Month: May 2024

2024 has been a busy year already for one of the premier and essential country artists of any generation: A new podcast called “Diving In Deep” with Sara Evans, her induction into the Grand Ole Opry and releasing one of the most nationally talked about songs this year “Pride”.

Now, hot off her surprise appearance at Stagecoach with Post Malone, Sara continues to fan the flames of new audiences worldwide ahead of her incredible album “Unbroke,” available June 7th.

The radio ready “21 Days” finds Sara clear and focused up on top of this power-pop-co banger with her immediately recognizable and well loved voice. A motivating, hook laden, PopCo track written with longtime Sheryl Crow co-hort Jeff Trott finds Sara’s unmistakable voice crafting a hot and clever country lyric, counting the days, hours and min to break (or create) a habit.

Multi-platinum entertainer SARA EVANS is at the top of her game. With five No. 1 Country singles including “No Place That Far,” “Suds in the Bucket, “A Real Fine Place to Start,” “Born to Fly,” and “A Little Bit Stronger,” which spent 2 weeks in the top spot and was certified platinum by the R.I.A.A., Sara thrills audiences across the U.S. playing close to 100 shows each year. Her “stunning, country voice” (Rolling Stone) has earned her the prestigious Academy of Country Music Top Female vocalist accolade as well as numerous American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Country Music Association, CMT and Grammy Awards nominations. In addition, the CMA awarded Video of the Year honors for her hit chart-topping single, “Born To Fly” from her double-platinum album of the same name. Evans’ discography also includes the platinum-selling studio albums Real Fine Place and Restless and the gold-certified No Place That Far.

Sara continues to forge a bold, creative path with the launch of her podcast, Diving In Deep with Sara Evans and the release of her vulnerable new single, Pride and upbeat anthem, “21 Days”, via Melody Place Records.

“The Bush Comes Back” – the new single from Colin Buchanan’s highly anticipated new album Memory Town

The song’s title came from a conversation Colin had during a short cab ride into town from Moree Airport. Much-needed rain had just broken the drought and as Colin looked out on the fresh carpet of green shoots the cabbie reflected, “Yup. The Bush comes back.”

“Once I heard it, I started seeing it everywhere!” Says Colin. “It’s the old patched up junk pile farm truck that just doesn’t give up…it’s the farmer’s morning flick of the barometer, everything gambled on the up or the down of the needle. It’s determination and resourcefulness, but not the tidy sort – it’s got lots of dings and dust and sheared off bolts and bent stuff!”

“The Bush Comes Back” is a collage of rural determination and regeneration. “I’ve seen firsthand the aftermath of fires in Victoria, in southern NSW – and even at our own back fence in Sydney! It’s remarkable to see those scorched and blackened eucalypts sprouting green – they come back!

“And I’ve never forgotten looking through the photo album of a mate’s place in Central Western NSW during the 80’s drought. There wasn’t a blade of grass to be seen. Six months later, the place was looking like the Emerald Isle! It’s as if the perseverance of the people is called forth by the land itself.”

“The more I sing this song,” says Colin, “the more I feel it’s really a song for anyone who finds it tough to just keep going. That’s probably most of us at one stage or another! I’ve heard it said, ‘Life is 80% just turning up.’ That’s really another way of saying that when the going gets tough, be you farmer, builder, teacher, nurse, truck driver, accountant or school kid…Remember the stringybarks after the bushfire. Remember the first shoots rising out of the Moree dirt after drought. Remember the generations who’ve hung in and hung on, patched up but still running, like that old farm truck. It’s not easy, it’s often not pretty, but just keep going and you’ll get to see it for yourself – The Bush Comes Back.”

Rebrand and new single for Patsy & Dave with Dream Vacation

Country music duo Patsy & Dave are gearing up for the release of their latest single, Dream Vacation, hitting the airwaves on May 17.

This marks the first single since the duo rebranded from The Long and the Short of It to Patsy & Dave, bringing a fresh perspective to their music.

Dream Vacation is an ode to the longing for a dream getaway, written by acclaimed songwriter Kenny Royster, who pitched the song to Patsy Toop and Dave Baird. The duo found it perfectly suited their musical style. Dave’s soulful voice blends seamlessly with Patsy’s harmonies, creating a captivating and guitar-driven sound that is quintessentially Patsy & Dave.

“We absolutely loved Dream Vacation from the moment we heard it,” Dave said.

“It’s a dream sequence that’s really happy, and every time I watch the film clip, it puts a smile on my face. They’re even calling me Penelope now from Thunderbirds!” Patsy said.

The duo recorded Dream Vacation as part of their upcoming album, set to be released in September. Patsy and Dave have put their unique stamp on the song, as the duo seamlessly transitions between heartfelt ballads and energetic country rock, highlighting their versatility.

