Country-pop sensation Tori Darke returns with her latest single, ‘Build Me A Man’ – a rhinestone-studded country-pop anthem packed with sass, sparkle, and sky-high standards.
It follows the hit single ‘My Boots Made Me Do It’ which hit #2 on the Country Songs Top 40 Australian Airplay Chart and #19 on the CountryTown Hot 50 Airplay Chart, spending an incredible 15 weeks in the Top 50. The track also reached US audiences when it featured in Episode 1 of CBS television’s Sheriff Country (starring Morena Baccarin).
Fusing country grit with pop sheen ‘Build Me A Man’ flips the love song script on its head – a playful yet powerful call to stop settling and start building the love you deserve. Glamorous, cheeky, and unapologetically self-assured, it’s Tori at her most confident and creative, blending classic western flair with a pop sensibility that’s as sharp as her stilettos.
“This song idea came to me at 2am” Tori laughs. “ I woke up and quickly recorded a voice memo about the idea. I’ve found over the years that there are a lot of songs about cheating or being done wrong by a man, so I wanted to write a song about praising men. That’s where the whole idea of building the perfect man came from.”
Tori Darke steps into a new creative era, one defined by emotional rebirth and unapologetic artistic freedom. This next chapter marks a fearless evolution of her sound, spirit, and storytelling.
The single reunites Tori with powerhouse producers MSquared – the hitmaking duo behind her previous fan favourites ‘My Boots Made Me Do It’ and ‘Trouble’. “Writing and recording Build Me A Man with Msquared was an incredible day in the studio” Tori shares. “I took this idea to the boys, and they really dug deep for this song. This is the third track I’ve worked on with them, and time and time again they deliver.”
The accompanying visualiser, directed by Michelle Pitiris of She Is Aphrodite, and filmed in Brisbane, perfectly captures the song’s glamour-meets-grit aesthetic – all rhinestone attitude, playful confidence, and cinematic polish. “This was my first time working with Michelle and I can’t express enough how fun it was” Tori laughs. “ She pushed me to really come out of my shell and try things I hadn’t before. She has such a creative eye and was so amazing to work with.”
This year has seen Tori on the road, lighting up stages around the country and proving why she’s one of the most electric live acts in Australian country. “I’ve been so lucky to be on the road opening for Lee Kernaghan for his final leg of the ‘Boys From The Bush’ tour” she says. “Not only are these shows so much fun, but it’s also been amazing to learn from one of the best in our industry.”
Tori has taken her powerhouse live show to some of the nation’s biggest stages, performing at Country Fest, Gympie Music Muster, Deni Ute Muster, Sunset Bash and the Queanbeyan Music Muster. 2026 will see her perform at Sydney’s Mardi Gras and she will also make debut festival appearances in the US (further details to be announced) and is set to perform at Country Calling in the UK (headlined by Randy Houser).
With over 3 million streams, a voice built for an arena, and a personality that radiates both heart and humour, Tori Darke continues to redefine what it means to be country but fabulous. ‘Build Me A Man’ is a wink, a wish, and a powerhouse reminder that sometimes – if you want something done right – you’ve got to build it yourself.
Category: Uncategorized
Carly Pearce – Dream Come True
GRAMMY, CMA & ACM Award-winning Country star Carly Pearce faces the reality of reaching goals head-on with the release of her vulnerable new single “Dream Come True” via Big Machine Records. Listen HERE:
A striking reflection on the price of success, “Dream Come True” pulls back the curtain on dedicating yourself to climbing the ladder, and the sacrifices made with each step. Written by Pearce alongside Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown and Emily Weisband and co-produced by Pearce with Ben West, “Dream Come True” stops you in your tracks and finds the Country star more unapologetically honest and introspective than ever before. The stripped-back production allows Pearce’s renowned voice to take center stage, the emotional weight of moments missed palpable with every note.
“I wrote ‘Dream Come True’ about the sacrifices we make when chasing our dreams,” said Pearce. “If you’ve ever felt that push and pull, know that you’re not alone. Writing this song has allowed me to return to my original dream, to reconnect with my roots and why I first fell in love with singing Country music.”
The official music video for “Dream Come True” arrives in tandem with the song’s release today. It stars a reflective Pearce who sits still at a vanity mirror backstage surrounded by photos of loved ones while bustling team members come and go in preparation for her show. Directed by Natalie Sakstrup, the moving video was largely shot in one take and gives fans a glimpse into the bittersweet career moments encapsulated by the song.
