ZFM Country

Celebrated country music group The Finleys are set to launch their highly anticipated fourth single, “Mr Wrong,” a heartfelt track that captures Col Finley’s transformation from the wild outlaw of country music to a devoted husband and father. This new release not only highlights The Finley’s growth but also takes listeners on a ride through the gritty and often tumultuous world of personal redemption.Set against the backdrop of a classic Western narrative, follows the old cowboy as he contemplates his past and faces the consequences of his choices. “Mr Wrong” vivid imagery and a compelling storyline, the songwriting trio of Mike Carr, Ian Dickson, and Col Finley expertly set the tone for this moving track. The song reflects Col Finley’s journey to conquer the “bad habits” that once defined him, ultimately allowing him to embrace a life filled with love and stability.

“I’ve got to kill MR Wrong to get Mrs Right” There are moments in my life im not too proud of, but don’t regret im so thankful for the love and patience that Nellie has for me. It gave me the chance to become a better man for her. Killing Mr Wrong wasn’t easy, but it was definitely something I had to do.Col Finley, known for his vibrant performances and unforgettable storytelling, has captivated audiences throughout his career. still characterised as “The Original Outlaw” of country music, has transformed from the life of the party, from late-night escapades and an endless cycle of drug-fuelled, boozy tours, into a mature artist who values connection and responsible living.”Mr Wrong” serves as a significant chapter in The Finley’s ongoing “Rocking Country Love Story” , as it chronicles their quest to overcome the darker aspects of life for the sake of love, particularly for his partner, Nellie. This track promises to resonate with anyone who has faced battles with their own inner demons, making it both relatable and inspiring.Media Quotes
 “Raw & honest lyrics, a relatable song for anyone who has beat the demons to win in life” 
Dan Saunders – TMFM Country Music Radio Australia“A true soundtrack to the Finley’s story, set as a Dime Novel Western, it’s a must listen
Mike Peats – U.S Country Music Journalist & Correspondent   

PIPER RODRIGUES LAUNCHES A NEW ERA WITH LATE-NIGHT COUNTRY ANTHEM “WHISKEY TALKIN’”
Piper Rodrigues is carving out her own lane in Australian country music — blending classic heartbreak with modern sparkle. A 2024 Toyota Star Maker Finalist, she’s fast  emerging as one  of the country’s most exciting rising artists. Her latest single, HEARTBRAKES, made a standout debut, landing at No. 2 on the PlayMPE charts and No. 3 on the AMRAP Metro Chart. The track has received national radio rotation on KIX Country and Triple M, alongside playlist support from Apple Music ( Aussie Country , Country Caffeine, Country Wide), cementing Piper’s growing presence across the national landscape. Known for her raw, relatable storytelling and magnetic stage presence, Piper has secured spots  on major festival lineups including Meatstock Toowoomba and Lasso Country Music Festival. Collaborations with acclaimed artists Shane Nicholson, Melanie Dyer, and Tori Forsyth further underscore her credibility and growing momentum within the industry.on, you need to know better and completely ignore it,” says Rodrigues. “Doing it for the plot comes at a cost.”“I cannot wait for what the rest of 2026 has in store, and I feel like ‘ Whiskey Talkin’ is the perfect start. I spent most of 2025 writing back and forth from Nashville, and this feels like the dawn of a new era in my sound.”

Multi Golden Guitar and Gold Record recipient, Melinda Schneider’s new album TENDER has debuted at #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album Chart and #1 on the AIR 100% Independent Albums Chart, reaffirming Melinda’s enduring connection with audiences and her place at the forefront of Australian music with her first original studio album in over a decade.
 
