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The Wonderfully Talented Dianne Coombes Returns With An Absolute Gem ‘Getting On With Getting Over You’

‘Getting On With Getting Over You’ is a lively bluegrass song exploring the realisation that time always takes its own sweet time when it comes to healing broken hearts – it won’t be rushed. Written by Angus Gill and Jon Weisberger, this song is guaranteed to have your toes tapping.

Hi, I’m Dianne Coombes …

I have loved music and singing since I can remember. Our family get togethers were always a musical affair as all my uncles and aunt played instruments or sang, and there are recordings of me singing at these events when I was five years old.

My Dad played in dance bands all my life and I grew up invading band rehearsals at every opportunity when Mum had her back turned. I sang with my Dad’s band from the age of fourteen at all the country hall dances and balls, although I had to be sixteen before I was allowed to sing on stage at the local RSL.

I was raised and still reside at Macksville in the Nambucca Valley, a small town with a big heart. Marrying at 21, I put music on hold while starting a family. I spent four years as a single mum raising two amazing daughters which had its difficulties, but also forged my girls and I into the ‘3 Musketeers’, a bond which is still a force to be reckoned with today.

I married for a second time to the most amazing man God put breath into and he became our rock. He and my girls encouraged and supported my return to music and during this time I went from singing at local venues, to appearing at many events and festivals up and down the Coast.

In 2016 I released my debut album ‘Walk With Me’ which contained twelve songs, eight of which were originals that I felt documented my life up until that point. To my delight, it received great reviews and won prestigious awards. 2016 was also the year my darling husband died of lung cancer and my world was shattered. Music then became my refuge, and I poured myself into songwriting in an attempt to survive my grief.

My songwriting is inspired by observing nature and the beautiful place we call home as well as my own life experience, so it truly lays me open and bare in a way that I hope others can relate to. I hope they hear my songs and feel the echoes of emotions and experiences from their own lives.

Seven years further down the track, and I have just completed a body of work that I am really proud of. My new album titled ‘Ripples’ is a testament to the privilege of experiences and love in my life and the amazing vision, songwriting, and production skills of Angus Gill. It’s a country/folk album full of stories of life and love and inspiration.

I hope you enjoy and let the Ripples go on …

Hayden Phillis Unveils Stirring New Single ‘Too Young’ Inspired by Stories Untold.

Emerging singer-songwriter Hayden Phillis returns with ‘Too Young’, a song about deep issues, heralding the release of his upcoming debut album in early May of the same name.

While the lyrics in ‘Too Young’ are not a direct retelling of real-life events, the song was sparked by a chance meeting with a former schoolmate, whose candid conversation left a deep impact on Hayden.

“Too Young was inspired by seeing someone I hadn’t seen for a few years,” Hayden said.

“They told me about a lot of things they were struggling with during high school and why they left high school early.

“Hearing about all the things they had been going through highlighted for me how younger people can go through lots of bad things and have no one be aware of it and go under the radar. So, I wrote a song around that idea with many references to the area around where I live.”

Rather than telling one specific story, ‘Too Young’ draws on a range of tough issues, many of which vulnerable young people face. The lyrics explore themes of child homelessness, drug abuse, broken homes, toxic relationships, and the spiral that can occur when one hardship leads to another.

“It was saddening and a shock to realise they were going through all of these things that I had no idea about,” Hayden said.

“It is such a pressing issue, so I wanted to add a more personal side to it in song.”

Written solely by Hayden, ‘Too Young’ is a reminder of the hidden battles many young people face – and how important it is to remain aware and compassionate.

“I want ‘Too Young’ to acknowledge how real these issues are and how you don’t really know how your friends are doing and I hope it might make people be more aware of what people might be experiencing around them,” he said.

The forthcoming ‘Too Young’ album is a deeply personal project, with several songs drawing from Hayden’s own life, including struggles with epilepsy and loss of faith and stories inspired by those around him.

“The album definitely has a couple of songs that hit home with those more personal issues – songs about my childhood epilepsy, internal struggles with religion, drug abuse, and homelessness for young people,” he said.

