ZFM Country

For more than twenty years Duncan Toombs has been quietly kicking massive goals in the Australian country music industry. He’s toured and recorded with Kasey Chambers, Adam Brand and Lee Kernaghan (to name a few) and was an integral member of the Golden Guitar award winning group the Adam Eckersley Band for 3 years. He’s perhaps best known as the gifted filmmaker behind countless great music videos at The Filmery, but now he’s added one more feather to his cap, with the release of his sensational debut single, ‘Run’.

The stranger to the spotlight has announced his arrival with a good old fashioned love song. “Run is a song about my wife Amanda and I falling in love,” he grins. “I believe if you ever get the chance to find someone or something you love in this life. Hold on tight … and RUN through life!” That’s exactly how this tumbling track makes you feel – as though you’re whizzing down a highway with your hand out the window or bounding through a sun-drenched field of overgrown grass. Toombs’ warm vocal captures the sentiment perfectly and invites you on his own personal leap-of-faith journey.

The single was recorded during a two-day spell at Rod McCormack’s, The Music Cellar on the NSW Central Coast. McCormack, along with Toombs and Scott Bird produced the debut effort with a little help from some of Australia’s top hired guns. “I was extremely lucky to record this song with a bunch of incredible musicians whom I’m lucky enough to call friends,” rejoices Toombs. One such friend was the highly praised, award magnet, Matt Fell. “I was also very lucky to have Matt Fell play in the band and throw in some absolute magic.”

Toombs is only on the cusp of his solo career, yet his praises are already being sung. “He has one of the most authentic modern country sounds you’ll hear. ‘Run’ is a true reflection of this,” says the incomparable Kasey Chambers. Much loved, country music queen, Gina Jeffreys, goes further and says “rich, beautiful, heartfelt vocals with an undeniably refreshing return to traditional country sounds. I absolutely love Duncan’s voice, and this will be one song that gets high rotation in our house!”

With 7 x Golden Guitar wins already under his belt for ‘Music Video of the Year’, along with a further 2 x Golden Guitar awards for New Talent of the Year and Best Group or Duo as an integral part of the Adam Eckerskley Band, Toombs is thrilled to be finally sharing his own songs with the world, while on tour this year. “I am so excited to be hitting the road this year touring with my long-time friend Lyn Bowtell,” confesses Toombs.” I will be putting together some of my very own showcases also.” For a long time, country music fans have had no doubt they’re in for a world class performance when Duncan Toombs is in the band – now even more so that he’s front and centre behind the mic.

‘Run’ is the first step for Toombs into uncharted territory. Yet with such a large family of industry and fans throwing their support behind him, his debut single is bound to find success. Just one of his biggest champions, Kasey Chambers, said – “many of us have been waiting for Dunc to share this other side of his talents and I’m happy & proud that the time has finally come!” With ‘Run’ being the first single to emerge from Toombs’ upcoming album, listeners ought to hold on tight, because this driven debut is just the beginning of a whirlwind of great music and stories.

Coming off of the release of their critically-acclaimed debut album Daydream, Australian pop-country trio THE BUCKLEYS have returned with a brand new single “Oops I Love You” which is available today, June 3, 2022 via Petrol Records/Universal Records/UMe. Recorded at Nashville’s iconic East Iris Studios earlier this Spring, “Oops I Love You” finds the chart-topping band in a fun-loving ,joyous playful mood. The song can be streamed/purchased here

“Interestingly, this song actually started out on bass,” says vocalist Sarah Buckley, oldest sibling to the Buckley family trio which includes Lachlan (guitars) and Molly (keyboards). “I was jamming with our youngest brother Dylan (15 yo) on drums just for fun and I started playing this bassline which you hear in the song. We kept jamming and when I brought it to Lachlan and Molly as just a bass and drum groove, they loved the direction, so we all started playing around with some ideas and the melodies started to take form.”

