Latest News
“Passage Du Desir” – Johnny Blue Skies
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”
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.
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
