ZFM Country

GET SET TO ROAR WITH THE RELEASE OF BILLIE-JO PORTER’S NEW SINGLE ‘HOWL AT THE MOON’

Since releasing her self-titled #4 ARIA Australian Country Album, Billie-Jo Porter has followed up with two mesmerising collaboration singles. Now, the singer-songwriter reminds us to let out hair down every once in a while, in her latest solo offering, ‘Howl at the Moon’.

The concept came to Billie-Jo as the sun set over the Twilight Food Markets in Coffs Harbour. “It was a beautiful night, with the most magnificent full moon rising as I was playing my set,” she recalls. “I asked the crowd if they wanted to howl at the moon with me and like a pack of wild dingo’s, we all howled. There is something magic about letting loose and howling in a group – I knew then that I had to write a song.”

‘Howl at the Moon’ showcases Billie-Jo’s unwavering authenticity, building upon her signature sound – catchy, yet distinct and a hell of a good time. Inspired by her teenage years, the song is imbued with a sense of freedom. “Growing up in regional NSW we had to make our own fun,” she recalls of time spent with her mates following the rodeo and polocrosse circuits around on their P plates.

This sense of carefree joy and the importance of savouring the moment reflects a profound truth: the glory days are a state of mind. Billie-Jo’s intent with ‘Howl at the Moon’ is not just to reminisce but to rekindle that feeling of uninhibited joy. As she aptly puts it, “I wanted to capture the feeling of those days and remind myself not to be too serious.”

After producing her stellar self-titled debut album, Billie-Jo knew multi-award winner Shane Nicholson was the man to breathe sonic life into her new single. Inspired by the legendary Allman Brothers, the song’s vintage tones and jubilant guitars artfully blend new and old. “Shane nailed it and created some guitar licks that make you want to get out on the dance floor and blow the cobwebs off the old air guitar!!”

From her debut single release, ‘Feels Like Us’, in 2021, to a Top 10 Grand Finalist spot in Toyota Star Maker and multiple Tamworth Songwriters Association Finalist mentions, Billie-Jo has made a serious splash. In a nod to her roots, the video clip for her debut single is currently being projected in her hometown of Quirindi, as part of their award-winning Quirindi Silo Art light show.

2024 has been a busy year for the gypsy soul, kicking off with a sold-out show at Moonshiners during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, performances at Meatstock in Toowoomba and Sydney, and touring from the border of NSW/VIC all the way to Proserpine in QLD. Billie-Jo is burning up and down the highway with more shows to come including Gympie Music Muster and a headline show at Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2025.

“Billie-Jo’s music is heart and sunshine wrapped up in great melodies and soulful vocals” – Sophie Hamley – Sunburnt Country Music. ‘Howl at the Moon’ is just that; a fun-loving romp that makes you want to howl and sing along at the top of your lungs.

Like a RHINESTONED Cowboy

Grab your boots and get ready to be dazzled, as Australian country music trio Rhinestoned ride into town with their sparkly rendition of the classic Glen Campbell hit ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ which will hit the airwaves and be available for download from July 26th.

Rhinestone Cowboy is a song written by Larry Weiss and released in 1974. 2024 marks 50 years since Glen Campbell toured Australia and first heard the song on the radio. He then traveled back to Nashville and told his record label he wanted to record the song, the rest is history and Rhinestone Cowboy went on to became a worldwide hit! “Rhinestone Cowboy is a song that really represents our journey as a band and how we have all been chasing this dream and paying our dues for a long time in the hope that one day it will all pay off.” – says Kirsty.

This reimagined version of the iconic hit combines it’s timeless charm and Rhinestoned’s retro country flair. The trio are known to breathe new life into classic hits and this song was a match made in cowboy heaven. “I love that our version of the song features Kirsty, Jesse and I on lead vocals. Producing the track with Kirsty and making it our own was a lot of fun.”- says Dan

“I am more than happy to only sing BV’s and let Kirst and Dan take the lead, but they wouldn’t let me sit in the background of this one and had me step out of my comfort zone.” – says Jesse

Rhinestoned have hit the road for their ‘Small Town Big Hearts’ tour, selling out shows across regional NSW and will hit the stage at the Gympie Music Muster next month.

JOSIE FLIPS THE SCRIPTS WITH HEARTFELT NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘LIFE ON THE FLIP SIDE’

Emerging country music sensation Josie drops her latest single, ‘Life on the Flip Side’. This heartfelt mid-tempo serves as a follow-up to her popular song ‘Freight Man’, and it dives deeper into her life on the road, capturing the unique and resilient lifestyle of rural Australia.

Inspired by Josie’s often used catchphrase, “catch ya on the flip side”, the song narrates her experiences growing up in the cab of her dad’s Western Star road train. “It’s telling the story of my life on the road from a different angle to Freight Man, touching on the fact it wasn’t exactly something kids in the school yard thought was cool right away”, admits the singer-songwriter. “Having been into many different stations and remote places across the travels in the truck, it truly opened my eyes to their lifestyle, the work that went into living that life, and how tough it really can be out there.”

She co-wrote the song with Ben Penna , with whom she also collaborated on her swaggering party track, ‘Down Here’. The pair penned the lyrics moments before a show. “After this show I said to him as he was leaving “That’s life on the flip side…that’s the hook”, and it was settled. Made so much sense!”

Recording ‘Life on the Flip Side’ was a joyous experience for Josie, thanks to the creative input of the MSquared masterminds, Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis. “They reworked the song, adding their magic touch, and the final product is something Josie is incredibly proud of, as it perfectly captures her story and the essence of life on the road.”

The music video was filmed at the Reid River Export Depot just outside of Townsville. “I was so stoked we could film in a location that felt so real and authentic,” comments the Queensland native. “Seeing the work being carried out through the day… just felt so special and full circle to be standing there all done up filming a music video for my own song about living that life”.

