Peter McWhirter was barely out of his teens when he penned the opening track of this debut album Lucky As A Seven, and debut single ‘Humm’, which raced straight to the top of the country music video charts.  The album is released on September 10.

Now with a string of tunes ready for release, the 20-year-old has his sights set on the world with Lucky As A Seven, and is set to take on the music scene with his own unique signature of mainstream country.

Lucky As A Seven is an eclectic mix of songs, steeped in country and blues and infused with threads of indie pop. From the uplifting current single ‘I Will Stand By You’, about never giving up, to the more bluesy ‘Ain't as Easy As It Looks’, McWhirter has firmly established his own style.

"It's mixing a whole lot of different ideas in the music spectrum from rock, folk, country, blues and bringing it all together into one," McWhirter says.

 The musical blend – recorded and produced in Nashville with Grammy nominated Australian producer Mark Moffatt (Keith Urban, Tim Finn, Nick Cave, Jasmine Rae) – comes out of McWhirter's upbringing on the outskirts of Sydney in Campbelltown where he discovered his musical abilities at age ten, when he clutched his first guitar.

McWhirter is appearing at CMC Rocks North Queensland on September 25 and is touring with Canadian superstar Corb Lund throughout September/October in support of Lucky As A Seven’s release.

PETER McWHIRTER TOUR DATES

10 September – Album Launch @ Club Lounge, Campbelltown Catholic Club, NSW
12 September – Lounge Bar, Penrith RSL Club, NSW
24 September – Atherton International Club, QLD (w/ Corb Lund)
25 September – CMC Rocks Nth Qld, Townsville (w/ Tim McGraw, Steve Forde, Corb Lund, Jasmine Rae, Busby Marou)
26 September – Pioneer Village Country Music Club, Petrie QLD (w/ Corb Lund)
28 September – Hallam Hotel, VIC (w/ Corb Lund)
29 September – Bairnsdale RSL Club, VIC (w/ Corb Lund)
2 October – Young Services Club, NSW (w/ Corb Lund)
3 October – PJ O’Reillys, Tuggeranong, ACT (w/ Corb Lund)
4 October – Yass Soldiers Club, NSW (w/ Corb Lund)
6 October – Hexham Bowling Club, NSW (w/ Corb Lund)
7 October – Davistown RSL Club, NSW (w/ Corb Lund)
8 October – Rooty Hill RSL Club, NSW (w/ Corb Lund)
9 October – Club Lounge, Campbelltown Catholic Club, NSW

Toby Kieth, Billboard's #1 Country Artist of the Decade and #1 Country Songwriter of the Decade as about to release a new album. The singer/songwriter/entertainer's 15th full-length studio album Bullets In The Gun will be available as a Deluxe Edition in October with four live tracks being added to the standard album

Recorded during his "Incognito Bandito" show at The Fillmore in Manhattan, the four songs feature Keith on lead vocals backed by an A-list band of session players assembled exclusively for the rare club performance. Johnny Paycheck's '11 Months And 29 Days,' Waylon Jennings' 'I've Been A Long Time Leaving (But I'll Be A Long Time Gone),' Roger Miller's 'Chug-A-Lug' and Gordon Lightfoot's 'Sundown' are the additions

Those recordings bring the Deluxe Edition's track list to 14. Keith produced the album, joined by Mills Logan and Kenny Greenberg for the live session. He also wrote or co-wrote all 10 new songs, six with Bobby Pinson, one with Scotty Emerick and Dean Dillon and the title track with Rivers Rutherford. Toby also wrote two songs by himself, including the lead single 'Trailerhood'.

As the new single and album attest, Toby Keith may be the longest-tenured self-contained hit machine in country music history. He wrote his first single and No. 1 smash "Should've Been A Cowboy" in 1993 and has been the central creative force behind the vast majority of his biggest hits since. His American Ride Tour, presented by Ford F-Series (his eighth-consecutive year as the "Ford Truck Man"), continues to play for standing-room-only arenas and will reach more fans this year than it did in 2009. 

