ZFM Country

Multi award winning country singer/songwriter Paul Costa returns with new single ‘Drinkin’ Hours’.

With a mantle full of awards and many chart hits to his credit, Paul Costa has no desire to slow down, kicking off 2022 with the release of his new single ‘Drinkin’ Hours’. Set for release on Friday 25th February, this catchy track is bound to make you want to let your hair down, relax and have a drink with great company.

‘Drinkin’ Hours’ is the ultimate upbeat feel good song made for Paul Costa’s rich vocal range and masterful delivery. “Cause there’s no working during drinkin’ hours, leave it all at the door”. This rhythmic and very catchy tune has hit written all over it and will have you singing along with good friends in no time! The track was written by Bobby Tomberlin (Blake Shelton, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill), Wil Nance (George Strait, Brad Paisley, Joe Nichols) and Dan Alley.

Success is no stranger to Paul. In January 2018, during Tamworth Country Music Festival, Paul was inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame, highlighting his successful music career. His album ‘Whisper In The Crowd’ was also named Album of the Year at the People’s Choice Awards – an award voted by fans. In addition, Paul was named a finalist for Male Artist of the Year at the prestigious CMC Music Awards.

Paul’s fifth studio album, ‘Whisper In The Crowd’, debuted at #3 on the Australian ARIA Country Album Chart. The album saw Paul in full flight both vocally and musically, showcasing a bold new sound for this world-class artist.

Always the consummate showman, Paul has built a reputation of being one of the most energetic live performers in Australian country music. He has performed at major events both locally and internationally and has had the honour of performing for our troops in East Timor in 2008 and The Middle East (Iraq) in 2019. He’s also a proud ambassador for Mission Australia and the Canberra Police and Citizens Youth Club.

In perfect timing with this release, Paul will be performing at Country By The Murray at Murray Bridge in South Australia on 26th March, alongside artists such as Lee Kernaghan, Amber Lawrence, Casey Barnes, Andrew Swift, and Jayne Denham.

One thing is certain, Paul is having far too much fun taking his brand of music to his loyal fans around the country.

Known for their witty, thought provoking and honest storytelling, Alt Country outfit Copperline have today revealed their highly emotive new single ‘Lucinda’ – a dedication to a daughter whose time was all too brief. From working on television commercials (as well as starring in an ad campaign with Hollywood heart throb Orlando Bloom), lead vocalist Brad Christmas has reconvened the band to create this warm embrace of a single, which features on a new album set for release in 2022.

Produced by multiple ARIA and Golden Guitar winner Shane Nicholson at his Sound Hole Studio on the NSW Central Coast, Copperline have created a work that carries some deep emotions. “This is probably the most deeply personal song I’ve ever written,” Christmas says. “A gift to my little girl whose stay in this world was all too brief, but still meant the world to us. A reminder to her that she’ll always be in our hearts.”

The sensitive production by Nicholson brings out the warmth in the music, and it also brings forth the beauty of the dedication to a departed daughter in the lyrics “‘Cause all that we have left now, is to promise this my dear, Lucinda, darling, we will not forget that you were here.”

Copperline have had a storied career to date, with the 2018 release of their debut album Rusty Fords and Weatherboards delivering singles ‘Woman’s Touch’, ‘King of this Country’, ‘Please Don’t Cry’, and ‘Next Year’, gaining new listeners and extensive airplay across the country. Their richly evocative music has seen them receive 7 x Australian Songwriters Association nominations, and 2 x Tamworth Songwriters Association nominations.

Aside from his role in Copperline, Christmas is also a highly sought-after session musician, playing in Steve Kilbey’s band The Church. A qualified teacher, Christmas spent time teaching English through music to students in Japan. On returning to Australia, Christmas enlisted band members of Copperline – Richie Gosling and Gareth Richards – to create a children’s act called The DoDaDums. With performances at events including the Teddy Bear’s Picnic, The Royal Easter Show and Kids Day Out, The DoDaDums have also appeared on Seven’s Sunrise, and created a pilot for a television program on ABC TV.

As the opening lyrics to ‘Lucinda’ emote: “No one knows what they’re supposed to say, that don’t stop them saying it anyway…” songwriter Brad Christmas has cut through his pain to find the perfect set of words to express his feelings. Children are special, and they deserve a special song to their memory. Copperline has found the right balance of remembrance, pathos and poignancy with which to memorialise someone so young. This is a song that will become as special to listeners as it is to the band.

Copperline are a band who play richly expressive music that allows the audience to feel a wide range of different emotions. Take a listen to ‘Lucinda’ and let your heart soar and your soul move.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT JACKSON CAPPS

“Jackson has the unique ability to create modern music that appeals to fans of country music from any generation. I find his sound refreshing and exciting.”

