ZFM Country

Sometimes the most meaningful moments are the quietest ones. Australian country-rock artist James Keith captures that spirit on his new single ‘Living This Life’, out Friday, March 27, a warm and uplifting country-pop rock track that celebrates connection, gratitude, and the simple scenes that make life meaningful.  Raised in Orange, New South Wales, among vineyards, footy fields and long gravel roads, James Keith writes with the kind of honesty that country music thrives on. His songs draw from real stories of chasing dreams, navigating setbacks, and holding on to the people and moments that matter most. Blending the grit of country storytelling with the anthemic lift of rock, James has shaped a sound that feels both modern and firmly rooted in homegrown Australian life. His debut album ‘Life Is Good Today’ spent two weeks at No. 1 on the ARIA Country Albums Chart in 2024, while the rallying single ‘On Fire’ gained widespread attention after becoming an unofficial anthem among NRL fans. In 2025, he was also named a Top 10 finalist in the prestigious Toyota Star Maker competition.  Now on ‘Living This Life’, Keith celebrates the everyday moments that take on new meaning when shared with the right person. From long drives and afternoons out fishing to weekends camping and lazy days on the water, the track reflects the joy found in building a life together. Carried by bright guitar riffs, steady drums, and an easygoing groove, this laidback song is a reminder that happiness often lives in the simple moments spent side by side. Speaking on the track, Keith shares:”‘Living This Life’ is about choosing gratitude over grind and recognising that happiness often lives in the ordinary. It’s not about chasing something bigger. It’s about realising you’re already there, living the life you once dreamed of.”With its down-to-earth storytelling and feel-good country-pop rock energy, ‘Living This Life’ captures the spirit that has come to define James Keith’s music. The single arrives Friday, March 27, offering another chapter in a journey shaped by resilience, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for the life being lived along the way.

TEBEY RETURNS WITH POWERFUL NEW SINGLE “THAT’S GONNA LEAVE A MEMORY”
Nashville-based, Ontario-born hitmaker and platinum-selling artist, award-winning producer, and internationally acclaimed songwriter Tebey is keeping the momentum strong in 2026 with the release of his brand-new single, “That’s Gonna Leave A Memory.”Following the deeply personal tone of his recent release “ Always Be The One,” Tebey shifts gears with a bold, emotionally charged track that’s primed to resonate across country radio and playlists worldwide. “That’s Gonna Leave A Memory” is a powerful heartbreaker that blends Tebey’s signature storytelling with a big, modern country sound built for impact.Written alongside fellow Canadian hitmakers Steven Lee Olsen and Derek Hoffman, the track showcases a trio of proven songwriting talent delivering a song that is both relatable and unforgettable.Backed by a major global rollout, the single is supported by extensive content, multi-country radio servicing, strategic social collaborations—including partnerships with Chevy brand accounts—and a robust advertising campaign. All signs point to a track designed to make a lasting impression on listeners and industry alike.Tebey’s track record speaks for itself. With over 133 million career streams, he has established himself as one of Canada’s most successful country exports. As a songwriter, he’s penned hits for global superstars including One Direction, Cher, Fifth Harmony, and Big & Rich, and earned a Billboard #1 with Justin Moore’s “Somebody Else Will.”As an artist, Tebey has reached new heights with his own releases, including the #1 Gold-certified single “Who’s Gonna Love You,” the Platinum hit “Denim on Denim,” and his viral 2024 cover of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights,” which has amassed over 21 million streams.With “That’s Gonna Leave A Memory,” Tebey continues to solidify his position as a driving force in contemporary country music—delivering songs that connect, linger, and leave their mark.


My new single was written during COVID and a very difficult period of my life. When you have hit rock bottom there is only one way to go …. “Upwards and Onwards“Recorded in Tamworth and produced by multi-instrumentalist, “Laurie Minson”.Local session players collaborated with me including a young violinist, Cait Jamieson, fresh out of Tamworth Music Academy.

