ZFM Country

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. Electronic 

· Song Ratings from #1 Radio Promotion Company Loggins Promotion: SONG REVIEW:BorderlineOverall Impression”Crafting 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. Target Audience Appeal Lovers of country will undoubtedly appreciate this lovingly crafted cover. Artist target suggestions Brooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Loretta Lynn Vocals: Strength Lyrics: Strength Instrumental Performance/Execution: Strength Melody/Rhythm: Strength Arrangement/Flow: Strength Recording Quality/Overall Mix: StrengthSONG REVIEW:Only God KnowsOverall Impression”Country singer/songwriter Paul Hager paints a picture of a relationship in its twilight hour, on his release of “Only God Knows”.Backed by top shelf Nashville studio musicians, Hager delivers emotional lyrics in his distinctively expressive baritone, while guest vocalist Tania Hanceroff provides gorgeous harmonies that elevate this ballad of uncertainty to lofty new heights. Thoughtful and sensitive songwriting, along with a sleek contemporary sound, make Paul Hager’s “Only God Knows” an easy listening recommendation for both country and country-pop fans alike. Strongest Point(s) Outstanding production, great sounding mix. Nice contemporary country instrumentation and style that should have crossover appeal. Excellent song structure and arrangement. Band sounds amazing, across the board. I really like the vocal duet aspect, particularly given the subject matter. She does a phenomenal job as well. Your vocal performance is strong, with a great charismatic delivery style that will keep listeners engaged. Lyrics are raw and emotionally honest, contrasting the past, present, and future with a divine uncertainty. Really heartbreaking stuff, should resonate strongly with country-pop audiences. All in all, this is a fantastic bit of song craft and a great sounding contemporary country track. Very nice work, by everyone involved!Target Audience Appeal Fans of Country, Contemporary Country, Country-Pop Artist target suggestions Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Jon Pardi, Sam Hunt, Big & Rich, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Walker Hayes, Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan About The Reviewer Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent within the next generation of musical Vocals: Strength Lyrics: Strength Instrumental Performance/Execution: Strength Melody/Rhythm: Strength Arrangement/Flow: Strength Recording Quality/Overall Mix: Strength

Shelley Minson’s tribute to Golden Guitar Craftsman – Dance When The Music Plays(released 9 th March 2026)
Dance When The Music Plays is from Tamworth based country singer Shelley Minson and is dedicated to the man who made the iconic Golden Guitars – Noel Smith.The song espouses the intrinsic values of honest hard-working Australian people and the joy of dancing ‘when the music plays’.Shelley’s multiple award-winning husband Lawrie produced the recording and co-wrote the song with Tamworth based musician Ben Thomas. Ben’s distinctive banjo playing features throughout the track and takes the lead role at the end with a lively toe tapping jig.The traditional instrumentation of the song is replete with A-List session musicians including Andrew Clermont and Garry Steel and emerging star fiddle player, Caitlin Jamieson. Lawrie’s unmistakeable harmonica style shines through and is the perfect vocals.

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.

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.  

“Stephen Styles knows his way around a turntable, a glass of whiskey, and certainly around a true Country song. Big fan of this song and big fan of Stephen. Give this a SPIN!”- Pepper Daniels, PD KKJG San Luis Obispo, Calif 
Rising California country-rocker Stephen Styles is thrilled to announce his new single  “Whiskey And Vinyl” to country radio!Fresh off the momentum of his chart-climbing hit “Bar By Now”, country rocker Stephen Styles takes a more vulnerable turn with his latest single,  “Whiskey And Vinyl”, now impacting country radio.Solely written by Stephen, the track pulls back the curtain on the kind of late-night moments that don’t make it into highlight reels – when the room is quiet, the weight of the world feels heavy, and the only thing that truly understands you is music. “There’s something different about vinyl — it’s raw, imperfect, and real — and that’s how emotions are too,” says Stephen. “For me, this song represents using music as a way to survive hard moments. It’s about heartbreak, reflection, and finding some peace in the pain. The song pays tribute to the artists who helped me through my own difficult times and I’m now hoping to be that voice for someone else .”  This song is released via Plow House Records and produced by Grammy-nominated Brad Hill (Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, Owen Riegling).Stephen’s last single, “Bar By Now ” was a major hit on Country Radio, including:  
· Over 1M streams on Spotify
· Gained over 100K monthly Spotify listeners
· Currently on over 2.5K Spotify Playlists
· Reached #51 on Music Row Country Breakout Chart for “Bar By Now”
· Charted at #2 on Play MPE Streaming in the UK
· Charted at # 3 on play MPE Streaming in Latin America
· Charted at #9 streaming and was the 13 the most downloaded song on Play MPE International chart
· Played iconic venues and festivals including Polo Stampede, Avila Beach Resort Festival, Doug Weston’s Troubadour, California Mid-State Fair, Buck Owens Palace, Sturgis Buffalo Chip, and more.

