ZFM Country

Riding the momentum of her previous single ‘Bad Routine’ – which hit #41 on the Countrytown Hot 50 airplay chart – Bianca Joulianou returns with ‘ Cowboy Casanova’, a feel-good rush of classic-meets-modern country rock that captures the thrill of falling hard and fast.
 
Dynamic and electrifying, Bianca continues to carve out her space in Australian country music with a unique voice. On ‘Cowboy Casanova’, she leans into grit-laced guitars, driving drums and an undeniable hook, delivering a love song that feels both timeless and right on cue for now.
 
Produced by Jake Davey – known for his work on the audio desk or behind the camera lens with artists including Taylor Moss, Saralyn and Melanie Dyer – the track blends raw energy with polished restraint. Bianca says the recording process unlocked something new in her artistry.
 
“Working with Jakey Davey in the studio really brought this track to life. He knew how to harness the raw grit of the guitars and drums while keeping the vocals front and centre, so the emotion hits hard. The process felt like capturing lighting in a bottle, Jake pushed me to dig deeper, and the energy we created together made the song exactly what it needed to be”.
 
The song itself marks a daring creative shift. “Cowboy Casanova is a song that I never thought I would write, a bold new step that marks something entirely new for me as an artist. The writing process came so naturally to me, once I got the idea of the rhythm in my head, the words kind of just fell out on the paper”.
 
There’s an ease to ‘Cowboy Casanova’ – a sense of abandon – but beneath the swagger is intention. Bianca balances classic country storytelling with a modern rock edge, drawing comparisons to the confident femininity of artists like Ella Langley and Stevie Nicks, while keeping her voice distinctly her own.
 
A 2025 Semi-Finalist for Listen Up Music’s ‘The Songwriting Prize’, Bianca has quickly become one of the most compelling emerging voices in the scene. She has opened for artists including Rachael Fahim, Dylan Wright, Shannon Noll and Diesel – sharpening her live show in front of some of the country’s most loyal audiences.
 
Outside of music, Bianca works as a mental health support worker, helping people rediscover a sense of purpose and passion in their lives. That perspective – witnessing firsthand the power of creativity and reconnection – feeds directly into her songwriting. Whether it’s a bold, high-energy anthem or a vulnerable confession, there’s always a beating heart beneath the sound.
 
With ‘Cowboy Casanova’, Bianca Joulianou doesn’t just follow up ‘Bad Routine’ – she levels up. It’s confident, catchy and charged with a spark that feels impossible to ignore.

A Band of Rain are a two-piece alt-country folk band from the Deep South – Melbourne. Songwriters Katrina Nolan and Stuart McCullough met through an online dating site and decided to form a band to annoy Katrina’s children. To that end, it’s been a raging success!Recognised at the Australian Songwriters’ Awards in 2025, A Band of Rain has been described in a recent publication as a ‘Skyhooks meets Johnny Cash and June Carter’. Duets are a tricky business. Two star-crossed lovers start by warbling sweet nothings as they gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes. But before you know it, they’re wading through more corn than Kevin Costner in his baseball field.A Band of Rain is aiming for something a little more fun.  Not many country duets mention ‘jorts’. Or shopping bags. And we’re pretty confident that there’s never been a duet that refers to ‘coddle’ – a traditional Dublin stew made with boiled sausages!Upbeat and joyful, I LOVE YOU WHATEVER is a country duet in the style of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, with a modern relatable twist.  

‘You Need a Cowboy’ is Victoria Crosby’s bold, boot-stomping leap into the country-pop/country-rock lane ̶ a high-energy anthem for anyone who’s ever dated a bloke who looks good on paper but hopeless when real life hits. With sharp, funny storytelling and a driving beat, Victoria draws a clear line between soft-handed city boys and the kind of real cowboy who actually shows up when it counts. It’s flannos, dust, dog boxes, deep-drawl vocals and a whole lot of attitude delivered with Victoria’s signature heart and a fiery new sound. Fun, catchy and instantly sing-along ready, ‘You Need a Cowboy’, is a radio-friendly crowd-pleaser built for windows-down driving and every summer playlist.

Co-written in Auckland with producer Rory Noble, Zac explains how the track “comes from a place of heartbreak and regret from a love that went wrong”, and the ongoing struggle of dealing with that fallout.
 
Fans will be able to see ‘Sunday Sober’ live when Zac takes the stage at the renowned CMC Rocks Back Forty stage later this March. Speaking of the festival, Zac says: “I absolutely can’t wait to head over to CMC Rocks for the first time! Very excited to perform, as well as getting the full festival experience and watching some of my favourite country artists.”
 