Schneiders’ fifteenth album titled ‘Tender’ has also garnered widespread critical acclaim, Country Music News International Magazine described the album as “ the soul stirring strength of softness”:
“There is a specific kind of bravery required to stay soft in a world that often demands we harden. For Melinda Schneider, that softness isn’t just a personality trait — it’s a superpower. This isn’t merely a collection of eleven songs; it is a vivid, emotionally panoramic map of a woman who has navigated the peaks of fame and the valleys of personal growth, emerging with her most potent work to date”. 
The eleven-track LP is anchored by its emotional centrepiece, the soul-pop classic, ‘Tender ’ — a standout duet featuring Diesel. 
‘Tender’ is a soulful reflection – a call for men to love with integrity, tenderness, and heart. It speaks to what it truly means to “do right by a woman,” reminding us that real connection is built on honesty, loyalty, and finding the courage and strength to be both powerful and gentle in equal measure. 
Melinda and Diesel’s performance on this track is full of soul and their vocal blend is sublime. 
Melinda says: “I’ve always been tender — in every sense of the word. As an empath, I feel everything deeply, too deeply. My tenderness once felt like a burden, probably because I was around people who didn’t share my values, but over time it became my strength. Tender celebrates that transformation into safety and authenticity – now I am safe, I can be gentle with myself, and vulnerable with others.”
Diesel adds: “With all the stereotypes of how genders should act, it’s important to remember just to be tender. This song brought me into that feeling with its melody and lyrics from the get-go, and getting to share that space with Melinda vocally is always a treat for me.”TENDER showcases some of the finest producers and musicians from Australia and Nashville – producer and multi-instrumentalist Rod McCormack, producer Wayne Connolly (Boy & Bear, Hoodoo Gurus), Ian Lees (bass), Rod Motbey (guitars), Clayton Doley (Hammond and keys), drummers Pete Drummond and Glenn Wilson and legendary Nashville pedal steel player, Bruce Bouton. 
 
In a unique creative move, Schneider has bridged the gap between the auditory and the visual. As an abstract expressionist, Melinda developed eleven original paintings to represent each song on the album, which were recently showcased at the Tamworth Regional Gallery.  “The songs came first, then I created eleven original paintings inspired by each track,” Melinda explains.
 
TENDER showcases Melinda in extraordinary voice. As she shares, “This album reflects exactly where I am right now — tender, authentic and stronger than ever.”

Mack & Cook return with their new single  “A Sign of the Times”, a quietly political song offered not as a solution, but as a contribution.After more than thirty years as an original member of  The Wiggles — a role that left little room for political expression —  Murray Cook now steps carefully out on the same limb he first occupied during his participation in the  YES campaign. This new release represents a decision not to retreat, but to return to unresolved issues at the heart of the country we all call home: most notably, the ongoing absence of a treaty with Aboriginal people.Rather than arguing from a platform,  “A Sign of the Times” asks what it truly means for all of us to “do our bit” — to renew pressure, take individual responsibility, and express dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.  Not to “spoil the barbecue”, but with the belief that if enough people step up in visible ways, pressure can be maintained and justice achieved for the original owners of this land.  Quote
“This song is deeply personal and deeply political for both of us. We stand united in needing, wanting and (to be honest are VERY over) waiting for justice for our Aboriginal brothers and sisters – if not now, then when?”The song opens with many true-blue visual metaphors, including one both Mack and Cook believe to be our country’s ultimate moment of justice;  Gough Whitlam pouring the red desert sand into the hands of Vincent Lingiari.Musically,  “A Sign of the Times” is framed through an  Australiana-meets-Americana lens, drawing on country storytelling traditions with hints of blues. A steady, unhurried pace, classic country-style guitar hooks, and layered male and female harmonies allow the lyric to unfold gently.Beneath the warmth of the sound lies a deeper connection to sadness and disappointment — particularly the unanswered grief carried by Aboriginal people, especially the  Stolen Generations — and a shared sense of waiting that has stretched across generations. From the hope of Mabo through decades of political inertia, and most recently the disappointment following the failed  YES campaign, the song captures a lifetime of expectation deferred.Rather than offering answers or closure, “A Sign of the Times” holds up a mirror, settling into something more enduring through its central, unresolved question:  “Why?”The release arrives amid renewed cultural pressure in Australia. A visible shift is occurring across film, television and public conversation, with new ABC programs such as  Always Was, Tonight signalling a growing willingness to confront the nation’s hardest truths. International attention has long questioned Australia’s unfinished business with its First Nations people, and this song sits squarely within that conversation.In this sense, “A Sign of the Times” feels part of a broader movement in Australian cultural expression — driven by a shared desire, need and demand to see justice served within our lifetimes. It speaks to a country done with waiting, ready to re-order priorities, and willing to take responsibility for justice into its own hands.