· Belles and Dolly Parton are thrilled to announce their new single  “SON OF JOLENE” to country radio! 
· A country Artist from Omaha, Nebraska, now living in Nashville, TN, who brings a Midwest grit and authenticity to everything she does, balancing small-town roots with big-stage ambition. Her voice is as striking as her presence—effortlessly blending a dreamy, modern edge with the timeless soul of country music’s golden era.
· “Son of Jolene” began with a question that stuck with me. I met a friend’s mom named Jolene and asked him, “What’s it like being the son of Jolene?” From there, the story unfolded naturally. Belles started writing from the perspective of the man she might’ve raised — stepping into a love triangle that nods to the one made famous by Dolly Parton, but through a new generation’s lens. 
· Belles said “Getting to collaborate with Dolly was a true honor. I hope it feels like a continuation of one of country music’s most iconic stories — proof that the legacy of Jolene lives on.”
· Rocky Mountain CMA Female Vocalist of the Year
· #2 on CMT 12 Pack 2 times
· Previous single “Crazy As Me” was #3 on iTunes Country Charts
· Surpassed 700k streams on Spotify during the first three weeks of the release  
· Signed a publishing deal with Deluge Music 
· Signed an indie record deal with East Music Row Records 
· Signed a management deal with Red Light Management and booking with WME
· Released self-titled EP, “Belles” in September 2025 that charted top 40 on iTunes country album charts 
· Headlined 4 small club tours around the US including Mercury Lounge, Hotel Cafe, The Bitter End, Stoney’s Rockin’ Country 
· Grown fanbase to over 1.5 million followers on social media- including 800k on Facebook & 450k on TikTok 
· Opened for Miranda Lambert, Jake Worthington, Old Dominion & more

Australian country outfit Darlinghurst return with their compelling new single,  “Pour Me Another One” — a relatable, slow-burning track that captures the quiet need to switch off after a long day.Set in the familiar glow of a local bar, the song tells the story of slipping in alone for a drink — not to celebrate, not to socialise, but simply to sit, breathe, and let the day wash off. It’s a moment of stillness in a world that rarely stops talking.But as the night unfolds, that solitude becomes harder to hold onto. Strangers strike up conversations, assumptions are made, and the simple act of being alone is misunderstood. “Pour Me Another One” taps into that tension — the push and pull between needing space and being drawn back into the noise.Blending modern country with an understated Americana feel, Darlinghurst deliver the track with restraint and authenticity. The production remains grounded, allowing the storytelling to lead, while the vocal carries a quiet honesty that feels both intimate and deeply familiar.This is not a heartbreak anthem or a party song — it offers something more subtle: a reflection on independence, boundaries, and the small personal rituals we rely on to reset.“Pour Me Another One” follows Darlinghurst’s February release, “Trouble in a Small Town,” which was embraced by the country community and radio alike, earning Apple Music playlist support and high rotation across stations Today’s Country 94.1, TMFM (Tamworth), Australian Country Radio and Capital Country Radio.With this latest release, Darlinghurst continue to carve out their lane in Australian country music — one built on real moments, real emotion, and stories that don’t need to shout to be heard.Darlinghurst’s new single “Pour Me Another One” is out at radio on Monday 11th May and all streaming services on Friday 15th May. 