As Pearce readies her fifth studio album, “Dream Come True” is Pearce’s first new music release since wrapping her hummingbird chapter, which included the critically acclaimed album hailed as “masterful” by Rolling Stone and named a top album of 2024 by Billboard ,her RIAA PLATINUM-certified GRAMMY-nominated single “we don’t fight anymore” featuring Chris Stapleton, a successful 40+ date headlining world tour including a main stage Stagecoach performance, and much more.
About Carly Pearce
Fiercely rooted in the classics, the girl who left her Kentucky home and high school at 16 to take a job at Dollywood has grown into a GRAMMY, ACM, CMA and CMT Award-winning Country star who embraces the genre’s forward progression. Now a Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member who has performed on the famed stage well over 100 times, Carly Pearce first lit a fire with her debut album Every Little Thing and the PLATINUM-certified history-making title track and hasn’t slowed down since. Pearce is currently working on her highly anticipated fifth studio album, following the release of her critically acclaimed fourth studio album, hummingbird (Big Machine Records). The album includes PLATINUM-certified lead single “we don’t fight anymore” (featuring Chris Stapleton), which earned Pearce her second GRAMMY® nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and fifth Top 5 Country Radio hit. Pearce also wrapped her 40+ date headlining hummingbird world tour where she connected with fans across the globe, including a run of sold-out shows in the U.K. and Europe in support. Prior to hummingbird, Pearce released her critically acclaimed and commercially lauded third studio album 29 which includes Country Radio chart toppers “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” with Ashley McBryde and 2x PLATINUM-certified “What He Didn’t Do.” As she heads into her next chapter, Pearce continues to resonate with her honest lyrics and timeless musicality. For tour dates and more, visit CarlyPearce.com:
Kelsey Hart – Santa had A Rough Year
Kelsey Hart Releases Relatable Ode to Hardworking Dads Everywhere With First Christmas Song, “Santa Had A Rough Year” Hart and Wife Anticipating Birth of First Child This December
Curb Records riser Kelsey Hart releases a relatable ode to hardworking dads everywhere with his first Christmas song, “Santa Had A Rough Year,” available today.Hart assumes the role of a father who tries to give his kids the Christmas they deserve on this wistful and heartwarming cover. When the double shifts aren’t enough and the money doesn’t add up, he’s haunted by what is sure to be the disappointed faces of his children come Christmas morning. Written by Andrew Peebles, Colton Venner, Jaida Dreyer and Lauren McLamb; and produced by Blake Bollinger, “Santa Had A Rough Year” highlights the harsh realities of life during what should be the most wonderful time of the year.
About Kelsey Hart:
Curb Records recording artist, songwriter, and Kentucky native Kelsey Hart has found his way into the artist spotlight, a place he’s dreamed of being since his childhood days of belting gospel music from the passenger seat in his Dad’s truck. With 221 million global career streams, he is making an impact starting with his RIAA Gold, Top 25 debut radio single “Life With You” which has garnered 130 million global streams, 650 million TikTok views, 1.1M TikTok Creates, debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Country Digital Songs Chart, and reached #1 on the Hot 30 Weekend Countdown on SiriusXM The Highway. As a songwriter, Hart has secured his place among the best and brightest in the community, penning songs for hitmakers such as Jake Owen, Dylan Scott, and Trace Adkins. Hart was recently on tour with Restless Road as direct support on their Goin’ Out Like That Tour. Kelsey’s debut album, Life With You, is available now. “Fireworks,” the new single from Hart, is available now.About Curb Records:
Celebrating 60 years in business, Curb Records is the largest independently distributed record company in America. Owned and operated by Mike Curb and founded in 1964, Curb Records has achieved 435 number one records, over 1,500 Top Ten records and charted over 4,500 total records. With over a half century in operation, Curb Records has been influential in the careers of some of the biggest names in music, including: Tim McGraw, Hank Williams Jr., Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, LeAnn Rimes, The Judds, Dylan Scott, Sawyer Brown, for KING + COUNTRY, Wyn Starks, Wynonna, Lyle Lovett, Big Daddy Weave, We Are Messengers, Natalie Grant, Jo Dee Messina, Hannah Ellis, Mo Pitney, Hal Ketchum, and Kelsey Hart, among many others.
Brook Chivell – Like A Country Girl
Ever walked into a honky tonk and seen the dance floor rocking? Brook Chivell’s new single “Like A Country Girl” is a dedication to those women who keep the party alive. No matter where you are in the world, they’re out there — working hard all day, then letting their hair down and dancing all night. As Brook sings, “Every honky tonk in this big old world, ain’t never seen ‘em dance like a country girl.”
“Like A Country Girl” captures the grit, grace, and wild energy of the modern country woman — a toe-tapping, boot-stomping anthem that blends southern swagger with an unmistakably Australian heart. With its driving guitars, infectious rhythm, and singalong hook, it’s made for the dance floor.
