Originally from Melbourne, now resident in south-east Queensland, Brook Chivell has been wowing country music audiences for several years with his high-energy live show. Before the pandemic he released the album Fearless Rider, which spawned several singles, including 'Hot Country Girl'.Chivell waited out the pandemic, as artists had to do, but in the process discovered a wellspring of creativity that has led to the first of several new songs. His latest single is 'Put 'Em Up' and we spoke about it recently.More about Brook Chivell: http://www.brookchivellofficial.com/Listen to 'Put 'Em Up' on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3nml34kListen to 'Put 'Em Up' on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6uY7ClpufEJ30NG85SGXgaMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last time I spoke to Queensland artist Briana Dinsdale she had found out she was the recipient of the Keith Urban Scholarship to the Academy of Country Music in Tamworth, NSW. Dinsdale is not only a great performer but a songwriter with a particular - and interesting - slant on the world, which means her songs always offer something unexpected and wonderful. Sometimes it's a bit of sass, sometimes it's a story that doesn't head where you think it will. And Hinsdale's latest single, 'Chasing Boys', has both of those qualities in spades.We caught up recently to talk about 'Chasing Boys' as well as Dinsdale's time at the Academy earlier this year - and ended it discussing the Harry Styles concert she was about to attend, so there's a little bit of Harry content in this interview and it was, as it was the last time we spoke, great to talk to her.More about Briana Dinsdale: https://brianadinsdale.com/Listen to 'Chasing Boys' on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3JQTRn6Listen to 'Chasing Boys' on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/17xsFTjBiz2QZvcZOchoerMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ydney singer-songwriter Kiara Rodrigues released the upbeat single 'High School Reunion' last year then found out she was to be a Grand Finalist at Toyota Star Maker during the 2023 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Ahead of the competition she released the single 'Message in a Bottle', written with Nashville-based Australian artist Katrina Burgoyne.Where 'High School Reunion' is about moving on from the past, 'Message in a Bottle' is about dwelling on heartbreak, but what the songs have in common is Rodrigues's song craft and great country-pop sound. It was a pleasure to chat to her recently about the new song, Star Maker, and her plans for the year ahead.More about Kiara Rodrigues: https://www.kiararodriguesmusic.com/Listen to Kiara Rodrigues on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3Toej1LListen to Kiara Rodrigues on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6fbXvs8ey8MIcaWJV3PsmuMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melbourne artist Sarah Catania has had a busy start to 2023, kicking off with attendance at the Academy of Country Music in January then releasing her new song 'Little She Knows', the follow-up to her debut single 'Venus and Mars'. Catania is an independent artist who has thrown herself into the creative and business sides of music, including writing with artists such as Lyn Bowtell, and with her 'Little She Knows' co-writers Jake Austen and Luke Sinclair. It was great to catch up with her again and hear about her plans for this year.More about Sarah Catania: https://www.facebook.com/sarahcataniamusic/Listen to 'Little She Knows' on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3JM0uabListen to 'Little Show Knows' on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4WDwvewFY9xpyVtCGVxrqfMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jax Tonic may be from the northern beaches of Sydney but with family routes in the Central West of New South Wales he has long felt connected to the land. His latest single, 'Country Boy', pays tribute to those who live and work on the land and also brings audiences a second single from Tonic after his first, 'On the Front Foot', was released last year. We caught up recently to talk about country life and country music.More about Jax Tonic: https://www.jaxtonic.com/Listen to Jax Tonic on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3TtmslpListen to Jax Tonic on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5eXsOFn9O7A2F47j7ooaG0More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Given the hectic schedule six-piece Sydney band The Mezcaltones had at this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival, you'd think they'd want to have a little lie-down before they launch into any new projects. Instead they have gone right back to their busy gig schedule and launched a new album, their fourth, Agavé Soirée, which captures the band's dynamic live sound and will no doubt be a welcome souvenir for their many devoted fans, some of whom make sure they see them in Tamworth every year. And I know this because I've known them for years - Neralita and I used to be in a band together, and I've seen The Mezcaltones play countless times. So that's the context for this interview with Neralita and lead singer Col Padre, in which we probably all seem a little more familiar with each other than usual. But I haven't seen The Mezcaltones play live that many times because I feel an obligation - I do it because they are very, very good and always entertaining.More about The Mezcaltones: https://the-mezcaltones.com/Listen to The Mezcaltones on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3JzUEscListen to The Mezcaltones