Traveling from their native Byron Bay, Australia to Nashville earlier this year to write and record the upcoming EP TAKE IT AS IT COMES (release date: August 5, 2022) with producer Chad Carlson (Trisha Yearwood, Taylor Swift, Lady A), Sarah pulled out the basics of the song and revisited it in the studio. “We kept it in our back pocket to show to our producer Chad where we were going. We were in the studio and I started singing ‘Oops I love you’ as the chorus and everyone picked up on it and I guess we ran with it!”

A breezy pop confection that pushes the band forward from their “Hippy Country” roots that put them on the map with their chart-topping debut album Daydream, “Oops I Love You” is further proof of their command of uptempo, feelgood beats and melodies. “What has been so great about this new project is that we’ve spent a lot of time writing together, just the three of us, and really been able to define where we want to go and want to say,” Sarah explains about the creative process. “Bringing our vision and ideas to some of our brilliant creative friends and collaborators in Nashville has given this new project a whole new grit, we feel. Walking into the studio with a cohesive vision between us is so important and being able to take that to a whole new level through collaboration is something really special.”

Proceeding to tackle the U.S. market, The Buckleys’ Stateside highlights include a performance on The ACM Weekly and add on Radio Disney Country with their single “I’m Comin’ For Ya (Love),” and a CMT Music USA add for their video “Breathe.” The band created a groundswell in their country with each of their four released singles charting in the Top Five of Australian country radio. Their first single “Daydream,” catapulted the trio into the limelight, scoring a #1 single on Australian country radio, which was followed by the second single, “I’m Comin’ For Ya (Love),” which reached #3. Their worldwide debut single “Money” reached #2 and its follow up “Breathe” at #3.

As international touring opportunities became limited in 2020, the band found another way to tap into a much larger market. The Buckleys became one of the first bands to capture a global audience in the midst of a pandemic, with their groundbreaking world virtual tour achieving a ‘virtual reach’ of more than 4.5 million. Presented by Live Nation, the world virtual tour was developed in conjunction with Live Nation and the band’s Australian label, Petrol. Performing individually curated shows in North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe, India, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, performances were streamed on Live Nation’s Live From Home and House of Blues’ and their partners social media platforms. Through these online channels, they were able to recreate the personalized “live” experience, during a time of social distancing.

Having been away from actual touring since the start of the pandemic, The Buckleys are hoping that the release of this single and EP will herald a new beginning of exciting new music and future live performances, especially in America. “It feels like a natural evolution from where we left things off with Daydream in 2020,” Molly says excitedly, hopeful that touring can be a large part of their gameplan. Adds Lachlan, “We’ve all grown a lot as individuals, songwriters, musicians and together as a band since recording our debut album. We are experiencing a new chapter in our lives, which you hear in the music.” Optimistic and hopeful, Sarah concludes, “We really want to get out on the road, play as much as we can, meet as many people as we can and soak in all the experiences.”

Smooth soul vocalist Natalie Nicole Gilbert teams up with singer/songwriter Chris Sloan for this power packed duet version of Adele’s Easy On Me. When the song went live on SoundCloud it amassed over 16,000 streams in just the first few days.

The simmering mezzo voice of Gilbert with the tenor vibrato of Sloan melds into a perfect union that brings plenty of romance to this track about a relationship hitting hard times. Sloan’s natural sound leans rock, while Gilbert has a passion for soulful power ballads and acoustic originals. Their harmonizing rings as true as if they’d been performing together for years.

Natalie Nicole Gilbert is based in Los Angeles, with Chris Sloan in Seattle. The two have never met in person, or even hopped on a Zoom or phone call, but the way their voices melt together brings to mind the Civil Wars.

Impacting radio and available now on all major digital music outlets.

