Month: October 2022

Country music’s redneck rocker, HARDY, and bell bottom queen, Lainey Wilson, have joined forces for the first time and have created a powerful new song “wait in the truck”.

The song is accompanied by the Justin Clough-directed music video in which both Lainey and HARDY feature. The track was written by Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt and Renee Blair. Produced by Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells and HARDY.

“This is one of my favourite songs I’ve ever written – probably the best song I’ve ever written to be honest,” HARDY said of the song. “It hit me so hard the first time I heard the demo back, and no other song had done that before. Very excited for the world to hear the song, excited for the song to give people a platform to maybe speak out about stuff that might be going on in their own homes.” He continued, “Thank you to Lainey Wilson for doing this song with me – she crushed it, she crushed the music video, I just can’t wait for the world to see this and I can’t wait to play it live.”

Lainey Wilson said, “I always love working with HARDY, but this track is extra special. I am so proud to be part of ‘wait in the truck’ because it’s such a powerful song and story, and I really do think it will change lives.”

The song is a true country music story-telling song and tells the tale of domestic abuse and a murder as HARDY and Wilson trade off vocals. In the clip, HARDY plays the character of an unexpected stranger who is out to find justice for Wilson, who portrays a domestic abuse victim. As the clip concludes, Wilson graciously thanks HARDY, who is behind bars, for saving her from her abuser.

The single also features a stunning gospel choir, which provides an epic build throughout the arrangement, as listeners hear the fate of the man who comes to the woman’s rescue. One thing is for certain, ” wait in the truck” is a stunning result, this is unquestionably a song that has so much power behind it, both lyrically and musically…people need to hear this song, and that’s pretty much it!

ABOUT HARDY:

Big Loud Records’ heavy hitter HARDY broke out with critically acclaimed 2020 debut album, “A ROCK”, “an album that owes as much to AC/DC as George Jones” and “one of the most self-assured full-length debut albums in years” (Billboard). The project joins countrified mixtape “HIXTAPE VOL. 1” and most-recent “HIXTAPE VOL. 2”, as well as career-launching EPs “THIS OLE BOY” and “WHERE TO FIND ME.” HARDY is the 2022 ACM Songwriter of the Year and two-time AIMP Songwriter of the Year, additionally nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 2021 CMA Awards. One of CRS’ 2021 New Faces of Country Music, a two-time CMA Triple Play award recipient and a Vevo DSCVR artist, the pride of Philadelphia, Miss. has earned his reputation as “a breakout in the making” (HITS). HARDY has co-penned 11 #1 singles since 2018, including his own chart-topping, double platinum-certified single “ONE BEER” feat. Lauren Alaina + Devin Dawson, and most-recent #1 alongside Dierks Bentley + BRELAND, “Beers On Me.” Serving as direct support on Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous Tour now, HARDY has also opened for Jason Aldean, FGL, Chris Lane, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell and more.

ABOUT LAINEY WILSON:

ACM New Female of the Year 2022 winner, Lainey Wilson has earned the enthusiasm of the industry, having been named to nearly every “Artist to Watch” list, winning MusicRow Magazine’s Discovery Artist of the Year award and being crowned Billboard’s “Top New Country Artist of 2021,” the Louisiana native is one of Nashville’s hottest and most buzzed-about new artists. Landing her first No. 1 with her PLATINUM Certified ACM Song of the Year “Things A Man Oughta Know,” nearly 10 years to the day after leaving her small farming community in a camper trailer to chase her dreams, she has won over legions of fans with her signature Bell Bottom Country sound and aesthetic, which blends traditional Country with a modern yet retro flare. A prolific and sought-after songwriter (having co-writer credits on songs by artists including Luke Combs, Flatland Calvary and more), Lainey is a fresh, fierce voice in Nashville, delivering one of the “Top Country Albums of 2021” (Rolling Stone, Taste of Country, and American Songwriter) with her label debut, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’. With a rockstar stage presence, her artistry has taken her across the globe, performing for sold-out crowds throughout the US, UK, and Germany with notable names like Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, Randy Houser and more. Her next single, “Heart Like a Truck” was released May 20, following up her recent return to the top of the Country radio charts with the two-week No. 1 hit, “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell. She will release her hotly anticipated album, “Bell Bottom Country” on October 28, just before making her acting debut on the hit series Yellowstone on November 13.

