ZFM Country

What happens when a Texas honky tonk singer steps into the deep forests of Sweden?
On July 31, Kensie & Stiko release “Ash & Flame,” the second single from their upcoming collaborative album. The song brings together two musical traditions that rarely meet. Classic American country storytelling and the timeless atmosphere of Scandinavian folk music.The idea for the song was born at an old mountain pasture hidden deep in the forests of Dalarna, Sweden. Once home to generations of families who lived close to the land, the place still carries an unmistakable sense of history. Surrounded by towering pine trees, weathered log buildings and complete silence, it becomes impossible not to wonder who walked these paths before, what they dreamed about and what remains long after their names are forgotten.Those reflections became “Ash & Flame,” a song about memory, belonging and the invisible connections between people and place. Fire, wind, forgotten names and northern forests shape the lyrics, creating a world where the past feels present and every landscape seems to hold a story.For Kensie Coppin, stepping into that world meant exploring something entirely new.Known as one of the rising voices of traditional honky tonk and classic country music, the award winning Texas singer songwriter has built her reputation on authentic storytelling, powerful vocals and a deep respect for American country traditions. She made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry at just eleven years old and is now signed as a songwriter with the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.On “Ash & Flame,” however, Coppin leaves the Texas dance halls behind and embraces the mysterious beauty of Swedish folklore. The result is both unexpected and remarkably natural. Her unmistakable country voice meets ancient Nordic imagery in a way that feels fresh without losing sight of either tradition.

Stiko Per Larsson has long been one of Sweden’s most respected live performers. With more than 1,500 concerts and over 27 million streams, he has built a loyal audience through songs that combine honest storytelling with strong melodies. In recent years he has also become increasingly connected to the Americana scene, touring throughout Scandinavia, the United Kingdom and the United States.Kensie and Stiko first met through songwriting and immediately discovered a shared musical philosophy. Both believe that honest lyrics, timeless melodies and emotional performances matter more than trends or production tricks. That common ground became the foundation for a collaboration that naturally bridges continents.Their voices are joined by acclaimed guitarist Ulf Klenfelt and celebrated Swedish violinist Sofia Sandén, whose performances bring even greater depth to the meeting between American roots music and Scandinavian folk traditions.More than anything, “Ash & Flame” is about discovering common ground in places that seem worlds apart. Texas and Dalarna may be separated by an ocean, but both are places where music, stories and tradition continue to shape everyday life. The song celebrates those shared roots while creating something entirely its own.The single marks the second chapter of Kensie & Stiko’s upcoming album and arrives ahead of an extensive tour across Sweden and Denmark during August and September.

RustRiders are a Los Angeles country-rock trio made up of Ryan Curtis, Victoria Renee, and Jon “Lovebone” Gus. Built on three-part harmonies, big hooks, and the kind of sound that happens when modern country crashes head-on into classic rock and roll, the band brings together the heart of Luke Combs, the edge of Eric Church, and the harmony-driven spirit of Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles, with a little dirt under the fingernails.RustRiders recently signed a production deal with Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis, where they recorded their debut seven-song EP, Iron Blood and Rust. Their first single, “High Life,” releases June 26 on all DSPs and will lead a full rollout of new singles every 6 to 8 weeks.The band is targeting country radio first, while also pursuing Americana, rock, college, internet, and independent stations that support hook-driven, high-energy songs with real guitars and real vocals. The “High Life” campaign includes multiple lo-fi music videos releasing every two weeks, a larger official music video planned 5 to 6 weeks after release, podcast appearances, press outreach, heavy social media posting, behind-the-scenes content, performance clips, and fan-list growth through therustriders.com

BREAKOUT COUNTRY ARTIST JAKE BANFIELD CONTINUES HIS RISE WITH “SUN GOES DOWN”
Following a busy CMA Fest run and a breakout year that continues to gain momentum, rising country artist Jake Banfield returns with his new single “ Sun Goes Down” — an unmistakable summer anthem built for late nights, open skies, and festival-sized singalongs.The release follows Banfield’s official CMA Fest performance, along with high-profile appearances alongside Waka Flocka, Country Night, and 2 Friends, plus a recent collaborative release with Waka Flocka and Country Night. It marks another major moment in a fast-rising trajectory for the genre-blurring artist, who has been steadily carving out his own lane in country music.Written alongside an impressive team of hitmakers — Joe London (Thomas Rhett, Pitbull), Grant Averill (Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Whiten), Peter Fenn (Myles Smith, Nicky Youre), and Stephen Ellrod (Charlieonnafriday, Fitz and the Tantrums) — “ Sun Goes Down” captures the feeling of summer at full volume. With its bright hooks, effortless energy, and ready-made crowd appeal, the track positions Banfield with another undeniable crowd favourite.Banfield first broke through in 2025 with his viral hit “Lasso”, which has since amassed more than 54 million streams and reached #1 on the CountryTown Hot 50 Radio Chart in Australia. That breakthrough helped introduce Banfield to a global audience and cemented his status as one of the most exciting new names in country.In 2026, Banfield has continued to build on that momentum with a headline tour across Australia, performances at C2C Berlin and CMA Fest, and support slots for major artists including George Birge, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lily Rose, and more. With each release and live performance, he continues to prove himself as an artist with crossover appeal, a rapidly growing fanbase, and a sound built for big stages.“ Sun Goes Down” is the latest step forward — a feel-good, high-energy release that showcases Banfield’s ability to turn a moment into an anthem.