3x CCMA Award winner for Entertainer of the Year, Dallas Smith delivers his brand new single and collaboration featuring label mate and 15x CCMA Awards nominee Mackenzie Porter. The Big Loud Records international country star shares the track on the heels of his 12th chart topping hit “Hide From A Broken Heart” and recent Music Canada certifications for the Platinum certified #1 singles “Like A Man,” “Cheap Seats,” and “Side Effects ,” in addition to the #1 track “Some Things Never Change” feat. HARDY and Smith’s most recent JUNO and CCMA Award nominated album Timeless which both earned Gold certifications.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate with MacKenzie on this song,” shares Smith. “This song is a gift written by Tom Jordan, Mitchell Thompson, Alysa Vanderheym, and Rocky Block and I’m so excited for everyone to hear it. It’s literally a ‘One Too’ hit that strikes every chord both personally and musically and I can’t think of a better duet partner to share this song with.”

“Dallas Smith and I played a show back in 2015 together,”
shared MacKenzie. “In 2016 he introduced me to my now label, producer, and manager. In 2019 he took me out on tour with him for 2 months. Many of us know Dallas as an incredible artist, but what you might not know is how much he helps other artists around him. He shares his team, his band, his knowledge and connects the dots for artists he believes in. In 2022 I somehow convinced him to sing a song with me. It’s called “ONE TOO” and I can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Last month, Smith, marked his return to Music City with a performance at the iconic Ryman Auditorium. Smith who has previously performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage, made his much-anticipated debut at the Ryman, opening for country superstar Trace Adkins.

Earlier this week, the multi-platinum JUNO Award winner kicked off the national headlining Some Things Never Change Tour with James Barker Band and special guest Meghan Patrick plus emerging country artists Shawn Austin, JoJo Mason, Kelly Prescott, and Manny Blu.

When you hear the name Billie-Jo Porter the words authentic, fun and unique all resonate with this Country music star on the rise. She’s already had a whirlwind start to 2022 as a top ten grand finalist in the Toyota Star Maker Competition, and today she releases her contagious new single, ‘More Than Friends’.

During the track’s first seconds Porter’s vocal erupts out of the speakers, saturated in a vintage-sounding delay – setting the stage for a 3-minute bop, reminiscent of 90s Sheryl Crow. The intimacy in her dulcet tones echoes her personal connection with the song’s unquestionably relatable subject matter. “More Than Friends was born out of that ‘Friend Zone’ space. Where two people are hanging out, one likes the other – then where does that lead?” muses Porter. “The idea for this song was pretty much taken from my life. I’d moved to Canada, met Kyle (my now partner) and we were hanging out as friends. It was kind of awkward as we both seemed to like each other but were not game enough to lay our cards on the table and admit it.”

Billie-Jo Porter is no stranger to the time-honoured tradition of co-writing, having written the chart-topping hit ‘Head Full of Honey’ (recorded by Andrew Swift) alongside Swift himself. When it came to penning ‘More Than Friends’ she called on wordsmith, Gretta Ziller. “[We] co-wrote ‘More Than Friends’ over a video call.” From the union of these two powerhouse females, they were bound to yield this ballsy and confident tune. “It’s from the perspective of a woman who knows what she wants and doesn’t have time for any more games”.

The Coffs Harbour local’s rising success captured the attention of multiple award-winning Shane Nicholson , who waved his producer wand over the new single. “Recording this track with Shane Nicolson was awesome! He created this upbeat track with driving guitars that makes you want to move the whole way through.” Nicholson’s gritty production certainly does the song justice, with a delightful kaleidoscope of guitar tones surrounding Porter’s soulful voice.

If the song’s sonic landscape didn’t quite transcend you to another plane of human existence, then the video clip sure will. “I love kaleidoscopes, shiny things, lazerbeams and watching old movies with retro discos. We basically put all those things in a blender and this is what came out!” exclaims Porter. Working with local filmmaker Daniel McDonald of Fifty Film and her partner Kyle (who she once again “convinced” to appear in the clip), the team has crafted a shimmering and vibrant dream; a visual rollercoaster akin to a hazy 90s acid trip.

