Month: April 2023

Multi-award winner and fourth highest-selling Australian Country artist of 2022, Kirsty Lee Akers, is hitting the airwaves with a quirky new single, Getting Over You. Out on April 28, the track is described by Akers as a “happy break-up song” about a relationship that ends with no regrets. A welcome alternative to the countless angry break-up anthems in the world, the track channels the idea that even though relationships end, often the two people would do it all over again because what they had was something special.

“Jesse (Anderson) and I often joke that if we ever broke up, we would have to meet up on the weekends because we would miss each other so much.” – Kirsty said.

“Rather than being bitter and doing the things people expect when your relationship ends, this song is about being grateful with what you had, rather than something you regret.”

The track was co-written by Akers, and fellow hitmakers The Wolfe Brothers during the COVID-19 lockdown period, which tested many relationships, with many not making the distance. It was recorded and produced by Kirsty and her long-time band members, Paul Bain and Dan Ebbels.

The past 2 years have been a whirlwind for Akers. As well as starring on Channel 9’s reality show ‘The Block’ alongside her husband Jesse Anderson, Akers grabbed a Golden Guitar, and her self-produced 6th studio album proved a career-defining release across all charts (ARIA #1 Australian all genres, ARIA #1 Country).

About Kirsty Lee Akers

Kirsty Lee Akers is one of Australia’s most unique and authentic recording artists. A rare talent who is proud of her indigenous heritage as a woman of the Wonnarua nation. Akers is the only artist in history to have won three of the major prizes in Australian Country Music; Toyota Star Maker, Telstra Road to Discovery and a Golden Guitar Award (Two in total).

Despite a global pandemic, 2021 saw Kirsty defy the odds, and take out her second Golden Guitar Award (Vocal Collaboration with Amber Lawrence, Dianna Corcoran, and Aleyce Simmonds). Akers decided to record her 6th album during the remainder of the lockdown, but she was quickly interrupted as Akers and her husband, Jesse Anderson, were cast on Channel 9’s top-rating reality show ‘The Block’. After winning hearts across Australia on the TV show, the album was completed in late 2021.

On April 15, 2022, ‘Wild’ was released. The album has turned out to be a career-defining project. It became the #1 album released by any Australian artist across the nation on debut. It also took out the #11 ARIA spot for all genres globally, and #1 ARIA Country Album chart position. To top things off, Kirsty became one of the youngest artists ever to be inducted into the Country Music ‘Hands of Fame’ alongside artists like Slim Dusty, Keith Urban and Troy Cassar-Daley.

The track is released through Kirsty’s independent record label, Rider Records.

Today, five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning legend and the best-selling female artist in country music history Shania Twain presents the Royal Edition the Deluxe Version of her acclaimed new album, Queen Of Me, out now via Republic Nashville, a division of Republic Records. Listen to Queen of Me (Royal Edition)-HERE.

She delivers the definitive edition of Queen Of Me with five extra tracks. Among the additional material, she serves up two new originals – “Bone Dry” and “Wanted Man.”

Of “Bone Dry”, Shania says “I wrote Bone Dry alone on the acoustic guitar and the song is about having everything in the world but still feeling empty. I guess it’s about whatever you want it to be about as the listener but there is some reading between the lines with this song! I remember waking up thinking I’ve got everything I could want in the world; I should wake up super happy and feeling grateful and enthusiastic about the day. But the good life I have now compared to my underprivileged youth can sometimes leave me feeling impatient and impossible to satisfy. Bone Dry is my reflection on how money, beauty, fame, power, elements that really don’t bring genuine fulfillment. It’s the simple things in life that do for me personally. Like the joy of parenting, being in love, smelling roses, the company of animals, dreaming, creative freedom, nature. When I stay connected to these things, I’m truly happy and whole.”

Shania also invited hip-hop country trailblazer Breland to accompany her on a dynamic reimagining of “Inhale/Exhale AIR.” “I am a huge Shania Twain fan and have always dreamt of singing on a song with her. The first Super Bowl I can remember watching was the one that she played halftime, and once I got into country music as an artist, she was my number one dream collab. What she represents for country music and beyond is so important, and she’s opened up doors for artists like me. It was a no-brainer for me to be on this song and I’m looking forward to playing some shows with her this summer.” Says Breland

She completed the collection with a striking and spirited acoustic rendition of “Queen of Me” and the buzzing “Giddy Up!” (Malibu Babie Remix). Check out the full tracklisting below.

