Rory Phillips Releases Stirring Single And Video For ‘Dear Mum And Dad’

A poignant tribute to the ANZACs by the 2023 NSW Folk Federation Young Folk Artist of the Year, featuring Dobe Newton OAM of The Bushwackers.

Country and folk artist Rory Phillips is set to release his highly anticipated single, ‘Dear Mum and Dad’, on April 11, 2025. The heartfelt track brings a fresh, emotional perspective to the ANZAC legacy, telling the story of a young boy who runs away from school to enlist with the ANZACs during World War I.

The narrative unfolds through a series of letters written by the boy to his parents, capturing his journey from bravery and youthful optimism to the tragic despair of war. As the letters progress, listeners experience the emotional highs and lows of war, culminating in the devastating news of the boy’s death in battle.

‘Dear Mum and Dad’ is a powerful exploration of bravery, loss, and the harsh realities of war, framed through the lens of a young man and a family’s heart-wrenching sacrifice. Rory Phillips’ songwriting, penned at The Academy of Country Music in collaboration with Andrew Scharf, Jayne Denham, and Alan Caswell, creates a moving portrayal of the ANZAC experience. Produced by Roger Corbett at The Valley Studio, the track features the iconic voice of Dobe Newton OAM, best known as enigmatic frontman for The Bushwackers and as co-writer of the legendary song ‘I Am Australian’.

“This song is one of the most poignant songs about the ANZAC experience that I have come across in my lifetime,” says Roger Corbett of The Bushwackers.

‘Dear Mum and Dad’ marks the third single release from Rory Phillips, following his success as the 2023 Folk Federation of NSW Young Folk Artist of the Year. His deep connection to storytelling and “music with a message” shines through in this release, demonstrating his commitment to preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Australia, with a nod to his own New Zealand lineage as well.

Phillips claims “I’ve been participating in ANZAC Day marches and services from when I was a baby in a pram, so when Andrew Scharf came to us at The Academy with this idea for a song, it truly resonated with me, and I wanted to make it my own. With his blessing, and with financial support from the Country Arts Support Program, administered by Eastern Riverina Arts on behalf of the NSW Government, I think I’ve been able to achieve that.”

Fans of Rory Phillips can stream ‘Dear Mum and Dad’ on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms. The song is accompanied by a powerful and moving music video, created in collaboration with Tracy and Josh Beveridge of Roaming Creatives, and was shot on location at Newcastle’s Fort Scratchley and The Rail Motor Society at Paterson NSW.

Singer, songwriter, and musician Waylon Wyatt releases his brand-new track, ‘Smoke & Embers’ with Willow Avalon via Music Soup/Darkroom Records.

The new track weaves between the echoes of past destruction and the lingering remnants of what once burned brightly, reflecting both sorrow and perseverance in the face of dissolution. Showcasing the duo’s undeniable musical chemistry, the song was written and produced in just one day at New York City’s iconic Electric Lady Studios.

The haunting melody of ‘Smoke & Embers’ mirrors the struggle of trying to move forward while clinging to the past. Wyatt’s steady, sincere delivery brings a grounded, commanding presence, while Avalon’s voice drifts through the song like a gentle breeze, adding a vulnerable, unfiltered honesty. Together, the duo crafts a soundscape that merges the classic with the contemporary-blending timeless classic country storytelling with a fresh approach. Wyatt’s ability to combine unflinching honesty with a soulful, rugged style that draws from the heart of traditional country music and a modern edge sets him apart, giving his music a genuine, powerful depth that resonates strongly within listeners.
Driven by the simplicity and richness of acoustic guitar and piano, the track carries a profound ache in the artists’ voices, capturing the emotional turmoil between two people, each battling to maintain control in a relationship that’s slipping away amidst the chaos of life on the road. As the title suggests, “Smoke & Embers” embodies the lingering remains of love lost-where the flame has dimmed, but the echoes of the past continue to smoulder, refusing to fade.