on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7zVI2vohwBoaiDyl8DDzm9More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year Tamworth-based artist Ashleigh Dallas won two Golden Guitars, including one for Female Artist of the Year, and this year she took home the GG for Traditional Country Album of the Year for her fifth album, In the Moment. When I interviewed Dallas last year she mentioned she was working on new music, and she meant it: her new single 'Take a Minute' is not taken from In the Moment because it is the first single of her next project. I've interviewed Dallas several times over the past year and while there's a chance our chats threaten to turn into their own talk show, it's because she's so interesting and inspiring to talk to. Dallas is one of the most creative people you'll encounter, and one who appreciates how fundamental creativity is to her life while also treating it like it's the most everyday thing in her life. So I'll always take the chance to chat to her and find out what she's been up - and what's coming next.More about Ashleigh Dallas: https://ashleighdallas.com.au/Listen to 'Take a Minute' on Apple Music: https://apple.co/42avnMwListen to 'Take a Minute' on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5zIwKhIK9WLrFbd6qgWdJNMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Country music, as its name suggests, tends to have something to do with the country. In its modern form the singers and songwriters of country music may not live on the land but instead inhabit the genre by making storytelling the focus of their work, as stories have long been at the core of country music. Josie Laver is an artist from both strands. In her debut album, Ride This Lullaby, she tells stories that cover a range of experiences and emotions, and some of those are drawn from her experiences living and working on the land near Boorowa, New South Wales. In my recent chat with Laver we discussed the peculiarly pandemic-era origins of the album, how she came to music - and the Academy of Country Music - and the many parts of her life that she has brought to it.More about Josie Laver: https://www.facebook.com/laverjosephineListen to Ride This Lullaby on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3JcVj1EListen to Ride This Lullaby on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5YwgH8CNZvcZReBrYNgLibMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every music lover has those moments when they hear an album for the first time and know it's going to be with them for a long time - and even when they're not playing it they're thinking about it. Outsider, the debut album from Queensland singer-songwriter Bud Rokesky, is likely to be that kind of album for many a music lover. Rokesky has a compelling singing voice, and that's part of it, but he is also expert at creating stories within songs that hook the listener in and won't let them go. It was, therefore, wonderful to have an opportunity to talk to Rokesky about the creation of Outsider.More about Bud Rokesky: https://www.budrokesky.com/Listen to Outsider on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6USFzLPgypeulskHsV78moListen to Outsider on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3L3XIy2More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2019 Sydney artist Ingrid Mae released the album Holy Smoke and she had plans to release a second album a little sooner than 2023 but, as we know, things happened in those intervening years. But great music is welcome at any time and Mae has greeted an album that is passionate and sassy, as well as serious in parts. It may be called Closing Time but no doubt it will open up Mae's music to new fans. In talking to Mae about the album it also became clear that she is an intensely creative person who finds opportunities to make things - not just music - every day.More about Ingrid Mae: www.facebook.com/ingridmaemusicListen to Closing Time on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3IWDLGBListen to Closing Time on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0toz3PlHeOwv87BXhOfYnFMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before the pandemic Queensland artist Will Day was regularly on the road, playing gigs in various states; since the world has started reopening he's found himself on festival stages, off the back of several successful singles, including the latest, 'Always a Girl'. It's always a pleasure to interview Will and this time we spoke about the new single and what he has coming up this year.More about Will Day: https://willday.com.au/Listen to Will Day on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3ZNoNd8Listen to Will Day on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6eUZAV9XRJh0Tzn7EGYJcwMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In between being one of the most in-demand musicians and music video makers in the country, Duncan Toombs found time to make his first album, Steel on Steel. It's a record of Toombs's life, the things that matter to him and those he holds close to his heart, as well as an opportunity for Toombs to demonstrate just why he's so popular with other artists, with his golden vocals and excellent musicianship. And country music fans agree: on release the album went to number 1 on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart and number 2 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart, and it has returned to that number 1 spot since. Toombs and I spoke recently about the album and his headline show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.More about Duncan Toombs: https://duncantoombs.com/Listen to Steel on Steel on Apple Music: https://apple.co/41PrYT8Listen to Steel on Steel