Sunburnt Country Music

No two interviews are the same and if I haven’t interviewed an artist before I never know quite what to expect, even though I do my research. There was absolutely no evidence in my research on Melbourne artist Suzie So Blue – who has new singles ‘Bend’ and ‘Fall in Love’ – that indicated quite what an amazing life in music she’s had since her childhood. From playing cornet in polka and Czech folk bands with her father and sister to flute in high school (because it was more portable) to stringed instruments in bossa nova bands in Canberra (because you can’t sing and play flute at the same time) to the world she inhabits now in Melbourne, she lives and breathes music.

Suzie’s creative life doesn’t begin and end with music, though: she’s also a well-established fashion designer with her label SZN. This part of her story did not emerge until towards the end of our conversation, which took in a range of subjects including taking up space and claiming the right to perform, to her first forays into songwriting.

Recently Suzie released two singles at once. ‘Bend’ was inspired by a conversation she had with a Japanese friend while on a trip to Japan, where they discussed the manipulation of nature and the idea of bending like a tree in the wind. This resonated with Suzie's own journey as an artist, navigating the challenges and sacrifices that come with pursuing a creative path. The other single, ‘Fall in Love’, was written with a friend and drew on their shared experiences and conversations about past relationships. 

Suzie’s musical influences are vast, as her background suggests, from the blues and country she grew up listening to, to the reggae, funk, and soul that have shaped her soulful vocals and playing style. 

It was also clear from our chat that Suzie loves playing live, and she gigs regularly around Melbourne. Her next show is Spring Acoustica at Wesley Anne in Northcote, Vic., on 24 November. Tickets available here.

I could have asked Suzie many more questions as it felt almost like I was only at the tip of her creative iceberg, but hopefully there will be more songs soon, and perhaps the chance to chat again with this inspiring artist. 

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With an impressive nine Golden Guitar awards and over half a million albums sold, Adam Harvey is one of Australia’s most successful, and beloved, country music stars, and even if all you ever did is see Harvey play live, you’d understand why: he is a great entertainer, a superlative singer, and a performing artist who always gives the impression that there’s nowhere else he’d rather be.

In this new interview to mark the release of his seventeenth album, Let the Song Take You Home, we talk about his new tour with its impressive group of support acts as well, including Jenny Mitchell and Chloe Styler. 

‘There's so much doom and gloom out there in the world. People just want to have a good time and sing along and let their hair down and maybe have a laugh and just escape all the doom and gloom out there for a few hours,’ Harvey says about his attitude towards performing. 

The songs on the new album take in a gamut of human experience and also feature Harvey’s trademark sense of humour. There’s a slight departure in sound, though, with a more mellow and emotional tone which Harvey attributes this to the influence of the album's producer, Luke Wootten, who pushed him to explore new creative avenues and refine his storytelling. It was his first time working with Wootten after producing his last few albums himself.

Of particular significance on the album is the song ‘Remember Me’, a poignant tribute to Harvey’s mother's battle with dementia as well as a powerful example of his songwriting prowess. Harvey now has a role as an ambassador for Dementia Australia, helping to bring awareness to this condition that affects so many.

Given that he’s now made quite a lot of albums, when asked what keeps him going his drive is clear: he loves writing songs and making music.

We also talk about the Tamworth Country Music Festival, coming up in January, where Harvey has become a fixture. The energy and camaraderie of the event, along with the opportunity to collaborate with fellow artists, make these shows some of his most cherished performances. 

As ever, Harvey was a treat to interview just as he is to listen to on the album and live. Never once has there ever been a sense that he takes anything in his musical life for granted, and we can hear that in his songs: he wants to make the best album he can for listeners, not just for himself. He wants to make it worth our while to spend time with his songs – and in a venue, if you’re seeing him live – and he does, always. 

Upcoming tour dates:

Nov 14 - Morwell Hotel, Morwell +

Nov 15 - York On Lilydale, Mount Evelyn +

Nov 16 - Gateway Hotel, Corio +

Nov 22 - The Centre, Beaudesert #

Nov 23 - Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich #

Nov 24 - Kedron Wavell Services Club, Chermside #

Nov 29 - Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga +

Nov 30 - Street Theatre, Canberra +

For 2025 dates go to https://www.adamharvey.com.au/tour

Listen to Adam Harvey on Apple Music

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Jim Morgan is an Australian who has been resident in the United States for several years and who for most of those years has overseen the operations of the International Songwriting Competition and the Unsigned Only Music Competition. 

Morgan hails from Canberra, where he first discovered his passion for music as a drummer. After venturing to the United States he worked with the Boston Music Awards and the Nemo Music Conference, then at the fledgling International Songwriting Competition (ISC). As Morgan explains in this interview, the decision to relocate the ISC from Boston to Nashville was a strategic one, driven by the city's thriving music scene and the collaborative nature of the songwriting community. 

‘When I first came to Nashville over 20 years ago,’ he says, ‘my impression was probably like a lot of people, which is Nashville is just country music. And it wasn't the case even back then when I first started, but now it's not like that at all. And Nashville's moniker is Music City. It's not Country Music City, it's Music City.’

The introduction of the Unsigned Only Music Competition, a spin-off from the ISC, was a response to the growing need to provide a platform for unsigned artists. Morgan emphasizes the importance of recognising and supporting these emerging talents, as the music industry landscape continues to evolve, with artists increasingly taking control of their own careers. 

The ISC has several high-profile judges, including Reba McEntire, Mariah Carey and Tom Waits, and Morgan shares insights into the reasons why those judges not only want to be involved but often return year after year. 

For emerging artists, Morgan offers valuable advice on selecting the right songs to enter, emphasising the importance of showcasing one's best work and not being limited by the age or recency of the composition. He also underscores the benefits of competing, as it allows artists to gauge their music against industry standards and potentially open doors to new opportunities, such as publishing deals, film and TV placements, and even record label signings. 

 ‘Anything that we can do to help get more recognitions to those artists is definitely something that is a benefit to us and a benefit to the artists,’ he says.

It became clear during the conversation that Morgan has never lost the thrill of discovering exceptional new talent through the competition – he remains a music fan, which itself is a testament to the talents and efforts of the songwriters who enter these competitions. 

Hopefully this interview offers valuable insights – and some tips! – for songwriters and artists hoping to enter either competition. You can find more information on how to enter at the links below.

https://www.songwritingcompetition.com

https://www.unsignedonly.com

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When Sara Berki released her debut single, ‘Fallin’ Off the Heartline’, it was clear she was an artist with great songwriting talent and the voice to deliver those songs in an unforgettable way. Since then she’s been on impressive journey which has now led to her signing with Warner Music Australia and releasing ‘twice’, her first single with that label, as well as announcing a tour in 2025.

It’s not always the case that great talent is rewarded with attention and accolades, so it’s heartening to see Berki taking these steps towards bigger audiences – and, more than anything, new songs. Her songs have been how she shows us who she is, and how she lets us into her world, and no doubt it’s the songs that will create new and bigger opportunities for her as time goes on.

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Kaitlyn Thomas is one of the most dynamic artists in Australian country music, with songs that are musically rich as well as entertaining and powerfully delivered. Her latest example of this is the single ‘Hell of a Long Time’, which she wrote with Troy Kemp, and MSquared – Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis. The song was written during the pandemic, and it captures the essence of catching up with friends and celebrating life's moments. It was a collaboration Thomas relished, although she is just as comfortable writing alone.

‘I love the collaboration and working with people because it makes songwriting fun,’ she says. ‘And I love songwriting for me, as an artist, but also as a creative person … but I also love writing and getting ideas from other people because it just bounces. It's just awesome.’

Thomas has written with others during songwriting retreats, such as the SHE retreat run by the legend that is Lyn Bowtell, and the Dag Sheep Station, and says such retreats have been instrumental in her creative growth. Thomas reveals that they can be an emotional experience for her, as she taps into her vulnerability and allows her personal stories to pour out through her lyrics. 

Thomas started recording music before she was even in her teens, and accordingly has a keen sense of what is recorded in the studio. She connects deeply with the feeling and emotion of the song before stepping into the studio, and the energy of the production team helps to shape her vocal performance. She has been working with that team, MSquared, for a while.

‘The energy in the room with those two incredible legends is outstanding. And they're vibing, therefore you're vibing. And this song was definitely, definitely a vibe.’

Thomas’s vocal influences are diverse, ranging from the powerhouse vocals of Pat Benatar and Linda Ronstadt to Sheryl Crow, The McClymonts and Lainey Wilson. As she teaches singing she also sometimes finds she has to unlearn what she knows when she goes to record.

‘Paynter says to me … “you need to turn the singing teacher off. Not every note needs to be perfect. The imperfection is what makes the songs great.”’

It seems to be working, because Thomas gives each of her songs their own identity, and brings the listener into the story because she connects with it so deeply. No doubt she will keep that connection as she plays live over the next little while, and heading into the Tamworth Country Music Festival. As a graduate of both the junior and senior Academy of Country Music, Thomas is very familiar with the country music capital, so you’ll find her there in January. In the meantime, you can get to know her and her music through this interview. 

Listen to Kaitlyn Thomas on Apple Music

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I sat down with country-rock artist Will Day to discuss his recent single ‘Home Town’, his experiences writing and recording in Nashville, and the unique joys of being a festival performer. [NB: He’s since released the single ‘My Kinda Crowd’ – it took me longer than usual to post this interview due to the fact that, well, this is a solo operation and sometimes I can’t keep up!]

Day, who hails from south-east Queensland, has been making waves in the country music scene with his blend of country rock and heartfelt storytelling. His recent trip to Nashville proved to be a pivotal moment, both professionally and creatively. 

‘It's been a goal of mine to get to Nashville for quite a few years,’ Day shares. ‘I wanted to go as an artist and songwriter.’ 

Day is the Head of Music at JMC Academy and travelled to Tennessee to present a paper at the International Country Music Conference, exploring the changing landscape of Australian country music production and its place in the international market. He stayed on for another week to do some co-writing and perform.

‘I wrote “Home Town” and I squeezed in six co-writes in about five days,’ he says. ‘I got to play a show on Broadway, which was absolutely awesome.’ 

‘Home Town’ is a breakup song, written with Bill DiLuigi and Scott Barrier, and it’s a slower tempo than a lot of Day’s songs. 

‘I didn't think I was going to write any ballads over there at all because I don't write that many ballads anymore,’ Day says, although the finish product belies this. ‘But we had this song, and I just said, “You know, I really like this song. I want to release it.”’ 

He then took the song to producer Jared Adlam, and the result is a song that showcases Day’s voice capturing the emotional essence of the track. 

Beyond the studio, Day is a seasoned festival performer. At the time we spoke he was gearing up for the Groundwater Country Music Festival on the Gold Coast, which has now happened but, hey, I left it in the interview because it was part of the conversation and it’s still interesting to hear Day talk about playing festivals which have, he says, taught him the importance of stagecraft and connecting with the audience. 

‘If you signify to the audience when you walk on stage that you are there and you're comfortable and you're happy and you're going to have fun, then the audience relaxes,’ he says. 

One special audience will be aboard Day’s upcoming Christmas Cruise on the Brisbane River on 9 November, where he'll be hosting a line-up of special guest artists and raising funds for a local charity. 

Day is also looking ahead to a new album, the successor to his debut LP Countrified, which he released in 2021. While working on that, he’ll also be playing live, which is pretty much his natural habitat. You can catch him live at the following shows:

Listen to Will Day on Apple Music

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Dylan Wright is one half of the country duo Sons of Atticus, along with Matt Joyce, and after appearing at this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival Wright went quickly on to appear in Australian Idol – and then to win it. He released a half-EP, Half a World Away Pt 1, a few weeks ago and now the full EP is out, along with the single ‘Mess of a Man’. 

The songs on the EP have the heart so evident in the work of Sons of Atticus married with Wright’s outstanding vocal capabilities, which he developed considerably during Idol, as we discuss in this interview. The music team behind the scenes pushed him to really explore the meaning and emotion behind each song, which led to a noticeable evolution in his songwriting too, which means Wright now feels more confident in exploring a wider vocal range and infusing his music with greater personal significance.

The songs on Half a World Away were written in the intense aftermath of Idol; the introspective and honest nature of the lyrics reflects Wright’s journey of navigating his newfound success, family responsibilities, and a renewed sense of faith (which I particularly wanted to ask him about). 

During the chat Wright also candidly shares his experiences navigating the intense pressures and demands of Idol. Despite being an experienced performer, he was surprised by the sheer intensity of the show, and he had to quickly adapt to the technical aspects of live TV performance, including remembering lyrics and using his voice to its fullest potential. 

We talk too about his long-standing friendship and musical partnership with Joyce, and how that has been a source of support throughout Wright’s whirlwind experiences during and since Idol. The duo is currently embarking on a 30-date regional tour, with Wright’s hometown show in Cronulla already sold out. 

When I interviewed Sons of Atticus quite a while ago now, Wright and Joyce were easy to talk to and so interesting, and Wright on his own was just the same. I hope you enjoy watching or listening to this chat, and even though I only saw a little bit of Sons of Atticus at Tamworth the Wright-Joyce live proposition is a fantastic one – so show dates are below in case you’re able to get along.

See Dylan Wright live:

FRI 15 NOV – THE CHARLES HOTEL, NORTH PERTH

Tickets 

*Adam Brand support

SAT 16 NOV – YELLOWFIELDS, VALLEY TAVERN NABAWA

SUN 17 NOV – RAVENSWOOD HOTEL, RAVENSWOOD 

Tickets 

*Adam Brand support 

Listen to Dylan Wright on Apple Music

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Rusty Pickups are a four-piece ensemble from Queensland's Darling Downs with members Michael Cook, Lee Fielding, Ayden Roberts and Waylon Katz, who each have a different musical background and found their way not only to each other but to a musical identity that takes advantage of their differences and has led to something uniquely theirs. And that is fun – and fun is certainly what I had when interviewing frontman Michael Cook, known as Cookie, who shares the band's journey, their approach to creating music, and the joys and challenges of being a working musician. 

From the braying of donkeys and the bleating of sheep outside Cookie’s home studio, affectionately dubbed Possum Studios, to the occasional crow that needed to be shooed away, the band has learned to roll with the punches and let the unexpected moments become part of their creative process. 

‘It's almost chaos,’ Cookie explains, ‘and you get to watch it up close and go, “I can't do any of this.” And I'm just loving watching, and I'll just sit in the middle and jangle along. That's my thing. So I consider myself lucky in that regard.’

This willingness to embrace the unpredictable has led Rusty Pickups to a refreshing approach to their music. Rather than trying to fit into a specific genre or chase trends, the band has chosen to simply create the songs they love, drawing from the diverse musical backgrounds and experiences of its members. 

‘We just kind of went, you know what? We got our own studio. We're old. Who cares? We're just going to do whatever we want,’ says Cookie. ‘So now we pick the songs that we want to do and we go, how can we best serve this song?’ 

This authenticity has resonated with their audiences, as the band has found themselves playing at festivals and venues that span the spectrum of country music, including a huge run of shows at this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival. 