Suzie Ungerleider (formerly Oh Susanna) releases country-enthused new single ” Amsterdam,” co-written and recorded with Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland of Whitehorse. ”This song is a collaboration with my friends Luke and Melissa from Whitehorse about our long and winding musical friendship, on and off stage,” shares Suzie. “This sing-along tells the giddy story of a shared adventure on a night off in Amsterdam, getting lost and looking at all the lights sparkling on the water in the canals.”Effortlessly upbeat and playful, Amsterdam is Suzie’s first new track since last year’s critically acclaimed “Among The Evergreens” album: 

“as sweet as folk-Americana comes.” – ****MOJO”thoughtful, luminous, expressive”   – Uncut 8/10”an album that resonates deeply”  – Americana UK 9/10”Suzie is a master storyteller”  – Thomas Waldherr, Country.de”an excellent work which displays some of Ungerleider’s most honestand personal songs to date”  – Spill Magazine”captivating voice”  – Michael Park, The International Americana Music Show”This is one of those songs you just want to replay endlessly.” - Great Dark Wonder (‘The Prize’)”Among the Evergreens is a beautiful record from start to finish.”- David Reed, The Belleville Intelligencer”a triumphant album with a tranquil sound evoking the titular evergreens” – NEXTMag 

About Suzie UngerleiderSuzie’s gloriously emotive, crystalline voice and her bewitching performances have captivated audiences for over 25 years. A wordsmith with a keen mind for detail and a wicked sense of humour, Suzie’s songs and voice pierce the heart and inspire a knowing laugh or a welling of the eye.Born in the USA and raised in Vancouver, Canada, this award-winning singer-songwriter began performing under the name Oh Susanna in the mid-1990s, winning instant praise for her striking voice and poetic songcraft. Her musical path has crisscrossed the mountains and valleys of Americana, folk, and roots, yet throughout her journey, she has remained true to her artistic vision.Suzie has received many accolades for her artistry. She is the recipient of a Genie Award for Best Original Song and a Canadian Folk Music Award for English Songwriter of the Year. She has also been nominated for three Juno Awards and five Canadian Folk Music Awards.After being a long-time member of the Toronto roots music scene, Suzie currently lives in her hometown of Vancouver with her husband, her daughter and their dog Willow.

Australian country-pop artist RACHAEL FAHIM continues the lead up to her forthcoming debut album Who You Are with the release of her new single, ‘Deep End’, and the announcement of a national album tour that kicks off Thursday April 30 th in Wollongong.

Deep End’ offers another preview of her new album due Friday May 1 st on Island Records Australia and arrives as Fahim prepares to hit the road next week supporting US superstar Jordan Davis on his upcoming Australian Arena tour.

Who You Are is a collection of raw and honest modern country-pop songs that were written between Nashville, Los Angeles and Sydney. Rachael has a canny ability to capture a complex human feeling into one or two memorable, concise lines, lines which are perfectly moulded to verse upon verse, chorus upon chorus, all throughout this considered, impressive release.

Standing apart on the record, ‘Deep End’ is the only love song on the album, offering a hopeful and heartfelt moment on Who You Are . An album shaped by the highs and lows of relationships, ‘Deep End’ celebrates the feeling of diving headfirst into love.

After a lifetime of feeling lost, guarded, and half-prepared for things to fall apart when it came to guys I’d date, this song captures the moment you meet someone who makes you want to believe again. It’s about choosing vulnerability over fear, giving your whole heart instead of holding back, and learning that real love isn’t just for the weekends – it’s for every messy, beautiful day in between,” sharesRachael.

Who You Are has already delivered a string of Radio hits including ‘Never Coming Back’, ‘Dance Around It’, ‘Good Luck’, ‘Who You Are’ and the #1 Australian Country Airplay Chart hit ‘ Too Damn Hot’, withFahim establishing herself as one of the most consistent hitmakers in Australian country music.

Today’s release continues a remarkable period for Fahim, who earlier this week performed ‘Deep End’ live in Brisbane at the Country Town Awards. Following the Jordan Davis Australian tour, Rachael will appear at Meatstock Festival in April before embarking on her Who You Are National Album Tour playing shows in Newcastle, Melbourne, Logan and Brisbane to name but a few.

ABOUT RACHAEL FAHIM

Rachael Fahim is one of Australia’s most prominent female voices in modern country-pop, with a career that reflects both authenticity and undeniable star power. With over 17 million streams to her name, she stands as one of the most streamed Australian female country artists, bringing heartfelt storytelling and pop sensibility to a new generation of fans.

After winning the prestigious Toyota Star Maker Award at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2017 and joining the ranks of past winners like Keith Urban and Troy Cassar-Daley, Rachael’s trajectory has been unstoppable.

