Month: September 2025

Rising singer-songwriter  Ella Powell is back with her most fearless and emotionally resonant release to date. Her latest single,  “Passerby”, co-written with Ben Horsley, is a toe-tapping yet tender anthem that captures the quiet ache of watching life drifting by — and not knowing where you fit in.Fusing  pop grit with country soul, Powell unveils a sound that is entirely her own: emotive, raw, and radiant. With heartfelt vocals and bold storytelling,  “Passerby” reflects the experience of feeling adrift in a fast-moving world.“‘Passerby’ came from a moment where life felt like it was moving faster than I could keep up,”  Powell shares.  “I was in a space of uncertainty, quietly questioning where I fit into it all. This single marks the beginning of a new era that feels entirely and unapologetically me — raw, real, and rooted in storytelling. I hope it reaches anyone who’s ever felt a little lost or left behind.”Drawing comparisons to  Kacey Musgraves,  Lana Del Rey, and  Ashe, Ella Powell’s unique blend of  emotive vocals,  delicate harmonies, and  heartfelt lyrics has already made waves in Australian country music. Her debut EP,  ‘The End of the Beginning’, has surpassed  half a million streams, landing on major  Spotify and  Apple Music playlists and climbing multiple independent charts.A dynamic performer, Powell has charmed audiences across  Australia, earning accolades and building a passionate fanbase. She made her mark by winning the  People’s Choice Award at the  Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2019, and in 2025 returned to the spotlight as a  Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist — joining the ranks of country icons like  Keith Urban and  Kaylee Bell.Now stepping into 2025 with a  fresh image,  renewed energy, and a bold new direction, Ella Powell is ready to keep evolving — with more exciting releases set to drop in  2026.Ella Powell’s new single “Passerby” is out at radio on Monday 29th September and all streaming platforms on Friday 3rd October.Serviced to radio by Little Sparrow PR. Distributed by GYROstream.

ZACH TOP DEBUTS NEW SONG “SOUTH OF SANITY”HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM AIN’T IN IT FOR MY HEALTH OUT NOW.EXTENSIVE COLD BEER & COUNTRY MUSIC TOUR CONFIRMED
Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Zach Top releases his new song, “ South of Sanity ,” today. Listen/share  HERE: The track is the latest unveiled from his new album Ain’t In It For My Health—out now on Leo33. Ahead of the release, Top debuted the lead single, “Good Times & Tan Lines,” earlier this summer, which  the Los Angeles Times hailed as one of the best songs of 2025,  calling the track “as crisp as country music gets,” while Billboard praised the song as “one of this summer’s top country anthems.” In celebration of the new music, Top will continue his extensive Cold Beer & Country Music headline tour through this fall with newly confirmed stops at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre (two nights), Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center, Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center, Charleston’s Credit One Stadium, Vancouver’s Rogers Arena and Charlottesville’s John Paul Jones Arena among many others. Ahead of his tour, Top will continue to perform as part of Dierks Bentley’s Broken Branches tour through the end of summer. See below for full tour routing. The new project follows last year’s breakthrough debut album,  Cold Beer & Country Music, and comes on the heels of Top recently achieving his first #1 song at country radio with “I Never Lie.” In the midst of a breakout year, Top was named 2025 ACM New Male Artist of the Year and performed “a moving acoustic rendition” ( American Songwriter) of his song, “ Use Me: ” during the live ACM Awards ceremony. Additionally, Top performed “I Never Lie” on “ The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: https://api.plaympe.com/playerapi/click/eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS93YXRjaD92PS1hbHJVTjcxZndrIiwicmVjaXBpZW50aWQiOjkzMTk4LCJyZWxlYXNlaWQiOjIwMDgzOTE3Nn0.17dPB_p5yuBW9BqhxroJd-FY6JHm99iJf7WCE7QJXFw,” was named “the future of country music” by  Billboard, nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 58th Annual CMA Awards, received Discovery Artist of the Year at the 2024  MusicRow Awards and released  Me & Billy—a three-song EP featuring 2x Grammy Award-winning artist Billy Strings (listen  here: https://api.plaympe.com/playerapi/click/eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2xlbzMzLmxuay50by9tZWFuZGJpbGx5IiwicmVjaXBpZW50aWQiOjkzMTk4LCJyZWxlYXNlaWQiOjIwMDgzOTE3Nn0.m7AVoOEoUOiAvGvepqgaInWe3BhrRei5f7Z4gMfSHrE). Upon its release last year,  Cold Beer & Country Music garnered over 3.5 million streams in just its first week and went on to be nominated for ACM Album of the Year. Produced by Carson Chamberlain (Billy Currington, Easton Corbin), the record received widespread acclaim with The 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.
ZACH TOP CONFIRMED TOUR DATESAugust 1—Nampa, ID—Ford Idaho Center AmphitheaterAugust 2—Quincy, WA—Watershed FestivalAugust 7—Camden, NJ—Freedom Mortgage PavilionAugust 8—Raleigh, NC—Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut CreekAugust 9—Charlotte, NC—PNC Music PavilionAugust 10—Lewisburg, WV—The State Fair of West VirginiaAugust 14—Darien Center, NY—Darrien Lake AmphitheaterAugust 15—Holmdel, NJ—PNC Bank Arts CenterAugust 16—Bethel, NY—Bethel Woods Center for the ArtsAugust 20—Gray, TN—Appalachian FairAugust 21—Savannah, GA—Enmarket ArenaAugust 22—Birmingham, AL—Coca-Cola AmphitheaterAugust 23—Biloxi, MS—Mississippi Coast ColiseumAugust 28—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden ArenaAugust 29—Burgettstown, PA—The Pavilion at Star LakeAugust 30—Clarkston, MI—Pine Knob Music Theatre*September 26—College Station, TX—Live at the StationSeptember 27—Lubbock, TX—Cook’s Garage+September 28—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre‡September 29—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre‡October 3—Charlottesville, VA—John Paul Jones Arena‡October 4—Ocean City, MD—Country Calling 2025October 9—Knoxville, TN— Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center+October 10—Louisville, KY—KFC Yum! Center+October 11—Evansville, IN—Ford Center+October 16—Brandon, MS—Brandon Amphitheater+October 17—Bossier City, LA—Brookshire Grocery Arena+October 18—Oklahoma City, OK—Paycom Center+October 24—Charleston, SC—Credit One Stadium+October 25—Simpsonville, SC—Greenville Country Music FestivalOctober 30—Missoula, MT—Adams Center‡October 31—Billings, MT—MetraPark – First Interstate Arena at Metrapark‡November 1—Casper, WY—Ford Wyoming Center‡November 6—Hollywood, FL—Stars and Strings 2025November 7—Bismarck, ND—Bismarck Event Center‡November 8—Rapid City, SD—Summit Arena at The Monument‡November 13—Eugene, OR—Matthew Knight Arena‡November 15—Vancouver, BC—Rogers Arena‡ 
*as part of Dierks Bentley’s Broken Branches Tour+with special guest Andy Buckner‡with special guest Jake Worthington

Four-time CMAA Golden Guitar nominee Andy Penkow has unveiled his powerful new single, Cry of the Koala, in honour of Save the Koala Day (Friday, 26 September 2025). A heartfelt tribute to one of Australia’s most beloved yet endangered native animals, the track aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect the Koala’s dwindling habitat.As a proud Brand Ambassador for the Australian Koala Foundation, Andy hopes the song will inspire action. “I absolutely love nature and animals,” Andy shares. “When the Australian Koala Foundation approached me to become their Brand Ambassador three years ago, I didn’t hesitate. What many people don’t realise is that the Koala is disappearing fast, with around 80% of its natural habitat already destroyed due to deforestation. Koalas have no voice—so we need to be their voice and fight for their rights.”Co-written with fellow Golden Guitar nominees Kath Stewart and Rip-Van Parks, Cry of the Koala was born from a shared passion for storytelling and conservation. “I had the privilege of working with Kath and Rip-Van on The Lone Drover last year and loved the creative process,” Andy explains. “This time, we wanted to create something truly special for the Australian Koala Foundation.”Produced by the acclaimed Steve Newton at ENREC Studios, Cry of the Koala is a beautifully crafted bush ballad that blends tradition with a contemporary edge. Listeners will hear echoes of legendary Australian country icons Slim Dusty, John Williamson, and Allan Caswell, while the track’s heartfelt lyrics and sweeping melodies carry a message of hope and urgency.

This is either our masterpiece or Exhibit A.They told us not to release this song. They said it would get us cancelled. That was all the encouragement we needed. So here it is… our career suicide note, set to music.Canadian Whiskey is, on paper, a “conventional country drinking song.”  Which is true, if you ignore the sarcasm, the side-eye, and the fact that it was co-written with  Allan Caswell — a self-confessed leftie, boomer, hippie, and professional troublemaker. Totally coincidental. Probably.Before anyone gets dramatic — it’s not anti-American. It’s just aggressively pro everyone else. Canada, Mexico, Ukraine, France, Australia. Hell, if Greenland makes tequila,they’re in too.

The “Wattmore thing” keeps catching fire:
· Circus Life (the debut chaos)
· Romantic Side (#3 on Australian Country Radio)
· I Don’t Miss That Woman (#7 on Australian Country Radio)
All with critics muttering things like:
· “It’s country but not quite. It’s punk but not exactly … it’s Wattmore and that’s the point” – Foxfire
· “Classic country on the surface until the punk undertones punch through” – Miles Coleman
· “A perfect blend of bourbon-soaked Americana vibes and old-school country with a modern edge” – The Other Side Reviews
Translation:  nobody knows what box to put them in, so they just gave them good reviews instead.On  Canadian Whiskey , the Wattmore machine is in full swing:
· Written by Aiden, Kai &  Allan Caswell
· Dragged into existence by  Lindsay Waddington at LWM House Studios — the only man alive who can take Wattmore’s racket, run it through a blender, and somehow hand back a radio single instead of a police report
· Backed by some of Australia’s finest country players (the kind who make it sound easy), plus the boys themselves on guitars that weren’t just played — they were assaulted, interrogated, and dumped in a shallow grave somewhere in the mix

The result?  Brash. Irreverent. Fresh. Smartarse. Basically Wattmore in a glass — neat, no chaser. So pour a glass, lower your standards, and hit play.  Out September 26th, 2025 b ecause every great mistake deserves a soundtrack.Who Are Wattmore?Wattmore are two brothers who communicate almost entirely through guitar solos, sarcasm, and eye rolls sharp enough to cut glass. They’re awkward like suddenly forgetting how pockets work to somehow stumbling into brilliance while looking like they took a wrong turn at common sense.Their songs are loaded with grit, mischief, and emotional sucker punches disguised as choruses. Expect dry humour, zero small talk, and the kind of honesty that makes PR departments break out in hives

OFF THE BACK OF 2 x USA FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES RISING COUNTRY MUSIC STAR TYLA RODRIGUES DROPS HERNEW SINGLE, BY THE TIME IT’S OVER

Fast rising country star, Tyla Rodrigues, has hit the ground running in 2025! A remarkable new talent in Australian country music; Tyla has set herself apart with her soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics and captivating stage presence. With performances at CMA Fest and Americana Fest under her belt, Tyla releases her new single,  By The Time It’s Over: .As Tyla describes the new single, “ By the Time It’s Over: ” is a playful take on that spark when the night, the music, and the chemistry all align. It leans into the fun, flirty and cheeky side of country storytelling. A reminder that sometimes the best connections happen when you just let the night take the lead.”Written By Tyla Rodrigues with Jesse and Jordan Dozzi; the track was produced by Jared Adlam. An artist with her roots deep in traditional country music. Rodrigues, at just 21 years of age,  has quickly become a sought-after performer at some of the most prestigious festivals. In 2026, Tyla Rodrigues is already slated to appear at Tamworth Country Music Festival, CMC Rocks and Howlin’ Country Festival. In 2024, Tyla also released her debut EP, Upon Reflection, which amassed close to 1 million streams. 


CATHERINE BRITT RETURNS WITH FIRST SINGLE FROM NEXT CAREER ALBUM
 
On her brand-new single, ‘One Divorce, Two Kids & A Few Whiskies Ago’, Catherine Britt reminds us why her name is synonymous with country music. 
 
There is an authenticity to her music that is gritty and honest – you can feel she has lived every word and survived to tell the tale.
 
“This song sums up this next chapter for me”, says Catherine. “ It’s raw and honest and comes from a place of rest, resilience and determination. I have lived a full life of adventure, challenges and wonder and this song is where I have ended up after it all”.
 
Having a career that has spanned over 20 years, the award-winning singer-songwriter has constantly allowed listeners into her most real moments through her songs.
 
“What a journey it’s been this life of mine. A fast paced and exciting music career starting in my teens to now, there is just too much to put into a 3-minute song, but I did my best with this one”.
 
“In an industry as cut-throat and fast paced as the music industry, I have spent most of it holding my breath and bracing for what’s next. That can be thrilling yet terrifying at the same time. It has taken me all over the world and taught me every lesson a young woman needs to survive the dark shadows and evil villains of life’s pathways.”
 
Catherine Britt is one of the most successful artists in Australian country music. She is a five-time Golden Guitar Award winner, six-time ARIA Award Best Country Album nominee, signed to RCA in the US at just 17, earned two US Billboard Top 40 Chart singles, toured and worked with everyone from Brooks & Dunn to Alan Jackson to Dolly Parton, is the youngest Australian ever to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and recorded a duet with Sir Elton John.
 
‘One Divorce, Two Kids & A Few Whiskies Ago’ is the first single lifted from her anticipated nineth studio album, ‘The Hardest Thing’ – the follow up to 2021’s #1 album, ‘Home Truths’. Taking the reins again as producer – this time with husband, Bradley Bergen – she made the conscious choice to record the album at home without too much outside influence.
 
“I am grateful to still be making music and feeling just as excited about sharing it with the world as I did my first single in 1999. Introducing a new and better version of Catherine Britt”.
 
‘One Divorce, Two Kids & A Few Whiskies Ago’ is out Fri 26 September via Red Rebel Music / MGM Distribution.

LEGENDARY COUNTRY ARTIST, BECCY COLE RETURNS WITH HER FIRST NEW SINGLE RELEASE IN 3 YEARS 
Leading female country star, Beccy Cole, returns with a new single “More Cows Than Cowgirls”. Her first new single release in 3 years after the 2022 release of “Faded Star”.As Beccy decribes the new track, ‘More Cows Than Cowgirls’ is a tongue in cheek reflection on the long line of ravaged roadkill laying on the side of the highway of my life! It’s also a lighter look at the struggles that the LGBTQI + has had with acceptance and how things have changed. Most of us have had to hide who we are at some stage and being less than authentic can blur the lines within a relationship as well, one big rollercoaster ride! I’ve been performing this song live at gigs and it’s proving to be a winner, I can definitely see the positive audience reaction and the benefits of using humour to make a poignant statement. As the collection comes together for the new album, there’s definitely an element of break ups and lessons learned, a theme I am greatly familiar with! There’s also massive amounts of hope on the record born from a good few years in regular therapy. Sometimes I wonder if I should be giving songwriting credits to my therapist! Beccy Cole is a powerhouse of Australian country music—a gifted musician and Artist whose heartfelt songwriting, bold humour, and energetic performances have earned her both popular adoration and critical acclaim. Her career spans over three decades, releasing ten (10) studio albums, eleven (11) Golden Guitars (including five for Female Artist of the Year), multiple ARIA Top 10 and gold-certified releases and more than a dozen No. 1 Australian country singles, authorship with her autobiography ‘Poster Girl’ (March 2015), the host of ABC Radio’s Saturday Night Country since 2021, inducted into the country music’s Roll of Renown and awarded the Medal of Order of Australia (OAM) for services to country music both in 2022.  ‘More Cows Than Cowgirls’ is the first single from the long-awaited brand new studio album (yet titled), seven years in the making.

Artist Bio
James Keith is a rising Australian country artist known for his grounded storytelling, relatable lyrics, and gritty-yet-melodic sound. Following the success of his breakout single ‘Chasing Dreams’, which explored the hustle and sacrifice behind chasing big goals, James returns with a powerful follow-up track — ‘Be Real’. Drawing from his own life, James brings a refreshing authenticity to the modern country scene.Track Description
‘Be Real’ is a straight-shooting country rock anthem about staying true to yourself in a world full of fakery and filters. It calls out the shallow stuff—chasing clicks, buying clout, pretending to be something you’re not—and flips it on its head by celebrating the genuine parts of life: being a dad, a son, a mate, and someone who works hard without losing sight of who they are.With a driving beat, singalong ‘whooo-wooha’ hooks, and a message of resilience, this track is both a personal creed and a universal call. It follows the spirit of ‘Chasing Dreams’ and continues James Keith’s journey of keeping it real, no matter the cost.Key Quote from the Artist
“It’s about owning who you are—whether that’s a dad, a son, a mate, or just a bloke trying to do his best. There’s nothing wrong with chasing big things, but if you lose yourself along the way, what’s the point?” – James Keith

BBR MUSIC GROUP/BMG NASHVILLE SIGNS UNDERGROUND PLATINUM RECORDING ARTIST ATLUS.

NEW SINGLE “DEVIL AIN’T DONE” OUT TODAY!

BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville adds Atlus to its roster, an artist that came up through the underground and has now amassed over a billion on-demand streams. Anchored by self-penned viral hits, a platinum single, four independent studio albums, national touring and a fan base that has grown into the millions across social platforms, Atlus’ BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville/Stoney Creek Records debut “Devil Ain’t Done,” is out today.

Over infectious grooves & melodies, the former truck driver’s lyrics in “Devil Ain’t Done” reflect themes of self-doubt & perseverance. Grappling with relatable struggles that so many empathize with, this new track expands on the singer-songwriter’s mission to make music that is both universal and uniquely him.

“I believe that everyone runs into the devil at some point in their life, and sometimes it’s the devil in your mind and sometimes it’s the devil in your hometown. And where I grew up, he drove a nice car, had fast cash in his pockets, pills in the glove box, and he lived in the trailer next door. I spent most of my life avoiding that devil,” explains Atlus. “Life is much better now, but the devil can find his way into any room. I just remind myself to keep being a good person and not give into the temptation.”

Written by Atlus, David Garcia (who also co-produced the release with Andrew Baylis) and Geoff Warburton, “Devil Ain’t Done” marks a new chapter in the groundswell of his career.

“Every time we introduce Atlus to someone new, there is an instant and passionate connection,” says BMG America’s President, Frontline Recordings Jon Loba. “He is a true poet, who powerfully and intimately chronicles the very real struggles and tragedies of life in a way that still leaves hope for a better day. While his journey and sound are specific, we have found that, even inside the label, he connects across age, gender and musical taste in an incredibly universal way. We could not be more excited to partner with him and his team in championing his music across the globe!”

“Music has always been personal to me. Everything I write either helps me work through something or tells a real story from my life,” states Atlus. “The industry default is ‘It’s not personal, it’s just business.’ But that’s never been true for me, and from day one [Jon] Loba, JoJamie [Hahr] and everyone at BMG have shown it’s never been true for them either. It’s clear we are truly on the same page. It IS personal and that is the way we do business.”

About Atlus:
Raised in a single-parent home marked by poverty and addiction, Atlus had to grow up fast, building incredible resilience and laying the foundation for a life rooted in the search for authentic relationships and honest storytelling. Phonetically named after the mythological Titan who held up the heavens, Atlus wrote his first two (of four) albums while working as a commercial driver behind the wheel of semi-trucks, using the long, lonesome miles of highway to craft lyrics and workshop melodies as he drove countless hours to help support his family and fund studio time.

That pavement-pounding lifestyle became both his education and his engine. Over time, it helped grow his underground following and ultimately led to breakout moments like performing alongside Jelly Roll at a packed Red Rocks Amphitheatre in his home state, and landing a Top 5 album on Spotify’s Global Album Chart, along with a Platinum single. The magic of Atlus lies in how he marries candid, arresting, and often dark subjects with a kaleidoscope of sound. His music blends multiple styles into something fresh and immersive, anchored by storytelling that creates a deep community with his fans. Now with over a billion on-demand streams and two million followers across socials, Atlus continues to build his career on real connections and tenacity. He’s holding up his musical dreams in support of his family and anyone who turns to music as an outlet for their own struggles.