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HAYLEY MARSTEN READY TO SHARE GIRLHOOD
ACCOMPANYING ALBUM TOUR DATES KICK OFF JUNE 15, ACROSS NSW AND QLD
Singer songwriter Hayley Marsten is thrilled to announce her highly anticipated new album GIRLHOOD, set for release on June 16 through new label, Cheatin’ Hearts Records. View here.
Hayley explains, “I worked on the recording of Girlhood for over a year, which is completely different to how I’ve made records before. I worked with a production team who also played all the instruments you hear on the album and happen to be people who I have known for a very long time and who have seen me and my career move from the very early days. My co-executive producer, Cody McWaters had a few ARIA wins for his engineering work last year but I met him on the first day of pre-school back in our hometown. Our co-producers Michael Moko played on my first ever EP, Kieran Stevenson who plays keys in my band and is my most prolific co-writer and Dan Sugars who is the drummer in my band, a great producer and also my partner. Working with this team was such an easy and relaxed process, I think you can hear that in the record because I have never taken so many risks vocally or musically on any of my past records. And I think it’s because these are some of the people who know me best so they knew how to get the best out of me and I knew that if I fell flat on my face with an idea, the failure would only lead to something even better.
“For me, Girlhood is the album I wanted and needed to hear when I was younger. Everything from the songs down to the way the album looks was really inspired by who I so badly wanted to be when I was a teenager and I’m really proud of what I made for that younger self.”
Current single from the album is I Am a Rich Man, with its compelling girl power video – view here. Written with Imogen Clark, the single is a guitar-drenched anthemic tribute to Cher’s iconic quote, “I don’t need to marry a rich man, Mom, I am a rich man” and celebrates women’s right to choose whatever path they want in life regardless of what convention states. The album also features previous singles Drowning Myself, I’m Fine, Thanks and Bittersweet at Best.
Hayley’s sharp pen and open heart garnered widespread praise on her stellar debut, Spectacular Heartbreak in 2019. The album collected multiple award nominations, including Alt-Country Album of the Year at the Golden Guitars and Country Work of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards in 2020. The record also racked up over half a million streams and was crowdfunded for over $17k.
Four years on from her debut, Hayley has signed with Cheatin Hearts Records for the release of Girlhood – which is already award-nominated via Drowning Myself (Country Work at The Queensland Music Awards 2022) and was crowdfunded with over $20k.
Country music enthusiasts, get ready to tune in to the latest episode of Country HQ’s acclaimed series, “Spotlight On.” We’re thrilled to announce that the spotlight is now shining brightly on the immensely talented Ashleigh Dallas, and the episode is available for streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
In this captivating installment of “Spotlight On,” listeners are treated to an intimate journey through Ashleigh Dallas’s remarkable career in the country music scene. From her early influences to her chart-topping hits, Ashleigh shares insights, anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes stories that offer a rare glimpse into her world as a singer-songwriter.
Listeners will be spellbound as Ashleigh reflects on her musical journey, recounting the moments that have shaped her artistry and propelled her to the forefront of the country music landscape. With her soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and authentic storytelling, Ashleigh Dallas has captured the hearts of fans around the globe, and this episode of “Spotlight On” is a testament to her enduring talent and passion for music.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Ashleigh’s music for the first time, this episode is not to be missed. Join us as we celebrate the artistry and brilliance of Ashleigh Dallas in the latest installment of Country HQ’s “Spotlight On” series.
To listen to the episode featuring Ashleigh Dallas, simply head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and immerse yourself in the magic of her music. Don’t forget to subscribe to Country HQ for more exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and unforgettable moments with your favorite country artists.
Tune in, turn up the volume, and let the music of Ashleigh Dallas fill your soul. It’s time to experience the magic of “Spotlight On”!
Country music sensation Chris Stapleton’s upcoming debut Australian tour for 2025 has already made waves, with the announcement of six sold-out shows across the continent. The news comes as a testament to Stapleton’s immense popularity and the eager anticipation among Australian fans to experience his electrifying performances live.