After the success of her last release, ” Iconic” which staked claim in the National country airplay charts for 14 weeks, Hudson Rose is back with the brand new single “Misery”, out October 28th.

The catchy country pop track was written about those days where you’ve just had enough and need a song to sing at the top of your lungs in the car with the windows down. As Hudson states, “This song was inspired by the people who just always seems to have something to say, who add their two bobs worth whether you asked for it or not.”

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Alanis Morrisette, Breland and Keith Urban, “Misery” is aimed not only to country music fans but for all music lovers. The country-trap inspired single was written and recorded alongside MSquared Productions and mastered by Leon Zervos at Studio 301. Hudson credits a lifelong exposure to a variety of music as her inspiration for the variety of multi-genre sound in this country-pop anthem.

“I once heard someone say that country music should be for everyone and that is what I aim to achieve in my music “- Hudson Rose.

With well received performances under her belt at Tamworth Country Music Festival, opening for country trailblazer James Johnston and attending the Junior Country Music Academy in 2019, Hudson is no stranger to the country audiences. Amassing over 65,000 streams on Spotify along with her previous single being added to high rotation on Triple M Country, ABC Country, KIX Country and iHeart Country Radio. With its catchy banjo riff and country trap beat, “Misery” is a track that draws you in and deserves your attention.

Country music newcomer, James Keith, creates music fuelled by positivity. In a previous life he was a professional rugby league player, now he’s turned his talents to the stage with the release of his debut single, ‘Life Is Good Today’.

James’ new single is a stirring country rock tune designed to exude feel good vibes. “There is so much negativity in the world and it really bothers me,” declares James. “This song has a really positive vibe with lots of energy and gives the listeners several simple reasons, from having a beer with your old man, to waking up next to someone, or going to a show and singing along, to just “LIVE IN THE MOMENT, CAUSE LIFE IS GOOD TODAY”.

The 4-minute anthem pumps through the speakers like something from the glory days of live music – big electric guitar riffs, thunderous drums and James’ down-to-earth vocal front and centre.

While produced and engineered by Craig Honeysett at Dotted Eight Studios in Orange, James took a hands-on approach to the recording. “I had a hand in all aspects of every instrument in the production phase.”

‘Life Is Good Today’ is more than just a song for James Keith, it’s a mantra. It all began when he visited Nashville, TN in 2011. “All the cover bands kept playing this song with the lyrics “life is good today” which really resonated with me.” Country music with a positive message has been his focus ever since.

But before he had this epiphany in Music City, he’d been involved in the family business – professional rugby league. His father, Peter Mortimer, played professionally for 11 years (alongside uncles Steve and Chris Mortimer), notching 5 grand finals with the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. When the opportunity arose to follow in his father’s footsteps, James moved from his hometown of Orange to Sydney’s Northern Beaches to don the jersey for Manly.

However, Orange still holds a special place in James’ heart, which is why it was the site of the video clip for ‘Life Is Good Today’. Shot by Dave Smyth (The Studio Door) and Craig Honeysett during a live performance at the CWA Hall in Orange, it captures the raw energy James projects through his music. Behind the band sits an illuminated ‘Tootsies’ sign – a throwback to that life changing Nashville trip, where many a late night was spent listening to the twang of a tele in Broadway’s famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.

‘Life Is Good Today’ begs its listeners to pause and count their blessings. Which, to James Keith, is paramount. The unbridled optimism and positivity he weaves into his high energy country rock makes for an impressive debut.

It’s been five years since his last solo single, ‘It’s Only Midnight’. Now, five-time Golden Guitar nominee, Matt Cornell, is back with a brand-new song, ‘Stick Around’.

The single draws on Matt’s love of 80s music to create an awesome blend of country rock on this anthem track. Matt’s gripping vocal tears right through the middle of a weave of pounding drums and lofty guitars, as he sings about settling down with the love of his life.

” ‘Stick Around ‘ explores the weird phenomenon that True Love often strikes when we least expect it,” explains the Gold Coast based artist. “The idea that something so solid and long lasting can be borne out of one boozy fleeting flirty moment.”