on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6cZJzkkc6oFzQWmI10Cof8More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory Phillips is from the Tumut region in New South Wales and first released music when he was barely double digits in age. The EP Cars and Guitars came out in 2017 and although Phillips and I disagreed about this, it makes for great listening. In 2020 he released the powerful single 'The Truth', which was a plea to adults to take the future seriously. His latest single, 'Because Boys', looks at what it's like to be a teenage boy now. It's clear that Phillips doesn't resile from writing songs about serious subjects, and he has the skill to create tracks that are as engaging as they are thought-provoking. And although he's still a teenager he's an experienced musician, so we had quite a bit to talk about.More on Rory Phillips: https://www.roryphillips.com.au/Listen to Rory Phillips on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3STImOqListen to Rory Phillips on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3uPs3d6fyXToc5vHqeimZvYou can watch our chat on YouTube, or listen in Soundcloud or on the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Central Coast, NSW-based singer-songwriter Courtney Keil released her first single, 'I Just Wanna Hold You', in 2020 and despite the challenges of that time she garnered accolades and won fans for her uplifting country-pop sound. Several singles followed, each different to the last, and they demonstrated Keil's musical range. Now those singles, and new songs, are contained in Keil's debut album, The Good Kind. It's an album that entertains and also has meaning, by turns moving and upbeat, and we spoke about it recently.More about Courtney Keil: https://www.courtneykeil.com/Listen to The Good Kind on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3ZIlmEnListen to The Good Kind on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6YSpPeacuklzGLc814KzQMMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Queensland artist Jazmyn is the living definition of 'multi-talented': under the banner Jazmyn Produces she makes music videos for other artists, she's a photographer, she works in branding and all sorts of other things. It seems logical, therefore, that she would expand into releasing music herself - and it's also surprising that it hasn't happened before, given how creative she is. Her debut single is 'Garden' and it is a joyous anthem of life and creation that affirms the path Jazmyn has taken into the artistic garden of her own.More about Jazmyn: https://msha.ke/jazmynproduces#links-1Listen to 'Garden' on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3kPGOITListen to 'Garden' on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1A70zvUnFivAcCqEG6Cc3r?highlight=spotify:track:7MkLtP3HwFHWvGcKeiEzHRMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sara Storer is the winner of 21 Golden Guitar awards; her latest album is 2019's Raindance. Her brother Greg has joined her onstage for years, and released his own album, Backwater, in 2010. As solo artists the siblings have quite different sounds, but what they have in common is excellence in songwriting and a commitment to bringing those songs to people. They now have a joint project, and an album: the eponymous SToReR. The last track on the album is 'This Music's For You' and all the way through this rich, satisfying musical journey of an album if does indeed feel as if Sara and Greg are writing music just for us, the audience who is going to cherish their stories and their senses of wonder and humour. It was terrific to talk to them both recently, and they are also on the road - details at www.sarastorer.com.auListen to SToReR on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3SQSasJListen to SToReR on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3dw73GC2XJiphYPKPxSoyjMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melody Moko released her first album, The Wreckage, in 2017 and followed with Two Kids and a Radio in 2021, winning a Golden Guitar for Best New Talent to go with the fans she had already made supporting artists like Fanny Lumsden then headlining her own shows. Through those two albums Moko established herself as a songwriter with gravitas and a captivating singer. Her third album, Suburban Dream, has just been released and it continues Moko's commitment to being an unflinching examiner of her own life and of human life, as well as someone who can write and deliver great melodies. Before we started recording this interview I told Moko that there would be no frippery and we'd go straight to the marrow of her album, and Moko was as insightful and interesting as her work suggests. (NB: Around the 16-minute mark there was a break when someone knocked on my door, so there's a slight repetition of subject matter after we started recording again.)More about Melody Moko: https://www.melodymoko.com/Listen to Suburban Dream on Apple Music: https://apple.co/41SMqm4Listen to Suburban Dream on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2oBuE8MVLcVXc4Oy0bxYxzMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyn Bowtell is one of the most beloved artists in Australian music, let alone Australian country music, and that is with very good reason: she is an exceptional artist, collaborator, mentor and leader within the industry. Those who have been captivated by her voice will forever be fans, and those who have been taught by her or had access to her knowledge and experience can only benefit from them. Bowtell won her tenth Golden Guitar award this year when her latest album, Wiser, was named Best Contemporary Country Album. That came after she had directed the Academy of Country Music through its 2023 term ahead of the Tamworth Country Music Festival and ahead of Bowtell going on the road. I'm not even going to pretend to not be a huge fan of Bowtell and her music, and that's reflected in this interview.More about Lyn Bowtell: https://lynbowtell.