Since arriving on the scene Josie’s authentic brand of country music has caught plenty of attention. Her previous single, ‘Our Place’ hit #39 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts and was added to Spotify’s ‘Fresh Country’ and Apple Music’s ‘Happy Hour’, ‘Country Risers’ and ‘Aussie Country’ editorial playlists. While her music has collectively totalled more than 1 million streams.

She has shared stages with renowned artists like Brad Cox, Lane Pittman , Wade Forster and Troy Cassar-Daley. In 2024, Josie graced the stages of several major festivals – including Country Fest, Winton Way Out West Fest, and the sold-out Lasso CMF – while soon to impress at upcoming festivals, Bowen’s Bottoms on the Grass in August and Gatton’s Lights on the Hill in October.

Josie is making waves in the Australian country music scene with her powerful voice, authentic storytelling, and undeniable swagger. Her music, deeply rooted in the country’s rural landscape, is sure to stir the soul and get boots tapping.

Infectious groove! Summer dance party! Country! Are you ready to be teleported back to a honky tonk in the 1990’s? Brooks and Dunn meets Luke Combs – we’re gettin’ WONKY TONK – with Rachel Lipsky. Co-written with Timothy Baker (⅓ of the Old Hickory trio signed to River House Records), produced by number one songwriter, Jeff Coplan.

TANIA KERNAGHAN’S NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘SADDLE SISTERS’ CAPTURES THE MAGIC OF HORSE RIDING AND IT’S AFFINITY WITH THE SISTERHOOD

One of Australia’s endearing daughters of country music, Tania Kernaghan is back in the songwriting saddle with a brand-new single. Two of Tania Kernaghan’s greatest passions – horse riding and songwriting – unite in her latest offering ‘Saddle Sisters’.

‘Saddle Sisters’ is a beautifully crafted homage to the bond between girls and their horses, the friendships forged around the riding fraternity, and how the love for the lifestyle lingers no matter how long you have been out of the saddle – something that is close to Tania’s heart.

Co-written with her “good mates” Rod McCormack, Templeton Thompson, and Sam Gay, ‘Saddle Sisters’ was inspired by Tania’s recent experiences on a horse-riding trek.

“I started hosting small groups on five-day Cattle, Bush and Beach Rides (with Rainbow Beach Horse Rides near Gympie, Qld) in 2022. The rides attracted mostly ladies who came from all over Australia, all with various backgrounds. I noticed that despite our differences, the one thing we all had in common was our love of horses and it wasn’t long before we branded ourselves the ‘Saddle Sisters’. At the time I thought, “What a great title for a song.”

Tania found the same passion for horses and heartfelt emotion ran deep in all the groups she hosted, those moving insights the catalyst for her to put pen to paper again.

“I hope when people listen to Saddle Sisters, that the nostalgia of the song, reliving the joy that horses and riding together can bring, will put a smile on their faces. And if they haven’t ridden for a while, that Saddle Sisters might inspire them to get back in the saddle.”

Co-writer Rod McCormack also produced ‘Saddle Sisters’, his working relationship with Tania harking back to her platinum-selling debut album 1996’s December Moon. “I knew Rod would give Saddle Sisters a contemporary country sound while staying true to my traditional country roots.”

Produced by multi award winning Duncan Toombs of The Filmery, the accompanying video clip was shot at Stonewall Equestrian Centre near Gosford NSW. “When I look back at how the idea for the Saddle Sister’s came about – (Hosting rides with Rainbow Beach Horse Rides) then writing the song and recording the track with my good mate, Rod, then wrangling a wonderful group of women and their horses to feature in the video, coupled with enlisting the talents of Duncan Toombs, for me it was like a dream coming true to see everything come together. I am so grateful to everyone who helped me bring Saddle Sisters to life.”

Tania’s own history with horses and riding goes back to her grandmother who rode track work for a racehorse trainer.

“Nana Roberts was a great horsewoman and my mother Pam also bred pleasure horses. Her palomino Geronimo appeared on one of dad’s (Ray Kernaghan) album covers and in several of his TV commercials promoting his music. Gerry, as we called him, was part of our family. We’d take him everywhere. Barbecues on the banks of Murray where we grew up or visiting nan and pop on the stock routes where they drove sheep and cattle. It was like taking the family dog in the car, except he was in a float.”

Tania Kernaghan is currently touring nationally for her Let Your Love Flow concerts and will be making special appearances at this year’s EKKA at Brisbane Showgrounds, performing the national anthem and ‘Saddle Sisters’ on horseback each night in the main arena.

‘Saddle Sisters’ – out now and available across all music streaming platforms.

GRANT JOSEPH INTRODUCES THE NEXT SUMMER ANTHEM ’12-PACK (DAD BODS)’!!

Grant Joseph is an emerging country artist hailing from Trenton, Ontario. After years of establishing himself into his local country music scenes, he is now set to make waves with his first big single ’12-Pack (Dad Bods)’, releasing July 19, 2024.

’12-Pack (Dad Bods)’ is poised to be the song of the summer, bringing a fun and happy vibe that’s sure to get everyone moving. The track celebrates the joy and confidence of embracing the dad bod, with catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms perfect for all summer playlists.

’12-Pack (Dad Bods)’ has already been accompanied with loads of fun and out of the box marketing across Grant’s socials and will have the addition of the track’s exciting and humorous music video set to release in early August, adding a visual treat to this summer anthem.

The song has already garnered the attention of the hard seltzer company, Happy Dad, who has come on board as the main feature for the song’s marketing and music video.

After being hospitalized with an injury in the spring that now prevents him from strenuous exercise, Grant took this as an opportunity to embrace the Dad bod this year. He is now celebrating across the country with all of those alike, making Dad bods the hottest ticket of the summer of 2024!!

Multi-platinum group Parmalee follows the release of their new single “Gonna Love You” with the powerful and autobiographical music video that recreates the night they were victims of an attempted robbery which left their drummer with a 5% chance of living.