With multiple #1 singles on Australian Country Radio, she made history in 2025 as the only Australian female artist to score a #1 country radio hit that year – placing her among just two Australians to reach this elite milestone. The breakthrough also marked the first time in 22 years that a female country artist has broken through at full-scale commercial radio in Australia, cementing her status as a true trailblazer for women in the genre.

With more than 1000 live performances under her belt, Rachael has built a formidable reputation as a powerhouse on stage, captivating audiences at global events such as SXSW in the USA and Australia’s premier country festival, CMC Rocks. She has shared stages with international chart-toppers on sold-out tours across Australia and New Zealand, earning her stripes as a trusted and compelling support act. Most recently, Rachael toured nationwide alongside Australian icon Pete Murray on an extensive 56-date regional run—further cementing her status as one of the country’s hardest-working, mostdynamic, and undeniably magnetic live acts.

NATHAN LAMONT TURNS UP THE ENERGY WITH NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘INTO IT
Nathan Lamont captures the rush of the moment on his infectious new single ‘Into It’ – a country pop anthem packed with energy, clever songwriting, and the singer’s unmistakable swagger. Equal parts feel-good and flirty, the track leans into connection, momentum, and the thrill of chasing a good time while you’re right in the middle of it.
 
Written during Nathan’s time in Nashville as part of the CMAA Sister Cities Nashville Exchange Program, ‘Into It’ was co-written with acclaimed songwriter and Aussie ex-pat Phil Barton. The track was born out of the excitement of chasing big dreams in country music’s spiritual home.
 
“I remember walking into Phil’s writing room and telling him I just wanted to write a song that was fun to sing and play on stage and that’s exactly what we came up with,” recalls the singer-songwriter. “‘Into It’ is about momentum, connection and chasing that good time high while you’re in it.”
 
Produced in Melbourne by Michael De Lorenzis – the maestro behind Nathan’s hits ‘Bigger Things’, ‘What Comes After’ and ‘Younger’, – the single builds on the sonic direction Nathan has been developing, blending polished country pop with a nostalgic ’80s edge.
 
“When I got back to Australia, we worked closely together to really shape the track into what it is now, tightening sections of the lyrics and refining the structure until it felt right. We also wanted to push things slightly in a different direction. With artists like Russell Dickerson and Charles Kelley recently experimenting with traditional ’80s instrumentation and synth textures, I felt inspired to explore the blurred lines of what’s considered country and lean into that ambiguity.”
 
The release is accompanied by a striking visualiser filmed during the Tamworth Country Music Festival with filmmaker Jeremy Minett of Eyes and Ears Creative at Dathem Park Sheep Station in Tamworth, NSW.
 
“One thing I’ve always loved about working with Jeremy Minett is our ability to capture the mood and energy of a song with minimal planning and virtually no budget,” laughs Nathan. “I sent Jeremy the track and asked if he had any time to shoot something while we were both at TCMF. We found ourselves parking a Ford Ranger on top of a grassy hill on the property, letting the headlights and the rolling landscape do all the heavy lifting.”
 
The release follows Nathan’s previous single ‘Younger’ , which climbed to #31 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart and landed extensive editorial playlist support across Spotify and Apple Music. The track featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday (AU & NZ), Heaps Country and Release Radar playlists, with Nathan also serving as the cover artist for ‘Heaps Country’ for three consecutive weeks – including a run at the No.1 position. On Apple Music, ‘Younger’ was added to Today’s Country, Aussie Country, New In Country, Little Bit Country, Country Lovin’ and New Music Daily.
 
With over three million streams and a rapidly growing fanbase, Nathan continues to cement his place as one of Australia’s most exciting rising country pop voices. A proud Wiradjuri artist from Wagga Wagga, NSW, his career has already seen him recognised as a 2 x APRA AMCOS Professional Development Awards Finalist and a CMAA Sister Cities Nashville Exchange Scholarship recipient.
 
Nathan’s time in Nashville proved a defining chapter in his story, culminating in a performance at Americanafest as part of the renowned Aussie BBQ showcase – a highlight that included introducing an American audience to a classic Australian treat. With more live dates on the horizon back down under, Nathan continues to build a reputation for energetic live shows and an authentic connection with his audience.
 
