In the latest episode of Country HQ Spotlight On, we delve into the soulful world of Wren Bellette, a Melbourne-based songstress who has been enchanting audiences with her unique blend of Country and Americana. With a voice that carries the depth of soul country and the free spirit of Americana, Wren has established herself as a standout artist in the Australian music scene.

Join us as we explore Wren’s musical journey that leads to her deeply impressive debut album “This Love Will Die,” released on August 16th, and the stories behind her world-class songwriting. Wren will also give us an exclusive insight into her latest single, ‘Road Less Travelled’ and the anticipation building around it.

Don’t miss the chance to hear Wren’s thoughts on the evolution of her sound, her experiences moving from band to solo artist, and how her roots have influenced her music. We’ll also get a sneak peek into her upcoming projects and her vision for the future of country music.

Tune in for an intimate session with Wren Bellette, where music meets storytelling, and discover the passion that drives one of the most compelling voices in today’s country and Americana landscape.

Wren Bellette weaves her moving new track “The Road Less Travelled,” a preview of her first album “This Love Will Die,” which is set to be released on August 16, into the fabric of contemporary the Americana quilt.

The fourth and last single from the album, “The Road Less Travelled,” is a moving song that captures the sincerity and reflection that define Bellette’s music. Though it echoes the feelings of Robert Frost’s well-known poem, the song is a lyrical examination of decisions and routes not taken that is uniquely Bellette’s own trip through life’s less traveled paths.

Former member of the Adelaide band The Heggarties , Bellette has started a solo career that she hopes will enthrall audiences with her unvarnished honesty and lyrical profundity. Her co-production of the album with Taasha Coates of The Audreys suggests an emotional landscape and musical integrity-rich atmosphere.

“This is one of my absolute favourites that I have written,” says Wren. “I wrote this as the final song in mind. It’s about how there are no guarantees in life and that sometimes you need to be brave and take a new road knowing that your life will never be the same again… and with that comes a new journey with all of its own challenges.” 

Bellette’s love of the vintage songwriter sound is highlighted by the single’s world debut on ABC’s Tower of Song, which is renowned for its varied and retro vibes and is the ideal setting for her storytelling ability. The way that the song has been received bodes well for the solo album adventure of the Melbourne-based musician.

“This Love Will Die” is more than just the name of the album; Bellette painstakingly builds a story arc that delves into themes of love, grief, and the irony of life’s short moments. Bellette called the album preview a “cheeky little listen” and it has already made her fans excited to hear the whole story of her songs.

Fans of Americana and anybody who value the craft of storytelling through music should anticipate an album that not only highlights Bellette’s voice and lyrical skills but also her capacity to deeply engage the listener as the release date draws near. “The Road Less Travelled” is an invitation to travel with Wren Bellette on a musical discovery voyage where every note and phrase is a step on a path full of heart and soul, not just a song.

As the American summer sun casts long shadows, Ray LaMontagne welcomes listeners on a reflective journey with his latest single, “Long Way Home,” which serves as a prelude to his highly anticipated ninth studio album of the same name, which will be released on August 16.

“Long Way Home” is the album’s second single, released under LaMontagne’s new label, Liula Records. The music is a sad, bittersweet homage to the past, with LaMontagne’s distinctive raspy voice weaving through memories and meditations on days gone by. The song’s words, “Summertime, summertime / Said goodbye at the garden wall / From the house I can hear my momma callin’,” convey universal nostalgia, a yearning for youth’s simple and innocent days.

The single follows the success of “Step Into Your Power,” which marked a significant milestone in LaMontagne’s career as his fastest-moving track in the last decade. The preceding track achieved meteoric success at the radio, accompanied by a stop-motion music video animated by LaMontagne’s son, Tobias.

“Long Way Home” has a poignant contemplation on the path of life. LaMontagne, inspired by a live performance of Townes Van Zandt he saw at 21, recalls a passage from Van Zandt’s “To Live Is To Fly” that has stayed with him for three decades: “When here you been is good and gone, all you keep is the getting there.” This phrase captures the heart of the album, as LaMontagne honors the twisting path of life’s experiences, both victories and trials.

The new album promises to be a rich tapestry of LaMontagne’s growth as an artist and person. With production by Seth Kauffman, known for his work with Angel Olsen and Lana Del Rey, and backing vocals from The Secret Sisters on the album’s first three tracks, “Long Way Home” is set to be a modern folk and Americana music classic.

In support of the album, LaMontagne has planned a series of solo headlining U.S. tour dates beginning September 17, with The Secret Sisters as support. Ray LaMontagne’s next tour with Gregory Alan Isakov will provide fans with a unique opportunity to witness his intimate and thoughtful music in person.

As we await the whole album, “Long Way Home” demonstrates LaMontagne’s continuing brilliance and ability to portray the human experience through music. It serves as a reminder that the journey, with all of its ebbs and flows, shapes us, and that sometimes taking the long way home is the most gratifying path of all.