• Chris Yow, Raised Rowdy

“[About LAX] A bright country pop song with a rousing chorus and some emotive delivery alongside…”

• Bristol Funk

“[About Yesterday’s Makeup] With a booming baritone voice and the support of an all-star roots band, Jackson delivers a bittersweet mix of country-flavored melody and beautiful harmony. Classic elements of fiddle and electric guitar come together behind this rock-solid groove to support the tragedy of a love gone wrong, as we experience the vicious grasp of loneliness, and the power it has to lead us astray…”

• CHILLFILTR.com

Nashville based, Alabamian country artist Jackson Capps released his angsty yet nostalgic first-love-lost breakup song, “LAX” on August 6 2021.

While country sensibilities are clearly evident with Capps’ classic tone, fiddle and slide guitar, “LAX” also channels the sounds of America with influences of Bruce Springsteen meets Ryan Adams, and melancholy Don Henley vibes.

“LAX” was co-written by Capps, Alex Tomlins and J.W. Faria, co-produced by Capps, Alex Tomlins and Jed Smith, performed by Capps’ Nashville live band, mixed by GRAMMY-award winner Brandon Bell, and mastered by Daniel Bacigalupi of Infrasonic Studios.

Capps has been based in Nashville, TN since early 2018, after he graduated high-school early to relocate from his hometown of Trussville, AL. He has spent the last 4 years consistently writing and honing his live performance skills, performing in Nashville 4-5 times a week with his six-piece band. In 2020 Capps released two singles with “Yesterday’s Makeup” charting at #83 on the Australian iTunes Country Charts. 2021 saw Capps’ perform as the opening act for Jamey Johnson at a charity event in Birmingham, AL, which led to an incredible opportunity of Capps’ performing a full band set as the opening act for the band Alabama at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

Jackson’s single, “LAX” is now available to stream or download on all platforms.

Triple Golden Guitar winners and 2021 Australasian Country Music Roll Of Renown Inductees, The Bushwackers, have released their latest single ‘This Little Town’.

Over these pandemic years there has been an exodus from the big cities into regional Australia, with many people enjoying the sense of community and simple living that life in a little town can bring. “This little town is jacarandas and walks in the afternoon……..” say the lyrics, emphasising the focus on the people, gardens and lifestyle at the core of ‘This Little Town’.

This song is written and performed by Roger Corbett, the principal songwriter for The Bushwackers since 1980 when he joined the band. He is joined by veteran Bushwacker, Dobe Newton, on tin whistle and backing vocals, and Clare O’Meara on accordion, with newcomers Liam Kennedy-Clark on guitars and backing vocals, Gabi Louise on fiddle and Michael Carpenter on drums.

The music video, created by young Newcastle director Jeremy Minett of Eyes & Ears Creative, shows the band in the little town of Lorn, near Maitland, where Roger drew his inspiration for the song. “The town is such a close knit community” says Roger, “the song just wrote itself, from all the great friendships, love and support we’ve had through our four years here. We all look out for one another and we’re happy to take the time to have a chat and take life a little slower.”

The Bushwackers have performed in the township a few times to sold out crowds. It makes a huge difference for a band who have had so many shows postponed and cancelled over the last two years.

Regional Australia is an amazing place to live and Roger feels very lucky to be part of the community there. “It’s just a little spot in the country, where the river runs wide and brown, but it’s starting to feel like home, this little town”.

Although The Bushwackers are a household name, some ‘youngsters’ may not know entirely what The Bushwackers are renowned for. Their energetic live shows have had thousands of fans dancing in the aisles with legendary performances at The Port Fairy Folk Festival, The National Folk Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, The Gympie Music Muster, Woodford Folk Festival, The Americana Conference (Nashville) The National Celtic Festival and countless other events.

Dobe Newton and Roger Corbett bring their combined experience of over 90 years of playing in The Bushwackers with all the songs, stories, humour and history that kind of a journey entails. The Bushwackers perform an exciting blend of Australian music featuring the lagerphone of frontman Dobe Newton, Roger Corbett on guitars, and the addition of fiddle, bass and drums rounding out the sound. Their music is all Australian, with all the stories, humour and sense of history that has helped to forge our national identity.

JD Reynolds is an artist in the truest sense of the word, a true singer, a real songwriter, a neoteric producer, an incredible dancer and striking performer. All wrapped up in a stunning package that could grace the cover of any magazine in the world, and yet, her down to earth country girl charm is what makes this extraordinary artist so real.