“With this album especially, I wanted to focus more on topics that are important.”

The album was recorded at Rabbit Hole Recording Studios with Brandon Dodd – a setting that captured the energy and emotion of live performance.

“It was pretty incredible to record with him and he and Kasey Chambers’ studio,” Hayden said.

‘Too Young’ is available now on all streaming platforms. The album will follow in early May.

Sean Harrison is a well-traveled, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter from Fayetteville, Arkansas. His 2020 debut album “Halfway From Nashville” cemented his reputation as a witty, insightful Southern songwriter whose quirky, self-mocking songs explore the average guy’s stumbles and struggles through American life. His style crisscrosses boundaries of Americana, combining influences from Folk, Country, Rock and Blues.

Harrison’s second full-length album – “Ghastly Love (And Other Dubious Tales)” — explores deeper connections into the root-sounds and modern expressions of the Americana genre. With guest artists including Gurf Morlix and Earl Cate, the album will release this April.

Songs Sean wrote and produced for Milton Patton in 2015 climbed several Billboard Charts including a high mark of #50 on the Top 200 Country Album chart, and #6 on Heatseekers South Central regional chart for independent artists; music videos from that album gained more than 10 million views, that year; one song was featured in the film ADDicted (2015).

Sean came by his writing and storytelling style naturally. He was born in Nashville and raised mostly in Arkansas, where he grew up in the literary home of the late novelist/screenwriter William Harrison, probably best known for writing the cult-classic movie “Rollerball.” The elder Harrison taught creative writing at the University of Arkansas, which put Sean in frequent company of numerous talented writing students and visiting writers. It also connected him to a lively college campus during the turbulent cultural renaissance of the late 1960s. Sean lived some years in Europe, then Texas, with a lot of traveling and finally back home to Fayetteville. “I have busked in London, Bath, Paris, Florence and Venice, southern Spain and other parts of Europe, New York City, Dallas/Ft. Worth,” Sean said. “It’s only looking back that I can appreciate where I’ve been.”

‘Poster Girl’ 20th Anniversary special release 18 April 2025

Poster Girl was originally released in 2005 and reached #1 on the Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart, taken from the album ‘Feel This Free’ released the same year. The song won three Golden Guitars at the Country Music Awards of Australia; Song of the Year, Female Artist of the Year and Single of the Year, a huge feat for any Artist. Cole performed Poster Girl at the MCG on ANZAC Day in 2007 in front of a crowd of 100,000 people.

BACKGROUND & RELEASE:

Between December 2005 and January 2006, Cole travelled to Iraq and The Middle East to do a series of concerts for the Australian Defense Force. Upon her return, she received a letter from a fan objecting to her Tour de Force appearance, mistakenly thinking her singing overseas to Aussie troops amounted to her supporting the war. Cole said the criticism stung, “to be accused of supporting some sort of ridiculous war on terror – which was not what I was doing at all – hurt”. Cole explained; ‘I was incredibly inspired by the whole experience of going over to the Middle East to entertain the Aussie troops but also getting to know them and understanding what they’re all about. I was like a proud mother hen over there, so I really did want to come back and sing their praises. I wanted to write a song, but I didn’t know what angle. That’s when I received the criticism.” Cole continues “You can support the troops without supporting the war. You can recognise that they do an amazing job, that they put their lives on the line and put themselves in danger because we need a Defense Force. Wonderful, wonderful people”.

Q. Why have you felt compelled to re-release Poster Girl with the 20th Anniversary?

Poster Girl is my most requested song and I still feel its relevance each time I sing it. I Have many returned servicewomen and men telling me how much it means to them, and I wanted to take the opportunity to refresh the statement. The song was about the troops, gratitude for their service and a tribute and recognition to their families as well. I had the idea to rerecord the song as I was singing it at the Gympie Muster in 2024 with thousands of phone lights swaying in front of me, it was a very special moment!

Q. What was it like stepping back into the studio to re-record one of your biggest and most requested songs with a string section?

