about flipping between shots of me in the mirror and my Mum looking at that photo of her own mother. Seeing those three generations captured together made the whole experience feel like more than just a music video; it felt like a tribute.”
 
The new track is taken from the singer-songwriter’s forthcoming third studio album and follows the sentimental single ‘Golden Girl’, which hit #5 on the Country Songs Top 40 Australian Airplay Chart and secured editorial playlisting across Spotify (New Music Friday AU/NZ, Hit Country, Heaps Country) and Apple Music (Australia’s Country #1, Today’s Country, New in Country, New Music Daily). 
 
Beyond the release, Melanie’s momentum continues to build internationally. Fresh off performing at SXSW, she’s set to return to Nashville’s CMA Fest in June – marking her third appearance at the festival.
 
“Getting to play CMA Fest again this year feels incredibly special. Every time I step onto a stage over here, it reminds me why I took the leap to move – it’s all starting to feel like home.”
 
With over 14 million streams to her name and a growing presence here and abroad, ‘Mama Knows Best’ continues to cement Melanie Dyer’s position as one of Australia’s most compelling voices in the genre. 
 
The release feels both deeply personal and widely resonant. Restrained, deliberate, and deeply human, it’s an ode to mothers that lands with perfect timing in the lead-up to Mother’s Day.
 
“This song isn’t just for my Mama, but for all of the Mums who deserve to be celebrated every day and in particular, this Mother’s Day.”

“Making Memories” is driven by warm acoustic guitars, bright electric textures, and a modern pop-country groove. It pairs breezy melodies with an infectious, sing-along chorus that feels perfectly suited for spring days and summer road trips. The track is a feel-good, driving-with-the-windows-down anthem that captures the simple but powerful reminder to live in the moment. With an uplifting message at its core, the song encourages listeners to put down the phone, say yes to the adventure, and experience life with the people they love. It’s so easy to get caught up in those “to do” lists…the emails…the mundane duties of life…we all have them. I think this song is a great reminder of the old saying, “If not now, then when?” None of us are getting any younger,”  said Davidson. “ I hope that this song inspires people to do something they are always going to remember. For me personally, I see time flying by, in part because my kids are growing up so fast. Sometimes I need the reminder that we need to make sure we take advantage of the time we have with the ones we love.” This single marks the third release from Davidson’s forthcoming EP. It continues to showcase his signature blend of contemporary country storytelling and polished pop sensibility, delivering a soundtrack for living fully in the moment. Dan’s appeal extends far beyond national borders. He has performed over 200 shows across eight countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, and has built a global audience with over 35 million streams and 6 million YouTube views. His career highlights include a certified platinum single with  “Found,”: hits in Canada and the U.S., as well as international chart success, including Top 10 and #1 placements in Australia. This week, Dan announced he is heading back “down under” to perform at  Savannah

SHABOOZEY, COUNTRY’S RECORD-BREAKING CROSSOVER KING, EXPANDS HIS UNIVERSE WITH NEW CONCEPT ALBUMTHE OUTLAW CHERIE LEE & OTHER WESTERN TALESLEAD SINGLE “BORN TO DIE” OUT TODAY.

