ZFM Country

025 Country Stars Winner, Single Set to Inspire a New GenerationAustralia has a powerful new female voice in country music that has officially arrived. Celebrating her triumphant win at the Prestigious Country Stars Talent Search, Caitlin Drew is stepping into the spotlight with the release of her winning single “Half Your Luck”, a heartfelt tribute to her childhood experiences growing up in the countryside. From the moment she first took the stage, Caitlin Drew commanded attention with her authenticity, vocal strength, and raw emotional delivery. Her winning single, “Half Your Luck, ” recorded by Sunshine Coast producer Nyssa Ray and Country Stars, Major sponsor says, is more than just a song — it’s a statement. Explain Nyssa.“Half Your Luck”, a nostalgic song, beautifully captures the essence of rural life, evoking memories of late nights on the farm, summer adventures, and the freedom of exploring vast open spaces. “Half Your Luck” reflects Caitlin’s unique upbringing, one that resonates deeply with those who have experienced the joys of country living.Through vivid storytelling, Caitlin takes listeners on a journey of her youth, filled with playful days spent running through sprinklers, riding motorbikes, and enjoying the great outdoors, far removed from the distractions of modern technology. As she raises thought-provoking questions about today’s youth, Caitlin invites listeners to reflect on the changing landscape of childhood.  “Do kids still go outside after school to play games with imaginary characters? Are today’s children missing out on the key experiences that shaped previous generations?” she muses. Country Stars Founder Col Finley expressed his excitement for Caitlin’s winning a single. “Half Your Luck” message is such a poignant one in today’s tech-savvy world, our kids are missing vital life experiences and simplicity “Half Your Luck” will be available through MUSIC 2 MEDIA FAMILY on all major radio networks and streaming platforms. Country Stars 2026 is Now Open for nominations. www.countrystars.au:

“Half Your Luck” represents my childhood. All the mischief I got up to on the farm, and the way I was able to occupy my time. I was allowed only minimal TV or computer time; we didn’t have an Xbox or any similar technology. I grew up on the land, and it taught me to be creative with my time and to survive my days at school. If kids these days are not growing up like this, they should be. Half their luck to the ones that still do  – Caitlin Drew (2025 Country Stars Winner)

I’m Ernest Roger Blair Jr., a country songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Hertford, North Carolina. Music has always been my way of telling stories, and I take pride in writing country songs that feel real, honest, and deeply rooted in life’s everyday moments.I play guitar and keyboards and bring my songs to life with my voice, blending traditional country influences with a modern edge. My sound reflects my Southern upbringing—full of heart, grit, and authenticity—while still reaching listeners far beyond where I’m from.Whether I’m on stage or in the studio, my goal is simple: to create country music that connects, tells a story worth hearing, and stays with you long after the last note fades.

PRAISE FOR JEN MIZE & THE ROUGH N’ TUMBLE

Praise for Jen & The Rough N’ Tumble-
“Jen is a marvel. Together with her band The Rough N’ Tumble- she is not to be missed. A knock-out singer and a stellar songwriter- this is Jen at her peak.” 
-Sean Sennett/Time Off Media
 
“Jen Mize is breaking new ground and flexing her formidable songwriting chops with music that ticks all the boxes: blues, soul and southern rock wrapped up in her velvet voice with some fine, burly musicianship from The Rough N’ Tumble boys. Look out kids- there’s a new contender in town.”
-Alan Boyle/Lead Singer Blues Arcadia
JEN MIZE & THE ROUGH N’ TUMBLE
Jen Mize & The Rough N’ Tumble have recently set the music scene ablaze. Jen and the fellas released their self-titled album in early 2023 and it quickly brought ‘The Rough N’ Tumble’ two #1 singles on Aussie radio charts, along with racking up some serious accolades with 4 star reviews in both The Australian & Rhythms Magazine all while landing the RN’T the 2023 Queensland Music Award for Blues and Roots. That first record then spent a whopping 5 months in the top 20 on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay Chart. The next ‘Jen Mize & Rough N’ Tumble’ record ‘Tilt” is set to come out in 2026. The first single off that record ‘Double Talk’ quickly charted in the top ten when it was released in early 2026- scoring amazing airplay and was picked by major radio outlets such as ABC, Double J, Kix Country and many more.
Jen and The RN’T have played some of the major music festivals around Australia like Woodford Folk Festival, Gympie Music Muster, Dashville Skyline, Caloundra Music Festival and Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Jen also gives time back to the music community, mentoring up and coming songwriters through programs like The Dag Sheep Station Songwriter’s Retreat (NSW), The Song Muster (QLD), Lyn Bowtell’s ‘SHE’ retreats (Nat’l), The Gympie Muster’s ‘The Campfire’ (QLD), USQ’s MacGregor School (QLD), and songwriting masterclasses at QUT and JMC.
GREATER GOOD- BEHIND THE SONG
 