Bringing the quartet in on the track was as thrilling as it was emotional. They arranged and played so well, fitting beautifully around the lyrics and my finger picking. I really think it helps to bring out the emotion of the song. The strength of 5 female musicians playing the song was also not lost on me, a mirror of the strength of the wife and mother in the story.

Q. What are you up to right now in 2025?

I’m currently writing and recording for my new album, due for release in January 2026. I’m excited about having new music out. Time has flown between my last album and now. Life gave me a massive blow and, naturally, some of the songs reflect my marriage breakup and mental breakdown. But also, hope and humor will reign true on the new record, it’s always been my writing style.

Q. What are you looking forward to in 2026 and beyond?

I can’t wait to play the new songs onstage, a few of them are already getting a run! I’m absolutely thrilled at the reception and popularity of country music right now and I love taking the stage, especially at events and festivals with the band.

Q. With all the upheaval in the world, what keeps you sane and grounded?

I have a therapy dog called Patsy! She’s a mini groodle and her calming powers are remarkable. She helps me stay on track and live a balanced life.

Q. Can you share your daily habits….good & bad?

If I don’t walk every day, I don’t function properly. I try to complete 10KM. Patsy walks for 2 and gets carried for 2! I also have a daily sauna, I became addicted to them and eventually had one installed at home.

Q. What’s your take on the state of country music in Australia at the moment?

Country music is massive right now. When you look at how well the US artists do touring here, it’s quite amazing. My hope is that Australian audiences develop the same passion for local artists, which is happening slowly. I do see a gender imbalance which I would love to see a shift in. Artists like Kasey Chambers here and Lainey Wilson in the States are pushing against that, just by being themselves and I hope to see it changing for the better soon.

Q. Any message you want to send to your fans?

It’s funny, I’ve always felt conceited referring to people as ‘fans’ – but the truth is, there are some people who have been following my journey, buying my music and tickets to my shows for 3 decades and that blows me away! To them I say thank you and I hope I continue to serve the songs and serve you as you have come to expect. Loyalty runs both ways.

KIRSTY LEE AKERS RELEASES EMOTIONAL NEW SINGLE ‘MARLBORO MAN’ – A HEARTBREAKING BALLAD WRITTEN WITH LEGENDARY CO-WRITER BYRON HILL

Acclaimed country artist Kirsty Lee Akers has unveiled her much-anticipated new single, ‘Marlboro Man’ – now available on all streaming platforms. Co-written in Nashville with the legendary Byron Hill, a distinguished member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Marlboro Man is a compelling blend of raw emotion and authentic country storytelling. The song delves deeply into the themes of heartbreak and disillusionment, capturing the essence of a relationship with someone who initially appears to be a hero, only to ultimately leave you more broken than before-much like the elusive and flawed figure of the Marlboro Man.

“I’ve always been drawn to stories of love that are both beautiful and bittersweet,” says Akers. “Marlboro Man tells the story of a romance where you fall for someone who sweeps you off your feet, only to realize they’re not the one who stays. Writing this song with Byron Hill was especially meaningful to me. Byron has penned many of the classic country hits I grew up singing, and he was the very first person I co-wrote with when I first arrived in Nashville as a teenager back in 2005. To still be writing together all these years later is a very special feeling.”

Byron Hill, renowned for his extensive contributions to country music, brings his wealth of songwriting expertise to the track, while Kirsty Lee Akers’ powerful vocals and the soulful twang of the Dobro serve as the heart and soul of this timeless country ballad. Marlboro Man evokes the spirit of traditional country classics, reminiscent of the songs once heard on country radio.

A two-time Golden Guitar winner and star of The Block, Kirsty Lee Akers has earned a reputation for her emotionally charged lyrics and commanding voice. She continues to captivate audiences with her authentic storytelling, cementing her place as one of the leading voices in modern country music. Kirsty once again took on the role of producer for this track alongside her co-producer and drummer, Paul Bain. The track also features the hauntingly beautiful background vocals of Melody Pool, further enriching the emotional depth of the song. Marlboro Man is the latest in a string of standout releases that further solidify Akers’ place in the country music landscape.