ABOUT ZAC GRIFFITH:
Zac Griffith was still a youngster when he first picked up a guitar – and then taught himself to play. Growing up in rural Tapawera, the Johnny Cash film Walk The Line was all he needed to discover his calling in music.
From playing in pubs while still in school to taking to stages on both sides of the Tasman, he’s been performing live for over a decade and honing his craft along the way. His journey took a pivotal turn in 2018 when he won a scholarship to attend an esteemed country music academy in Tamworth – the most influential spot in Australia for country music. This is where he learnt the craft of songwriting, and has since been pursuing.
But he’s not some manufactured country star; he’s a genuine, down-to-earth country boy who splits his time between hunting, fishing, and working at a local bakery when he’s not crafting songs or commanding stages. And while his influences are vast, his sound remains distinctly his own.
Recently he’s been spending time gracing stages around Aotearoa and writing a bunch of new music, both solo and with collaborators. His 2025 single, ‘Midnights In Georgia’, talks to the story of a struggling musician and the hard times faced along their journey, and was a fan-favourite when he opened for Kaylee Bell across the South Island. On top of that he’s won numerous music awards, including being crowned the overall winner at the prestigious NZ Gold Guitar Awards.

Rising country music artist, Bella Mackenzie, releases ‘ There Must Be A Fire’ the first single from an exciting new era.
 
Described as a song about betrayal and following one’s intuition, ‘There Must Be A Fire’ finds Bella writing with more self-confidence and authenticity than ever before. ‘ this era is me in my most real and confident state. Entering my 21st year of life this year, I decided to only write what was real to me and ‘There Must Be A Fire’ is no exception. To me, this song is the definition of ‘trust your gut’. I wrote this song based off the saying ‘Where there’s smoke, there’s fire’ and in this case, the fire is the other woman.”
 
With its modern edge and Bella’s remarkable talent at the forefront, ‘There Must Be A Fire’ was co-written with Grammy and CMA nominee Parker Welling (Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini), Grammy Award winner  and CMA nominee Josh Kerr (Keith Urban, Morgan Wallen) and Golden Guitar nominee Jacky McCormack, who also produced the smoky country rock single.
 
Shares Bella ,“I wrote this with hugely accomplished songwriters Josh Kerr, Parker Welling & Jacky McCormack so it was bound to be a hard hitting song lyrically. I can’t give too much away but this track is just the tip of what’s to come…”
 
Nominated for Female Artist Of The Year at the Country Town Awards and over 4.3 million+ global  streams, Bella has achieved multiple Top 10 Country Radio chart-topping singles including the recent single ‘ Tombstone Desperado’ with Jake Banfield , ‘ Grew Up Country’ , ‘ Down South’ and ‘Cowboy’.  
 
Now based on the Central Coast NSW, Bella Mackenzie has a busy touring schedule ahead, hitting the road with US country super star Riley Green on his ‘Cowboy As It Gets’ Australian Tour, before taking the stage at Australia’s premier country music festival, CMC Rocks. With these incredible shows and even more new music to be announced, Bella Mackenzie is continuing her rapid ascent as one of country music’s most compelling new voices.

ABOUT BELLA MACKENZIE
Bella Mackenzie has over 4.5 million global artist streams and over 105k social media followers, winning hearts and minds of country music fans with singles ‘Cowboy’, ‘Down South’ and ‘Buy Me A Drink’ and her debut EP ‘Wild Thing’ . Since launching her career, Bella has received support from media outlets including Country Town noting her “catchy country-pop tunes, and can-do attitude”; while Rolling Stone Australia chose her debut single ‘Cowboy’ as the Best Australian Music of the Week.  ‘Cowboy’ went onto gain high rotation on Country Music Radio, peaking at #2 on the Australian Country Radio Charts.
 
Bella has supported James Johnston, Chase Rice and Redferrin on national tours and played to capacity crowds at BIGSOUND, BOOTS, BUCKLES & BEERS, Ridin’ Hearts Festival, where she made great waves with a fan-favorite duet alongside Riley Green on “You Look Like You Love Me” (originally recorded with Ella Langley), and in 2025 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final.

Award-winning artist Damien Leith returns with his vibrant new single, “Heart Love” – an uplifting, feel-good anthem that captures the warmth of love with a subtle country breeze.Co-written with legendary songwriter Joe Melson, renowned for penning classics with Roy Orbison including “Crying,” “Blue Bayou,” and “Only the Lonely”, “Heart Love” marks a fresh and joyful chapter in Damien’s musical journey.Radiating joy and optimism, the track is a heartfelt celebration of love, blending contemporary production with timeless songwriting craftsmanship. It’s a natural evolution for Damien, offering fans something new while staying rooted in the emotive storytelling that has defined his career.Recorded at Church Street Studios in Sydney and produced by acclaimed producer Adam Alexander (known for his work with Natalie Imbruglia and Daniel Johns), “Heart Love” shines with polished production, warm instrumentation, and an infectious melodic hook.The songwriting partnership between Damien and Joe Melson began shortly after Damien’s multi-platinum album “Roy – A Tribute to Roy Orbison”, released under the executive production of the late Barbara Orbison, captivating audiences and remained in the ARIA Top 20 for over 22 weeks. That project not only celebrated Roy Orbison’s legacy but also sparked a creative bond between Damien and Melson that continues to flourish today.Since then, the pair have written countless songs together, seamlessly blending the sounds of today with a respectful nod to yesterday, carrying forward the spirit of classic songwriting into a modern era.Speaking about the new single, Damien says:
“Writing this song with legendary like Joe was such a thrill and now to hear it fully realised in the studio is incredibly exciting. I can’t wait for people to hear it and, most of all, to get out and play it live.”With  “Heart Love,” Damien delivers a radiant reminder of the power of love, melody, and collaboration; a song that feels like summer and sounds like happiness.“Heart Love” is out now on all digital platforms.