Rusty Pickups’ ability to seamlessly transition between these different musical worlds is a testament to their commitment to staying true to themselves. But the band's journey hasn't been without its challenges. The gruelling schedule of Tamworth, where they played almost 24 hours of music over nine days, tested their friendships and physical endurance. However, Cookie reflects that the experience ultimately led to a necessary break and a renewed focus on what they truly want to create. 

‘We got back into the studio and we started thinking, what do we want to do different? Which is, it's always hard to just see what you want to do that's different to what you're doing if you're still doing the first one,’ he explains. 

Part of what they’ve done since then is create their latest single, ‘Mister Mary Read’, which is in the pirate country genre – something Cookie may have come up with … The song has an intriguing backstory and it is completely different to its single predecessor, ‘Goddamn Sunday’. And you can hear all about that in this interview!

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Wren Bellette spent over a decade in bands, including Adelaide Americana outfit The Heggarties, and is now a solo artist, releasing her rich album This Love Will Die a few weeks ago. 

The album’s strength comes from Bellette’s willingness to be open about her experiences – which include heartbreak – and her experience as an artist, using her voice as an instrument to convey extra layers of meaning in her lyrics.  

While Bellette acknowledges that her songs are fundamentally her own, she also recognises the invaluable contributions of the musicians she works with. Our interview explores the balance between the songwriter's vision and the collaborative process, where ideas are shared, arrangements are refined, and the final product emerges as a blend of individual and collective creativity. This output was not planned but evolved organically as Bellette recorded songs during the pandemic.

The album's title, This Love Will Die, may initially appear gloomy, but Bellette reveals that it represents a deeper, more optimistic message. The title track serves as a reflection on the universal experience of heartbreak and the understanding that even the most painful of loves will eventually pass, paving the way for personal growth and healing. 

Bellette also speaks candidly about the challenges of moving from being in a band to being a solo artist and exposing her personal narratives through her songwriting, a process that required her to overcome her initial hesitation and embrace the vulnerability inherent in going solo. 

It was a great pleasure to speak to Bellette, who has much to say of interest about songwriting and craft – and especially the value of the editorial process in writing. She also discusses her journey of moving from writing in the third person to being more willing to write about her own experiences, which she sees as an important part of being a songwriter, using music as a way to be honest and speak to the listener's experiences.

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Elly McK & The Unbelievers are an alt-country band from Melbourne who released the single 'Bones' earlier this year and, before that, the single 'Down on Your Luck'. They are embarking on a tour of New South Wales and Victoria in support of their new single 'The Wind Up'.

McK explains that ‘The Wind Up’ is about the decision to make a change, whether it's in a relationship, a job, or any other significant part of one's life. She shared that the song reflects her own experiences of wrestling with difficult choices and the resolve required to see them through.  

‘This is a song that I can apply to on various situations across my life,’ she says. ‘The song is written in the context of a relationship winding up, but it could also be a job winding up or a friendship or something that means a lot to you. That decision is a difficult one, and it takes time, but once it's made, there's no going back.’ 

The song's structure and Ellie's emotive delivery suggest a certain reluctance to fully commit to the ‘windup’, which McK acknowledges. 

‘I think there is an element of convincing yourself,’ she says. ‘Convincing myself that this is the decision that's being made. And then what comes is another story, another song.’

‘The Wind Up’ marks the first co-write for McK, who collaborated with the band's drummer, Sam Price. In our interview McK shares that she doesn't typically go into a co-writing session with the intention of finishing a song, but rather sees it as a creative process where the end result is unknown.  

‘I really enjoy that creation process and then the collaboration process as just a process of whatever happens,’ McK says. ‘I haven't done a whole lot of co-writes, a lot of my other singles I'd written by myself, and they come as almost fairly complete songs. But this was the first one that I've done with Sam, and there's going to be lots more.’ 

McK’s work as a singer-songwriter was not always on the card.

‘I was terrified of singing,’ she says. ‘Right up until my mid-thirties, I was a bass player. I played in hard rock bands as a younger person, and always wanted to sing and was so scared, and I just made a decision, I'm not going to be scared of it anymore, and started doing it. Singing is now my life. Everything I do is singing. I couldn't imagine that life I had before singing.’ 

With her band The Unbelievers – which also includes Jordy Hickey on double bass and Monty Price on guitar – McK is embarking on an extensive tour of New South Wales and Victoria, which she describes as a huge undertaking for the band, taking in shows in Sydney, regional Victoria, and Melbourne, booked through to the end of the year.

McK is excited to take ‘The Wind Up’ and the band's other singles on the road, knowing that the songs will continue to evolve through the live performance process.  

‘I love the evolution of the song,’ she says. ‘Some of my songs I've written sitting on my couch playing ukulele and an idea comes up, and then they become this bigger thing. And then the process doesn't stop once the song starts being played live. It's always changing.’ 

Elly McK & The Unbelieverstour dates

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Two Tone Pony is a five-piece band with an extensive musical lineage. With Greg Richardson on drums, Graham Puglisi on bass, Ian Rhodes on mandolin, harmonica and guitar, and Glenn Wiley on keys, it was founded by David Kirkpatrick, who was named after his father – who was otherwise known as Slim Dusty. The title of Two Tone Pony’s debut album, Born on the Road, is taken from the song of the same name which describes Kirkpatrick’s own entry into the world, as his phenomenal mother, the late Joy McKean, gave birth while she and Slim were on tour. 

Not only was Kirkpatrick born on the road, he grew up on it for the first few years of his life, instilling in him a sense of adventure and a curiosity about the world that would later manifest in his diverse pursuits, from medicine to diving and beyond. 

Navigating the Music Industry

Despite his famous lineage, Kirkpatrick’s journey into music was not without its challenges, which we cover in this interview. He recalls facing teasing and even physical altercations from those who didn't understand his parents' unconventional career path. However, this only served to toughen him up, preparing him for the rigors of the music industry. 

Embracing Curiosity and Research

Kirkpatrick’s approach to songwriting is deeply rooted in his innate curiosity and desire to get the details right. Drawing inspiration from his mother's meticulous research methods, he ensures that his lyrics are grounded in factual accuracy, whether it's exploring the history of the steam trading route on the Murray-Darling or channelling community spirit during a natural disaster. 

The Thrill of Live Performance

As a performer, he embraces the element of risk and danger that comes with live music, a trait he attributes to his upbringing. In our interview he speaks passionately about the exhilaration of a song taking off, the trust and camaraderie within his band, and the importance of valuing the hard work and dedication that goes into creating art. 

Born on the Road: The Album 

The album Born on the Road serves as a reflection of Kirkpatrick’s life experiences, with themes of movement, adventure, and the human spirit woven throughout the lyrics. Songs like ‘Slow Lane’ and ‘Stormy Weather’ offer glimpses into his personal life and relationships, while tracks like ‘The Flood’ demonstrate his ability to capture the essence of community resilience. 

As with the first time I interviewed him, Kirkpatrick is incredibly interesting to chat to – in fact, his family background is only the jumping-off point for a life that has been rich in experiences and human connection, and these are evident in the songs on Born on the Road.

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Matt Ward is a South Australian singer and songwriter who has released two albums that have reached #1 on the ARIA Country chart, Heartland and If I Was in Dallas Tonight. His latest album is the deeply personal and introspective The Long Way Home, released through Ward's own label, Heartland Music Australia. 

The eight-song collection is a testament to the profound experiences that have shaped his life in over the past year or so. Ward's music has always been rooted in the rich tapestry of the Australian landscape and the human stories that unfold within it. However, The Long Way Home takes this connection to a deeper level, weaving themes of safety, home, and emotional connection throughout the album.

‘I write from a point of experience and a point of expressing my emotions and feelings,’ Ward explains in our chat. ‘And stories of other people that I've come across.’ 

The album's creation was influenced by Ward's move to the regional town of Clarendon, South Australia and time spent writing in the temperate forests of Tasmania. 

One of the standout tracks, ‘Found You a Valley’, is a heartfelt tribute to Ward's beloved companion, his dog Shooter. The song's lyrics beautifully capture the way animals can open our hearts and provide a sense of comfort and connection. 

‘Shooter probably started to open and soften up my heart a little bit,’ Ward shares. ‘It was probably an avenue towards then finding home and feeling a little bit more settled in my life as well.’ 

Ward's deep connection to the natural world is evident throughout the album, with songs like ‘Petrichor’ and ‘Find You a Valley’ reflecting his background as an ecologist and ornithologist. He explains how this grounding in the natural world allows him to switch between the technical and the creative, finding inspiration in the sights and sounds around him. 

The album's final track, ‘Holding On to You’, is a poignant collaboration with Jeff Gibson, inspired by Ward's sister and brother-in-law's loss of their young son. The song's emotional weight is palpable, as Ward grapples with the complexities of grief and the power of human resilience. 

‘Songwriting, for me, is a process of processing an emotion,’ Ward reflects. ‘And also, I think, for audiences, it's having the songs there to listen to can be the help.’ 

As Ward prepares to take the stage at the Groundwater Country Music Festival, which takes place from 18 to 20 October on the Gold Coast, he is eager to share the new album with audiences. With a six-piece band in tow, he promises a high-energy and polished performance, showcasing both fan favourites and tracks from The Long Way Home. 

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James Johnston is a two-time Golden Guitar winner who has amassed an impressive 75 million streams for his anthemic songs, which include ‘Raised Like That’ and ‘Country Boys’, both of which appear on his 2023 debut album, Raised Like That. 

From my first interview with Johnston it was clear that he had taken his time to develop his craft, and art, as a performer and songwriter. He’d played in bars and pubs even if only the bar staff were present; he spent time in Nashville writing dozens of songs without recording anything. 

Then Johnston returned to Australia and started to put things in place, releasing one hit single after another, winning awards and headlining a show at the biggest venue in Tamworth before even releasing one album. When Raised Like That came out it topped the charts, and Johnston’s fan base grew. He did all of this as an independent artist.

Now Johnston has a new single, ‘Blame’, and a new record label, Warner Music Australia. In this interview – our fourth – we talk about the song, which features the vocal Johnston recorded on the demo, as, he says, ‘There was just some magic, and we tried messing with it and something got lost. It was just one of those songs.’

We also chat about his decision to sign with a label, and about his upcoming shows supporting Kip Moore. Plus he’s soon to travel to South Africa, to play the Cape Town Country Festival and in between all of that he’ll pop up at Savannah in the Round (dates listed below).

So there’s a busy time ahead for Johnston, but he will no doubt relish the pace – after taking his time to establish his foundations, he can now build on them solidly and quickly, and produce the sort of entertaining, often layered and thoughtful music that keeps his fans coming back for more.

SEPTEMBER 28: Kip Moore Tour Support – Sydney

OCTOBER 3: Kip Moore Tour Support – Melbourne

OCTOBER 12-13: Savannah In The Round, Mareeba Cairns Hinterland

OCTOBER 13: Kip Moore Tour Support – Brisbane

OCTOBER 26 - 27: Cape Town Country Festival – South Africa

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Lisa De Angelis grew up in Sydney and now lives in Brisbane, where she makes cowboy music for city slickers. She is a multifaceted artist who seamlessly blends her talents as a songwriter, performer, and storyteller. She’s also a dream to interview, giving thoughtful, interesting and often funny answers, so I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it.

The reason for the chat was the release of her new single, ‘Wildwood (Time to Grow Up), and De Angelis opens up about the lessons she learned from a long-distance relationship, and how that experience has shaped her growth and maturity as a person and an artist. She also talks about working with partner Paul Bain on the production (he also plays drums and production on the track) and with musicians Michael Moko (guitars, banjo, mandolin), Gabi Louise (fiddle) and Sonic Edwards (bass). 

One of the standout aspects of De Angelis’s artistry is her ability to craft stories that resonate deeply with her audience. Drawing inspiration from her time as a tour guide, where she mastered the art of engaging and captivating audiences, De Angelis brings the same level of energy and authenticity to her live shows. She speaks of the importance of creating an ‘experience’ for her audience, rather than simply performing a set of songs. 

As a songwriter De Angelis reveals that she often doesn't fully understand the meaning behind her own lyrics until the creative process is complete. This organic and intuitive approach allows her to tap into deeper emotional wells, resulting in poignant and relatable songs that explore the complexities of relationships, growth, and self-discovery. 

De Angelis’s journey as a performer has been marked by both personal and professional challenges, including a significant hearing loss in one ear. Rather than letting these obstacles deter her, however, she has embraced them as part of the tapestry of her creative expression, seamlessly weaving them into her live performances. 

In the interview De Angelis speaks of the magic that can be created in the live performance setting. She believes in the intrinsic connection between performer and audience, and her commitment to leaving her audience feeling uplifted and empowered is inspiring. 

As De Angelis prepares to release her upcoming album, fans can look forward to more captivating stories, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying live performances. 

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Ella Powell has a habit of writing and recording truly lovely songs, including the singles ‘Along the Way’, ‘Country Love’ and ‘Paper Town’. She’s now collecting these singles in an EP, The End of the Beginning, to mark this creative part of her life. 

In this interview Powell shares insights into her artistic evolution, the joys and challenges of collaboration, and the lessons she's learned as an emerging independent artist. 

The Storytelling Essence of Ella Powell's Music

Powell’s songs have always been deeply personal, drawing from her own life experiences and emotions. 

‘I love that all my songs, they do tell a story,’ she explains. ‘They're all from personal experiences, and I've sort of been able to draw on my early life in my teen years because all these songs were written in my teenage years.’

This intimate connection with her music is evident in the way she approaches the songwriting process, always striving to capture the essence of her personal journey. 

The Journey of Collaboration

While Powell initially found it challenging to collaborate, she has since embraced the joys of working with other artists. 

‘I think it's just fun,’ she says. ‘You just throw ideas out and it's just with so many people, it's just, you know, non-judgmental. Throw it out there, see what sticks and just bouncing ideas off because the way someone else looks at it is totally different to the way you do.’ 

This collaborative spirit has allowed Powell to explore new creative avenues and push the boundaries of her songwriting. 

Navigating the Challenges of an Independent Artist

As an independent artist, Powell has had to navigate the complexities of the music industry, from understanding the technical aspects of releasing music to the ever-evolving landscape of social media, emphasising the importance of maintaining a realistic perspective and staying true to her artistic vision. 

The End of the Beginning and the Road Ahead

With the release of The End of the Beginning EP, Powell is marking a new phase in her creative journey. She explains that the songs on the EP reflect a personal and musical evolution, as she has grown both as an artist and as an individual. As she prepares to enter the studio and share new music, Powell’s excitement and passion for her craft are palpable, promising an even more captivating chapter in her artistic odyssey. 

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Dave Kent is a singer-songwriter from the south-west of Western Australia who cut his musical teeth in punk and in Margaret River. He has released the singles ’80 Proof’ and ‘Country Music’ and his third single is ‘Honky Tonk Dreams’.

The Beginnings of a Musical Journey

Kent’s musical roots can be traced back to his childhood, where he was exposed to the The Beatles and classical music during family road trips. It was the discovery of the iconic British band Oasis, however, that truly ignited his love for music. As he grew older, Kent’s musical tastes evolved, and he found himself drawn to the soulful melodies of country music, particularly the works of artists like Zach Bryan and Alan Jackson. 