“We’re excited to share ‘Dream Vacation’ with our fans,” Patsy said.

“It’s a song that uplifts and brings joy, and we can’t wait to see how our audience responds to it.”

Patsy and Dave are gearing up to road test Dream Vacation during their upcoming performances in Queensland this June, including shows at Twin Towns and Sunnybank. The duo’s presence in Tamworth next January will also feature the vibrant new single, promising a rocky addition to their live repertoire.

Dream Vacation is an invitation to escape and celebrate life’s simple pleasures. With its infectious melody and uplifting lyrics, Patsy & Dave’s latest single is sure to make listeners’ days brighter and leave them yearning for their own dream vacation.

Announcing a new country single from independent Canadian singer/songwriter/musician, Dean Young.

‘So It Is What It Is’ will be released on May 17 2024 and is 100% CanCon

It is available for Apple and Amazon preorder on May 12 2024.

Dean says:
“I wrote the song in 2011 when the idea came from hearing people say so ‘it is what it is’ and it’s still very relevant today. It’s a fun song and if you’re like me and personally struggle with ‘letting go’ when things don’t seem to go right, then the song sentiment will resonate with you.
Verse 2 is a true-life experience for me and one of life’s many lessons that sometimes good things can come from bad, to let go of the upset, anger etc., because sometimes ‘it is what it is’!”

Written/Composed by Dean Young
Produced by Jason Barry – Barrytone Studios
Mastered by Glenn Thomas – ItuneAudio
Dean Young – Vocals
Steve O’Connor – Piano, Organ
Jason Barry – Drums, bass, guitars, lap steel, harmonies, percussion

CHASE RICE SHARES NEW AUSTRALIAN SINGLE ‘FIRESIDE’ FOLLOWING HIS APPEARANCE AT CMC ROCKS 2024

Follows Rice’s first Top 5 on the Countrytown Hot 50 chart

Chart-topping singer/songwriter, Chase Rice, who made his highly anticipated return to Australia in March to play CMC Rocks has shared his new Australian radio single, ‘Fireside’ today (May 13). The song, which was released last Friday, May 10th, was written by Rice together with Jackson Dean, Oscar Gnaedig and Jonathan Sherwood. ‘Fireside’ is another taste of Rice’s evolving sound to reflect the realities of his life and continues the theme of “not only what got me here today but who did.”

Commenting on the release, Chase shared ” My last album was the start of a whole new creative life for me. A lot of people ask if my next one will be similar, the short answer is yes. This next album for me will be a bit of a continuation to close out this new process of how I write songs and record them. This is just the very beginning of my next full album, which to me is another level up from the Cowboys record.”

The new music serves as a follow up to his 2023 album I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell which contains Chase’s first Top 5 on the Countrytown Hot 50 chart ‘Walk That Easy’, and his three-part project, The Album, featuring his Platinum-certified US No. 1 hit, ‘Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen. (feat. Florida Georgia Line)’ and Platinum-certified US Top 10 hit ‘Lonely If You Are’.

Rice’s sophomore album Lambs & Lions, featured the Triple Platinum, two-week chart topper ‘Eyes On You’ – hit first No. 1 as an artist and the most-streamed song of his career. Lambs & Lions followed Platinum-certified Ignite the Night, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and No. 3 on the all-genre chart, producing a pair of Top 5 hits; Platinum-certified ‘Gonna Wanna Tonight’ and Double Platinum ‘Ready Set Roll’.

Track Description
“500 Horses”

After several conversations with my friends who are truck drivers, I realised that most of the songs about truck driving do not accurately portray life on the road. So, I decided to create something that highlights the loneliness and strong desire of truck drivers to be at home with their loved ones, which keeps them driving through the night.

Artist Quote

I’d rather be at home holding you tight than riding 500 horses through the night!

Artist Bio

Country rock is the name of the game for The Trade-ins, a four-piece band based in Singleton, Hunter Valley. Made up of hardworking tradesmen named Andrew, Tony, Owen, and Isaac, they play with as much passion as they work. Their lively performances have taken them to various venues and festivals, and their original songs are gaining popularity, leading to the recording of their debut album, set to be released in mid-2024. From the upbeat “Timbuktu” to the emotional “No Rain to Cry In” and the playful bluegrass tune “I Still Miss You,” there’s something for everyone in their music.

Sara Berki has today released her first new single of 2024, the introspective “Tear You Apart”. The song has a Western sensibility, combining traditional instruments such as fiddle and pedal steel with a driving drumbeat and Sara’s vulnerable vocal.

Sara has once again teamed with Simon Johnson for production and William Bowden for mastering, the same team behind the hits “Fallin’ off the Heartline”, “Good Enough” and “Drinking for Free”.

