Month: March 2022

Cass Hopetoun is the name on everyone’s lips, thanks to the release of her latest single ‘Chinese Whispers’. The sassy new tune arrives just ahead of the ‘New Talent of the Year’ Golden Guitar nominee’s highly anticipated debut album, Not Your Typical Bride which is set for release on 8th April and available for pre order now.

Released through Compass Bros Records, ‘Chinese Whispers’ is the sixth single to be taken from the Sydney-based singer’s 13-track album. It’s a fiercely self-assured anthem of empowerment; “a song you put on when someone has been talking smack about you and you want to feel empowered and have that ‘shake it off’ moment,” exclaims Hopetoun. “It’s a reminder that people are always going to ‘talk’ but, you can choose to ignore them because you know what’s true and what’s not.”

No doubt this latest offering will have people talking……for all the right reasons. Its feisty lyrics were crafted by Hopetoun along with her fiancé and collaborator, Blake Dantier, after she became the victim of a nasty rumour. “Haters gonna throw shade, shade, shade, no matter what I do,” she sings triumphantly in the song’s chorus.

Her vocal is both delicate and commanding as it dances effortlessly around Matt Fell’s (Love Hz Studios) production. Incorporating elements of Motown and surf rock – the country-tinged track feels both timeless and fresh.

Despite the seemingly endless pandemic, Hopetoun has still managed to turn heads – now a two-time nominee for New Talent of the Year at the Golden Guitar awards. The hit that earned her most recent nomination, ‘Who Needs Hawaii’, peaked at #6 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart and was the #1 most played song on CMT Australia in 2021. She also found time to duet with Andrew Swift on ‘Say the Word’, which topped the Kix Hottest 20 and was the radio station’s #1 most played track for 2021.

2021 saw Hopetoun hitting the road, performing her vibrant show alongside Hurricane Fall and Shane Nicholson. But 2022 is set to be bigger and better; with appearances at Meatstock, Goulburn Valley and Tamworth Country Music Festivals, as well as tour dates across the country with Jayne Denham and her Not Your Typical Bride album launch in Sydney on 14th April.

While whispers continue to grow of Hopetoun’s prowess as a songwriter and performer, so too does her devoted following. Her honest and playful voice is a breath of fresh air in the Australian music landscape and an inspiration to Country fans young and old. ‘Chinese Whispers’ is just further evidence that the rumours are true – Cass Hopetoun is undoubtedly a star destined for great heights.

Mandy Collins has released her debut single ‘I’ll Find You’, produced by Travis Collins, engineered by multi-award winner Matt Fell, and mastered by industry legend, Ted Howard. ‘I’ll Find You’ has a great fun vibe about it, a bluesy country, front porch kind of thing, which will resonate with rural and regional Australians and their country roots.

Mandy ‘Moo’ Collins has always loved to sing. Raised in Sydney’s Western Suburbs, music was a way of life, with her Dad touring the country playing in bands and igniting her lifelong passion for performing.

Mandy’s love for country music was kindled at an early age by role models and song writing inspirations such as Tammy Wynette, Jeannie C. Riley and Trisha Yearwood, then further nurtured by her parents and well know award winning singer songwriter brother, Travis Collins.

Happy and enjoying life in the Hunter Valley with her family, and having raised five children, Mandy recently felt the pull back towards recording and performing and the timing couldn’t be better. Armed with good people in her corner, Mandy is set to embark on fulfilling her dreams of entertaining the masses.

HANSON release their new track “Write You A Song,” the second single from the multi-platinum, 3x GRAMMY® Award-nominated pop-rock trio’s eagerly anticipated new project, RED GREEN BLUE. Written by Isaac Hanson, and co-produced by Isaac, GRAMMY® Award-winning Producer/Engineer/Mixer Jim Scott (Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wilco) and GRAMMY® Award-winning Artist/Producer David Garza (Fiona Apple, Midland, Sharon Van Etten), the organic and heartwarming song is available now via 3CG Records at all DSPs and streaming services. The official music video will see its premiere on CMT USA this coming Monday, March 14.

“This song is about holding on to the things that really matter in life, those simple daily moments that are precious and honest and go by so fast,” says Isaac Hanson of the song. “Whether it is between a parent and a child or a romantic relationship, it is important to capture those moments in photos, videos, and yes in songs, so that you remember them and make them last.”

