New releases - 4 May 2025

Tracks mentioned in this episode: Kirsty Lee Akers – ‘Marlboro Man’ Two-time Golden Guitar winner Kirsty Lee Akers returns with ‘Marlboro Man’, co-written in Nashville with Hall of Fame songwriter Byron Hill. The track explores the bittersweet nature of falling for someone who ultimately doesn't stay. Kirsty produced the song alongside Paul Bain, with background vocals by Melody Pool. Her previous release was ‘Girls Are Why the West is Wild’. Ruby Shay – ‘Our Blue Home’ Central Coast NSW artist Ruby Shay releases ‘Our Blue Home’, the final single from her debut album Hitch a Ride. The song, a live favourite at her shows, explores the ups and downs of long-term relationships with humour and warmth. Ruby has been making waves since her first single ‘Sinner’ in late 2023 with her band The Red Horse. Jimbo Stokes – ‘Made Up Mine’ Scone’s Jimbo Stokes, known for his opera-trained vocals, delivers ‘Made Up Mine’, a track with attitude that addresses the frustration of mixed messages in relationships. Co-written with Phil Barton and produced by Jacky McCormack, this follows his highest-streaming single ‘Hold On Let’s Go’ and a sold-out Tamworth Country Music Festival show earlier this year. Piper Butcher – ‘Start of Something’ Newcastle artist Piper Butcher releases ‘Start of Something’, the title track from her second EP. The single blends 70s country rock with modern storytelling elements, and was co-produced by Kasey Chambers and Brandon Dodd at Rabbit Hole Recording Studios.  Loren Ryan – ‘LIL BIT KNTRY’ Loren Ryan's new single ‘LIL BIT KNTRY’ tackles the question ‘What even is Country Music?’ With nods to Beyonce’s recent country album, the track features acoustic guitar, banjo, and a 90s energy reminiscent of Shania Twain and The Chicks. It was written with Michael DeLorenzis of MSquared in Melbourne. Josie – ‘Nothin’ Without Truckin’’ Following her breakout hit ‘Freight Man’ (5+ million TikTok views), Josie returns with ‘Nothin’ Without Truckin’’, a tribute to Australia's truck drivers. Inspired by her childhood around road trains and recent natural disasters in North Queensland, the song highlights the essential role of truckers. It was produced by Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis of MSquared. Hazel & The Thief – ‘Willing To Try’ Alt-country act Hazel & The Thief present ‘Willing To Try’, a rock ballad about feeling unseen and unheard in relationships. Written by vocalist Hazel and produced by award-winning Matt Fell, the track features Ollie Thorpe on lead guitar. The single paves the way for a series of releases leading to a full album later this year. Sweet Talk – ‘Stoned in Texas, Queensland’ Melbourne six-piece southern-boogie band Sweet Talk have announced their debut album Switch On (May 23) and released the single ‘Stoned in Texas, Queensland’. Known for their 70s grooves and improvised jams, the band has performed at major festivals including Bluesfest, where Kasey Chambers joined them onstage. They’re on tour with American act Red Clay Strays in May. Savanah Solomon – ‘Magnolias’ Recent winner of Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2024 Western Australian Country Music Awards, Savanah Solomon has released the single ‘Magnolias’. The alt-country track pays tribute to the strong women in Solomon’s family, particularly her grandmother, and draws inspiration from the film Steel Magnolias.  For more Sunburnt Country Music: Instagram Facebook  YouTube website  Substack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.