Sara describes the characters in the song, “She is hardened, possibly from being broken in previous relationships and she is prone to self-sabotage. He thinks she is falling for him, when in fact she’s just dispirited and lonely. The song is a warning to him, ‘don’t fall for me as this won’t last'”.

“Tear You Apart” is Sara’s tenth track release in the space of two years, all of which were 100% written by Sara and demonstrates her knack for crafting intriguing lyrical stories into songs that sit at the intersection of traditional and modern country. Sara’s growing skill as a songwriter was recently recognised by APRA AMCOS, who awarded her the 2024 Professional Development Award for Country/Americana (previous winners include Morgan Evans and Fanny Lumsden).

While it is Sara’s first official single release since “Favour” in September 2023, she has been anything but quiet. Sara has been part of some incredible live events, including CMC Rocks QLD (with back-to-back performances in 2023 & 2024), the inaugural Ridin’ Hearts Festival, Groundwater Country Music Festival, The Perth Muster along with a pre-show performance at the 2024 AFL Season kick-off at the Gabba in March.

Sara’s rendition of the John Denver classic, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” filmed at the Brisbane Lions vs Carlton match at the Gabba has subsequently been viewed over 7.5 million times across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook and has opened up a legion of new supporters for her music, particularly across the U.S & Canada, UK and Europe (Germany, France, Netherlands & Sweden in particular), as well as at home.

In addition to the APRA Professional Development Award, Sara was also nominated for a 2024 Golden Guitar Award for New Talent of the Year and her music has now been streamed over 2.5 million times.

The Bundaberg born, Southern Highlands raised country singer-songwriter is taking it all in her stride, with her humble and grateful nature endearing her to audiences wherever she goes. With a growing catalogue of songs and her first trip to the U.S for songwriting and recording coming up, fans can expect to hear a lot newer music from Sara in the not-too-distant future.

River Town Saints, the award-winning Canadian country band, and Kaylee Bell, Australasia’s most streamed female country artist, have joined forces to release their latest single, “Lying in Bed”. This captivating track delves into the profound emotions of feeling distant despite physical proximity, resonating with audiences on both sides of the globe.

The forthcoming music video promises to deepen the connection to this heartfelt song, set to premiere in the coming weeks. With plans to engage both Canadian and Australian markets, the collaboration between River Town Saints and Kaylee Bell marks a milestone in the country music landscape.

“When the idea of collaborating emerged, Kaylee Bell was the natural choice,” shares River Town Saints. “Her remarkable talent and passion for music align perfectly with the essence of ‘Lying in Bed.’ We’re thrilled to have her on board and introduce her to Canadian country music enthusiasts.”

Kaylee Bell’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. From winning the CMA for Global Country Artist to topping charts and captivating audiences worldwide, her star continues to ascend. Recognized for her authenticity and powerful vocals, Kaylee Bell brings a dynamic energy to “Lying in Bed” that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

River Town Saints, hailing from Ottawa Valley, have enjoyed a string of successes, including top 10 hits, award nominations , and electrifying performances alongside country music heavyweights. With their infectious energy and unwavering dedication to creating memorable experiences, River Town Saints are poised to leave an indelible mark on the industry.

Following their recent “Spring Fling” headlining tour, River Town Saints are set to grace the stage at the CMA Ontario Awards on June 2 in Mississauga, where they are nominated for Group or Duo of the Year.

About River Town Saints:

River Town Saints, known for their vibrant live shows and chart-topping hits, have garnered widespread acclaim and amassed an impressive following. With accolades including CCMA Award nominations and Canadian Radio Music Award wins, River Town Saints continue to push boundaries and captivate audiences with their signature sound.

About Kaylee Bell:

Kaylee Bell’s journey from New Zealand to Nashville has been marked by milestones, including ARIA Gold certification, chart-topping singles, and prestigious awards. As Australasia’s most streamed female country artist, Kaylee Bell’s impact on the genre is undeniable, earning her a place among the industry’s elite.

“Still Make Cowgirls”, the smouldering, unapologetic new single from award-nominated artist Karli June.

Penned by Karli and award winning songwriter Deric Ruttan (Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley) and produced by Ruttan, “Still Make Cowgirls” portrays a woman embracing her authentic self, proud of her rustic country roots and announcing to potential suitors that she’s got depth and passion. The lyrics depict a rustic scene with a sawdust floor, swingin’ doors, and a porch swing beneath the twinkling country stars, painting a picture of genuine rural life influenced by Karli’s rural upbringing. The mid-tempo track starts with a slow burn and builds with Karli’s confident twang soaring over classic country elements like pedal steel guitar and B3 organ, but with modern pop-infused flair.