Following a show in SC, brothers Matt and Scott Thomas were in their RV when two robbers entered the vehicle demanding cash. Soon after, a gunfight broke out, and though Scott fended off both intruders, he was shot three times. He was airlifted to a hospital where he spent 40 days, 10 in a coma, recovering from his injuries.

“We felt like this was the right song and the right time to tell this story,” said Scott. “It was emotional and surreal for all of us to relive that experience, but we knew it was time.”

Miraculously, just 4 months after the incident, the band took the stage for the first time since the shooting occurred. That night, they secured a record deal they had been working on for years. “We couldn’t believe how many people came together to help us. We would’ve never made it through had it not been for our fans, families, friends, and all the bands and musicians who came together to help us out! We didn’t even ask, they just did it!”

“Gonna Love You” follows their most recent #1 single, “Girl In Mine”. With four 4 # 1 radio singles and three consecutive in as many years, Stoney Creek Records’ Parmalee has now scored more#1’s than any other band or group in country music during that time.

“Girl In Mine” was the follow-up to their #1 record-setting, “Take My Name,” which was Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2022, and the #1 Platinum hit, ” Just The Way” with Blanco Brown. The band first topped the charts with a song inspired by their home state, “Carolina.”

ABOUT PARMALEE:

Parmalee is one of Country music’s most successful acts with four #1 singles, multiple platinum records, and more than 1 Billion on-demand streams. Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), Cousin Barry Knox (bass), and life-long friend Josh McSwain (guitar/keyboard), the North Carolina natives first topped the charts with “Carolina,” followed by their PLATINUM-certified No. 1 single with Blanco Brown, “Just the Way”. They followed with “Take My Name”, which was Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2022. They recently scored their third consecutive #1 single with “Girl In Mine”. Those three #1’s and 15 other tracks are available on their new album For You 2. For more information, visit: www.parmaleemusic.com .

Short description of the release/song:

I grew up in a small town in Texas, which meant some of my first ever gigs were in blue collar bars and honky tonks. I have made so many lifelong friends in those places and, to me, you meet people right where they are at. No showing face, just in a bar to wind down and make memories! This song’s vibe is definitely a windows rolled down, singing it out with your friends down a back road.

Short Bio:

While others her age were spending their weekends partying, Mary Sarah was out working with the likeness of Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, and many more on her “Bridges” duet album where she paid respect to the legends before her. Wasting no time after a legendary album, Mary Sarah went on to receive a 4-chair turn and placed 5th on Season 10 of The Voice. Garnering more than 275,000+ streams on Spotify and over 200,000+ followers on all socials, fans are eager and anticipating much more to come. Her current singles, “Stubborn” and “Chain Smokin'”, bring a fresh yet familiar sound to the country music scene that is sure to leave a lasting mark.

Following a successful promotional tour in Australia earlier this year, Canadian country artist Jason Kirkness is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest release, “What’s Wrong With Me”. This heartfelt track has already resonated deeply with listeners across Canada and the US and is poised to make an impact in Australia following its radio debut on 15th July.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the song, Kirkness shares, “When you are at your best or you are at your worst, having someone by your side, through thick and thin, is priceless. The unwavering support can be a steady anchor in life’s unpredictable ocean, keeping you grounded when you need it most. That is the most valuable thing you can have in this world”.

Jason Kirkness has earned countless accolades including MCMA 2023 Male Artist of the Year (Canada) notable achievements such as 18 weeks in the Top 40 on Billboard Canada and recognition on the Top 100 Music Row. His music has been featured prominently on CMT Australia and received extensive airplay on major stations like KIX Country, Today’s Country 94 One, ABC Country and countless community radio stations.

“What’s Wrong With Me” promises to continue Kirkness’ streak of delivering soul-stirring country music that resonates with audiences globally. The track has already achieved 869,600 streams worldwide and has been featured across Canada in major and secondary markets including a major add to SiriusXM in its first week of release resulting in the track racing debuting at #2 on the SiriusXM Chart.

Was never intended to be a radio focus track. But US Country Radio was organically hyped on the song and airplay support last Friday and Saturday nailed down a #33 Mediabase Chart Debut. The song solidified a #29 Billboard Chart debut with just one day of airplay as a Top 3 Greatest Audience Gainer of the week.

Follows the remarkable global success of Post Malone & Morgan Wallens monster hit “I Had Some Help”, which has landed at #1 Country Radio Airplay in the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK.

“Lies Lies Lies” debuted as part of Morgan Wallens’ live Abbey Road Sessions, which were recorded in London in Studio Two of the iconic Abbey Road Studios. The video was posted to Morgans YouTube channel in March.

Youtube link: https://youtu.be/aN7WCsC9nkI?si=JLpSfcHj17IviEAW

One of the most compelling aspects of Niki Small’s emergence with her Woodward Avenue Records debut, The Chase, is the fact that she didn’t take her first singing lesson until age 25. She spent some years in Southern California making connections and honing her vocals and her craft as a songwriter before the opportunity presented itself to record an album showcasing her multitude of talents. Yet from the poetic, scene setting opening lines of her sultry, whimsically romantic debut single (the collection’s title track), those soulful, smooth vocals seem so at home amidst the bluesy, jazzy, country and Americana-tinged vibes created by producer Paul Brown and his L.A. based ensemble, that it feels like she’s a natural who’s been doing it all her life.

