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The Journey Of Jordie Lane
For years, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jordie Lane—who was born in Australia—has been a major player in the business. Renowned for his distinctive mix of Americana, folk, and rock, Lane has enthralled listeners all around with his musical ability and narrative skill. With the release of his most recent album “Tropical Depression”, Jordie Lane is at a turning point in his career. After spending some time talking with the artist recently about the creation of “Tropical Depression,” its themes, and the effects it has had on Lane and his listeners, it’s time we shared insights from our interview and our thoughts on the tremendous new album.
Made in Nashville, “Tropical Depression” is a testament of Lane’s artistic development, further supported by his ability to assemble a trifecta of key behind the scenes people who have supported him in pulling this album together the right way. With Grammy nominated producer, engineer and instrumentalist Jon Estes (Kacey Musgraves, Dolly Parton, Rodney Crowell) producing the album, the mixing by iconic engineer Noah Georgeson (The Strokes, Devandra Banhart, Marlon Williams) and mastered by Juno Award winning Phillip Shaw Bova (Feist, Father John Misty, Angel Olsen, Bahamas). While the mixing and engineering from Georgeson and Shaw respectively embrace the artists songs like a hand holding a glass of whiskey, fusing genres and sounds together in a sublime harmony that is this album, it is Estes’s influence in the polished but raw sound of the album, which perfectly complements Lane’s introspective lyrics.
Talking with Jordie Lane on a recent trip back to Australia, he openly discussed that he had difficulties along the way in producing “Tropical Depression”, as the title of the album pays homage to Lane’s personal battles with mental health and his obsession with severe storms, while the tone of the album reflects this duality—between quiet introspection and strong emotional outburst.
Discussing deeply intimate and ideas of mental health during our interview, Lane demonstrates a beautiful resilience, and a sublime human condition, discussing with me how “Tropical Depression” songs invite listeners into his world by their honest and vulnerable quality. Listening to the album after the interview, I immediately start with the eerie rhythm and thoughtful lyrics of the first song on the album, “Back, Out There,” which sets the tone, before songs like “The Changing Weather” and “Empty Room” probe Lane’s experiences with anxiety and depression.
“Friends” a moving meditation on the value of personal connection throughout trying circumstances, is among the album’s best tunes. The straightforward but strong words of the song will surely appeal to listeners and serve as a reminder of the power contained in relationships, whilst “Blame Me If You Want To,” another noteworthy song, highlights Lane’s skill in fusing comedy and sarcasm with a sobering topic. This is the Jordie Lane who I first met several years ago in Nashville and was immediately taken in by his wit and lighthearted take, not just on music, but life in general. It’s fantastic to know that this side of this diverse artist is still as strong as ever.
With influences ranging from Bob Dylan to Neil Young, Lane’s musical approach is a singular mix of Americana, folk, and rock. “Tropical Depression” sees Lane stretching the boundaries of his genre by experimenting with novel sounds and arrangements. Rich vocal harmonies, ambient synths, and deft guitar work abound on the luxuriant and multifaceted record.
The way “Tropical Depression” uses its music to portray a broad spectrum of feelings is among its most arresting features. Songs like “New Normal” and “Been Lucky” are more lively and uplifting; tracks like “It Might Take Our Whole Lives” and “Internal Dialogue” are pensive and sad. This vibrant spectrum is evidence of Lane’s adaptability as a performer and lyricist.
A few weeks since it’s release, both fans and critics have praised “Tropical Depression” extensively since its premiere. The album has drawn compliments for its emotional resonance, musical complexity, and literary profundity, further complimented by the early shows on his current Australian tour, during which time “Tropical Depression” debuted at #1 on the Aria Country Albums chart.
In Lane’s career, “Tropical Depression” represents a turning point both creatively and monetarily. The popularity of the record has opened Lane to new opportunities that have resulted in publicised partnerships and appearances, including securing a label deal from ABC Music/The Orchard for this album (see below for the best signing of a contract ever!). Lane has a devoted following and earns critical praise since he can relate to listeners on a very personal level and that the industry now understands this is further validation, not just for the artist but for the long time supporters of his music.