Navigating the Margaret River Music Scene

Growing up in the picturesque town of Margaret River, Kent has been a fixture in the local music scene, playing in a variety of bands across different genres, from punk rock to jazz. The town's vibrant live music venues, such as Settlers Tavern and Clancy's, have provided him with ample opportunities to hone his craft and connect with fellow musicians. 

The Honky Tonk Dream Takes Shape

Kent’s music took a significant turn when he began to explore his passion for country music and songwriting. His latest single, ‘Honky Tonk Dreams’, showcases his ability to blend his unique perspective with the classic sounds of the genre, as he navigates the distance between his hometown and the country music mecca of Nashville. 

Collaborations and Connections

Kent’s musical endeavours have led him to forge valuable connections within the Australian country music scene. His work with acclaimed producers and musicians such as James Neuhausen, Michel Rose, and Gabi Louise has helped to shape the polished and engaging sound of his singles ‘80 Proof’ and ‘Country Music’. 

Looking Ahead

As Kent continues to explore his honky tonk dreams, he has his sights set on expanding his reach beyond the borders of Western Australia. With upcoming performances at the Ekka in Brisbane as well as plans to visit Tamworth in the new year, Kent is poised to share his unique brand of country music with audiences across the country. 

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In this insightful interview, I talk with rising Sydney-based artist Braydin Good to discuss his musical journey, the inspiration behind his latest single ‘Honest’, and his experiences playing live in Sydney. 

Good’s love for music was ignited at a young age, with his father teaching him to sing and play guitar in early childhood, with Good recording his first song in his dad's friend's studio before he even reached the age of five - although he hopes that recording never sees the light of day! Growing up, he was immersed in a musical household, with his father playing local shows and Good soaking up influences like Matchbox Twenty and John Mayer. 

While Goood was passionate about music from a young age, he actually steered away from it a bit during his high school years, instead focussing on his basketball pursuits. However, when the pandemic hit and shut down his sporting activities, Good rediscovered his love for songwriting and guitar. He then began playing open mic nights in the town of Griffith, honing his craft and building up the confidence to perform his own original material. 

Good’s songwriting talents emerged with the release of his first single, ‘She Ain't You’, earlier this year. But it's his latest single, ‘Honest’ that really showcases his emotional depth as a lyricist. Written about the aftermath of a break-up (and produced by Alex Mather), Good poured his heart into the track, delivering a vocal performance that is both vulnerable and powerful. When discussing the recording process, Good reveals that it only took a few takes to capture the raw emotion he wanted to convey. As an artist, he finds it easy to reconnect with those feelings when performing the song live, knowing he's telling his own story rather than someone else's. 

We also talk about one of Good’s favourite venues to play: The Beer Shed in Sydney, which he praises for its supportive and attentive country music crowds, as the listening-room atmosphere allows the music to truly shine. 

As Good looks to the future, he's already hard at work on new music, with plans to release another single later this year. In the meantime, he’s playing regularly around Sydney so audiences will find him there.

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Dean Weston, an artist hailing from the central coast of New South Wales, has had a remarkable musical journey that has spanned decades. His lifelong passion for music began in childhood, when he and his sister received their first guitars for Christmas. 

As a young musician, Weston found inspiration in the music of his parents' record collection, which included the likes of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and Neil Diamond. 

‘There were always records playing in the house,’ he says, ‘and the story is that they told me that the records were playing when I was a baby.’

Weston and his sister, along with a neighbour who played drums, formed their own little band as children, describing their homemade setup with biscuit tins and wooden spoons. 

The influence of iconic artists like Pink Floyd and Eric Clapton would later shape Weston's guitar playing and songwriting style. 

‘When I think about being a guitarist, I think of David Gilmour and Eric Clapton,’ he shares. ‘I used to watch the videos as well, not just listening to the albums, you watch them play and there's some guitarists that you just go, “I like this. I just like the way he plays."’ 

Weston's songwriting prowess blossomed during his university years, when he admits he spent more time writing music than completing his assignments. After a brief hiatus from music, Weston found himself in a covers band, where he met a female vocalist who would become his creative partner. This became a fruitful collaboration, with Weston and his partner co-writing songs and performing together. 

It was during this time that Weston began to gravitate towards the country rock genre, finding it a better fit for his songwriting style. ‘It's a very song and guitar orientated genre,’ he explains, ‘whereas the rock side, the popular rock side doesn't seem to be filling that void.’ 

Weston's latest release, the EP Giving All I Have, features the single ‘It's Easy’, which has evolved from its Fleetwood Mac-inspired origins to its current upbeat, radio-friendly sound, is a testament to Weston's collaborative spirit and the guidance of his producer, Peter Stevenson. 

As Weston looks to the future, he is excited to continue his musical journey, with plans to record more original material and bring his live performances to larger stages. 

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Adele Oliver grew up in the wheatbelt of Western Australia and now lives in Broome. She grew up partly in the adrenaline-fuelled world of car racing and her favourite sport now is rodeo – and it led to the creation of her latest single, ‘Wiley Blue’. The song's origins lie in a chance encounter with a bull of the same name, which was ridden at a rodeo by her partner at the time. In the song Oliver weaves the narrative of the bull ride into a metaphor for a relationship, capturing the intensity and fleeting nature of both. 

‘I wanted to capture that experience and the feeling of standing there on the other side of the rail watching him completely, heart stopped, time standing still … But then I also wanted to go a little bit further and to capture what that meant to him and what rodeo means for so many people that are in that world.’

Oliver’s own musical journey has been a winding path, from her early days of harmonising in the back seat of the car to her discovery of the power of songwriting in high school. The influence of Australian artists like Missy Higgins, Kasey Chambers, and The Waifs can be heard in the development of her vocal style and storytelling abilities. 

‘It has been a steady journey for me in that each year I do more and more and more, and I start to realise that this music is not just a passion and a fulfilling aspect of my life, but something that I have to do. Because I notice when it starts to get put to the side, I start to question a lot more about life around me.’

During our interview Oliver talked about her unconventional entry into the music industry, as her health promotion degree led her to a job in Fitzroy Crossing that ultimately ignited her passion for music and its healing properties. This experience equipped her with invaluable skills, from sound engineering to running live events, which she now brings to her own musical endeavours. These are skills she now brings to her recorded and live music in the vibrant community she calls home.

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Saralyn is a singer and songwriter from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales who released her first single last year in the wake of attending a songwriting retreat at Kasey Chambers’s Rabbit Hole Studio. Since then Saralyn has consistently released lovely singles, and consolidated her impact by just winning the 2024 Mother Tone Talent Search at the Gympie Music Muster.

It was clear from speaking to Saralyn that she takes nothing for granted, in life and in music, and that she makes the most of any time she has to write and perform. This open-hearted joy in her art is infectious, and her songs are infused with it, making for rich listening experiences that are as musically satisfying as they are heartwarming.

In this interview Saralyn’s passion for all aspects of her art shines through, as she shares her journey from early school talent shows to her current collaborations with her sister, Angela Rose, with whom she wrote her latest single ‘I Hope That You’ll Remember’. The sibling duo's creative partnership is a testament to the power of family support and the magic that can arise when two artistic minds come together. 

The bittersweet sentiment of watching her children grow up is beautifully woven into the lyrics for Saralyn’s song, capturing the universal longing to preserve those fleeting, precious moments. Listeners are sure to be enchanted by the warmth and authenticity that radiates from both the song and the accompanying music video, which was made by Jake Davey.

As a mother of two young children, Saralyn has had to balance her music career with her family responsibilities. In this interview she also discusses the importance of carving out dedicated creative time, as well as allowing inspiration to strike spontaneously.

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At 21 years of age Lucy Parle has already released an EP and several singles. She took out first place in the teen category of the International Songwriting Competition in 2020 and was named a standout performer in Triple J's Unearthed High in 2020 and 2021. In this interview, we delve into Parle’s beginnings in the EP course at Palm Studios to her recent successes, including her latest single, ‘Best of Me’.

Parle’s love for country music has been a constant throughout her life, with influences ranging from Kasey Chambers to Taylor Swift. During the interview she reveals how her voice and artistry have naturally gravitated towards the country genre, where she feels most authentically herself. 

Country music star Gina Jeffreys and her Tuesday night songwriting group have been instrumental in Parle’s growth as a songwriter. Joining this community of seasoned professionals as a 14-year-old was a daunting yet transformative experience, pushing her to develop her craft and confidence in the collaborative environment fostered by Jeffreys and her husband, Rod McCormack. It’s also led to Parle’s single ‘Best of Me’, which she wrote with McCormack and Sam Gay. 

Parle also made a video for ‘Best of Me’ with Golden Guitar winning videographer (and artist) Duncan Toombs, shot on the bustling streets of Sydney and featuring Parle’s beloved dog, Charlie. We talk about the video and Parle’s passion for animal welfare.

As Parle looks ahead, she reveals plans for a forthcoming album, set to be released in the middle of next year, while also performing live on the Central Coast of New South Wales, where she lives, with venues like the Avoca Beach Theatre among her favourite performance spaces. 

Parle has worked diligently to develop her craft alongside esteemed professionals, in turn becoming a songwriting teacher and approaching it all with humility and passion. There is no doubt that ‘Best of Me’ is just the start of her bringing her best to the world of country music.

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Originally from Michigan in the USA, singer, songwriter and performer Sandee Facy now lives in Melbourne. Her musical journey is one of passion, perseverance, and profound personal experiences. 

Facy’s musical roots run deep, as I discovered during our recent interview, in which she recounts her early days training as a mezzo-soprano at the prestigious Interlochen School of Music in Michigan. This rigorous training laid the foundation for her powerful and emotive vocal delivery. 

Growing up in a household filled with diverse musical influences, from country legends like Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt to classic rock, Facy’s musical tastes were shaped by her older brother, whom she describes as a ‘rock star’. This eclectic upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for storytelling through song, a quality that has become a hallmark of her own songwriting. 

It wasn't until later in life that Facy discovered her true calling as a songwriter. Inspired by the loss of a dear friend's daughter, she penned her first original song, ‘Hummingbird’, which she shared with her friend’s family. Their overwhelmingly positive response encouraged Facy to embrace her newfound passion, and since then, she has released eleven original songs. 

Perhaps her most poignant creation is her latest single, ‘Next Heartbeat’, which was inspired by the love letters her father, a World War II airman, wrote to her mother during his training and service. As Facy recounts, her father would write her mother a letter every single day, signing each one with the promise, ‘Your next heartbeat is me’. Facy wrote ‘Next Heartbeat’ with her regular collaborator Michael Saleta.

Looking ahead, Facy is excited about the prospect of showcasing her original songs live, both with her band Last Tram Home and in intimate acoustic settings. It was fascinating to talk to her about her live experiences, in particular, as she has such great insight into performance.

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Melanie Dyer is a rising star in Australian country music, captivating audiences with her irresistible blend of country and pop. In a recent interview, she opened up about her creative process, the inspiration behind her latest single ‘Had to Be There’, and the exciting plans for her upcoming East Coast tour. 

Dyer's musical journey has been marked by a series of accolades, including Golden Guitar nominations and an APRA Professional Development Award, all of which have contributed to her growing fanbase across the country. 

Her single ‘Had to Be There’ gives its name to her upcoming tour, and she shared the story behind the track. 

‘It stemmed from me not being able to explain a funny story and me being like, “You had to be there”. And then it just evolved into more of a relationship in the song, but it's able to be fleshed out in different ways to different people, for their had-to-be-there moments.’ 

We also talk about Dyer as a co-writer for other artists – and the breadth of her work as such can be found in the Spotify playlist she made just for her co-writes. Of co-writing she says, ‘It’s great because I can avoid all my emotions and just tap into someone else's!’

It will be Dyer’s songs for herself, however, that will be on the set list for her upcoming tour. Says Dyer, ‘It's just going to be myself and my partner, Jackson. We're doing it as a duo format, but with a twist. You think of duo acoustic and you think it's just going to be like a couple of guitars or whatever. But this is actually a fully fleshed-out show and it's got other elements that are layered in there … it's quite a big show, even though it's able to be performed in intimate venues.’ 

Dyer’s craft as a songwriter is at the core of everything she does, and the reason why her songs can be adapted to any sort of performance – including the Gympie Music Muster, where she plays on 25 August to kick off her tour. The rest of the dates are here – grab your tickets to see this masterful artist at work. 

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Luke O’Shea has won 16 Golden Guitars for his albums and his videos, including the single ‘South East Queensland’from his album Different Drum. 

In this interview, we delve into the stories, inspirations, and creative processes that have shaped his acclaimed albums and live performances. O’Shea’s music is a testament to his dedication to the craft of storytelling through song, from the poignant ‘South East Queensland’, to ‘Next Best Thing’ (with Ashleigh Dallas) to the nostalgic ‘South Beach Strip’, O’Shea has a remarkable ability to create epic narratives that also feel close to the listener.

The latest single from the album is ‘Dharawal’, which O’Shea has said is the song that means the most to him on Different Drum. It’s about the country that means the most to him, where he grew up in southern Sydney, and his determination to find out more about its history and also how to live harmoniously with it. 

We discuss the album, including his decision to release it on CD last year and only just recently on streaming platforms. We also talk about live performance. Anyone who has seen O’Shea live knows that each show is a unique experience, and that’s partly because of the rich catalogue of songs he draws from and also his decision to create ‘maximum joy’, as he calls it, each time he plays live. His shows are not about a single, predetermined experience, but rather a constant state of flow and openness to the moment. This willingness to embrace the unexpected and the collaborative spirit that permeates his live shows is what makes O'Shea's performances so engaging and memorable. 

Happily, you can see him live at the Gympie Music Muster on 22 to 25 August, as well as at the Tamworth Country Music Festival next year, and in the meantime at:

Qirkz in the Hunter (NSW), with Ashleigh Dallas, on 7 September

The Beer Shed (NSW), with Medicine Wheel, on 25 October

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Singer-songwriter Billie-Jo Porter was a 2022 Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist and she released her self-titled debut albumlast year. She now has a brand-new single, ‘Howl at the Moon’, which is all about the liberating power of embracing our primal instincts. 

Our conversation begins with the inspiration behind ‘Howl at the Moon’ as Porter recounts a serendipitous moment at a twilight show, where she was mesmerised by the rising moon and encouraged the audience to let out a collective howl. We talk a bit about literally and metaphorically howling at the moon and why it’s good for everyone to do it every now and again (if not often!), so if you see Porter play live, prepare to let loose …

To record the song Porter once more worked with acclaimed producer Shane Nicholson, and we talked about why she likes working with him – and the other people she enjoys working with: co-writers. 

Porter has a background in karate as well as being a regular yoga practitioner, and these experiences contribute to her holistic approach to artistry, helping her channel her energy and emotions into her music. 

Shortly Porter will be playing at the Gympie Music Muster and she’s also already announced her show for the 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Upcoming show details can be found below, and no doubt once you see/hear Porter talking about her music, and about creativity and life in general, you’ll want to get along to enjoy the full-body and full-bodied experience of seeing her live.

