Month: May 2023

BILLIE-JO PORTER REVEALS NEW SINGLE ‘UPSIDE’ + ANNOUNCES FORTHCOMING DEBUT ALBUM

Since arriving on the scene in 2021, Billie-Jo Porter has delighted listeners with her vibrant take on country Music. She’s released a swag of singles, which all placed on the Country Hot 50 airplay chart; competed in the highly prestigious Toyota Star Maker Grand Final in 2022 and collaborated with many of the industry’s best. Now she’s set to unveil her debut self-titled album in June (available for pre-order now), but not before revealing one more gem of positivity – her latest single, ‘Upside’.

“For me, staying positive is key” reveals Porter. “I’m all about finding the silver lining and focusing on the good stuff, especially when things get rough.” Her latest bop treads the path of someone trying to find their rhythm in the unpredictable mess we call life. “Talk myself around, rebound / Find the upside in this upside down.”

If there’s one thing we can count on, it’s Porter’s ability to deliver a playfully infectious track – the singer-songwriter certainly has a knack for silver linings. Naturally, the song was written during a time of crisis, alongside Kylie Gale. “The world was in chaos, and everything felt like a giant mess,” Porter recalls. While the song they penned is contemplative of life challenges, it still overflows with optimism. “At the end of the day, we’re in charge of our own happiness, so let’s make it count!”

Production on the track mixes springy electric piano with Porter’s rootsy sound – brought to life by Australian heavyweight, Shane Nicholson. “It was an absolute blast!” smiles Porter, who has collaborated with the multi-talented maestro on her previous releases as well as her forthcoming record. “I went into the studio with just a few rough phone recordings of my vocals and guitar, but watching Shane work his magic and build the musical landscape was truly a joy.”

Porter’s innate ability to craft songs that inspire, and uplift has earned her many accolades in the last two years. With every one of her releases cracking the Country Hot 50 airplay chart, her first offering, ‘Feels Like Us’ also debuted at No. 1 on the AMRAP Regional chart and she was named a finalist in both the International Songwriting Competition and the Unsigned Only Music Competition in 2022.

Not to mention her credits as a songwriter – most notably her work on the Andrew Swift hit, ‘Head Full of Honey’, which has been her ticket into the Spotify streaming millionaire club, with numbers in excess of seven figures.

Billie-Jo Porter is not just a compelling artist, but top-notch human being. Her regular Facebook live streams – at which ‘Upside’ has quickly become a fan favourite – have built a community of positivity and laughter. “I have received numerous expressions of gratitude from individuals who feel more connected and less isolated,” reports the singer-songwriter.

It’s clear from ‘Upside’ that Billie-Jo Porter is a unique talent and as captivating as it is, it still only scratches the surface of what she has to offer.

Jake Whittaker raises a glass with new single.

Complete with mullet, guitar by his side and a drink in his hand, Jake Whittaker raises a glass to all drinking songs and have a good time with his latest single, ‘Drink To That’.

Inspired by one little line in, where else, but a pub, ‘Drink To That’ is an ode to having a “damn good ole time”.

“I always wanted to write a drinking song and one day, I was in the pub and someone said, ‘I’ll drink to that’, I thought to myself, that’s a drinking song title,” Jake said.

He sat down with producer and good mate Jared Adlam and ‘Drink To That’ was born.

“It’s all about having fun and being silly,” Jake said.

“I want people to raise their glasses in the air to this because the whole idea of the song is that there’s no real reason to drink, but we’re making up excuses to do it.”

Jake said he wanted to build momentum with each new release, and ‘Drink To That’ comes off the back of his debut country release, ‘Round Here’, which was embraced by streaming services, CMT, and radio across the country.

“We’re doing some shows, having fun and we want to play these songs and get people drinking,” he said.

“We just want people to have fun with it, and they can sing along with it straight away live because of the catchy repetitive nature of ‘drink to that’. They can even play a drinking game and have a sip every time I sing, ‘I’ll drink to that’.”

The accompanying film clip reflects the fun, party vibe of the song with many cartons of beer consumed during filming … for creative purposes only, of course.

“Fun is my goal because life is too short to take it all too seriously,” Jake said.

Who is Adam Wayne?

