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Melbourne-Based Singer-Songwriter Jay Santilli Returns with a Heartfelt Rendition of Brandi Carlile’s ‘The Story’

After a hiatus from the music scene to focus on her growing family, Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Jay Santilli had a busy 2023 releasing two new tracks ‘Love Someone Else’ and ‘Come Back Home’ which were both widely well received. Now she is stepping back into the spotlight with an emotionally charged rendition of Brandi Carlile’s iconic track, ‘The Story.’ Collaborating with producer Daniel Kelaart and guitarist Alex Tomlins, Santilli has meticulously crafted a unique interpretation that pays homage to the original’s authenticity.

Now, with a young family in tow, Santilli is excited to share her latest musical endeavor with the world. The debut performance of ‘The Story’ took place at the Toyota Star Maker Grand Final, where Santilli captivated an audience in the 1000s marking a pivotal moment in her musical career.

Following the release, Santilli’s journey will unfold through radio interviews, street press features, and a robust social media campaign. ‘The Story’ is not just a cover; it signifies the beginning of a significant musical chapter for Santilli in 2024.

Santilli’s singing and writing is deeply rooted in emotion and passion, reflecting her unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling. With years spent honing her craft and sharing stages with phenomenal talents, Santilli invites music enthusiasts to join her on this exciting next phase of her musical journey.

Written by Keith and his long time bass played Jerry Flowers as well as Chase McGill and Greg Wells, ‘Straight Line’ is an up-tempo, joy-infused song about a couple getting back on track
Keith has sold over 20 Million albums, amassed over 10 Billion streams, won 4 Grammy Awards, 6 ARIA Awards, 4 American Music Awards, 13 Country Music Association Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards
‘Straight Line’ this is the first song off a new project from Keith with more music to come in 2024

Written by Keith and his long time bass played Jerry Flowers as well as Chase McGill and Greg Wells, ‘Straight Line’ is an up-tempo, joy-infused song about a couple getting back on track
Keith has sold over 20 Million albums, amassed over 10 Billion streams, won 4 Grammy Awards, 6 ARIA Awards, 4 American Music Awards, 13 Country Music Association Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards
‘Straight Line’ this is the first song off a new project from Keith with more music to come in 2024

Alt-country singer-songwriter Tori Forsyth today announces her third studio album All We Have Is Who We Are will be released on Friday May 3rd (through Island Records Australia) and shares another taste of what’s to come, with the release of a new single and video, ‘Good Enough’.

The long-awaited All We Have Is Who We Are LP will be available on DSPs, CD and in a limited edition “cherry red” (eco-Mix) Vinyl release.

It’s been a long road to All We Have Is Who We Are; an album that dives into the darkness, emerging out on the other side into the lightness and ready to embrace the future.

Tori shares, “This album was written at a time of understanding life a little better and a little more. It feels like a step forward for me. I feel lighter; this record feels lighter and more hopeful. It symbolises that it isn’t always easy to cast things as yes or no or beginning and end, that there is a grey zone in which most things exist. The water is murky, but we swim through it anyway. It’s a reconciliation with myself and a goodbye to a version of me that needed to die. The healing is in the living of life; the songs come from that experience. Being truly part of life, and how without that, there are no stories or songs. This record reflects that entirely and is the benchmark from which I will eternally create from.”

All We Have Is Who We Are was literally sculpted by nature, with Tori spending months living in a treehouse in country Queensland listening to country music and working on her parents’ horse stud. Whether it’s the immersive slow burner ‘Good Enough’ or the low-slung single, ‘Made Your Bed’, all 10 tracks on All We Have Is Who We Are are earthy and strong, with one singular intention: to follow what Tori loves, and to settle for nothing less.

“Returning to the family farm, it was the grounding I needed to be able to determine where I was going with who I am, what I actually wanted out of my life. It got me off the hamster wheel I was spinning. This record sums that up. Every record I have ever released is me, a version of me. This is where I am now and I couldn’t be more proud or more content. It just feels like home.”