Thursday 22nd August – _Gympie Music Muster – _Amaoor Creek, QLD 

Sunday 15th September – _Junkyard – _Newcastle, NSW (w/ Clint Wilson) 

Saturday 21st September – _Frankie Mae - Tweed Heads, NSW 

Sunday 29th September – _Crown Hotel - Grafton, NSW 

Tuesday 23rd January – _Moonshiners Honky Tonk - Tamworth, NSW

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Kirsty Lee Akers is the only artist in history to have won three of the major prizes in Australian country music - Toyota Star Maker, Telstra Road to Tamworth, and a Golden Guitar - and she’s done it with a combination of great songs and high-energy live performance. Her most recent album, Wild, took the #1 spot on the ARIA Country chart, it was the fourth  highest-selling country record in 2022 and received two Golden Guitar nominations. Kirsty also launched a new band, Rhinestoned, and she’s performing at the Gympie Music Muster with that band as well as under her own name. Her first Gympie was at the age of 13, when she was in a talent quest, and she’s returned as a performer several times since.

Growing up in a musical family, Akers was immersed in the world of country music from a young age and started performing at the age of three. Her mother and aunts were avid competitors in the local talent quest circuit, and Akers followed in their footsteps. 

This experience of competitions helped her hone her skills as a performer, leading to her winning the Telstra Road to Tamworth at the age of 16. One of the prizes was a trip to Nashville, where Akers began her songwriting life. She’s written many songs since, and returned to Nashville several times. 

In addition to songwriting, singing and performance, Akers has produced her last two albums, Wild and Under My Skin, and there’s no doubt that the knowledge and skills she has been developing since that very early start are the reason why she has accomplished so much.

Moving away from music, Akers and her husband, Jesse, appeared in a season of the popular TV show The Block, and they are now also making music together in the trio Rhinestoned, with the third member being Akers’s longtime guitarist Dan Ebbels.

The story of the formation of Rhinestone is unexpected, as Akers is frank about the reasons behind it, as she is about every facet of her career that we discussed. It’s a long conversation and it could have gone for much longer because she has such a rich career and background that there is a lot to talk about. What came across throughout the interview is her passion for music and her determination to connect with others through music. It is clearly in every fibre of her being, so intrinsic to who she is that she seems to exist almost permanently in creative flow. It was so interesting to talk to her, and I hope you find our chat interesting too.

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Ashleigh Dallas has won five Golden Guitars and that’s because she is an artist of considerable talents as a singer, songwriter and musician. It’s those same talents that see her invited to perform in festivals such as Red Country in the Pilbara, where she’s just visited, and the Gympie Music Muster, which is coming up in late August. She’ll be taking her new single, ‘Love Still Has Something’.

Recorded in her father Brett's studio, ‘Love Still Has Something’ delves into Dallas's experiences with anxiety and depression. While recording the song she tapped into the raw emotions she felt when first writing the song during the pandemic, as she recounted during our recent interview.

‘I really wanted to tap into the heart and the sentiment of these lyrics,’ Dallas says. ‘I remember that feeling when I first finished it, writing it in this home space, and I wanted to capture that in the studio.’ 

The song's layered production, featuring Dallas's evocative fiddle playing, further enhances the emotional depth of the lyrics. 

‘It's really purposely layered because the topic of this song is quite layered, and we, as humans, are layered,’ says Dallas. ‘Young 18-year-old Ash used to say it was about a friend of a friend, whereas now I would look down the barrel and say, “Love Still Has Something” exists because I wasn't okay. I was struggling with my mental health.’ 

This openness has been transformative, fostering deeper connections with her family, partner, and creative team. ‘It's been really great now that I think I'm in a place where it does start conversations with my parents, with my partner, my friends and family, and even my band,’ she says. 

Dallas now nurtures the next generation of country music artists through her involvement with the Academy of Country Music. As both a graduate and now the assistant director, she is passionate about creating a supportive environment where young artists can authentically explore their craft and find their voice. 

‘It's really lovely to be a part of it,’ she reflects. ‘Even though you might be tired and life is busy and you travel and you come in and you go, “Okay, shift gears. And we're here now.” It's just really refreshing being around that energy.’ 

Dallas herself has a knack of reinvigorating her audiences, bringing her whole heart and considerable skills to her performances, as she will at the Muster from 22 to 25 August.

For more about Ashleigh Dallas: https://ashleighdallas.com.au/

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Brad Butcher is a two-time Golden Guitar winner from the central Queensland coast who has released five albums – the latest being East of Everything – and one compilation, Storyteller. He writes with clarity and insight about life and love and family, and has a habit of creating unforgettable songs. He’s about to take some of those songs to the Gympie Music Muster in late August.

In this interview Butcher reflects on his early days as a ‘green, naive songwriter’, and shares how he found his storytelling voice and developed his singing voice. Since he’s been studying a Bachelor of Music, Butcher has embraced the creative potential of technology which has also allowed him to refine his approach, giving him greater control and flexibility. 

In East of Everything, Butcher decided that instead of making a ‘sad sack album’ he would instead focus on positivity, because, as he says, ‘the future’s bright’. The album is, accordingly, expansive in scope and uplifting in outlook (read my review here).

After first appearing at the Gympie Music Muster in 2013, Butcher prepares to return to the Amanpoor State Forest for this year’s festival, which runs from 22 to 25 August, where he will reconnect with old fans who have long appreciated his craft and his way of connecting with them, and no doubt to make new ones who will discover that his songs have knack of getting a hook in you and never letting go.

In addition to his live performances and degree studies, Butcher is recording new material, soon to give us more of the songs that are all about ‘conversations and complications’ (listen to the interview for that discussion!).

For more about Brad Butcher: https://bradbutcher.com/

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Helen Townsend is an artist from Fremantle in Western Australia whose music is a fusion of roots-rock, blues, country, and folk. With her band the Wayward Hearts she’s on tour in New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria throughout August and September, with her new album, Take It or Leave It, released on 2 August.

Townsend's musical life began at the age of 40, although she had long been keeping a journal and writing poetry. Songwriting came as a natural evolution, and Townsend’s songs reflect her personal experiences as well as seeking to understand or assist others.

It became clear during our conversation that Townsend is deeply connected to and appreciative of her musical community. Take It or Leave It is the result of collaborations with other songwriters – although most songs were written by Townsend alone – and the musicians in the Wayward Hearts. Townsend takes none of it for granted and although she says she’s a ‘love junkie’ she seems more like a heart, soul and truth seeker, and this is what she brings to her songs.

See Helen Townsend and the Wayward Hearts live:

Saturday, 3 August | Gasoline Pony, Marrickville *

Saturday, 3 August | The Merton Hotel, Rozelle *

Sunday, 4 August | The Camden Hotel, Camden

Wednesday, 7 August | The Midnight Special (duo show), Newtown *

Saturday, 10 August | Wild West Weekender, Burlington Hotel, Bunbury, WA

Thursday, 15 August | Freo Social, Fremantle, WA

Saturday, 17 August | Coolgardie Rodeo, Coolgardie, WA

Friday, 6 September | The River Hotel, Margaret River, WA

Saturday, 7 September | Nannup Brewery, Nannup, WA *

Friday, 13 September | The Eastern Hotel, Ballarat, Vic

Saturday, 14 September | The Gem, Collingwood, Vic *

Sunday, 15 September | The Lomond Hotel, Brunswick, Vic

*Free entry

For more on Helen Townsend: https://helentownsendmusic.com/

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Born and raised in Gympie in Queensland, Linc Phelps released his debut EP in 2022 and since then the single ‘Sing a Little Louder’, which came out earlier this year. His latest single is ‘Hundred Percent’.

Growing up Phelps was immersed in the music of Australian artists such as Graeme Connors, John Williamson, and Colin Buchanan, then subsequently gravitated towards American country stars like Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Clint Black, and Diamond Rio. He picked up guitar at ten years of age and by fourteen was playing local gigs, adding talent quests and Camerata (as the Junior Academy of Country Music was called at the time), where he studied alongside Ashleigh Dallas, amongst others.

While he began as a solo songwriter, recently Phelps has embraced co-writing, with fruitful results – he wrote ‘Hundred Percent’ with Gavin Carfoot, one of several they’ve created together. Phelps says that the song represents a reminder to keep chasing your passion and giving it your all, even when times get tough. Certainly he has committed himself to chasing his passion for music, with an album on the horizon.

Phelps will be appearing at this year’s Gympie Music Muster on 22 August, and it’s far from being his first appearance, as he started competing in the Muster talent quest around the age of eleven. He’ll also be playing at Oodies in Bundaberg on 7 November.

For more about Linc Phelps: https://www.lincphelps.com/

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Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and raised on the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand, Holly Arrowsmith released the album A Dawn to Remember in 2018. She has won several awards for her songwriting, including most recently the APRA Amcos NZ Country Song of the Year for ‘Desert Dove’, which is a single from her sublime new album Blue Dreams, which was released on 26 July.

Our wide-ranging conversation covered Arrowsmith’s songwriting process, musical influences and touring. She shared insightful perspectives on crafting personal yet universal songs, the importance of connection through music, and finding inspiration in poetry and the natural world. We also discussed specific tracks from Blue Dreams, including ‘Something Small’ and ‘Womb of Venus’, as well as ‘Neon Bright’, which she has described as a danceable song about depression.

Arrowsmith is frank about the experiences that have led to the creation of particular songs, and it is clear from our conversation as well as her music just how thoughtful and insightful a songwriter she is, quite apart from being a wonderful singer who delivers her lyrics straight to the heart of the listener.

Arrowsmith has shared stages with CW Stoneking, Marlon Williams and Tami Neilson, and performed at SXSW in 2020, and she’s headlining her own tour in Australia and New Zealand in support of Blue Dreams. The album is available on vinyl and CD, as well as on streaming platforms

ALL TICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS LINK: https://linktr.ee/holly_arrowsmith

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AUSTRALIA

17 August - Castlemaine, VIC - the Taproom

18 - August - Melbourne, VIC Wesley Anne

AOTEAROA

12 October - Christchurch, Saint Michael and All Angels with Jessie Shanks

27 October - Wellington, Meow with Michaela Tempers 

2 November - Auckland, Tuning Fork with Arahi 

3 November - Waiheke Island, Artworks Theatre with Marmalade

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Jen Mize is a singer, a songwriter, a producer, a mentor and a great collaborator, having created music with her band The Rough N’ Tumble as well as writing songs with other artists in addition to releasing solo music. Her latest solo song is ‘My Buzz’.

‘I wrote “My Buzz” after realising I can sometimes be a total Debbie Downer when I'm talking to people,' says Mize. ;The song calls me out for always wanting to discuss depressing things instead of just having fun.’

This interview is a long one but here’s the thing: Mize is funny and smart and thoughtful and one doesn’t rush through a chat with a person like that, because as soon as she’s offered one nugget of gold it’s reasonable to expect another one. That’s because Mize’s energy is expansive as well as inclusive, so it never feels like there won’t be gold. And that’s also how she creates music, with that voice that expands to fill spaces in your heart and mind, while wrapping itself around you at the same time. 

That expansiveness also takes in other artists: at the time we spoke, Mize was not long returned from The Song Muster in Gympie, where she taught songwriting and practised collaboration, as is her wont.

‘I focus on writing new songs, recording a lot, and collaborating with other inspiring artists,’ explains Mize. ‘That keeps me energised and in a musical zone.’

We talked about that, about her band The Rough n’ Tumble, and about her first tattoo. So settle in and enjoy listening to Jen Mize just as much as I did.

For more about Jen Mize: https://www.jenmizemusic.com/

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Nathan May has been a musician since childhood and over the past couple of years has been releasing singles such as ‘Fix It Up’ and ‘It’s Gotta Start Somewhere’ that showcase his wonderful voice as well as his storytelling. In 2019 he won the award for Young Aboriginal Artist of Year in 2019 and in 2022 he won the Creative Young Achiever.

May’s latest single is ‘Love From Me’, which tells the story of his great-grandparents – his great-grandfather arrived in Australia from England to work on the Ghan railway line and met his great-grandmother, an Arabana woman from Marree in South Australia. They went on to have 13 children at a time when their relationship faced, as May says in our recent interview, judgement from both sides. 

The song was written with beloved singer-songwriter Kevin Bennett and features a guitar solo from the great Troy Cassar-Daley. It was produced by James Gillard, who has worked with May on all of his singles. 

In the interview May talks about the story behind the song as well as his experience of co-writing and how his perspective on it has changed – he used to be, he says, protective of his music and unsure of how collaboration would turn out, but now he loves working that way and just wants to do more of it. 

That shift says much about how May opens himself up to new experiences and ways of telling his stories, and is no doubt part of why he’s found himself touring Europe lately and also performing in Hawaii. If you’re heading to the Gympie Music Muster between 22 and 25 August you’ll be able to see him there.

For more about Nathan May: https://linktr.ee/nathanmaymusic

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Patsy and Dave are Patsy Doop and Dave Baird and they used to be known as The Long and the Short of It. Their 15-year collaboration – writing, recording performing music together – has resulted in albums, the latest of which was Midnight Choir. As Patsy and Dave they have a brand new single, ‘Dream Vacation’.

They first met by chance at a local tavern where Patsy was impressed by Dave's singing voice and asked him to sing a spur-of-the-moment duet. The experience made them realise their musical chemistry, which led them to start writing songs together.  

These days, Patsy and Dave split their time between touring and working in their personal recording studio built with the help of producer Kenny Royster. 

In our recent chat, Patsy and Dave talked about their creative process, their new album set for release in September, the story behind ‘Dream Vacation’ and the music video that accompanies it, as well as their busy performing schedule. It is clear that after 15 years the duo is stronger than ever, with their new name and new music to go with it, their clear passion for what they do matched by their drive and dedication.

For more about Patsy & Dave: https://patsyanddave.com.au/

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Li

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Courtney Keil released her debut album The Good Kind last year and since then the singles ‘All About You’, ‘Nothin’ Like a Sure Bet’ and her latest, ‘Worn In’, which she recorded with Gina Jeffreys. From her first single, 'I Just Wanna Hold You', Keil has marked herself as an engaging country-pop artist with a knack for creating memorable songs, and 'the latest is no'Worn In' is no different. 

Courtney first met Jeffreys and her husband, producer Rod McCormack, in early 2020, right before the pandemic hit. She connected instantly with Jeffreys and McCormack went on to produce The Good Kind. Now they've all worked together again on 'Worn In'.

‘Worn In’ was written by Keil with her regular collaborators Sam Gay and Templeton Thompson. It wasn’t written as a duet but Keil has said that, ‘The more I came back to the song, I couldn't help but hear a strong female duet voice on it. The beautiful Gina Jeffreys, who of course is my mentor and dear friend agreed to collaborate with me on the track.’

In addition to writing and performing, Keil teaches singing at Jeffreys’s music academy, where she works with aspiring vocalists of all ages and skill levels. And on a personal note, Keil recently became engaged to during a sweet surprise proposal, and is also looking forward to welcoming a Golden Retriever puppy. 