The announcement of Stapleton’s Australian tour generated immense excitement among country music enthusiasts across the continent, many of whom have long awaited the opportunity to see him perform live. With tickets for all six shows selling out in record time, it’s clear that Stapleton’s appeal knows no bounds, transcending geographical boundaries to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
Stapleton’s Australian tour promises to showcase the full breadth of his musical prowess, from intimate acoustic ballads to rollicking, foot-stomping anthems. With a setlist spanning his impressive catalog of hits, including chart-toppers like “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Parachute,” and “White Horse,” audiences can expect a dynamic and unforgettable live experience that will leave them craving more.
For Stapleton, the sold-out Australian tour is a testament to the enduring power of authentic, heartfelt music and the deep connection it fosters between artists and fans. As he prepares to take the stage in front of sold-out crowds across Australia, Stapleton must truly be humbled by the overwhelming response and grateful for the opportunity to share his music with audiences around the world.
As the countdown to Stapleton’s Australian tour begins, fans can rest assured knowing they’re in for a night to remember, filled with passion, energy, and the unmistakable sound of one of country music’s brightest stars. With tickets in high demand and anticipation reaching a fever pitch, Stapleton’s debut Australian tour for 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable event for music lovers across the continent.
Hana and Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits have been a staple of the rising alt-country scene in Australia live since the release of their debut album “Southlands” in 2017. They have played at various festivals such as WOMADelaide, Out On The Weekend, Brunswick Music Festival, Adelaide Guitar Festival, Dashville Skyline & Queenscliff Music Festival, and Tamworth Country Music Festival, where they have tirelessly worked to perfect the band’s sound.
Eleven songs make up the album “Say What You Mean,” which was recorded at Alex O’Gorman’s Pakenham studio and features the lead singles “Arrowhead” and “Tallest Of Tales” (which have been added to high rotation on ABC Country) as well as “Paper Boats” and a variety of rock’n’roll swagger, country influences, and soul ballads. Hana and Jessie-Lee have been performing music together for nearly a decade. On this new album, they are accompanied by the Bad Habits rhythm section, which consists of two of Melbourne’s best musicians, Tommy Brooks (bass, slide, pedal steel) and Patrick Wilson (drums & percussion). Additionally, Norwood (backing vocals), Joe Cope (keys), Jordie Gilmour (drums), and Kate Alexander (backing vocals) make an appearance. With the exception of three tracks, Alex O’Gorman mixed the album at Phaedra Studios. John Lee mastered it, while Stephen Mowat (Wilsn) mixed the other tracks.
Love, awful first dates, insomnia, loss dread, longing home, and avoiding troublesome individuals are some of the lyrical topics covered. In the first track, “Misery Queen,” the band playfully points out the problems in a relationship while playing languid rock and roll in the style typical of the South. Without missing a beat, Jessie-Lee strides into one of her characteristic earworm guitar riffs on her distinctive green Gretsch, which harmonises perfectly with Hana’s brassy vocals. Title track “Say What You Mean” is a raucous rock anthem that implores people to be honest rather than silent in their relationships, while “Under The Vines” is a haunting tribute to homesickness in the vein of Bruce Springsteen.
“When we were picking songs to put on the album, it was a matter of what fit together, and what felt good playing as a band. I think I had about 25 songs and was still writing new material right up until we were going into the studio. We played a few at shows in their rawest form to see how they felt, how people reacted and that helped us make the final decision on the songs included.” – Hana
“These Shambles,” a cover of an older song with updated lyrics, is a bonus track on the CD and digital releases.
“We decided to record These Shambles again because it seemed to be a crowd favourite at shows” says Jessie-Lee Zubkevych of the re-record. “People sang along, and the song had changed shape into a bit more of an upbeat heavier version.”
In support of the new album, the band is taking to the road to play some new places and return to some old favourites all over Australia. For the first time, Tasmania, Bendigo, and Beechworth in Victoria are all on the list, as well as several features at the Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival in Sydney on the last weekend in May.
Listen To Ashleigh Dallas On The Country HQ Podcast
Stapleton Australian Tour Sells Out Six Shows In Hours
