Sunburnt Country Music

Elly McK & The Unbelievers are an alt-country band from Melbourne who released the single 'Bones' earlier this year and, before that, the single 'Down on Your Luck'. They are embarking on a tour of New South Wales and Victoria in support of their new single 'The Wind Up'.McK explains that ‘The Wind Up’ is about the decision to make a change, whether it's in a relationship, a job, or any other significant part of one's life. She shared that the song reflects her own experiences of wrestling with difficult choices and the resolve required to see them through.  ‘This is a song that I can apply to on various situations across my life,’ she says. ‘The song is written in the context of a relationship winding up, but it could also be a job winding up or a friendship or something that means a lot to you. That decision is a difficult one, and it takes time, but once it's made, there's no going back.’ The song's structure and Ellie's emotive delivery suggest a certain reluctance to fully commit to the ‘windup’, which McK acknowledges. ‘I think there is an element of convincing yourself,’ she says. ‘Convincing myself that this is the decision that's being made. And then what comes is another story, another song.’‘The Wind Up’ marks the first co-write for McK, who collaborated with the band's drummer, Sam Price. In our interview McK shares that she doesn't typically go into a co-writing session with the intention of finishing a song, but rather sees it as a creative process where the end result is unknown.  ‘I really enjoy that creation process and then the collaboration process as just a process of whatever happens,’ McK says. ‘I haven't done a whole lot of co-writes, a lot of my other singles I'd written by myself, and they come as almost fairly complete songs. But this was the first one that I've done with Sam, and there's going to be lots more.’ McK’s work as a singer-songwriter was not always on the card.‘I was terrified of singing,’ she says. ‘Right up until my mid-thirties, I was a bass player. I played in hard rock bands as a younger person, and always wanted to sing and was so scared, and I just made a decision, I'm not going to be scared of it anymore, and started doing it. Singing is now my life. Everything I do is singing. I couldn't imagine that life I had before singing.’ With her band The Unbelievers – which also includes Jordy Hickey on double bass and Monty Price on guitar – McK is embarking on an extensive tour of New South Wales and Victoria, which she describes as a huge undertaking for the band, taking in shows in Sydney, regional Victoria, and Melbourne, booked through to the end of the year.McK is excited to take ‘The Wind Up’ and the band's other singles on the road, knowing that the songs will continue to evolve through the live performance process.  ‘I love the evolution of the song,’ she says. ‘Some of my songs I've written sitting on my couch playing ukulele and an idea comes up, and then they become this bigger thing. And then the process doesn't stop once the song starts being played live. It's always changing.’ Elly McK & The Unbelievers tour dates

Two Tone Pony is a five-piece band with an extensive musical lineage. With Greg Richardson on drums, Graham Puglisi on bass, Ian Rhodes on mandolin, harmonica and guitar, and Glenn Wiley on keys, it was founded by David Kirkpatrick, who was named after his father – who was otherwise known as Slim Dusty. The title of Two Tone Pony’s debut album, Born on the Road, is taken from the song of the same name which describes Kirkpatrick’s own entry into the world, as his phenomenal mother, the late Joy McKean, gave birth while she and Slim were on tour.  Not only was Kirkpatrick born on the road, he grew up on it for the first few years of his life, instilling in him a sense of adventure and a curiosity about the world that would later manifest in his diverse pursuits, from medicine to diving and beyond. Navigating the Music IndustryDespite his famous lineage, Kirkpatrick’s journey into music was not without its challenges, which we cover in this interview. He recalls facing teasing and even physical altercations from those who didn't understand his parents' unconventional career path. However, this only served to toughen him up, preparing him for the rigors of the music industry. Embracing Curiosity and ResearchKirkpatrick’s approach to songwriting is deeply rooted in his innate curiosity and desire to get the details right. Drawing inspiration from his mother's meticulous research methods, he ensures that his lyrics are grounded in factual accuracy, whether it's exploring the history of the steam trading route on the Murray-Darling or channelling community spirit during a natural disaster. The Thrill of Live PerformanceAs a performer, he embraces the element of risk and danger that comes with live music, a trait he attributes to his upbringing. In our interview he speaks passionately about the exhilaration of a song taking off, the trust and camaraderie within his band, and the importance of valuing the hard work and dedication that goes into creating art. Born on the Road: The Album The album Born on the Road serves as a reflection of Kirkpatrick’s life experiences, with themes of movement, adventure, and the human spirit woven throughout the lyrics. Songs like ‘Slow Lane’ and ‘Stormy Weather’ offer glimpses into his personal life and relationships, while tracks like ‘The Flood’ demonstrate his ability to capture the essence of community resilience. As with the first time I interviewed him, Kirkpatrick is incredibly interesting to chat to – in fact, his family background is only the jumping-off point for a life that has been rich in experiences and human connection, and these are evident in the songs on Born on the Road.Listen to Born on the Road on Apple MusicListen to Born on the Road on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website 