RED GREEN BLUE was heralded last month with the album’s emotive and dynamic first single, “Child at Heart,” available now at all DSPs and streaming services. An official music video is streaming now via YouTube.

Comprising three solo-led projects from Taylor, Isaac, and Zac Hanson, RED GREEN BLUE arrives via 3CG Records on Friday, May 20, and is available for pre-order on vinyl, CD, and digital at all retailers now. The album, which marks HANSON’s milestone 30th anniversary, brings together the band’s three unique creative voices like never before, with a third of the album written and produced by each brother: Taylor’s RED, Isaac’s GREEN, and Zac’s BLUE. The album, which is also, co-produced with Jim Scott and David Garza, amplifies the band’s unique trifecta of sound in a new way which is highlighted through the release of three singles, one featuring each brother. Starting with Taylor’s “Child At Heart” followed by Isaac’s “Write You A Song” (out today) and the rock-infused force of Zac’s “Don’t Let Me Down” (April 15), each song is a clue to the unique musical influences which make up the project.

“Going into our 30th year as a band we felt like it was imperative we continue to tell our story like only we can,” says Isaac Hanson, “and telling stories in ways that will continue to challenge us to grow and give people new reasons to listen. RED GREEN BLUE is about sharing what has made us a band that has been able to weather so many storms.”

“Our love and respect for Jim Scott has only grown since we first met 20 years ago,” says Taylor Hanson. “He has been behind some of our favorite albums, so it’s an absolute joy to have finally made a project together.”

“We have had a long friendship and deep connection with David Garza since our early days as a band,” says Zac Hanson. “We could not have had a better musical collaborator for this milestone project.”

D Henry Fenton’s new single “Ruby (Days Gone By)” is an upper mid tempo Americana/Folk-Pop song about the difficulties of gaining and maintaining visiting rights for a parent to see their child. “Its a song I felt I had to write” explains Fenton “There’s always two sides to every story and somewhere in the middle is where we find the truth, the sadness and then the healing”

Recorded and mixed in Sydney at Electric Avenue Studio’s it features guitars and backing vocals by Mark Punch (Kasey Chambers/Joe Cocker) and bass by ARIA award winning bassist/composer Jonathan Zwartz (Branford Marsalis/Terri-Lynn Carrington) as well as Fenton himself on acoustic guitar, telecaster and lead vocals.

Fenton has opened/supported acts such as Kasey Chambers, John Mayer, Colbie Caillat, Lissie & The Corrs.

Rising country singer-songwriter, Sara Berki, releases debut single ‘Fallin’ Off The Heartline’.

Bursting onto the Australian country music scene with her debut single ‘Fallin’ Off The Heartline’, NSW Southern Highlands singer-songwriter Sara Berki is about to make an impression. This talented artist has a way of combining her emotionally interpreted lyrics and storytelling with catchy guitar riffs that will make you want to sway.

“‘Fallin Off The Heartline’ is a song about a younger love that had once been when two people were in college. The storyline is based on reminiscing and remembering the heartbreak and conflict they had back then. It is a song that’ll pull on your heartstrings, if you have ever had a similar love experience” said Sara.

From a tender age, Sara has been playing guitar and writing music for herself, making appearances everywhere and anywhere she could gig, with her 6 string and her vocal range that will melt the hardest of hearts.

In 2021, Sara was endorsed by Takamine Guitars and Pro Music Australia. A year in the making, she is now on the verge of releasing her debut EP ‘Heartline’ (due for release mid 2022) which was produced by well-known Australian producer Simon Johnson (Troy Cassar-Daley, Amber Lawrence, Tori Darke, Aleyce Simmonds) and mastered by Grammy Award winning William Bowden. Sara had a helping hand from some of Australia’s most iconic musicians such as CMAA award winning artist Shane Nicholson in the production of her EP.

Towards the end of 2021, Sara was announced as a Top 10 Finalist for a performance spot at Groundwater Country Music Festival in a competition supported by KIX Country. To support the release of ‘Fallin’ Off The Heartline’, Sara will be performing at Tamworth Country Music Festival in April.

Sara Berki’s melodic sounds are heavily influenced by Lainey Wilson, Caylee Hammack and Cam. She is a true storyteller, with captivating vocals and will reel you in with her words in every song she has written making her an exceptional artist to watch in 2022.

