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Following high school, I served in the Navy, Army, and Army Reserve for a total of 15 years. After my military service, I focused on refining my vocals and songwriting skills. Upon returning to Wisconsin after 30 years, I engaged a vocal instructor who helped me achieve professional vocal status within five years. When I began my new recording journey in Nashville Tennessee, I was fortunate to collaborate with the worlds best talent.The team included:Main vocals: Paul HagerBackground vocals: Tania Hanceroff who Currently sings at the Grand Ole Opry and has worked with Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Reba McEntire, Toby KiethPlayers: (Mark Becket) who currently is the house drummer at the Grand Ole Opry. (Chris Leuzinger) who currently plays lead guitar for Garth Brooks. (Michael Rinne) who has played base guitar for Willie Nelson, Ronnie Milsap and many others. (Pat Mcgrath) who has played acoustic for Allison Krass, Randy Owen. (Andy Ellison) who has played steel guitar for Capital Records, John Pardi. (Billy Nobel) who has played keyboard for Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, CMT. 

Paul Hager and Chris Leuzinger (lead guitarist for Garth Brooks) played on 5 tracks on this Borderline Album
Borderline Song Review:Overall ImpressionCrafting a good cover is an art form in itself. It’s a delicate balancing act where elements of the source material must not only be retained, but respected, and a clear level of distinction must be cultivated to warrant the need for a cover in the first places. I’m happy to say Paul Hager’s country reinvention of Madonna’s “Borderline” is exactly how you do it! What was once pop gloss becomes something earthier, dustier, and deeply human. Paul doesn’t just cover the song; he inhabits it, reshaping the originals DNA while preserving the melodic bones that made the original iconic. It’s a transformation that feels both reverent and boldly personal, the kind of artistic balancing act that’s far harder than it sounds—and here, it’s pulled off with effortless poise. It feels familiar enough to stir nostalgia, but fresh enough to be rediscovered. It honors the original while revealing new colors, textures, and stories within it—proof that, sometimes, crossing the borderline between genres brings a song not to a different place, but home. Strongest Point(s)A huge part of this success lies in the exceptional performances threaded throughout the track. Paul’s own vocal presence is warm, charming, and confident, imbued with the kind of gently rugged sincerity that country storytellers are known for. His phrasing doesn’t mimic Madonna’s delivery; instead, he leans into a more grounded register, letting the song breathe in a way that the country genre is known for. That charisma is met by the excellence of the session players he’s brought into the fold. Background vocalist Tania Hanceroff adds a silken glow that lifts the choruses with precision and ease, while guitarist Chris Leuzinger brings tasteful licks and understated firepower. The rhythmic foundation, held down by Michael Rinne has that seasoned steadiness only top-tier players can offer. These musicians (along with a few more high calibre session giants) whose résumés include work with towering figures like Carrie Underwood, Willie Nelson, and Garth Brooks, lend the track an unmistakable pedigree. Together, they form a band that feels less like hired hands and more like a fully developed group, one that boasts a striking amount of chemistry.The arrangement is also excellent. It’s a masterclass in deft layering: warm acoustic strums, honeyed pedal-steel sighs, tasteful electric lines, and texture-filling backing vocals. Each layer contributes a small melodic charm of its own, creating a dynamic sound that remains breezy rather than crowded. The country textures never feel pasted on; instead, they settle into the song like they belonged there all along. That sense of naturalness—of sonic warmth radiating from every bar—gives the cover its heart. And then there’s the production and mix, which strike a rare balance: polished yet never sterile. Every instrument retains its timbral character—the woody resonance of the acoustic, the brushed velvet of the background vocals, the rounded thump of the bass. The track feels like it was captured in a room where people were smiling, listening, and reacting to each other in real time. It’s clean, but never clinical; detailed, but never over-processed. The warmth isn’t just tonal—it’s emotional.

T arget Audience AppealLovers of country will undoubtedly appreciate this lovingly crafted cover.Artist target suggestionsBrooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Loretta LynnAbout The ReviewerAndre is a freelance session guitarist, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K.Vocals: StrengthLyrics: StrengthInstrumental Performance/Execution: StrengthMelody/Rhythm: StrengthArrangement/Flow: StrengthRecording Quality/Overall Mix: Strength

‘Fall In Love With You’ is the new single from just released 5th Album, ‘The Story Continues’. ‘Fall In Love With You’ is when a guy meets girl and from the start the guy just knows he is going to fall in love. He just knows it and there’s nothing he can do about it. This song is part of Pete’s new Sound, recorded in Nashville last year. 

