If there's one thing that defines Casey Barnes right now, it's momentum and he’s got plenty of it. Off the back of a massive festival run and a career that’s firmly in top gear, the Aussie country star is leaning into a grittier, bolder sound with his new single Rough Around the Edges, co-written with Australian now Nashville based heavyweight Jordan Dozzi.
“Jordan and I had worked together before a couple of times,” Barnes says, explaining how their creative chemistry came together over several writing trips. “That first time, I was pretty nervous… we actually did a write with Mackenzie Porter, who we've written this duet with, I haven't released it yet, but this latest single, we felt like we got into a rhythm.”
Rough Around the Edges showcases a new sonic chapter for Barnes. Alongside his recent single Buy That Girl a Beer, it signals a deliberate lean into punchier, anthemic storytelling.
“With this album, it's shaping up to have a little bit of a harder edge to it deliberately,” he explains. “There is that more anthemic sort of vibe. Some of the messages are about not giving up, going for what you want in life, and having goals.”
So what’s next for the country star who’s basically ticked every box on the Australian circuit? Barnes is still dreaming big.
“I’ve still got massive goals to keep pushing outside of Australia,” he says, “but at the same time, I'm at peace with where things are at in my career. I'm really grateful… my wife keeps reminding me that sometimes you do have to stop and look at how far you've come.”
For now, he’s focused on finishing his next record, which is about already 80% done, and bringing the new tracks to life on stage.
“It's not far away,” he says. “We’ve only got a couple more songs to record later in the year, and then it'll be out… definitely next year. We’ll be doing a heap more touring and getting out to a lot of regional parts of Australia.”
If you've seen a Casey Barnes live show, you know it’s high-octane and full of big energy and that’s only set to level up. The remainder of 2025 is a packed festival run including Gympie Music Muster, Savannah in the Round, Groundwater, and The Bend Classic. Barnes has also just been announced for CMC Rocks 2026 and let us know he is already planning a full-blown production for it..
“The bigger the show, the more excited I get, and the more comfortable I am on stage.” he laughs. “Gympie Muster is an absolute ripper… and we've got some nice little surprises up our sleeve.”
Speaking of surprises, last year’s unplanned performance of Solid Rock at Gympie became a standout moment, complete with a surprise didgeridoo guest spot from one of the Pierce Brothers.
“We normally rehearse our show down to the second,” he recalls, “but with Solid Rock, we didn't get a chance to rehearse it. It was literally the first time we'd all played it live. And Jack from the Pierce Brothers just happened to be there. He got up and did it, and it was this magic moment that worked.”
Fans heading to CMC Rocks next year should brace themselves, Barnes is planning to go even bigger.
“It’s my fave,” he says. “We’ve always wanted to take it to a new level. We’re talking about starting the show on motorised eskies, with beers in hand, cracking into Ain’t No Better Buddy Than a Beer.” he says with a laugh.
While the logistics of singing and shredding from a moving Esky might be up for debate, it’s clear Barnes is serious about keeping things fun, unexpected, and full throttle.
Previously we’ve seen Barnes take on pyrotechnics and confetti cannons. “One time the flames went off and just missed me,” he admits. “That was my fault. The head of production warned me… but I got too excited.” so whatever lies head is no doubt set to bring the thrill.
Whether it’s fire, wind-blown confetti, or motorised antics, Casey Barnes is rolling into his next chapter with confidence, heart, and a whole lot of noise. Catch him while you can, preferably before the eskies take off.
Countrytown brings you Australia’s best country music news, interviews, charts and more every week! This post was authored by Countrytown and originally published on the Countrytown website. It has been re-published with permission.