Written by Niki and produced and mixed by Brown – who also contributes one of his trademark edgy, crying blues guitar solos after the second chorus – “The Chase” reveals the singer as a dynamic storyteller, drawing us into a fun, freewheeling world with her lover under pink skies and street lights, where “the wind is slipping through our hair,” they’re engulfed in a wave “big enough to share” and they’re laughing and kissing under the stars. When she gets to the chorus, we learn that it’s not all that serious, but more like a glorious, sunsplashed summer fling: “Hearts beating like crazy, like they’re in a race/But I don’t care about the finish line/Baby, I’m just here for the chase…” The exciting hook finds her repeating “the chase” several times, adding wordless vocal textures for emphasis as the music and easy groove breezes along. She even shows a bit of a humorous dark edge when, in Verse 2, she sings, “I can’t tell if what I’m feeling is from the shit we’re smokin’ or somewhere far beyond…”

Listeners who take every word Niki sings literally will enjoy a fun, lighthearted summery country tune with some clever turns of phrase. What’s ironic, however, is that “The Chase” doubles as an emphatic mission statement about her long term, slow building approach to her career – and that’s something she takes very seriously. Explaining the essential romantic storyline, she says, “The song is about fun and the thrill of falling in love without caring how it turns out or where it might lead.” Diving into its deeper meaning, she adds, “The song is very much about both love and my career to this point. The lyrics relate to my ups and downs in the industry. I just knew I wanted to write songs, sing and follow wherever that desire would take me. I believe life is one percent about getting where you want to be and 99 percent experiencing life along the way.”

Niki has called The Chase (the album) a collaborative effort based on her engagement with Brown and the dynamic crew of L.A. musicians who on the title track create a cool, laid-back foundation featuring Shane Theriot’s subtle rhythm guitar and Marco Basci’s bluesy old school keyboard accents. The rhythm section features bassist Bob Glaub and drummer Tony Braunagel.

While Niki showcases the full range of her talents throughout the collection – including her Linda Ronstadt like ability to recreate classic and obscure older songs in her own style – “The Chase” offers a splendid intro to her beautiful vocal vibe and incredible songwriting skills.

• Jonathan Widran

Australian country pop sensation Kaitlyn Thomas has launched her latest single “Hell Of A Long Time,” delivering a powerful blend of sassy lyrics and country rock energy that promises to captivate listeners across the nation. Written by Kaitlyn Thomas, Troy Kemp, Michael Paynter, Michael Delorenzis and produced by powerhouse duo MSquared, “Hell Of A Long Time” is a bop about catching up with friends and family that you haven’t seen in a long time. Knowing that time may change us, but it will never change the bond and good times that we all share.

Building on the success of her previous hits, Kaitlyn Thomas has garnered significant attention with her distinctive edgy country sound and charismatic performances. Her recent singles have enjoyed high rotation on prominent radio stations such as KIX Country and Triple M Country, as well as being featured on esteemed editorial playlists including Fresh Finds and Fresh Country on Spotify, and Aussie Country & Country Risers on Apple Music.

Kaitlyn’s music has resonated strongly on streaming platforms, with her single “Damn You” amassing over 191,000 streams on Spotify alone. Her previous achievements on the charts include reaching #5 on the Top 30 Country Charts at Country Thunder and achieving #13 on PlayMPE’s top 20 streams. Additionally, she secured the 16th spot on the Oz CMR Tasmania chart.

Having enjoyed national exposure on the 2023 series of Australian Idol, Kaitlyn’s most recent achievement was being announced as a Top 12 Talent Search Finalist at the 2024 Gympie Music Muster. The winner will be announced at the festival in August.

With an impressive resume that includes recognition from radio tastemakers such as KIX Country, ABC Country, iHeart Country, Australian Country Radio, Country Thunder as well as support on music videos on CMT Australia, Kaitlyn Thomas continues to establish herself as a rising star in the country music scene. Her latest release “Hell Of A Long Time” is poised to further solidify her reputation for delivering compelling music that resonates with audiences everywhere.

” Going Nowhere Fast” a far cry from reality for Lane Pittman and the dynamite year he is currently having. From his debut EP to his first headline tour and even further with spotlight performances at Nashville’s CMA fest, Lane is certainly going somewhere fast.

Co-written by Nashville icons Eric Paslay, Rivers Rutherford and Warren Zeiders, “Going Nowhere Fast” became an obvious standout in the EP which debuted on the ARIA Country Album Charts at #1 and #8 in the ARIA Australian Album Charts. A huge feat that was shared moments after stepping off stage at CMC Rocks in March this year.

Previous single “Let’s Get Lost” climbed to #7 on the CountryTown Airplay Charts while Lane took the Let’s Get Lost Tour across the country, selling out headline shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Saving “Going Nowhere Fast” as the final song at each show became a standout moment in each town. When the fiddle began to play, a match goes off in the room sparking energy inside every fan; the show is coming to an end, but the party is just starting.

Lane reflects after seeing audiences react to the song: “Going Nowhere Fast is such a fun song for me! It’s the song that I really get to cut loose. This leans into more Country Rock but I think that’s why I love it so much. We knew we wanted to lean this way after hearing the original work tape for it and thinking we had a really cool opportunity to spice it up”.

The single will also be accompanied by a ‘fan made’ music video featuring footage sent in by fans from the Let’s Get Lost Tour. The idea came after the tour as fans infiltrated Lanes inbox with moments from each show, now fans who missed out on tickets can feel what it was like to be at a Lane Pittman show.

Lane will be hitting the road again for a string of festivals and shows including performances at Gympie Muster, Savannah in the Round and just announced – supporting Riley Green in Brisbane this October. These won’t be his only appearances with more shows to be announced in the coming weeks.

Lee Kernaghan has unveiled “Who I Am”, the lead single from his upcoming album scheduled for a 2025 debut. This album marks Kernaghan’s 16th studio release in a career spanning 3 decades.

“Who I Am” features 2 x Golden Guitar winner James Johnston and was written by Kernaghan and Johnston along with hit songwriters Nick Wolfe and Colin Buchanan. Produced by Jared Adlam at Machine Lab Studios “Who I Am” digs deep into Lee and James’ country roots paying tribute to the people and land they love.

“Who I Am” is a unique collaboration that began with a chance encounter between the two singers when James was just starting out. As Lee describes it, “I remember meeting James when he was just 10 years old busking on Peel St Tamworth. I shook the little bloke’s hand and signed a tour poster for him writing:

‘To James – you will rock Australian country! Lee Kernaghan 2001’

James told me that the autographed poster hung on his bedroom wall for many years alongside his childhood musical heroes. Twenty years later he’s gone on to become one of the most popular new artists in country music. To be able to release this song together and share a part of our story is pretty special to me.”