Australian Alt Country duo No PROMISES return with their uplifting new single Wildside — a  feel-good, cruisy country track about breaking free from routine, taking chances, and chasing  the life you really want. Driven by warm acoustic guitars, rolling rhythms, and an undeniable sense of freedom, Wildside  captures the spirit of escaping the daily grind and embracing the open road. Featuring Eric  Collier on lead vocals alongside Janine Garvey’s beautiful harmonies, the track highlights the  unmistakable chemistry between the pair, with their voices blending effortlessly throughout the  song.                                                                   At its heart, Wildside is about choosing adventure over comfort and connection over convention.  Lyrics like “Quit the job working 9–5 / And we can get away on that open road” paint a vivid  picture of two people leaving their worries behind in search of something more meaningful.  The song balances classic country storytelling with modern country energy, creating a laid-back  anthem perfect for long drives, warm nights, and anyone dreaming of a fresh start.  “Wildside is about stepping outside the safe and familiar,” says the band. “It’s about taking risks,  living freely, and finding joy in the unknown. We really wanted the song to feel uplifting and  hopeful — like rolling the windows down and heading toward something better.” With Eric’s heartfelt vocal delivery and Janine’s beautiful harmonies adding warmth and  emotion, Wildside continues to showcase the evolving sound of No PROMISES — blending  country, Americana, and melodic rock influences into something authentic and memorable. 

Dust, drought and turning steel drive “Outback Sentinels”, a hard-driving, big-sky Australian country-rock story from Anthony Snape featuring Dobe Newton of The Bushwackers. Moving from spoken bush narration into a wide, guitar-charged anthemic chorus, it honours the Southern Cross and Comet windmills, water, sacrifice and family legacy. Backed by Anthony’s Australian country radio momentum, it is pitched for country and roots-rock audiences with cinematic Australian storytelling.

“Whiskey Nights” seamlessly blends driving acoustic rhythms with soaring modern production, putting Kaliko’s distinct vocal delivery front and center.As a songwriter, Kaliko crafts lyrics that are both vulnerable and universally catchy, painting a vivid picture of Friday nights, heartbreak, and resilience. With its infectious hook and stadium-ready chorus, “Whiskey Nights” is tailored for top-tier country radio airplay. It offers listeners the perfect blend of traditional country storytelling and a fresh, energetic sound that will keep the windows down on the highway.Hailing from the heart of Tallahassee, Florida, Kaliko is a multi-talented recording artist and singer-songwriter who draws inspiration from the grit of modern country and the nostalgic soul of classic songwriting. His music captures the essence of late-night drives, Southern roots, and heartfelt truths. Now stepping onto the national stage, Kaliko represents the next generation of country hitmakers, delivering tracks that connect directly with the everyday experiences of country music listeners.

Blazing her own trail in country music, Payton Howie is one of the genre’s most exciting new female artists. With over 4 million career streams and more than 150,000 social media followers, she continues to captivate audiences with her country rockin’ soulful sound and amazing vocal delivery. She has toured alongside Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Garth Brooks, Gretchen Wilson, Lukas Nelson, Corey Kent, Tracy Lawrence, Aaron Watson, Trisha Yearwood, and Warren Zeiders. Her single Ramblin’ Woman reached #5 on the Ireland Country iTunes Download Chart.Now, she returns with her latest release, “Truck Bed,” co-written with multi-platinum artist and CMA Triple Play award winning songwriter Brady Seals. Payton has also earned Female Vocalist of the Year nominations from both the Texas Regional Radio and Texas Country Music Association, cementing her status as a rising force in country music. Currently joining forces with industry heavyweight Christy DiNapoli and West Village Entertainment, Payton is someone to watch in 2027 as one of Country’s dominate new females.

