Lainey Wilson’s latest album, “Whirlwind”, is a testament to her growth as an artist and her ability to blend traditional country with modern influences. Released in August 2024, this album showcases Wilson’s signature “bell-bottom country” style, a unique mix of Southern rock, soul, and classic Nashville sounds.

“Whirlwind” is Wilson’s third major-label album, and it reflects her journey and evolution in the music industry. The album is bold, fun, and deeply personal, with Wilson’s confidence shining through in every track. From playful tunes to heartfelt ballads, “Whirlwind” offers a diverse range of songs that highlight Wilson’s versatility as a singer and songwriter.

“Country’s Cool Again” is a nod to the recent resurgence of country music’s popularity. With its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics, Wilson celebrates the genre’s return to the mainstream. The song’s playful nature and Wilson’s enthusiastic delivery make it a standout on the album.

Further into the album, “Bar in Baton Rouge” is a powerful ballad that showcases Wilson’s vocal prowess, this song delves into themes of heartbreak and resilience. The lyrics are poignant and relatable, capturing the essence of hitting rock bottom and finding the strength to rise again.

Looking for an inspiring anthem? Then head towards track twelve, “Middle of It”, a motivational anthem that encourages listeners to keep pushing through tough times. Wilson’s empathetic and knowing tone makes it feel like she’s singing directly to anyone who’s ever faced adversity.

“Counting Chickens” is filled with charming lyrics and a catchy melody. It’s one of the more playful tracks on the album, showcasing Wilson’s ability to blend humour with heartfelt storytelling, reminiscent of Shania Twain’s “No One Needs To Know”.

The fiery “Ring Finger” is all about empowerment and moving on from a toxic relationship, with its strong beat and assertive lyrics, Wilson delivers a powerful message of self-worth and independence.

The album also features some impressive collaborations. Notably, Miranda Lambert joins Wilson on the wistful track “Good Horses,” adding another layer of depth and emotion to the album.

“Whirlwind” is a masterful blend of country storytelling, modern influences, and classic charm. The production is polished, with each track featuring a mix of traditional instruments like guitars and fiddles, alongside more contemporary sounds. Wilson’s brassy soprano voice is the star of the show, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions from joy to sorrow.

Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind” is a compelling and dynamic album that solidifies her place as one of country music’s rising stars. With its blend of traditional and modern elements, heartfelt lyrics, and strong vocal performances, the album is a testament to Wilson’s talent and growth as an artist.

Ruby Shay, alongside her band The Red Horse, have released her deeply personal new single, “Haven’t Met You Yet”, in conjunction with International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, Tuesday, October 15, out now through indie country label, RTC Records.  
 
“Haven’t Met You Yet” was written about Ruby’s own experience with pregnancy and infant loss and provides a voice for a subject often left unspoken. It’s a reminder, as a passage to healing, an opening to speak about the scary things and to share in the fear, the failure, the hope, the guilt, the hurt, the heartbreak of loss.
 

Not originally intending “Haven’t Met You Yet” to be shared or released as a single, Ruby changed her mind after playing it live at an event. Receiving overwhelming responses from women who resonated with the message, she felt compelled to help spark conversations around this sensitive topic. Ruby realised that by sharing her story that maybe, just maybe, she could help others feel seen and less alone in their grief.
 
“I never met you, but I miss you,” says Ruby.

Ruby Shay is a First Nations singer-songwriter from the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Celebrated for her earnest storytelling and deeply personal songs, her music is heavily influenced by her upbringing and view of the world. Ruby’s childhood was difficult, as she grew up in foster care, bouncing from place to place. 

While proudly connected to her Boorooberongal, Dharug heritage, she was raised and accepted within Dharawal and Yuin communities This rich cultural background, and the therapeutic solace that she found in music from a young age, has profoundly influenced her art. She began playing the keyboard at six as an escape from the outside world, and then also taught herself guitar in her late teens, eventually discovering her passion for songwriting.

Ruby’s music, inspired by deeply connected artists like Missy Higgins, Sara Bareilles, and Fanny Lumsden, is known for its emotive and connected storytelling. Drawing on her unique perspective and life experiences, her songs often start from deep personal spaces, evolving into powerful compositions.
 
If you or someone you know, has experienced or is experiencing infant or pregnancy loss, there are services available to help.
 
SANDS – 1300 072 637 – is an independent organisation that provides support for newborn death, stillbirth and miscarriage.
 