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cairns, Queensland artist Amber McIntosh has released several powerful country pop singles over the past couple of years, starting with 'Painted Me Grey'. The latest is 'Wasted'. The song was inspired by Patsy Cline's iconic 'Crazy' and its title takes on two meanings in the lyrics. McIntosh's voice is full of regret and positivity all at once, and it's an intriguing mix, so it was great to have the opportunity to talk to her about the song and her musical background.Amber McIntosh on Instagram: @ambermcintoshmusic More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although Central Coast, NSW singer-songwriter Jamie Lindsay grew up listening to country music, there was a time in his life when he veered away from it, thinking it was no longer the right music for him. Over the past few years, though, he has embraced his musical origins and now honours them with his new single, 'The is Who I Am'. Lindsay is always interesting to talk to about the many facets of being an independent artist and producer, and this interview was no exception.More about Jamie Lindsay: https://jamielindsaymusic.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In June last year Alan Fletcher released the EP Dispatches not long after he'd enjoyed playing his first shows at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, supported by his producers Lachlan Bryan and Damian Cafarella. It was the association with Bryan and Cafarella which led, somewhat organically, to the creation of Fletcher's new album, The Point, and those two men, with other members of The Wildes, will support Fletcher on his upcoming UK tour. When Fletcher released Dispatches he thought his days playing Dr Karl Kennedy on Neighbours were coming to an end, as the series was cancelled; now he's fitting in music around acting as Neighbours is back in business. Before that, though, he has those UK tour dates, and we talked about those and other things.More about Alan Fletcher: https://alanfletcher.net/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sydney-based singer-songwriter Cassidy-Rae has started the year with her next chapter: that is, the single 'The Next Chapter'. As with her previous singles, 'The Next Chapter' strikes the balance of being entertaining and thoughtful. Cassidy-Rae has just returned from a busy Tamworth Country Music Festival and we spoke about that, as well as her plans for the chapters beyond this one. And even though I've interviewed Cassidy-Rae several times now, it's always fun finding out what she's up to!More about Cassidy-Rae: https://cassidy-rae.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the many great things about the Tamworth Country Music Festival is that it affords festival goers the chance to discover new artists of all ages, either busking or playing their own gigs or at someone else's. That's how I first saw the now 19-year-old Charlie Fittler when he was quite a few years younger than that, and I was impressed by his talent and also how much he clearly enjoyed playing music. Having released one single a few years ago, Fittler is now on the cusp of releasing his debut EP, with the first single, 'Dying Breed', out in the world. We spoke recently and Fittler is still enjoying music as much, if not more, than he did, amongst other things in his busy life.More about Charlie Fittler: https://charliefittler.com.au/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Around three years ago Max Jackson released her debut album, Life of the Party, which was an outstanding collection of country-pop songs, and she has now released a new EP, Out Here. What happened in the interim was that Jackson won the 2022 Toyota Star Maker competition, announced during the delayed Tamworth Country Music Festival in April last year. Since then Jackson has, as the title of her lead single from the EP suggests, runnin', making the most of the opportunities that have come her way thanks to Star Maker and planning for life beyond it too. When we spoke recently I didn't even pretend not to be a fangirl, but for good reason: Life of the Party is one of my favourite albums, and it's been wonderful to see Jackson receive recognition for her skills and talents.More about Max Jackson: https://maxjackson.com.au/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melbourne-based, Aotearoa New Zealand-raised Kerryn Fields recently released the single and video 'Until You' - it's a love song that is also an example of the joy to be found on the album it comes from, Water. As the album's title suggests, Fields is interested in the elements - earth, water, fire, air, ether - and while her songs are not necessarily focused on them she certainly incorporates them in such a way that the album is infused with the natural world and her delight in it, even as it addresses heartbreak and displacement. Recently I spoke to Fields about the influences in her songwriting, about her wonderful voice and other things.More about Kerryn Fields: https://www.kerrynfields.