The song began to take shape when producer Jared Adlam gave Matt some new listening material. “I mentioned to him how I wanted to embrace my rock background & love of 80’s music, he then turned me onto American artist ‘ Hardy’, I was hooked straight away.”

The pair teamed up with artist and songwriter Tim Aitken and wrote the song in a blitz. “The chemistry was instant. Stick Around was written in a few hours.” However, the song’s tale of true love is more prophecy than reality for Matt. “I feel in a way, where I’m at in my life, Stick Around is kind of a wish for me personally, I’m currently single, & wanting to settle down to start a family one day, in this song, the guy meets his life partner, has the two kids & a dog, there’s hope for me yet.”

The single’s stellar video clip – directed by Golden Guitar winning Jay Seeney of Blacklist Productions – sees Matt live the words to his song. From the chance meeting in a bar, he croons about in the song’s first verse – “And if it wasn’t for the liquor, I wouldn’t talk to you / It sounds funny but it’s true” – to a stolen kiss under golden sunset.

As one half of Golden Guitar nominated duo, Cornell & Carr, Matt has had his solo career on the backburner in recent years. “Having been focused on Cornell & Carr the past few years, & not having released anything solo for five years, I wanted to make sure this next single made a statement, & lets people know I’m back.”

Despite his brief solo hiatus Matt has been anything but idle throughout his lifelong music career. Sneaking in the back doors of venues to play professionally when he was just 16, he’s enjoyed an illustrious career as a bass player to some Aussie music royalty. He’s plucked the 4-string for Baby Animals, Richard Clapton, Rose Tattoo, Shannon Noll and now Adam Brand.

He’s fronted the stage at the famous SXSW festival in Texas and supported Richard Marx on both his 2016 and 2018 Australian tours. Matt absolutely lives and creates music, to the point where he says, “I make music because I have to, not because I want to: I ‘m obsessed with it.”

Unsurprisingly, Matt grew up in an extremely musical family. The son of performers Cheryl Assange and former Delltone Wayne Cornell, his parents would often rehearse shows in the loungeroom. Matt’s uncle, George Assange (also performed under the name Vic Sabrino), was also influential, being the first Australian to make a rock ‘n’ roll recording in 1955.

With the release of ‘Stick Around’ Matt is thrilled to be getting out on the road to perform. He’ll be performing once again at his 6th annual Sydney Harbour Cruise, The Stock Route Country Music Festival and Country on Keppel in 2023.

‘Stick Around’ embodies Matt Cornell’s rock spirit perfectly. His style of storytelling is both familiar and unique and makes for an excellent re-introduction to this magnificent artist.

The Sydney Morning Herald ranked Christmas Cafe at the # 3 spot for their Ultimate Holiday Playlist enjoying the stellar lineup with the likes of Brett Eldredge, Nora Jones, Kelly Clarkson, LOLO, and Amanda Shires. Here’s what they had to say ” What’s not to love avout a Colorado Fireman recalling a romatinc roadhouse rendezous over an acoustic guitar shuffle? Tim Champlin is Interstate Cowboy talk-singing a snowed-in Christmas Eve when ” I had to park my rig and wait/It was like a skatin’ rink out there”. The thing with the waitress wasn’t love/ it was the next best thing”. He says he slept on the couch and we believe him.”

Brilliantly written with self-awareness and clever metaphors, Lainey shares the semi-autobiographical and strong “Heart Like A Truck.” Produced by Jay Joyce and written by Lainey, Trannie Anderson and Dallas Wilson, the first single off her next album remains firmly in the spirit of Bell Bottom Country but shows the growth Lainey has experienced as a person, artist and songwriter since she wrote her critically-acclaimed Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ album which featured the ACM Song of the Year, “Things A Man Oughta Know.”

“These past few months have been such a whirlwind, but man, it was quite the journey to get here. Miley wasn’t playing when she said, ‘it’s about the climb,’ because it really is what builds character and teaches you the most about yourself,” said Lainey Wilson. “‘Heart Like A Truck’ is all about self-discovery, growth and embracing scars as badges of honor. After all, a truck that has hit a few bumps and earned some scratches has proved itself and its tenacity-the shiny one on the lot can’t say that.”