With ‘Into It’, Nathan Lamont continues his upward trajectory – blending pop polish, country heart and an undeniable sense of fun that makes it easy to see why audiences are getting into it right alongside him.

Every news cycle’s feeling like a bar fight with no referee lately,  Wattmore have accidentally written the perfect soundtrack for it. “Canadian Whiskey” is what happens when two brothers raised on  classic rock, country grit, and zero tolerance for nonsense decide to  bottle that tension and pour it over a riff. It’s raw, loud, and just self aware enough to smirk while everything burns. Think: 
· Johnny Cash attitude 
· 70s rock energy 
· A modern world that’s slightly lost the plot 

No auto-tune. No committee writing sessions. No pretending. Just a track that cuts through the noise and reminds people why they  liked music before it became… whatever this is now. Wattmore are an Australian sibling duo building momentum across alt country, roots and Americana lanes, with a growing radio footprint and a  reputation for songs that feel like they’ve lived a life before they hit play. “Canadian Whiskey” isn’t trying to be perfect.  It’s trying to be real. That’s why it works. If your listeners are after something with grit, humour, and a bit of  backbone, this one earns its spot. Appreciate your time and ears. Pairs well with long drives, short tempers, and whatever the world’s  doing this week. Add it. Spin it. Blame us later.  Who Are Wattmore? Wattmore are two brothers who communicate almost entirely through  guitar solos, sarcasm, and eye rolls sharp enough to cut glass. They’re  awkward like suddenly forgetting how pockets work to somehow  stumbling into brilliance while looking like they took a wrong turn at  common sense. Their songs are loaded with grit, mischief, and emotional sucker  punches disguised as choruses. Expect dry humour, zero small talk, and  the kind of honesty that makes PR departments break out in hives.

PATSY & DAVE | JAMES BLUNDELL – “I’m Suddenly Old”
Written by David Baird and Patsy Toop, “I’m Suddenly Old” is a warm, harmony-driven reflection on life’s passing seasons — delivered with heart, humour and unmistakable Australian honesty.Recorded around three-way harmonies throughout, the track pairs acoustic warmth with an instantly memorable chorus:“Woke up this mornin’ I’m suddenly old;The years paint my face with stories untold…”From the opening verse — “Lines on my face, a map of the years” — the song leans into lived experience rather than lament. It’s not about growing old quietly; it’s about embracing the miles travelled. Dreams chased, love found, kids grown, adventures taken — and a quiet pride in every wrinkle earned.Produced in collaboration with James Blundell, the track blends country storytelling with adult contemporary appeal. The organic instrumentation and layered harmonies create a nostalgic yet uplifting feel — perfect for country and AC formats.“I’m Suddenly Old” is reflective, relatable and quietly anthemic — a song that connects instantly with anyone who’s ever blinked and wondered where the years went… and smiled anyway.

FIRE UP! AUSTRALIA’S HIGHEST-SELLING FEMALE COUNTRY ARTIST HAYLEY JENSEN UNLEASHES RED-HOT COUNTRY-ROCK BANGER ‘BURN IT DOWN’ AHEAD OF DEBUT PERFORMANCE AT CMC ROCKS QLD