In fact, 2010 has been a milestone year already. Toby performed on the prestigious Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular, which drew more than a half-million Americans in person and millions more to the CBS telecast. He's featured in this year's edition of the Forbes Celebrity 100 annual ranking of the most powerful celebrities in entertainment, sports and publishing. And he's currently featured on the cover of People Country

Complete track Listing: 1. Bullets In The Gun 2. Somewhere Else 3. Trailerhood 4. In A Couple Of Days 5. Think About You All Of The Time 6. Kissin' In The Rain. 7. Drive It On Home 8. Ain't Breakin' Nothin' 9. Is That All You Got 10. Get Out Of My Car

Deluxe Edition Tracks: 11. Months And 29 Days 12. I've Been A Long Time Leaving (But I'll Be A Long Time Gone) 13. Chug-A-Lug 14. Sundown

By Bob Doerschuk © 2010 CMA Close Up® News Service / Country Music Association®, Inc.

Concept albums are rare in Country Music, so from the get-go Achin’ and Shakin’, Laura Bell Bundy's major label debut release, is — as she writes and sings in “Homecoming Queen” — “a little left of the middle.”

But that’s to be expected from Bundy, who wrote that song with Jeff Cohen and 11 of the album's 12 tracks. But that’s not all: Where the usual pattern for Country Music hopefuls is to come straight to Nashville to try their luck, Bundy made the move only after gaining extensive performing experience in New York City.

She earned a Tony Award nomination for originating the role of Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” She was already a veteran at that point, having appeared at 9 in Radio City Music Hall’s “Christmas Spectacular.” At 11, she won an outer critics award for her starring role in "Ruthless! The Musical.” She also starred in the Broadway musicals “Hairspray" and “Wicked.”

But Bundy’s ambition was to sing Country Music. Between theater shows, the Kentucky-born artist and her roommate Amber Rhodes gigged as a down-home duo in Manhattan. Eventually, trading Broadway for Lower Broad in Music City, Bundy signed with Mercury Nashville and worked with three producers on Achin’ and Shakin,’ released in April.

Why three producers? The first half of the album, produced by Nathan Chapman, offers heartbreak songs and wistful ballads. The second, with Kyle Kelso and Mike Shimshack at the helm, dishes up half a dozen up-tempo tunes, beginning with the first single, 'Giddy On Up'. Written by Bundy, Cohen and Shimshack, it captures her playful side as well as her broad musical background. Stax-style horns punch through a banjo-driven hoedown and foot-stomp, dance-floor beat while Bundy radiates confident vocal chops and infectious humor. A seasoned musical actress with a strong Country spirit — now, that’s a concept.

IN HER OWN WORDS Q&A

Who is your musical hero? “I have a few...Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin.”

What CD is in your stereo?  “Lee Ann Womack’s Call Me Crazy.”

What book is on your nightstand?  “My headboard is actually a bookshelf so there are tons of books; I read about five at a time.  Currently, I’m reading, The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck and The Help by Kathryn Stocket.”

What song do you wish you had written? “Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin'’ played at every bar in America at some point every night.”

What word or phrase do you find yourself saying over and over again?  “’No, Norma Jean, you don’t poo poo there.’ Norma Jean is my new puppy.”

What mode of transportation do you prefer?  “A convertible.”

That moment in your life would you relive if you could? “Taking walks with my dad in the fall when I was 5 yrs old and picking sour apples of the trees.”

Do you have a lucky charm? “Yes, my Horseshoe necklace and ring.”

If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?  “Born To Entertain — The Life and Times of Laura Bell Bundy.” 

When they look back on your life in 50 years, what do you hope people say about you?  “They’ll probably say, ‘That girl was CRAZY!’  I hope they say, ‘She was true to herself.’”

If you weren’t a musical artist, what would you be?  “An Allergist or Nutritionist and I would help people that have food allergies like I do.”

