ZFM Country

‘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.

Following high school, I served in the Navy, Army, and Army Reserve for a total of 15 years. After my military service, I focused on refining my vocals and songwriting skills. Upon returning to Wisconsin after 30 years, I engaged a vocal instructor who helped me achieve professional vocal status within five years. When I began my new recording journey in Nashville Tennessee, I was fortunate to collaborate with the worlds best talent.The team included:Main vocals: Paul HagerBackground vocals: Tania Hanceroff who Currently sings at the Grand Ole Opry and has worked with Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Reba McEntire, Toby KiethPlayers: (Mark Becket) who currently is the house drummer at the Grand Ole Opry. (Chris Leuzinger) who currently plays lead guitar for Garth Brooks. (Michael Rinne) who has played base guitar for Willie Nelson, Ronnie Milsap and many others. (Pat Mcgrath) who has played acoustic for Allison Krass, Randy Owen. (Andy Ellison) who has played steel guitar for Capital Records, John Pardi. (Billy Nobel) who has played keyboard for Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, CMT. 

Paul Hager and Chris Leuzinger (lead guitarist for Garth Brooks) played on 5 tracks on this Borderline Album
Borderline Song Review:Overall ImpressionCrafting a good cover is an art form in itself. It’s a delicate balancing act where elements of the source material must not only be retained, but respected, and a clear level of distinction must be cultivated to warrant the need for a cover in the first places. I’m happy to say Paul Hager’s country reinvention of Madonna’s “Borderline” is exactly how you do it! What was once pop gloss becomes something earthier, dustier, and deeply human. Paul doesn’t just cover the song; he inhabits it, reshaping the originals DNA while preserving the melodic bones that made the original iconic. It’s a transformation that feels both reverent and boldly personal, the kind of artistic balancing act that’s far harder than it sounds—and here, it’s pulled off with effortless poise. It feels familiar enough to stir nostalgia, but fresh enough to be rediscovered. It honors the original while revealing new colors, textures, and stories within it—proof that, sometimes, crossing the borderline between genres brings a song not to a different place, but home. Strongest Point(s)A huge part of this success lies in the exceptional performances threaded throughout the track. Paul’s own vocal presence is warm, charming, and confident, imbued with the kind of gently rugged sincerity that country storytellers are known for. His phrasing doesn’t mimic Madonna’s delivery; instead, he leans into a more grounded register, letting the song breathe in a way that the country genre is known for. That charisma is met by the excellence of the session players he’s brought into the fold. Background vocalist Tania Hanceroff adds a silken glow that lifts the choruses with precision and ease, while guitarist Chris Leuzinger brings tasteful licks and understated firepower. The rhythmic foundation, held down by Michael Rinne has that seasoned steadiness only top-tier players can offer. These musicians (along with a few more high calibre session giants) whose résumés include work with towering figures like Carrie Underwood, Willie Nelson, and Garth Brooks, lend the track an unmistakable pedigree. Together, they form a band that feels less like hired hands and more like a fully developed group, one that boasts a striking amount of chemistry.The arrangement is also excellent. It’s a masterclass in deft layering: warm acoustic strums, honeyed pedal-steel sighs, tasteful electric lines, and texture-filling backing vocals. Each layer contributes a small melodic charm of its own, creating a dynamic sound that remains breezy rather than crowded. The country textures never feel pasted on; instead, they settle into the song like they belonged there all along. That sense of naturalness—of sonic warmth radiating from every bar—gives the cover its heart. And then there’s the production and mix, which strike a rare balance: polished yet never sterile. Every instrument retains its timbral character—the woody resonance of the acoustic, the brushed velvet of the background vocals, the rounded thump of the bass. The track feels like it was captured in a room where people were smiling, listening, and reacting to each other in real time. It’s clean, but never clinical; detailed, but never over-processed. The warmth isn’t just tonal—it’s emotional.

T arget Audience AppealLovers of country will undoubtedly appreciate this lovingly crafted cover.Artist target suggestionsBrooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Loretta LynnAbout The ReviewerAndre is a freelance session guitarist, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K.Vocals: StrengthLyrics: StrengthInstrumental Performance/Execution: StrengthMelody/Rhythm: StrengthArrangement/Flow: StrengthRecording Quality/Overall Mix: Strength

‘Fall In Love With You’ is the new single from just released 5th Album, ‘The Story Continues’. ‘Fall In Love With You’ is when a guy meets girl and from the start the guy just knows he is going to fall in love. He just knows it and there’s nothing he can do about it. This song is part of Pete’s new Sound, recorded in Nashville last year. 