“Damn, It Feels Right” is that moment when you first set your eyes on another and you know that nothing will ever be the same again. Your heart starts to race, the butterflies make haste and damn, it feels right. Produced by Sydney’s Love HZ Studios respected producer Michael Carpenter, this contemporary country-pop track is filled with a heart-warming and positive theme and is bound to resonate with country music lovers, as well as Cassidy-Rae’s fast growing fanbase.

The prolific songstress has been busy on multiple radio tours and in the studio for over 12 months, crafting out a wave of new tracks to share with audiences. Proving popular amongst fans & media alike, Cassidy-Rae is charting consistently with 4 x #1 singles on iTunes Country Australia, securing high rotation across country radio networks and added to coveted playlists like Spotify’s Fresh Country, Apple Music Today’s Country, Aussie Country, and Lil Bit Country with her accompanying music videos receiving premieres and full rotation on CMT. With continual support from major player radio stations, has also ensured Cassidy-Rae has made her mark on the Countrytown Hottest 50 Chart.

With over 90,000 followers on social media, Cassidy-Rae continues to connect with fans worldwide, performing and sharing her life through Live Streams – Sunday Sit Down and Live Music Sessions every week.

As a graduate of the Country Music Academy of Australia, Cassidy-Rae is a powerhouse to be reckoned with, appearing at major events such as Tamworth Country Music Festival, Blue Water Country Music Festival, Ballina Country Music Festival, Basin Music Festival and more.

‘Damn, It Feels Right’ follows on from incredibly successful 2021 singles ‘Cheers Y’all’, ‘Dose Of You’, ‘Meant To Be’ and ‘AMAZING’. Cassidy-Rae constantly delivers the perfect balance of party anthems to heartfelt ballads. Her vibrant, confident, and authentic performances have cemented a solid profile in country music, proving why she has amassed such a loyal following.

Cassidy-Rae’s new single ‘Damn, It Feels Right’ is out at radio and all digital platforms on Friday 11th March.

Award winning songwriter and staunch Country traditionalist, Blake Dantier is back with his latest single ‘Don’t Say When’. It comes ahead of the release of his highly anticipated debut album ‘Dry Season’, out on 25 th March and available for pre order now.

“It’s got to be the most personal track on the album,” admits Dantier. The mid-tempo ballad reveals a
more sensitive side to the songwriter, who is better known for his good time drinking songs like ‘Last Call’ and ‘Wish You Were My Beer’. “I wrote ‘Don’t Say When’ for my Grandad, who passed a few years back,” he says. “Grandad was a lover of fine scotch and red wine, but I’d always been too young to share a drink with him. This song is about having that drink – cracking open a bottle, starting to pour and not saying when.”

Produced by Simon Johnson at Hillbilly Hut studios, Dantier insisted ‘Don’t Say When’ feature an
accordion part, as a nod to his grandfather. “I can’t play anything close to what he could,” jokes Dantier “but I’ll learn one day”. Shot and directed by Duncan Toombs of The Filmery, the video sees Dantier immersed in a maze of art and upcycled furniture and features his grandfather’s beloved accordion in the flesh.

The road to the debut album has been full of bumps and detours (starts with C and rhymes with ‘over it’) but that hasn’t stopped Dantier from blazing a clear path. Four of his self-penned singles from the upcoming album featured in the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay chart, with ‘Last Call’ peaking at #8. He was also the winner of two Tamworth Songwriters Salute Awards in 2021. He shares the wins with his fiancée and Golden Guitar award nominee, Cass Hopetoun, with whom he wrote the #1 airplay hit ‘Typical Bride’. Dantier even attracted the attention of Adam Harvey , who duets with him on the album track, ‘You Don’t Mix Whiskey’.

“It’s been a hot minute since we started this album and I’m so keen to get out there and play it,” chirps Dantier. Fans won’t have to wait too much longer as he will be launching the album with shows in the Blue Mountains and Sydney, as well as a special double bill with fellow honky-tonkers, Michael Carpenter and The Banks Brothers. He’ll then be hitting the road with his fiancé Cass Hopetoun, performing at Meatstock Toowoomba and opening for Jayne Denham.

Blake Dantier has yet again proved his versatility as a songwriter with ‘Don’t Say When’; its heartfelt
story packs a punch that lingers like a barrel aged single malt. You can see why The Music Network
named him “One of the most exciting prospects on the local country scene”! If this is just a taste of
what’s to come, then the debut album is sure to be nothing but top shelf.