The cinematic video, directed by Elizabeth Olmstead, tells the story of a newbie, underdog horse trainer that struggles to gain the acceptance of her peers. Lainey plays the lead, debuting her acting chops and showcasing her horseback skills. Filmed at a historic farm in Franklin, TN, the video features performance scenes, sweeping landscapes and of course, a truck.

“I learned to ride horses before I learned to walk so, I felt right at home on set but I’ll admit, I was a little nervous to really do character acting for the first time-it ended up being such a creatively fulfilling and thrilling experience,” added Lainey. “I worked with Elizabeth for a Frito’s commercial spot with Yellowstone and was so impressed by her talent, I had to have her be a part of this project-she really wowed me on this one. It was also really cool that it ended up being a whole team of badass women in charge of bringing this thing to life. It ain’t every day that you walk on a set and have a female director, executive producer, director of photography, etc. so them all being able to relate to the protagonist made me feel like there was an extra level of care, it was really special.”

” Heart Like A Truck” is the follow up to her second No. 1, “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell, which reigned supreme at the top of the Country radio charts for two weeks. Seen on Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show and CMT Music Awards (which was heralded as “the night’s top must watch performance” by the Tennessean), the single was Lainey’s biggest radio success to date. She earned her first No. 1 with her breakout award-winning hit, “Things A Man Oughta Know.” The single, which earned her the title of Billboard’s Top New Country Artist of 2021, appeared on her critically acclaimed album, “Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ which debuted in 2021 to mass critical acclaim.

ABOUT LAINEY WILSON:

ACM New Female of the Year 2022 winner, Lainey Wilson has earned the enthusiasm of the industry, having been named to nearly every “Artist to Watch” list, winning MusicRow Magazine’s Discovery Artist of the Year award and being crowned Billboard’s “Top New Country Artist of 2021,” the Louisiana native is one of Nashville’s hottest and most buzzed-about new artists. Landing her first No. 1 with her PLATINUM Certified ACM Song of the Year “Things A Man Oughta Know,” nearly 10 years to the day after leaving her small farming community in a camper trailer to chase her dreams, she has won over legions of fans with her signature Bell Bottom Country sound and aesthetic, which blends traditional Country with a modern yet retro flare. A prolific and sought-after songwriter (having co-writer credits on songs by artists including Luke Combs, Flatland Calvary and more), Lainey is a fresh, fierce voice in Nashville, delivering one of the “Top Country Albums of 2021” (Rolling Stone, Taste of Country, and American Songwriter) with her label debut, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’. With a rockstar stage presence, her artistry has taken her across the globe, performing for sold-out crowds throughout the US, UK, and Germany with notable names like Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, Randy Houser and more. Her next single, “Heart Like a Truck” was released May 20, following up her recent return to the top of the Country radio charts with the two-week No. 1 hit, “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell.

Canada born, Nashville-based MacKenzie Porter is rising to international acclaim after building momentum with her first-ever U.S. #1, six-week chart topping Dustin Lynch collaboration “Thinking ‘Bout You.”

Porter made her own mark simultaneously, releasing brand-new songs “Coming Soon To A Bar Near You,” “Pickup,” “Unlonely Me” and “Heaven Heard Me” in late 2021. Her “mesmerizing vocals and hook-driven songs” (Billboard) sparked headline-worthy accolades, debuting on the Grand Ole Opry, earning four 2021 CCMA Awards nominations, and a 2021 JUNO nomination for her Joey Moi-produced Country Album of the Year contender, DRINKIN’ SONGS: THE COLLECTION.

Making history, Porter became the first female artist since Shania Twain to have three consecutive #1 singles at Canadian country radio with “About You,” “These Days” and “Seeing Other People.” Porter also earned her first crossover Top 10 at Canadian pop radio – a first since 2003 for a Canadian country artist – with “These Days (Remix),” and joined CMT’s Next Women of Country class of 2021. The triple threat previously starred in cult-followed sci-fi television series Travelers now on Netflix, and is serving as direct support on Walker Hayes’ FANCY LIKE TOUR nationwide now.

Big Loud Records’ Mackenzie Porter is fast becoming one of the leading voices within the ever-growing worldwide country scene and today she releases yet another phenomenal single with ‘Pickup’ available to stream and download across your favourite platforms.

With ‘Pickup’ Mackenzie Porter demonstrates a natural ability for being able to craft authentic country songs that also include plenty of modern elements making her an artist that is able to reach a wide and varied demographic and cross-genre fanbase making her a wonderfully exciting performer.

