Latest News
Get A Little Taste Of “Candy” With Sin City
In recent years, the country/rock ‘n’ roll renegades Sin City have been tearing up stages all over Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, promoting and touring in support of their excellent first album Welcome To Sin City (2022) and EP Something’s Cookin’ (2023). Now they’ve dropped the music video for their latest single ‘Am I The One You Love,’ and they’re teasing the frenetic with their new single ‘Candy’, revelling in the honky tonk sound of their upcoming sophomore album, slated for release in April.
The song, which debuted on PBS FM’s Swinging Doors, was recorded last year on analogue reel to reel tape at Sound Recordings in Campbells Creek, VIC. It’s about the common experience of touring musicians – a short romance that you find while on the road. Singer and keyboardist Nick Armstrong says, “When you eventually see they’ve moved on and are happy, you can’t help but be a little bit disappointed!” However, you must realise that fleeting flings do not endure. That’s the message of the song.
With regard to the track’s audio, the group was going for “a song that captured the faster, louder side of Americana/country tinged rock n roll.” Their aim is certainly achieved as the song rips along with boundless enthusiasm, confidence, and vivacity. The rhythm section of drums, bass, and keyboard dive-bombs guitar solos as the aggressive voice — a hybrid of David Johansen (of the New York Dolls), Paul Westerberg (of The Replacements), and Chris Robinson (of The Black Crowes) — erupts.
For a sense of Sin City’s real musicality and unfettered irreverence, check out the video clip below, which was picked for CMT broadcast and was shot and edited by James Morris.
During the formation of Sin City, longtime friends Nick Armstrong (piano, organ, vocals) and Jack Beesley (formerly of garage punk rockers The Cavemen) spent months in the dry streets of Alicante, Spain, penning songs influenced by their shared appreciation of soul, country, and rock ‘n’ roll music from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s.
Delaney Davidson, a producer and kiwi country svengali, quickly had them back on their native turf of Aotearoa/New Zealand, where they began recording an album. With a lineup that included Marty Robbins and Mink Deville, the result was 2022’s Welcome To Sin City, which was well-received in New Zealand; it was later used on the soundtrack of the murder mystery series The Brokenwood Mysteries.
The two quickly made the journey over the water to Melbourne, where they recruited long-term players Andrew Blackman, Cameron Hicks, and Christopher Hockey. Since then, this five-piece force has been crashing the floors of dive-bars and pubs all across Australia with their explosive blend of country-soul and rock ‘n’ roll from the 1970s. They’ve shared the stage with local and international legends like Foggy Notion, Jenny Don’t & The Spurs, and Sweet Talk.
Sin City are getting ready to bring their boisterous, raw sound to a broader audience in Australia and around the world with the release of their sophomore album Another Round in April.
The Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards lit up Tamworth last night, celebrating the very best in Australian country music. With 17 categories recognizing work from October 2023 to September 2024, the evening was filled with historic wins and unforgettable performances.
Troy Cassar-Daley dominated the night, taking home five awards, including Male Artist of the Year, Toyota Album of the Year, and Song of the Year for “Some Days.” His total tally of Golden Guitars now stands at an incredible 45, cementing his place as Australia’s most decorated country artist.
Global country superstar Keith Urban added a new accolade to his collection with the prestigious Roll of Renown induction and Top Selling Australian Country Album for HIGH. Reflecting on his journey from Peel Street to global stardom, Urban described the honour as a dream come true.
Max Jackson, last year’s New Talent of the Year, added two more awards to her name, including Female Artist of the Year, while delivering a stunning performance of her winning single, “A Little More Country.”
Local favourite Ashleigh Dallas celebrated another win with Setting Suns crowned Traditional Country Album of the Year, and Casey Barnes’ upbeat album Mayday secured Contemporary Country Album of the Year.
Collaborations shone brightly as The Wolfe Brothers and Kaylee Bell’s “Beer in a Bar” earned Vocal Collaboration of the Year. Meanwhile, bluegrass queen Kristy Cox picked up her seventh Golden Guitar for Let It Burn.
Emerging talent also took centre stage. Lane Pittman, currently on tour with Luke Combs, was named New Talent of the Year, marking an exciting chapter for the former Tamworth local.