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the Toyota Star Marker Grand Final at this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival in April, Loren Ryan took the stage as one of the ten finalists. She's local to the Tamworth area so the very loud cheers could have been for that when she took the stage - but after she finished the reception was undoubtedly for her performance, which was impressive and impassioned. Ryan did not win that night but she has achieved something few artists do in being selected again as a Grand Finalist, so she'll perform at next year's TCMF. Ryan is already focused on that performance, but she has also been recording and has released the country-pop single 'Bounce Back', so we spoke about that, about her fan-favourite version of Cold Chisel's 'Flame Trees' and her work translating songs into and writing in her language, Gamilaraay.More about Loren Ryan: https://www.facebook.com/LorenRyanMusic/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A few weeks ago I interviewed Matt Cornell about the 2023 Country on Keppel festival, for which he is a key artist. At the time he had laryngitis so we couldn't talk for long, but given Cornell's extensive CV - member of the Baby Animals, of Golden Guitar-nominated duo Cornell & Carr, and music director for Adam Brand for many years - there was more to talk about. So when he released 'Stick Around' (although I call it 'Sticking Around' in the intro - #fail), his first solo single in several years, it was a good opportunity to find out more about his lifelong love of and working life in music.More on Matt Cornell: www.mattcornellmusic.com.auMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Perth, WA duo Scarlet's Way is made up of singer Katey Gabel and guitarist Shayne Savic. Their musical backgrounds are different but their influences are broad and shared, and these have resulted in a powerhouse rock/blues/country sound that has been documented on the 2017 EP Open Road and now on the single 'Doin' it for Love'. Gabel and Savic write together and perform in various permutations apart from Scarlet's Way, and it all adds up to an intensely musical life. We talked about the new single, their writing process and other things.More about Scarlet's Way: https://www.scarletswaymusic.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe Styler is an artist with impeccable country-pop instincts and the songs to show it, having previously released singles 'When Your Light Burns', 'Patient Heart' and 'Sweden' between 2018 and 2020. She has now released a seven-track EP, Side A, with five irresistible originals and acoustic versions of two of those songs. As I discovered when we spoke recently, it's taken some time for Side A to find its way into the world - not only because the pandemic delayed it but because of how time away from performance affected her. Quite apart from being a great artist, Styler is a thoughtful, interesting person to interview, as you'll see.Interview with Chloe Styler: https://www.chloestyler.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tamworth local Ashleigh Dallas won the 2022 Golden Guitar for Female Artist of the Year and she will be attending the 2023 awards as a four-time nominee: for Female Artist of the Year once more, as well as Vocal Collaboration of the Year for 'Let the Girls Sing' with Kirsty Lee Akers and Amber Lawrence, and Toyota Album of the Year and Traditional Country Album of the Year for her album In the Moment. So it's fair to say that Dallas is a golden girl, which also makes it fitting that the latest single taken from In the Moment is its last track, the joyous 'Sunshine'. It was, indeed, a joy to talk to Dallas again about this song, and we spoke just after she'd returned from a songwriting camp at the Dag Sheep Station in Nundle so there's a bit of chat about that too. We always have a lot to talk about so this interview is a long one, but Dallas is always interesting and inspiring.More about Ashleigh Dallas: https://ashleighdallas.com.au/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although we're meant to be past the worst of the pandemic and all the change is has wrought, that hasn't necessarily meant that everything is back to normal and hunky-dory. People are tired - perhaps a little fed up - and given what's been going on that's understandable. Yet part of what makes musicians, in particular, such an important part of every culture and now more so than ever is their ability to capture an experience, a memory, a place or a time so succinctly and convey it in a way that we can all have a few minutes of respite or joy or escapism - whatever the song brings. Victorian artist Brendan McMahon has created such an experience with his new single, 'New Country Morning', which is not taken from his 2022 album ... as the Road Unfolds as McMahon has been writing so many songs that he has already moved on from that album. 'New Country Morning' is optimistic and celebratory, and just the antidote we need to that tired, fed-up feeling. We talked recently about the song and what else is coming up for him.More about Brendan McMahon: https://www.brendanmcm.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas songs aren't for everyone, of course - not everyone celebrates that particular holiday. And even those who do may not turn on the Christmas tunes until at least Christmas Eve. But 2022 Golden Guitar winner - and four-time 2023 Golden Guitar nominee - Angus Gill makes a persuasive case for cranking up the Christmas music well in advance of 25 December with his new EP, The Gilly Season. Gill is one of the most prolific and entertaining singer-songwriters at work in Australian country music, and he also knows his music history, so he knew that creating a Christmas EP would mean coming up with something that hadn't been done before but which could immediately take its place alongside the canon of Australian carols as well as Mariah Carey. And, listener, he's cracked it (Christmas pun slightly intended) - for it is hard to resist