“Notice The Roses’ is a song about trying to stay present amongst chaos and remember to notice and be grateful for the little things.” – Tori Forsyth
Blending contemporary country with alternative folk influences,  ‘Notice The Roses’ is built on authentic songwriting, expansive production and an infectious sound that perfectly complements Tori Forsyth’s captivating vocal. 
Fresh from a run of US performances, including Laurel Cove Music Festival in Pineville, Kentucky, and the Kentucky Fried Pop-Up Tour at The Cork in Lexington, Kentucky, Tori continues to build momentum ahead of her forthcoming album.
Tori Forsyth is one of Australia’s most compelling and emotionally fearless singer-songwriters, known for crafting songs that exist in the space between vulnerability and defiance. With a voice that cuts straight to the core and songwriting that balances raw confession with poetic restraint, Tori has carved out a singular place in modern country and alternative folk.
In 2026, Tori entered a bold new chapter with the singles  ‘Guns and Little Girls’, ‘You and Me’ and  ‘I’m Not God’ – the first instalments from her forthcoming album. The album was written entirely by Tori and produced by Scott Horscroft.
Her third studio album,  All We Have Is Who We Are, marked a powerful creative rebirth, a record that dives into darkness before rising towards self-acceptance, grace and renewal. Anchored by singles including  ‘All We Are’,  ‘Sometimes’ (feat. Shane Nicholson) and  ‘Good Enough’, featuring backing vocals from longtime mentor Kasey Chambers, the album earned Tori widespread acclaim, including a QMA Country Award for ‘Sometimes’, an ARIA Award nomination for Best Country Album, and a Golden Guitar Award nomination for Best Alternative Country Album.
Across her career, Tori has amassed more than 18 million streams, toured extensively throughout Australia and internationally, and shared stages with artists including Kasey Chambers, Jackson Dean and Wade Forster. Her songwriting has been recognised with major industry accolades, including Golden Guitar wins and nominations, and her work continues to resonate deeply with fans who see themselves reflected in her honesty.

Rising Australian country-pop storyteller Shanleigh Rose delivers a bold and evocative new single with “Like My Mama Loves Tobacco” —a track that lingers long after the first listen.

Sitting in the fragile space where love and dependency collide, “ Like My Mama Loves Tobacco” explores the emotional complexity of holding onto something that still feels like home. Between fields left fallow and the quiet weight of generational addiction, Shanleigh leans into truth over resolution—offering a raw, unfiltered reflection on emotional attachment. Backed by Tamworth Songwriters Association award-winning lyricism and deeply vulnerable vocals, the folk-country ballad captures a feeling many recognise but rarely articulate.

Since I was a child, I’ve witnessed the way addiction lives and breathes in people. I remember telling myself, ‘I will never let that happen to me.’ Fast forward to 17, and I’ve fallen head over heels for someone so intoxicating and all-consuming that it hurts. In writing this song, I realised that what I felt for them acted more like my mother’s relationship with smoking than love. And just as I had witnessed in her, I could not let go of it. I knew how bad it was for me, but I just couldn’t put it down. Eventually, it began to burn away my soul, and I knew I had to make the decision… loving me meant letting him go.” — Shanleigh Rose

Drawing inspiration from the candid, deeply human songwriting of Melody Moko and Fanny Lumsden—particularly Moko’s “Like Hank Would” and Lumsden’s “Fallow”—the track also benefits from the guiding hand of producer Michael Muchow, whose close ties to both artists bring a sense of creative alignment to the project.

It is a really different direction to any of my previous releases, but I’m just in love with this track… It’s the most ‘me’ song I think I’ve ever put out.” — Shanleigh Rose

Multi-award-winning Melody Moko adds:

Shanleigh Rose has a gift for songwriting that is both vivid and personal. With ‘Like My Mama Loves Tobacco,’ she doubles down on that gift, delivering a take on dependency that feels innocent and mature in the same breath, much like Shanleigh as an artist.”

An enchanting storyteller and captivating performer, Shanleigh Rose continues to establish herself as a formidable force in Australian music. With songwriting at the core of her artistry, she has built a growing audience drawn to her evocative lyricism and memorable melodies.

2026 has seen Shanleigh expanding Spotify catalogue now surpassed 100,000 streams across ten single releases, reflecting her steady rise and adding Oppurnities to perform and work alongside industry greats including. Fanny Lumsden on her 2026 tour, including a standout performance at iconic Brisbane venue The Triffid with Shanleigh calendar slowly filling up it further cements her reputation as a compelling live act.