Introducing Lucie Tiger’s latest single,  ‘Oh Preacher’. With banjo, fiddle, and  honky-tonk piano accents, and driven by punchy, rhythmic production, this single delivers a satisfying slice of outlaw bluegrass country with a contemporary commercial edge.Lucie Tiger has a knack for writing songs that blend Southern imagery with wit and catchy rhythms, and she achieves this with cinematic flair and a relentless hook in ‘ Oh Preacher.’“This song came from watching the same stories play out over and over again—with  consequences that seem to come as a surprise rather than a wake up call,” says Lucie Tiger.Like a cautionary tale set in the Wild West, the lyrics lean into humour, chaos, and outlaw spirit, telling the story of a woman luring a reformed preacher back into trouble. The song flips redemption on its head—trading scripture for survival and forgiveness for reckoning.

‘Oh Preacher’ is the latest single in Lucie Tiger’s ongoing ‘ Small Town Scandal’ series – a collection of songs inspired by the steady churn of small-town gossip and news headlines, where reputation, rumour, and reality often collide. With each release, she continues to expand that world, bringing new characters and perspectives into focus.Tiger says, “‘ Oh Preacher’ doesn’t take itself too seriously – it’s a little chaotic and very much about the kind of trouble you probably shouldn’t go back to but do anyway…I’ve always loved those small-town stories where someone’s trying to move on and be better, but their past has other plans. ‘ Oh Preacher’ felt like the perfect way to play with that idea – pulling someone right back into the chaos they thought they’d left behind.”From Muscle Shoals to Music Row. Originally a city girl from Sydney whose road trips across America prompted her to stop in Muscle Shoals to record before shifting her focus to Nashville, Lucie Tiger now has a growing presence in the US as well as Australia. She won the Josie Award for Country Vocalist of the Year 2025 in Nashville and has had nine self-penned singles charting on the Music Row Country Breakout chart.Lucie Tiger skillfully gathers the stories she hears on her travels and weaves them into her songwriting. Performing her award-winning songs at major songwriter festivals and a familiar presence at Nashville songwriter rounds, she has featured at the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival (three years running) and is set to appear at the Natchez Songwriters Festival in 2026.Written by Lucie Tiger, ‘ Oh Preacher’ was recorded in Muscle Shoals – Lucie Tiger  (acoustic guitar, vocals, co-producer), Bob Wray (bass guitar), Scooter Muse (banjo), Lisa Silver (fiddle), Clayton Ivey (keys), Tommy Harden (drums), and Charles Holloman (audio engineer, producer).This single follows up Tiger’s recent release “Cowboy Love Me’ which gained nationwide airplay across Australia.‘ Oh Preacher’ will be accompanied by a visualizer filmed at an abandoned church in rural Tennessee, adding a subtle visual nod to the song’s storyline.“Oh Preacher” will be serviced to radio and all streaming platforms on Friday 8th March 2026

Acclaimed alt-country band 49 Winchester returns with the moving new track, “Oh Savannah,” the latest preview from their forthcoming album  Change of Plans, out May 15 via Lucille Records / MCA. Listen to “Oh Savannah”  HERE:  and pre order  Change of Plans  HERE:

.Change of Plans was executive produced by GRAMMY-winning producer Dave Cobb(Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson) at his recording studio in Savannah, GA. The project follows a string of critically praised releases and captures the band at a creative peak, expanding their sonic palette while remaining rooted in the storytelling that has defined their career. The album reflects both personal and artistic evolution, shaped by years on the road and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Pre-order the album, set for release on May 15, HERE: . “Oh Savannah,” written by frontman Isaac Gibson with Jessie Jo Dillon and Chris Tompkins, is inspired by the band’s time in Savannah while recording  Change of Plans with Cobb.“Oh Savannah” follows the band’s recent releases “ Slowly: Pardon Me: further showcasing a new era for 49 Winchester—one defined by emotional honesty, musical depth, and fearless exploration. The track also arrives on the heels of their debut release under Lucille Records / MCA, a stirring cover of Black Sabbath’s “ Changes: MCA is collaborating with New West Records for the band’s upcoming release, with all subsequent releases set to be issued exclusively under the MCA banner.Hailing from Virginia, 49 Winchester blends Southern rock and country with a raw, honest storytelling approach. Known for their electrifying live shows, the band has quickly gained critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Last fall, they brought that energy to two nights at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on November 14 and 15.Led by singer-songwriter Isaac Gibson, alongside Bus Shelton (lead guitar), Chase Chafin (bass), Noah Patrick (pedal steel), Tim Hall (keys), and Justin Louthian (drums), 49 Winchester continues to channel the heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom of Appalachia into every song they release.This year, 49 Winchester kicked off their headline tour on February 5 in Oxford, MS. Along with headlining dates, the band is supporting Eric Church and Tim McGraw throughout 2026.
 