CLANCY PYE SHINES A LIGHT ON SMALL TOWN STRENGTH WITH HER NEW SINGLE ‘MY HOMETOWN’
 
Country music riser Clancy Pye delivers a driving country-rock anthem that celebrates the pride and resilience of small-town Australia on ‘My Hometown’. Built on big vocal hooks, punchy guitar licks and an unmistakable sense of heart, the track shines a light on the places that shape us long before we realise it.
 
Inspired by Clancy’s upbringing in Oberon, a small town in the Central West of NSW, ‘My Hometown’ captures the universal details of country life – one road in, one road out, familiar faces, shared histories and communities that punch well above their weight.
 
“My Hometown is a song that was largely inspired by where I grew up – it’s a town of less than 3,000 people,” tells the singer-songwriter. “There are no traffic lights or chain stores. There’s one main road into town, and one main road out.”
 
While it’s easy to measure towns by what they lack, Clancy flips the narrative, placing the focus firmly on the people who keep these communities alive.
 
“Without a big population, I think it’s so easy for people from bigger towns and cities to overlook rural towns for all that we might be missing. But what we don’t have is made up in spades by the people inside those tight-knit communities who are the lifeblood of every country town.”
 
Written as both a tribute and a love letter, ‘My Hometown’ invites listeners to reflect on the places that raised them – wherever that dot on the map might be. To visually bring that sentiment to life, Clancy filmed video content for this song across towns throughout the Central West of NSW and beyond, intentionally shining a light on familiar streets and local landmarks to invite listeners to see themselves – and their own hometowns – reflected in the song’s lyrics. 
 
 
Produced by Sean Rudd ( Mickey Pye, Lyn Bowtell, Luke O’Shea) at The Vault Studios in Sydney the recording process focused on creating a track that felt anthemic yet personal, while enlisting a veritable A-list of musicians.
 
“I recorded this song at The Vault Studios in Sydney with my producer and bass player, Sean Rudd, and was lucky enough to work with some seriously talented musicians, including Pete Drummond on drums and my brother Mickey Pye on electric and acoustic guitars. 
 
Clancy and Mickey later added the last pieces of the puzzle at his own studio in Bathurst, grounding the song even further in the places and people that inspired it. 
 
‘My Hometown’ follows Clancy’s 2025 single ‘Hey Mama’ and is taken from her forthcoming debut album Feels Like Home, set for release in 2026. With more than 500,000 total artist streams to date, the release marks another confident step forward for an artist who has spent years quietly refining her craft.
 
Raised in a musical family and having written more than 150 songs during the COVID years, Clancy has deliberately taken her time – prioritising songwriting, authenticity and connection over noise. That patience now shows in a body of work that feels assured, lived-in and deeply personal.
 
Clancy is no stranger to the road, having built her career through years of touring. She’s been a Top 10 Toyota Star Maker grand finalist, performed at the prestigious CMA Fest in Nashville and lit up some of Australia’s biggest stages at Gympie Music Muster and CMC Rocks. In recent years, Clancy has toured extensively across regional Australia as part of Tania Kernaghan & Jason Owen’s ‘Let Your Love Flow’ tour, performing as support while also playing guitar, keys and backing vocals in the band. 
 
As she looks toward the release of her debut album and plans for a regional tour, Clancy is raring to take these songs back to the communities that inspired them.
 
“As I approach the release of my forthcoming debut album ‘Feels Like Home’ I’m looking forward to piecing together a regional tour to get out and perform these songs across communities that have been so supportive of my music over the last few years.”
 
