The Single Life – 6th May, 2024

Lots of catching up to do!

Katie Brooke – Can’t fake that

Probably the best song from Katie so far. It doesn’t get much more country than this.

Matt Ward – Come Home Safe

Matt releases another song from his upcoming album. This is a shower song for sure. It has a catchy rhythm and you have to grab a breath as Matt’s phrasing is fast yet still has twang. Very country with a twist. Awesome song.

Raechel Whitchurch – what a time to be alive

A sad song from one of our quiet achievers. She’s constantly growing as a singer and a writer. A stunning song.

Adam Harvey – It’s getting late

One of our greatest country singers releases one of his cheeky songs, based on a neighbour who outstays his welcome. Harvey always mixes it up. You never know whether you are getting a fun song or a deep one. He always nails it.

Tyla Rodrigues- Straight Outlaw

Tyla is firmly dipping her feet into the country music pond here with some outlaw country and superior twang.

Cathy Dobson – Sundowner Drive

Cathy has recorded a new album with Angus Gill and this is our first glimpse at it. It is a bluesy, nostalgic journey with a bit of a 50’s vibe. It also has a Move it on over touch. Good stuff from one of our very best songwriters – well two, actually.

Brooke Schubert – Baby Blue Eyes

One of our best country rockers belts out this one for the dance floor.

Fumes and Fireworks Amber Lawrence and Andrew Swift

These two were made to perform together. They even won female and male golden guitars together.

They are about to tour together. This song sets the scene. Good stuff.

Will Day – Find Myself a Dirt Road

One of the most underrated singers in Australia. A powerful vocal performance with a strong song about one of the most iconic country music subjects.

Tammy Moxon – Ready Now

Tammy has one of the most genuine old school country voices in Australia. This is a terrific song, it rolls along a deserted highway.

Pete O’Brien – Black Shirt

Pete is blues Rockin’ it up with this finger picking fusion song. It is a toe tapper.

Felicity Dowd – Give and Take

Felicity gets better every time that I hear her. This is a beauty. She has soul, she is smooth. Awesome stuff.

The Single Life – 8th April, 2024

Sorry for the delay!

Colin Buchanan – Stick Together

Top song released by one of Australian Country Music’s legends. Buchanan at his best.

Christie Lamb – Damn Best

Shower song material for sure! A catchy, groovy tune from Christie. Great stuff!

Joel Leggett – Cup of Tea

Sad and beautiful song from Joel. This is a stunning single. Real as.

Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields – No Trace

Talking about Sad and Beautiful songs, this is a fabulous release from our beloved Kiwis/adopted Aussies. Haunting and speccy.

Tori Forsyth – Good Enough

Tori is pumping out the singles at the moment, with her new album coming out soon. This is some of the best stuff that she has produced. Wonderful song. More than good enough.

Jacob Vincent – What would I say

I must admit that I wasn’t familiar with Jacob but I will be doing some searching now. Apt release in ANZAC Day month. A thoughtful and sensitive song.

Benny Allen – Here Comes The Sun

One of my fave country music sons, singer/songwriter, Benny Allen, takes on a totally new project with a country cover of The Beatles’ classic for his new kids’ album. All will bee revealed soon (pun intended). I am sure that the fab 4 would be pleased.

Briana Dinsdale – Whiskey worked that way

Briana doesn’t release a lot of music, but when she does, it is usually a bottler. (Excuse the pun). This song has a real mix of country styles within the same tune. It will get your feet stomping.

Michael Carpenter and Angus Gill – All in (or not at all)

Two of my fave fellas (on and off the record) combine for this guitar feast, TomPettyesque song which will have you singing along from the second play and grooving from the first play. Top shelf.

Robbie Mortimer – Blow the Speakers

Those Mortimer brothers are taking over! The rockier of the boys gets us putting our boots on and our air guitars blasting for this one. Stomp on!

Gayle O’Neil – It’s Called Living

My sister from another Mr, gets her totally twangy country on here. Clap along, sing along, enjoy!

Troy Cassar-Daley – In Between The Fires

The title track from the up and coming new album from one of Australia’s finest is incredible. While we wait for one of the most anticipated albums of the year, soak up these singles. Terrific.

Allan Caswell with Angus Gill – The Virus

As usual, Sir Allan is typically topical with this track- no it is not about Covid. You can just do an Irish jig and clap along or you can listen to the words and nod.

Caswell knows my music collection. This could be subtitled: Australian Pie: The day that stupidfy died.

Listen to the song then go and buy some cds, LPs, cassettes or go to a LIVE gig.

The Single Life: 26th March, 2024

Sorry, a few to catch up on!

Lindsay Waddington – When I think of Home.

He always thinks that he is out of his comfort zone singing rather than playing or producing. I think that his work with Allan Caswell in Lynchburg has given him some confidence to step forward. This is a sweet, down home song and proves that Waddo is more than capable of singing his own songs.