Australian Alt Country duo No PROMISES return with their uplifting new single Wildside — a  feel-good, cruisy country track about breaking free from routine, taking chances, and chasing  the life you really want. Driven by warm acoustic guitars, rolling rhythms, and an undeniable sense of freedom, Wildside  captures the spirit of escaping the daily grind and embracing the open road. Featuring Eric  Collier on lead vocals alongside Janine Garvey’s beautiful harmonies, the track highlights the  unmistakable chemistry between the pair, with their voices blending effortlessly throughout the  song.                                                                   At its heart, Wildside is about choosing adventure over comfort and connection over convention.  Lyrics like “Quit the job working 9–5 / And we can get away on that open road” paint a vivid  picture of two people leaving their worries behind in search of something more meaningful.  The song balances classic country storytelling with modern country energy, creating a laid-back  anthem perfect for long drives, warm nights, and anyone dreaming of a fresh start.  “Wildside is about stepping outside the safe and familiar,” says the band. “It’s about taking risks,  living freely, and finding joy in the unknown. We really wanted the song to feel uplifting and  hopeful — like rolling the windows down and heading toward something better.” With Eric’s heartfelt vocal delivery and Janine’s beautiful harmonies adding warmth and  emotion, Wildside continues to showcase the evolving sound of No PROMISES — blending  country, Americana, and melodic rock influences into something authentic and memorable. 

Dust, drought and turning steel drive “Outback Sentinels”, a hard-driving, big-sky Australian country-rock story from Anthony Snape featuring Dobe Newton of The Bushwackers. Moving from spoken bush narration into a wide, guitar-charged anthemic chorus, it honours the Southern Cross and Comet windmills, water, sacrifice and family legacy. Backed by Anthony’s Australian country radio momentum, it is pitched for country and roots-rock audiences with cinematic Australian storytelling.

“Whiskey Nights” seamlessly blends driving acoustic rhythms with soaring modern production, putting Kaliko’s distinct vocal delivery front and center.As a songwriter, Kaliko crafts lyrics that are both vulnerable and universally catchy, painting a vivid picture of Friday nights, heartbreak, and resilience. With its infectious hook and stadium-ready chorus, “Whiskey Nights” is tailored for top-tier country radio airplay. It offers listeners the perfect blend of traditional country storytelling and a fresh, energetic sound that will keep the windows down on the highway.Hailing from the heart of Tallahassee, Florida, Kaliko is a multi-talented recording artist and singer-songwriter who draws inspiration from the grit of modern country and the nostalgic soul of classic songwriting. His music captures the essence of late-night drives, Southern roots, and heartfelt truths. Now stepping onto the national stage, Kaliko represents the next generation of country hitmakers, delivering tracks that connect directly with the everyday experiences of country music listeners.

Blazing her own trail in country music, Payton Howie is one of the genre’s most exciting new female artists. With over 4 million career streams and more than 150,000 social media followers, she continues to captivate audiences with her country rockin’ soulful sound and amazing vocal delivery. She has toured alongside Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Garth Brooks, Gretchen Wilson, Lukas Nelson, Corey Kent, Tracy Lawrence, Aaron Watson, Trisha Yearwood, and Warren Zeiders. Her single Ramblin’ Woman reached #5 on the Ireland Country iTunes Download Chart.Now, she returns with her latest release, “Truck Bed,” co-written with multi-platinum artist and CMA Triple Play award winning songwriter Brady Seals. Payton has also earned Female Vocalist of the Year nominations from both the Texas Regional Radio and Texas Country Music Association, cementing her status as a rising force in country music. Currently joining forces with industry heavyweight Christy DiNapoli and West Village Entertainment, Payton is someone to watch in 2027 as one of Country’s dominate new females.