Outdoorsman, Entrepreneur, Actor, Performer Adam Wayne also picks a flat-top guitar and writes soulful songs. Being influenced from a musically talented family, Adam’s knack for singing, songwriting and guitar playing came at an early age. While living in Nashville at a young age of 23, he checked out the music scene and worked as a bouncer at the worlds famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge where he rubbed elbows with Brooks and Dunn, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock and recalls carding Miranda Lambert. In the thick of music city, he recalls rooming with songwriters and singers like Jon Pardi, who had that same aspiration in music. Adam has been mentored by very talented singer/songwriters and artists, just like Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, he was mentored by some of the best.

From outdoor festivals, dance halls, ballrooms to your standard honkytonk, he has opened for various well-known artists: Easton Corbin, Shooter Jennings, Tracy Lawrence, Granger Smith, Hoe Nichols, Chris Janson and Trace Adkins. He has performed in front of 10,000 fans opening for Frankie Ballard and Texas country music artist Aaron Watson, The Casey Donahew Band and The Josh Abbott Band. He has also shared the stage with Martin Zeller, Josh Thompson, Kevin Sharp, Bob Wooton (Johnny Cash’s Guitar Player), Billy Don Burns and Outlaw Country music artist Eric Lee Beddingfield and the late Wayne Mills. He has had the opportunity to open for country legends “The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band” and share the stage with members of the mega group “Alabama”.

Adam has released songs to country radio, “Down Every Road There’s A Rodeo”, “Keep On Pushing Ahead”, “Give All Your Love”, “Over In The Holler”. This May he releases “Goin’ Off Grid”.

His drive and perseverance in music has channeled him into acting, He was cast as an extra in a Jon Voight / James Caan / Melanie Griffith movie, “J.L Family Ranch” and hekd a private concert for Jon Voight and the crew in Kentucky. Adam was also cast as an extra in a Nicolas Cage film in 2017.

He continues to perform across the U.S and record songs in pursuit of making great music; something unique, humble-some and down to Earth. He’s Country and Folky with Gospel at heart! He is just a good ole’ hard working country boy, guaranteed to stand his ground and stick around to make waves in this ever changing industry.

You will never hear a fake beat in his music, he’s real and passionate about country music and grassroots will always be the forefront of his style. His songs have been called, “unique and poetic”. He has a zest for performing his craft and is passionate about developing his entertainment career.

“A Memorable Artist With Memorable Songs”

Mark Tempany and Alison Hams look for the good in the bad, with their brand new single, ‘Lullaby’.

Many country music fans might ask what happened to singer songwriters Mark Tempany and Alison Hams over the last 15 years or so?

Back in 2008, the duo had successfully blended their highly successful independent solo careers, they were performing all over Australia and New Zealand, and they’d recently completed a much talked about national tour supporting UK star, Charlie Landsborough.

Then the music seemed to stop, and unless you kept in touch, you won’t know just what a journey it’s been.

Remarkably Mark and Alison have returned in 2023 with a brand new self-produced original album titled ‘Out Into The Blue’ (their last commercial solo albums broke in 2004).

“We have smiled a little that people might think we’re ‘doing an ABBA’ in this seeming comeback” said Mark. “But in reality, we’ve been more involved in music over the last 15 years than ever”.

The pair’s first major hurdle came in 2008 when Mark – a Type 1 Diabetic – suffered a severe night-time seizure that severely fractured his spine and left him in a four year-long recovery.

“It was a shock and an overnight game-changer,” said Alison. “It was an astonishingly tough time where we simply had to make time for Mark to recover – it really was only around 2012 he started to get back to any kind of normal”.

With Mark unable to perform or travel much, the pair focused on the growing need for their music tuition services in their relatively remote location of Whyalla on the edge of the South Australian outback.

“Our unique skillset allowed us to work at all levels to give young people access to professional music mentorship, and to share our real-world experience which is a pretty rare resource when you live in the bush” Mark said.

2021 also saw Alison inducted by the Governor of South Australia onto SA’s Women’s Honour Roll – recognising in-perpetuity her achievements in, and the community philanthropy provided through, her (and Mark’s) music.

“We never planned for our own music to take the backseat it has, but we love every minute of helping these kids, and will continue to do so. Late last year we were asked to provide online piano lessons to Port Augusta School Of The Air – it’s just amazing to be helping such an iconic Australian institution bring music to kids as far away as the NT border” Mark said.

The circuit-breaker that’s led the duo to ‘Out Into The Blue’, as for so many artists, was a global pandemic that stopped “normal” overnight.