Jen Mize & The Rough N’ Tumble’s new tune is a dose of feel-good medicine aiming to remind people there are responses to the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness experienced in these sorry times. 
 
‘Greater Good’ is a call to the community to seek out friendship & understanding, to raise up kindness and compassion in all our interactions. ‘Greater Good’ asks ‘What happens if we try some patience and vulnerability? What happens when we look for the greater good?’
 
Starting with a simmering tremolo guitar, the groove hits and Mize comes out of the gate with a fearless and soulful first verse. Delivered like those late 1960’s East Village beat poetry readings – a narrative encounter with a ‘good friend of mine’ who has all the worries of the world weighing on his mind. Jen is sharing her ear, ‘gettin’ in deep’ and something clicks and she says ‘Man, I think I know what you mean!’
 
Written by Mize and Jeremy Edwards, ‘Greater Good’ sees the Australian band taking some risks, both musically and walking-out-on-the-edge philosophically. ‘We don’t envision ourselves gurus by any stretch of the imagination.’ says Mize ‘We’re not here to preach to people or change their beliefs, we just hope that we can help people find a way to better get along, despite any differences they have.’
 
Laughing, she continues, We’re attempting to do our version of what Woody Guthrie said a folk singer’s job is ’To comfort disturbed people and to disturb comfortable people’. The Rough N’ Tumble’s ‘Greater Good’ is a rough-around-the-edges-2am-stoner-philosophy version of that, delivered with plenty of warmth and lashings of joy.
 
Following on from ‘Double Talk’, ‘Greater Good’ is the 2nd single from the band’s new album ‘Tilt’ – due out later this year.
 

‘Living This Life’ has seen support from: ABC Country, Aus Country Radio, 2XX, Today’s Country 94 One, Capital Country Radio, 2REM, MIXX FM, Edge FM, Southern FM, 4K1G, and much more.

Single Release Date: Friday, March 27Genre: Country Pop / RockLocation: Northern Beaches (Sydney), NSW (Australia)Pronouns: He/HImFFO: Morgan Evans, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Zac Brown Band, Jordan DavisMood: Energetic, Happy, PositiveClean / No Explicit Language
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.

Former Darlinghurst principal songwriter and Golden Guitar winner Jason Resch returns in 2026 with his compelling new single, ‘Does It Mean That It’s Over?’, released today. Marking an exciting new chapter in his musical journey, the song showcases Jason’s signature storytelling and emotive songwriting as he steps into the spotlight once again with fresh purpose and perspective.’Does It Mean That It’s Over?’ surfaced unexpectedly whist Jason was experimenting with other ideas and adding the finishing touches on his 2025 debut single ‘Talk Of The Town ’. During that time Jason was reflecting on experiences of loss and the weight of unmet expectations. Jason explains: “ ‘Does It Mean That It’s Over?’  represents a moment, and a question, that most of us will unfortunately experience and ask ourselves at some point in our lives. Then the hardest part is being realistic with what our answer is going to be.”Written and produced by Jason, ‘Does It Mean That It’s Over?’ features the pedal steel guitar of Ed Bates, one of Australia’s most loved and respected players. Renowned for his exceptional feel, technique and tone, Bates has performed and recorded with a veritable who’s who of the Australian music scene, bringing his unmistakable touch to the song. Melbourne singer Mary Catanchin lends her beautiful voice on background vocals, and the track was mixed by ARIA award winner David Carr at Rangemaster.With the release of ‘Does It Mean That It’s Over?’, Jason continues to carve out his own path — delivering a sound that is distinctive, authentic, and unmistakably his own.​​​​​​​

: Performers:
· Jason Resch –  Vocals, background vocals, guitar, drums and programming, keyboards
· Ed Bates –  Pedal steel guitar
· Mary Catanchin –  Background vocals
About Jason Resch:

Jason Resch is a Melbourne-based songwriter, musician and producer, whose career spans UK pop, Nashville song writing rooms, and Australian Country music charts. With a track record that includes chart-topping singles and award-winning collaborations.At just 18, Jason moved to the UK and joined Xenomania, a successful British music production team. He co-wrote ‘The Promise’ for Girls Aloud, which won Best British Single at the 2009 BRIT Awards and earned an Ivor Novello nomination. He co-wrote ‘The Boy Does Nothing’ for Alesha Dixon, a major hit across the UK, Europe, and Australia, and ‘All Fired Up’ for The Saturdays, a UK Top 5 hit. Jason’s song writing and musicianship have seen him collaborate with some of the biggest names in pop—contributing tracks for Kylie Minogue, playing guitar on Gabriella Cilmi’s global hit ‘Sweet About Me’, and co-writing, programming, and performing on the Pet Shop Boys’ Grammy-nominated album Yes.After several years in the UK and a song writing stint in Nashville, Jason returned home and co-founded the country group Darlinghurst. As the group’s principal songwriter and co-producer, he helped shape their distinct sound, leading to multiple charting Country singles, a #1 ARIA Country Album, and a Golden Guitar Award for New Talent of the Year.Since leaving Darlinghurst, Jason has continued to expand his creative horizons, producing and co-writing with a diverse line up of artists.

Good Will Remedy are taking on the fuel crisis as they celebrate the release of “St George”  with a Western QLD Tour.
Good Will Remedy return with their new single,  “St George,” set for DSP release on  April 10 arriving just ahead of their regional tour as part of the  QLD Music Trails this April.Rooted in raw storytelling and driven by dusty guitars and wide-open rhythms, “St George” channels the narrative spirit and grounded honesty of Paul Kelly while carving out a sound that is unmistakably Good Will Remedy. The track is the result of the bands tour to the region in 2025 and paints vivid portraits of small-town resilience, long highways, and the kind of characters you only meet beyond the city limits.“‘St George’ is about the places and people that shape you,” the band shares. “We wanted it to capture the essence of our experience last year.”Built on twang-laced guitar lines, steady backbeat grooves, and a chorus that feels destined for pub sing-alongs, the single captures the band’s signature fusion of country soul and rock ’n’ roll grit. Local Release party at Leftys Music Hall and Hitting the Road despite the fuel crisis – April 2026
Good Will Remedy will celebrate the release with a local release party at  Leftys Music Hall on April 18 and will then take “St George” across regional Queensland as part of the QLD Music Trails throughout April 2026. The tour will see the band bring their high-energy live show to  St George, Roma, Tambo and  Barcaldine, celebrating the spirit of regional music culture and connection. Part of the tour will see the band visiting the  St George High School to run a workshop with the local music students based on the song – St George.Known for their magnetic stage presence and heartfelt performances, Good Will Remedy have built a reputation for shows that blur the line between performer and audience — where every chorus feels communal and every lyric hits close to home.“Touring regionally is at the heart of who we are,” the band says. “These towns inspire us and our songs. – taking ‘St George’ on the road just feels right.” – “it’ll be tight given the fuel crisis and costs ramping up – and we hope there’s fuel on the other side to get home – but we are still going….full steam ahead!”

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. New Male Vocalist Of the Year” at the 2026 Texas Regional Radio 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