The night reflected the heart and talent of country music in Australia, wrapping up one of the busiest and most vibrant festival’s in recent memory.
Rising country music star Felicity Kircher has been named the 45th Toyota Star Maker, following an electrifying Grand Final at the 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival. Representing Tingalpa, Queensland, Kircher captivated the audience with heartfelt performances of her original songs Dear Rose and Ultimatum, securing her place as one of Australia’s most promising emerging artists.
Kircher, a seasoned performer and multi-instrumentalist, has spent over a decade honing her craft on stages across Australia. From touring with Kasey Chambers to standout appearances at festivals like Gympie Muster and Savannah in the Round, she has solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in contemporary country music. Her recent single, I Am Cry, has been making waves on radio and streaming platforms, further showcasing her versatility and talent.
The competition, held at Toyota Park, featured 10 finalists backed by the renowned Sam Hawksley Allstar Band. Each delivered two songs, but it was Kircher’s unique voice, stage presence, and artistic depth that won over the judges.
Star Maker Coordinator Cheryl Brown praised Kircher’s readiness to embrace the next phase of her career: “Felicity is an inspiring artist who continues to test musical boundaries. We are excited to see her flourish with the support of the Star Maker program.”
As the Toyota Star Maker winner, Kircher receives a prize package worth over $100,000, including 12 months’ use of a Toyota vehicle, fuel cards, and recording opportunities. The Star Maker program has a legacy of propelling its winners into the spotlight, and Kircher’s victory promises an exciting future for the young artist.
Congratulations to Felicity Kircher on this remarkable achievement!
Southwest WA’s very own country singer-songwriter, Dave Kent, is making waves with the announcement of his new single, “Fifteen Minutes to Moora”, and his debut EP, “Nannup to Nashville”. Both projects are now available for pre-save, with the single dropping on January 27, and the EP following closely on January 31 via indie label RTC Records.
Kent’s “Nannup to Nashville” is more than just a collection of tracks; it’s a heartfelt journey through life’s twists and turns, painted with the raw honesty that only someone who’s lived every note can convey. After years on the sidelines, Kent has finally stepped into the spotlight, delivering songs that resonate with dreamers, wanderers, and anyone who’s faced life’s challenges head-on.
Born during a period of upheaval in his life, this EP captures the spirit of Americana while weaving tales of chasing dreams, navigating heartbreak, and rebuilding a life from the ground up. “I hope people enjoy it as much as I enjoy playing them,” Kent shares, highlighting the personal nature of this milestone project.
The standout track, “Fifteen Minutes to Moora”, is a heartfelt anthem that speaks directly to Australia’s Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) workers. With vivid imagery and an evocative narrative, Kent encapsulates the emotional journey of those final moments on the road home after long stretches away. Set against the vast landscapes of Western Australia, the song echoes the timeless sounds of country greats like Ian Moss, Cold Chisel, and Fanny Lumsden.
For fans of authentic storytelling and heartfelt melodies, Kent’s EP promises to be an unforgettable experience. From the serene landscapes of Nannup to the neon lights of Nashville, his music bridges traditional country influences with a distinctly Australian twist.
Where to Catch Dave Kent Live
To celebrate the release of his new music, Dave Kent will be hitting the stage at some of Australia’s top venues, including:
- Sat 18/1 – Riverside Stage, 6:15 pm (TCMF)
- Sun 19/1 – Big Golden Guitar, 11 am (TCMF)
- Sun 19/1 – Toyota Fanzone, 3:30 pm (TCMF)
- Mon 20/1 – JB Hi-Fi Stage, 1 pm (TCMF)
- Sun 2/3 – Froth Craft, Bunbury
- Sat 19/4 – Rocky Ridge, Busselton
How to Support Dave Kent
Pre-save “Fifteen Minutes to Moora” and the digital EP “Nannup to Nashville” at the links below:
Pre-save Fifteen Minutes to Moora
Pre-save Nannup to Nashville Digital EP
Pre-order Nannup to Nashville Signed CD
Don’t miss this rising star as he brings his stories and songs to life, proving that no dream is too distant to chase.
Golden Night in Tamworth: Winners Announced for 53rd Golden Guitar Awards
Felicity Kircher Crowned Toyota Star Maker 2025