Brook Chivell is a powerhouse Australian country-rock artist known for his energetic live shows and authentic, crowd-connecting style. Raised on the outskirts of Melbourne, his sound fuses modern country with a gritty rock edge, drawing inspiration from artists like Keith Urban, Brothers Osborne, and Bad Company.
A festival favourite, Brook has lit up stages at Tamworth Country Music Festival, Deni Ute Muster, Groundwater Country Music Festival, and Gympie Muster. His setlists are packed with high-energy anthems and heartfelt ballads, highlighted by fan favourites like “In My Life” and “Hot Country Girl.”
Having shared stages with Australian heavyweights such as The Wolfe Brothers and Adam Brand, Brook has earned a reputation for passion, professionalism, and raw stage presence. In 2025, he took things to the next level — releasing a brand-new song every month and connecting with audiences nationwide.With “Like A Country Girl,” Brook Chivell once again proves why he’s one of Australian country rock’s most exciting voices — bringing heart, grit, and pure energy to every stage he steps on.
Brook Chivell’s new single “Like a Country Girl” is out to radio on Monday 17th November and all digital services on Friday 21st November.Serviced to radio by Little Sparrow PR via PlayMPE Digital distribution via Checked Label Services
Jo Page – Fire In His Eyes
With her debut single, Jo Page announces herself as a fearless new voice in Australian country rock. Produced by ARIA Award–winner Matt Fell and co-written with Golden Guitar Award–winner Kevin Bennett, “Fire In His Eyes” fuses flamenco fire, outlaw grit, and fierce yet haunting vocals that cut straight to the bone. The listener is taken on a journey in this brooding, cinematic western epic – galloping through thick guitar riffs and a flamenco-driven bridge. The track sets the tone for Page’s upcoming EP — a collection that moves between soul-stirring ballads and rock-infused country anthems.“‘Fire in His Eyes’ was inspired by the cowboy myth of my Dida (Grandpa) and the darker reality of my father – a mysterious, badass story with spaghetti western grit and a touch of Mediterranean fire. It’s the song I’ve always wanted to hear, the one I blast loud to feel in my chest, and I can’t believe it finally exists to share with the world.”
Jo PageFrom the windswept shores of Port Lincoln to festival stages across Australia, Jo Page has become known as a force of nature whose voice leaves audiences spellbound. Blending soul, blues, rock, and country, her music is a rich tapestry of storytelling — fierce in one breath, tender in the next. Her performances are raw and magnetic, the kind that make you stop, listen, and feel.With more than 15 years on the live circuit, Jo performs over 100 shows a year and has shared stages with icons including Daryl Braithwaite, Birds of Tokyo, Eskimo Joe, and Shannon Noll. Celebrated as “a force of nature” by Aussie music legend Dobe Newton following her acceptance into Tamworth’s CMAA Academy of Country Music, Jo commands the stage with a presence impossible to ignore.More than a singer, Jo is a storyteller and an advocate. Her work in mental health advocacy earned her recognition as Active Citizen of the Year at the 2020 Australia Day Awards, further amplifying her reputation as an artist who creates not just music, but connection and healing.When Jo Page takes the stage, she holds nothing back – pouring her heart and soul into every note, leaving audiences hungry for more. With fearless storytelling and passion-infused performances, Jo Page is ready to stake her claim as one of Australia’s most compelling new voices .Jo Page’s new single “Fire In His Eyes” is out to radio on Monday 10th November and streaming services on Friday 14th November.Distributed by Gyrostream.Serviced to radio by Little Sparrow PR.
SINGER/SONGWRITERCAITLYN SHADBOLT RELEASES NEW SINGLE, START AT THE BOTTOM
Aussie country singer/songwriter, Caitlyn Shadbolt, releases her new single, Start At The Bottom. An accomplished songwriter, Caitlyn penned the track and co-produced alongside Gavin Carfoot and Jared Adlam. This single is the follow up to her most recent hits, “Where The Lemons Grow”, “Homemade Honey” and “Wildflowers”; which impacted the Top 50 National Country Airplay chart. Caitlyn describes the song, “I wrote this song in bed on a Saturday night, about staying humble and loving the blue collared, working class life. Life is always going to be some version of hard – so sweat from the hard work – not the small stuff, and enjoy what ya bloody got!!” Caitlyn Shadbolt is an Australian contemporary country artist and songwriter. A finalist in the sixth season of The ‘X Factor’ Australia (2014), Caitlyn secured a recording deal with ABC MUSIC and released her debut album, Songs On My Sleeve (May 2017). Upon release, the album hit #1 on the ARIA Country Album chart. The first single, ‘ My Break Up Anthem’, held the #1 National Country Airplay Chart for over 8 consecutive weeks and became the 2nd most played song on Country Radio (held out of the top spot by Sam Hunt’s monster hit ‘Body Like A Backroad’). Caitlyn was recognised for her achievements by winning the CMC Award for Best New Artist, along with a nomination for Female Artist of the Year. Since then Caitlyn has released teo further albums, Stages, and the most recent “Bloom & Surrender.”