“Notice The Roses’ is a song about trying to stay present amongst chaos and remember to notice and be grateful for the little things.” – Tori Forsyth
Blending contemporary country with alternative folk influences,  ‘Notice The Roses’ is built on authentic songwriting, expansive production and an infectious sound that perfectly complements Tori Forsyth’s captivating vocal. 
Fresh from a run of US performances, including Laurel Cove Music Festival in Pineville, Kentucky, and the Kentucky Fried Pop-Up Tour at The Cork in Lexington, Kentucky, Tori continues to build momentum ahead of her forthcoming album.
Tori Forsyth is one of Australia’s most compelling and emotionally fearless singer-songwriters, known for crafting songs that exist in the space between vulnerability and defiance. With a voice that cuts straight to the core and songwriting that balances raw confession with poetic restraint, Tori has carved out a singular place in modern country and alternative folk.
In 2026, Tori entered a bold new chapter with the singles  ‘Guns and Little Girls’, ‘You and Me’ and  ‘I’m Not God’ – the first instalments from her forthcoming album. The album was written entirely by Tori and produced by Scott Horscroft.
Her third studio album,  All We Have Is Who We Are, marked a powerful creative rebirth, a record that dives into darkness before rising towards self-acceptance, grace and renewal. Anchored by singles including  ‘All We Are’,  ‘Sometimes’ (feat. Shane Nicholson) and  ‘Good Enough’, featuring backing vocals from longtime mentor Kasey Chambers, the album earned Tori widespread acclaim, including a QMA Country Award for ‘Sometimes’, an ARIA Award nomination for Best Country Album, and a Golden Guitar Award nomination for Best Alternative Country Album.
Across her career, Tori has amassed more than 18 million streams, toured extensively throughout Australia and internationally, and shared stages with artists including Kasey Chambers, Jackson Dean and Wade Forster. Her songwriting has been recognised with major industry accolades, including Golden Guitar wins and nominations, and her work continues to resonate deeply with fans who see themselves reflected in her honesty.

Rising Australian country-pop storyteller Shanleigh Rose delivers a bold and evocative new single with “Like My Mama Loves Tobacco” —a track that lingers long after the first listen.

Sitting in the fragile space where love and dependency collide, “ Like My Mama Loves Tobacco” explores the emotional complexity of holding onto something that still feels like home. Between fields left fallow and the quiet weight of generational addiction, Shanleigh leans into truth over resolution—offering a raw, unfiltered reflection on emotional attachment. Backed by Tamworth Songwriters Association award-winning lyricism and deeply vulnerable vocals, the folk-country ballad captures a feeling many recognise but rarely articulate.

Since I was a child, I’ve witnessed the way addiction lives and breathes in people. I remember telling myself, ‘I will never let that happen to me.’ Fast forward to 17, and I’ve fallen head over heels for someone so intoxicating and all-consuming that it hurts. In writing this song, I realised that what I felt for them acted more like my mother’s relationship with smoking than love. And just as I had witnessed in her, I could not let go of it. I knew how bad it was for me, but I just couldn’t put it down. Eventually, it began to burn away my soul, and I knew I had to make the decision… loving me meant letting him go.” — Shanleigh Rose

Drawing inspiration from the candid, deeply human songwriting of Melody Moko and Fanny Lumsden—particularly Moko’s “Like Hank Would” and Lumsden’s “Fallow”—the track also benefits from the guiding hand of producer Michael Muchow, whose close ties to both artists bring a sense of creative alignment to the project.

It is a really different direction to any of my previous releases, but I’m just in love with this track… It’s the most ‘me’ song I think I’ve ever put out.” — Shanleigh Rose

Multi-award-winning Melody Moko adds:

Shanleigh Rose has a gift for songwriting that is both vivid and personal. With ‘Like My Mama Loves Tobacco,’ she doubles down on that gift, delivering a take on dependency that feels innocent and mature in the same breath, much like Shanleigh as an artist.”

An enchanting storyteller and captivating performer, Shanleigh Rose continues to establish herself as a formidable force in Australian music. With songwriting at the core of her artistry, she has built a growing audience drawn to her evocative lyricism and memorable melodies.

2026 has seen Shanleigh expanding Spotify catalogue now surpassed 100,000 streams across ten single releases, reflecting her steady rise and adding Oppurnities to perform and work alongside industry greats including. Fanny Lumsden on her 2026 tour, including a standout performance at iconic Brisbane venue The Triffid with Shanleigh calendar slowly filling up it further cements her reputation as a compelling live act.

With “Like My Mama Loves Tobacco,” Shanleigh Rose doesn’t just tell a story—she invites listeners to sit inside it. It’s intimate, confronting, and unmistakably authentic, marking a powerful new chapter for one of Australia’s most promising voices.