About 49 Winchester:

49 Winchester has steadily built a reputation as one of the most compelling acts in modern country music, rising from their humble beginnings in Castlewood, Virginia, to selling out venues and earning a devoted international following. Formed by childhood friends Isaac Gibson and Chase Chafin, the band has spent years honing a sound rooted in Appalachian storytelling, blending country, rock, and folk influences into something distinctly their own. That relentless work ethic and commitment to authenticity has propelled them from front porch jam sessions to major stages around the world, marking them as a band whose breakthrough has been hard-earned and long overdue.Their latest album,  Change of Plans, represents a defining moment in that journey. Recorded in just eight days with Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, the record captures the band at a creative peak—seasoned, self-assured, and unafraid to push their sound further than ever before. Balancing grit with refinement, the album reflects both personal growth and artistic evolution, weaving together themes of change, maturity, and perseverance. From high-octane, genre-blurring tracks to deeply introspective songwriting,  Change of Plans showcases a band stepping fully into its moment while staying true to the roots that got them there.“We started this thing from the smallest seed possible… and by staying true to that same mindset, it finally feels like now is our time to come up.” – Isaac Gibson

With a sound rooted in authenticity and a spirit built on resilience,  Chancey Williams returns with his uplifting new single,  “Feelin’ Something New,” available everywhere now. Written by acclaimed hitmakers Marv Green and Wynn Varble, the mid-tempo track delivers a refreshing dose of optimism, capturing the moment when heartbreak begins to loosen its grip – and the possibility of something better starts to take hold.Listen to “Feelin’ Something New”  Chancey.Country/New: Driven by warm melodies and an easygoing groove, “Feelin’ Something New” tells the story of two people who have both been through their share of love gone wrong, finding comfort (and maybe something more) in each other. It’s a song about letting go, taking a chance, and choosing hope over hurt.“‘Feelin’ Something New’ is one of those songs that just feels good from the first listen,” says Williams. “It’s about moving forward, even when it’s hard, and being open to the idea that something better might be right in front of you.”Known for his Wyoming roots, rodeo background, and genuine approach to country music, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame inductee continues to build on his reputation as an artist who blends traditional influences with modern-day storytelling. Expanding beyond song, Williams recently stepped into a new creative endeavor, making his Western short film acting debut in  Becoming Billy – An Outriding the Devil Origin Story, which premiered last month at the famous Mescal Movie Set. 

About Chancey Williams:Saddle Bronc athlete-turned neo-traditional country music sensation Chancey Williams, has gone from competing on horseback to performing on center stage. As one of only two artists (along with Chris LeDoux) to both compete in the rodeo and perform on the main stage at Cheyenne Frontier Days (he was recently inducted into the prestigious Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame as both an athlete and artist), Williams is the next authentic cowboy of country music. The northeastern Wyoming native has toured the nation, taking the stage ahead of headliners Toby Keith, Cody Johnson, Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley and Parker McCollum, performing at a sold-out Ryman Auditorium, as well as headlining at The National Finals Rodeo and making his Grand Ole Opry debut. In 2022, Williams was named iHeartRadio’s Rocky Mountain Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year. He also received Songwriter of the Year for single “The Saint,” and Album of the Year for his record  3rd Street, produced by country hitmaker Trent Wilmon. With the release of his sixth and seventh studio albums,  One of These Days (2023)  and Miles on Me (2025), Williams continues “chronicling the cowboy lifestyle in his music” ( Taste of Country: