ZFM Country

“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.

Country music continues to prove it knows no borders as American country veteran  Chris Chitsey joins forces with one of the United Kingdom’s most exciting emerging country artists,  Bee Smith on their new transatlantic duet,  “Summer Before The Fall,” available now via Clinetel Nashville Records with distribution through SONY/The Orchard.Blending contemporary country production with timeless storytelling, “Summer Before The Fall” explores the emotional crossroads that occur when lifelong friendship begins to evolve into something more. Written by Smith and Thornton Cline and produced by acclaimed Nashville hitmaker  D. Scott Miller, the song captures the uncertainty, hope, and vulnerability of risking everything for the possibility of true love. Built around a question many have quietly asked themselves—what happens when your best friend becomes the love of your life?—the duet follows two lifelong friends as they confront feelings they’ve never fully acknowledged. Through heartfelt lyrics and soaring harmonies, Chitsey and Smith bring the story to life with authenticity and emotional depth. The single has already earned a nomination for Vocal Event of the Year at the 2026 Josie Music Awards, which will be held this September at Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry House.“There is an excitement building around this song,” says Smith. “Bringing it to life with Chris made it even more meaningful. The moment I heard his voice, I knew he was the perfect fit. I feel incredibly fortunate to have Chris and such an exceptional group of musicians contributing to this record.” The collaboration arrives at a significant moment for both artists.In recent years, Chitsey has experienced a remarkable career resurgence. Since signing an eight-single deal with Clinetel Nashville in 2023, he has delivered a string of global No. 1 hits, including “Last Time I Saw You,” “Life Is Hard, Whiskey Is Easy,” “Every Small Town,” “Chasing Taillights” and, most recently, his biggest radio success to date, “Where Ya Been Girl.” His music has also crossed into film and television, with “Every Small Town” serving as the theme song for the streaming reality series  Only in Iola, in which Chitsey appears throughout multiple seasons. Meanwhile, Smith continues to establish herself as one of the UK’s most promising country music exports. The 2025 ISSA Songwriter of the Year has earned international recognition for her emotionally resonant songwriting, soulful vocals, and growing collection of industry accolades, including multiple Josie Music Award nominations and Top 10 placements in the World Songwriting Awards.Adding to the excitement surrounding the release, the artists recently returned from Cancun, Mexico, where they spent a week filming the official music video for “Summer Before The Fall.” Set against a breathtaking backdrop of turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and stunning Caribbean sunsets, the video perfectly captures the song’s story of friendship, possibility and romance. With its universal message, cinematic storytelling, and undeniable vocal chemistry, “Summer Before The Fall” is poised to become one of the standout country duets of the summer.Beyond the music, Chitsey continues to partner with brands that reflect his connection to craftsmanship, heritage, and lifestyle culture, including Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, Deep Eddy Vodka, Marriott International, Inc., Chuck Norris’s CForce Premium Artesian Water, American Hat Makers, Molly’s Custom Silver, TEXITCoin, Clinetel Nashville Records, and SONY/The Orchard.About Chris Chitsey: Chris Chitsey is a Texas-born country recording artist whose career spans decades and includes numerous international chart-topping singles. Known for his authentic country sound and dynamic live performances, Chitsey has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years, earning multiple No. 1 hits and expanding his reach through music, television, and strategic brand partnerships.

Priority single from forthcoming EP, due Q3 2026 – ‘ Hold You Close’ is an upbeat, heartfelt country anthem about chasing a dream while longing to be closer to the people you love. 
 
Co-written and produced by Lindsay Rimes, whose credits include songs recorded by global country superstars Cody Johnson, Luke Bryan, Nate Smith and Kane Brown.
 
Set to perform at Lasso Country Music Festival this July, continuing a strong run of national festival appearances – previous highlights include CMC Rocks, CMA Fest (Nashville), BIGSOUND, Ridin’ Hearts, Mullewa Muster & Country Music Festival, and winning the 2024 Ridin’ Starts Competition.
 
Raised in Warrnambool, Victoria, Michael picked up his first guitar at age six and grew up immersed in country music. He built an early fanbase through online performances during the pandemic, laying the foundation for his emerging career.

Country songstress Kaitlyn Thomas returns with her latest release, “Truckin’ Country”, a high-energy anthem celebrating hardworking country people and particularly the girls who never forget their roots.Written by  Kaitlyn Thomas, Michelle Chandler and Mary V I Harrison, and brought to life by powerhouse production duo  MSquared (Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis), “Truckin’ Country” showcases Kaitlyn’s commanding vocals and infectious energy, delivering a track destined to resonate with country fans across Australia.At its heart, “Truckin’ Country” is a celebration of country lovers who work hard, play hard, and carry their country values with them wherever life takes them. Whether they’re in work boots on the job, a pretty dress for a night out, or a T-shirt and shorts on the weekend, they never forget where they come from. After a long week of hard work, they’re ready to get all dressed up and hit the town, but no matter where they go or what they’re wearing, they’ll always be Truckin’ Country.
“This song was inspired by the women who work just as hard as the blokes out in the country – but really, it’s for anyone who lives and loves the country life,” says Kaitlyn.  “If country’s in your heart, this song’s for you.”
Fresh from supporting some of Australia’s biggest country stars including  Amber Lawrence,  Brooke McClymont and  Adam Eckersley, Kaitlyn continues to build momentum as one of the genre’s most exciting rising artists.Following the success of her 2025 single  “Mississippi Lies” and standout performances at the  Tamworth Country Music Festival, Kaitlyn is preparing for a busy year ahead, including appearances at major events such as the iconic  Deni Ute Muster and with further performances to be announced shortly.Known for her powerhouse vocals, electrifying stage presence and genuine connection with her audience, Kaitlyn has built a reputation as an artist who not only delivers unforgettable live performances but remains deeply appreciative of the fans who support her journey.With its driving energy, relatable message and undeniable country spirit, “Truckin’ Country” is set to become a favourite for country music lovers everywhere.

ARIA, APRA and Golden Guitar Award-winning country artist Casey Barnes returns today with his uplifting new single  SHE DOES, a feel-good country anthem celebrating the person who stands by you through life’s highs and lows.Arriving just weeks before the release of his highly anticipated new album MADE FOR THIS on August 7, SHE DOES continues the momentum of a landmark year for Barnes, following the success of recent singles MADE FOR THIS, selected as the official theme song for Nine’s 2026 NRL season and TIME TO BURN, his acclaimed collaboration with Australian music icon Pete Murray.Hooking listeners from the opening line,  SHE DOES blends infectious melodies, heartfelt storytelling along with celebrating loyalty, resilience and the kind of love that never wavers.Written in Nashville alongside acclaimed songwriters Jordan Dozzi (Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Blake Shelton) and Kyle Sturrock, the track showcases Barnes’ signature ability to fuse contemporary country-pop production with authentic, relatable storytelling.

She Does’ isn’t just another cliché country song… it’s really about something much deeper,” says Barnes. “It’s about the person who still believes in you when you’re doubting yourself, who holds your world together when life gets chaotic, and who loves you even when you give them every reason not to. I think that’s something a lot of people will connect with.”

The release marks the final standalone single before MADE FOR THIS arrives on August 7, with the album set to launch alongside Barnes’ biggest national headline tour to date. Spanning Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, the tour will see Barnes bring his energetic live show to fans across the country throughout the second half of 2026.With an ARIA Award, multiple Golden Guitars, APRA Awards, major festival appearances and more than 90 million streams, Casey Barnes continues to cement his reputation as one of the leading voices in modern Australian country music.

Emerging country artist Olive Mae returns with her personal new single ‘Country Songs’ – an honest and distinctly Australian anthem about rediscovering yourself and finding your way back to what matters most.
 
Following her previous release ‘ El Caballo Blanco’, Olive Mae continues to carve out her place as one of Australia’s most distinct rising voices in country music. From the wide-open landscapes of Western Australia comes a song that feels like red dirt on worn boots, sun on your shoulders, and the quiet but powerful realisation that sometimes the life you’re chasing isn’t the one you were meant to live. 
 
At Wilder Studios, nestled in the stoic shadow of Tasmania’s Mt Roland, Olive teamed up with multi award winning producer Matt Fell to capture the warmth, freedom and self-reflection that sits at the very heart ‘Country Songs’.
 
At its core, the new track is a story about stripping away expectation and reconnecting with the version of yourself that existed long before the world started telling you who you should become. Through imagery of open skies, horses, freedom and life’s inevitable detours, Olive delivers a song that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
 
“This song is about realising what the little girl inside you would want you to be doing when she grew up. It’s so easy to get caught up in what other people tell you that you should be doing with your life but ultimately it isn’t up to anyone else, we should all just be doing our best to make ourselves as happy and fulfilled as we can!”
 
The track also marks a significant step forward creatively, with Olive fulfilling a long-held ambition to work alongside one of Australia’s most respected country producers. Recorded during a songwriting retreat in Tasmania earlier this year, the sessions quickly evolved into something far bigger than originally planned.
 