With 28 #1 singles, multi-platinum country music superstar Jason Aldean – who’s currently on his 2024 extended “Highway Desperado” Tour – follows his Hot 100 #1 single “Try That In A Small Town” and anthemic “Let Your Boys Be Country” with “Whiskey Drink,” impacting radio today. Featured on his 11th studio album, Highway Desperado, the award-winning, GRAMMY nominated, and multi-faceted entertainer’s compelling new single finds a man pleading with his vices, begging them to help ease the pain of losing her. Written by Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy and John Morgan.

As featured by CBS Mornings, Associated Press, Billboard, The Tennessean, LA Times, American Songwriter , Fox and Friends and more, Aldean’s HIGHWAY DESPERADO – produced by Michael Knox – features fourteen tracks total with three co-written by Aldean – a first since his 2009 Wide Open album.

HIGHWAY DESPERADO follows Aldean’s double album MACON , GEORGIA, which earned Aldean his #1 single, “Trouble With A Heartbreak,” as well as a Billboard Music Award nomination for “Top Country Song” and awards from ACM, CMT, iHeart, and a GRAMMY nomination for “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood. Since making his chart debut in 2005, the Georgia native has earned the most Top 10 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart – more than any other artist – his “songs of small-town living, love and loss have resonated with a loyal fanbase” (Billboard) and have “vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success” (Atlanta Journal Constitution).

About Jason Aldean:

With 28 number one singles, 18 billion streams, and more than 20 million albums sold, Grammy-nominated, Multi-Platinum entertainer Jason Aldean is the current reigning ACM Artist of the Decade. Since his 2005 chart debut, the 3X ACM Entertainer of the Year winner has the most Top 10 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart-more than any other artist-with “songs of small-town living, love and loss that have resonated with a loyal fanbase” (Billboard) and “vaulted him to the pinnacle of Country music success” (Atlanta Journal Constitution ). He has released 11 studio albums, most recently HIGHWAY DESPERADO, which features Aldean’s breakthrough Hot 100 chart-topping single “Try That In A Small Town,” his 28th career #1 single at Country Radio. HIGHWAY DESPERADO follows the success of Aldean’s sold out, headlining tour of the same name, which was extended into 2024. For more information, visit www.JasonAldean.com .

Steve Cheers Brings Touching Poem To Life With The Release Of ‘Salute’

Released for the 110th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 1915, ‘Salute’ is a poem by the Australian writer Sydney Elliott Napier. During World War I, Sydney served with the First Australian Imperial Force.

The poem was written when Napier was assistant editor of The Sydney Mail and was first published in that paper on 21st April 1937. After hearing the poem read by the NSW Premier at the 2024 Anzac Ceremony, Steve decided to pay tribute to the work with original music, recording it in Nashville in late 2024.

Steve Cheers hails from the NSW Southern Highlands, where he has worked in and on the regions entertainment industry for over 25 years. Apart from releasing and performing his own music, he has also worked as an artist manager, promoter, theatrical actor producer and director, and with his wife Geralyn, runs the local Music Centre which has educated many thousands of students over the years.

Entertainment has run in the bloodlines of Steve’s family for generations, and continues with members of his own family engaging in music teaching, composing, performing, and other artistic endeavours.

Brook Chivell Drops New Anthem “Drink Around Here” – A Nod To ’90’s Country With A Modern Edge

Get ready to raise a glass and hit the dance floor, because Brook Chivell’s latest track, ‘Drink Around Here,’ is set to deliver a powerful dose of good times and classic country vibes with a modern twist.

With its flanger-soaked guitars, honky-tonk swagger, and an infectious sing-along chorus, ‘Drink Around Here’ is the perfect anthem for those seeking to escape life’s stresses and find joy in the company of friends and a cold drink. Inspired by the feel-good spirit of country legends like Alan Jackson and early Tim McGraw, this track is a reminder that, no matter what life throws your way, there’s always a reason to raise a glass and toast to the good life.

“I’ve always been a fan of classic country with that real, authentic vibe,” says Brook. “Thirsty for a good time? Let’s take a sip. That’s how we drink around here.”