The outlaw era begins here.Shaboozey returns with The Outlaw Cheri Lee & Other Western Tales, a bold, cinematic project that pushes far beyond the boundaries of a traditional album. Built as a narrative-driven Western epic, the release introduces a fully realized creative universe, one where country, Americana, hip-hop, and pop collide to tell a tragic, mythic story of vengeance, love, and transformation.At the heart of the project is Cheri Lee: a woman shaped by violence and driven by loss. After witnessing the murder of her sheriff father at the hands of the Bootcut Boys, she abandons the law and embarks on a relentless pursuit of revenge. Along the way, she falls for an outlaw tied to the very world she’s trying to destroy. Their love, rooted in hope for redemption, ultimately proves futile. When the true killer resurfaces and is executed in her name, the cycle of violence only deepens—culminating in Cheri’s final, devastating choice: blood over love, and a complete transformation into the very force she once sought to end.The album unfolds like a Western film told in chapters, incorporating narration, skits, and cinematic transitions that blur the line between music and storytelling. It is not just a collection of songs—it is a narrative experience.Leading the charge is “Born to Die,” a bombastic, stadium-sized anthem that serves as both war cry and last call. Featuring Cherie Lee and Shaboozey, the track captures the fatalistic spirit of the project, raising a glass in the face of inevitable collapse, and turning reckoning into something communal, explosive, and unforgettable.This release marks a pivotal moment in Shaboozey’s career. Over the past two years, he has evolved from a fast-rising crossover act into a full-scale global force. Where his previous work established him as a generational voice, The Outlaw Cheri Lee & Other Western Tales positions him as something more: a world-builder. An artist capable of existing at the intersection of multiple genres while shaping a distinct cultural identity that extends beyond music.Sonically, the project moves seamlessly across country, pop, hip-hop, and Americana, creating a sound that feels both expansive and cohesive. Visually and conceptually, it reimagines the American West—not as nostalgia, but as something alive, fractured, seductive, and dangerous.The creative direction lives in tension: between raw outlaw realism-bars, highways, denim, cigarette smoke and mythic modernism-neon-lit silhouettes, fire, dreamlike landscapes, and surreal iconography. The result is a world where past and present collapse into a timeless, cinematic vision uniquely authored by Shaboozey.With The Outlaw Cheri Lee & Other Western Tales, Shaboozey isn’t just releasing an album, he’s launching a mythology. One that spans music, film, fashion, and live experience, redefining what it means to be an artist in today’s landscape.
Shaboozey returnsitions him as something more: a world-builder. An artist capable of existing at the intersection of multiple genres while shaping a distinct cultural identity that extends beyond music.Sonically, the project moves seamlessly across country, pop, hip-hop, and Americana, creating a sound that feels both expansive and cohesive. Visually and conceptually, it reimagines the American West—not as nostalgia, but as something alive, fractured, seductive, and dangerous.The creative direction lives in tension: between raw outlaw realism-bars, highways, denim, cigarette smoke and mythic modernism-neon-lit silhouettes, fire, dreamlike landscapes, and surreal iconography. The result is a world where past and present collapse into a timeless, cinematic vision uniquely authored by Shaboozey.With The Outlaw Cheri Lee & Other Western Tales, Shaboozey isn’t just releasing an album, he’s launching a mythology. One that spans music, film, fashion, and live experience, redefining what it means to be an artist in today’s landscape.About Shaboozey
Shaboozey is a genre-defying artist known for blending country, hip-hop, Americana, and pop into a distinct and boundary-pushing sound. With a rapidly growing global audience and a reputation for cinematic storytelling, he continues to red music and culture.

Connor Jameson picked up the guitar at the tender age of 12 and hasn’t looked back since. Now 28, Connor has seen radio success and graced some of the most prestigious stages in Nashville, Tennessee.A true artist at heart, Connor writes all his music himself, infusing it with authenticity and raw emotion. His sound is a unique blend of country and Christian music, reflecting his deep-rooted beliefs and personal experiences.Originally from SW Missouri, Connor grew up in Georgia and moved to the Nashville, Tennessee, area in 2017.    Connor is the founder/owner of the trademarked 615NASH headwear brand.