Punchy and anthemic, ‘My Hometown’ heralds a new chapter for Clancy Pye with its contemporary sound and honest storytelling. The track stands as a reminder that while some towns may be small, their impact is anything but.

AMIDST EXPLOSIVE FAN-FUELED ANTICIPATION, ALEXANDRA KAY RELEASES FIERY SHOWSTOPPER “STRAIGHT FOR THE HEART” FROM HER  FEARLESS NEW ERA POWERS SOPHOMORE ALBUM SECOND WIND
Billboard-charting rising superstar Alexandra Kay’s hotly awaited sophomore album, Second Wind, is out now. Featuring her new single “ Straight For The Heart, ” alongside previously released, bold, fan-favorite standouts “ Feminine Energy,” “ The Last” and “ Cupid’s A Cowgirl,” the heart-stirring collection has already ignited a fury of demand amongst her 8.6M social following. Weaving heartbreak, hope and healing into one journey, Second Wind embodies what Pandora’s “2025 Artist to Watch: Country” calls her “lover-girl era.” The compelling entertainer took the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) stage with Dallas Smith to perform their hit single “ How Do You Miss Me,” which was top 10 at Canadian country radio. Following the CCMAs, she immediately headed out on her third headlining tour of the year. Hitting cities like Nashville, New Orleans, Little Rock, Las Vegas and more, Second Wind: The Tour spanned 30 nationwide dates and kicked off on September 26 in Atlanta.“I’m so ready to share these songs with the people who have been with me every step of the way,” shares the rising starlet. “Over the past two years, I’ve done a lot of growing — and over the last year, I’ve had the chance to write about the version of myself that’s emerged from that growth. This album reflects a new side of me, and I can’t wait for my fans to experience it live — especially the happier songs that I’m hoping they’ll be screaming right back at me from the crowd.”With her independent debut album, All I’ve Ever Known, hitting #1 on iTunes (All Genre & Country) and Top 10 on multiple Billboard charts (Country Album, Emerging Artist and HeatSeeker), the heart-first songstress – now signed to BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville continues serving up the same tear-streaked ballads, raw, poetic storytelling and diary-deep honesty that her fans crave on her latest project.Born from the wreckage of a divorce, her debut was survival in real time, and although heartbreak still lingers, it no longer leads. Breathing new life into her story, Second Wind marked a revival, hitting like a spark in the dark — magnetic and glowing with possibility. Produced by Andrew DeRoberts, with the rising starlet co-writing all but two tracks, the album finds her heart not only healed but shining brighter than ever.“One of my favorite things about my fans is that somehow, even before the music is officially released, they already know every word,” she continues. “That kind of connection is rare, and this tour was such a special way to close out what’s already been an unforgettable year.”Previously out with Brad Paisley, following a worldwide headlining tour with over 80k tickets sold, the multi-threat powerhouse fired on all cylinders with the fierce anthem “ Straight For The Heart ”.  Striking like a lightning bolt of emotion, the charged-up song demanded that even if love wasn’t going to last, one should take the shot and not miss. With soaring vocals and an epic, thunderous chorus, the showstopping track set the tone for what became a soul-baring and career-defining project.Most recently, Alexandra added entrepreneur to her growing list of accolades with the launch of her first coffee shop, The Coffee Girl, in her hometown of Waterloo, Illinois. Already known by that nickname thanks to her viral “Coffee Covers” series on social media, she turned her casual morning routine into a must-watch moment, earning millions of views and national attention. Her cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” alone soared past 60M views and caught the eye of country legends like Randy Travis and Tim McGraw, who later invited her out on tour. What began as a front-porch-worthy phenomenon, her cozy kitchen corner quickly evolved into a springboard for her career. Now, with her first business venture, she’s turned that viral magic into something even more lasting.