New single ‘Good Enough’ is the most delicate and introspective moment on the upcoming album and it’s the song that digs deep into those feelings of being on the spinning wheel and feeling completely inadequate. Underscored by a ringing guitar and lilting harmonies enhanced by Australian country music legend Kasey Chambers, Tori explains about the track:

“Good Enough is simply about the raw emotion of isolation, unseen effort and feeling like you’re missing the mark. Whatever that mark might be. I felt like a little girl writing it because I think it’s something we can begin feeling at a very young age. I wanted it to be an innocent questioning of, when will I accept that I am good enough? Towards the end, the song has a bit of light, showing that we are the only ones who can truly measure what that is for ourselves; everyone else’s perception is irrelevant.”

To capture these emotions on film, the official video for ‘Good Enough’ was shot outdoors in one take, featuring only Tori. Director Bradley Mundane tells, “We had just shot two videos the day before and had to be up at sunrise to get the shot we needed. We had no idea what the weather was going to do and we picked a location the morning of based on the most available fog and lighting. It was really emotional for me shooting this clip. Tori and I have been collaborating for years and capturing this moment felt like Tori had finally found her voice. Proving she’s more than good enough and I’m so proud of her and the artist she’s becoming.”

All We Have Is Who We Are is produced by Scott Horscroft (Charlie Collins, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley) and recorded at The Grove Studios, NSW with Tori’s full band of Reece Baines (drums), Matthew Newton (guitars) and Zachary Miller (bass). Joining Tori in the studio were the Mak Brothers, Thom (guitar) and Andy (keys), as well as on pedal steel guitar, multi-instrumentalist Jy-Perry Banks. The album includes debut single ‘Sometimes’ feat. Shane Nicholson – nominated recently for a Golden Guitar Award for Best Vocal Collaboration, earning Tori her fourth Golden Guitar nomination.

From Tori’s appearances at Gympie Muster, Groundwater Country Music Festival, BIGSOUND 2023 and her recent Jackson Dean support, there is a newfound freedom and lightness propelling from the Sunshine Coast artist, returning her back to the forefront of Australian country music.

In the coming months, Tori will be showcasing songs from her new album All We Have Is Who We Are at live shows across the country. Watch this space…

Melbourne-Based Singer-Songwriter Jay Santilli Returns with a Heartfelt Rendition of Brandi Carlile’s ‘The Story’

After a hiatus from the music scene to focus on her growing family, Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Jay Santilli had a busy 2023 releasing two new tracks ‘Love Someone Else’ and ‘Come Back Home’ which were both widely well received. Now she is stepping back into the spotlight with an emotionally charged rendition of Brandi Carlile’s iconic track, ‘The Story.’ Collaborating with producer Daniel Kelaart and guitarist Alex Tomlins, Santilli has meticulously crafted a unique interpretation that pays homage to the original’s authenticity.

Now, with a young family in tow, Santilli is excited to share her latest musical endeavor with the world. The debut performance of ‘The Story’ took place at the Toyota Star Maker Grand Final, where Santilli captivated an audience in the 1000s marking a pivotal moment in her musical career.

Following the release, Santilli’s journey will unfold through radio interviews, street press features, and a robust social media campaign. ‘The Story’ is not just a cover; it signifies the beginning of a significant musical chapter for Santilli in 2024.

Santilli’s singing and writing is deeply rooted in emotion and passion, reflecting her unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling. With years spent honing her craft and sharing stages with phenomenal talents, Santilli invites music enthusiasts to join her on this exciting next phase of her musical journey.

Two-time Toyota Star Maker finalist, Cameron Cusack, releases his brand new single, ‘Who We Are’, on Friday January 26th.

Produced by James Sinclair-Stott, accompanied by a music video directed by Isaak Schiller of Art Life Films, ‘Who We Are’ carries a modern country feel with a guitar-driven edge, and an air of sophistication, similar to Cameron’s 2015 release, ‘Endless Summer’. ‘Who We Are’ comes off the back of Cameron’s “They’re Gonna Know Who We Are” tour, and is a party track that, with confidence, represents everyone for who they are, and especially for their passions and dreams.