Ella & Sienna, teenage singer-songwriter sisters from the Adelaide Hills, release their long-awaited single ‘Next To Mine’ on Friday 11 March 2022. Produced by ARIA and Golden Guitar winning producer Matt Fell at Love Hz Studios in Sydney, the track embodies their formidable combination of soaring vocals, captivating sibling harmonies, catchy pop hooks, and country inspired storytelling.

Sienna says “‘Next To Mine’ was written during the first pandemic lockdown in 2020. I wanted to create an energetic, up-tempo reflection of our love and care for family and friends.” Ella adds “We were inspired by the shared feeling of heartache and longing to be close to loved ones through the uncertain and devastating times.”

On the track Ella & Sienna reveal growth as artists, exposing stronger musicianship and poise with song writing and vocals, while showcasing their unique blend of pop, folk and country.

Proving they are amongst the most exciting emerging artists in their field, Ella & Sienna have captured a compelling string of accolades over the past two years including; Finalist in the Folk Alliance Australia 2021 Youth Folk Artist of the Year, Live Performance Category Winners in the Songwriters Composers and Lyricists Association 2021 Festival of Original Music, winners of the Art Gallery of South Australia Battle of the Bands 2020, second place in both the Battle of the Young Stars and Best of the Buskers competitions at the Tamworth Country Music Festival 2020 and Semi-Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition 2020.

Both talented multi-instrumentalists, their live performances mainly feature Ella on vocals/guitar, and Sienna on vocals/bass. Their original music brings a unique blend of modern country, folk and acoustic pop. Prepare to be blown away by the dynamic vocals, incredible harmonies and fun vibe created by these emerging artists!

“They are trailblazing youngins from the Adelaide Hills, cranking out rivetingly impassioned slivers of sharp and summery folk. Acoustically inclined, the duo’s performance wields a uniquely charged energy… Peter Noble, if you’re reading this, get these girls on a Bluesfest lineup ASAP!” – Matt Doria, Australian Guitar’s Fresh Frets.

Two years ago Tamworth-bred country artist Allison Forbes had the world at her feet. Her debut album ‘Bonedigger’ – produced by Oz country legend Shane Nicholson – had come out in early-2020 to near universal acclaim, debuting at #1 on the ARIA Australian Country charts.

It was the second highest-selling independent record across all genres in that heady first week, with Forbes’ distinctive take on outlaw Americana near omnipresent on country radio, topping numerous radio charts in the process.

It’s hard to imagine things going better for the mould-breaking singer-songwriter – Forbes and ‘Bonedigger’ would go on to score four prestigious Golden Guitar nominations at the 2021 Tamworth Country Music Festival, and be voted Most Popular Female Artist at the 2020 Independent Country Music Awards – but then… the COVID pandemic struck.

Instead of Forbes being able to hit the road and consolidate the hard-fought traction she’d achieved with ‘Bonedigger’ – connecting with her existing audience and winning over new fans with her captivating live show – the country plunged into lockdown and the hard-fought momentum began slowly ebbing away.

Such immeasurably poor timing would have justifiably broken many artists, but instead Forbes doubled down and poured her heart and soul into what would become her brilliant second album, ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’. It’s a collection which hones and magnifies Forbes’ indubitable talent to create an album conceived in and forged by adversity, yet which transcends its tough-times genesis courtesy the stunning empathy and compassion which floods through these beautifully-rendered tales of loss and grief.

“It was really an album that I didn’t know that I needed to make until I wrote the songs, and even now looking back on it I didn’t realise how relevant it was going to be,” Forbes admits. “Everyone was experiencing a lot of loss, including myself. I lost one of my best friends fairly early during the pandemic – I’ve also dedicated the album to him – and I think that loss tied in with a lot of other confusion, and a bit of angst as well. There’s a muse that’s a common thread through the songs.

“They’re definitely the most personal songs I’ve ever written. I usually tend to be quite metaphorical when I write, which is not something that I’ve ever done on purpose – maybe it’s been a fear of revealing too much – but the songs here are very, very close to the bone.”

Importantly though – despite the serious themes threading through the narratives – ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ is far from a grim listen, with a healthy dose of hope and positivity never far from the surface.