About Alexandra Kay:
With over 8.6 MILLION social media followers, Alexandra Kay, who starred on Netflix’s series Westside, holds the rare and extraordinary ability to genuinely connect with audiences by just being her authentic true self via heartfelt melodies, her “refreshing brand of storytelling…custom-made for the country music genre” ( People), and her “angelic, yet soaring vocals” ( American Songwriter). Cementing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry, the bright and tenacious rising star that Billboard acclaimed as “ an adept, propitious singer-songwriter,” dropped her debut album – All I’ve Ever Known in 2023. The project reached #1 on the iTunes All Genre and Country charts globally and earned her a spot in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Country Album, Emerging Artist and HeatSeeker charts, independently.Now, signed to BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville and named to Pandora’s “2025 Artist to Watch: Country” list and CMT’s “Next Women of Country: Class of 2025,” Alexandra wrapped a milestone 2024 – in which she headlined her own tour, joined Jelly Roll on his Beautifully Broken Arena Tour where she was taken under his wing and was featured on the GRAMMY-nominated Twisters movie soundtrack. Taking 2025 to the next level, the captivating songstress kicks off her third headlining tour of the year, Second Wind: The Tour, on September 26, before releasing her sophomore album, Second Wind, on October 24. Giving fans a taste of what to expect, the new album will feature the bold fan-favorite tracks “Feminine Energy,” “The Last,” “Cupid’s A Cowgirl,” and electrifying new anthem “Straight For The Heart” that have been lighting up her live show. Commanding stages worldwide, she’s currently out with Brad Paisley and just opened her coffee shop, The Coffee Girl, in her hometown of Waterloo, Ill.

A new year brings a powerful new release from one of Canada’s rising country voices. ‘ I’m Not Sorry’, is the latest single from 2025 CMAOntario Breakthrough Artist of the Year nominee Olivia Mae Graham.Written about the art of letting go, Graham delivers one of her most poignant lyrics to date: “ When hanging on becomes holding back”. The recording blends emotional honesty, and an authentic vocal performance supported by genuine country production. It showcases an artist stepping confidently into her next chapter.Following a milestone year that included the release of her debut album ‘ Nobody’, multiple award nominations, CBC support, and extensive touring across Ontario, Graham continues to build momentum as an artist to watch in the Canadian music scene.

Launching into a bold new era led by Cassie Leopold.Darlinghurst ignite a powerful new chapter with their latest single,  “Trouble In A Small Town”, marking the first release in a new era for Cassie Leopold. Co-written in Nashville with acclaimed songwriter Phil Barton alongside Pagan Newman and Damian Cafarella, the track signals an exciting evolution for the project while proudly continuing under the Darlinghurst name.While Cassie now steps forward as the soul member, Darlinghurst remains the banner under which her music is released — a continuation of a story that has already delivered multiple charting country singles, a  #1 ARIA Country Album, and a  Golden Guitar Award for New Talent of the Year.“ ‘Trouble In A Small Town’ captures the chaos and joy of small-town nights — boots on the dance floor, the crowd buzzing and trouble in the air. It felt like the right song to kick the doors open and start this next chapter, and I couldn’t be more excited to be back,” says Cassie.Bursting with energy, attitude and a modern country edge, “ Trouble In A Small Town” blends country grit with contemporary hooks and production. It’s a high-impact anthem built for dance floors and loud car stereos, driven by Cassie’s captivating, powerhouse vocals.The single follows Darlinghurst’s recent career relaunch at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January, where she headlined her own show and performed as support to Jayne Denham, reminding audiences exactly why Darlinghurst became one of Australia’s most exciting country acts.Bold, energetic and unapologetically confident, Cassie Leopold leads Darlinghurst into a thrilling new era.    Her music is rooted in honest storytelling, lived experience and a strong sense of identity, combined with warmth and heart.“Trouble In A Small Town” is not just a comeback — it’s a statement of intent.

