“What Country Means” is another master class in song writing from the 2022 TSA Songwriter of the Year. An earthy acoustic ballad that tells Emily Hatton’s story with a subtle reminder that sometimes heartbreaks don’t come from the most obvious of places. Emily Hatton had the concept and opening line for her new single “What Country Means” all she had to do was find the right puzzle pieces or in this case lyrics to complete this jigsaw; her story, told her way. As cliché as it may sound, the inspiration to finish the song came on a three-hour drive through the countryside on her way home from a gig.
Emily is one of the most exciting artists in Australian Country Music and in this song, we are a little better acquainted with this prized singer-songwriter and her journey so far. For over a decade Emily has been honing her craft, finding her niche and place in country music. Successfully blending the great sounds and stylings of traditional country with a flare of modern country pop throughout her music from the catchy and witty ballads to the softer harmonies and even toe tapping anthems.
” What Country Means” reflects on how Emily discovered her love of country music and the events which led her to becoming an internationally recognised songwriter and celebrated musician. Emily says “I took my experiences and my story, and made it a soundtrack to life, the moments and memories you make along the way” this is exactly what she has managed to do, capturing all of these special moments in song, and has found her identity in country music. “I had to ask myself what do I have in common with other people who have fallen in love with country music? I reflected and found the common threads; love of the land, community, and family.”
From writing poems in her Grandfather’s Apple Tree (in Coastal Victoria) to now an award-winning singer songwriter, seamlessly releasing timeless songs. This very tree planted in the garden that Emily refers to in this single, “I grew up in hand me downs, hands in the dirt of Grandad’s Garden” alluding to a heartbreaking time, one that far outweighs heartbreaks of any other kind. Acknowledging her American family who introduced her to country music and touching on precious childhood memories. Emily pours her heart and soul into this song bringing to life exactly ‘What Country Means’ to her.
“Though I wasn’t raised on country music, it’s where I’ve ended up. And reflective of that, I wasn’t raised on a massive acreage of land in the country, but it’s where I want to end up; and have my kids grow up there one day. That’s why I bookend the song with my grandfather’s garden: I know where I’ve been, I know what I value through, what I’ve lost and gained over the years, and I know where I’m going.” – Emily Hatton
This song was recorded with the legendary producer Matt Fell in his brand-new studio in Tasmania. Emily was in fact the first person to record in this space with 180-degree views of mountains and pristine surrounds. While admiring the beauty of the secluded property, Emily discovered one last piece of the song’s puzzle when she sat on an old swing during a recording break. This track follows on from Hatton’s remarkable single “Red, Wine and Blue” (released in June 2022) which amassed 16,000 streams in less than twenty-four hours and was added straight to Spotify’s Fresh Country Playlist . An upcoming video clip will soon be released for “What Country Means” which will add yet another layer to Emily Hatton’s story. Emily has taken us to snow-capped mountain tops, mystical caves, and other magical places in her music videos. This time we will see one of her most personal and intimate clips fitting perfectly with the song’s lyrics. Jay Seeney of Blacklist Productions brings this story to life while showcasing stunning scenery with parts of the film clip being shot in and around one of Southeast Queensland’s most wondrous locations.