Apart from its critical and chart triumphs, “Tropical Depression” has significantly affected Lane’s personal life as well. Making the record let Lane face and sort his own mental health issues, which helped him to find fresh clarity and direction. The songs and general tone of the album clearly showcase this personal development since they express hope and resiliency.
Set against rich, evocative soundscapes, Jordie Lane’s “Tropical Depression” is a remarkable investigation of the human psyche. Among Lane’s albums, this one stands out for its reflective lyrics and dramatic range. As Lane develops as an artist, “Tropical Depression” attests to his skill and commitment. The popularity of the album is a testament of Lane’s capacity to establish a connection with his audience by means of his music, therefore influencing his career as well as rewarding his listeners.
Catch Jordie Lane on the final leg of his East Coast Tropical Depression tour this week, before he returns to tour the rest of Australia in Oct/Nov:
| September 5 – Qirkz, Hunter Valley NSW |
| September 6 – LA LA LA’s, Wollongong NSW |
| September 7 – The Trocadero Room, Enmore NSW |
| September 8 – The Standard Hotel, Fitzroy VIC |
Australian honky tonk troubadour James Ellis has delivered a gem with his latest album, The Party Might Be Over. Packed with sharp storytelling and genuine emotion, Ellis brings his signature blend of wit and heart to this record, capturing the essence of honky tonk while giving it his own unique twist. Recorded remotely between Melbourne and Nashville during the pandemic, this album is a testament to Ellis’s dedication to his craft and his ability to adapt and thrive even in challenging times.
Ellis’s voice is at its finest in Lonely, Sad and Blue, one of the standout tracks on the album. It’s a soulful exploration of heartache that channels the spirit of classic honky tonk but with a modern sensitivity. Ellis’s rich, emotive voice brings out the raw pain in the lyrics, while the subtle twang of steel guitar gives the song a timeless feel. It’s the kind of track that feels both intimate and universal—a tune that makes you want to drown your sorrows in a dimly lit bar, yet find solace in knowing you’re not alone in your heartache.
Another highlight is the cheeky Don’t Drink By Yourself (If You Can’t Be Drunk Alone), a honky tonk anthem with a wink. The song combines clever, playful lyrics with an infectious rhythm, creating a tune that’s both entertaining and oddly comforting. It’s a lighthearted reminder not to take life too seriously, with an upbeat energy that’s impossible to resist. The rhythm section, recorded by some of Nashville’s top talent, drives this track with precision, adding to its barroom charm. This song is honky tonk at its best—fun, relatable, and brimming with personality.
Producer Micah Hulscher, known for his work with top Nashville acts, deserves immense credit for shaping the album’s sound. Hulscher brought together a stellar lineup of Nashville musicians, including legends like Fats Kaplin, Chris Scruggs, and Lillie Mae, who added their own magic to Ellis’s songs. Recorded at the legendary Creative Workshop Studios in Nashville, the album has a warm, rich sound that makes it feel like a live honky tonk performance, even though it was recorded remotely. The musicianship on each track is flawless, supporting Ellis’s storytelling with nuanced, heartfelt instrumentation.
The Party Might Be Over marks a significant evolution for James Ellis since his previous album, Country Lion. While Country Lion showcased his talent and raw potential, this new album feels more polished, more intentional, and more self-assured. Ellis has refined his voice and his storytelling, creating songs that are both relatable and timeless. He’s moved beyond the role of honky tonk storyteller to become a true artist, delivering songs that feel authentic and memorable.
In The Party Might Be Over, James Ellis has crafted an album that celebrates the highs and lows of life with humor, heart, and a whole lot of soul. It’s a must-listen for fans of honky tonk and classic country, and a promising indication of even greater things to come from this talented Australian singer-songwriter.
Listen to the Country HQ Spotlight On Podcast with James Ellis.
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REVIEW: Barely Blue – Midland
A showcase for Midland’s skill in fusing classic country elements with contemporary sensibilities, “Barely Blue”—produced by the legendary Dave Cobb—contributes to the band’s unified and introspective discography.
A showcase for Midland’s skill in fusing classic country elements with contemporary sensibilities, “Barely Blue”—produced by the legendary Dave Cobb—contributes to the band’s unified and introspective discography.