ZACH TOP WINS BEST TRADITIONAL COUNTRY ALBUM AT THE 68TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS, RELEASES NEW SINGLE “GUITAR”EXTENSIVE “COLD BEER AND COUNTRY MUSIC TOUR” UNDERWAY
Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician  Zach Top Top won his first Grammy Award for Best Traditional Country Album at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for Ain’t In It For My Health, becoming the inaugural recipient of the newly introduced category, following earlier honors as New Artist of the Year at the 2025 CMA Awards and New Male Artist of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards.“ Guitar,” is the opening track of Zach Top’s sophomore album   Ain’t In It For My Health which debuted at #1 on  Billboard ’s Top Current Country Albums chart and #11 on the  Billboard 200, earning more than 30 million global streams in its first week. Released to widespread critical attention, Top recently spoke with Jon Caramanica for a profile at  The New York Times, who praises “Top’s commitment to form remains immaculate: a high-wire routine so aesthetically faithful and brimming with theatrical mirth that he’s almost winking, merging a sense of history and a sense of play.”
Critical acclaim for Top and  Ain’t In It For My Health …“Zach Top holds his own with the country greats…Top’s vocals soar with the confidence of a seasoned storyteller”— Rolling Stone “The fastest-rising star in country music”— Variety“Ain’t In It for My Health, is good, clean country fun, full of clear-eyed comedic writing and tight arrangements.”— Pitchfork “Top’s immaculate new Album,  Ain’t In It For My Health, offers traditionalism without regression – an effortless gesture that feels mysterious and tricky to figure out.”— The Washington Post “as crisp as country music gets”— Los Angeles Times “adds to his already top-shelf catalogue of songs”— Billboard “Album No. 2 for Top expands upon the undeniable success of his debut”— The Tennessean“He possesses a swagger like nobody else in the industry”— Country Central“Another energetic pure-country presentation built around the rich twang of the ‘80s and ‘90s, this young star remains driven by the love of the game.”— Nashville Lifestyles“Top has been on nothing short of an absolute roll lately…the brightest future we’ve seen in recent memory”— Whiskey Riff“there’s a handmade, built-to-last quality in Top’s songs that has struck a chord with country fans…The ‘future of country music’ has already arrived”— The Seattle Times “It’s the sound of an artist poised to step into the big leagues—not by abandoning tradition, but by proving it still has something urgent and vital to say.” — Entertainment Focus “Top leans on the strength of the writing and the emotion behind every note, a move that feels both bold and timeless” —All Country News 
The accolade adds to an already landmark year for Top, who was named New Artist of the Year at the 59th Annual CMA Awards, earned his first #1 at country radio with “I Never Lie,” launched a jean line in collaboration with Kimes Ranch and is in the midst of an extensive tour including upcoming stops across Europe, dates headlining the C2C Festival and select stadium shows with George Strait and Chris Stapleton. See below for complete tour itinerary.Top was also featured on  Variety’s  2025 Young Hollywood Impact Report named 2025 ACM New Male Artist of the Year, performed “I Never Lie” on “ The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
.Ain’t In It For My Health follows Top’s breakthrough debut album,  Cold Beer & Country Music, which has garnered over one billion streams to date, was nominated for ACM Album of the Year and certified RIAA Gold. Multiple tracks have also received RIAA certifications, including “I Never Lie” (2x Platinum), “Sounds Like the Radio” (Gold), “Use Me” (Gold) and “Bad Luck” (Gold). Produced by Carson Chamberlain (Billy Currington, Easton Corbin), the record received widespread acclaim with T he Tennessean saying it’s full of “star-making tunes,” while  Country Central praised, “ Cold Beer & Country Music is a masterclass in traditional country music…With a record this strong, Zach Top has proven himself as a standout rising star in this format and a premier vocalist in country music.”Raised in Sunnyside, WA, Top grew up on classic country music around the family farm. At the age of seven, he formed a band with his siblings which set the stage for his musical ambitions. Throughout his teenage years and early twenties, Top honed his craft by playing in various bluegrass bands before moving to Nashville in 2021, where he has been building a reputation as one of country music’s most promising new voices.