2024 see’s Cameron embark on a brand new tour, “Bullet Hole Through A Street Sign”, which is also the title track of his upcoming EP, dropping March. The “Bullet Hole Through A Street Sign” tour kicks off at the single launch for ‘Who We Are’, this Australia Day, Jan 26th in Townsville.

Cameron Cusack is a recording artist with a career spanning over a decade, which includes time being mentored by 40x Golden Guitar, and 5x ARIA Award winner, Troy Cassar-Daley. Raised in Southern NSW, now calling North Queensland home, Cameron has toured the country as a soloist, opener, and now headliner of festivals nationwide. With multiple tracks charting in the Australian Country Music Radio Charts, you can frequently find his songs in the PlayMPE most requested country songs for airplay charts.

With a passion for taking music to remote areas of the country, such as the Northern Territory, Cape York, and Western Queensland, if there’s an outback festival, you’ll most likely find Cam. Not one to leave any place uncovered, you can also find him at large events and festivals such as stadium shows for the National Rugby League, Winton’s Way Out West Fest, Savannah In The Round, and the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Australian Country Rock Band, The Mason Boys, Unveil Enchanting Anthem ‘Welcome To The Country’.

The Mason Boys are a rising force in the Australian country rock scene, known for their compelling blend of traditional country storytelling and modern rock sensibilities. With a string of successful releases and an energetic stage presence, the band continues to carve out their niche in the music industry.

The dynamic Australian Country Rock band are set to captivate audiences with their latest single, ‘Welcome To The Country.’ This heartfelt anthem explores the yearning for simplicity and connection with nature, showcasing the band’s distinctive sound and poignant lyricism.

In this evocative track, The Mason Boys convey a powerful message of escape from the urban chaos and a return to a more serene existence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a “mountain of man-made hell” that obscures the beauty of the night sky, as Clint Stubbs longs for a rendezvous fuelled by whiskey and warm desires.

‘Welcome To The Country’ is not just a song; it’s a celebration of a rustic lifestyle, a personal paradise away from the complexities of city life. The chorus resonates with the desire to embrace a rural haven, emphasising the notion of living a fulfilled life seven days a week.

The verses delve into a soul-searching journey through the mind, as Clint seeks memories and contemplates things left behind in another time and place. The lyrics convey a sense of optimism and determination, reinforced by the belief that there is a hidden place “off the black-top” where one can find peace and contentment.

The Mason Boys are known for their unique blend of country and rock elements, creating a sound that is both authentic and contemporary. ‘Welcome To The Country’ follows in the footsteps of their previous successes, promising to be an anthem that resonates with listeners across genres.

As The Mason Boys gear up for the release of ‘Welcome To The Country,’ anticipation is building among fans and critics alike. The single is set to drop on 23 January 2024 at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and it is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.

DEEP-FEELING TRACK “FORGOTTEN MAN” MARKS THE START OF A NEW CHAPTER FOLLOWING PLATINUM NUMBER ONE, “MY BOY”

Marking the first new music since Wheelhouse Records singer/songwriter Elvie Shane’s acclaimed “Backslider” album debut, Shane shares his new song “Forgotten Man”. An anthem for those chasing the American dream with calloused hands and a weary, but still-believing heart, it’s another example of Shane’s deep-feeling take on country, co-written by the rising star with Dan Couch, LukePreston, and Oscar Charles.

With his big-hearted Platinum Number One “My Boy”, Elvie Shane showed fans the kind of man he is – one who’ll step forward and stand for what he believes in. He calls “Forgotten Man” “the song I’ve been trying to write since I started all this,” and it finds him representing those hard-working, willing-to-sacrifice folks he’s met around the nation. But while that mission has been taken on many times before, it’s never been done quite like this.