Pregnancy Birth and Baby – 1800 882 436 – Call for trusted advice and emotional support anytime 7 days a week.
 
Bears of Hope – 1300 11 HOPE – Provides grief support and care for families who experience the loss of their baby.
 
Pink Elephants – https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/ Pink Elephants provides the latest resources, information and peer-support for anyone impacted by early pregnancy loss.
 
Red Nose – Support Line at 1300 308 307. For online support, email [email protected] or live chat at rednosegriefandloss.org.au/live-chat. Services include counselling and support for anyone affected by pregnancy loss, stillbirth, baby or child death.

Following the release of his outstanding new album Healing Descent, TasmanianFolk/Roots troubadour Van Walker drops the third single, Her Gentleness, off the record with an accompanying video. 

Of the banjo lead song, Van says it is “A song inspired by the love of someone whose nature is at odds with much of this brutish world, but whose innate gentle strength and stubbornness means thankfully she will never change. Her gentleness is the strongest thing in the world there is.”  

“Van Walker returns after his marvelous 2020 album Ghosting (one of our top albums of that year) with Healing Descent,..  In both releases, Walker’s trademark lyrical honesty and raspy yearning vocals are consistently undeniable. Healing Descent is a truthful celebration from a masterful singer/songwriter.”

‘OUR TOP SIX ALBUMS’ – OCTOBER 2024 

LISTENING THRU THE LENS 

Van Walker returns from his award winning album GHOSTING (2020) with HEALING DESCENT (2024), ten personally powerful songs written around the spring of the first major lockdown (2020).

Recorded in just four days during a break on a Canadian tour last year, Van took the opportunity to team up again with mate and multi-instrumentalist Chris Altmann to produce Healing Descent, due out on Cheersquad Records late September 2024.

“That first spring of lockdown really packed a wallop after such a strange, dark time,” says Van. “The man-made world might have ground to a halt (due to the virus), but the natural world rolled on, and the very first day of spring was abuzz with colour and scents in bloom and insects going about their business. But most importantly: Promise. The real world was alive and completely oblivious to our troubles, and it was impossible not to be buoyed by that. Songs started pouring out celebrating that miracle.”

Feel good songs such as Persephone’s Return and Her Gentleness that sparkle with optimism.

“It was also a time of refuge from the ruin of the preceding period that bore my previous album, Ghosting. It felt as if I too had come full circle and survived, ready to go busily about my business once again. So there’s an undercurrent of that going on too. Ruin & Refuge. Death & Reanimation. There’s also songs on the album about those who didn’t survive that time (Certainty of Sand), and the heart wrenching darkness of the journey that isn’t a certainty.”

Fast forward a few years, a trip halfway around the world and a chance four day period off tour to record these songs in Canada with Carl Jennings & Chris Altmann, Van’s old mate and producer of past albums such as The Celestial Railroad (2008) and Bush League Bard (2010) who was like a touchstone between the past and present.

“Chris is like a musical mind-reader, he’s so talented and easy to work with, and he introduced me to Carl Jennings who also has the musical might and muscle, and a great studio in Hamilton, and the three of us just laid it down, bringing these songs alive, as did other friends and fam’ back home. Songs are like emotional mementos bursting with potential life, and with the right treatment, they’re proof positive of the seemingly unstoppable regeneration of the human spirit. They just need to be activated.”

“Van happened to be in town and so naturally I jumped at the chance to work with him again,” says producer Chris Altmann. “The first album I ever produced was his sprawling Celestial Railroad back in 2008 and we’ve had lots of fun working together over the years. I relocated to Canada some time ago so it was a great chance to introduce Van to Carl Jennings, a highly respected Hamilton musician and engineer at Westmoreland Studio. He was blown away by Van’s songs and voice. This new collection of songs are quite interesting compositions structurally, and sure enough they’re now all firmly stuck in my head!”

The working title of the record was Verdant One (meaning Green) a cyclic collection coursingwith deep undercurrents of meaning and chthonic force, yet it wasn’t until the album was finished and the artwork compiled and being finalised that Van realised that all four seasons were mentioned in the songs:

“Opening track: Summer Thunder, then there’s Hades’ Lullaby (Autumn), Persephone’s Return (Spring), and, of course, Winter’s Last Words.

I didn’t even realise until it was pointed out to me!”

Healing Descent is an earthy yet effortless album of heartfelt material from an artist on the upswing, celebrating the upheaval of the past with an optimistic renewal of the spirit.