Golden Guitar Winner Releases New Song as a tributeto the resilience of bushfire hit communities
To coincide with a special disaster relief event, Golden Guitar winner Tom Curtain has released a new song   You Know You Will paying tribute to the resilience, grit and determination of the regional Victorian communities devastated by the January bushfires. Mr Curtain has taken his award winning  Katherine Outback Experience to Mansfield, where 100% of ticket sales are going back to the community to help in their recovery.“When I visited a local school some forty families were directly affected by the fires. Many of these families didn’t take initial help as their view was others were worse off,” Mr Curtain said.“The school observed the quality of lunchboxes and uniforms diminishing following the lasting psychological impact of the fires. The school has engaged FoodBank to support the families, a grant to ensure students have access to uniforms and a psychologist to support students and families.”“The song You Know You Will speaks to moments when things feel like they’re falling apart, as well as the inner resolve and resilience that it takes to keep going. The track captures the spirit of people who dig deep, stand their ground and push forward when walking away would be easier,” he said.“In our travels we meet people going through tough times following fires, droughts and floods. We hear their stories and draw inspiration from them and their strength to keep pushing through.” Mr Curtain said.While Tom is helping Victorian communities, his own home town in the Northern Territory has experienced a disaster of its own. Katherine and the Big Rivers Region recently experienced major flooding, reinforcing the message at the heart of the song, that communities are strongest when they stand together.Currently on the road for his  Here’s To You tour, Tom brings his unique blend of live music, horse training and working dog demonstrations to communities across Australia. After touring Queensland and New South Wales since October, the show will continue through Victoria before finishing up in South Australia in April.
About Tom Curtain
Tom Curtain is a Golden Guitar winning country music artist whose sixth studio album  Here’s To You debuted at #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Music Chart. Known for heartfelt songwriting and energetic live performances, Tom tours nationally with his  Katherine Outback Experience show, blending music with the spirit of the outback. Passionate about community, he partners with Dolly’s Dream to share messages of kindness through his songs, school visits, and a new children’s book.About Katherine Outback Experience
Touring for seven months of the year with eight horses, twelve working dogs, three goats, three musicians and a pony named Pumpkin, the Katherine Outback Experience merges the worlds of country living and country music seamlessly. The show features the training of horses and working dogs for life on the land and was recently inducted into the prestigious Qantas Australia Tourism Awards Hall of Fame after winning Gold at the National Tourism Awards three years in a row for Tourist Attraction. 

BRYAN MARTIN UNVEILS “TUG O’ WAR,” HIS MOST VULNERABLE SONG YET, AHEAD OF AUSTRALIAN ‘WE RIDE DOWN UNDER’ TOUR
 
Acclaimed, chart-topping country artist Bryan Martin releases “Tug O’ War,” his most vulnerable song yet. With Martin’s gritty, blue-collar vocals and hard-hitting honesty, the song lays bare the daily struggle between sobriety and temptation. Written by Martin, Lydia Vaughan, Sam Martinez, Will Bundy and Heath Warren, the song strikes a chord with those who know how thin the line can be between falling and rising. “It’s about that internal battle,” shares Martin. “Every day choosing not to pick up another drink, you know, and feeling like you need it…feeling like you gotta have it to play a show or do whatever you need to do; to get through your anxieties and your struggles. You always feel like you got that angel on your shoulder and devil on your back. I think a lot of people can relate to this song.” Martin adds: “Many that follow me know that I battled with alcohol and drug addiction. This fame came out of nowhere. I was a songwriter, you know, and we sat down and we just got real brutally honest about everything. I think it was the day after I came off the Morgan Wallen tour. We wrote this song when I was just being brutally honest about my battle. One minute I’m trying to be the party, the next minute I’m partying too much. And I just think it’s one of those things where a lot of people can relate to that internal tug of war. So, I hope this song helps a lot of people and I hope they know they ain’t alone.”  Following the success of his Platinum-certified anthem “We Ride,” which has garnered over 500 million streams and soared into the Top 3 at country radio, Bryan Martin earned a 2024 MusicRow Awards nomination for “Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year.” In 2023, the Cherokee Indigenous American artist reached a career milestone by stepping into the “sacred circle” for his  debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Martin’s career-defining moments, including “We Ride” landing at No. 3 on Billboard’s “Country Airplay” chart and the music video accumulating more than 85 million views, have solidified his growing presence in country music. At 37, Martin continues to redefine the country music ladder with over 1.4 billion career streams, millions of monthly listeners, and a grit-soaked sound that resonates across a vast audience. Furthermore, he has shared the stage with Jason Aldean and Chris Young, and brought stadiums to life alongside Morgan Wallen on the blockbuster “One Night At A Time” Tour, cementing his reputation as a rising force in country music. However, Martin’s rise didn’t come easy. Born and raised in Logansport, Louisiana, his journey began in church, singing as a child. By eight, he was covering George Strait at local fairs, encouraged by his mother, who had performed alongside legends like Faron Young and Alison Krauss. But life took a hard detour. He pursued bull riding, worked hay fields, and battled substance abuse, hitting rock bottom at 19. A near-fatal car accident reignited his passion for songwriting, pushing him to make his guitar pay off and confront his struggles head-on. 

‘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.