Song number one on the album, “Lucky Sometimes,” establishes the mood for the whole thing. The album’s profound lyrics and powerful emotional resonance are brought to light by the song’s spare production, which lets the band’s harmonies sing out. Embracing serendipity and the bittersweetness of life’s unexpected twists and turns, the lyrics, “Sometimes, you just get lucky and you don’t ask why / It’s like falling up to heaven and coming up a seven / Every time you roll the dice,” encapsulate the qualities of the song.
The album’s title tune, “Barely Blue,” is one of its memorable moments. It takes a sombre, contemplative look at loss and perseverance, drawing on Midland’s long-embraced sound that was influenced by George Strait. with crisp and interwoven harmonies give the song a deeper meaning, which is both sad and hopeful. Like the rest of the album, this song showcases Midland’s talent for writing music that sounds as good now as it did decades ago.
With its beautiful guitar intro and heartwarming promise of new love, “Better Than A Memory” is another standout. With its upbeat tempo, catchy choruses, and wistful, nostalgic mood, “Vegas” puts a modern spin on the old “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” story .
“Baby It’s You” showcases Midland’s adaptability and desire to explore diverse sounds while the song’s silky vocals and Bee Gees-inspired beat set it apart. The trio’s distinctive harmonies are front and centre on the heartfelt “Old Fashioned Feeling”, setting the mood for a welcoming and comforting listening experience.
“Halfway to Heaven” and “Lone Star State of Mind,” the album’s last two songs, are among its best. “Halfway to Heaven” evokes the music of Waylon Jennings and provides a sparkling slice of country tradition that is at once familiar and new. Mark Wystrach’s powerful lead vocals are on full display in the final track, “Lone Star State of Mind,” a moving and emotionally packed tune. It is one of Midland’s finest songs ever recorded due to its acoustic-driven melody and emotional lyrics.
“Barely Blue” has a few gripes, one of which is its length. There are eight songs on the album, which isn’t very long and leaves listeners wanting more. The album would have felt more finished with a couple of extra tracks, even though the song quality is very excellent. Nevertheless, this small criticism does not diminish the album’s overall influence.
Many consider “Barely Blue” to be the album that really set Midland apart from her peers. With a more mature and contemplative sound that is cohesive and engaging, it is less chaotic than some of their past work. The album delves further into the band’s conventional influences while simultaneously venturing into new musical realms, creating a set of songs that can be played again and again, revealing new nuances and layers with every listen .
On “Barely Blue”, Midland have captured the band’s development as artists and chronicles their journey over the last decade. The album exemplifies Midland’s talent for making music that stands the test of time with its combination of classic country elements and contemporary production. It is layered in emotional depth and complexity, whilst still staying true to the bands signature mature approach to country music.
Country music sensation Tanner Adell is set to make waves this summer with her latest single, “Cowboy Break My Heart”, as the song has quickly become a fan favourite, capturing the essence of heartbreak and resilience with a catchy, upbeat melody.
Adell’s new track is a perfect blend of traditional country and modern pop influences, showcasing her unique style and vocal prowess. Written by Adell along with Akil “Worldwidefresh” King, Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, Will Weatherly, and Anthony Germaine White, “Cowboy Break My Heart” tells the story of a love gone wrong, inspired by a past relationship with a Dallas Cowboys fan. The song’s infectious chorus and relatable lyrics make it an instant anthem for anyone who’s ever experienced heartache.
The release of “Cowboy Break My Heart” comes just in time for Adell’s highly anticipated performances at the Ridin’ Hearts festival in Sydney and Melbourne. Fans are eagerly awaiting her live renditions of the new single, which promises to be a highlight of the festival. Adell’s energetic stage presence and powerful vocals are sure to make her performances unforgettable.
Produced by LVRN Records, the single marks a significant milestone in Adell’s career. Her debut performance of the song at the BET Awards earlier this year was met with widespread acclaim, further cementing her status as a rising star in the country music scene.
As Adell prepares to take the stage at Ridin’ Hearts, “Cowboy Break My Heart” is poised to become the soundtrack of the summer, resonating with fans across Australia and beyond. With its blend of heartfelt storytelling and catchy rhythms, the song is a testament to Adell’s talent and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
REVIEW: The Four Seasons – Henry Wagons
REVIEW: Brighter Days – Dwight Yoakam