It’s the records that I wore out
It’s the heroes on my wall
It’s the dream that I’ve been dreaming of
since I was six years old

It’s the songs that I keep writing
It’s the miles that I drive
It’s the little bar in this town
I’m playing at tonight
It’s who I am

(Lyrics from Who I Am)

James recalled “As a young boy, I grew up listening to Lee’s music, it made me feel proud of the life I lived as a small town country kid. ‘Who I Am’ is an extension of that, it’s about being proud of the person you are and celebrating the life you love. To be able to have a song with this message with my childhood hero is something I’m incredibly excited about”.

Earlier this month, Kernaghan expanded his Boys From The Bush – The Concert Australian Tour , adding new dates in New South Wales and Queensland. He also hinted at the upcoming new album, revealing that he’s been working on new music in the studio and added that there will be more tour dates coming in 2025.

A STATEMENT, A LIFESTYLE AND NOW AN ANTHEM FOR LIFTING THE RIGHT ARM

“Ain’t No Better Buddy Than A Beer” is Casey Barnes’ spirited ode to beer and good times. This track from his fifth studio album, “Mayday”, invites you to let your hair down, sing along, and grab a cold one.

Reflecting on the creation of the song, which he penned in Nashville last year on a writing trip, Casey says:

“What’s the one thing in life that waits for you patiently, never judges you, and is always there? Beer. That’s the premise we embraced when writing this one, with tongue firmly in cheek. It’s a BBQ anthem, a deliberate departure from what you might be used to hearing from me. This track is all about having fun and singing along, no matter where you are around the world when they call last drinks! I was also fortunate to have the legendary Nashville songsmith Bobby Huff contribute to the tune, and we’re confident it’ll have you reaching for the fridge-in moderation, of course ;)”

“Mayday” has already made a significant impact, debuting at #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album Charts, #2 on the Australian Album Charts, and #2 on the Overall Country Album Charts. It also entered the AIR Album Charts at #1. Singles like “Mayday,” “Miracles,” “Never Give Up On A Good Time,” “Boys Like Me,” and “Summer Nights” have all topped the CountryTown Radio Airplay Charts, solidifying Barnes’ status as a country music heavyweight. Notably, “Summer Nights” clinched the APRA Award for Most Performed Country Work this year.

You’ve cranked up the volume and memorised all the lyrics-now it’s time to gather your mates and hit the road with Casey Barnes and his band to celebrate the Mayday Album Tour.

“Writing and recording new music in the studio is one thing, but my favourite part is always taking those songs on the road and playing them live for the fans! Mayday is my first album in over two years, and we can’t wait to bring our brand-new live show to amazing locations all around Australia!”

Starting this July, Casey Barnes is taking his electrifying new album across the country for a series of headline and festival shows. He has been perfecting his dynamic live performances with standout sets at CMC Rocks, Stagecoach Festival (the world’s largest country music festival), and most recently, CMA Fest this year.

Radio Is Loving Ready To Run

“Conrad is a very talented First Nations Performer that has been on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown a number of times and I can see this one breaking the charts soon as well.” – Coyote 106 FM

“Nice catchy tune with a summer feel”- James Oor Country Scotland

Conrad’s versatility in blending Country, Folk, and Americana genres will leave you in awe. Ignite your resilience, face any challenge head-on with ‘Ready to Run’.

TWO TONE PONY RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘GOING BACK’ + ANNOUNCE FORTHCOMING DEBUT ALBUM ‘BORN ON THE ROAD’

Staunch believers in authentic Australian country music, Two Tone Pony unveil their new single ‘Going Back’. The up-tempo track arrives ahead of the band’s debut album Born on the Road, set for release on Friday 19th July available for pre order now.

‘Going Back’ hits the ground running; from the driving backbeat to the twangy guitar lines, its pulse is irresistible. As its reverb-soaked licks weave between frontman David Kirkpatrick’s deft storytelling, it feels like the soundtrack to a silver screen scene. An attribute Kirkpatrick credits to producer, Rod McCormack (Gina Jeffreys, Adam Harvey).

“Rod gives it an almost spaghetti western feeling and adds to the cinematic sweep of the song,” he says.

Being the first song Kirkpatrick wrote for the band, it struggled to fit into a box. “I wrote freely, not thinking how it may sound in terms of genre,” he recalls. Yet within the storied walls of McCormack’s The Music Cellar studios, tucked away on the NSW Central Coast, the band’s unique sound took shape.

Inspiration for the song came from Kirkpatrick’s father, legendary Australian performer, Slim Dusty. “I had the vision of driving back down the Nulla Nulla Valley to my father’s dairy farm,” unpacks the songwriter. “How he might have felt returning to a place he had in his own words – escaped from.”

“Going back to where it all began / Once a boy, now a man / Crossed some lines in the sand / He’s going back to where it all began.” Kirkpatrick’s lyrics paint a vivid picture as he recounts the would-be pilgrimage.

Two Tone Pony’s alternative-tinged brand of country music is best enjoyed live. In the coming months, the Central Coast 5-piece will appear at Tamworth’s annual Hats Off to Country Festival and will be performing headline shows in Sydney and the Central Coast’s Hardy’s Bay.

The latest offering ‘Going Back’ reveals the band’s grittier side, testimony to their versatility. Feeling both familiar and fresh, the single sets the tone for the band’s highly anticipated debut album Born on The Road – out 19th July.

After amassing a staggering 40 million views on Instagram reels with a tantalizing teaser, GRAMMY®-nominated artists Quavo and Lana Del Rey release their highly-anticipated new song “Tough” today via Capitol/Interscope/Polydor. Directed by Wyatt Spain Winfrey, the video for ‘Tough’ is a mesmerizing fusion that allows both superstars to fearlessly explore each other’s musical realms, showcasing their indomitable spirit. Set in a rural backdrop, Quavo and Lana are intrepid companions, undaunted by life’s trials. On one end, Quavo brandishes his shotgun while Lana carries her guitar, symbolizing their unwavering strength despite their contrasting origins.

