Month: February 2024

Tyler Hubbard continues to show his distinction as a writer and artist on his sophomore album ‘Strong,’ out April 12th via EMI Nashville. Co-produced by Hubbard alongside Jordan Schmidt, the Georgia native’s 13-track album is a reflection of Hubbard’s unique ability to epitomize his passion for life and love. Alongside the announcement of Tyler’s new album ‘Strong’, he’s also dropped the latest release from the new album ‘Wish You Would’.

Tyler wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on ‘Strong.’ Constructed both lyrically and sonically to emote a sense of thrill and fun, the tracks range from previously released ‘Back Then Right Now’ and ‘Turn’ to ‘Wish You Would’.

Throughout the album, ‘Strong’ embodies a distinct variety of both sonic and geographical-driven influences. Tracks like ‘Vegas’ stamp the vulnerability of love at first sight, while ‘American Mellencamp’ is pure, heartfelt fun. Songs like ‘Take Me Back’ and ‘Park’ offer unique views of hometown reminiscence, while ”73 Beetle’ is an ode to fatherhood, family and dream-filled aspirations.

The title track ‘Strong’ is a lyrical depiction of Hubbard and the album as a whole. “It represents the overall project and where I am,” says Hubbard. “It’s also how I’m feeling. And, hopefully, it helps and encourages others to channel their inner strength in a way that can be fun. We are all probably a lot stronger than we think.”

Hubbard’s current single ‘Back Then Right Now’ is currently Top 20 and climbing at Country radio. It follows RIAA 2x Platinum No. 1 single ‘Dancin’ In The Country’ and RIAA Platinum No. 1 single ‘5 Foot 9’ – both from his debut solo album ‘Tyler Hubbard,’ which has garnered more than 1 billion streams since its release in 2023.

Hubbard’s announcement comes on the heels of his nomination at the iHeartRadio Music Awards for ‘Favorite Debut Album.’ Fans can hear songs from ‘Strong’ and more when Hubbard supports Kane Brown’s In The Air Tour this year, which kicks off in March and includes stops in Toronto, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and more.

Clancy Pye Releases Summer Country Anthem, ‘Drink About’.

Australian singer-songwriter Clancy Pye is set to captivate country music fans with the release of her highly anticipated single, ‘Drink About,’ scheduled to hit the airwaves on February 16.

Hailing from Orange, NSW, Clancy Pye is a two-time Toyota Star Maker grand finalist, with ‘Drink About’ the second single from her upcoming album.

Growing up immersed in the rich tradition of playing and singing drinking songs in local pubs, Clancy draws inspiration from iconic artists such as Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, and Slim Dusty. With a desire to infuse a feel-good, uplifting anthem into her album, Clancy said ‘Drink About’ was a summer song that radiated a playful and light-hearted vibe.

“When I was writing this song, it was the idea of catching up with someone you haven’t seen in a while and having a lot to talk about and inevitably, a lot of things to drink about,” Clancy said.

‘Drink About’ is a throwback to the classic drinking songs that have shaped Clancy’s musical journey. The track serves as a celebration of camaraderie and shared experiences, embodying the spirit of a feel-good country drinking anthem that fans of the genre are sure to gravitate towards.

“Over the last couple of years, I’ve been writing and experimenting with different styles,” she said.

“‘Drink About’ is a result of my time in Sam Hawkley’s Song Club, where I wrote about 150 songs during the COVID years. The joy and excitement I experienced during that creative process gave me the freedom to write without overthinking or having any sense of limitation which has really shaped my song writing.”

The song, produced by Sean Rudd, features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Mickey Pye on guitars, Sean Rudd on bass, Nick Woodford on backing vocals, Pete Drummond on drums, Casper Tromp on keyboards/synthesizer and, of course, Clancy Pye herself on vocals. The mastering of ‘Drink About’ was expertly handled by Paul Blakey.

With an infectious melody, fun lyrics, and a line-up of talented musicians, ‘Drink About’ is poised to be a standout track that showcases the diversity and depth of Clancy’s songwriting. Having received an overwhelmingly positive response during her live performances, ‘Drink About’ is sure to have listeners up and dancing and maybe even reaching for the phone to catch up with friends they haven’t seen in a while.

Bundaberg’s emerging musical talent, Keely Ellen, is set to make a splash in the music scene with the release of her debut single, ‘Red Head’, on February 16.

The song, co-written with renowned songwriter Katrina Burgoyne two or three years ago, serves as a powerful anthem that celebrates individuality and self-acceptance.

‘Red Head’ is a personal reflection by Keely, drawing inspiration from her own experiences of facing bullying due to her distinctive red hair. The song encourages listeners to embrace their differences rather than hide them, promoting a message of self-love and empowerment.