Laura T Davis Not Your Fault
Laura T Davis is back with a fearless new country rock anthem that will get boots stomping and hearts pounding. Standing just 5ft tall, she may be tiny, but there is nothing small about her voice, her story, or her message.Laura first stepped onto the country music scene in 2018 with her debut single “ Forgotten Town”, warmly embraced by the Australian country community. She followed with “ Rather Live in the Country”, featuring legendary guitarist Mal Eastick, before igniting stages at the 2019 Tamworth Country Music Festival and gaining strong media attention.In 2020, she released “ Make It Till Christmas”, produced by ARIA and Golden Guitar winner Matt Fell. The single became her most successful to date, earning a finalist spot in the Australian Songwriting Awards and a feature in the Sydney Morning Herald’s “Best Christmas Albums of 2020” alongside Dolly Parton and Delta Goodrem. Its film clip, directed by Golden Guitar winner and The Voice finalist Duncan Toombs, further cemented her reputation as a rising voice in country music.Now, five years later, Laura reunites with Matt Fell for her most powerful release yet – “ Not Your Fault” . More than just music, this track is a reclamation of power and an anthem for survivors.
As a teenager, Laura endured a violent sexual assault – an experience that shaped both her artistry and her determination to survive. She poured her pain into more than 30 songs, touring across Australia before finding peace in the sugarcane fields of the Northern Rivers, NSW. There she reconnected with her roots, her resilience, and her voice.
“Not Your Fault is my truth, my stand, and my message,” Laura shares. “ It’s for every survivor who has ever blamed themselves. It takes courage to look in the mirror and say; it’s not your fault. This song is a best friend, a battle cry, and a beacon of hope.”Opening with stripped-back vocals before erupting into pounding drums and tribal undertones, the song builds into a chorus that is both haunting and uplifting. Its spirit is raw yet empowering. “ The first time you listen you might cry. The second time you listen you’ll heal. The third time you listen you’ll be ready for action.”
Laura T Davis is not just a singer-songwriter; she is a survivor using her voice to empower others. With “ Not Your Fault”, she stands tall for herself and for women everywhere, proving that strength can grow from pain and that courage can be contagious.
DREW BALDRIDGE REWRITES THE RULES OF REBELLION WITH NEW SINGLE “REBEL”
Country star Drew Baldridge is redefining what it means to be rebellious with his powerful new single, “ Rebel”
Written by Baldridge and Adam Sanders, and produced by Zach Crowell and Nick Schwarzstands as an anthem for holding fast to your convictions. Turning the traditional idea of rebellion on its head, Baldridge challenges what it means to push back, trading chaos for character and celebrating integrity, faith, and family as the ultimate acts of defiance. With its soaring chorus and driving production, “Rebel” channels the strength it takes to stay true in a world that often rewards compromise.
Anchored by lyrics like “I’m gonna stand my ground / Ain’t gonna back down / Make sure my last name ain’t stained and stands on integrity / I’m gonna stay true to my woman / And true to my roots,” Baldridge delivers a message that’s both timeless and timely; a declaration that these days staying true to your word is the most radical thing of all. The song honors the quiet strength of consistency, loyalty, and setting a good example. It’s about character and doing what’s right even when no one’s watching.
“I wrote this song after noticing how often the wrong things get glorified,” said Baldridge. “Doing the right thing can feel rebellious, and I hope fans – and my son – see that being a rebel here is actually a good thing. The song celebrates doing the right thing even when it’s not the ‘cool’ or easy choice.”
With his signature mix of small-town grit, heart, and honesty, Baldridge continues to forge a genuine connection with fans through songs that champion his core pillars of farm, faith, and family. He’s currently bringing that message to audiences across Australia and New Zealand while opening for Jelly Roll on the Down Under 2025 Tour. After returning to the U.S. for a brief stint, Baldridge will head overseas once again to close out the year with his first-ever UK and European headlining run, the Country Born Tour. For more information, visit DrewBaldridgeMusic.com
ABOUT DREW BALDRIDGE:Baldridge is carving out a lane all his own with songs rooted in Farm, Faith, and Family. His 2025 highlights include the release of new radio single “Rebel,” available October 31 and impacting radio November 3, along with previously released songs: “Deserve Her,” “Get Me Gone” featuring Emily Ann Roberts, “Call Me If You Get One,” as well as a moving collaboration with Dove Award-winning collective I AM THEY on “Scars.”
