Category: New release

Jemma Beech’s life as a country song on debut album

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By Rebecca Belt

FROM the rolling hills of Picton to the mine trucks of Paraburdoo, singer-songwriter Jemma Beech has experienced it all this year, and her experiences have resulted in her stellar debut album, That’s Just Me.

Released on Friday, September 7, That’s Just Me is a culmination of songs from Jemma’s life up to now with plenty of cheekiness and girl power thrown into the mix.

The 25-year-old country artist moved to driving mine trucks in the Pilbara in March this year and her songwriting has flourished.

Working seven days on, and seven days off has meant Jemma can concentrate on music on her days off and dedicate a block of time to her craft and gigs.

“I’ve enjoyed the new experiences that the move has brought,” she said.

“They love having a performer up here because I’ve been able to sing at the Anzac Day ceremony, supported the Johnny Cash tribute show and on a Wednesday night on my weeks off, I go out to Cheela Plains Stations Stay and play around the campfire for the guests and they love it.” Continue reading →

Travis Collins rejoices with new album, The Brave and the Broken

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By Rebecca Belt

TRAVIS Collins will take a message of healing to the stage this weekend as he begins touring his new album, The Brave and the Broken.

This album is not his first rodeo, but the day prior to release he told The Country Journo’s Rebecca Belt that he was more nervous and excited than when he released his debut offering all those years ago.

“It’s such a huge effort this record and such a true reflection of where I’m at with my music and my life,” Travis said.

“I’m super proud of this record; there’s not a song on it that doesn’t reflect me.” Continue reading →

Today’s the day for Grace Mae

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YOUNG singer-songwriter Grace Mae is already ticking off items on an extensive list of goals, with the release of her debut single, Not Today.

Not Today shares Grace’s philosophy of walking away from things in your life that make you feel unhappy or aren’t right for you as a person.

“I know you don’t always have much control over some of the big things in your life, but we can look after the little everyday stuff ; friendships, bullying, choosing to do the right thing – it’s not always easy to stick up for whats right for you,” she said.

When playing live she has dedicated this song to children suffering from bullies and those who have experienced domestic violence. Continue reading →

Tom Curtain and Sara Storer Speak Up for bullying victims

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GOLDEN Guitar winners Tom Curtain and Sara Storer are taking a stand against bullying with their new duet, Speak Up.

Tom wrote the track to raise awareness of bullying, after victim Amy “Dolly” Everett ended her young life earlier this year with the track reaching No. 5 on the iTunes Country Songs Chart on release day, June 18.

Before she took her life, Dolly wrote the words, “Speak even if your voice shakes”, inspiring the song. Continue reading →

Some Girls (Quite) Like Country Music – Lachlan Bryan and The Wildes

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LACHLAN Bryan and The Wildes return with an album that is sure to get your attention with the title as well as the tracks that hit all the right notes.

Some Girls (Quite) Like Country Music sees the band’s songs maturing and a more stripped back production, as they worked to capture their live sound on record.

“We wanted to make an adult-sounding country record,” Lachlan said.

“Thematically, that comes across in the songs and, as for our sound, we didn’t want to unnecessarily polish things and we didn’t want to underestimate the country music audience. Lot of people have complicated lives like we do, and we didn’t want to gloss over stuff. The lyrics in some of the songs are quite cutting and, if ever we had the thought of whether this was too risqué or close to the bone, our answer was always what the hell, we’re going to do it anyway.”

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Ali S. Kix it up with new single

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FRIDAY, November 3 is a special day for Queensland country singer-songwriter Ali S. as he premieres his next single and music video, Talking Bout Brooks and Dunn, on Kix Country.

“Kix Country has supported my first single, I Need A Beer, so it’s a privilege to have them premiering my new song, Talking Bout Brooks and Dunn,” Ali said. “They are great promoters of country music across Australia.”

Crossy will interview Ali and premiere the new single after 7.30am QLD time on Friday morning. Continue reading →

Nicholson pours Love and Blood into new release

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By Rebecca Belt

A PRODUCER handing the reins of his own album to someone else can be a daunting experience, but it’s a plan that’s working out for Shane Nicholson and Matt Fell. Shane’s latest album, Love and Blood, sees Matt back in the production chair and Shane taking on the role of solely being the artist.

“Making my record, is not something I do in my studio anymore because I enjoy the process more if I’m just an artist,’ he said. “I did more of that this time and went down the same path.”

Continue reading →

Darren Coggan focused on The Wide Horizon

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By Rebecca Belt
THE Wide Horizon could well be one of the most highly anticipated albums on the Australian country music calendar for 2017.

Singer-songwriter Darren Coggan is back with a range of songs that blend to form a work that makes you want to slide it into your car stereo and hit the road. As well as celebrating the country we live in and a couple of songs that have defined Australian music, The Wide Horizon also celebrates Darren’s love for his wife and children.
“The album overall is a really very accurate representation and picture of who I am in my life,” Darren said.
“With Peace Train (the Cat Stevens show), I have travelled a lot and it’s opened my eyes to a new audience and new way of performance and reaching out to people. This album really represents those last few years.” Continue reading →