What does Australian country rocker Jayne Denham have in common with Steven Tyler’s Nashville songwriter and producer Marti Frederiksen?A fearless love of big, bold, stadium-ready music — and it’s front and centre in Denham’s explosive new single,  “Hillbilly Halo.”Marking her highly anticipated return,  “Hillbilly Halo” is the first taste of Denham’s upcoming album, produced by Frederiksen . Renowned for his work with  Aerosmith, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Def Leppard and  Sheryl Crow, Frederiksen injects the track with a powerhouse edge, elevating Denham’s signature sound to new heights. The result signals the beginning of a bold new chapter, fusing country storytelling with commanding rock production.    It’s the era of #redemption!“This was the first track I got to write for my new album with the legendary Marti Fredericksen, and he brought in powerhouse Kylie Sackley—an Aussie absolutely tearing it up in Nashville. Between them, they’ve written more hits than you can count, so getting to create together was pure energy .” “The new Jayne Denham era is full throttle & I’m just proud to be a small part of the epic ride”.  Kylie SackleyEqual parts country-rock grit, attitude and swagger,  “Hillbilly Halo” is unapologetically loud — a high-octane anthem built to be cranked up and felt.“I’m known for cranking up the energy and firing up festival crowds, so we set out to write a country rock anthem built for good times and loud nights something that still feels like me. I’ve always been the good girl who knows how to raise a little hell, and I know there are plenty of folks out there just the same. So, we wrote a song for every wild heart that likes their fun with a wink and a touch of trouble. That’s the spirit behind it, that’s how I roll”Following the success of her 2024 #1 ARIA Country album Moonshine, Denham steps confidently into a new era. Known for her high-energy style and fearless creativity, she leans further into her rock roots while staying true to the story telling heart of country music.One of Australia’s most electrifying live performers, Jayne has stacked up five No. 1 hits, six Top 10 songs on the National Country Charts, and 12 Top 30 videos. Her album WANTED reached No. 1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album Chart and produced three No. 1 music videos on CMT. The follow-up, MOONSHINE , matched that success and earned two Golden Guitar nominations, including Album of the Year, with the title track featuring Colt Ford gaining strong rotation across CMT, KIX Country, and Australian Country Radio.She has performed on some of the country’s biggest stages including CMC Rocks main stage, Deni Ute Muster, Gympie Muster, Groundwater Country Music Festival and the Tamworth Country Music Festival, earning a reputation for high energy shows and a powerful connection with audiences.Her reach continues to grow internationally, with appearances on Today in Nashville and Fox 17’s Rock ‘n’ Review , along with performances at the iconic Bluebird Cafe.With dynamic, stadium-ready shows and a commanding festival presence, Jayne Denham continues to stay true to herself — delivering music that is powerful, edgy, and authentically her own. It is a natural evolution of her sound, not a shift away from where she started.Never one to stand still, Jayne Denham continues to evolve with every release, leaving fans — old and new — wanting more.One thing is for sure: with  “Hillbilly Halo,” it’s going to get loud… and it’s going to get crazy!“Hillbilly Halo” will be released to radio on Tuesday 28th April and all streaming services on Friday 1st May.

· #3 Australian Country Radio Chart
· #7 Community Radio Country Airplay Chart
· #14 Community Radio Metro Airplay Chart
· Featured on ABC Radio ‘Grass Roots’
· Apple Music playlists – Australia’s Country & New In Country.
Former Darlinghurst principal songwriter and Golden Guitar winner Jason Resch returns in 2026 with his compelling new single, ‘Does It Mean That It’s Over?’, released today. Marking an exciting new chapter in his musical journey, the song showcases Jason’s signature storytelling and emotive songwriting as he steps into the spotlight once again with fresh purpose and perspective.’Does It Mean That It’s Over?’ surfaced unexpectedly whist Jason was experimenting with other ideas and adding the finishing touches on his 2025 debut single ‘Talk Of The Town ’. During that time Jason was reflecting on experiences of loss and the weight of unmet expectations. Jason explains: “ ‘Does It Mean That It’s Over?’  represents a moment, and a question, that most of us will unfortunately experience and ask ourselves at some point in our lives. Then the hardest part is being realistic with what our answer is going to be.”Written and produced by Jason, ‘Does It Mean That It’s Over?’ features the pedal steel guitar of Ed Bates, one of Australia’s most loved and respected players. Renowned for his exceptional feel, technique and tone, Bates has performed and recorded with a veritable who’s who of the Australian music scene, bringing his unmistakable touch to the song. Melbourne singer Mary Catanchin lends her beautiful voice on background vocals, and the track was mixed by ARIA award winner David Carr at Rangemaster.With the release of ‘Does It Mean That It’s Over?’, Jason continues to carve out his own path — delivering a sound that is distinctive, authentic, and unmistakably his own.​​​​​​​