‘Smoke & Embers’ started coming together after Willow came to my show in New York supporting Dylan Gossett. That night she invited me over to Electric Lady to hang out and I got to see her in the studio with JR Atkins working on her own music. That experience was incredibly inspirational for me and I knew I wanted to work with them after seeing that”, said Wyatt “I ended up making my way back out to NY a few months later and we wrote and recorded ‘Smoke and Embers’ in one day, staying in the studio till about 2am to finish it. We were both dealing with struggling relationships and that balance of trying to make it in music and keep things back home good, and Smoke & Embers ended up pourin’ out”.

“Waylon and I wrote ‘Smoke & Embers’ with my best friend JR Atkins in a gorgeous studio in my favourite place, New York City. I met Waylon at a festival this last fall, and have been in love with his voice and his songs ever since”, said Avalon “As we talked about our relationships and how hard it was to be a touring musician with a partner at home waiting for you, we realized we had a beautiful topic to write about. ‘Smoke and Embers’ is one of my favourite songs I’ve been a part of. I can’t tell you how much of a dream Waylon, his team, even his sweet papa are to work with. Forever grateful to be a part of this song. I hope y’all love it as much as I do”.

‘Smoke & Embers’ follows on the heels of Wyatt’s recent release, “I’d Be Delighted” and adds to his whirlwind career in which released his debut EP, Til The Sun Goes Down, last fall, a project which he solely produced, wrote, and recorded in his childhood home. In addition to the EP , Wyatt collaborated with fellow up-and-comer country artist Bayker Blankenship on the duets, “Sunday Supper” which follows the duo’s previous collaboration, and “Jailbreak” which has garnered over 52M global streams to date.

Already being singled out as a 2025 Artist To Watch, Wyatt is establishing himself as a rising force in the industry.

With no signs of slowing down, Wyatt is in the midst of his sold-out US and UK headlining Til The Sun Goes Down Tour, and he will continue to support major artists including Wyatt Flores, and Turnpike Troubadours throughout the year. In addition to his upcoming tour, he will make appearances at major festivals including Stagecoach, and Rock The Park among others. Full list of tour dates below; tickets can be purchased on his website, waylonwyattmusic.com.

Clancy Pye Releases Heartfelt New Single ‘Hey Mama’ Just In Time For Mother’s Day.

Rising country singer-songwriter Clancy Pye today delivers her stunning new single ‘Hey Mama’ to radio. A timeless tribute to the most important women in our lives, ‘Hey Mama’ will be available on all steaming platforms on Friday May 2nd, just ahead of Mother’s Day.

Written as a love letter to the unconditional love, quiet strength and grace of mothers everywhere, ‘Hey Mama’ is a tender, honest tribute inspired by Clancy’s own relationship with her mum. With heartfelt lyrics and a warm, acoustic-driven sound, the track showcases Clancy’s signature storytelling and rich vocals.

“I wrote this song during the covid lockdown on Mother’s Day in 2020,” Clancy shares. “Being unable to visit my mother or grandmothers and buy gifts for them as I normally would, I was drawn to pause and reflect about what this day really means”

“It got me thinking that we often don’t celebrate our Mother’s near enough for everything they do, so I decided to write this song. I wanted to put into words how I think most of us feel about our Mother’s but maybe don’t express often enough.”

Recorded at The Vault Studios with Producer Sean Rudd, ‘Hey Mama’ features renowned touring and studio musicians Pete Drummond (Dragon, Southern Sons) on drums, Adrian Davis on Pedal Steel and Clancy’s brother Mickey Pye on guitars, banjo and backing vocals.

“This song was a joy to bring to life in the studio. It was particularly special having my brother Mickey sing backing vocals and play guitar/banjo on this track. We wanted this song to feel like a gift to our Mum and Mother’s everywhere.”

Raised on a farm in Oberon (NSW) surrounded by a musical family, Clancy grew up with country music in her blood. She cut her teeth playing in bars and has since grown a large and dedicated fanbase drawn to her captivating songs and storytelling ability.

A two-time Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist and no stranger to the big stage, Clancy has performed at some of the biggest festivals in Australia and North America including; CMC Rocks, the Gympie Music Muster, CMA Fest (Nashville) and Big Valley Jamboree (Canada) as a guitarist and backing vocalist for the likes of Mickey Pye and Kaylee Bell. Clancy has supported a long list of Australian Artists and most recently, has been on tour with Tania Kernaghan and Jason Owen.