Big Updates:- Already well over 1 million plays on TikTok since release day which is HUGE- Huge DSP support with key playlist adds on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music- Amazing week 1 debut in the CountryTown Top 50 radio chart and climbing
 
ARIA, APRA and Golden Guitar Award-winning country artist Casey Barnes returns today with his uplifting new single  SHE DOES, a feel-good country anthem celebrating the person who stands by you through life’s highs and lows.Arriving just weeks before the release of his highly anticipated new album MADE FOR THIS on August 7, SHE DOES continues the momentum of a landmark year for Barnes, following the success of recent singles MADE FOR THIS, selected as the official theme song for Nine’s 2026 NRL season and TIME TO BURN, his acclaimed collaboration with Australian music icon Pete Murray.Hooking listeners from the opening line,  SHE DOES blends infectious melodies, heartfelt storytelling along with celebrating loyalty, resilience and the kind of love that never wavers.Written in Nashville alongside acclaimed songwriters Jordan Dozzi (Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Blake Shelton) and Kyle Sturrock, the track showcases Barnes’ signature ability to fuse contemporary country-pop production with authentic, relatable storytelling.

She Does’ isn’t just another cliché country song… it’s really about something much deeper,” says Barnes. “It’s about the person who still believes in you when you’re doubting yourself, who holds your world together when life gets chaotic, and who loves you even when you give them every reason not to. I think that’s something a lot of people will connect with.”

The release marks the final standalone single before MADE FOR THIS arrives on August 7, with the album set to launch alongside Barnes’ biggest national headline tour to date. Spanning Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, the tour will see Barnes bring his energetic live show to fans across the country throughout the second half of 2026.With an ARIA Award, multiple Golden Guitars, APRA Awards, major festival appearances and more than 90 million streams, Casey Barnes continues to cement his reputation as one of the leading voices in modern Australian country music.

Texas Country hitmaker Tristan Roberson returns with his new single “I Can’t Get Over You,” a heartfelt country ballad blending traditional storytelling with modern country production. Roberson has quickly become one of the fastest-rising young artists in the Texas Country scene, scoring four consecutive #1 singles on the Texas Regional Radio Chart, including the fan-favorite “Rough Spot.” His music has also charted on the Mediabase Country Indie Chart and accumulated 19.5 Million streams in over 182 countries.At just 18, Roberson continues to build a strong following with authentic songwriting and high-energy live performances across Texas and the Midwest. He was recently inducted into the Texas State Songwriters Association Hall of Fame — the organization’s highest honor — and was the winner of the DFW Stockyards Showdown. Tristan won Emerging Artist of the Year and 3rd Runner Up Songwriter of the Year at the Texas Country Music Awards. New Male Vocalist Of the Year” at the 2026 Texas Regional Radio Music Awards.“I Can’t Get Over You” showcases Tristan’s signature blend of emotional lyrics and classic country influence, delivering a powerful track that resonates with both traditional and contemporary country audiences.For fans of: Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson, and Zach Top

‘Fishing Taught Me Patience’ sounds like a cliche but it is really something you need to read or listen between the lines. Life is getting busier by the day and as someone who tours around the country continuously, Sally Jane sees that small town country lifestyle disappearing. The song reflects on how doing a simple task like casting a line can be the reason listeners take a step back and enjoy life. Life can be full of busyness and chaos, FTMP shows the value of slowing down and trusting that good things come to those who are patient. With honest lyrics and emotional storytelling ‘Fishing Taught Me Patience’ is the reminder that listeners need to slow down life, enjoy the little things and, hey, maybe even try to catch a fish.

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.

‘Good Girl Problem’ is a bold, attitude-laced country track that turns innocence on its head. With a slow-burn confidence and a hint of danger, Victoria Crosby captures the moment a “good girl” stops asking for permission and starts calling the shots. There’s a teasing tension woven through the lyric—equal parts sweet and reckless—backed by a driving beat and a modern country edge. Off the back of her hit, ‘You Need a Cowboy’, this release leans into a more daring side of her artistry.‘Good Girl Problem’ isn’t about losing control… it’s about knowing exactly what you’re doing and enjoying every second of it.


Australian-born, Nashville-based country rock artist Lucie Tiger returns with “Last Call For Trouble”, a cinematic country release built on temptation, tension, and the kind of stories people pretend they’ve never been part of. Inspired by the morally messy situations that seem to travel fastest after midnight, “Last Call For Trouble” steps into the perspective of the people who become the story – the ones making reckless decisions under neon lights and convincing themselves they’ll get away with it.Driven by sharp lyrical storytelling and polished country production, the track explores attraction, secrecy, and late-night chemistry without ever slipping into heartbreak. Instead, Lucie Tiger delivers a confident, character-led story that turns gossip, risk, and questionable judgment into something impossible to look away from.

Last Call For Trouble” isn’t autobiographical; it’s more about observation. Living in smaller communities, you see how quickly stories spread and how casually people can cross lines they swore they’d never cross. I wanted to write from inside that world and create a character that’s self-aware enough to know she’s trouble but not interested in stopping.”

• Lucie Tiger

“Last Call For Trouble” continues the strong momentum for Lucie Tiger, whose growing presence on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart and increasing support from radio programmers have cemented her reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting country music exports. The single is the latest release from Lucie’s forthcoming album,  Small Town Scandal, and follows the success of her earlier 2026 singles,  Cowboy Love Me and  Oh Preacher, both of which have received significant airplay across Australia and the United States while further expanding her international audience.Written by Lucie Tiger and recorded in the legendary music town of Muscle Shoals, “Last Call For Trouble” showcases an exceptional lineup of musicians. Lucie performs lead vocals, acoustic guitar, and electric guitar, joined by Bob Wray on bass guitar, Tommy Harden on drums, and Clayton Ivey on keys. The track was co-produced by Charles Holloman and Lucie Tiger.Over recent years, Lucie has built a solid reputation across both the United States and Australia with multiple MusicRow charting releases, Australian country chart success, editorial support, and growing recognition for her distinctive blend of modern country storytelling and cinematic world-building.