We spoke about the meaning behind ‘Worn In’, about Keil’s decision to go all-in with music in 2020, as well her personal news and upcoming performance at the Gympie Music Muster on 22 August as well as her own headline show at Gosford RSL (NSW) on 20 September.

For more about Courtney Keil: https://www.courtneykeil.com/

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Kayla Mahon is a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, music teacher and nurse from the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand who has released music in the duo The Heartleys and as a solo artist she’s been releasing singles steadily since last year, including 'Love's Got a Witness' and 'Little Man'. She now has an album - her first solo record - called Right on the Money.

The creation and release of the album are the fulfilment of Mahon’s lifelong dream of releasing original music that authentically represents her artistry. Right on the Money showcase's Mahon’s songwriting skills across a range of styles, from traditional country to rock-infused country anthems. 

In conversation Mahon is as authentic and heartfelt as her songs, and our conversation covered her motivation to return to music after taking time to focus on motherhood; how teaching music and mentoring other artists of all ages keeps her engaged with the local music community; the very personal stories behind emotional tracks like ‘Angels Biding Time’ and ‘Home on the Vinyl’; balancing music aspirations with family life and her nursing career, and her goals to perform the new album live as much as possible and reach new audiences. 

For more on Kayla Mahon: https://www.kaylamahon.com/

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Sam Snape is a singer and songwriter from the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. He grew up immersed in country music and learned to play guitar by ear at a young age. Although his musical journey has had starts and stops, over the past six years Snape has been performing at various venues and events in his home area, and earlier this year he appeared on Australian Idol.

During the course of our conversation Snape talked about the influence of his cousin Anthony on his music career, including co-writing and introducing Snape to his producer, Michael Carpenter. The collaborations led to the release of Snape’s first single, ‘My Country Song’, and his latest, ‘Old Dog, Old Ute, Old Hat’.

In between writing, recording and performing, Snape works on a family property and raises four young children with his wife. Although work and family life keep him well occupied, it’s clear that he is determined to keep making time for music, influenced by the music he grew up with and which, as he said, was about his life. In turn he makes songs that capture real life, just as ‘Old Dog, Old Ute, Old Hat’ does.

For more about Sam Snape: https://www.facebook.com/samsnapeartist/

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In releasing 'I'm Calling Shotgun', his third anthemic country-pop single - with its video clip garnering thousands of views in a short space of time - Wagga Wagga (NSW) artist Nathan Lamont continues the rise he started with his debut single, 'Drink You Up’, last year.

'Drink You Up' it was hardly the work of a beginner but of an artist who had taken his time to develop the sound he wanted and to figure out the stories he wanted to tell with his music. Not long afterwards he was in the Toyota Star Maker Grand Final and releasing his second single, 'Skin to Skin'. 

The three singles show what a phenomenal singer Lamont is, as anyone who has seen him live can also attest, but the vocal chops would mean little if he didn't have the songs to go with them. In this interview about 'I'm Calling Shotgun' we talk about his writing process for the song as well as his philosophy in general about his music, and because he's willing to delve into the nitty-gritty of making a song it's a chance to talk about the end-to-end vision he has for each song so that it can reach audiences as he intends and as they need.

We also talk about Lamont's collaboration with Robbie Mortimer on other songs and with Jeremy Minett on the clip for 'I'm Calling Shotgun', as well as his upcoming hometown show at Tilly's in Wagga on 12 July - ticketshere.

For more on Nathan Lamont: https://linktr.ee/nathanlamontofficial

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Eloise Rayner is a singer and songwriter from Sydney who last year released the song ‘Fallin’ for a Cowboy’with Zara Lindeman after the pair met at the Academy of Country Music. Rayner now has a single of her own and on her own to release, ‘Can You Still Feel Me Loving You?’.

During our recent interview Rayner revealed that she first thought up the initial melody and chorus lyrics for her new song during a dream - and that she has a habit of dreaming snippets of songs which she wakes up and records in her phone. Rayner took the song to producer Simon Johnson, who also produced 'her previous hit collaboration 'Fallin' for a Cowboy'.

Although this is Rayner's first solo single, she has been actively writing for a while, participating in Gina Jeffreys's weekly writing co-sessions which include Kylie Gale (who I called Kylie Ryan - sorry, Kylie!) and Max Jackson. She's also received vocal coaching from Lyn Bowtell, the Director of the Academy. 

Rayner's dedication to developing herself as a singer and songwriter while staying true to the music that shaped her - including that of Missy Higgins and Kasey Chambers - has resulted in a mature, emotional song in 'Can You Still Feel Me Loving You?' and indicates that there will be more rich music to come from this rising star.

During the interview Rayner mentions a Spotify playlist she has created, 'songs that stole my heart' - it's a great playlist and you can find it here.

For more about Eloise Rayner: https://linktr.ee/eloiserayner

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Michael Waugh is an award-winning singer and songwriter from Victoria who has released four albums since 2015, the last being The Cast. Since then Michael has been releasing outstanding singles, including ‘We Are Here’ and ‘Fix Me’. The latest single is the title track to his new album, Beauty & Truth, which absolutely lives up to its title.

In this in-depth conversation Waugh traces the arc of creating the album from the first track, ‘We Are Here’, to the last, ‘To Be Alive’, and talks about working with his longtime producer, Shane Nicholson, to bring both the beauty and the truth of his work to audiences.

The songs on the album document Waugh’s determination to be truthful to himself as well as the love story that was unfolding around the time it is written. Waugh has always written from the heart, and sought to unearth and examine what it means to be human, and never more poignantly than on Beauty & Truth.Part of his humanity - and humanity in general - is the role of art, of music in his case, and there is a lot on this album about music as well.

For more about Michael Waugh: https://www.michaelwaugh.com.au/

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Ruby Jane is a singer and songwriter originally from Victoria, now resident in Queensland, who started singing at a young age and taught herself to play guitar during lockdown in 2020. She also holds a Diploma of Music and Certificate III in Music Performance. 

Ruby is a graduate of the Academy of Country Music and has released several songs over the past few months. The latest single, ‘Hoot N’ Holler’, was written with Jen Mize at the Song Muster - part of the Gympie Muster - and later recorded in Pomona in Queensland. The recording was a high-energy session that is reflected in the way the song turned out, as well as in the video - which led to the artists getting matching tattoos!

Ruby was delightful to interview and she is just getting started with her music, with plenty more songs written and waiting for the opportunity to record. In the meantime she’ll focus on playing live and immersing herself in music as much as she can. 

For more about Ruby Jane: https://www.rubyjanemusic.com/

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The Smith & Western Jury is an alt-country duo from Melbourne with members Sam Lombardi and Simon Torcasio. They formed in 2018 and since then have been releasing singles, and are now releasing their impressive debut album, Hotel Texas. 

Lombardi and Torcasio after years of playing in different bands – Lombardi in pop rock groups and Torcasio in punk bands. After being inspired by a country covers band they saw perform, they decided to combine their talents and form The Smith & Western Jury.

They began writing a number of songs together – especially when Melbourne’s rolling lockdowns meant there was not much else they could do apartfrom write songs – and ultimately decided to properly launch their band and record their debut EP. However, soon afterwards, Lombardi began suffering from debilitating vestibular migraines that caused vertigo, dizziness and other symptoms which made performing very difficult.

The condition does not resolve over time, so Lombardi made the decision to persevere, travelling with Torcasio to, appropriately, Texas to record Hotel Texas, an accomplished, rich and rewarding collection of songs. Although they have enough songs to make several more albums, as I discovered when we spoke.

For more on The Smith & Western Jury: https://thesmithandwesternjury.com/home

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A note on the audio quality: Raechel lives in a country town in New South Wales and noted before the start of recording that her audio may be patchy, as it can be in the bush. While she’s understandable throughout, you will hear some ‘glitchy’ noises in places.

Raechel Whitchurch’s first album, Finally Clear, debuted at #1 in the ARIA Country Music chart and later went on to have Golden Guitar nominations. Her latest album, What a Time to Be Alive, debuted at #4 in the overall ARIA Australian albums chart. As with Finally Clear, it is a tour de force of heartfelt songwriting and wonderful musicality. Since its release Raechel has played launched shows and been to New Zealand with Fanny Lumsden, so there’s been a fair bit going on.

In our interview talked about the deeply personal inspiration behind the album – especially its title track – as well as her songwriting process, managing imposter syndrome, and balancing her music career with motherhood.

The title track holds special meaning for Raechel as she wrote it just months after the death of a child she was carrying. By candidly sharing the grief she felt in the aftermath, she hopes to help others know they aren't alone in difficult times. She wrote the song originally for herself, not intending it to be on the album, but it has gone on to provide other women with the opportunity to tell her their story. We spend a bit of time talking about this song, and about death and how it’s not a comfortable subject, and the impact the song has had. And we talk about the other songs on the album too, one of which was written years ago and reworked for this release.

For more about Raechel Whitchurch: https://www.raechelwhitchurch.com/

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Chloe Styler is a singer and songwriter from south-east Queensland who has developed a unique country-pop sound that features great melodies and often wistful, always thoughtful lyrics about life and love and the choices we make in both. Already this year she has opened for Gladys Knight, Nik Kershaw and Go West, and Shannon Noll, and released the singles ‘Time Bomb’ and ‘Twenty Five’. Her latest single is ‘Read a Room’, which she wrote in Nashville with Lauren McLamb and Phil Barton.

Styler was in Nashville at the time we spoke for this interview. It’s a city she first visited in her teens and wish she dreamed of returning to so she could the very thing she’s been doing there: making music. She made her CMA Fest debut there in 2021, and ‘Read a Room’ was recorded there with producer Luke Wooten, one of three songs she tracked with him.

We talked about that, as well as the visualiser made by Styler’s sister Amy to accompany ‘Read a Room’; about the importance of dress and costume in artistry, Styler’s degrees in journalism and business management, and a few more subjects. The fact that Styler has made her teenage dream a reality is no accident: she has applied herself diligently to becoming a musical artist, and combines her flair for melody and love of language to make memorable country-pop songs that offer earworms for the casual listener and very satisfying, meaningful experiences for the close observer.

For more about Chloe Styler: https://www.chloestyler.com/

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Briana Dinsdale is a singer-songwriter from south-east Queensland who is a recent graduate of the Academy of Country Music and who released her debut album, Beginnings, in 2021. Since then she’s released some irresistible country pop songs, including last year’s ‘Chasing Boys’. 

Dinsdale's latest single is ‘Whiskey Worked That Way’, which she wrote with Robbie Mortimer, Chloe Styler and Jen Mize, and as with all of Dinsdale's songs it seems to head one way but goes into other and that new direction is always welcome. The accompanying music video also doesn't go where you think it will go. 

We talked about both song and video, and how she came to make the song in Nashville with father-and-son team Michael and Caleb Flanders during an intense week of writing and recording. Three tracks came out of those sessions, including the single. 

We also discussed Dinsdale's songwriting process, including how she values collaboration and the way co-writing sessions open her up creatively, and she is as engaging and interesting as ever. She'll be taking 'Whiskey Worked That Way' to stages at Lasso Country Music Festival in July and Gympie Music Muster in August (both in Queensland), accompanied by her band, which includes her sister, Ashlyn. 

For more about Briana Dinsdale: https://brianadinsdale.com/

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Listening to Sweet Talk in 2022 and the single ‘Warm Love’ last year, and I spoke to brothers Tane and Soren Walker about it at that time. 

Since then Sweet Talk have carved up the Tamworth Country Music Festival and played Bluesfest, where Kasey Chambers joined them on stage. They released the single ‘Lovin’ Myself’, a collaboration with Andy Golledge and have a new single of their own, ‘Real Good Cookin’’, which was the subject of this interview with band co-founders Soren Walker and David Turner.

The night before the interview the band had had a particularly creative jam session - they hold these sessions weekly, but this one had produced new music and in speaking about it Turner and Walker show us the strength of the connection and collaboration within the band, and also their own bond which has lasted for a quarter of a century. 

This interview also shows a reason why I love finding out the stories behind musical artists and the music they make: the energy that is in Sweet Talk's music - the ease and groove of it - comes partly from the connection that is clear between these two band members. It's not something that can be manufactured but it is something that can be made through work and consistency and intention, and a listener can hear it in recorded music and see it in the live setting. 

So this talk with Sweet Talk is ostensibly about 'Real Good Cookin'' but it's also about how art is made, and how you can only arrive at trusting in magic happening when you lay the groundwork for it. 

For more about Sweet Talk: https://www.sweettalkmusic.com.au/

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Shanleigh Rose is a singer-songwriter from Queensland's Sunshine Coast who has released several catchy country-pop singles and won the 2023 Gympie Muster Junior Talent Search as well as being a Top 10 Finalist in the Groundwater Country Music Festival KIX Start Competition.

Last year Rose attended the Junior Academy of Country Music and the Dag Sheep Station Songwriting Retreat, and in this interview she talks about both as well as her musical background, influences, songwriting process and that new single 'Ricochet', which she wrote with her brother, Riordan, who brought in references to Greek mythology and also created the cover art. 

Rose has been surrounded by music from a young age and lives in a musical household; influenced by Taylor Swift, Kasey Chambers and Troy Cassar-Daley, amongst others, she creates songs with memorable melodies and relatable themes, and knows how to use her lovely singing voice to great effect. We talked about all of that and more [shownotes below if you'd like the shorthand version].

For more on Shanleigh Rose: https://linktr.ee/ShanleighRose

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The first I knew of Andy Golledge was seeing him in the 2019 SBS series Robbie Hood. He had the role of Robbie’s dad and he played guitar and sang, and his music was an integral part of the show, which remains one of my favourite anythings and always will (and it’s still available to stream on SBS). 

At the time I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of Golledge, but research revealed that he hadn’t released recorded music. Thankfully, in early 2020 he released the EP Namoi. But then, of course, everything stopped. 

As I told him in this interview, he was the first artist I saw performing a lockdown show online, and I’ve seen him play in various incarnations since - with his bandmate Caitlin Harnett in an acoustic setting, as well as with his band in toto in different venues. Every time, in whichever way, it has been a standout gig. He is an exceptional live performer, so I relished the opportunity to talk to him about performance and about the tour he’s currently on (dates here), as well as about Robbie Hood.

At a certain point in our chat Golledge said, ‘I think the important thing about live music is danger … I love doing it. And I think more people should implement danger in their music.’

Danger is, indeed, what I had perceived in his performances but what’s so interesting about him as a live performer is that the danger comes within a structure that he has carefully created over the course of years, so what the audience experiences is this sense that anything could happen, and probably will, and he’s completely in charge of it. It’s both thrilling and reassuring at the same time. 

If you go and see Golledge live at one of these shows, you can expect that - and I’ve seen him live enough times to know it’s consistent - and also expect that it will be a show you won’t ever forget. 

Oh, and to establish his pedigree: his first album, Strength of a Queen (2022), won Best Independent Country Album/EP at the AIR Awards 2023 and was also nominated for Best Country Album at the 2022 ARIA Awards and Best Alternative Country Album at the 2023 Golden Guitars. His latest album, Young, Dumb & Wild, was released this year and both consolidates the first album and moves his work along musically. 