“It’s in my blood. Music, melody, lyrics and dance flow through my veins, gifts straight from God for which I am thankful”.

JD’s sound is fresh originality for Country music – “My entire album came to me like a bolt of lightning, the JD sound, my sound, respecting Country music roots yet having my own next level twist”. As an up-and-coming producer, JD teamed up with seasoned producer Braddon Williams to co-produce what Country music insiders have nicknamed “The Jagged Little Pill of Country”. Braddon has achieved more than thirty top-ten hits, amassed over thirty times platinum in record sales, and his work has received both Grammy and ARIA award nominations, credits include Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, P Diddy, The Script, Kelly Clarkson, and his latest favourite, JD Reynolds. Braddon knew he was helping to create a unique Country album for an incredible talent – “JD Reynolds is her own artist, incomparable, and the album reflects it”. Braddon brought in the talents of Murray Sheridan on drums, whose credits include Pink, Kelly Clarkson, The Script, BoysIIMen and The Vines. Kris Petersen on guitars and banjo, whose credits include Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, Orianthi, Van Halen and Billy Joel.

JD’s sound has been mastered by Andrew Mendelson, who has mastered dozens of #1, Grammy winning, gold and platinum projects by artists including The Rolling Stones, Blake Shelton, Eric Church and Willie Nelson.

As a trained dancer and award-winning choreographer, JD needs to dance her own moves as well as sing her own words and melodies. “Dance is a part of who I am, for me, dance is an expression of the soul, expressing what words simply cannot”. The three together have been described as “cutting edge visual poetry.”

JD’s girl power anthem smash hit “Whatever” is still enjoying worldwide airplay, hitting #8 on the official Australian Country Music Charts, has over 150,000 streams and counting, and over 60,000 plays on YouTube alone. “Whatever” caused such a stir the music video premiered on Country Rebel to over 8 million viewers, and JD was interviewed LIVE on Newsmax in New York to 3 million viewers.

Country-pop songstress Lily Grace is launching into 2022 with a classic Romeo and Juliet story and gives it a modern twist with her new release. With heart-warming lyrics and a striking melody, ‘The Two Of Us Meet’ is set to soar and will undoubtably strengthen Lily’s fast-growing profile in Australian country music.

At just sixteen years, Lily is an extremely talented artist, songwriter and storyteller. She has released a few singles over the past year, and has now taken her music internationally with her debut release in the U.S.

‘The Two Of Us Meet’ was written by Lily along with good friend and talented songwriter Chaise Flanders. The two were able to bring the story to life through the lyrics, paired with the production by award-winning producer Michael Flanders and Caleb Flanders. This song is full of hope, warmth, and anticipation and is sure to appeal to anyone who has experienced young love.

Taking the idea of falling in love, this youthful artist describes beautifully all of the feelings and intricacies of young romance with a modern-day lens that appeals to her generation. “The song is about someone falling for this guy who is new to town and they have their doubts about them, not knowing their past. Even if he did everything right, she was still adamant. In the chorus when he takes her hand to dance, all those doubts go away,” she describes. “The girl in this story overthinks and stresses herself out; however, whenever she is with this guy, everything she once doubted disappears every time the two of them meet.”

2021 was an exceptional year for Lily Grace with the release of ‘Annie June’, a collaboration with legendary country music icon James Blundell, which was well-received on country radio. The song reached Top 10 on the Australian Country Radio Charts and a highly successful single launch tour followed in Queensland, which showcased Lily to a whole new audience.

Lily went on to capture hearts and industry support with an upbeat summer-inspired debut solo track, ‘Sixteen Wishes’, which reached #3 on the Australian iTunes Country Charts and #27 on the Australian All Genres iTunes Charts. The music clip was spun on high rotation on CMT reaching #13 on the Official Top 30 Charts, and was recently awarded ‘Country Song of the Year’ for 2021 by Tamworth Songwriter’s Association.

While balancing school and music, Lily understands and prioritises her time while making sacrifices to allow her journey and music career to unfold. She has performed alongside the likes of Amber Lawrence and Catherine Britt on their ‘Love and Lies Tour’ across Queensland, has shared the stage with Tania Kernaghan as well as performed on iconic festivals such as Gympie Music Muster and Groundwater Country Music Festival. She is also a finalist in the Australian Country Music

People’s Choice Awards in several categories including Best Female Vocalist and Most Promising Future Star. This award show will now be held in April following postponement of the 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Over the past few years Lily has developed a captivating live performance that draws you in with her warmth and exceptional storytelling and she sings from her heart. One thing is certain, Lily is one of Australia’s fastest rising young artists and whose star is bound to shine bright for many years to come.