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.

Cody Johnson, the Texas troubadour with a penchant for staying true to his roots, delivers a compelling collection of songs on his third album, “Leather.” Released under Warner Music Nashville, this record showcases Johnson’s commitment to quality music and his unwavering dedication to the country genre.

Johnson’s sound on “Leather” is both familiar and refreshing. He doubles down on his country roots, infusing each track with sincerity. Producer Trent Wilmon deserves applause for challenging Cody and coaxing out surprising depth in the songs. From the title track to “Make Me a Mop,” the album resonates with authenticity.

While Johnson didn’t write or co-write any of the songs, his knack for selecting great material shines through. Like George Strait and Mark Chesnutt before him, Cody understands that singing with conviction matters more than claiming songwriting credits. The result? A lineup of tunes that remind us why we fell in love with country music in the first place.

“Leather” strikes a balance between boisterous tracks and poignant ballads. Songs like “That’s Texas” and “People in the Back” inject energy into his live shows. Meanwhile, heartbreakers like “Watching My Old Flame” and the introspective “Whiskey Bent” (featuring Jelly Roll) cut deep. Johnson’s vocals carry the weight of these emotions effortlessly.

The misstep comes in the form of “Jesus Loves You.” Instead of forwarding Christ’s teachings about forgiveness, it morphs into a revenge fantasy. Written by HARDY, it veers into distorted vigilante justice territory. Thankfully, it’s just one song, and the rest of the album compensates.

In a landscape where mainstream country often veers away from tradition, Cody Johnson stands firm. “Leather” is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the genre.

Standout Tracks:

• “Leather”: The title song exudes vulnerability and resilience, leaving a lasting impression.
• “The Painter”: Surprisingly deep and beautifully rendered, this track showcases Cody’s growth as an artist.
• “Make Me a Mop”: A gem that reveals Cody’s restraint and maturity.

Dive into the soul-stirring melodies of alt-country sensation Kim McCartin. With lyrics that resonate like a heartfelt conversation and a voice that weaves tales of love, loss, and redemption, Kim’s music is a journey through the heartland of emotions. Experience the raw authenticity of her storytelling, where every note is a brushstroke painting the canvas of life on her latest single “Head Above Water“, out now on all streaming services.

Drawing from roots deeply embedded in the rich Australian soil, Kim’s music effortlessly weaves together the authenticity of country storytelling with the edgy allure of alternative sounds.

On her previous album, Two White Horses, Kim gained debut critical acclaim that left critics and fans longing for more, with songs written by Kim and co-written by the album’s producer, Kevin Bennett. The maturity of her writing at the time won her many fans and friends in the broader Australian music family. Further writing as part of a prestigious song club, Kim was able to collaborate with some of her great friends and notable names in the music industry.

Penning lyrics like pages from a well-worn novel, Kim has just finished recording at her studio on the Sunshine Coast, with a view to releasing a new album in 2024.

With her new single Head Above Water, Kim invites listeners into a world where raw emotions and untamed melodies collide, resonating with a soul-stirring honesty that is both refreshing and unforgettable.

Embrace the rich tapestry of alt-country of a genuine troubadour, whose music speaks directly to the core of the human experience. Don’t pass up the chance to lose yourself in Kim McCartin’s captivating sounds.