Next up, the Queen of Me Tour kicks off on Friday, April 28th at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA and makes stops across North America and Europe in Vancouver, Denver, Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, London, Dublin and more before wrapping up on November 14th at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC.

Twain also recently attended the CMT Music Awards at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, where she accepted the Equal Play Award, which recognizes artists who are vocal advocates for elevating diverse and underrepresented voices in country music.

Get ready for more from the Queen this summer!

Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Kip Moore releases his fifth studio album “Damn Love”. Kip is fresh off sold out Australian arena shows and a powerhouse headline performance in Australia at CMC Rocks. “Damn Love” features over 13 new tracks co-produced by Moore and Jaren Johnston (The Cadillac Three), emotionally raw and thick with epiphany, Moore explores an internal tug of war and puts it simply enough: Damn Love.

A genre-blending songsmith with a warm, honey-infused growl, four previous albums have brought the Georgia native success, often driven by deep-feeling lyrics with an easy Southern charm, and a hint of rock ‘n’ roll mystery. Wielding a rugged poetic flair, he’s sold millions of records and garnered over 2.9 billion streams through that time, traveling the world and growing a truly global following in the process – all with the focus of an avowed lone wolf. He was uniquely situated to embrace the pandemic shutdown, going back to nature after 2020’s Wild World to rock climb, write songs and generally “stay quiet and away from the madness of humans” in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. In the beginning, it suited his nomadic spirit fine. But gradually, something changed. The lockdowns lifted and Moore got back on the road, back in front of fans and back on stage, but the shift stayed with him. “I think it’s in our DNA,” he says now. “We need companionship. … Maybe I do a little less than most, but it’s still there.”

Speaking on the album, Kip explained “I’ve always had a nomadic spirit, at the core of me that’s what I am, and it’s a beautiful life I lead – I don’t take that for granted. But I still crave that companionship down deep in my DNA, and that’s where ‘Damn Love’ comes from. The minute that fire for music ever subsides, that’s when I’ll walk away. But right now, it’s burning as hot as ever.”

Kip has a history of entrancing audiences with sold-out headlining shows all around the world. Moore holds on to passion in the persistent anthem, “Heart on Fire,” while “Another Night In Knoxville” captures the magnetic draw of the stage – a sweeping ’70s-rock ballad that soundtracks a long-cherished memory. Meanwhile the refreshing “Kinda Bar” conjures magic from a roadside tavern, and a comforting sense of clarity arrives with gentle instant classics, “Some Things” and “One Heartbeat” (featuring Ashley McBryde).

Self-produced, with the help of creative Rip-Van Parks, mixed/mastered by the talented James North at North Productions, and co-written with country legend Allan Casswell, “Pretty Petty Problems” is Andy’s latest single that delves into the world of social media and the impacts of online trolling, in a short, sharp and whimsical manner.

Speaking about the single, Andy said: “We live in a day and age where social media has become an important facet of daily life; a platform at our finger tips that many rely on to be informed of breaking news, read the latest gossip, and keep family, friends and followers updated on past, present or upcoming events. However, it can also be quite a cruel place where online trolling is an unavoidable and often regular occurrence.

“People can say some pretty hurtful things online without fear of consequence but at the end of the day, words are just that, words, and we can choose to let those words sink in and affect our lives, or we can choose to laugh it off. I choose the latter and hope others can do too.”

Celebrated country music duo, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, have revealed the exciting news their forthcoming second album, Up, Down & Sideways is set to be released on Friday June 30th. To mark the occasion, the chart-topping, multi-award-winning Australian husband-and-wife duo, have unveiled their new single ‘Lost If I Lost You’ and shared details of a one-of-a kind competition.

Initially intended for Adam Eckersley Band’s third album, ‘Lost If I Lost You’ didn’t come to fruition as originally planned and ultimately found its true home recorded as a duet. It’s a heartwarming ode to the person you love, accepting every facet of you: the good, the bad, the ugly. Written during COVID, the song organically evolved into a tribute to the duo’s fans. As live performances came to a halt, it became abundantly clear how lost they would be without their fans of their recorded music and live shows.

Up, Down & Sideways is a celebration of the ups and downs of real life and real love. Produced by Robby De Sa (Gretta Ray, The McClymonts, Tina Arena) the album’s magic lies in the dynamic interplay between the couple’s distinct yet complementary musical tastes and relevance of their stories and song writing that’s resulted in award-winning successes and a special connection with live audiences and listeners across the country.