The lyrics of ‘Red Head’ delve into the deeper meaning behind the song, touching on Keely’s journey of overcoming adversity and finding strength in her uniqueness. Collaborating with the talented producer and multi-instrumentalist Benjy Pocock of Vibetone Recording Studio, who played all the instruments, the single promises a captivating blend of sassy but heartfelt lyrics and musical prowess.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for ages, and it’s all finally coming together,” Keely said.

“‘Red Head’ is a song that really sums me up well, putting my character across and allowing me to introduce myself through my music.”

With infectious vibes and relatable themes, she hopes the song resonates with a wide audience, whether they share the experience of having red hair or connect with the broader message of embracing individuality.

As Keely Ellen prepares to launch her debut single, music enthusiasts and fans alike can look forward to a fresh and authentic voice in the industry.

‘Red Head’ will be available on all major streaming platforms on February 16, marking the beginning of a promising musical journey for this talented Bundaberg singer-songwriter.

Celebrated Australian Country Star, Adam Brand releases his new single, “Sleepless Nights”. Penned earlier in 2023, the song resonated with Brand deeply in light of the devastating event with the family home burning down just weeks before Christmas last year. Thankfully with no one injured, this song took on new meaning and is a reflection of Adam’s thoughts on his role in his family.

As Adam describes it, “As a father I believe my job is to protect my family with every fibre of my being and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for my children. As parents we all know that the weight of that responsibility sometimes feels overwhelming. One day my baby girls will have their own family and will experience sleepless nights as they pace the floor trying to figure out life’s many challenges….but not tonight.”

Over an already stellar career Adam Brand has won 12 Golden Guitars and has been nominated for 6 ARIA Awards. Across 15 studio records, he has three platinum and five gold albums, and eight CMC Oz Artist of the Year Awards. Adam Brand was nominated at this year’s Golden Guitars for Vocal Collaboration.

Singer-Songwriter Chloe Swannell Releases Upbeat Country Pop Banger ‘Unchained’.

Country singer-songwriter Chloe Swannell is a multi-instrumentalist born and bred in Oberon in the Central West of NSW. Her debut single, ‘Strange Love’, released Sept 2023, debuted at #5 on AMRAP Regional Charts and #6 on the iTunes Country Charts. It was featured on Grass Roots on ABC Country and was added to the Aussie Country Playlist on Apple Music.

Chloe’s latest offering, ‘Unchained’ is another upbeat country pop banger, about feeling trapped in a relationship. “It’s about letting go of the past and looking forward to the future by surrounding yourself with friends and loved ones for support – now I’m finally unchained, it’s time to learn to love again”. Chloe once again worked with producer Tarquin Halls-Corbett, to create this uplifting new radio track.

Chloe’s passion for music extends beyond her own career as the founder of a well-known music studio in the Central West. No stranger to the stage she has shared the spotlight with artists such as Beccy Cole and Amber Lawrence, as well as performing at the Australian War Memorial, Government House, and The Sydney Opera House.

Chloe made her debut appearance at Tamworth Country Music Festival 2024, performing on the Fanzone Stage, as a special guest of Hayley Jensen at Moonshiners and performed at the Riverside Stage & Take-Away.

Chloe Swannell is captivating, producing effortless vocals and always delivering an unforgettable performance. A star on the rise.

Chloe Swannell’s new single ‘Unchained’ is out at radio on Monday 12th February and all digital platforms on Friday 16th February.

Seven-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves returns with her fifth studio album Deeper Well, Out March 15th via Interscope/MCA Nashville, pre-order the album HERE . Musgraves co-produced Deeper Well with longtime collaborators Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk. Inspired by the energy of New York City’s Greenwich Village and its rich musical history, Musgraves recorded a good portion of the new album at the legendary Electric Lady studios. “I was seeking some different environmental energy, and Electric Lady has the best mojo. Great ghosts,” noted Musgraves. With her keen observations of the world and discerning eye for the subtle nuances of life, Musgraves’ lyrics serve as a lens focusing on moments of life that often go unnoticed, turning them into timeless songs that strike a chord deep within listeners. Saturn returns, cardinals embody a dead friend, love is given and taken, streets rush by, belongings are packed and old chapters deserted, new love blooms, jade bracelets serve as talismans, deep lessons emerge, small details define everything, the woods are a refuge and New York City serves as the same gleaming beacon as Oz. While most of the 14 tracks are penned by Musgraves with Fitchuk and Tashian, Kacey is also reunited with Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne for beautifully contemplative track “The Architect” (see full track listing below).

