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 9pm 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.
Dave Kent – 80 Proof
80 Proof is the new honky tonk shuffle from WA “coastal cowboy” Dave Kent. Co-written with Pete Cullen, Beth Heather and Georgia Donachie, it’s a tip of the hat to Dwight Yoakam, featuring the glorious pedal steel tones of Michel Rose and fiddle from Wicker Suite’s Gabi Louise. 80 Proof paints a vivid picture of a smoky, booze-filled refuge amidst the wreckage of a broken heart.
Brooke Schubert – Baby Blue Lies
Queensland’s Brooke Schubert solidifies her status as one of the most formidable voices in country music on her new track Baby Blue Lies. It’s a fearless fusion of rock and country, and a testament to Schubert’s bold musical vision. With a penchant for moody, seductive stadium rock, she fearlessly explores the depths of her favourite genres in this electrifying track. Co-written by Schubert alongside Nolan Wynne and Nat Pearson, Baby Blue Lies was expertly brought to life under the guidance of award-winning Gold Coast producer Jared Adlam.
Fleur Wiber – Free To Ride (ft. Matt Joe Gow)
Co-written by renowned alt-country artist and producer Matt Joe Gow, Fleur Wiber’s new song Free To Ride is a spirited, uplifting anthem about embracing new beginnings and the freedom of moving on. With unmistakable backing vocals from Gow, the track is a testament to Wiber’s growth as an artist and her commitment to crafting music that speaks from the heart.
You can listen to the latest full episode of ABC Country’s Grass Roots here.