Brooke McClymont shares, “This is chalk and cheese from the first album and I feel like we’ve got the best of both of us on there. We’ve met in the middle with our influences, put them in a blender and come up with this and we feel like this album stamps a moment in time.”

“We want people to feel like we’re sitting there around their fire and sharing their problems and life with them. We want the songs to have a place in their lives.”

This idea ultimately became a reality, as Adam and Brooke aimed to bring their fans closer to their music and to their fire during times of personal and global turmoil. Faced with months of no touring, the birth of a child and the loss of a loved one, they saw it even more important to connect with their audience and share relatable stories of hardship and joy – with a whole lot of fun thrown in.

ABOUT BROOKE MCCLYMONT & ADAM ECKERSLEY

Releasing their debut album as the duo ‘Adam & Brooke’ in 2018, the #1 ARIA Country Album was received rapturously within the country community, garnering accolades and awards all over.

Taking home three awards from their four nominations at the 51st Golden Guitars awards this year, Brooke and Adam topped the night by winning the Song of the Year for their single ‘Star of the Show’,

Apple Music Single of the Year for their song ‘Memory Lane’ and the award for Country Music Capital News Group or Duo of the Year – bringing their total of Golden Guitar Award wins to 20 across their career.

Their daughter, 10-year-old Tiggy Heart Eckersley also became the youngest person in history to be recognised with a Golden Guitar Award, sharing the Song of the Year win with her parents and Dan Biederman as fellow songwriters.

COLT FORD AND JAYNE DENHAM’S “MOONSHINE” DEBUTS ON CMT INTERNATIONALLY.

“Moonshine” Music Video Collaboration Features on CMT Australia and CMT USA.

“Being featured on Jayne’s new song ‘Moonshine’ is a true honor as well as bringing more of my music to the Australian country scene. Country roots run deep, and the spirit of the countryside can be found in every corner of the world, where hardworking and down-to-earth people come together to create community.” – Colt Ford

American singer, rapper, and songwriter Colt Ford and Australia’s five-time Golden Guitar nominee Jayne Denham debut the ‘Moonshine’ music video internationally. As one of Australia’s leading country artists, Jayne Denham is one of the most admired and sought-after performers. The ‘Moonshine’ music video, filmed in Nashville, TN, is a high-energy, boot-stomping performance wrapped in a love story that premieres on CMT Australia and debuts on CMT Online.

The highly anticipated music video was directed by Rick Caballo and his assistant director Brittany Hope Hambrick of Dead Horse Branding. The story truly captures a moonshiners love story and delivers a look into Jayne’s powerhouse voice and energetic stage presence that she brings to her live shows globally.

LA Music Review says Jayne Denham “sparkles in moonshine with this groovy and truly captivating song.” The spaghetti western entertainer teamed up with country pioneer Colt Ford for the genre-breaking music video that showcases Jayne’s incredible artistry as a cross-country collaboration.

Among many accolades, this is one of the biggest milestones in Jayne’s career. Her epic single and music video collaboration with overseas counterparts continues to expand her artistic repertoire. Sophie Hamely from Sunburnt Country Music says, “Anyone who has heard a Jayne Denham song won’t soon forget it, because Denham never fails to impress. With her powerhouse voice and boundless energy – which she brings to her live shows as well – Denham inhabits her songs, bringing them to vivid life for fans.”

This creative collaboration continues to evolve in country music, with artists integrating another artist’s contribution. Written by Colin Elmore, Cameron Jaymes, and Melissa Pierce, and produced by Grammy-nominated songwriters and producers Brian Bunn and Brian White, ‘Moonshine’ is the first release of Jayne’s upcoming album ‘Moonshine’.

To accompany the upcoming ‘Moonshine’ album, Jayne has partnered with Franklin County Distillery, located in the mountains of Virginia, known as the “Moonshine Capital of the World,” to release her own line of two different flavored moonshines, Ridge Runner Pear and Orchard Peach.

Jayne’s 5th album, ‘Wanted’, came out of the gate firing all the bullets, reaching No. 1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album chart and No. 2 on the Air Australian Indie chart after Jimmy Barns. The album also landed Jayne 2x Golden Guitar Awards for Female Artist of the Year, and Contemporary Album of the Year. ‘Wanted’ led Jayne to define the foundation and essence of her brand, which electrifies costume attire and custom-made leather accessories by Buffalo Girl designer Terry Cronin. Denham has scored four No. 1 smash hits in Australia, six Top 10 songs in the National Country Charts, 12 Top 30 videos, and six Country Music Channel (CMC) nominations.