Sydney singer-songwriter Jax Tonic is putting his best foot forward with his debut single set for release on Monday, October 24.

On The Front Foot is a story about meeting the ‘one’ and being infatuated from that first meeting, with a strong theme of girl power.

“It’s about guy meets girl and he is absolutely smitten by her,” Jax said. “It’s kind of inspired by the night I met my wife because it was a similar situation as is described in the song: we were out on Australia Day Eve in the city, having a good time, but then we just had phone numbers to keep in touch with.”

The song came to Jax via the melody and lyrics found their way in.

“I usually sing the melody and the lyrics almost find their way up to the top, then I match the lyrics to the song,” he said.

“I want people to relate to the story across countries and demographics – not just country fans, but everyone – because I believe every bloke could relate to this situation at some point in time.

“This is a girl power song, because the girl is in control here, and it tells of that power of everything a woman has over a man because that’s a big thing.”

Mixed and mastered in Nashville by Austin Stanley and Luke Wooten, who has previously worked with fellow Aussies including Adam Brand and Travis Collins, On The Front Foot, was produced by multi-instrumentalist Alexie Pigot who played most instruments, along with Northern Beaches guitarist David Smith.

Award-winning video director Jay Seeney has brought the story to life with a clip shot at Manly Beach and the nearby Corso.

Grab your keys, Jamie Lindsay is taking you on the Open Road.

Heading on a roadtrip? Open Road forms a perfect soundtrack for your adventures, inspired by the New England Highway scenery on his way to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

“I had this song in my head when I hit the New England Highway as I got closer to play in Tamworth,” he said.

“We had been in lockdown and it felt so good to get out on the open road and, as soon as I got to Tamworth, checked into the caravan park, I smashed out a shell of Open Road.”

Open Road follows on from hit single, Bring On The Summertime, which is nearing 100,000 streams internationally and enjoying playlisting success.

Escaping the city for the trip inspired the Ettalong-based artist in such a way in January, that he had the song ready to play in April for the belated Tamworth Country Music Festival.

“I played it for the first time at the Tamworth Services Club and it feels a little Keith Urban-ish, harking back to the feel of Somebody Like You,” he said.

“It’s all about that feeling of freedom and breaking those chains of the city.”

The combination of rocking guitars and banjo means this needs to be cranked up in the car.

It’s also the perfect touring song for Jamie.

“I’m excited about touring, playing festivals and seeing the country,” he said.

“We’re so lucky we have all these places in Australia.”

For the ultimate driving song, wrap your ears around Open Road and escape the everyday.

Recording Artist~ Navy Veteran~Motivational Speaker

Cowgirl Crazy is an uplifting, good time, girl’s night out on the town song! A carefree, feel good song about letting the worries of the day just melt away while hanging out with your friends. It will make you want to kick up your boots, dance till you drop and let the good times roll!

“If you want to get the crowd on the dance floor, just play Cowgirl Crazy by Justin Kane!” – Jeff Meek-WDHR, Pikeville, KY

About Justin Kane

Justin Kane served our country in the Navy onboard the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman in Norfolk, Virginia, as a Master at Arms for Command Naval Region Southwest in San Diego, California, and finally onboard the U.S.S Bonhomme Richard. He then went on two deployments to the Persian Gulf and served with some of the bravest and most honorable people he had ever met.

Following his service, he decided he couldn’t ignore his love for music and decided to use his gift from God to share his love for the U.S. and to spread the message that WE ARE STRONG as a country when we are united together, WE ARE RESOLUTE when we stand together, WE ARE COURAGEOUS when we have faith in ourselves, in our country and in God. However busy our lives may be, we can be grateful for what we have because FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

Justin is a born entertainer and strives to make the lives of those who listen to his music better. His high energy show is an eclectic mix of country, southern rock, modern-day country hits and all-American originals. He wants to provide people with a chance to escape their day to day worries, whether for thirty minutes or several hours. That escape can help them face the challenges of our day to day lives. If his music can do that for others, then his goal has been reached.

The new single and fan favorite, COWGIRL CRAZY” by Justin Kane aims to do just that. We hope your listeners will enjoy this fun-loving feel-good song!