James Johnston is a two-time Golden Guitar winner who has amassed an impressive 75 million streams for his anthemic songs, which include ‘Raised Like That’ and ‘Country Boys’, both of which appear on his 2023 debut album, Raised Like That. From my first interview with Johnston it was clear that he had taken his time to develop his craft, and art, as a performer and songwriter. He’d played in bars and pubs even if only the bar staff were present; he spent time in Nashville writing dozens of songs without recording anything. Then Johnston returned to Australia and started to put things in place, releasing one hit single after another, winning awards and headlining a show at the biggest venue in Tamworth before even releasing one album. When Raised Like That came out it topped the charts, and Johnston’s fan base grew. He did all of this as an independent artist.Now Johnston has a new single, ‘Blame’, and a new record label, Warner Music Australia. In this interview – our fourth – we talk about the song, which features the vocal Johnston recorded on the demo, as, he says, ‘There was just some magic, and we tried messing with it and something got lost. It was just one of those songs.’We also chat about his decision to sign with a label, and about his upcoming shows supporting Kip Moore. Plus he’s soon to travel to South Africa, to play the Cape Town Country Festival and in between all of that he’ll pop up at Savannah in the Round (dates listed below).So there’s a busy time ahead for Johnston, but he will no doubt relish the pace – after taking his time to establish his foundations, he can now build on them solidly and quickly, and produce the sort of entertaining, often layered and thoughtful music that keeps his fans coming back for more.SEPTEMBER 28: Kip Moore Tour Support – SydneyOCTOBER 3: Kip Moore Tour Support – MelbourneOCTOBER 12-13: Savannah In The Round, Mareeba Cairns HinterlandOCTOBER 13: Kip Moore Tour Support – BrisbaneOCTOBER 26 - 27: Cape Town Country Festival – South AfricaListen to James Johnston on Apple MusicListen to James Johnston on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website 