“What’s been incredible with this album is how technology has changed the recording process. When we started out in the 1990’s, we recorded on big reels of tape, we only had our ears for reference – and computers and the internet didn’t exist!”

“Now with the NBN, we’ve been able to work with some of the best talent anywhere. Not that long ago we had to travel overseas to be in the same room, now we can easily collaborate, often in real time”.

“This time around we’ve mastered some tracks with Ted Jensen and Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound in Nashville and New York. These men are multiple Grammy-winning legends and to be able to so easily directly access their wealth of experience from the edge of the outback is hard to believe”.

Certainly the new album is an intriguing collection as it crosses genres and themes, yet it holds all the emotion, style and sounds old fans might expect.

Listening to the title track with its pulsating rhythms provided by Nashville percussionist, Kayleigh Moyer, it’s hard to conceive you’re listening to a ‘comfortably beyond 50!’ Mark, who sounds like he’s just continuing on from where he left off all those years ago.

Alison’s rich vocal tones and elegant songwriting shine on songs like ‘Broken Ground’, and her opening track ‘Finally Home’, sounds like a hit already (and being a co-write with Mark Drilling and Gina Jeffreys, it just might turn out to be!).

‘Buttercups In Springtime’ sees Mark narrating the epic story his late mum and dad’s life – and Ali’s rollicking bluegrass track ‘Closer’, features fiddle and banjo by US Hall-Of-Famers Michael Cleveland, and Scott Vestal.

“To work with these guys let alone have them both say how much fun they had working with us is surreal” Mark said.

The pair say that everything they hope still lies in their music can be found in the closing Track 13 – a reprise to the title track called ‘A Storm Is Brewing’.

“We think music exists to stir emotions, and to inspire” Mark says. “If we can take you on a journey out over that distant horizon where storms, and sunrises, and dreams really do lie then we’ve done the job we intended”.

“But you really do have to play it LOUD, so strap yourself in” adds Alison with a smile.

Golden Guitar and CMC Award Winner Christie Lamb embraces her country roots with her brand new single “Tipsy”.

“I am so excited for you all to hear my brand new single ‘Tipsy’. I was having such fun in the writing session, and I truly feel this song captures me. It’s both topically and sonically very country. Tipsy is a fun, playful, toe tapping party track sure to get any night started.”

Following on from the success of her latest album “Truth”, Christie worked with producer Stuart Stuart (Sheppard, Dean Lewis, Amber Lawrence) for a second time and recorded the single remotely once again.

The catchy upbeat track showcases both Christie’s powerhouse vocals as well as her infectious energy. “Tipsy ” is authentically Christie, country with a rock edge. “Tipsy” promises to be a big hit for Christie as she embraces a new direction musically.

“When it came to shooting the music video with Blacklist Productions, we wanted to capture the fun of a girl’s night out along with some country boot scooting too.”

After over twelve years of releasing country singles, Christie is very excited to go back to her country rock roots for the release of her 20th Country Radio single “Tipsy”.

The rest of the year will see Christie travel to Nashville to write more songs to complete her next album, before returning home to play on North Queensland Rockin’ Country Music Festival and Country By The River Festival in South Australia.

Country Music newcomer James Keith unveils his new single ‘No Hero’ – an uplifting toe-tapper about embracing the journey of life.

The singer-songwriter from the sleepy wine country of Orange, NSW has a penchant for optimism. His latest offering radiates that in spades. Inspired by James’ own musical journey, which has taken him around the world to Nashville, TN, the song revels in joy and aspiration.

“This song is all about a kid having a dream, chasing it, working hard and eventually fulfilling it,” reveals James. “All he wants, is to feel the heat from those Neon signs in Nashville, singing to a sea of stars and playing live on stage, taking the crowd on the journey with him. He wants you to feel alive with him while he’s onstage singing his songs.”

Co-written with friend, Kyle Pearce, ‘No Hero’ has been more than a decade in the making. “This was one of Kyles songs I heard back in 2010. We were sitting at a Matchbox 20 concert in the Hunter Valley and as soon as I heard the start I immediately fell in love with that riff.” It wasn’t until James began writing for his forthcoming debut album that he decided to unearth the old song and give it new life. “Kyle is now living in Germany. I showed him a revision of the song with a brand-new chorus, bridge, solo and outro, and he loved it.”