“There’s been a lot of a lot of attempts to recognize that group of people in country music, but sometimes it feels like it’s not a very honest representation of the angst that’s involved,” Shane explains. “It doesn’t ever really touch on how pissed off you can be, just trying to find the American dream.”

Full of tough-as-nails grit and featuring an up-tempo, heartland-rock sound, the tune tributes those who wear their name on a patch like a badge of honor. Matching raw power and fist-in-the-air-pride with a deep sense of sympathetic camaraderie, it once again finds Shane going against the grain in country music, and going beyond the surface level.

Shane admits the track came from a time of personal struggle, and the clarity he found in front-row fans around the country. So, with more new music to come, it hints at a creative re-awakening – one focused above all on the honesty of the “Forgotten Man.”

“I’m wearing that patch, too,” he says. “I’m out here trying to give an honest account of who I am and put an honest effort into what I do. I actually do care, and I will place my bet on those people I’m singing about in this song against all odds.”

” Forgotten Man” is Shane’s first original solo release since 2021’s “Backslider” album, and now points toward the beginning of a new musical chapter (with more info on the way). But recently, he’s been on a collaborative hot streak.

ABOUT ELVIE SHANE:

A native of small-town Kentucky, early touchstones like Dwight Yoakam , Steve Earle and John Fogerty joined Wheelhouse Records’ Elvie Shane’s Gospel roots to form the bedrock of his taste – along with R&B classics like The Temptations and modern superstars like Eminem. And after a fateful Baptist revival came through town, he joined a band as a front man full of wild-eyed charisma. Shane initially captured attention with a viral social media moment with “My Boy”, which has since become his signature smash and debut US No. 1 single. The BMG/BBR Music Group recording artist’s debut EP, “County Roads”, was released in 2021, followed by his debut full length album, ” Backslider”, later that same year. Shane co-wrote the set of songs on “Backslider” that critics were quick to praise, with the album landing on 2021 “Best Of” lists including Billboard, Rolling Stone and Nashville Scene. Shane’s picture-based lyrics and knack for storytelling led to his signing with UTA and he has since opened for Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, BrothersOsborne, Brett Young, Brooks & Dunn and Lady A, to name a few. He also launched his first-ever headlining run, with his US My Kinda Trouble Tour, earlier this year.

“We all know a player, an eff boy who thinks he’ll stay young and hot forever, so he plays the field hard, choosing not to make any real connections with anyone. Little does he know, he’s wasting his prime years on fleeting encounters, and before he knows it, his prime will be over, and his life will be effed. All the nice girls he met and couldn’t be bothered putting any effort into, will have moved on, found love, and living their best lives without ever giving the now lonely player a second thought.”

“Inspiration: The players in the world, going through women like sand through an hourglass, oblivious to their time running out in finding their soul mate. Your stupidity is inspiring! hehe

I really enjoyed writing and recording this song, and at the time, I had a crush on a player who I knew liked me, but also knew would never change, and I commend myself for not going there. Next! So, I brought this energy into the studio and used it to record this song.

‘Hourglass Sand’ is important to me because I want all the good girls like me in this world to spot the player and don’t let him into your life. Know your worth and value yourself. Let them drain their own hourglass sand, not yours.”

‘Hourglass Sand’ is available on all streaming platforms, on iTunes, YouTube, it’s available everywhere!

Reach out to me on my socials, JD REYNOLDS OFFICIAL, or hit my website www.jdreynoldsofficial.com I always answer my fans.

Brendon McMahon kicks off 2024 with his brand new single, ‘The Devil’s Nails’.

‘The Devil’s Nails’ was inspired by an abandoned outback town, and the harsh landscape surrounding the desolate location. Strap yourself in for this one.

“Seems the Devil’s nails have scratched and clawed their way across the human race
And there’s only one thing left to do … burn down this place.”

When you listen to Brendan McMahon’s music, you gain a strong sense of the man behind the songs. An inveterate traveller and astute observer, possessed of an enquiring and open mind – these are just some of his personality traits that shine through.