With a voice full of sincerity, Clancy’s new single ‘Hey Mama’ is more than just a thank-you, it’s a love letter to the first woman who ever held us, and the one who we grow to appreciate more with age. This song tugs at the heartstrings and is a moving reminder to pause, reflect and cherish the most important women in our lives – our mothers.

With more new music on the way ahead of her debut album release in 2026, Clancy Pye is an artist to watch whose songs will leave a lasting impression.

Ian Burns embraces life’s precious moments in ‘Just One Minute’

Singer-songwriter Ian Burns releases his latest single, ‘Just One Minute’, a song inspired by life’s fragility and the importance of cherishing time with loved ones.

Written during a deeply personal time, ‘Just One Minute’ was influenced by Ian’s own experience of being diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma – a stark reminder of how precious life is.

“Being with the ones you love and your friends is of utmost importance,” Ian said.

“Making sure you get that time with them as much as you can – that became a priority for me.”

Apple Music has embraced the song on release, adding it to their Aussie Country and New In Country playlists.

Despite its deeply personal inspiration, ‘Just One Minute’ is an upbeat, feel-good song.

“I like upbeat songs myself, even though I tend to write a lot of slower music,” Ian said.

“I love playing the upbeat ones live. This one has some undertones about getting balance in life and making time for things that matter and that is our loved ones and the joy in our lives – that’s what really matters.”

The song also captures the unpredictability of life.

“We don’t know what’s around the corner – sometimes it’s tough, but sometimes it’s absolutely incredible,” Ian said.

“Life can be beautiful when you’ve got your friends and loved ones by your side.”

“My diagnosis never got me down, it sure rattled my cage, but I thought, ‘okay, how do I approach everything from here?’. What I try to do daily is look for the beauty and joy in everything, even in the tough times.”

Ian’s excited to perform ‘Just One Minute’ live and is looking forward to bringing it to audiences soon in solo performances and with his new band.

“I hope people enjoy it – it’s a fun song, and I’m going to be playing a lot more live with the band this year,” he said.

Looking ahead, Ian is planning to return to the studio to record a new collection of songs.

This project was made possible by the Regional Arts Fund, an Australian Government program that supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities in Australia. The program is managed by Regional Arts Australia and administered in NSW by Regional Arts NSW.

“Take Me Back to Church” by Kelly Alayna is a heartfelt Christian/Country single that captures a sense of nostalgia and spiritual longing. In the busyness of life, it’s easy for church to fall by the wayside, but this song serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to return to God’s house. You don’t have to have everything together-God welcomes you just as you are.

Corey Colum Rides Again With New Single

West Australian country artist Corey Colum is back with new single, ‘One More Ride’, a tribute to those chasing what they love, no matter how old they get.

This rodeo-inspired track tells the story of two men – one who was originally from Home Hill station and another in Onslow, WA who, despite no longer riding saddle broncs, remain deeply connected to the sport they love.

For Corey, ‘One More Ride’ is more than just a rodeo anthem; it’s a reflection of his own journey in music.

“The whole story came about from a couple of guys – one from the station where we were living, one in Onslow – both getting a bit older but still having a crack,” he said.

“I can relate to that because music is something I love, and no matter what stage I’m on, it’s still in my blood.”

Written in 2023 after he and his family moved to Onslow, ‘One More Ride’ marks Colum’s third single release off his upcoming album.

“I just want to get all the songs out,” he said.

“The Tamworth Country Music Festival was awesome – it was great to share these songs and catch up with people. I’m already looking forward to getting things organised for next year.”

With an album on the horizon for August, Corey is eager to share his music with fans, particularly those in the rodeo world.

“I think rodeo listeners will relate to this song, as well as musos,” he said.

“But really, it’s for anyone – whether you’re still playing footy, still chasing a dream, or just holding on to something you love. If you love it, stay with it. Do it for the love.”

The Wonderfully Talented Dianne Coombes Returns With An Absolute Gem ‘Getting On With Getting Over You’

‘Getting On With Getting Over You’ is a lively bluegrass song exploring the realisation that time always takes its own sweet time when it comes to healing broken hearts – it won’t be rushed. Written by Angus Gill and Jon Weisberger, this song is guaranteed to have your toes tapping.