James tracked the single with producer Craig Honeysett at Dotted Eight Studios in his hometown. Playing alongside his band, the song went from just an acoustic demo to a full-blown production within hours. “I started acoustically then brought it to my band I have been playing with for years. Immediately the drums gave the song another dimension. That and the bass was all done in one session.” The track was then shipped off to Music City to be mixed and mastered by Billy Decker (Sam Hunt, Darius Rucker).

The accompanying video for ‘No Hero’ depicts a young James chasing down a dream, with help from James’ own son. “I made the video using my son Finny as the boy. It follows the journey of a young boy playing in his room dreaming of being on stage, looking at his inspiration on his bedroom wall, to playing on stage to adoring fans.”

When it came to finding a teenage version of the singer-songwriter, videographer Dave Smyth of The Studio Door Creative, suggested his own nephew. “Before I had even had the chance to meet him and his Mum, Therese, he already had all the words down pack, a level of commitment I admired. When I did meet him, he actually looked like a younger me – freckles, brown hair blue eyes so he was a great fit.”

In a previous life James was an accomplished rugby league player – coming from a long line of greats to play the game. Yet after suffering a footy injury to the throat he believed his singing days were over. What spurred him on was one simple realisation. “If I wanted my songs recorded, I had to do it myself. Now working around the clock with a vocal coach I’m finally doing something I never thought possible.”

Since releasing his debut single ‘Life is Good Today’ James has brought his messages of positivity to stages around the country. Most notably opening for Jon Stevens of Noiseworks recently in Corowa.

The joy in James Keith’s music is infectious. From the jangling guitars to the pounding drums and James’ unmistakable voice – everything oozes positivity. ‘No Hero’ is an inspiring song of determination and celebration, sure to resonate with listeners far and wide.

Golden Guitar New Talent of the Year winners Darlinghurst have unveiled their first new song for 2023, with the single Pretty Doesn’t Make You Good available now.

A positive upbeat tune with a strong message, Pretty Doesn’t Make You Good was written by Darlinghurst to voice the opinion that the very perfection we’re sold is a limiting cycle that must be broken.

“Trying to escape what the world sells: ‘what success should look like’ is a narrative that continues and one that has a much further reach than ever before. Our personal internal dialogue, self-deprecating, body loathing struggle is real, and this system is deeply unconscious, yet faithfully repeated,” says band member Cassie Leopold.

“Mindsets can be powerful creatures. Music, we believe, also has the power to evoke change. This song, albeit, lyrically, has an important message, audibly, it’s subtle and an easy listen. Pretty Doesn’t Make You Good is our way to help break the chain. Once this happens, we no longer will be living in our history, we will be creating a future,” band member Pagan Newman explains.

For the first time the Melbourne-based four-piece worked with ARIA award and Toyota Golden Guitar winners MSquared who produced and mixed the song.

Pretty Doesn’t Make You Good features Pagan Newman on lead vocals.

Accompanying the single is a music video directed by Ian Ritter and filmed in Ararat, Victoria.

Pretty Doesn’t Make You Good is Darlinghurst’s third single release since their self-titled ARIA #1 debut album. Cementing themselves as one of the hottest new acts in country music, the Melbourne-based four-piece have secured four #1 singles on the Countrytown Hot 50 airplay chart, a Top 40 spot on the US Music Row Country Radio Chart and a highly coveted Golden Guitar award for New Talent of the Year in 2022.

In recent years, Darlinghurst have played to massive crowds at Gympie Music Muster, Deni Ute Muster, Savannah In The Round, Country Rocks Festival, Groundwater Country Music Festival and CMC Rocks QLD.

Pretty Doesn’t Make You Good, is out NOW on Helium Records through MGM Distribution.

Vulnerability as a strength is what Ashleigh Dallas’ new single, ‘Over To Me’, celebrates as she challenges herself and opens up about taking control of your own healing.

Stemming from a songwriting prompt of ‘left to my own devices’ in Sam Hawksley’s Song Club, ‘Over To Me’, is one of Ashleigh’s most raw and vulnerable works.

“That says a lot because I’ve written a lot of those songs over the years,” she said.

“You can get all the help in the world and be supported by everyone around you, but I knew if I didn’t take control of change, then no one else around me could do it for me.”

The five-time Golden Guitar winner said she hoped listeners could take a few important messages from the song.

“If they’re having a hard time themselves or they’re worried about others, it comes down to the individual to make that change and I hope people can see there is strength in being vulnerable,” Ashleigh said.