“Tough like the scuff on a pair of old leather boots/Like the blue-collar, red-dirt attitude/Like a .38 made out of brass/Tough like the stuff on your grandpa’s glass,” the country-trap hook goes.

Following the release of the teaser of “Tough,” the clip enjoyed various viral moments and was picked up by numerous publications, including Billboard, Rolling Stone, Spin, Hypebeast, and more. Quavo and Lana added more fuel to the conversation when they performed the song together at the singer’s headlining performance at Fenway Park in Boston. The teased reel posted on Instagram became the most viewed reel of all time for Quavo, while that became the second largest for Lana.

Tyla Rodrigues skirts the line between vintage and modern, making her old school country sound both timeless and refreshing. Today the young star-on-the-rise reveals her latest track, ‘Wish I Would’ .

Saturated with blistering guitar licks, banjo and fiddle, the breakneck-speed romp echoes the sounds of by-gone eras. Yet Tyla’s soulful vocal adds a touch of contemporary sweetness, as she farewells a toxic relationship. “I won’t come crawling back even though I could / But I bet you’re gonna wish I would”.

The single follows her recent release, ‘Straight Outlaw’, with both songs set to appear on the singer-songwriter’s debut EP Upon Reflection, set for release on 10th October. Among the liner notes is Tyla’s ace producer Rusty Crook. “I was extremely privileged to have this track recorded and produced in Tamworth, NSW by the ever-talented Rusty Crook,” she recalls – noting that the time they spent on ‘Wish I Would’ far exceeds any other track the pair have tackled. “Rusty and I have been working together over the past few years and he never fails to bring my big musical ideas to life.”

As an old-school country artist, Tyla effortlessly combines elements of classic country, blues, and folk. Her straight-shooting storytelling – covering love, heartbreak, and the simple joys and struggles of everyday life – has the ability to transport listeners to a bygone era, while redefining the boundaries of country music.

Since arriving on the scene, Tyla has notched up a great deal of hours on stage, appearing at some the country’s biggest jaunts including Tamworth Country Music Festival, Gympie Music Muster, and Groundwater Country Music Festival. Earlier in 2024 she was lucky enough to sing alongside global superstar, Noah Kahan, at his sold-out Sydney show. “It is a moment that I have to pinch myself about still to this day,” she laughs.

In the coming months, Tyla will embark on a headline run of dates across multiple states, showcasing tunes from her forthcoming EP Upon Reflection. “I cannot wait to get on the road in September for my headlining tour bringing all of my new tracks including ‘Wish I Would’ to a town near you!”

Tyla Rodrigues is a rare talent with a knack for taking something old and making it new. Her Country sounds of yesteryear are both nostalgic and progressive. While ‘Wish I Would’, places her clever songwriting centre stage, it shines as danceable, singable, bonafide country hit.

CMAA The Academy of Country Music Australia (The Academy) alumni Beth Lucas and Mark Lavender have teamed up to release a rock charged country break-up anthem, Pieces.

Penned by Lucas’ long-time friend Mikey Adams, who is best known as bassist and songwriter in Boston-based pop punk band, A Loss For Words, Pieces shares both perspectives of a relationship breakdown. Adams, now based in Nashville and furthering his songwriting career recorded the song in the US with producer and multi-instrumentalist Chris Curran, with Australia’s Peter Eckel (Open Season Band) featuring on banjo.

Lucas & Lavender recorded both their vocal parts in Australia and called in James North to mix and master the track locally. This is the second track that Lucas and North have worked on together.

Known for his love of country music, Mark Lavender has tailored his path as a performing musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Born and raised in Bundaberg QLD, Lavender hit the stage at 12 years old, performing at country music festivals throughout Queensland, allowing him to build a strong following at an early age. Lavender is cemented in the Australian country music landscape, regularly performing for and with Brad Cox and Sammy White and graduating The Academy in 2023, alongside Lucas.

A regular fixture on the local alternative scene during the late 2010’s, Lucas’ country music career is relatively young, having only made the genre switch within the last few years. Although still considered an emerging artist within the country space, Lucas’ star is on the rise after winning the Ekka’s Country Music Showdown talent search (2023), being named the recipient of the Keith Urban scholarship to attend The Academy (2023) and opening for Australian country music heavyweights Adam Brand, Travis Collins and more.

When the song was initially offered to Lucas, it was to duet with Adams, however a joint decision was made to instead offer the male part to a local country artist and Lucas knew immediately that Lavender would be the best fit. Lucas says, “The song excited me from the get-go, probably because of my personal history with Mikey’s band, but also because it gives a fresh take on modern country rock/pop. I love the arrangement of the song, the back and forth between the two parts and the addition of the banjo obviously gives it that country twang. When Mikey gave me the green light to choose an Aussie counterpart, there was no question in my mind that Mark would nail it. He was on board from the start and his enthusiasm to be involved definitely confirmed that he was the right choice. We’re all so stoked with how it came out and that’s also thanks to our mixing engineer, James North who was working with multiple different file formats and vocal recording conditions, so to get the song to where it is now was no small feat on his part either.”

The subject matter of the song may be on the sadder side but the upbeat tempo and driving guitars will leave the listener tapping along before the first verse hits. For fans of Hardy, Casey Barnes and Josh Setterfield.

Australian siblings – Katelyn, Liam & Kasey O’Donoghue are the voices behind the sweet tones and captivating harmonies of the group, Homegrown Trio.

Finding their passion for music in their early childhood growing up on a million-acre cattle station, they have taken their country roots and love for pop melodies to create a fresh modern sound for country music. Forming in 2010, the siblings are no strangers to the music scene having spent years crafting the effortless, familiar blend they are renowned for.