Sara Storer – Under Darwin Stars

This is a change of style and tempo for Sara. Subject matter is still there but the mood and feel of the song is very different. I like it….a lot.

Brewn – Hands Up – this rock anthem harks back to their older style. I like it, it is catchy but I do prefer their slower style. It’s a bit like Charlie Daniels on steroids and without the fiddle.

Tori Forsyth – All we are

I am getting excited for the new album, given the singles that have been released so far. This is a beauty. This is the real Tori Forsyth folks, not all of the ones out there who are trying to copy her. Great stuff.

Route 33 – One Thing Right

The boys just get better. Like all good artists, they are learning as they evolve. They are making every song different and whether it is a slower song or a rockier one, there’s a substance to the songs. Good stuff.

The Bushwackers – Friend for life

Anybody who has had a dog will get this song. My dog buried my new custom made school shoes in a ploughed paddock on our farm. Dad found them but they were never the same. We all have those stories! In the end, our dogs are part of our family. Roger always manages to hit a nerve with his songs. Woof.

Sinead Burgess – Always gonna break my heart – there are a few Aussie country music girls who don’t get the credit that they deserve. Sinead is one of them. This is fantastic. Hopefully, people will sit up and listen.

Casey Barnes – Mayday

Can’t do the Texas two step to this one but you can stomp and get the air guitar out and riff it up.

Katie Jayne – Do it like a man

Katie is the reason for me starting The Single Life. This is the artist at her best. A song for the times and it is, I believe, the song that will be her big breakthrough song. She has a cult following, which I am a part of, but this will show the broader audiences what she is about. Gold.

Warren Kearney – The Hill

What a variety of songs we have this week! I think that we are covering a few of the 94 types of country music! Warren is more traditional- he is a storyteller. A thoughtful and timeless narrative.

My brother from another mother, Col Finley, has released She’s Country. He knows how to mix the gentle banjo with the thumping guitars. This song is part of an album coming soon which is a mixture or reboots and lost songs, from what I can gather. Intrigued? You should be!

The Single Life – 11th March

The Cartwheels are one of those fantastic bands that slip under the radar a lot and they shouldn’t. All Over The World is their latest and it is a rippa. A gentle, sweet song.

Cass Hopetoun is a sassy, funky, country pop chick with twang. To be a lady is her latest and it is catchy and groovy. Love the fiddle.

Sir Allan Caswell has a new one, Take your time. For those of a certain age (like me), a lot of the lyrics in this song resonate. As you get older, you realise the importance of time and you don’t take things for granted anymore. Terrific song from the master wordsmith.

Great Aunt will stun you good with this beauty, there’s a message but there’s also some earthy blues, wildly country rhythm driven beats on this bold as brass offering. What’s a girl to do now is sensational. The choir is gold too! Check the video for the big reveal. Genius!

Watling and Bates continue their run of quirky, bluegrass traditional music fusion with Love was. Catchy and cool.

Heartbreak Subway Train by Billie Rose had me at train. This is a supercool song. Billie Rose has a beautiful sound but yes, any train song is a good song for me!

Hometown Fantasy is the debut single from Baeden Faint. It won’t be the last. This is a wonderful song. It is a little bit like Bob Dylan with a banjo. Love the harmonica. There’s a bit of Chris Stapleton there too. I want to hear more of this fella, if this is any indication.

The Single Life – 2nd March, 2024

Jase Lansky – East Tennessee

Jase is one of the best fellas in the Australian Country Music scene. He is also one of the most underrated. He has a full life outside of music, but truly, he is an artist who should be recognised. He has a pretty broad catalogue of music. He tries a bit of everything. Catch this one, you won’t be disappointed.

Paul Costa – Matter Much

Paulie has a special place in my country music heart. Many years ago, my Aunty, who was a mad Paul and Don fan, put me on to him. Since then, I have ‘danced’ with him on Sydney harbour, been to numerous concerts all over NSW and Victoria, reviewed his albums and consider Survivor 1932 as one of my fave Australian country music songs ever. His latest song amplifies the reason why I hold him close. Go Paulie!

Messed up as Me – Keith Urban – I have made no secret of two things – I have been a Keith Urban fan since I chucked my $1 pocket money in his Peel Street busker box when we were both teenagers and my disappointment in how his music changed in the last few years. There are glimmers of hope, however, with this song and every time that I see him on a tribute show to a legend. I know what he is capable of.

I love Aaron Jurd. I see so much good in his music and the beaut bloke that he is. There is never enough! This latest song is not only a musically wonderful song but the message is important. Freedom Rings. For whom the bell tolls? It tolls for thee! Listen and play it loudly!

Simplest things – Tori Darke.

This is a very catchy song. Dancing shoes on but it is also a song to take note of the words. Uplifting and thoughtful.