With a rare gift for raw storytelling and a voice dripping with soul and grit, Colorado-bred singer/songwriter Sophia Scott has amassed over 191M+ streams as an independent artist. Kicking off 2026, she releases “Miss Me Now” – a soulful anthem with nostalgic, psychedelic production and a punch of anger for those who know they shouldn’t go back to less than they deserve. Written from a deeply personal experience of being strung along in a toxic relationship, the track stands as an empowering reminder to know your worth and stand firm in it, cementing her as one of country’s most compelling rising voices.Blending fun-loving grit with soulful sensitivity in her signature country sound, Scott’s honest approach to storytelling has struck a chord with fans, fuelling a rapidly growing audience of over 800K social followers and a 65% surge in Instagram growth over the past six months.Named a 2024 Pandora Country Artist to Watch and featured on People’s Artists-to-Watch list, Scott has earned widespread acclaim from American Songwriter, E! News, Entertainment Tonight, CMT, Holler, and more, with CMT praising her as “a Nashville newcomer with a bright future in the genre.”A native of Boulder, Colorado, Scott began playing piano and guitar at a young age and quickly started writing her own songs, later honing her craft in Los Angeles and Nashville. She made her full-length debut in October 2023 with the critically acclaimed album Barstool Confessions, released the same day as her Grand Ole Opry debut.Since then, she’s hit major stages across the U.S. and Europe, including recent UK dates supporting Drew Baldridge and performances at the Grand Ole Opry, C2C Berlin and Rotterdam, CMA Fest, Country Jam Colorado, Tight Ends University, and the Tin Roof Tour. She’s also played the Ryman Auditorium, toured with the Jonas Brothers, and shared stages with Taylor Swift, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, and Kane Brown.

If you haven’t discovered Atlus yet, now is the time to pay attention. His latest single, “Secondhand Smoke,” delivers raw, no-holds-barred storytelling that demands to be heard, painting a vivid picture of his childhood and the way he watched his mother refuse to let her circumstances define her – instead, she defied them. The driving, addictive track is deeply inspirational, juxtaposing his mother’s hard-earned lessons and advice with his own self-doubts about life.Born Sean Haywood, Atlus is a natural storyteller, drawing deeply from his own life experiences. With four independently released albums already under his belt, he has built a catalogue that speaks for itself. Now, with his self-penned 15-track BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville debut, Art of Letting Go, Atlus steps into a new chapter – one defined by vulnerability, growth, and fearless honesty.Named after its title track, which confronts the loss of his sister to addiction,  Art of Letting Go mines the emotional core of Atlus’ songwriting. Blending country with elements of rock, pop, and hip-hop, the album reflects the full spectrum of his story, balancing hard truths with moments of light, resilience, and release. Led by producer Andrew Baylis (Jelly Roll) alongside a group of key collaborators, the project includes Atlus’ debut country radio single “Devil Ain’t Done,” the driving lead track “Spare Key,” alongside the newly released “Secondhand Smoke .”“ This time, with the album,  it’s about moving through moments and experiences that shaped me as a person, as a brother, as a son, and as an artist. Looking at some of the things that brought me to where I am, and both acknowledging them and letting them have their place in the story as we try to add new chapters,” shares Atlus. “ My deepest hope is that someone out there hears these songs and connects with the stories and the music and feels like their load is a little lighter because we are sharing the experience” says Atlus.As Billboard noted while naming him February’s Country Rookie of the Month, “For Atlus, who grew up in Denver in a single-parent home marked by poverty, the album marks not only a career triumph, but also a way of sharing his story of overcoming adversity, and inspiring others to prevail over their own obstacles.”Before signing with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Atlus built a loyal following through four independent albums and a relentless work ethic that carried him from the underground to major milestones. His rise includes more than one billion on-demand streams, a Platinum release, a Top 5 album on Spotify’s Global Album Chart, and a standout performance alongside Jelly Roll at a packed Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Recently named one of Pandora’s 2026 Artists to Watch in Country, he continues to connect with fans through emotionally direct songwriting and a voice that cuts through.That connection was forged long before the spotlight. Atlus began writing songs while working long hours as a commercial truck driver, crafting lyrics behind the wheel to support his family and fund studio time. That grind laid the foundation for the artist he is today and continues to shape the perspective that runs throughout Art of Letting Go.The project builds on the success of “Devil Ain’t Done,” which was among the most-added songs at country radio on add day, reached the Top 5 in Australia, and continues to climb in the United States. The track pairs a driving sound with lyrics rooted in self-doubt and perseverance, expanding on Atlus’ ability to turn personal struggles into something universally felt.