“Still Make Cowgirls” is about unapologetically being a woman who is proud of her country roots. Even if you’re not from the country, this song is for you too – it’s about being a woman who has heart, substance, and passion – which is really what a cowgirl is. Saddle up!!!” says Karli.

Karli June has also been nominated for four 2024 CMA Ontario Award’s including nods for Songwriter(s) of the Year and Music Video of the Year for her single “Feel Like Home” as well as being nominated for Female Artist of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Gavin Slate, the producer and co-writer of the single, also received a nomination for Record Producer of the Year.

“I am so grateful to be recognized amongst my talented peers in Ontario,” says Karli. “I love Ontario – and am extremely proud of my roots here – so this will be such a special weekend celebrating with everyone!”

These nominations are in response to Karli’s breakthrough single “Feel Like Home” featuring Ryan Langdon, which came out in 2023. The song achieved international success, reaching #12 on Australia’s CountryTown National Airplay charts, marking Karli’s highest-charting track yet. Domestically, “Feel Like Home” secured the #1 Most Added position at Canadian Country radio, peaked at #30 on the Mediabase National Country radio charts, and garnered recognition as iHeartRadio’s “Future Star”, Rogers Media’s “One to Watch”, and Stingray’s “Trending Track”. With the success of the track and her authentic sound and relatable lyrics, Karli has now surpassed over 2.2 million streams and video views of her songs.

Previously, Karli secured three 2023 CMA Ontario Award nominations for her debut EP Where You Come From, resulting in a win for the EP’s producer Karen Kosowski for Producer of the Year, plus gave an award show performance that brought the house down. Karli also had several performances during the Canadian Country Music Association Award week (CCMA’s) in Hamilton in September 2023 including the CCMA Songwriters Unplugged show.

Karli has shared the stage with artists including Terri Clark, The Washboard Union, Gord Bamford, Tebey, Brett Kissel, and Dierks Bentley, and has performed at festivals such as the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Boots & Hearts, Oktoberfest, and Canadian Music Week. Previously, she was chosen to participate in the esteemed 2021 TD Incubator for Creative Entrepreneurship program and was one of three finalists representing Ontario in the nationwide 2021 Jim Beam Talent Search. Karli’s song “The List” won an Honorable Mention in the International Songwriting Competition 2022 out of over 15K submissions.

Looking ahead this year, Karli is set to unveil more new music ahead of her sophomore EP, slated for early 2025. She remains committed to expanding her presence in the Australian market while embarking on live performances across Canada. “Still Make Cowgirls” is sure to resonate with fans of authentic country music and anyone who embraces the cowgirl spirit.

Piper Rodrigues Set To Leave Audiences Spellbound With Infectious New Release ‘Bewitched’.

‘Bewitched’ is the new single from 2024 Toyota Star Maker Top 10 Grand Finalist Piper Rodrigues. It is the first step in Rodrigues’ self-titled new direction known as “Cosmic Country”. Co-written with Chloe Styler and produced by Cody McWaters and Jack Hudson, this is a song that blends the freshest sounds of country and pop production styles resulting in an ear worm sensory overload. ‘Bewitched’ pens the tale of a past lover casting a spell of disenchantment upon all future pursuits of the heart, however, the song celebrates the overpowering joy in proving the antagonist wrong. This song brings a fresh and vibrant palette of song colours and flavours to the table alongside its catchy hook themes and stadium ringing backing vocals; it is sure to leave you feeling “Bewitched”.

“Releasing music is always so exciting and it is no different with ‘Bewitched’. I wrote this song about an ex who told me I’d never find better than him, to let him know that he’s been proved wrong. For me, ‘Bewitched’ is a song for the girls who know that they deserve better and go out and find it. I’m so excited to be starting this new chapter of music with this track! It felt so empowering to write and I hope it makes you feel empowered singing along”.

Piper’s four previous singles have debuted in the AMRAP Regional Top 10 with her single ‘Exit Wound’ debuting at #2 and gained various Apple Music playlists. Piper’s earlier 2024 release ‘Watch Your Step’ garnered attention from radio around the country and gained placement on multiple Apple Music Playlists including ‘Aussie Country’, ‘Country Risers’ and ‘New Music Daily’.

A favourite amongst her fellow country music peers, Piper Rodrigues has supported artists such as Hayley Jensen, Ashleigh Dallas, Allison Forbes, Tori Forsyth, Amber Lawrence, and Catherine Britt and is set to perform at Texas Country Music Festival this September.

With its irresistible charm and infectious energy, ‘Bewitched’ is sure to leave listeners spellbound.

Piper Rodrigues’ new single ‘Bewitched’ is out to radio on Monday 13th May and Digital Platforms on Friday 17th May.