With “Like My Mama Loves Tobacco,” Shanleigh Rose doesn’t just tell a story—she invites listeners to sit inside it. It’s intimate, confronting, and unmistakably authentic, marking a powerful new chapter for one of Australia’s most promising voices.

Country music continues to prove it knows no borders as American country veteran  Chris Chitsey joins forces with one of the United Kingdom’s most exciting emerging country artists,  Bee Smith on their new transatlantic duet,  “Summer Before The Fall,” available now via Clinetel Nashville Records with distribution through SONY/The Orchard.Blending contemporary country production with timeless storytelling, “Summer Before The Fall” explores the emotional crossroads that occur when lifelong friendship begins to evolve into something more. Written by Smith and Thornton Cline and produced by acclaimed Nashville hitmaker  D. Scott Miller, the song captures the uncertainty, hope, and vulnerability of risking everything for the possibility of true love. Built around a question many have quietly asked themselves—what happens when your best friend becomes the love of your life?—the duet follows two lifelong friends as they confront feelings they’ve never fully acknowledged. Through heartfelt lyrics and soaring harmonies, Chitsey and Smith bring the story to life with authenticity and emotional depth. The single has already earned a nomination for Vocal Event of the Year at the 2026 Josie Music Awards, which will be held this September at Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry House.“There is an excitement building around this song,” says Smith. “Bringing it to life with Chris made it even more meaningful. The moment I heard his voice, I knew he was the perfect fit. I feel incredibly fortunate to have Chris and such an exceptional group of musicians contributing to this record.” The collaboration arrives at a significant moment for both artists.In recent years, Chitsey has experienced a remarkable career resurgence. Since signing an eight-single deal with Clinetel Nashville in 2023, he has delivered a string of global No. 1 hits, including “Last Time I Saw You,” “Life Is Hard, Whiskey Is Easy,” “Every Small Town,” “Chasing Taillights” and, most recently, his biggest radio success to date, “Where Ya Been Girl.” His music has also crossed into film and television, with “Every Small Town” serving as the theme song for the streaming reality series  Only in Iola, in which Chitsey appears throughout multiple seasons. Meanwhile, Smith continues to establish herself as one of the UK’s most promising country music exports. The 2025 ISSA Songwriter of the Year has earned international recognition for her emotionally resonant songwriting, soulful vocals, and growing collection of industry accolades, including multiple Josie Music Award nominations and Top 10 placements in the World Songwriting Awards.Adding to the excitement surrounding the release, the artists recently returned from Cancun, Mexico, where they spent a week filming the official music video for “Summer Before The Fall.” Set against a breathtaking backdrop of turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and stunning Caribbean sunsets, the video perfectly captures the song’s story of friendship, possibility and romance. With its universal message, cinematic storytelling, and undeniable vocal chemistry, “Summer Before The Fall” is poised to become one of the standout country duets of the summer.Beyond the music, Chitsey continues to partner with brands that reflect his connection to craftsmanship, heritage, and lifestyle culture, including Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, Deep Eddy Vodka, Marriott International, Inc., Chuck Norris’s CForce Premium Artesian Water, American Hat Makers, Molly’s Custom Silver, TEXITCoin, Clinetel Nashville Records, and SONY/The Orchard.About Chris Chitsey: Chris Chitsey is a Texas-born country recording artist whose career spans decades and includes numerous international chart-topping singles. Known for his authentic country sound and dynamic live performances, Chitsey has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years, earning multiple No. 1 hits and expanding his reach through music, television, and strategic brand partnerships.

Priority single from forthcoming EP, due Q3 2026 – ‘ Hold You Close’ is an upbeat, heartfelt country anthem about chasing a dream while longing to be closer to the people you love. 
 
Co-written and produced by Lindsay Rimes, whose credits include songs recorded by global country superstars Cody Johnson, Luke Bryan, Nate Smith and Kane Brown.
 
Set to perform at Lasso Country Music Festival this July, continuing a strong run of national festival appearances – previous highlights include CMC Rocks, CMA Fest (Nashville), BIGSOUND, Ridin’ Hearts, Mullewa Muster & Country Music Festival, and winning the 2024 Ridin’ Starts Competition.
 
Raised in Warrnambool, Victoria, Michael picked up his first guitar at age six and grew up immersed in country music. He built an early fanbase through online performances during the pandemic, laying the foundation for his emerging career.