Title track and first single “Deeper Well” is out now, with a companion video directed by Hannah Lux Davis (Kacey Musgraves, Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj). Listen to the single HERE and watch the music video HERE. On the bright, almost folky title track, Kacey surveys her life and priorities. Recognizing what feeds her, what drains her and examining what’s left behind on the way to empowerment. “Sometimes you reach a crossroads. Winds change direction. What you once felt drawn to doesn’t hold the same allure,” Kacey went on to say, “you get blown off course but eventually find your footing and forage for new inspiration, new insight and deeper love somewhere else.” Check out the title track “Deeper Well” HERE and check out the video HERE.

Deeper Well is the follow up to Musgraves’ 2021 album star-crossed, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Albums Sales chart and earned wide critical praise. star-crossed is the follow up to Musgraves’ groundbreaking 2018 album Golden Hour , which earned Kacey her third #1 debut on Billboard’s Top Country Album chart and distinguished her as only the third artist ever to take home Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards. In 2023 Musgraves achieved her first #1 entry on the Hot 100 chart for “I Remember Everything,” a duet with Zach Bryan. “I Remember Everything” is the first country music duet in 40 years since Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers’ “Islands in the Stream” (1983) to reach this feat. “I Remember Everything” just won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song by a Duo or Group at the 66th annual ceremony held earlier this week. This latest win makes Musgraves the only artist in history to receive a Grammy Award for Best Country Album, Best Country Song, Best Country Solo performance and Best Country Duo or Group performance.

Hot on the heels of her co-headline performance at the 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival, Courtney Keil unveils the cheerful bop, ‘All About You’.

The up-tempo single puts romance centre stage and reminds us that amidst the tangle of modern life, love can be a beacon of clarity. “We tapped into some of the contradictions about me as a person,” admits Courtney.

“I’m one part fearless / One part kinda shy / The life of the party/ But queen of the quiet,” she serenades in the second verse. Despite these juxtapositions, ‘All About You’ reflects on “finding ‘the one’ that makes you feel sure of everything else”.

When putting pen to paper, Courtney sought out frequent collaborators, Rod McCormack and Sally Barris. This time they were determined to compose upon the path less travelled. “We set out to write an anthemic, feel good song. As songwriters it’s often naturally easier to write slower heartbreak songs so we wanted to focus on the love I have in my life and how it makes me feel.”

Produced by multi award winning Rod McCormack at his Central Coast studio, The Music Cellar, the track intertwines banjo, mandolin and acoustic guitar with a pounding backbeat and Courtney’s bold vocal, to create something with authentic country spirit and twang.

‘All About You’ follows on from Courtney’s previous hit ‘Nothin’ Like a Sure Bet’, which peaked at #25 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts, a crowd favourite when opening for Adam Harvey at Blazes Showroom, Tamworth. To cap off her stellar run at the recent Tamworth Country Music Festival, the songbird received the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Award for Best Female Vocal – a phenomenal back-to-back win, after also claiming the trophy at last year’s awards.

After a whirlwind start to the year, Courtney is not slowing down. Upon the release of ‘All About You’ she’ll take the stage ahead of Karise Eden at the beloved Avoca Beach Theatre. She’ll later enchant the theatre again in support of the legendary, Brian Cadd, while also continuing her popular Fierce and Fearless Tour.

Courtney Keil is all about good vibes on her new track ‘All About You’. This free-spirited track is a strong reminder that this multi award winning artist is destined for massive things in Australian country music.

Since the arrival of his 2023 debut single ‘Drink You Up’, country-pop newcomer Nathan Lamont has been kicking massive goals. He was recently announced as a finalist in the APRA AMCOS Professional Development Awards for 2024 and was also a Top 10 finalist in this year’s prestigious country music competition – Toyota Star Maker. All of this comes ahead of his follow-up single, ‘Skin To Skin’ .

The smooth talking ‘Skin To Skin’ showcases Nathan’s magnetic vocal, effortlessly navigating every dip and crescendo of the rock-infused mid-tempo. Judging the book by its cover it’s easy to discern what Nathan may be crooning about, yet his lyrics leave plenty to the imagination. “You make me feel that we’re forever / That time is still when we’re together / Yeah baby when we’re skin to skin”.

On one hand it’s a steamy tête-à-tête, on the other it’s relationship advice. “The inspiration of the song came from some of the highs and lows of my relationship with my wife,” confesses Nathan, who believes the best medicine is often physical. “With a little bit of intimacy, everything negative can quickly be resolved.”

Yet, those words of wisdom were not the first thing to emerge when Nathan co-wrote the track with fellow Toyota Starmaker alumni, Robbie Mortimer. “The melodic phrasings were built first, and the words soon followed,” reveals Nathan.