Success has come quickly and deservedly to this new talent, with her previous two singles ‘Feels Like Us’ and ‘Eyes Wide Open’ both flying into the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts (#15 and #42, respectively). The former also debuted at #1 on the AMRAP Regional Airplay Chart, while both reached the #2 spot on Tamworth’s own 2TM chart. Her illustrious co-write with Andrew Swift was #2 on the Kix Hottest 20 and #7 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts. With these accolades it’s no surprise she was also named a semi-finalist of the International songwriting Competition and a finalist in the Tamworth Songwriter’s Association’s New Songwriter of the Year and Alt Country categories in 2021.

With a vibrant show as engaging as her music, Porter is keen to hit the road now that live music is well and truly back. Having cut her teeth supporting the likes of Thirsty Merc, Catherine Britt and Hussy Hicks she’s no amateur. Her appearance at Port Macquarie’s Boots and Beach Festival is not one to be missed, but just in case, she’s also got a full schedule of shows across NSW in the coming months.

Billie-Jo Porter comes exactly as advertised. No fake persona, no pretentious lyrics – just pure, unfiltered authenticity. In true coastal fashion she still finds time to hit the surf and practice yoga between writing her high-spirited love songs. With the latest, ‘More Than Friends’, she’s reminded us that, unlike the ocean wave that builds before disappearing into the sand, she’s here to stay – a most welcome fixture in the Australian Country music landscape.

For Nashville’s own new country-rock musician, Randall Lee Richards, songwriting is nothing short of a life calling.

As an artist, Richards has performed on some of the world’s most acclaimed stages including The Roxy and The Troubadour, yet his greatest success has come as a songwriter, penning tracks for artists in both Country and Pop. As an EMI/Sony Music writer, his songs have been recorded over one hundred times around the world and selling millions of copies in the process. Richards even had the distinct honor of being mentored by some of music’s most legendary icons, including Neil Diamond, Charlie Daniels, and Elton John.

Randall’s last track got over 4 million streams on TikTok alone. Awarded Platinum status from Tunecore, Randall Lee Richards is also a CMA Inductee.

“‘I Wanna Get Away With You’ shares the story of falling in love with my husband quicker than expected, after he photobombed me in a honky tonk bar on Broadway in Nashville. We dated for three weeks before I flew home to Australia. Two months later he arrived in my small town to ask me to be his girlfriend. It’s about feeling lucky in love and getting away with steeling someone’s heart.” – Katrina Burgoyne.

Described as “The Female Keith Urban” with a goal to become the first Australian female artist to make an impact on American country music in the last three decades, Katrina Burgoyne moved to Nashville in 2017 with just three suitcases, a guitar, and her little Aussie spirit.

Since releasing her debut album ‘White Flag’ in 2011, Katrina has secured four top ten singles, a top ten ARIA charting album, and two Country Music Association of Australia nominations. After moving to the USA, Katrina has opened for Lonestar, seen multiple number one’s on CMT Australia, a top four radio charting single, and has had over half a million streams.

As a songwriter, Katrina has collected indie and major label cuts across three continents (North America, Australia, and UK) and four countries (Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Ireland). Katrina has seen her songs top the iTunes Charts in New Zealand and Australia. Additionally, topping the mainstream Shazam charts in Northern Ireland, and gaining features on playlists such as Fresh Country, New Music Nashville, and Today’s Country.

From hard-won insight, Lyn Bowtell’s new album, ‘Wiser’, was born – out Friday, May 13.

The nine-time Golden Guitar winner has more than two decades in the music industry, a swag of life experience and a passion to create songs that delve deeply into issues that truly matter to her.

‘Wiser’ gives a clear view of Bowtell as a deeply feeling and empathetic human being. A songwriter and singer whose captivating voice demands her listener’s attention, and rewards it from a depth and confidence that comes from knowing exactly who she is. After four years of collaboration, ‘Wiser’ sees Bowtell firmly back in the spotlight.