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Adam Harvey is the winner of 9 Golden Guitars and untold numbers of fans, with over half a million albums sold across several albums, including The Great Country Songbooks with Troy Cassar-Daley and Beccy Cole, and he will have a new album out later in the year.

In this interview Harvey touches on the story behind his catchy new single ‘It’s Gettin’ Late’, written with hit songwriter David Lee Murphy; it turns out it was inspired by a neighbour who may not have been able to take a hint …

Harvey recalls his first cowriting session with Murphy, when he was nervous at first; the two songwriters then established a fruitful creative relationship over time.  Harvey also talks about upcoming tour dates with longtime collaborator Beccy Cole on the road this June, and touches on connecting with fans, touring life, finding motivation through setting new challenges, supporting emerging talents like his daughter Layla, and simply appreciating his longevity in Australian country music.

For more on Adam Harvey, including tour dates, go to: https://adamharvey.com.au/

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Abigail Wighton is a folk-influenced singer-songwriter from Sydney who released the EP interwoven in 2019. In recent months she has released the singles ‘letter’ and ‘if you let me’ from her new EP soon. She’s also supported Fanny Lumsden at her Sydney show and played in the National Folk Festival.

In our recent interview Wighton talked about her musical journey, from an unlikely start writing songs for the funerals of her pet mice to studying music at university and releasing her debut EP Interwoven in 2019. She also talks about dealing with performance anxiety earlier in her career.  

Wighton’s new EP soon features songs written during her early 20s, including the title track which she first penned in 2018. She explains how returning to these songs several years later to finally record them felt like ‘diving back into old diary pages’ and forced her to reconnect with that period of her musical and personal development. The result is a collection of songs in which Wighton allows herself to be vulnerable and, through that, opens herself up to connection with the listener, all the while letting them know they are in safe hands.

Wighton will be playing a string of EP launch shows starting in June at venues in Sydney, Wollongong, the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands (NSW), and NSW Central West.

For more on Abigail Wighton, including tour dates: https://www.abigailwighton.com.au/

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Tammy Moxon lives in Townsville, Far North Queensland, where she performs live regularly. She released the album Drive Me Sane in 2019 and has been steadily releasing singles leading up to her latest album, Fighting Chance, which was recorded with producer Shane Nicholson in just three days, in and around lockdown travel restrictions. 

As on Drive Me Sane, Moxon shows herself to be a thoughtful songwriter who is prepared to be vulnerable not to unburden herself but to share something with the listener. There is so much heart in these songs and in Moxon's performance of them. 

Moxon got an early start in music, participating in competitions from the age of 8, and her father was her vocal coach from around the same age - he is also now her co-writer, having contributed to two songs on Fighting Chance, including 'Barfly Blues', on which Bill Chambers contributes vocals. 

In our recent interview Moxon talks about her progression as a songwriter and artist from Drive Me Sane and about why she enjoys making albums rather than releasing singles only; we chatted about the thriving live music scene in Townsville, and how she maintains her packed schedule of gigs. 

For more about Tammy Moxon: https://www.tammymoxon.com/

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**Mild language warning**

Brooke Taylor is an alt-country singer, songwriter and guitarist from Melbourne who released her debut album It’s the Little Things in 2020. Her second album, There’s Magic in Mistakes, is not long out in the world. It is by turns pragmatic and joyful, wry and compassionate, and at its core is Taylor's inherent ability to entertain and be present in her music.

As I found out when Taylor and I spoke recently, several songs on the album came together quickly, and others emerged more organically through experimentation. And not all songs are new: 'A Thousand Kisses' predates It's the Little Things. Taylor worked with producer Damian Cafarella, who also produced her first album, and her band The Poison Spitting Gin Queens.

We also talked about her new project The Deserters, in which she collaborates with fellow Melburnian Delsinki, with an album potentially slated for release by end of this year. 

Taylor's vim, vigour and verve were as evident in our conversation as they are on her album; she is a creative force surely making magic, whether it's from mistakes or simply from embracing music as her path and conjuring as she goes along it.

For more about Brooke Taylor: https://www.brooketaylormusic.com.au/

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Mak & Shar are brothers from Mudgee in New South Wales who released their debut single together in 2022 - but this was far from their first release as they were members of the band Brothers3 and as such played 12 Tamworth Country Music Festivals and appeared on X Factor in 2016. They released the single ‘Leap of Faith’ earlier this year and now have a new single, ‘Best Thing’ (watch the music video here).

During our recent interview the brothers talked about their writing and recording process - in which Mak takes the production lead and Shar the writing - and their easy collaborative dynamic was clear. They have been passionate about music since childhood and have not only maintained it but found new ways to create music together through this duo.

For more on Mak & Shar: https://www.makandshar.com/

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released a self-titled EP in 2020 and her debut album, Sticks, Stones and Stories, in 2022. Late last year she released the single ‘Too Far Down’ and her latest single is ‘Can’t Fake That’. 

‘Can’t Fake That’ is Brooke’s tribute to women of the land, with a lighthearted feeling that was achieved by Brooke and her producer, Rusty Crook, by deciding to re-record the song after realising their first version wasn’t quite right. 

Brooke lives on the land and draws inspiration from it; she also makes it clear in our chat that connection with other people is her primary driver in creating music, and this is something she pursues with passion.

We also have a little bit to say about Mercury Retrograde … for those who believe, or not!

For more about Katie Brooke: https://www.katiebrookemusic.com/

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Jayne Denham was nominated for a Golden Guitar in 2022 for her last album, Wanted, and she returns now with Moonshine, which is an irrepressible force of an album that features Jayne’s amazing vocal power.

Whereas Wanted had a spaghetti western theme, Denham chose the Prohibition era as the creative inspiration for Moonshine. Working with her Nashville-based producer Brian White, she carefully selected songs that would not only work individually but contribute to the whole vision of the album. These included a cover of George Strait's 'Poison', as Denham explained when we spoke recently. 

The latest single is the emotional 'Lovin' a Wild Thing', which was originally written for a male vocalist. Vocal collaborators on the album include Colt Ford on the title track and Hurricane Fall on 'Are You Ready for This'. 

The track 'Risk it All' reflects Denham's decision to launch an Australian tour, which she is currently on (tour dates below) - and having seen her live I can see it is a low-risk decision to attend as she is an incredible live performer. We discussed the decisions she makes that feed into the powerful live experience, as well as the making of Moonshine. 

See Jayne Denham live

Jun. 7, 2024 - Freemasons Hotel Molong

Jun. 15, 2024 - Barra & Boots Music Festival Lake Proserpine in the Whitsundays

Jun. 21, 2024 - Moonshiners Tamworth

Jul 5, 2024 - Astor Hotel Goulburn

Jul. 6, 2024 - Oaks Hotel Albion Park Rail

Aug. 23, 2024 - Camden Hotel

Sept. 27, 2024 - Texas QLD Country Music Festival 2024

Oct. 26, 2024 - Mandurah Country Music Festival

For more about Jayne Denham: https://www.jaynedenham.com/

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Melbourne singer and songwriter Jay Santilli has been immersed in music since childhood, listening to classic country artists on the radio growing up, begging her parents for a keyboard at age 10 and learning saxophone then guitar. She formed a band with friends and would go on to take part in such competitions as the (now-defunct) Telstra Road to Tamworth contest. This year she was a Grand Finalist in the Toyota Star Maker competition.

The path to being a musician has not, however, been straightforward – nor has been the pursuit of her other dream, motherhood.

Santilli’s new single ‘Long Way Home’ tells of pursuing dreams even when they seem impossible. It is emotional and inspiring, and Santilli has a lot more on the way this year, with plans to release one single a month. When we spoke recently Santilli’s love for her artform and her generous spirit and open heart were evident, making the chat just as inspiring as the song.

For more about Jay Santilli: https://jaysantilli.com/

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When reviewing Troy Cassar-Daley’s last album, The World Today (2021), I compared him to Orpheus, going to the Underworld in search of his wife, Eurydice, who had been taken there by Hades. But after going into the darkness to find what he was looking for then turning back at the point of rescue only to see Eurydice disappear – as the myth has it – Cassar-Daley as Orpheus turned his face forwards and stepped into the light, as complicated as the path ahead was.

‘Troy Cassar-Daley has long been a beacon in our culture,’ I wrote then, ‘for his songs and the way he delivers them. With this album he takes on not mythic status, because he’s still with us, but he becomes, perhaps, a warrior for the people. Out of his darkness we can find light, and the only thing left to say to him is “thank you”.’

That album remains as one of its creator’s very best, and a classic by many measures. It seemed unlikely that he could better it, for how would he find a deeper well to draw on, how much further could he go into the darkness and, to balance, how much light would he discover on his return? The answer has arrived in the form of his new album, Between the Fires, which is an epic work of love, loss, water, fire and smoke, of country and connection, written almost entirely by Cassar-Daley alone in the wake of the death of his mother, then recorded in her home. 

The depth of Cassar-Daley’s sorrow is soaked into this album, as is his resolution to find light once again. He growls, he rails, he ponders the past and looks to construct a future that may not have included his wife, Laurel, as they went through a separation around the same time, which is also part of the fabric of this album. Most of all, though, he pays tribute to his mother, and we are shown – more than we are told – how much of a man she helped to make him. For the work done there is his too, and the unforgettable resolution of the album, ‘Moving On’, is his alone. 

There is a verse in the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, a revealed text of Kashmir Shaivism, that goes: 

Live continuously for a few days in the meditation,

‘I am immersed in the flame, 

The flame of life, the flame of love, the flame of time.

The universal fire flows through me.’

Step into that fire fully, wholeheartedly, 

Starting with the toe of the left foot – 

And then surrendering everywhere.

Only the not-self, which doesn’t exist anyway,

Is burned.

(Verse 29, translation by Lorin Roche)

Between the Fires documents Troy Cassar-Daley’s burning of the not-self and consequent revelation of the self. Through the fire of grief and change we are able to see the man as he is now and was always meant to be. There is so much bravery required to step into this flame and to go on afterwards, let alone present what remains to the world.

For more about Troy Cassar-Daley: https://troycassardaley.com.au/

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Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits are a Melbourne duo who released their debut album, Southlands, in 2017 and have just released their latest album, the gloriously entertaining and thought-provoking Say What You Mean. 

The longtime friends and collaborators started their performing life in punk bands over a decade ago in their hometown of Adelaide before forming Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits, with Hana on vocals and Jessie-Lee on guitar, in 2014. The catalyst was a batch of country-tinged songs written by Hana. Jessie-Lee helped flesh out arrangements, and they then played a month-long residency at Adelaide's Crown & Anchor Hotel to cement the new formation.

Over the next few years, Hana and Jessie-Lee continued evolving their sound while playing live extensively. It was the isolation of pandemic lockdowns that inspired Hana to write a new collection of songs which have now become Say What You Mean.

In this interview we talked about their creative collaboration, their musical influences and songwriting process – and what bad habits might have prompted the band name.

For more about Hana & Jessie-Lee's Bad Habits: https://hanaandjessielee.com/

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Tori Forsyth released her Golden Guitar-nominated debut album Dawn of the Dark in 2018 then followed it up with rock album Provlépseis in 2021. She now has a new country music album, All We Have is Who We Are.

The album was created after Forsyth decided that if she didn’t love the process of making music, she’d walk away. Around the same time the pandemic led to her once more living on the land, where she found herself grounded, both literally and creatively. The combination freed her to make an album that not only allowed her to tap back into the joy that initially drew her to music but which sounds like it. 

On All We Have is Who We Are Forsyth is by turns earthy and ethereal, wild and circumspect, thoughtful and unconstrained. The album is a story arc that documents how she arrived at where she is - how all she has is who she is. And our conversation about it was as rich, interesting and inspiring as the album itself.

Forsyth has some live dates coming up, and having seen her place a showcase in Sydney last year I can attest that she is very much worth seeing live.

MAY 17 SYDNEY - THE VANGUARD - Tickets

w. Chloe Gill, Piper Butcher

MAY 18 NEWCASTLE - STAG AND HUNTER - Tickets

w. Chloe Gill 

MAY 23 MELBOURNE - THE TOTE - Tickets

w. Jay Santilli

MAY 26 SUNSHINE COAST - SOL BAR - Tickets

w. Piper Rodrigues and Tyla Piper Rodrigues

For more about Tori Forsyth: https://www.toriforsyth.com/

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The Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields project falls into the category of ‘high risk’: two artists with solo careers that have seen them win audiences, acclaim and awards, with potentially nothing to gain from a collaboration. After all, if something ain’t broke, why fix it?

What they have fixed on, though, is interesting and compelling work that draws on their individual talents and strengths to make something new and different to what they have created individually. What was apparent on their singles ‘Your Heart of Gold’,  ‘Love Ya Like I Can’ and ‘No Trace’ is now evident on their album, I Remember You: they have brought their talents and strengths as artists and openness – vulnerabilities, if you prefer – as individuals and created something unique, rich and stunning. 

The collaboration has required them both to set aside any expectations they have for their solo work and start afresh with each other. It could only have worked if they did not demand any more of the other than they demanded of themselves. The proof is in the ten tracks on the album, each different to each other just as Joe Gow and Fields are different to each other, but united in the common cause of telling a story of life, loss and love, of what home means and where to find it. 

Throughout these songs the duo also provide proof, over and over again, that for as much as they have great strengths as songwriters they are also extraordinary singers. Listen no further than to Joe Gow on ‘Carry On’ and Fields on ‘Here I’ll Be’ for that proof, but you’ll want to listen to it all, over and over again, and find yourself entranced.

So, in the end, this high-risk project is, in fact, high-risk and high-reward – the reward being for them as the creators and us as the listeners. And I spoke to them both about the project in this interview. 

https://mattjoegowmusic.com/

https://www.kerrynfields.com/

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Jade Gibson is a singer and songwriter from Victoria who was a Grand Finalist in Toyota Star Maker in 2022 and has played at several large festivals. In 2019 her debut EP The Great Unknown went to number 1 on the iTunes Country chart and she has released several successful singles since. Her brand new single is ‘Down the Road’.

The song holds special meaning for Gibson as it's her first song inspired by her partner of five years, whom she met when she was 21 even though they grew up 20 minutes apart in regional Victoria. The song captures a feeling of love coming when you least expect it, and was recorded with Melbourne production duo MSquared, who she has worked closely with over the past two years. The music video was made by Jake Davey and features Home and Away star Kyle Shilling. 

Gibson has been a performer from a young age, playing local pubs and rodeos at 14 before getting discovered at a small gig and being asked to play B&S balls. She also spent time in Nashville before returning to Australia at the start of the pandemic. Gibson is an astute artist who is constantly working on her craft, and it was a pleasure to talk to her about all of this and more.

For more information on Jade Gibson: https://jadegibson.com/

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Kylie Gale is a singer-songwriter from New South Wales who released the EP Upside in 2021. While working as a teacher and raising four children, Gale has carved out time to nurture her songwriting craft. This dedication led to the 2021 release of her debut EP Upside. 

