Every week, ABC Country's Grass Roots program shines a light on the best independently released Australian country content. Selected from the hundreds of new tracks submitted, the one-hour program is now available on demand as well as premiering each Monday at 9 pm on ABC Country, showing the health of Aussie country music across all its sub-genres. Here are four of this week's tracks you should have on your radar.
Head here to have a listen to this week’s full episode of Grass Roots.
Broken Creek - The Grain Store
Broken Creek, the duo comprising Erin and Lachlan Heycox (with Nick Henderson's steady double bass backing them), bring their upbringing from rural Victoria’s bushlands to their new single, The Grain Store.
A fast-paced instrumental banger, The Grain Store is a hell of a rollicking Australian bluegrass tune featuring fiddle, banjo and guitar. To make the song’s endearing melodies even sweeter, with The Grain Store, the duo honour the tenth anniversary of the G.R.A.I.N Store, the art space in their hometown of the real-life Broken Creek, which booked the group their first-ever gig.
The Grain Store showcases the love of the duo’s upbringing, traditional folk music, and an adventurous break from the conventional.
Nathan Carter - Dance With Everybody
In November, Irish country/folk star Nathan Carter returns to Australia after eight long years. Those anticipating or on the fence about attending his shows need to look no further than listening to his new single, Dance With Everybody, to purchase tickets ASAP or suffer fear of missing out (FOMO).
Like his live shows, Dance With Everybody showcases what makes Carter a superstar: his songs are packed with energy and rhythmic melodies that encourage you to try out your best Irish jig.
Carter’s latest single and forthcoming tour are in support of his 14th studio album, Music Man, released late last year.
Tania Nichamin - Sunsets
Wollongong-based singer-songwriter and Academy of Country Music graduate Tania Nichamin finds hope in grief in her profound new single, Sunsets.
Capturing the emotions Nichamin experienced following her father's passing, Sunsets offers luscious melodies and heartfelt lyrics as she heals in a song as stunning as its title suggests. The song was co-written with singer/songwriter Anthony Snape and produced by Michael Carpenter at The House Studio.
Sunsets was born while Nichamin drove home one evening and witnessed a breathtaking sunset that helped her through her grief. It’s the first single from her forthcoming debut EP, due out in early 2025.
“I know I feel Dad when I see the sunset,” Tania said about the track. “It's every day now, and there's something in that. Whether it's a sunset, a rainbow, or a sunrise, they are with us.”
You can listen to the latest full episode of ABC Country’s Grass Roots here.