McMahon is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter with over twenty years’ experience. Not afraid to defy expectation, his music is eclectic, adventurous, and blessed with a ‘limitless fluidity’. Having visited over fifty unique and varied countries, his travel experiences, specifically his observations of history, cultures, people, architecture, and nature, are at the root of his creativity and song writing.

Brendan grew up in the small town of Kapunda near South Australia’s Barossa Valley. He discovered his love of music at the tender age of 15 after being “awed and floored” seeing Jimi Hendrix play on television; amazed by the sounds that Jimi could pull from a guitar and captivated by the iconic performer’s showmanship. Borrowing money from his mother (and paying it back at $2 a week) he promptly bought himself a $60 guitar and amp rig from a mate.

Initially wanting to be a glam-rock superstar in the 80s and 90s (think Van Halen, Kiss, Def Leppard), McMahon later transitioned to the more storytelling driven tunes of songwriters such as Paul Kelly, Harry Manx, Richard Thompson and Garth Brooks, artists that continue to inspire him today.

Spending his late teens and early twenties as a lead singer/lead guitarist in rock cover bands playing across Adelaide and country Victoria, McMahon honed his skills the hard way – in front of demanding Australian pub and club crowds. In 1998, and now bitten by both the song writing and performance bug, McMahon released a 7-track EP called ‘Picture This’ with his band The Cunning Stunts.

In 2015 and 2016, Brendan released the solo albums ‘Falling To Earth’ and ‘Marker 7-58′ under the moniker of Satellite Gods, and in doing so was fortunate enough to collaborate and work with some renowned Australian musicians including Peter Maslen (Boom Crash Opera), Jason Vorherr (Darryl Braithwaite), Bob Spencer (The Angels), Simon Hosford (Vanessa Amorosi) and Wilbur Wilde (Ol’ 55).

After supporting artists such as Boom Crash Opera, Russell Morris, Wendy Stapleton and The Chantoozies in Australia, Brendan released the LP ‘On This Fine Occasion’ in 2017, which received great reviews both locally and internationally.

In 2019, McMahon, who now calls Melbourne home, released ‘In The Moment’ – his 4th solo album. Maturity, reflection and drawing on his personal experiences, his inspired yet refined lyrics again take listeners on a captivating journey.

Recorded with Steve Vertigan at Soggy Dog Recording Studios, and again drawing upon Australian music royalty in its creation – namely Dave Leslie (Baby Animals), Danny Spencer (Jimmy Barnes Band), Brett Kingman (James Reyne Band), and Peter Maslen and Jason Vorherr, plus a string trio from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (Sarah Curro, Gabi Halloran and Paul Zabrowarny), this powerful album embraces the essence of story-telling and leaves you thinking about the songs long after the last track finishes.

2020 seen the release of ‘No Rush Today’, an album that debuted at No. 2 on the iTunes country music chart on release. McMahon feels his 5th solo offering cemented him in the Country Rock space. The album delivered 3 top 10 AMRAP singles, ‘Jack’, ‘Sugar Cane Man’ and ‘Wired To The Moon’ along with strong charting on many other Australian charts including a No.4 position in France with ‘Sugar Cane Man’.

June, 2022, marked the release of ‘As The Road Unfolds’, the most successful record to date. It debuted as the highest selling Australian album on the iTunes Country chart and has also delivered no less than six chart topping singles – ‘Jenni J’, ‘When I See You Tonight’, ‘I Feel A Change’, ‘Skin & Bone’, ‘Gundry’s Track’ and ‘Back Roads’.

Where to from here? With six chart topping tracks from his highly anticipated 7th solo album already released in 2023, ‘New Country Morning’, ‘Time Rolls On’, ‘It’s Good To Be Alive’, ‘Send In The Clowns’, ‘Higher’, and the powerful and poignant ‘I Hear Your Voice (The Soldier)’ featuring the very talented Montana Sharp, it’s full steam ahead for 2024.