a set of songs that begins with the line 'When you hear Bublé in the IGA ...' - at least, it is for this interviewer. It was great fun to talk to the man himself recently to find out all about The Gilly Season.More about Angus Gill: https://angusgill.com.au/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jemma Beech is a singer-songwriter now living in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales but for a while she lived in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, driving hours to play gigs in between driving dump trucks in the mines. Her experiences there shaped her as a performer and a songwriter, and since the 2018 release of her debut album That's Just Me she has been working on new music. Her latest single is the light-hearted 'You Fool', a sweetly self-deprecating take on a love song, and we spoke about that - and about dump trucks.More about Jemma Beech: https://www.jemmabeech.com.au/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When an artist loves what they do, you tend to hear it in the music - and from the sound of Jade Holland's new song, 'Oh My Heart', she really loves what she does. It's an infectious song that features Holland's powerful yet smooth vocals, turning a tale of heartbreak into an upbeat track that is a great successor to her previous single, 'Summertime, Sunshine and You'. The songs indicated a more pop direction to Holland's country music - her two albums have leaned more towards country rock - and it's one that suits her. Speaking to Holland recently it became clear that she does indeed love what she does and that the only way is up for this great entertainer.More about Jade Holland: https://jadeholland.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer-songwriter Ella Powell lives on the Central Coast of New South Wales yet her music is taking her further afield - spending time on the road, which is no doubt inspiration enough for her new single, 'Drive', which has arrived just in time for the Australian summer when other people will be on road trips and looking for just the right music to play. As with previous singles such as 'Paper Town' and 'Along the Away', 'Drive' is melodically rewarding and instantly memorable. Powell has had a busy year releasing those other singles, and once 2023 begins she'll have a packed schedule once more, playing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, releasing music, and finding new fans. We spoke recently about 'Drive' and her plans for next year.More about Ella Powell: https://www.ellapowell.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Several years ago Sydney singer-songwriter Jax Tonic played live at a relentless pace, before taking a break from music. That break has now led him to record and release his debut single, 'On the Front Foot', which was inspired by his first meeting with his wife. Tonic has rediscovered his love of performing live and now, with his original songs to add to his set, is back on the front foot of his music, as we spoke about recently.More on Jax Tonic: https://www.jaxtonic.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mandy Hawkes is a singer-songwriter from the Northern Rivers district of New South Wales who plays in a country-folk style and released the EP The Water Was Deep in 2017. Since then she has released three unforgettable singles, 'They Say Love', 'We Were Just Kids' and her latest, 'Black Dog'. Hawkes has a background rich in text and music, and a desire to explore, through her music, the question of what it means to be on this earth, and to make sense of it. Her songs reflect this thoughtfulness and, as her heart is fully in then, connect movingly with the listener. We spoke recently about the breadth of her life in music and about her new single.More on Mandy Hawkes: https://www.mandyhawkes.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melbourne/Naarm singer-songwriter Sarah Catania recently released her debut single, 'Venus and Mars', although it's something she's been working towards for a while, performing regularly in her home town (when lockdowns allow), working on her songwriting craft as much as possible and undertaking studies in Music Performance. It was a pleasure to chat to this passionate, dynamic artist whose first song promises many great releases to come.More on Sarah Catania: https://sarahcatania.square.site/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In July Emily Grace Taylor released her debut country music single 'Till the Day' - but it was by no means her debut as a recording artist: as San Mei she has released many indie-rock singles and EPs. But country music has always been in Taylor's life and her experience as a songwriter, musician and singer has led to her creating a wonderful new country single, 'On My Way to You'. We spoke recently about her life in music, her path to country music and what's ahead for her as an artist.More on Emily Grace Taylor: https://www.emilygracetaylor.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