He waited until the eleventh hour to put the finishing touches on the song. “The bridge was written in the studio just prior to recording the demo and was the final piece of the puzzle!” Recorded and produced by Alex Mather at Only Hits Studios, the tune took shape thanks to some pickers from Music City, USA. “We had Nashville based session artists, Sol Philcox-Littlefield (bass and lead/rhythm guitars) and Justin Schipper (Pedal Steel) both tracking their parts from the states.”

The irresistibly catchy ‘Skin To Skin’ is only the second offering from Nathan, following the aforementioned debut, ‘Drink You Up’. The singer’s debut single garnered over 185k streams and scored positions on Apple Music’s ‘Aussie Country’, ‘Little Bit Country’, ‘Country Risers’ and Spotify’s ‘Fresh Finds Country’.

Before blowing away Tamworth festivalgoers on the Toyota Star Maker stage in January, Nathan had already warmed up stages for some of the best. He’s supported previous Toyota Star Maker winner Loren Ryan, as well as modern legends Thirsty Merc and Morgan Evans. This year he’s set to rock stages at Tumbafest and A Night in Nashville.

Nathan Lamont’s ‘Skin To Skin’ is a perfect snapshot of the emerging artist. Intimate lyrics and powerful vocals wrapped in a modern country sound that would make any Nashville hitmaker swoon. This singer-songwriter is certainly one to watch

Award Winning Singer-Songwriter Cassidy-Rae Launches Into 2024 With A New Infectious Song ‘Fangirl’.

Buckle up for a toe-tapping ride through the world of fandom as Cassidy-Rae drops her latest contemporary country sensation ‘Fangirl’.

Packed with infectious beats, relatable lyrics, and Cassidy-Rae’s signature style, ‘Fangirl’ is poised to become the anthem for all those who have ever been front row at a show or danced in their room, belting out their favourite artist’s tunes.

This track isn’t just a song, it’s a celebration! Cassidy-Rae’s storytelling prowess brings to life the universal experience of fangirling, creating an anthem for every music lover who has ever lost themselves in the magic of their favourite artist.

With the perfect blend of modern production and classic country storytelling, Cassidy-Rae delivers a fresh take on the genre that is impossible to resist.

‘Fangirl’ comes after Cassidy-Rae’s 2023 radio hit ‘One More Song’ which was added to stations across the country including Triple M Country, iHeart Country, KIX Country, Australian Country Radio as well as countless community radio stations. The track was also added to Apple Music’s Aussie Country playlist and Spotify’s Fresh Country playlist which to date has attracted over 431,000 spins.

Don’t miss out on the chance to be the first to share the magic of ‘Fangirl’ with your audience. Cassidy-Rae invites you to join the party and let the world know that fangirling has never sounded this good.

Cassidy-Rae’s new single ‘Fangirl’ is out to radio and all digital platforms on Friday 9th February 2024.

You may know her as the blue-haired beauty behind global mega hit, “Geronimo”, as Orca on The Masked Singer Australia, as the newest resident of Nashville or you just may have seen her play at some of the biggest country music festivals in the country.

Amy Sheppard is one of the most successful female Australian songwriters of her generation with her songs being streamed in the billions, sales in the millions and now she is back in 2024 with her new single “Small Town Rumours”.

Says Amy, “Small Town Rumours is my fiery new anthem about the relentless gossip swirling through tight-knit communities. With lyrics that confront the chatter head-on, this song celebrates resilience and individuality – values really important to me. The wildfire of rumours may burn, but this single defiantly declares, “All I’ve found is they can’t bring me down” and these are words I live by.”

The single is the first release of 2024 for Amy with her last major single, “Overthinking “, which became her fifth Top 5 hit on the Australian country airplay chart.

On top of this, in the first 18 months of her solo country music career, Amy has released a collaboration with US vocal supergroup Home Free and Travis Collins, had a sixth Top 40 single plus of course her first #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album chart with her 2022 EP, “Nothing But Wild”.

Due to the success of her first run of singles. Amy has once again teamed up with song writing legends, Lindsay Rimes (Kylie Minogue, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini), her brother George Sheppard (Sheppard, Busby Marou) and for the first time, Danielle Blakey (Morgan Evans, Casey Barnes) with Rimes producing the track in Nashville.

Following her surprise reveal as Orca on The Masked Singer Australia, “Small Town Rumours” is set to dominate country radio again as Amy’s star continues to rise and she embarks on a national media tour of the United States.

Amy, alongside her siblings and Sheppard bandmates, George and Emma, Amy relocated to Nashville in October where they have been busy preparing their new album for release, as well as supporting Amy’s solo country music career.

In addition to her music, Amy is a national spokesperson for body positivity, launching her Kiss My Fat Ass campaign in 2018. She features in the acclaimed documentary Embrace Kids, directed by 2023 Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt, and is regularly called upon to discuss her own journey with self-image, acceptance and fitting in on social media.