Australian country music sensation Keith Urban has clinched the prestigious Golden Guitar Award for Top Selling Australian Country Album of the Year with his latest album, High. Released on September 20, 2024, the album has captivated fans across Australia and beyond, solidifying Urban’s legacy as a powerhouse in country music.

High, Urban’s 11th studio album, features 11 tracks, including chart-topping hits like “Messed Up As Me” and “Chuck Taylors,” as well as a memorable duet with Lainey Wilson on “Go Home W U.” The album has enjoyed 16 weeks in the ARIA Top 20 Australian Country Albums chart, holding the coveted #1 spot as of January 13, 2025.

Announced ahead of the Toyota 53rd Golden Guitar Awards, the recognition is based on ARIA chart data and award eligibility criteria, honoring High as the top-selling Australian country album for the calendar year 2024.

The other standout albums rounding out the top five include Troy Cassar-Daley’s Between The Fires, Kasey Chambers’ Backbone, Casey Barnes’ Mayday, and Lily Grace’s Old Enough to Know Better.

Peter Ross, Executive Producer of the Toyota Golden Guitar Awards, praised Urban’s accomplishment: “High is an incredibly versatile album showcasing Keith Urban’s exceptional talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician.”

The 53rd Golden Guitar Awards will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the largest country music event in the Southern Hemisphere. Fans can join the celebration live at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre or via the festival’s online livestream.

Stay updated on the festival and awards via www.tcmf.com.au and official social media channels.

Award-winning country artist Aleyce Simmonds is back with a poignant and deeply personal single, “Things I’ve Learned,” set for release on January 17. Inspired by her one-year-old daughter, Georgia, this new track takes listeners on a journey through life’s triumphs and tribulations.

Written during her pregnancy, the song is a reflection of the highs and lows that have shaped Aleyce’s life. “When I couldn’t sleep, I’d sit at my desk and just write. At the time, I wasn’t feeling well, but the words just fell out of me,” Aleyce said. “It’s surreal to think that without the hard times, I wouldn’t have Georgia – this beautiful baby.”

“Things I’ve Learned” explores universal themes of heartbreak, resilience, and hope, embodying the transformative power of life’s challenges. For Aleyce, these “little pockets of light” culminated in her daughter, who has brought newfound joy and purpose to her life.

The single was produced by Simon Johnson at Hillbilly Hut Studios and features harmonies from Karlee and Michael Cole, Vaughan Jones on keys, Rod Motbey on guitars, and Brad Bergen on drums. Additional recording took place at Enrec Studios in Tamworth with Steve Newton.

This release marks a significant milestone in Aleyce’s career, celebrating 20 years since her breakout hit, “Mighty Mighty Love,” which became the most played country song on commercial radio in history. Aleyce plans to honor this milestone with new music and performances throughout the year, starting with her Tamworth Country Music Festival show, 20 Years of Songs & Stories, on January 23 at The Bluebird Room.

Reflecting on her journey, Aleyce said, “Since having Georgia, I’ve felt my fire reignite. I want her to be proud of me and know the incredible places I’ve been and the things I’ve done – almost as if they’re her own.”

“Things I’ve Learned” is more than just a song; it’s an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own lives, drawing strength from the past to embrace the future.

Don’t miss Aleyce Simmonds’ unforgettable performance and the launch of her new single during the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

For more updates, follow Aleyce on Facebook and Instagram.

Acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Lyn Bowtell has once again captured the hearts of listeners with her latest single, Paper Cut. The emotionally charged track, released on January 17, is a poignant exploration of resilience and the enduring impact of emotional wounds.

At its core, Paper Cut is more than just a song; it serves as a cornerstone for Bowtell’s forthcoming album, which celebrates the strength of women supporting women. The single’s origin story is as personal as it is relatable. Inspired by the sharp yet fleeting pain of an actual paper cut, Bowtell connected the experience to the lingering ache of relationship breakdowns. She describes the song as one of those rare creations that “arrive swiftly, almost fully formed.”

The track features the distinctive backing vocals of Kasey Chambers, a long-time admirer of Bowtell’s work. Chambers first heard Paper Cut during one of Bowtell’s transformative SHE Songwriting Retreats and was moved to collaborate. The retreats, founded by Bowtell, provide a haven for female songwriters to come together, share stories, and foster creativity in safe and supportive environments. With mentors like Chambers, Ashleigh Dallas, and Felicity Urquhart, the retreats have become a beacon of empowerment and healing for women in the music industry.

Produced by Bowtell and her partner Damon Morton, Paper Cut is a masterful blend of heartfelt lyrics and classic country instrumentation, with Bill Chambers lending his signature slide guitar. Bowtell’s roots in country music shine through, drawing inspiration from legends like Emmylou Harris and Patsy Cline while offering a modern perspective on heartbreak and healing.

Bowtell’s passion for advocating for women extends beyond her music. Through her SHE retreats, she continues to inspire women to care for themselves and each other, creating a ripple effect of empowerment in the industry and beyond.

With Paper Cut, Lyn Bowtell not only delivers a powerful anthem of resilience but also reaffirms her commitment to uplifting women through art and community. This release promises to resonate deeply with listeners and set the stage for an album that celebrates connection, healing, and solidarity.