Their sneak leaked rendition of “Fast Cars ” on The Voice Australia in 2018 gained over 1 million views which caught the attention of global coaches Kelly Rowland, Delta Goodrem, Boy George & Joe Jonas joining ‘Team Jonas’ team to reach the Top 16. With their dedication and drive, Homegrown Trio relocated to the epicentre of country music – Nashville, TN in 2021. Their success was validated within the first few months after landing the opening slot for The Jonas Brothers, Kelsea Ballerini & Jordan McGraw on the Remember This US Tour. This was soon followed by inking a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, which kickstarted a whirlwind 12 months of writing with some of Nashville’s most prominent, award-winning songwriters. The past year saw the trio in the studio with Grammy & CMA Award winning producers, Dann Huff (Keith Urban), Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift) & Joy Williams (The Civil Wars).

Homegrown Trio released their debut single, “Heartbreaker ” in April 2024 which peaked at #7 on the CountryTown Hot 50 Airplay Chart and #6 on the Kix Country Hottest 20.

Continuing with the momentum of “Heartbreaker “, the band are set to release their next single, “Call It Magic”.

“This song was sparked by the feeling of falling for someone you know could end up breaking your heart. Sometimes it’s worth a heartbreak to feel a little magic”.

“We wrote this song 2 days before we jumped into the studio, talk about perfect timing! We were on the last day of recording and still deciding between two songs but after playing both in the studio, it was pretty clear “Call it Magic” was the pick. We loved writing this one with David Garcia & Lydia Vaughan, taking inspiration from Keith Urban’s “Golden Road” album & Taylor Swift’s early records. It looked a little different in the writing room, it had a completely different hook and ‘call it magic’ was only just a line we used in the chorus. After playing it in the room with our producers, they all agreed ‘call it magic’ needed to be the hook of the song. Working alongside Dann Huff , Nathan Chapman & Joy Williams was a dream and watching this song come to life was incredible. We grew up being inspired by albums these people have worked on, so it was pretty incredible that we got the chance to create music with them! We’re so proud of this record and we can’t wait for you all to sing Call it Magic at the top of your lungs!”

Talking Points:

Toured with The Jonas Brothers & Kelsea Ballerini on the Remember This US Tour 20
Signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music in Nashville.
Moved to Nashville TN in 2021
Top 16 of The Voice Australia in 2018
Worked with producers – Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift), Dann Huff (Keith Urban) & Joy Williams (The Civil Wars)
Heartbreaker written by Katelyn O’Donoghue, Liam O’Donoghue, Kasey O’Donoghue & Sammy Telford in our hometown in 2020.
Spent our early childhood on a million-acre cattle station in Far North Queensland before moving to Charters Towers.
“Heartbreaker” peaked at #7 on the CountryTown Hot 50 Airplay Chart and #6 on the Kix Country Hottest 20.

Andrew Farriss AM, the multi-platinum, award-winning songwriter of INXS fame, continues his stellar career with the release of his new single, “Something Stronger”.

A blazing fusion of country and rock, “Something Stronger” captures the raw energy and reckless abandon of youth, fuelled by hot emotions and a thirst for life’s wilder moments.

“I wanted to record a song about grit and passion,” says Farriss, and indeed Farriss’s signature storytelling and evocative melodies have again created a powerful anthem, evoking a sense of nostalgia for youthful adventures, filled with cheap whiskey, burning rubber, and the thrill of chasing dreams.

“We drank cheap whisky burnin’ down our teenage throats. A fire on the end of a hand-rolled smoke.”

“These words capture the raw energy and recklessness of youth for many past and present,” Farriss explains, “the deep yearning for something more intense… something stronger.”

“Something Stronger” is a taste of what’s to come from Farriss’s highly anticipated second solo album, “The Prospector”, due in early 2025.

“The songs on ‘The Prospector’ are about searching for the gold in life – reaching out for something higher,” Farriss explains. “It’s about digging deep inside, and encouraging others to look for the real treasures in life.”

The accompanying music video is a visual feast that captures the song’s essence – “fast cars, open roads, burning embers, a welcome home and raised glasses,” he smiles.

Farriss kicked off his solo career with an acclaimed self-titled debut album in 2021 featuring the high-rotation radio hits “Come Midnight” and “Good Momma Bad”, with “You Are My Rock” achieving a Top-100 Billboard Indicator chart hit in the USA. In 2022, he earned a Golden Guitar nomination for ‘Heritage Song of the Year’ for ” With The Kelly Gang.”

Accolades and global success aside, at the heart of it all, Andrew is a dedicated family man who has spent the past 30 years living and working on an established farming property near Tamworth, where he raises cattle and grows grains.

Beyond his solo work, Farriss continues to write and produce music for other artists, recently receiving notable acclaim for his collaboration with Yirrmal, a North-East Arnhem Land songwriter. His contributions have been recognised with numerous awards, including a Producer of the Year ARIA Award and an induction into the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016.
Fans can catch Farriss on tour across Australia in 2024 and 2025, where he’ll perform “Something Stronger” alongside his acclaimed solo material plus his songwriting classics.

“Get ready to buckle up for an exhilarating ride,” he says, “as we hit the road and ignite the stage.”

www.andrewfarriss.com

COUNTRY SONGSTRESS COURTNEY KEIL TEAMS UP WITH GINA JEFFREYS FOR NEW SINGLE ‘WORN IN’

Country music songbird Courtney Keil teams up with the incomparable Gina Jeffreys on her latest single, ‘Worn In’.

Courtney often fuses the sounds of 90s country queens with a contemporary edge; a style in which her silky vocal certainly sounds ‘worn in’. The nostalgic production also serves as the perfect backdrop for a duet with Jeffreys – a 90s country queen in her own right.

Although Courtney admits the song initially wasn’t intended to be a duet, eventually signing on Jeffrey’s was a no-brainer. “The more I came back to the song, I couldn’t help but hear a strong female duet voice on it. The beautiful, Gina Jeffreys, who of course is my mentor and dear friend agreed to collaborate with me on the track.”