“Corn Fed” is an upbeat, feel-good country song rooted in small-town pride, family values, and the simple joys of rural life. With its catchy hook and relatable storytelling, it’s connecting with listeners who appreciate authentic, modern country with traditional heart.About Mike Kuster
Mike Kuster is an award-winning independent country and Americana artist known for his consistent radio success and strong fan engagement. He has earned multiple No. 1 songs on independent charts and has been recognized by the Independent Music Network as Songwriter of the Year. His music has received airplay across the U.S. and internationally, resonating with audiences who value honest songwriting and heartfelt performances.Why “Corn Fed” Works for Radio
· Positive, relatable lyrics
· Strong hook and sing-along chorus
· Perfect fit for Country, Americana, and Roots programming

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 three 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 15 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.“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

KINGSWOOD UNVEIL NEW SINGLE, FAITH – NEW ALBUM COMING MAY.NATIONAL TOUR SUPPORT FOR COUNTING CROWS. 
Multi-Platinum & Gold ARIA-certified, ARIA-nominated, and 4x Golden Guitar-nominated, KINGSWOOD return with a new album coming in May. Born from a love of vintage rock, country soul, and storytelling that lingers, KINGSWOOD is where Tom Petty meets Alan Jackson, and Johnny Cash shares a whiskey with Lynyrd Skynyrd – a perfect intersection of grit, groove, and heart.  Leading into the album release, KINGSWOOD drop their latest single, Faith. As the band describes the track, “ Faith paints a picture of a free-spirited woman who’s the embodiment of resilience and joy. She’s cosmic, navigating life with her mama’s wisdom, and a healthy dose of pragmatism towards traditional norms. She’s the anchor, the muse, and the centre of chaotic worlds. Throw in a touch of philosophy behind embracing the unknowns of love and living it on your own terms and you got Faith.” The song was written by Alexander Laska, Tyler Halverson and Jon Decious. With over 80 million global streams and a career spanning more than a decade, KINGSWOOD has solidified its status as one of Australia’s most enduring and genre-defying bands. Known for seamlessly straddling the line between rock and country, the band’s new release plants its boots firmly in the dust of Americana, echoing the musical spirits of Neil Young, Gram Parsons, and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Mature, intentional and confidently delivered, their new music  captures KINGSWOOD operating at full force — a cohesive, purpose-driven album built for bigger stages, long roads and repeat listens — not chasing the spotlight, but marking a defining moment in the band’s career and firmly establishing their next chapter.  Prior to album release, KINGSWOOD will head out on tour with legendary US band, Counting Crows. The Australia/New Zealand tour runs from March – April.

Ian’s been looking at life and the obscure intimate moments that it offers up for a good while now. His fascination with these details often gets recorded in pencil in a battered notebook that is not much bigger than an overnight mail train buffet car menu. These thoughts can reside in that notebook for years until one day he will see or be part of an interaction that brings them to life.He’s got a strong connection to place and is a sucker for telling stories that go to the heart what happens in regional Australia having spent a good few years driving from town to town as part of work. Sometimes melodies pop into his head that fit perfectly with notes that he’s made years ago and before he knows it there’s a song mostly finished before he turns the motor off at the end of a shift. His latest collection of tunes was born from stints working in Bathurst, Newcastle and Bucketty (you might have to look the last one up) and the landscapes that connect them all. Musically he sits somewhere between alt country and ramshackle indie blues. It’s certainly not complex music but his story telling sits out the front of original melodies and beats that are anchored in some form of truth he’s experienced.Getting these songs to a point that are shovel ready required a close collaboration with ARIA and Golden Guitar award winner Matt Fell. Matt has created a studio and venue at Wilder Tasmania where artists and the community come together to write, record and experience music under the beauty of Mount Roland. Ian spent time there in July this year having previously sent demos from his home studio in Toukley. 
He’s excited to get these tunes out there for people to hear as it’s his first solo project, having been a part of various bands’ outputs over the years. Getting his tune ‘Curtains’ into the top 100 songs in the 2024 Vanda and Young Song Competition gave him the something to build on and having road tested these new tunes at 2025 Dashville Skyline Music Festival and the 2026 Nundle Rocks Music Festival he reckons they will hold their own. Either way he’s at his happiest collaborating with pals and putting together new music that makes people pause and look at the little things in life.