“Working with Matt has always been something I thought I would do “one day” so when I booked into a SHE Songwriting retreat at Wilder (Matt’s beautiful property in Tasmania) in 2025, I thought I wonder whether Matt has time to do some recording for me while I’m there? Sure enough, it was meant to be, and we ended up recording 5 songs. I couldn’t be more happy with the way they have turned out, and I can’t wait to release them all. This is definitely a level up for my songs and it was definitely the right move to record them with Matt.”
 
That confidence comes at the back of an enormous twelve months for the Western Australian artist. Previous single ‘El Caballo Blanco’ generated widespread attention across Australian country radio, hitting #46 on the CountryTown Hot 50 Airplay Chart. The single was also added to Apple Music’s ‘New In Country’ and ‘New in Americana’ editorial playlists while becoming the most played song on ABC Country.
 
Away from the studio, Olive Mae has steadily built an impressive live resume, recently opening sold out shows for Sara Storer and performing alongside Gretta Ziller during the Tamworth Country Music Festival . Her momentum continues to build with appearances at Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, and an upcoming performance at Gympie Music Muster as part of the CMAA Academy Campfire Showcase on Thursday 27th August.
 
Industry recognition has followed closely behind, with Olive named a finalist in the 2TM Discovered Competition 2026 while also earning nominations in both the WAM Song of the Year Awards and WA Country Music Awards – further cementing her status as one of the country’s most promising emerging talents.
 
Grounded in authenticity, shaped by lived experience and carried by a love of honest storytelling, ‘Country Songs’ feels like a defining moment for Olive Mae. The message is simple – choose the life that feels like home for you. And sometimes, that means riding horses and singing country songs.

Fast becoming one of Australian Country music’s most exciting voices, Nathan Lamont returns with his boldest release yet, unveiling the infectious new country-pop anthem ‘Loves to Hate Me’ – a track that pairs massive hooks and retro-inspired production with a vulnerable reflection on making mistakes.
 
Following the success of his previous single ‘ Into It’, which landed on major editorial playlists across both Spotify and Apple Music, while climbing to #6 on the AMRAP National Airplay Chart and #19 on the Countrytown Hot 50 Airplay Chart, Nathan continues his remarkable upward trajectory, having now amassed more than 3 million streams globally.
 
At its core, ‘Loves to Hate Me’ explores the emotional fallout that lingers long after a relationship has unravelled – examining the painful shift from being someone’s everything to nothing at all.
 
“’Loves To Hate Me’ is a song about regret, accountability and the fallout of becoming someone’s past after once being their future,” explains Nathan.
 
Written alongside acclaimed Nashville-based songwriter Phil Barton during a FaceTime writing session, the song came together remarkably quickly, sparked by one striking line Nathan had been carrying with him well before the session began.
 
“ I sat down with Phil Barton via FaceTime, and we managed to pen this song in about three hours, just two weeks before heading into the studio. The whole thing grew from me sitting at home playing around on the keys, with the line ‘She’s probably thinking about the way that I die’ being the only thing I brought into the session. It felt sharp and confronting straight away, and I knew I wanted the song to be rooted in some personal feelings and experiences.”
 
Rather than leaning into familiar breakup territory, the writing process focused on ownership, consequence and the quiet devastation that comes with watching something meaningful disappear in real time – themes captured brilliantly in standout lines like ‘Used to be her future, now I’m in the rearview mirror.’
 
Production once again saw Nathan team up with acclaimed Melbourne producer Michael De Lorenzis, continuing a creative partnership that has helped shape the artist’s increasingly distinctive sonic identity.
 
“I chose Michael De Lorenzis to produce the song because we’ve spent the last year really honing in on what feels like my own sound. Like with ‘Into It’, I wanted to keep exploring that blend of modern country with retro 80s-inspired synths, big melodic hooks and driving drums. I’ve always loved songs where the lyrics sit in direct contrast to the energy of the music, so the intention was to create something that feels nostalgic and upbeat musically, while lyrically sitting in a much heavier place.”
 
Already building serious momentum within the Australian country scene, Nathan Lamont’s rise over the past twelve months has been impossible to ignore. A proud Wiradjuri artist from Wagga Wagga, Nathan has become one of the country’s fastest rising independent artists, building an audience of more than 100,000 followers on TikTok while collecting over 3 million streams since debuting in 2023.
 
His growing list of achievements includes being named the 2025 CMAA Sister City Nashville Exchange recipient, becoming a 3 x Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist, and earning multiple APRA AMCOS Professional Development Award Finalist placements – all while delivering standout performances at major events including the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster and Deni Ute Muster.
 
With a knack for pairing deeply personal storytelling with undeniably catchy, radio-ready hooks, ‘Loves to Hate Me’ feels like another major step forward for an artist rapidly establishing himself as one of the most compelling new voices in Australian country music.