Brook Chivell, known for his powerhouse vocals and high-energy performances, has made his mark in the Australian country rock scene. His signature sound, blending country twang with modern rock production, continues to captivate listeners worldwide. ‘Drink Around Here’ marks the fourth release in Brook’s ambitious plan to drop a new song every month in 2025, showcasing his ability to effortlessly blend nostalgia with a contemporary edge.

His chart-topping singles ‘In My Life’ and ‘Hot Country Girl’ have made him a mainstay on country radio, with steady streams and a dedicated fanbase. His electrifying live performances at renowned festivals like Groundwater Country Music Festival, Gympie Muster, and Deni Ute Muster have solidified his reputation as a fan favourite and an unforgettable performer.

‘Drink Around Here’ is more than just a song; it’s a statement of Brook Chivell’s unwavering commitment to creating authentic, powerful country music. Whether delivering a party anthem or a heartfelt ballad, Brook’s music is always real, always raw, and always ready for the stage.

Brook Chivell’s new single ‘Drink Around Here’ is out to radio on Monday 14th April and all digital services on Wednesday 30th April.

REBEL YELL from the perspective of JOEY HENDRICKS

Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music Nashville & daschent®

Press:

“YOU’VE NEVER HEARD REBEL YELL LIKE THIS BEFORE.. 11/10!!”

-Terry Crews (from The Longest Yard with Courtney Cox and Adam Sandler)

ABOUT JOEY HENDRICKS

‭ Since moving from Anacortes, Washington to Nashville in 2017,‬‭ artist/songwriter Joey Hendricks has heard his thought provoking‬‭ songs surrounding love, loss, addiction and familial struggles sung by‬‭ artists Lady A, Bryan Martin, Chayce Beckham and Nate Smith or‬‭ released through his own musical endeavors. Hendricks, continues to‬ craft music with fellow songwriters Lori McKenna, Aaron Ratierre,‬‭ Alysa Vanderheym, Luke Laird, Micky Ekko, Daniel Ross, Barry Dean,‬‭ Dan Layus, Austin Niveral, Jeff Trott, Andy Skib, Jordan Fletcher while‬‭ releasing music throughout 2025 for himself along with his new‬‭ project, verygently, who landed an agency deal with Wasserman Music‬‭ having not ever played a show and signed a record deal with‬ NashVerse/Warner Music after being a band for less than a year. To‬‭ say the least, the future is looking bright for Joey Hendricks.‬

Sean Harrison is a well-traveled, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter from Fayetteville, Arkansas. His 2020 debut album “Halfway From Nashville” cemented his reputation as a witty, insightful Southern songwriter whose quirky, self-mocking songs explore the average guy’s stumbles and struggles through American life. His style crisscrosses boundaries of Americana, combining influences from Folk, Country, Rock and Blues.

Harrison’s second full-length album – “Ghastly Love (And Other Dubious Tales)” — explores deeper connections into the root-sounds and modern expressions of the Americana genre. With guest artists including Gurf Morlix and Earl Cate, the album will release this April.

Songs Sean wrote and produced for Milton Patton in 2015 climbed several Billboard Charts including a high mark of #50 on the Top 200 Country Album chart, and #6 on Heatseekers South Central regional chart for independent artists; music videos from that album gained more than 10 million views, that year; one song was featured in the film ADDicted (2015).

Sean came by his writing and storytelling style naturally. He was born in Nashville and raised mostly in Arkansas, where he grew up in the literary home of the late novelist/screenwriter William Harrison, probably best known for writing the cult-classic movie “Rollerball.” The elder Harrison taught creative writing at the University of Arkansas, which put Sean in frequent company of numerous talented writing students and visiting writers. It also connected him to a lively college campus during the turbulent cultural renaissance of the late 1960s. Sean lived some years in Europe, then Texas, with a lot of traveling and finally back home to Fayetteville. “I have busked in London, Bath, Paris, Florence and Venice, southern Spain and other parts of Europe, New York City, Dallas/Ft. Worth,” Sean said. “It’s only looking back that I can appreciate where I’ve been.”