The Single Life – 26th February, 2024

Two Tone Pony have released Caroline – this band keeps making us all wish for an album with every single that they release. Such great stuff.

Hail Mary – Jen Mize, Jeremy Edwards and The Rough and Tumble – this woman can’t do any wrong in my eyes and I think that this is her best yet with the Rough and Tumble boys.

Bottom Shelf – Andy Penkow – a nice, slow, smooth song from a guy who is just getting better and better.

Sunday in the Sun – Tony Kennelly – if you aren’t drunk from the last song, this should do it, but it comes with a sun tan. I think that I have dreadlocks and a smile too.

What I love about country – Colin Buchanan tells us what we all love about country.

Sing a little Louder from Linc Phelps is a prelude to the album coming soon. It is an anthemic song. Catchy and prepare to sing along!

The Single Life – 18th February, 2024

Mackenzie Lee – Let my love drown

Big voice, mature voice from such a young performer. This is a powerful song.

Fix Me – Michael Waugh

The master songwriter is wearing it all on his sleeve again. The message is strong as always, the style a little different. Michael performed this at Tamworth and it was powerful. New album coming soon.

Drink About – Clancy Pye

Clancy is one of the most underrated artists in the country. She mixes it up a bit and this one is a girl’s version of a drinking song. A good singalong song and it may be her biggest commercial success yet.

Head above Water – Kim McCartin

The new buzz at Tamworth was Kim. I heard her on the last night. I learned why there was a buzz. This is a terrific song and the first of many, I suspect.

I Can’t Get Over You – Michael Carpenter and the CRC

Michael in one of his many bands! I can’t get over you is a cross between the Travelling Wilburys and The Beach Boys. Another fine production!

The Single Life: 7th February, 2024

Catch up time! Ruby Shay, dynamite talent, great song, When they call me. A new generation of Kernaghans, with Greg’s son, Elvis, releasing a single, If you love me (Australia). Very Kernaghanesque. I will watch with interest.

Lily Grace is hot right now. Her latest is Can’t be your Juliet.

Troy Cassar-Daley has a new album coming soon but for now, he has a new single, Let’s Ride.

13 year old Henry Catania, is one of Col Finley’s new finds. Don’t let his age fool you, he’s a young man with a big future. Hide and Seek is his single – go find him!

Talking about generation next, a fella called Ricky Albeck has come up with a beaut single, Insignificant Favours. He has been working hard with bands and it seems he is on his own now. Great stuff.

The Single Life 13 January, 2024 (post Kazzies)

Col Finley is the first cab off the rank and it is a beauty. This is Col at his best. Cowboy Way is part of a unique album that Col is putting together. It may seem familiar. Same shoes, different socks. Any song that mentions Gunnedah has to be good.

While talking about Col, let’s give them something else to talk about with a cover with wife, Nellie, who occasionally puts her scissors and comb down to sing a song or two. The Bonnie Raitt song, something to talk about works well as a duet. Nellie has an awesome voice. Top stuff.

Livin’ the dream is a terrific song from John Spence. I think that an album is brewing. The singles have been great.

Hard to believe that Ike is 5. Amber Lawrence has released this catchy, heartwarming song about her young son. 5 years of you is a nice way to start the year off.

Let it Burn is the latest from our girl in America, Kristy Cox. Get those air banjos and fiddles ready. Yee Ha!

Corey Legge has a new one and I think that it is his best, so far. West Coast is a top song! It is an ear worm for sure.

Here she is, folks. Sarah Catania with Here I am. She’s been busy gigging and getting herself out there but she is a fine songwriter. Co-written with Freddie Bailey, this is her best to date. If you haven’t heard our Victorian gal yet, get your ears primed.

The Single Life: 10th December

Last one before The Kazzies!

Brendan McMahon takes us Higher and what a beauty! Full on Bluesy/Soultry. Love it!

Ironically, Clint Wilson and Billie-Jo Porter released Fairytale of New York on the day that Shane McGowan passed away. It is a tremendous song and it now will be an everlasting tribute to Shane.

Soft Hands is the second single from The Bayside Brothers – a Sweet and tender instrumental from DCaf and Andy.

Dean Perrett is an Australian Country Music icon. He is constant, consistent and endearing. Close to Home is one of his best.

Doug Bruce puts a little funk into country with Funktry. This will have you dancing in the shower.

Riley Catherall is one of my favourites, I have never denied that. This is quite possibly my proudest moment with him. Complete with a sweet intro, If you come home for Christmas is one of the most beautiful songs that I have heard this year. It is an honest portrait of life, love and Christmas homecomings.

It has been a big week for Aleyce Simmonds. A birthday, a long awaited for first baby and this incredibly heartfelt song – Being a Mother. Stunning.

Harry Cleverdon’s Late Night Trance is quite a powerful song which will cross music boundaries.