What is your favorite food while on the road?  “Lays Classic Potato Chips”

What can you tell us about yourself that we’d never guess about you? “I won the Purdue University physics award as a junior in high school. Also I love 'Battlestar Gallactica.'”

Photo: Micheal Ellins

The highlight of night two of the CMA Music Festival at LP Field was Keith Urban's performance with special guests of the classic track 'The Times They Are A-Changin' in front of a sold out crowd.

Urban performed the song with Sarah Buxton, the female members of Little Big Town and an all-star brass band in celebration of the spirt of the people Nashville following the horrible floods just over a month ago.

Urban and wife Nicole Kidman have pledged money personally to the cause as well as performing a number of charity gigs in support of flood vicitms.

Other performers on the star-studded evening included Reba McEntire, Kid Rock, Julianne Hough and Miranda Lambert.

Photo provided by the Country Music Association (USA).

Despite awful flooding in Nashville less than a month ago, the CMA Music Festival kicked off in Music City today with over 40,000 people filling LP Field for the first night of stadium performances.

Tim McGraw gave Australian fans in attendance a sneak peak of what's to come when he tours Australia in September while Alan Jackson, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum (pictured above), Danny Gokey and The Oakridge Boys also performed.

Carrie Underwood completed the night with a blazing stadium set which included a performance of the classic song 'Paradise City' with Aldean.

Photo provided by the Country Music Association (USA).

Eight music artists from around the world gathered in downtown Nashville Monday night, June 7, to help kick off CMA Music Fest week at the CMA Global Artist Party.

Monday night’s showcase, held at The Stage on Broadway, featured 2010 Starmaker winner Luke Austen (Australia & pictured) who will release his debut album in Australia later this year, Jaydee Bixby (Canada), David Bradley (UK), Pop singer/songwriter  Sinead Burgess (Australia), Cameron Clayton (New Zealand), Tim McKay (UK), female country duo One More Girl (Canada) and Alex J. Robinson (Canada).  The evening’s events were hosted by Adam Gregory, who also played a set for the packed house.

Australian Artists who have previously performed at this event include Troy Cassar Daley, Jasmine Rae, Shea Fisher, Aleyce Simmonds, Travis Collins and Mike Carr.

Hit Country – Hits Of The Decade (2001 – 2010) features the best of the best! It’s a celebration of the last ten years of great country music globally.

Songs for this compilation have been selected on the basis of major chart success, music sales, industry awards and general impact on the music market.

With so many great artists recording so many great songs, the HitCountry.TV team's job of selecting the final 40 tracks was extremely tough!

We could have selected another 40 songs that could have been considered "Hits Of The Decade" but we could only fit 40 tracks on the two CDs, and the 40 on there are simply sensational! 

Country's biggest artists from the last decade from Australia and world are featured including Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Kasey Chambers, George Strait, The McClymonts, Adam Brand, Jasmine Rae, Beccy Cole, Melinda Schneider, Brad Paisley, Steve Forde, Sugarland, Brooks & Dunn and many many more.

The compilation is released on June 11, 2010.

Tracklisting:

Disc 1

1. Planet Country - Lee Kernaghan
2. Wrapped Up Good - The McClymonts
3. Born To Survive - Troy Cassar-Daley
4. You’ll Think Of Me - Keith Urban
5. Jesus Take The Wheel - Carrie Underwood
6. Like A River - Kasey Chambers
7. I Go Back - Kenny Chesney
8. Redneck Woman - Gretchen Wilson
9. Bring Me Down - Miranda Lambert
10. Believe - Brooks & Dunn
11. Beer For My Horses - Toby Keith (with Willie Nelson)
12. I’m A Road Hammer - The Road Hammers
13. Country Singer - Jasmine Rae
14. There’s No Limit - Deanna Carter
15. Alcohol – Brad Paisley
16. Best I Ever Had – Gary Allan
17. All Kinds Of Tough - McAlister Kemp
18. Moments – Emerson Drive
19. Stronger – Melinda Schneider
20. Poster Girl (Wrong Side Of The World) – Beccy Cole