JD Reynolds is a country music artist who has set out to capture audience attention with her high-energy singles, including 'Whatever' and 'Rebound', and she has continued that trend with her new single, '8 Seconds'. That timeframe will be familiar to anyone who knows anything about the perilous sport of bull riding - and in this song Reynolds sets out to tell the story of the bull riders from another perspective: that of the loved ones who fear for them each time they ride. She told me the story behind the song, and about her lifelong love of music, when we spoke recently.More on JD Reynolds: https://www.jdreynoldsofficial.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Australian sister duo Ella & Sienna released their new single, 'The City in July', in late October and saw it swiftly added to Apple Music's Aussie Country playlist. Their two previous singles, 'Next to Mine' and 'Saved' received widespread radio airplay and high rotation on ABC Country Radio. The sisters' finely honed country-pop instincts come not only from the music they listen to - which includes Taylor Swift - but their commitment to developing their own playing, singing and songwriting. We spoke recently about 'The City in July' and, of course, I had to throw in a question about Taylor Swift's Midnights.For more about Ella & Sienna: https://ellaandsiennamusic.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When an artist in any field - music, writing, visual arts - is hugely successful in one genre or strand of their work, it is undoubtedly a risk to shift to something new. Creatively it may not turn out the same way, and the audience may not go with you. Amy Sheppard is a member of the chart-topping Australian band Sheppard and this year she has released a solo EP, Nothing But Wild, which is an instantly memorable collection of country pop songs which prove that her instincts about great songwriting and performance carry over from one genre to another - and fans agree, with the songs from Nothing But Wild racking up hundreds of thousands of streams. Recently we spoke about songwriting and country music and the pandemic delay of Nothing But Wild, amongst other things.More about Amy Sheppard: www.amysheppardofficial.comMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since March 2020 musicians have navigated their way through the relentless changes in the industry, often finding different ways of doing things than they were used to before and sometimes sticking with those. In the case of South Coast (NSW) singer-songwriter Michelle Cashman, the pandemic and its lockdowns coincided with her release of new music at a time when there were no shows possible to support it. Instead she created a community of listeners on Patreon. She's now released a wonderful acoustic album, Grace, and part of our recent discussion covered the role that community has played in the creation of Grace, and how they have supported her generally. That's in addition to talking about her life in music overall.More about Michelle Cashman: www.michellecashman.comMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dylan Wright and Matt Joyce are Sons of Atticus, a duo who cannot be said to based in any one place as its members now live in different places. But as anyone who sees them play live knows, this does not affect their musical affinity one bit. Sons of Atticus released the album Jacks Motel in 2021, single 'Sad Songs' earlier this year and 'Sore Eyes' recently. We spoke recently about how they came to play music together, about the band's name and their new song, and it would be hard to find a pair easier or more enjoyable to interview.More on Sons of Atticus: https://linktr.ee/sonsofatticusMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Western Australian singer-songwriter Claudia Tripp has been releasing pop and country pop songs for several years. Her 2020 single ‘Attention’ charted at number 2 on the iTunes Country Chart and was nominated for WAM (Western Australian Music) Country Song of the Year. She performs regularly in Perth, and has a clear passion for her craft. Her latest single is 'I Only Miss You When I'm Drunk' - given the term 'drunk dialling' was invited in the current era, it's likely to be a song that a lot of people relate to, and it was clear when talking to Tripp that she is interested in creating songs that connect with people and which are also highly entertaining.More about Claudia Tripp: https://www.facebook.com/claudiatrippmusic/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimbo Stokes is a singer-songwriter from the Hunter New England region of New South Wales who grew up near Tamworth and, therefore, quite aware of the country music that would take over the town every January. His mother, the late Bronwyn Stokes OAM, was a highly regarded GP and his debut single, 'Atlas', is about her - a moving tribute from a grieving son, and a powerful introduction to Stokes's singing and songwriting. Stokes's background is not in music, but his life is now in the arts, including as a visual artist. We spoke about this, and about the song.More on Jimbo Stokes: linktr.ee/jimby.boyMore Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New South Welshman Darren Colston rehas released several albums and in 2019 the single 'I Saw You Smile Today'. He's released three singles in 2022, the latest of which is 'Nothing I Can Do', which is a song born of heartbreak. In previous singles 'Old Town' and 'Hello Riverina' Colston sings vividly about rural life, demonstrating his ability to chart exterior as well as interior landscapes. We spoke recently about his life in music and his new music.More about Darren Colston: https://darrencolston.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year South Australian singer-songwriter Matt Ward released his second album, If I Was in Dallas Tonight, the successor to 2019's Heartland. The album is a collection of vivid stories and memorable experiences, with Ward's wry perspective on the human condition making for songs that are relatable as well as entertaining. We spoke about the album and his 'Too Drunk to Two Step', as well as his musical background and other things.More about Matt Ward: https://www.mattwardmusic.com/More Australian country music interviews and reviews: https://sunburntcountrymusic.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.