At its core, Art of Letting Go is about family – long his driving force. Today, Atlus’ success has allowed him to retire his mother, but the journey there was anything but easy. At 33, he once balanced multiple truck-driving jobs alongside UPS shifts and Uber rides, all to chase his dream and afford time in the studio.Family remains a constant thread throughout the album. Atlus’ success has allowed him to retire his mom, but before music took off, he balanced multiple jobs including truck driving, UPS shifts, and rideshare work to make ends meet and invest in his career.Atlus continues his 2026 tour with festival appearances and headlining shows before joining Russell Dickerson this spring on the RussellMania Tour.

Rising Australian artist Bella Mackenzie shares her new single ‘ Blacksmith ’ – the second taste of a new body of work set to be announced soon.
 
Much like her previous single ‘ There Must Be A Fire’ , it sees Bella step further into a bolder, sonic lane, paired with gritty, powerful visuals filmed in Broken Hill. A vulnerable, self-encouraging portrait, written entirely by Bella alone, ‘ Blacksmith ’ explores resilience in the face of betrayal, and the power in turning trauma into strength.
 
Fresh off the stage of CMC Rocks 2026 , the NSW based artist shares, “ Before I decided to write ‘Blacksmith’, I was really struggling with the concept of how someone who you’ve known your whole life, someone who is supposed to love you unconditionally, could have a motive to want to tear you down & see you fail. I guess I’m lucky that I had never experienced that until now, but I was finding it hard to wrap my head around. The easiest way for me to process these emotions is to write about them. Blacksmith is about realizing that no matter who they are, you should never accept bad treatment from anyone & that you can build something unbreakable when you let go of those people. I wrote this song on my own because of how vulnerable & real it is – I felt I was the only person who could really portray the story accurately in order to release the emotions I was feeling. “
 
With Bella’s distinctive vocals right up front, ‘ Blacksmith’ is produced by Jacky McCormack, who performs guitar and banjo on the track, backed by moody pedal steel work of guitarist Travis Toy giving the new single a distinctly modern country feel.
 
Earlier this year, Bella teamed up with US artist Jake Banfield on the country-rocker ‘Tombstone Desperado’ , following her Top 10 Australian Country Radio Chart hit ‘ Grew Up Country’ with Homegrown Trio. Her previous single ‘ There Must Be A Fire’ also made noise internationally, selected as Baylen Leonards’ Spotlight Artist pick on Absolute Radio Country (UK).
 
Bella’s profile continues to grow across the country scene. She performed at the Tamworth Country Music Festival at the start of the year, then most recently joined Riley Green on his ‘ Cowboy As It Gets’ Australian Tour . Bella was recently announced as the face of the new fashion label, and favourite of Lainey Wilson, FAR MER by Whitney, fronting the labels collection “ All My Exes”.
 
Nominated for Female Artist Of The Year at the Country Town Awards and over 4.8 million+ global streams, Bella has achieved multiple Top 10 Country Radio chart-topping singles including the recent single ‘ Tombstone Desperado’ with Jake Banfield , ‘ Grew Up Country’ , ‘ Down South’ and ‘Cowboy’.  

ABOUT BELLA MACKENZIE
Bella Mackenzie hit the ground running in 2026 with her single ‘Tombstone Desperado’ featuring rising US country artist Jake Banfield. A country-rock swaggering collaboration inspired by the 1993 outlaw film Tombstone, the song was released alongside her run as main support on Banfield’s The Lasso Australian Tour.
 
‘Tombstone Desperado’ follows her 2025 single ‘Grew Up Country’ featuring Homegrown Trio, which celebrated small-town roots, resilience and rural pride and skyrocketed to #10 on the Australian Country Radio Charts. Her 2024 single ‘Cowboy’ went onto gain high rotation on Country Music Radio, peaking at #2 on the Australian Country Radio Charts.
 
Hailing from the coal-mining town of Moranbah and now based on the Central Coast, Bella has been writing songs since age twelve, cutting her teeth in pubs and bars across regional Australia and building an audience of over 4.8 million global artist streams and 110K social media followers alongside brand partnerships with Nintendo, Wrangler, Akubra and more.
 
With a busy touring schedule ahead, Bella recently appeared at Tamworth Country Music Festival, with Riley Green on his Cowboy As It Gets Australian Tour and opened the main stage at CMC Rocks 2026 – cementing her status as one of Australia’s most exciting new voices in modern country.