Hi, I’m Dianne Coombes …

I have loved music and singing since I can remember. Our family get togethers were always a musical affair as all my uncles and aunt played instruments or sang, and there are recordings of me singing at these events when I was five years old.

My Dad played in dance bands all my life and I grew up invading band rehearsals at every opportunity when Mum had her back turned. I sang with my Dad’s band from the age of fourteen at all the country hall dances and balls, although I had to be sixteen before I was allowed to sing on stage at the local RSL.

I was raised and still reside at Macksville in the Nambucca Valley, a small town with a big heart. Marrying at 21, I put music on hold while starting a family. I spent four years as a single mum raising two amazing daughters which had its difficulties, but also forged my girls and I into the ‘3 Musketeers’, a bond which is still a force to be reckoned with today.

I married for a second time to the most amazing man God put breath into and he became our rock. He and my girls encouraged and supported my return to music and during this time I went from singing at local venues, to appearing at many events and festivals up and down the Coast.

In 2016 I released my debut album ‘Walk With Me’ which contained twelve songs, eight of which were originals that I felt documented my life up until that point. To my delight, it received great reviews and won prestigious awards. 2016 was also the year my darling husband died of lung cancer and my world was shattered. Music then became my refuge, and I poured myself into songwriting in an attempt to survive my grief.

My songwriting is inspired by observing nature and the beautiful place we call home as well as my own life experience, so it truly lays me open and bare in a way that I hope others can relate to. I hope they hear my songs and feel the echoes of emotions and experiences from their own lives.

Seven years further down the track, and I have just completed a body of work that I am really proud of. My new album titled ‘Ripples’ is a testament to the privilege of experiences and love in my life and the amazing vision, songwriting, and production skills of Angus Gill. It’s a country/folk album full of stories of life and love and inspiration.

I hope you enjoy and let the Ripples go on …

Hayden Phillis Unveils Stirring New Single ‘Too Young’ Inspired by Stories Untold.

Emerging singer-songwriter Hayden Phillis returns with ‘Too Young’, a song about deep issues, heralding the release of his upcoming debut album in early May of the same name.

While the lyrics in ‘Too Young’ are not a direct retelling of real-life events, the song was sparked by a chance meeting with a former schoolmate, whose candid conversation left a deep impact on Hayden.

“Too Young was inspired by seeing someone I hadn’t seen for a few years,” Hayden said.

“They told me about a lot of things they were struggling with during high school and why they left high school early.

“Hearing about all the things they had been going through highlighted for me how younger people can go through lots of bad things and have no one be aware of it and go under the radar. So, I wrote a song around that idea with many references to the area around where I live.”

Rather than telling one specific story, ‘Too Young’ draws on a range of tough issues, many of which vulnerable young people face. The lyrics explore themes of child homelessness, drug abuse, broken homes, toxic relationships, and the spiral that can occur when one hardship leads to another.

“It was saddening and a shock to realise they were going through all of these things that I had no idea about,” Hayden said.

“It is such a pressing issue, so I wanted to add a more personal side to it in song.”

Written solely by Hayden, ‘Too Young’ is a reminder of the hidden battles many young people face – and how important it is to remain aware and compassionate.

“I want ‘Too Young’ to acknowledge how real these issues are and how you don’t really know how your friends are doing and I hope it might make people be more aware of what people might be experiencing around them,” he said.

The forthcoming ‘Too Young’ album is a deeply personal project, with several songs drawing from Hayden’s own life, including struggles with epilepsy and loss of faith and stories inspired by those around him.

“The album definitely has a couple of songs that hit home with those more personal issues – songs about my childhood epilepsy, internal struggles with religion, drug abuse, and homelessness for young people,” he said.

“With this album especially, I wanted to focus more on topics that are important.”

The album was recorded at Rabbit Hole Recording Studios with Brandon Dodd – a setting that captured the energy and emotion of live performance.

“It was pretty incredible to record with him and he and Kasey Chambers’ studio,” Hayden said.

‘Too Young’ is available now on all streaming platforms. The album will follow in early May.