“I always do have a glimmer of hope in my songs, I’m a really optimistic person at heart,” the singer smiles. “I wouldn’t want it to be completely sombre and depressing. I always want there to be a little bit of something – a little bit of hope that life will continue or that things will get better. I always aim to have positivity shining through even the bleakest moments.”

Having already spawned three strong singles in ‘Pieces Of Silver’, ‘Only Got One Road’ and ‘Save You Now’, this time around on ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ Forbes’ songwriting acumen was abetted by the skills of ARIA Award-winning producer Matt Fell (Troy Cassar-Daley, Shane Nicholson, John Williamson), who – working remotely from his Leichhardt studio – helped bring her fledgling ideas to stunning fruition, both in terms of song arrangements and the crack band he pulled together for the occasion.

“I remember saying to Shane [Nicholson] about producing ‘Bonedigger’, ‘How are you going to make all these songs work together?’ and he was, like, ‘That’s why I lose sleep at night!'” she laughs. “Matt was essentially the same, he just took these songs and put this beautiful flavour on them.

“They just flow and blend really well together, and they sound like the story – the story of me at the time. That’s what a brilliant producer does, he’s the brains behind it and the one who takes these simple ideas and basic demos and turns them into these incredible, melodic and beautiful musical journeys.”

And while the music on ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ is undeniably of the country persuasion, the intoxicating blend of traditional country, alt-country, folk, rock and bluegrass – unified by Forbes’ commanding vocals – defies easy classification, not that it’s of any concern to Forbes herself.

“I just do what I do, really. I’m not sure if I fit into the classic country music style, although I think that’s changing a lot,” the singer muses. “Without being too cliché, I think there are a lot of different types of music now that are borrowing from other genres but still fitting under the country music umbrella.

“I have a lot of respect for traditional country music – obviously growing up in Tamworth I’ve grown up listening to bush ballads and traditional country artists my whole life, and I have a huge respect for them. So the natural country influence is there – it’s just there, and it always will be there but there are other influences that have crept in over the years – a bit of rock influence, and I love bluegrass and there’s some obvious flourishes showing up from that field.

“But I’m happy to just do what I do and not fit too much into any pigeonhole – I’m happy to be genre-bending! I’m happy to welcome all kinds of country music into the fold, into the mix. Things are changing – the world’s changing, music’s changing – so we’ve got to keep changing and evolving as well. It’s all about the songs.”

And despite the troubled times which ushered ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ into the world – and the many opportunities sadly missed due to circumstances far beyond her control – for Allison Forbes nothing is more important than simply being true to herself.

“It’s a double-edged sword to try to be yourself and be authentic – being authentic and really honest means more to me than anything – but it’s difficult because I guess I’m not really a game-player: I don’t follow the same path as a lot of the successful artists. I’m coming to terms with the fact that mainstream success may be something I’ll never have, but I’ll always be me, and I’m okay with that.”

Tony Kennelly is a seasonal performer that will take you on a journey with his unique style of song writing.

The inspiration for his songs come from a lifetime of events that have moved him to write, and at the same time, be able to tell a story. He loves nothing more than to share his music with others and have people being part of the performance, finding themselves drawn into the words and music he so skillfully portrays. He says, “I love it when people applaud, it touches me deeply”.

Tony’s second album, ‘Battlegrounds’, is a testament of Tony’s mastery of songwriting ability. Produced by Shane Nicholson, a legend in his own right, Tony’s recent single releases have been played throughout Australia on numerous radio stations. ‘Leave The Gate Open’ was released with consistent airplay. ‘Wasted Time’ done very well on the charts, whilst ‘Sailing’ has continued to be on high rotation throughout the country.

Another feather in his cap for many years, Tony’s music has been always been in the Top 10 of any contests he has entered his songs into. This year being no exception, with four out of five songs entered in the Australian Songwriters Association in the top 30, and one in the Top 10. Not bad considering the number of entries.

Tony’s latest release from the ‘Battlegrounds’ album is ‘Kicking Stones’. It will take you back to a time of leaving the security of school life, to the uncertainty of the work place, with the added pressures of actually working for a living and becoming somewhat overwhelmed. The chorus of the song is a metaphor … “We’re Just Kicking Stones” … but is very relatable to us all. It could be said that this one is a light-hearted look at life.

With the talents of Shane Nicholson’s production, and the backing vocals of Allison Forbes, ‘Kicking Stones’ will be one of those songs you will want to hear a lot of.