Baldridge’s single, “Tough People,” became his second consecutive Top 10 hit, following the RIAA GOLD-certified smash “She’s Somebody’s Daughter,” which reached No. 1 on Country Aircheck/Mediabase and No. 3 on Billboard Country Airplay. Notably, he is the only self-funded artist ever to hit No. 1 on Country Aircheck/Mediabase with his first chart-topping single via his Lyric Ridge Records label and holds the distinction of being the highest-charting independent artist ever on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” also won the coveted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” Award by NSAI in 2025.
With more than 1.1 billion streams and impressions and 2 million social followers, Baldridge has quickly become one of country music’s most-watched rising voices. A powerhouse performer and songwriter signed to Sony Music Publishing, Baldridge has written more than 500 songs with cuts by Bailey Zimmerman, LOCASH, and others. He has toured with Cody Johnson and Bailey Zimmerman, and this fall will join Jelly Roll and Shaboozey on the Down Under Tour 2025 before launching his own Country Born Tour across the UK and Europe. Named to the CRS “New Faces” Class of 2025, an iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist, and MusicRow’s Independent Artist of the Year, Baldridge continues to build a career that blends authenticity, perseverance, and a deep connection to fans.
Kirsty Lee Akers – It’s The Little Things
KIRSTY LEE AKERS RELEASES HEART BREAKING NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR’IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS’How an emotional conversation with longtime collaborator Trey Bruce sparked one of Kirsty’s most raw and honest songs to date.“It’s the Little Things” is Kirsty Lee Akers at her most vulnerable. Written in Nashville with longtime collaborator and Emmy Award-winning songwriter/producer Trey Bruce, the song was born from a moment when her carefully constructed facade finally cracked. In a session that began with Trey simply asking, “Is everything ok?”, years of bottled-up emotion spilled out, shaping lyrics that speak to the crushing weight of depression and the whiplash of an artist’s life- the highs of performing for thousands one night, followed by the loneliness of feeling lost and invisible the next.“I’ve always wanted to produce Kirsty, and after we wrote ‘It’s The Little Things’, I knew that was the song that I’d be willing to do whatever it takes, to cut. Kirsty was having a bad day, and I encouraged her to own it, to say the hurt or anger out loud, in plain English. I’ve been writing with Kirsty since she was 18, so talking with each other honestly was easy. Once we got the first verse almost written, the lines began to come pretty quickly. We got down in the dirt pretty deep during this write. It was a great day after all”. – Trey BruceWith haunting honesty, Kirsty turns her breakdown into a confession set to melody, shining a light on how the smallest moments can trigger the deepest pain.“This song was born from a co-writing session with my producer Trey,” says Kirsty. “It all started from him asking me one question- is everything ok? Up until that point I thought I had been putting on a great facade, and I was! I’m the girl who always has her shit together, the high achiever, the first-born daughter who everyone comes to for their problems, the one always making jokes and making people laugh… but Trey and I have worked together since I was 18 years old and he could obviously see through all of that. In that moment, I absolutely fell to pieces. It felt like twenty years of bottled-up emotion came flooding out, and I was bawling uncontrollably. Trey just started writing down everything I was saying and in no time, we had this song.”It’s The Little Things captures the raw humanity behind the performer- the cracks beneath the polish, the truth behind the smile. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is admit that everything isn’t okay.The track is available on all major streaming platforms on the 24th October.
Americana From Alabama – Americana From Alabama
Songwriter David Oberman, a Birmingham native and Auburn University graduate, has a lifelong passion for music. Trained in classical piano from an early age and later a trumpet player in his high school marching band, he recently had the unique honor of conducting the Alabama Symphony during a Christmas concert. Now retired after a successful 40-year career in finance, David devotes his time to playing piano, ballroom dancing, traveling, and writing country music.The song “Baked and Buzzed” originated while I was on vacation recently at the beach. I was people watching and noticed a young man sitting in his beach chair and enjoying several beers with limes. He didn’t realize how red he was getting from the sun- but he was definitely having a good time! It seemed like a good beginning to a song.I wanted a Jimmy Buffet sound combined with a slant towards country. A fun danceable, singable song that might be enjoyed without a deep message. Craig Brandwein, my co-write/producer and I had a good time writing this song. We hope others enjoy it as much as we did composing it.