Gale’s musical talents first emerged in primary school, where she began guitar lessons. However, it wasn’t until high school when her music teacher encouraged her to take voice lessons that she discovered her love of singing. As her children have grown up, Gale has been able to invest more time into songwriting. 

Her latest single is the deeply personal single ‘Nobody Knows Me Like You Do’, written with in-demand co-writer Billie-Jo Porter and recorded with producer Simon Johnson at Hillbilly Hut. The song explores the understanding and support Gale shares with her husband of 22 years. And Gale has plans to release more singles leading up to a full album in 2024.

During our recent chat Gale’s passion for and perseverance in music while balancing life’s other responsibilities were clear – and inspirational as we spoke about her musical influences, creative process, and hopes for the future.

For more information on Kylie Gale: https://www.kyliegale.com/

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Rebecca Jane Howell and Marty Mckenna are friends from Central Victoria who have been singing together for over a decade. Rebecca honed her instinct for harmony through years spent in the Australian Girls Choir and Marty grew up singing to the sheep on his family farm, with his dad, where he still tends the flock to this day.

As Valley Road the duo released their wonderful self-titled debut album towards the end of last year. It was produced by Rod McCormack after Valley Road were awarded the Troubadour Foundation prize.

Whether live or recorded, Howell and Mckenna have a synergy as writers and performers in a partnership of true equals. Each knows how to support each other in song, and accordingly bring out the best in each other. The result is songs that are elegant, nuanced and strong, covering the whole of life from birth to death, and love for the natural world.

For more information about Valley Road: https://valleyroadduo.com.au/

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Known for her powerful vocals and catchy melodies, Cassidy-Rae recently returned to Australian shores after a stint performing four-hour shows on cruise ships - shows at which she had her own fangirls. She's also very much a fangirl of other artists, so she is perfectly qualified to write and release her latest single, 'Fangirl'. 

During our recent interview, Cassidy-Rae offers a glimpse into her high-energy performances and the immersive nature of her shows as well as her creative process, which includes collaborating with producers MSquared in Melbourne to make 'Fangirl' and her other recent single, 'One More Song'. 

Looking ahead, Cassidy-Rae previews plans to launch a national tour in Australia and promises that there are more new tunes coming down the pipeline. 

For more about Cassidy-Rae: https://cassidy-rae.com/

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Emma Donovan is well known to Australian audiences from her bands Emma Donovan and The Putbacks (which I managed to call The Pushbacks in the introduction to this interview) as well as the Stiff Gins, and from the Black Arm Band. Her music ranges from soul to reggae to R&B and gospel, yet country music has been there from the start and she now has a new country album, Til My Song is Done. The album is broad in scope, and underscored by love and change. Donovan's voice is a wonder, piercing the heart of any listener.

Donovan has been singing since childhood, influenced by country artists like Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton. Her grandparents would bring cassettes when they visited, instilling in Donovan a love of classic country that stays with her. Her mother and five uncles performed together, and - as I found out during our recent chat - Donovan has quite the history of childhood talent quests ... 

For more about Emma Donovan, including upcoming live dates: https://www.emmadonovan.com/

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Brisbane-based singer-songwriter Jacob Vincent has just released his new single 'What Would I Say', just in time for Anzac Day, and the first single from his upcoming debut album, produced by Shane Nicholson and due for release in 2025. The song had its genesis at the DAG Songwriting Retreat in Nundle, NSW, where Vincent met poet Colin Defries. It pays tribute to diggers and their service, with a new take on this subject. 

Vincent grew up in a musical family in Tasmania - with his grandfather a member of The Singing Kettles - and developed a passion for songwriting and performing from a young age. He released his debut EP, Cold & Blue, in 2020. In 2022 he was crowned Best of the Buskers at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and last year he was a Grand Finalist in the prestigious Toyota Star Maker competition. This year he returned to play a sold-out show with Kelly Cork at The Press. 

We talked about Vincent’s family background, and his years as a competitive swimmer and how that might have had an impact on his development as an artist. Vincent is a thoughtful and articulate with songs to match and a voice that brings his powerful stories to life.

For more on Jacob Vincent: https://www.instagram.com/jacob_vincent/

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Piper Rodrigues started 2024 as a Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist, in the wake of releasing her popular 2023 single 'Exit Wound'. Originally from Newcastle, NSW, she now calls Brisbane home and her latest single is 'Watch Your Step', co-written with Hayley Marsten.

Rodrigues was bitten by the music bug early on, taking singing lessons from age 7 and performing for her mother's hair salon clients as a child. She wrote her first song at age 13 and really hit her stride at 15 when she started teaching herself guitar and writing prolifically. Early influences included country legends like Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift as well as artists like Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Nicks.

During our recent chat Rodrigues shared funny stories from her life that inspired the lighthearted vibe of 'Watch Your Step', as well as tidbits about her creative process, organising gigs, and her dreams for the future. 

Fans can catch Piper live playing festivals like Texas Country Music Fest later this year. She gave us a sneak preview that even more new music is on the horizon as she prepares to record again soon and continue evolving her signature country/pop fusion sound. 

For more about Piper Rodrigues: linktr.ee/hiheyitspiper

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Bud Rokesky is a singer and songwriter from Queensland who released his wonderful debut album, Outsider, last year. Since then he’s been on the road quite a bit, playing support slots for C.W. Stoneking, Deacon Blue, Meg Washington, Tim Rogers and Matt Corby as well as appearing at Gympie Music Muster, Woodford, Dashville Skyline, Groundwater, Queenscliff Music Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, and Out On The Weekend. 

As powerful as Rokesky is on recordings, he is a live performer of rare impact, and a big part of that is his voice, which emerges from a deeper well when he's on stage. It is live performance that has motivated a shift in direction for his releases this year: the 'Volumes project', for which he's releasing two new songs a month, as an A side and a B side. The latest volume is 02 and the tracks are ‘Newtown’ and ‘Oars’.

Bud Rokesky is on the road supporting Brad Cox over the next few months. Find the tour dates at: https://www.budrokesky.com/live 

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Chloe Swannell is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Oberon in the central west of New South Wales who released her first single, ‘Strange Love’, last year. She has just released her second, ‘Unchained’.

In our recent interview Swannell tells the story behind 'Unchained' and talks about working with producer Tarquin Halls-Corbett, her songwriting process, her musical background - she plays guitar, bass, drums and banjo - and teaching music for ten years. She also reveals which sort of tradie she is on the side ... and talks about her planned EP release. 

For more about Chloe Swannell: https://www.facebook.com/ChloeSwannellMusic/

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Josie is a country music dynamo from Far North Queensland who kicked off the year with a busy Tamworth Country Music Festival. She has released the very popular singles ‘Down Here’ and ‘Freight Man’. Her latest single is ‘Our Place’.

'If anyone has been to a party at my parents' place, you’d know we don’t muck around when it comes to having a bit of fun, cooking up mean feeds, and letting your hair down no matter the occasion,' says Josie. 

'Dad cookin’ up a storm is no word of a lie,' she says, referring to a line in the song, 'briskets and top notch bush snags galore. Mum is always cranking the tunes maybe a little too loud … and the whole family would just about invite every man and his dog out for a cheeky beer that would always turn into 2am campfire jam sessions surrounded by empties.'

Josie and I had a chat about 'Our Place', as well as the success of 'Freight Man', the time she stirred up controversy amongst truckers, and what she has planned.

For more about Josie: https://linktr.ee/josieofficiall

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Jemma Beech is a singer-songwriter from New South Wales who has released the album That’s Just Me along with several cracking singles, including ‘You Fool’ and ‘If I Can’t Wear Boots’. She was also a Grand Finalist in this year's Toyota Star Maker competition.

Beech's latest single is ‘Four Leaf Clover’, which was inspired by a trip she made to her ancestral homeland, Ireland. Surrounded by music and stories, Beech was inspired to create a song that signals a shift in direction from her previous releases, and which has also led to her wanting to return. She is full of vigour and passion for her craft and keen to see where her music takes her - and her audience.

For more about Jemma Beech: https://www.jemmabeechmusic.com/

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Olive Mae is a folk/country singer-songwriter from the south-west of Western Australia who released her debut single, ‘Give Me Something’, in 2022. Last year she released the single 'Hit the Road' and her latest single is ‘Wait & See’ - both of them will appear on her EP due for release later this year. 

Mae has been a musician for most of her life, learning instruments from a young age and playing in a band in adulthood before taking a break to raise her children. She's now back writing and releasing music, and playing music - including up and down the east coast of Australia over the past few months, culminating in her first visit to the Tamworth Country Music Festival. We had a chat about all of that. 

For more about Olive Mae: linktr.ee/olivemaemusic

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Sara Storer has won 22 Golden Guitar awards, her most recent being this year for the song ‘Dust Kids’ released with her brother Greg as Storer, from their self-titled album. On her own Storer has released five studio albums, all of which have been fan and award favourites. Her brand new song is ‘Under Darwin Stars’ and Sara is working towards a new album.

Storer is far too young to be called a legend yet there is something legendary about her songwriting and her success with it. The qualities that she brings to her music are also present when she is interviewed: she is present, real, open-hearted, funny, down-to-earth and pragmatic. They're some of the reasons why it's always a treat to interview her; some of the others are that she tells great stories, is effortlessly interesting and entertaining, and that it is always, and always will be, a privilege to talk to an artist this accomplished and esteemed.

For more about Sara Storer: https://www.sarastorer.com.au/

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Robbie Mortimer grew up in the central west of New South Wales as one of five brothers in a sporting family. He would go on to be a professional sportsman before returning to his home area and becoming a teacher and mentor, all while creating music. His first album, the pop-leaning 200 Years Too Late, was released in 2021. He has a brand new song, ‘Blow the Speakers’, and it’s as hi-octane as it sounds.

Mortimer and producer Jared Adlam captured the energy of Mortimer's live sound in the song, and if you'd like to see Mortimer live you can see the dates below. Mortimer and I had a chat recently about his development as a songwriter and artist, his passion for live performance and his plans for the future.

See Robbie Mortimer live:

Friday 5th April - Way Out West Festival - Winton, QLD

Saturday 20th April - Stock Route Festival - Dubbo, NSW

Sunday 28th April - Carnival of Cups - Goulburn, NSW

Saturday 8th June - PBR Monster Energy Tour – Brisbane Ent. Centre - Brisbane, QLD

Saturday 22nd June - PBR Monster Energy Tour – Newcastle Ent. Centre - Newcastle, NSW

Saturday 13th July - PBR Monster Energy Tour – Cairns Convention Centre - Cairns, QLD

Saturday 28th September - Heart Of The Hunter Festival - Tocal, NSW

Saturday 26th October - PBR Monster Energy Tour – Equine & Livestock Centre - Tamworth, NSW

Saturday 2nd November - PBR Monster Energy Tour – Townsville Ent. Centre - Townsville, QLD

For more about Robbie Mortimer: https://www.robbiemortimer.com/

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Cass Hopetoun released her debut album, Not Your Typical Bride, in 2022 and was nominated for the Golden Guitar for Best New Talent, which was her second nomination for that category. In fact, she’s had three Golden Guitar nominations in total. 

Since releasing the album Hopetoun has become a mother and, with husband Blake Dantier, released the single ‘Some Things Never Get Old’. Her latest single is ‘To Be a Lady’, written with Dantier and Sarah Buckley, and produced by Dantier. On Not Your Typical BrideHopetoun established herself as a performer and writer with range and perspicacity, and 'To Be a Lady' is at one in the lineage of the album and indicates that Hopetoun is only gathering strength as an artist.

We talked about the song, creative life and motherhood, and what's next for this talented singer-songwriter.

For more about Cass Hopetoun: https://www.casshopetoun.com.au/

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Ryan Mead is a singer-songwriter from the Sutherland Shire in Sydney who may be 18 years of age but he’s already racked up a few musical credits, including the Talent Development Project last year. He has just released his debut single, ‘Tangled Up in Wranglers’, and a warning: the song is kinda addictive, so once you start listening you may find yourself hitting 'play' a few more times.

Mead's first instrument was drums, which he's been playing from a young age, before he added guitar and voice to his repertoire. He is soon to depart Australian shores to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Before then you can catch him playing various locations in Sydney CBD and the Shire. The full list of shows can be round on his website.

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Tony Kennelly is an artist from picturesque Port Macquarie on the mid north coast of NSW who has released two albums, Hittin’ the Wall and Battlegrounds. He has a new single, ‘Sunday in the Sun’, which is just right for helping us hold on to summer days even as we have passed the equinox.

Kennelly has been performing live for many years, including a busy stint in Sydney in his younger years when he was working by day and gigging by night. He has some great stories to tell, including the one about the origins of 'Sunday in the Sun', which involves a large group of friends and an even larger zest for life. 

For more on Tony Kennelly: https://www.tonykennellymusic.com/

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Kerryn Fields is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Aotearoa New Zealand, now living on our shores. She won the Music Victoria Best Folk Work award in 2022 for her second album, Water, which followed acclaim for her first album, Rascal. In recent months she's released two singles with Matt Joe Gow, ahead of an album release.

Fields's latest solo release is the EP The Folk Singer, which she released around the time she travelled to the USA to perform at Folk Alliance. The EP features all new tracks and was recorded live and acoustic. It documents Fields's path through life, and great difficulties, to become the magical, majestic artist she is today - and if you've ever seen her play live you'll know what I mean. In our recent interview she spoke movingly about the stories behind the songs on the EP and gave great insights into the artist she has become.

For more on Kerryn Fields: https://www.kerrynfields.com/

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Last year Wagga Wagga, NSW resident Nathan Lamont released his debut single ‘Drink You Up’, then he was named a Grand Finalist in this year’s Toyota Star Maker competition, the second time he’s been a grand finalist. He recently appeared on the single ‘My Favourite Summer’ with Loren Ryan and has a new single of his own, ‘Skin to Skin’.

At this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival, Lamont shared a stage with Ryan at the latter's headline show at Moonshiner's and demonstrated just why his star is on the rise. We spoke about that show, as well as so much more when we chatted recently. And I'm not even going to pretend to be objective: Lamont is one of my favourite singers and seeing him play live only confirmed what I'd suspected, that he is an artist with so much to offer audiences and music as a whole.

For more about Nathan Lamont: linktr.ee/nathanlamontofficial

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Jake Whittaker hails from south-east Queensland. Earlier this year he appeared in the Tamworth Country Music Festival as a Grand Finalist in the Star Maker competition, and no doubt getting up to other things. He has released several singles to date. The fourth and latest is 'Shoey'.

'Shoey' was written with Gavin Carfoot and produced by Whittaker's regular produced, Jared Adlam.

'I’m partial to a good shoey,' Whittaker admits. 'Audiences can be guaranteed of at least one at every gig, and I’ve never been sick from one.'

We had a chat about Whittaker's ongoing collaboration with Adlam as well as the writing of 'Shoey' and his plans over the new few months, which include the arrival of his first child.

For more about Jake Whittaker: https://www.jakewhittaker.com.au/

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Jen Mize moved to Australia from the United States a few years ago and that has been to Australia’s benefit, as this extraordinary performer has released two solo albums and one in collaboration with Mark Sholtez, called Twilight on the Trail. 