Lisa De Angelis grew up in Sydney and now lives in Brisbane, where she makes cowboy music for city slickers. She is a multifaceted artist who seamlessly blends her talents as a songwriter, performer, and storyteller. She’s also a dream to interview, giving thoughtful, interesting and often funny answers, so I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it.The reason for the chat was the release of her new single, ‘Wildwood (Time to Grow Up), and De Angelis opens up about the lessons she learned from a long-distance relationship, and how that experience has shaped her growth and maturity as a person and an artist. She also talks about working with partner Paul Bain on the production (he also plays drums and production on the track) and with musicians Michael Moko (guitars, banjo, mandolin), Gabi Louise (fiddle) and Sonic Edwards (bass). One of the standout aspects of De Angelis’s artistry is her ability to craft stories that resonate deeply with her audience. Drawing inspiration from her time as a tour guide, where she mastered the art of engaging and captivating audiences, De Angelis brings the same level of energy and authenticity to her live shows. She speaks of the importance of creating an ‘experience’ for her audience, rather than simply performing a set of songs. As a songwriter De Angelis reveals that she often doesn't fully understand the meaning behind her own lyrics until the creative process is complete. This organic and intuitive approach allows her to tap into deeper emotional wells, resulting in poignant and relatable songs that explore the complexities of relationships, growth, and self-discovery. De Angelis’s journey as a performer has been marked by both personal and professional challenges, including a significant hearing loss in one ear. Rather than letting these obstacles deter her, however, she has embraced them as part of the tapestry of her creative expression, seamlessly weaving them into her live performances. In the interview De Angelis speaks of the magic that can be created in the live performance setting. She believes in the intrinsic connection between performer and audience, and her commitment to leaving her audience feeling uplifted and empowered is inspiring. As De Angelis prepares to release her upcoming album, fans can look forward to more captivating stories, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying live performances. Listen to 'Wildwood (Time to Grow Up)' on Apple MusicListen to 'Wildwood (Time to Grow Up)' on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website 

Ella Powell has a habit of writing and recording truly lovely songs, including the singles ‘Along the Way’, ‘Country Love’ and ‘Paper Town’. She’s now collecting these singles in an EP, The End of the Beginning, to mark this creative part of her life. In this interview Powell shares insights into her artistic evolution, the joys and challenges of collaboration, and the lessons she's learned as an emerging independent artist. The Storytelling Essence of Ella Powell's MusicPowell’s songs have always been deeply personal, drawing from her own life experiences and emotions. ‘I love that all my songs, they do tell a story,’ she explains. ‘They're all from personal experiences, and I've sort of been able to draw on my early life in my teen years because all these songs were written in my teenage years.’This intimate connection with her music is evident in the way she approaches the songwriting process, always striving to capture the essence of her personal journey. The Journey of CollaborationWhile Powell initially found it challenging to collaborate, she has since embraced the joys of working with other artists. ‘I think it's just fun,’ she says. ‘You just throw ideas out and it's just with so many people, it's just, you know, non-judgmental. Throw it out there, see what sticks and just bouncing ideas off because the way someone else looks at it is totally different to the way you do.’ This collaborative spirit has allowed Powell to explore new creative avenues and push the boundaries of her songwriting. Navigating the Challenges of an Independent ArtistAs an independent artist, Powell has had to navigate the complexities of the music industry, from understanding the technical aspects of releasing music to the ever-evolving landscape of social media, emphasising the importance of maintaining a realistic perspective and staying true to her artistic vision. The End of the Beginning and the Road AheadWith the release of The End of the Beginning EP, Powell is marking a new phase in her creative journey. She explains that the songs on the EP reflect a personal and musical evolution, as she has grown both as an artist and as an individual. As she prepares to enter the studio and share new music, Powell’s excitement and passion for her craft are palpable, promising an even more captivating chapter in her artistic odyssey. Listen to The End of the Beginning on Apple MusicListen to The End of the Beginning on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website 