Australia’s highest-selling female country artist and 5 x Golden Guitar Finalist Hayley Jensen ignites a bold new era with her explosive country pop/rock anthem ‘BURN IT DOWN’, available to pre-save from Friday 6 March 2026 and officially released on all DSPs on Friday 20 March 2026.The fiery new single drops just in time for Jensen’s debut performance at CMC Rocks QLD, Australia’s largest international country music festival, marking another milestone in a career that continues to surge both at home and abroad.‘BURN IT DOWN’ signals the start of a powerful new chapter following the release of Hayley’s second ARIA #1 Country Album, ‘Country Soul’, in late 2025 on her independent label. ‘Country Soul’ became the highest-selling female country album in Australia, ranking #2 overall across the genre behind James Johnston, and continues to feature weekly in the ARIA Top 5 Australian Country Album Chart.Hayley is also the most nominated artist at the 2026 Countrytown Awards for commercial success, earning five nominations for Female Artist, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Tour of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.‘Country Soul’ delivered a string of radio hits and fan favourites including ‘Country Soul’, ‘Giddy Up Cowboy’, ‘Outskirts’ and ‘Stomping Ground’, all of which held prominent positions in the Countrytown Top 50 Commercial Radio Charts. With career streams surpassing 8.9 million, Jensen has firmly established herself as one of Australia’s most compelling contemporary country acts.Now, she’s turning up the heat.Produced by award-winning producer Liam Quinn (Guy Sebastian, Peach PRC, James Johnston, Rachel Fahim, Sara Berki) and co-written with Australian country-rock breakout Josh Setterfield and Canadian songwriter Craig Brooks, ‘BURN IT DOWN’ pairs gritty guitars and driving percussion with a stadium-sized chorus built for festival singalongs. The track is a fearless anthem about drawing a line in the sand, silencing doubt, and turning every “no” into fuel – delivering a high-voltage declaration of self-belief with blazing momentum.“‘BURN IT DOWN’ is about taking everything that tried to hold you back and turning it into rocket fuel! It’s about the moment you stop playing small, stop holding back, stop asking for permission, and choose to rise up in your own power. I want it to be an anthem of fearless resilience – giving everyone who hears it the feeling that they are unstoppable!” says Jensen.The single is primed to become a live favourite, with fans set to experience its full-throttle energy when Jensen takes the stage at CMC Rocks QLD, kicking off a massive 2026 festival season that includes Meatstock Toowoomba and Gippsland, Triple B Rodeo Series, RegFest Echuca, Neville Country Muster, Barra & Boots Festival, Man From Snowy River Festival and appearances at PBR Australia events, with more major announcements to come.Jensen’s momentum extends internationally, including in Canada, where she is one of the few Australian artists to gain traction at country radio, including airplay on SiriusXM across North America. She has performed at Calgary Stampede and Dauphin’s Countryfest, toured the UK with headline shows in London, Wales, Manchester and Birmingham, and in 2025 achieved a career milestone debut performance at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe during CMA Fest.Blending country grit with pop polish and a rock edge, ‘BURN IT DOWN’ signals a bold sonic evolution and further cements Hayley Jensen’s position at the forefront of Australian country music.The fire’s been lit. Now watch it spread.

At just 20 years old, Lake Macquarie country-rock firebrand Nikisha Priest hits a new peak of confidence with ‘Ace of Spades’ – a powerful rock track with country hues, built for anyone choosing independence and grit.
 
‘Ace of Spades’ doesn’t arrive with a tidy origin story – it arrives like a sign. The first spark hit in the most gloriously unglamorous way possible: a Maccas carpark, Motorhead on the speakers, and a moment of curiosity that turned into fate.
 
“I was listening to ‘Ace of Spades’ by Motorhead in the Maccas carpark (I know very classy) and I was just thinking to myself how cool the topic of the song was. I looked it up on Spotify and there weren’t many songs with the same title, so I thought how cool it would be if I wrote a song called ‘Ace of Spades’. As I decided I would write this song I had a white car parked right next to me and as I turned my head this car had an Ace of Spade sticker just slapped on the side of the car door.   I took it as a sign that this song had to be written.”
 
What followed was a deep dive into the playing card’s symbology and what emerged was a compelling message of rebirth and individuality. “This song is all about leaving what’s not meant for you behind, being unapologetically yourself and choosing your inner strength! I hope this song brings you comfort and leaves you feeling empowered!”
 
It’s that mix of instinct and intention that makes ‘ Ace of Spades’ hit so hard – a song that feels like transformation mid-stride. With dark shimmer in the lyric and a backbone of country-rock attitude, Nikisha turns symbolism into self-belief: walking away, not looking back, and letting the “new beginning” bite.
 
Produced by Simon Johnson, the track was shaped with a hands-on, anything-is-possible energy in the studio – the kind of environment where bold ideas don’t get watered down, they get turned up.
 
“When I’m creating songs, especially when it comes to bringing it to life in the studio, my creative side goes crazy and Simon is exceptional at bringing the visions to life no matter the task, I always feel like I can voice my opinions and really dive into creating the music and he is right there with me with that same passion.”
 
The visual world of ‘Ace of Spades’ keeps that same momentum. With a visualizer by Jeremy Minett of Eyes and Ears Creative, the release expands into a full-throttle statement – captured at Full Throttle Ranch, a location that matched the song’s edge and atmosphere.