Join the podfather of country music, Adam Simon, as he sits down with the incredibly talented Sally-Anne Whitten on this episode of Country HQ’s Spotlight On.

Sally-Anne, a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter from Tamworth, NSW, has been captivating audiences with her unique blend of country, rock, and blues. Known for her smouldering vocal style and powerhouse performances, she has carved out a niche that resonates with fans across the globe.

In this episode, Sally-Anne shares insights into her musical journey, the inspiration behind her latest album “A Little Too Much”, and the stories that have shaped her career. From her early days performing alongside her father to opening for Keith Urban, Sally-Anne’s experiences are as rich and varied as her music.

Tune in to hear about her creative process, the challenges she’s overcome, and what fans can expect from her new album and live shows. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her music, this episode offers a deep dive into the life and artistry of one of country music’s most dynamic voices.

Don’t miss this exclusive conversation with Sally-Anne Whitten, only on Country HQ’s Spotlight On podcast!

Just three months after releasing $10 Cowboy, neo-traditional country singer Charley Crockett is due to release his second album of 2024, $10 Cowboy Chapter II: Visions of Dallas, on July 22, a companion piece to $10 Cowboy, with ten new songs as well as two favourites: “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “How Low Can You Go.”

Crockett also performs a cover of “(Ghost) Riders in the Sky”, which features both on this new album as well as on the Twisters soundtrack, which is released this week and celebrates the music featured in the blockbuster film. His cover of the Stan Jones penned classic honours the original and adds his unique style. Crockett’s expressive rendition brings to life the dramatic images of the song, of cursed animals and phantom riders. This is a spine-tingling trip that carries listeners to the centre of the Wild West and a fresh interpretation of a song over 70 years old.

Crockett continues his successful year by headlining “The $10 Cowboy Tour” at venues including Red Rocks, the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, the Salt Shed in Chicago, the new Brooklyn Paramount, and the Ryman Auditorium.

“We recorded the songs during the same sessions as $10 Cowboy down at Arlyn Studios in Austin,” explains Crockett. “Could have released a double record. But then Taylor Grace wrote ‘Visions of Dallas’ in a hotel room overlooking that city. She thought about my relationship to Dallas and the great state of Texas in general, and suggested we do a second album where all the songs tie back to Dallas and Texas. The result is Visions of Dallas.” 

In the meantime, check out our review of “$10 Cowboy” by click on the link here.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow us to introduce Johnny Blue Skies, the new incarnation of iconic Nashville renegade Sturgill Simpson, and his new album “Passage Du Desir”. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and Clement House Recording Studio in Nashville, the album signifies the start of a new chapter for the artist, who had previously committed to releasing just five studio albums under the moniker Sturgill Simpson. 

From the very first listen, this new album, the first by Simpson in three years, is once again an intriguing exploration of metamodern melancholy, reminiscent of an early Roy Orbison.

Johnny Blue Skies takes us through grief, previous setbacks, and unreachable ambitions from the moment the pen meets paper on this album. Listeners are left feeling raw, perhaps even vulnerable by the artists intense honesty. As sorrow flows like the Canal Saint-Martin, he presses for admission on “Right Kind of Dream,” using his sublime vocal talents like never before, making this among his most captivating recordings to date thanks to his understanding and abilities of how to use his vocals to convey modern sensitivities.

“You can turn the page or you can light the book on fire and dance around the flames. You can try to live above hell or you can just go raise some. Here’s to clean livin’ and dirty thinking.”

Using a layered effect, Johnny Blue Skies evokes a cosmic remoteness with his softer, exposed voice. As if trying to escape the immense pain, he sounds to be physically detaching himself from it. “One for the Road” transitions from symphonic country-rock to guitars sobbing during the course of its nearly nine-minute breakup song. Think Jim Steinman, but instead of his symphonic power ballads with an operatic rock singer from Texas, his muse would be Johnny Blue Skies, complete with strings and a retro country feel, straight out of Studio B at RCA circa 1978.

His more powerful moments, like the chorus of “Jupiter’s Faerie,” bring out his voice’s imperfections and add depth to the album in the same movement, before “If the Sun Never Rises Again” is chilled rock meets blue-eyed soul allowing us time to rest and reflect before moving on deeper into “Passage Du Desir”.

The album is peppered with rich and lively background music that complements Johnny Blue Skies singing, with his cosmic metamodern theme continuing to feature through songs like   “Mint Tea”, which is inviting and euphoric country music for listeners old and new, while the albums opening track, “Swamp of Sadness,” sets the tone, with haunting accordion melodies and Simpson’s vulnerable vocals. 

Even though it’s not officially an album by Sturgill Simpson, “Passage Du Desir” showcases Simpson’s talent while performing as Johnny Blue Skies. Seemingly heralding a new beginning and a return to metamodern country sounds, his music has taken an alternate trajectory recently, and we as listeners are richer and rewarded by it.

“Passage Du Desir” takes its cue from Johnny Blue Skies and invites listeners to explore the depths of despair, to the point where the album is so good, the sorrow and despair can’t help but be replaced by the unique joy and elation that music can bring. This record will take you on an emotional journey through the complex web of desire and need, regardless of whether you are a complete novice or a lifelong fan. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Johnny Blue Skies has arrived and the world of country music may never be the same again.