“I’m enjoying the feeling of placing myself at the focal point of my career, these days I have complete confidence in what I’m doing musically,” Bowtell said.

“I’m less influenced by the image based nature of the entertainment industry, that pressure imposed almost exclusively on female artists of having the perfect body size and being below a certain age is losing its power over me.”

The power of Bowtell’s music and the dedication of her supporters is evident in the success in the Pozible crowdfunding campaign she ran, reaching 75 per cent of her campaign target in only 24 hours and exceeding her target in less than a fortnight.

“It can be scary asking for help but I knew that to do this album justice I would have to, and I’m so glad I did because the support I received was extraordinary,” she said.

“It replenished my faith in myself, and reminded me how much goodwill there truly is towards me from people who’ve been my supporters for so long.”

‘I Won’t Do That Again’ was Bowtell’s first single from ‘Wiser’, reaching the Countrytown/Music Network’s Hottest 50 charts, and was playlisted on ABC Country and iHeart Country.

This was followed by ‘Woman to Woman’ that is climbing radio charts across the country.

The Hunter Valley based songstress said she is determined to make a mark with this album, to remind people that she’s here to create music with serious intent – all songs came from her pen, and include co-writes with Damon Morton, Kevin Bennett, Kelly Cork, Peta Cherae Peters, Felicity Urquhart, and Nashville Songwriter Danny Myrick.

The third single ‘Maryanne The Optimist’ will be released in June.

Lyn’s new Album ‘Wiser’ will be launched at Lizotte’s in Newcastle on Thursday May 12, prior to Bowtell embarking on an extensive tour throughout NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.

Dave Herrera has a way of writing thought-provoking material, as demonstrated in this NEW Single “Shades,” a tale about a woman who catches a man’s eye with her dark sunglasses that aren’t used to block the sun, but as a barrier to the outside world. But once she pulls up the shades, one realizes there’s something deeper.

Herrera said “it’s not easy to meet people, more specifically a significant other, as OPENING UP is not an easy thing to do” as Herrera wrote in his lyrics “hiding your eyes won’t hide ya; cause only the sun shines brighter; fix a broken heart; if you look my way; let down your guard pull up those shades”.

Herrera wrote the track with the help of Cory Coppin and Kale Coppin co-writers and produced the track with co-producer Jeff Balding. “Shades” was recorded at WestRoc Studios.

With a career spanning over two decades and this year’s Gympie Muster Ambassador, Adam Brand releases this latest single, All Or Nothing, Produced by Nashville based Luke Wooten (Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley), the track was co-written with award winning, The Wolfe Brothers.

As Brand describes the single, “To be country, is more than just looking or sounding a certain way, it’s more than just a passing fad or a trend to be a part of….. being country is about authenticity,it’s actually living the life and values in the lyrics of our songs. So if your here for a fast buck or coz it’s the in thing right now…. Then move on, coz round here , it’s All or Nothing!”

All Or Nothing is the follow up to Adam’s Top 10 National Country Airplay single, Still The One; that song has garnerd over ½ million streams and counting. Both tracks will feature on Adam’s forthcoming new studio album release due out later this year.

Since bursting onto the scene with his celebrated self-titled debut album in 1998, Adam Brand has taken home 12 CMAA Golden Guitar Awards and netted six ARIA Award nominations. Across 15 studio albums, Adam has celebrated three platinum and five gold album certifications. Confirming Adam’s incomparable power as a fan favourite performer Australia wide, the world-beating artist has taken out seven CMC Oz Artist of the Year Awards – more than any other artist in the awards’ history.

Starting with the high-octane Built for Speedin 2002, Adam has enjoyed an unbroken string of No.1-charting ARIA Country Albums. 2020’s Speed of Life took out the No.6 spot on the overall ARIA Albums Chart, marking Adam’s sixth studio album to make the Top 10. As dozens of No.1 hit singles confirm, Adam ranks among the most successful Australian artists of all time.