The pair sound as if they’ve sung the song for years, thanks to a real-life friendship reminiscent of the song’s title. “I first met Courtney back in 2020 just as the world was shutting down due to the pandemic,” recalls Jeffreys. Unable to collaborate in person, they took to Zoom and a friendship sparked. “Courtney and I became great friends, spending many hours writing and talking during the pandemic. I think Courtney is an old soul and we feel like we have known each other for a hundred years, so when she asked me if I’d like to be a guest on her new song Worn In – I was truly honoured.”

The song gets its airtight production courtesy of Rod McCormack; multi-award-winning producer, long-time collaborator with Courtney and husband to Jeffreys. Within his Central Coast studio, The Music Cellar, the future hit took shape. “I couldn’t be happier with the result – it gave me goosebumps the first official listen through,” says Courtney.

‘Worn In’ is the anticipated follow-up to Courtney’s single, ‘All About You’; a passionately charged up-tempo track, which rose to #28 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts. Recently the singer-songwriter has received many accolades, including ‘Best Female Vocal’ at the 2023 & 2024 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards.

On the road she’s warmed up stages for some the best in the biz – Adam Harvey, The Whitlams Black Stump and her duet partner, Gina Jeffreys. Most recently she delighted audiences in opening slots for superstars Brain Cadd and Karise Eden. Later this year she’ll join a stellar line-up at the revered Gympie Music Muster in Queensland.

Courtney Keil is an artist with “lyrical depth, emotional connection and ability to create engaging music that speaks the truth” (Beat Magazine). Her latest offering has that in spades. “It’s a heartfelt lyric that really resonates with me, with a traditional country sound that I just love. Makes me wanna hug my old friends and never throw out those old boots!” agrees her collaborator, Gina Jeffreys, whose voice blends stunningly with Courtney Keil’s on this timeless track.

Cassidy-Rae Drops New Single ‘Good Night’ Your Ultimate Feel-Good Anthem!

Craving a good night? Look no further than country pop sensation Cassidy-Rae’s latest release ‘Good Night’. Co-written by Cassidy-Rae herself and powerhouse songwriters Michael Delorenzis and Michael Paynter from MSquared, this upbeat anthem is set to ignite playlists and radio stations alike with its infectious energy and irresistible hooks.

‘Good Night’ captures the essence of carefree evenings spent with friends, painting a vivid picture through clever lyrics and a toe-tapping beat that you won’t be able to get enough of. It’s the ultimate feel-good song that promises to leave you hitting repeat again and again.

Cassidy-Rae reflects on the inspiration behind the single: “Inspired from the good nights spent at my shows with friends around the world.”

Following the success of her 2024 single ‘Fangirl’ and previous hit ‘One More Song’, which dominated the airwaves across the country, and was added to stations Triple M Country, iHeart Country, KIX Country, Australian Country Radio as well as countless community radio stations. The track was also added to Apple Music’s ‘Aussie Country’ playlist and Spotify’s Fresh Country playlist which to date has attracted over 458,000 spins.

Cassidy-Rae continues to push boundaries with ‘Good Night’. Her unique blend of modern production and classic country storytelling sets her apart in the music scene, delivering a fresh take on the genre that’s impossible to resist.

Don’t miss out on ‘Good Night’ – the anthem you didn’t know you needed, until now. Tune in and let the music take you on a journey of unforgettable nights and everlasting memories.

Cassidy-Rae’s new single ‘Good Night’ is out to radio and all digital platforms on Friday 28th June 2024.

Andrew Farriss AM, the multi-platinum, award-winning songwriter of INXS fame, continues his stellar career with the release of his new single, “Something Stronger”.

A blazing fusion of country and rock, “Something Stronger” captures the raw energy and reckless abandon of youth, fuelled by hot emotions and a thirst for life’s wilder moments.

“I wanted to record a song about grit and passion,” says Farriss, and indeed Farriss’s signature storytelling and evocative melodies have again created a powerful anthem, evoking a sense of nostalgia for youthful adventures, filled with cheap whiskey, burning rubber, and the thrill of chasing dreams.

“We drank cheap whisky burnin’ down our teenage throats. A fire on the end of a hand-rolled smoke.”

“These words capture the raw energy and recklessness of youth for many past and present,” Farriss explains, “the deep yearning for something more intense… something stronger.”

“Something Stronger” is a taste of what’s to come from Farriss’s highly anticipated second solo album, “The Prospector”, due in early 2025.

“The songs on ‘The Prospector’ are about searching for the gold in life – reaching out for something higher,” Farriss explains. “It’s about digging deep inside, and encouraging others to look for the real treasures in life.”

The accompanying music video is a visual feast that captures the song’s essence – “fast cars, open roads, burning embers, a welcome home and raised glasses,” he smiles.

Farriss kicked off his solo career with an acclaimed self-titled debut album in 2021 featuring the high-rotation radio hits “Come Midnight” and “Good Momma Bad”, with “You Are My Rock” achieving a Top-100 Billboard Indicator chart hit in the USA. In 2022, he earned a Golden Guitar nomination for ‘Heritage Song of the Year’ for ” With The Kelly Gang.”

Accolades and global success aside, at the heart of it all, Andrew is a dedicated family man who has spent the past 30 years living and working on an established farming property near Tamworth, where he raises cattle and grows grains.

Beyond his solo work, Farriss continues to write and produce music for other artists, recently receiving notable acclaim for his collaboration with Yirrmal, a North-East Arnhem Land songwriter. His contributions have been recognised with numerous awards, including a Producer of the Year ARIA Award and an induction into the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016.
Fans can catch Farriss on tour across Australia in 2024 and 2025, where he’ll perform “Something Stronger” alongside his acclaimed solo material plus his songwriting classics.

“Get ready to buckle up for an exhilarating ride,” he says, “as we hit the road and ignite the stage.”

www.andrewfarriss.com