Disc 2

1. Summer’s Little Angel - Steve Forde
2. Best Days Of Your Life - Kellie Pickler
3. Blame It On Eve - Adam Brand
4. In Colour - Jamey Johnson
5. What I Did Last Night - Catherine Britt
6. Beautiful Life - Doc Walker
7. What Was I Thinkin’ - Dierks Bentley
8. Austin - Blake Shelton
9. Stay - Sugarland
10. Tim McGraw - Taylor Swift
11. Fast Car - The Wilkinsons
12. I Saw God Today - George Strait
13. Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy - Big & Rich
14. Love Is A Beautiful Thing - Phil Vassar
15. I Hope You Dance - Lee Ann Womack
16. Acting Stupid - The Sunny Cowgirls
17. What You Give Away – Vince Gill (featuring Sheryl Crow)
18. Song For The Old Rake - Paul Kelly & The Stormwater Boys
19. Boondocks - Little Big Town
20. Don’t Chase Me - Shea Fisher

You can buy the two CD compilation now at  

Catherine Britt's new self-titled album is now instores and online.

In 2009 Britt declared, “To make an album that I believe truly represents me as a artist, songwriter and individual means the world to me”. That mantra has resulted in a self-titled album, the Newcastle born and raised singer songwriter’s fourth, comprised of songs that are either written or co-written by Britt that fully resonates her declaration.

One listen will prove Catherine was right to follow her instincts. Recorded in Australia Catherine Britt may prove to be her best and most consistent album yet. It is certainly her most personal, diverse and mature.

Recorded towards the end of 2009 at Melbourne’s iconic Sing Sing Studio and produced by Shane Nicholson and Bill Chambers, it is an un-compromising, heartfelt album born of love, pain, loss and sorrow that is certainly her most personal, diverse and mature to date. With Catherine either writing or co-writing all fourteen tracks on the album it is a true songwriters album and stands its ground based on the songs written & subsequently recorded. As it should be. No duets needed. No special guests required.

“Catherine came along with the strongest bunch of songs any artist could want for a new album, which made our job easy. She was really inspired to make this record. It’s a brave album in many ways, and she was completely up for the challenge. I think she is one of the top female artists in the game, in any genre.” says co-producer Shane Nicholson.

The album's first single, the upbeat and delightful 'Can't Change A Thing' is at radio and CMC now.

Check out this interview recorded earlier this week on ABC Local Radio in Melbourne with Richard Stubbs.  

Twelve time Canadian Country Music Award and Juno winners Doc Walker have arrived for their first Australian tour and the release of their new album, Go.

Featuring recent CMC Country Pick ‘If I Fall’, Go is officially released on March 5 when Doc Walker make their first ever live Australian appearance at CMC Rocks The Snowys.

Doc Walker’s first release in Australia, the Juno and six time Canadian Country Music Award winning Beautiful Life was released in July last year and featured the hit singles ‘Beautiful Life’, ‘That’s All’ and ‘One Last Sundown.

Their east coast “CMC Rocks” tour with leading Australian artist Steve Forde and US superstar Jack Ingram starts next week with shows in Sydney, Orange, Tamworth, Brisbane and Toowoomba. Doc Walker have earned the title of ‘the hardest working Country band in Canada’ the old fashioned way, through relentless touring and forging a lasting relationship with their audience.

Track Listing 1. Coming Home 2. Speed of Life 3. If I Fall 4. Why 5. The Hard Way 6. I'm Gonna Make You Love Me 7. From Here 8. Girls In Their Summer Clothes 9.Go 10. Dancin' All Night

Buy Go Now

Jasmine Rae burst onto the music scene in 2008 with an album which debuted at #5 on the ARIA Country sales charts and went on to be nominated for an ARIA Award in 2009. 

Buy Jasmine Rae's Look It Up CD & DVD Deluxe Edition Now