Dan Lynch’s upcoming single Australia finds itself in the same territory as Australian icons like Goanna or Warumpi Band, who proudly sang of the connection between the ancient land, its people, and their dreaming. Recorded as three different versions – each with its own unique qualities – Australia is upbeat and optimistic… a celebration of solidarity that is very welcome in these divided times.

With Australia Dan is taking his Australian heritage to everyone everywhere, showing them not just the country he grew up in, but the voices of the countless generations who came before him.

“Occasionally, we come across an artist that feels like we’ve known them forever. Their music seems to have a deja vu effect, mirroring our past moments, fun-seeking behaviors, and bittersweet relationships. Dan Lynch, an Aussie singer and songwriter from Sydney is just that. The track Australia is a supremely loveable tune with loveable vocals, a glorious piece of storytelling, a perfectly and incredibly crafted song.”

Rising country rock singer-songwriter Maddie Cail is earning a name for herself in South-East Queensland, captivating audiences with her live performances and is now set to release a new catchy, sassy track entitled ‘Giddy Up’ .

Written by Maddie and produced by Nashville based Australian producer Michael Flanders, the track was penned from a personal perspective. Every so often you see someone you know falling in love with the wrong person. ‘Giddy Up’ symbolises the relationship as a gamble, hence why the lyrics include clever betting terminologies throughout the song. Although ‘Giddy Up’ seems like it should be a sad song, it was written to give the listener a sense of closure. At the end of the story, the relationship ends but instead of being spiteful, the person in love wishes them all the best. Maddie hopes the song will resonate with her listeners and aims to give closure to those who need it.

“I am so excited to finally be releasing ‘Giddy Up’. This song is definitely my personal favourite, and I cannot wait to share it with everyone”.

‘Giddy Up’ is a follow up to Maddie’s previous singles ‘Better Than I Am’ and ‘Bad Girl Gone Good’ and comes of the back of supporting industry heavyweights, The Wolfe Brothers earlier this year.

Maddie Cail is known for drawing her audience in with her big personality, unique tone, and quirky original songs but one thing is certain, her star is on the rise, and we expect to hear a lot more from this talented artist over the next few years.

Country singer-songwriter Jimbo Stokes launches his second single “Headed Country”. Jimbo teamed up with legendary producer Rod McCormack and Nashville’s Sally Baris to create the song.

The catchy “Headed Country” shows off Jimbo’s distinctive vocals in an honest narrative – a unique feel-good track that beautifully contrasts his debut release of “Atlas” late last year, which was a touching and heartfelt tribute to his late mother. The upbeat modern country tune tells the story of Jimbo’s move from the corporate world back to the country.

“There’s such a great sense of freedom when you’re heading back out to the country or wherever home may be and I think we captured some of this in Headed Country”

Born and raised on a sheep and cattle station near Tamworth, Jimbo returned to the Hunter New England region at the beginning of the 2022 after working, studying and playing rugby in Sydney. Country hasn’t always been Jimbo’s musical home, having trained as an operatic tenor under Christine Douglas (Director/Founder – Pacific Opera), but he returned to his first love during COVID-19 times.

To bring the single video to life, Jimbo worked with Manly-based videographer Piers Haskard (known for his work with Boss Hunting and Huawei) – filming in both Sydney’s CBD and the Upper Hunter Valley where Jimbo now calls home.

2023 will be his biggest year in music by far, with three releases forthcoming

Bryce Sainty is one of Australia’s best emerging country artists and he is kicking of 2023 with a bang. Coming off a massive 2022 with the release of his EP “Hometown”, Bryce accumulated over 3 million streams and performed with some of Australia’s biggest artists including The Wolfe Brothers , Tim Freedman (The Whitlams) and Andrew Farriss (INXS).

Co-written with The Wolfe Brothers and produced by Rod McCormack, “Sideline” is the first single in a new era of music for Bryce. With powerful lyrics, “Sideline” is an upbeat motivational country song about standing up and following your dreams.

“Sideline is a personal message to myself, to motivate me to keep following my dreams and I hope that I can inspire others to follow their dreams when listening to the song.”

Bryce continues to make waves in the country music world with a massive 2023 planned full of new music and performing at festivals including Cousin Country 2023. Deemed an “artists to watch” by Spotify, look out for Bryce in 2023.