“I think we’re moving forward with the conversation around mental health, but being vulnerable still seems like a scary thought.

“The last verse sums it up for everybody – be a little kinder, not just to the people around you, but to yourself.”

Ashleigh said ‘Over To Me’ had tested her as a songwriter.

“It’s been a really lovely creative time, making this song sound like it is, but I still feel nervous about this sort of song,” she said.

“Everyone looks at me like a positive person who always looks at the glass half full, not half empty, but I have battled with my own struggles even though I have a great team, family and support, I knew the strength has to start with me.”

The Wolfe Brothers, Australia’s beloved country rock duo, are thrilled to announce their upcoming tour dates in support of their highly successful 6th studio album, “Livin’ The Dream”.

The album has taken the ARIA charts by storm, debuting at #1 on the ARIA Country album chart, #1 on the All Genre Australian Artists chart, and an impressive #8 on the overall ARIA Chart.

In addition to their thrilling tour announcement, The Wolfe Brothers have a special surprise for their fans. Their latest album, “Livin’ The Dream,” features an exceptional duet titled “Love Like That”. This collaboration sees The Wolfe Brothers joining forces with The Shires, the United Kingdom’s #1 country duo. The chemistry between the two groups is evident, resulting in a captivating track that showcases the best of both worlds.

With a decade of remarkable success behind them, The Wolfe Brothers have become an unstoppable force in the Australian music scene. Their previous albums have seen tremendous achievements, with four #1 and two #2 ARIA Country Albums. To add to their accolades, they proudly display six Golden Guitars on their mantlepiece, making them the most awarded country rock duo in Australian history.

Tom said “playing live is what matters most to us. We wanted to make a record that would work in a live setting that our fans would embrace. We always hope that they live the songs and make them a part of their life’s soundtrack and then come to a live show and for one night we get to live the dream together. Can’t wait to play these new songs in the flesh”.

The Wolfe Brothers are eager to hit the road and share their passion for music with their dedicated fanbase. Their tour promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a blend of their chart-topping hits, new material from “Livin’ The Dream,” and the highly anticipated duet “Love Like That” with The Shires.

Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan has released his new single, “But I Got A Beer In My Hand.” The song was written by Chase McGill, Matt Dragstrem, and Geoff Warburton, and was produced by Jeff Stevens and co-produced by Jody Stevens. It will impact US country radio on May 15 and is from a highly anticipated forth-coming album.

Luke will perform “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” on the Sunday, May 21 season finale of “American Idol” as he, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie wrap up their sixth season as judges on television’s original singing competition. Tune in to the live coast-to-coast, three-hour season finale on ABC.

“I knew I wanted a fun up-tempo song everyone could enjoy this summer,” said Luke. “I can’t wait to start doing it live. It’s gonna be a blast.”

This song comes on the heels of Luke’s 30th #1 single “Country On” which closed out the 2022 charts as the final #1 of the year. During his career, he has spent 56 total weeks at the top of the US country radio charts, sold more than 15 million albums, garnered 20 billion worldwide streams, and has more RIAA certified digital single certifications than any other Country artist of all time with 81.5 Million.

Luke’s 2023 will continue with major touring plans beginning with the launch of his “Country On Tour” running June 15 to October 28, Farm Tour 2023 set for September 14-23, and his shows at Resorts World in Las Vegas dates August 30, September 2, 3, 6, 8 and 9.

About Luke Bryan

Country music superstar and television personality Luke Bryan has released 30 No. 1 hits, garnered nearly 20 billion worldwide streams and has more RIAA certified digital single certifications than any other Country artist of all time with 81.5 Million. His headline concert tours have played sold-out shows for millions and millions of fans inclusive of 36 stadium concerts, Farm Tours, Spring Break shows, and eight sold-out ‘Crash My Playa’ destination concert events. Bryan has won 50+ major music awards including five wins as Entertainer of the Year. Additional awards include six recognitions as a CMT Artist of the Year, NSAI Artist/Songwriter of the Year, the first-ever recipient of the ACM Album of the Decade Award for Crash My Party, seven CMT Music Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and four American Music Awards-as well as being named Billboard’s Top Country Artist of the 2010s, the Most Heard Artist of the Decade by Country Aircheck, and the Artist Humanitarian Recipient by the Country Radio Broadcasters.