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New Single and US Tour Announced For The Decemberists

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After a six-year hiatus from releasing new music, The Decemberists are back with a new single “Burial Ground” out today. With its infectious horns and jangly guitars, the song becomes a hit with listeners right away, as James Mercer of The Shins provides backup vocals whilst lead singer Colin Meloy’s consistently astute lyrics drive the track forward.

Meloy describes “Burial Ground” as “a paean to hanging out in graveyards,

“The melody hook came to me in a dream and I hummed it into my phone on waking. Most dream-songs are bad; this was the exception.” 

In the spring and summer, the Decemberists will embark on a massive North American tour. The tour will begin on April 30th at the Ulster Performing Arts Centre in Kingston, NY and will conclude in August on the West Coast.

Some of the more notable venues are the Brooklyn Paramount Theatre on May 3rd, Chicago’s Salt Shed on May 21st, and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on May 24th. On August 3rd, the band will play McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon, marking their triumphant return to their hometown.

The Decemberists have been a cutting-edge, exciting, and innovative American rock band for twenty years. The Decemberists’ unique brand of hyper-literate folk-rock was evident from the release of their debut EP 5 Songs in 2001. The band was formed in 2000 when guitarist, singer, and songwriter Colin Meloy relocated from Montana to Portland, Oregon, where he met bassist Nate Query, keyboardist Jenny Conlee, and guitarist Chris Funk. Castaways and Cutouts was the band’s 2002 full-length debut. Following that, they signed with Kill Rock Stars and released the critically acclaimed Her Majesty the Decemberists (2003) and Picaresque (2005), both of which were produced by Chris Walla. The Tain, the band’s 18-minute epic single-track EP from 2004, revealed their lofty creative goals.

With the addition of drummer John Moen, the band’s permanent lineup was complete around this time, and in 2006, they made the surprising move to Capitol Records for their first album on the label. Fans’ fears that the band would stray from their signature sound were allayed with their most daring and ambitious record to date, The Crane Wife. Walla and Tucker Martine, who would later become a longtime collaborator, produced the album, which included a song cycle that incorporated elements of hard rock, quasi-disco, and ’70s prog. The New York Times, Rolling Stone, SPIN, Stereogum, and Pitchfork all gave the album high marks.

After three years, Meloy’s full-length concept album, The Hazards of Love, which was inspired by a stage musical, reached the Top 20. The King Is Dead, their first album to reach number one, was released in 2011. It contained the GRAMMY-nominated single “Down By The Water.” After the success of 2015’s What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World, which featured the single “Make You Better” that peaked at #1 on the AAA radio charts, the Decemberists collaborated with producer John Congleton to experiment with new sounds and production techniques for their eighth studio album, I’ll Be Your Girl (2018). According to NPR Music, “I’ll Be Your Girl captures a collaborative spirit that keeps the band sounding vibrant and alive.” This means that even The Decemberists, a band whose records have always come bursting with verve, need to refresh and reconsider their sound at some point in their careers.

In addition to founding Travellers’ Rest, a festival in Missoula, Montana, that they curate themselves, The Decemberists have performed at innumerable major festivals during the last two decades of their career. You might recognise the band from their appearances on The Simpsons and their work with Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton. They even put out a board game called Illimat, which they crowdfunded. Colin Meloy, who also sings lead, has written several books, including The Whiz Mob and the Grenadine Kid, the Wildwood Chronicles, which were bestselling in the United States and internationally, and two picture books, Everyone’s Awake and The Golden Thread: A Song for Pete Seeger. Carey Mulligan, Angela Bassett, Jermaine Clement, Tom Waits, and Mahershela Ali are among the actors expected to appear in the upcoming animated film adaptation of Meloy’s Wildwood Series.

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Listen To Ashleigh Dallas On The Country HQ Podcast

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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”!

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Stapleton Australian Tour Sells Out Six Shows In Hours

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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.

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Essential Listening This Weekend – “Say What You Mean” – Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits

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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.

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