Last year she released an eponymous album with her relatively new band, the eight-piece Jen Mize and the Rough n’ Tumble. Their latest single is ‘Hail Mary’.

Mize is a complete artist, steeped in musicality from a young age, able to bring her acuity and understanding of instruments to the instrument of her voice, which is one of the most impressive in the land. The Rough n' Tumble has given her the opportunity to collaborate in a new way and explore different parts of her range as a singer and songwriter. It was fascinating to talk to her about all of it.

For more about Jen Mize: https://www.jenmizemusic.com/

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New South Wales singer-songwriter Kora Naughton released her first album, Nineteen, at 19 years of age and since then she has been a Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist and released three more singles, the latest of which is the very catchy 'Head in the Sand'. Indeed, Naughton has quite a knack for writing catchy songs, which we talked about recently. 

Naughton released 'Head in the Sand' after a period away from releasing music, after recognising that she was burning out due to various demands, as well as having had spinal surgery. She talks about this, and about her plans for new music, in our interview.

For more about Kora Naughton: https://www.koranaughton.com.au/

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Keely Ellen is a singer and songwriter from Bundaberg in Queensland who has just released her debut single, ‘Red Head’, written with Nashville-based Australian artist Katrina Burgoyne. She attended the Junior Academy of Country Music and has performed at various festivals including Tamworth and Lighthouse Country Music festivals, and she is still only 17 years of age. 

When we spoke recently I found out how Keely came to write 'Red Head' and all about her musical life since childhood. 

For more about Keely Ellen: https://keelyellenmusic.squarespace.com/

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Jake Davey is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the mid north coast of New South Wales who has released several country pop singles since 2019 and played many festivals. He was a Grand Finalist in Toyota Star Maker in 2022. 

Davey has several other jobs as well, including producer and videographer. But everything he did come to a halt several months ago when he suffered a spinal cord injury. He thought he may not walk again, yet he was onstage, performing, during the recent Tamworth Country Music Festival.

His latest single, 'Second Chance', acknowledges both his experience and the perspective he's put it in. And Davey is not only back making music - he's back doing everything else too. So we talked about that, and his music, and his plans for further releases.

For more about Jake Davey: https://www.jakedaveymusic.com/

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Clancy Pye is a singer and songwriter from the central west of New South Wales who has twice been a Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist. She released an EP in 2020 and the single ‘Feels Like Home’ last year. Her latest single is ‘Drink About’.

'When I was writing this song, it was the idea of catching up with someone you haven't seen in a while and having a lot to talk about andinevitably,a lot of things to drink about,' says Pye of the inspiration behind the song.

When we spoke recently it became clear very quickly that music is soaked into Pye's marrow - she grew up in an intensely musical household and has been performing from a young age. She's also been songwriting up a storm over the past few years and is working towards an album release. We talked about that, and a lot more besides.

For more about Clancy Pye: https://www.clancypye.com.au/

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Finnian Johnson was a Grand Finalist in the 2023 Toyota Star Maker competition and in the 2023 NAB Talent Search at the Gympie Music Muster. He reached the top 12 in season 11 of TV show The Voice, and he’s also been touring the country. Last year he released the singles ‘July’ and ‘Dishonest’. His latest single is ‘I’m Doing Well’.

'“I’m Doing Well" is the most special song I’ve ever written, coming straight from my heart for anyone to connect with,' says Johnson of the song he wrote with Golden Guitar-winning songwriters Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley. 

Johnson also toured with McClymont and Eckersley last year. We talked about that, the song, competitions and several other things.

For more about Finnian Johnson: https://linktr.ee/finnianjohnson

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Baeden Faint was born in South Australia and currently calls the NSW town of Cobar home. He has just released his debut single, ‘Hometown Fantasy’.

'This song is essentially me reminiscing on past relationships where it seemed everything was laid out. Ready for the white picket fence and kids,' says Faint. 'But also, that it was like having blinders on, as to whether it was a good thing or not. I wrote this song like a lot of other songs - with a bottle port, smoking alone late at night, with too much time for thinking.'

Faint has an interesting background that includes a black belt in karate and a broken hand (or two!), which is not at all convenient for a guitarist. I knew there were some stories there and he was prepared to share them.

For more about Baeden Faint: linktr.ee/baedenfaintwakefield

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Ashleigh Dallas is a five-time Golden Guitar winner who has released five studio albums, winning the Golden Guitar for Traditional Country Album of the Year for her latest album, In the Moment. She is also an ambassador for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. 

Dallas's latest single is 'Secondhand Stories', which was written during a DAG Songwriting Retreat with Natasha Soonchild and Margaret Anne King. 'This came from a morning we spent talking about what it’s like when you get out and see things,' says Dallas. 'We were talking about when you have awesome experiences, we have all had someone tell us how lucky we are to experience that.

'It’s all about not living your life through someone else’s pictures and Instagram posts, don’t live your life through a secondhand story; get out and do it yourself.'

I've interviewed Dallas several times, and our chats tend to be long because there's always a lot to chat about! And it's always interesting and inspiring, because she can't help but be those things. So settle in for lots of heart, humour and insight from this talented Tamworth native.

For more about Ashleigh Dallas: https://ashleighdallas.com.au/

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Kayla Mahon is an artist from Gore on the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand who was the winner of the coveted 2000 and 2008 New Zealand Overall Gold Guitar Award. She was also one half of country music duo The Heartleys, releasing two albums. Last year she released the single ‘Love’s Got a Witness’ and now she has a new song, ‘Little Man’, both of them taken from her forthcoming album.

'I hope this song encourages listeners to embrace motherhood, with all the challenges and moments you wouldn’t change the world for,' Mahon says, 'and soak up the love that children give, and the qualities that children constantly display for us. This is a song that reminds us to cherish every moment.'

Mahon and I spoke about the song, and her upcoming album, about balancing motherhood with art, and the music she's producing with her daughter and seven nieces. She has created a life that is rich in meaning and music, and it was so interesting to find out about it.

For more about Kayla Mahon: https://www.kaylamahon.com/

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Mackenzie Lee is an artist from the Hunter Valley of New South Wales who last year attended the Junior Academy of Country Music. She has released two EPs, one self-titled and the other entitled Sometimes I Wonder, and now has a new single, 'Let My Love Drown'.

Lee was also the winner of the inaugural Macca's Golden Gig Talent Quest at the 2022 Tamworth Country Music Festival and the 2023 ICMA Patti McKinnon Encouragement Award and Today's Country 94one 'Brand New Star' award.

At only 17 years of age Lee has already been a highly productive artist, with the talent and drive to go further - so there's more to come from this up-and-coming singer-songwriter, as I found out during our recent chat.

For more about Mackenzie Lee: linktr.ee/MackenzieLeeMusic

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Courtney Keil is an artist from the Central Coast of New South Wales who released her debut album, The Good Kind, last year and who has just had an action-packed Tamworth Country Music Festival. She has a brand new single, ‘All About You’, which is It is another toe-tapper to add to the collection of Courtney Keil ear worms along with ‘Hummingbird’ and ‘I Just Wanna Hold You’. 

'We set out to write an anthemic, feel-good song,' says Keil of 'All About You'. 'As songwriters it’s often naturally easier to write slower heartbreak songs so we wanted to focus on the love I have in my life and how it makes me feel.'

Keil was award Best Female Vocal at the People's Choice Awards in Tamworth, and she has some exciting shows coming up.

For more about Courtney Keil: https://www.courtneykeil.com/

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Felicity Urquhart has recorded several albums and EPs as a solo artist and as a member of Bennett Bowtell and Urquhart, winning 13 Golden Guitars along the way. She was also the host of Saturday Night Country for several years. Josh Cunningham is a founding member of The Waifs, who have released 10 albums over three decades and won multiple ARIA awards. 

Together Felicity and Josh released the album The Song Club in 2021 and last year they released Birdsong, which has just won three Golden Guitar awards, including Traditional Country Album of the Year. 

This pairing is a rare one: two individuals who are exceptional at what they do joining to create something that is different and in which they revel. On stage it is clear how much they love performing together; that regard for each other is evident in their recorded music as well. They write, sing, play and perform from the heart, straight to the hearts of their audience, and thus it is that their particular birdsong takes flight.

For more about Felicity Urquhart: https://www.felicityurquhart.com/

For more about Josh Cunningham: https://joshcunningham.com/

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Matt Joe Gow is a New Zealand-born Melbourne resident who has released four albums, the most recent of which was last year’s Between Tonight & Tomorrow, which won the Music Victoria award for Best Country Album, as did its predecessor, Break Rattle and Roll. Recently Joe Gow released a reprise version of the title song, and he’s also been collaborating with Kerryn Fields on a forthcoming album. However, in this new interview we talked about his new acoustic album, The Woodshed Sessions, recorded late last year, which he also produced, so we delve into the production aspects of the album as well as the songs and recording.

It's the first acoustic album made by Joe Gow with his Dead Leaves bandmates Andrew Pollock and Katya Harris, and it was initially released as a video recording late last year. Joe Gow's albums tend to not put his voice at the forefront but there is nowhere else for it to be on this album, and that is to the listener's benefit - as much as we tend to laud the 'songwriter' part of singer-songwriter, the singing part is equally important and Joe Gow is a wonderful singer, with a warm tone that turns commanding when required and handles a range of emotions so that it's a proper partner for his lyrics.

The Woodshed Sessions will be released on 9 February and can be preordered on Bandcamp

Matt Joe Gow and the Dead Leaves play George Lane, St Kilda, Vic. on 10 February - tickets

For more on Matt Joe Gow: https://mattjoegowmusic.com/

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Hailing from Melbourne, Al Carr is an alt-country singer and songwriter with rock leanings who played in bands in Sydney in the 1990s before he relocated south in 2006 and started his solo career thereafter. He released a self-titled EP in 2013 then albums in 2017 and 2021. His latest album is The Right Dereliction.

Says Carr of the album, 'Each song on this release is tinged with a sense of hopefulness whilst recounting stories, characters and personalities who are struggling through a moment in time,"explains Carr. "With this batch of songs I wanted to get inside the head of a character living through a small town drama and balance the lyrics almost like a confessional of sorts. The verses offering up the dilemma and the choruses providing the redemption.'

Towards the end of 2023 I spoke to Carr about the album - there were a few wifi issues during this interview so it's taken me a little longer than usual to post it, plus if you watch the video of it you'll see me on screen for longer than usual as Zoom did not switch back to Carr. Therefore, you get to witness me practising 'neutral facial expression' as the wifi cut in and out.

For more on Al Carr: https://www.alcarr.com.au/

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The Buckleys are a band of siblings Sarah, Molly and Lachlan from northern New South Wales who released their debut album Daydream in 2020 and the EP Take it as it Comes in 2022. Last year they released the single ‘Wondering’ and this year ‘Too Fast’. 

Says Sarah of the song, 'we really wanted to put a fresh, new, country twist on those 1960s romantic bops. I’m so obsessed with that era in music, especially with melody. It’s influenced me in a lot of ways. "Too Fast" is about slowing down and enjoying the moment in a world where we're always so eager to move on to the next thing. It's about appreciating where you are right here and right now.'

In addition to creating infectious, memorable recorded music to the world, The Buckleys are also one of the greatest live acts you could ever hope to see - it's always hard to put the experience of a gig into words because so much of it is about the moment, the energy and the dynamics in the room, but I've tried, and also tried to ask them to describe what they do when I spoke to them not long before they headed to the 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Their sibling dynamic has something to do with it, but not all, and I hope you enjoy watching or listening to this talented trio talk about the music they make together.

For more about The Buckleys: https://www.thebuckleys.net/

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Delilah Rose is an artist originally from Western Australia, now resident in Queensland, who released the album Moxie in 2022; the latest - and last - single from the album is 'Jack's House'. As Delilah Rose and the Gunslingers she released the EP Good Grief! in 2018. She is also the host of The Song Café and of Australian SongwritingRetreats.

The next instalment of The Song Cafétakes place at The Cave Inn in the Brisbane suburb of Woolloongabba on 25 January 2024 at 7 p.m. and is a First Nations focused event featuring Sue Ray, Aunty Maggie Walsh and Georgia Llewellyn. You can buy tickets here.

Rose also runs the Crap Song Club as an extension of Australian Songwriting Retreats and the next one starts on 31 January - more details here. On top of all of that she writes songs and runs a household with young children, and mentors other artists, and has an expansive view of creativity and creative practice. It was so interesting to talk to her.

For more on Delilah Rose: https://delilahrosemusic.com/home

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Darlinghurst is a Golden Guitar Award-winning act from Melbourne. Originally a four piece, it was announced in December 2023 that they were moving forward into 2024 as a duo comprising original members Cassie Leopold and Pagan Newman, and they have a great new single, ‘Unapologetic’.

'"Unapologetic"’s message is this – by all means, listen to other people’s opinions, but don’t disregard your own. Don’t be afraid to disappoint if you don’t meet others’ expectations,' Leopold has said of the track. 'Unapologetically know your own worth; fight for it if you must. Success comes in the lonely hours, and it can be awfully lonely when it feels like it’s you alone against the world, but sometimes you just have to trust your gut and jump.'

I spoke to Newman about the song, and about her longstanding friendship and collaboration with Leopold, plus their upcoming shows at the 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival. She lives and breathes music, and is passionate about the band's new direction, as you'll find out.

For more about Darlinghurst: https://www.darlinghurst-band.com/

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Good Will Remedy are a four-piece alt-country band from Brisbane with members Will Lebihan, Mitch Reid, Dave Newman and Rob Penman. They have released six albums and played over 1000 shows since 2018. The latest is Sunshine State. 

The title of the new album is 'more a state of mind than location,' says songwriter, singer and bassist Will Lebihan. 'The title track is an anthem to all things good and positive - oh and Queensland of course!'

Lebihan wrote most of these songs during and following the COVID period: 'I'm fortunate to be able to write and do some basic demos at home, and that certainly helped me refine the songs a lot more this time around. The other guys also had the ability to record some of their parts and send them back to me which was really great fun.' 

Recently I spoke to Lebihan about the album, the band's history, and his own rich musical history, and found an artist who is not only highly productive but curious and passionate about his craft.

For more about Good Will Remedy: https://goodwillremedy.com/

Listen to Sunshine State on Apple Music

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Michael Carpenter is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who has several musical projects on the go at any one time. Michael Carpenter and the Banks Brothers have released 3 albums and an EP and have two nominations in the 2024 Golden Guitar awards. Michael Carpenter and the CRC (Country Rock Collective) have released three singles. And that is, really, just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to Carpenter's work.

This interview was a great opportunity to find out how Carpenter manages all the different aspects of his musical world, which involved talking about organisation and how it's essential to productivity. In the process he had many interesting things to say about creativity and how he sees it and works with it. In general he was fascinating to talk to so hopefully you find him just as interesting to listen to.

For more on Michael Carpenter: https://www.mcarp.com/

Listen to Michael Carpenter and the Banks Brothers on Apple Music

Listen to Michael Carpenter and the Banks Brothers on Spotify

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