Dave Kent is a singer-songwriter from the south-west of Western Australia who cut his musical teeth in punk and in Margaret River. He has released the singles ’80 Proof’ and ‘Country Music’ and his third single is ‘Honky Tonk Dreams’.The Beginnings of a Musical JourneyKent’s musical roots can be traced back to his childhood, where he was exposed to the The Beatles and classical music during family road trips. It was the discovery of the iconic British band Oasis, however, that truly ignited his love for music. As he grew older, Kent’s musical tastes evolved, and he found himself drawn to the soulful melodies of country music, particularly the works of artists like Zach Bryan and Alan Jackson. Navigating the Margaret River Music SceneGrowing up in the picturesque town of Margaret River, Kent has been a fixture in the local music scene, playing in a variety of bands across different genres, from punk rock to jazz. The town's vibrant live music venues, such as Settlers Tavern and Clancy's, have provided him with ample opportunities to hone his craft and connect with fellow musicians. The Honky Tonk Dream Takes ShapeKent’s music took a significant turn when he began to explore his passion for country music and songwriting. His latest single, ‘Honky Tonk Dreams’, showcases his ability to blend his unique perspective with the classic sounds of the genre, as he navigates the distance between his hometown and the country music mecca of Nashville. Collaborations and ConnectionsKent’s musical endeavours have led him to forge valuable connections within the Australian country music scene. His work with acclaimed producers and musicians such as James Neuhausen, Michel Rose, and Gabi Louise has helped to shape the polished and engaging sound of his singles ‘80 Proof’ and ‘Country Music’. Looking AheadAs Kent continues to explore his honky tonk dreams, he has his sights set on expanding his reach beyond the borders of Western Australia. With upcoming performances at the Ekka in Brisbane as well as plans to visit Tamworth in the new year, Kent is poised to share his unique brand of country music with audiences across the country. Listen to Dave Kent on Apple MusicListen to Dave Kent on Spotify

In this insightful interview, I talk with rising Sydney-based artist Braydin Good to discuss his musical journey, the inspiration behind his latest single ‘Honest’, and his experiences playing live in Sydney. Good’s love for music was ignited at a young age, with his father teaching him to sing and play guitar in early childhood, with Good recording his first song in his dad's friend's studio before he even reached the age of five - although he hopes that recording never sees the light of day! Growing up, he was immersed in a musical household, with his father playing local shows and Good soaking up influences like Matchbox Twenty and John Mayer. While Goood was passionate about music from a young age, he actually steered away from it a bit during his high school years, instead focussing on his basketball pursuits. However, when the pandemic hit and shut down his sporting activities, Good rediscovered his love for songwriting and guitar. He then began playing open mic nights in the town of Griffith, honing his craft and building up the confidence to perform his own original material. Good’s songwriting talents emerged with the release of his first single, ‘She Ain't You’, earlier this year. But it's his latest single, ‘Honest’ that really showcases his emotional depth as a lyricist. Written about the aftermath of a break-up (and produced by Alex Mather), Good poured his heart into the track, delivering a vocal performance that is both vulnerable and powerful. When discussing the recording process, Good reveals that it only took a few takes to capture the raw emotion he wanted to convey. As an artist, he finds it easy to reconnect with those feelings when performing the song live, knowing he's telling his own story rather than someone else's. We also talk about one of Good’s favourite venues to play: The Beer Shed in Sydney, which he praises for its supportive and attentive country music crowds, as the listening-room atmosphere allows the music to truly shine. As Good looks to the future, he's already hard at work on new music, with plans to release another single later this year. In the meantime, he’s playing regularly around Sydney so audiences will find him there.Listen to 'Honest' on Apple MusicListen to 'Honest' on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website 

Dean Weston, an artist hailing from the central coast of New South Wales, has had a remarkable musical journey that has spanned decades. His lifelong passion for music began in childhood, when he and his sister received their first guitars for Christmas. As a young musician, Weston found inspiration in the music of his parents' record collection, which included the likes of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and Neil Diamond. ‘There were always records playing in the house,’ he says, ‘and the story is that they told me that the records were playing when I was a baby.’Weston and his sister, along with a neighbour who played drums, formed their own little band as children, describing their homemade setup with biscuit tins and wooden spoons. The influence of iconic artists like Pink Floyd and Eric Clapton would later shape Weston's guitar playing and songwriting style. ‘When I think about being a guitarist, I think of David Gilmour and Eric Clapton,’ he shares. ‘I used to watch the videos as well, not just listening to the albums, you watch them play and there's some guitarists that you just go, “I like this. I just like the way he plays."’ Weston's songwriting prowess blossomed during his university years, when he admits he spent more time writing music than completing his assignments. After a brief hiatus from music, Weston found himself in a covers band, where he met a female vocalist who would become his creative partner. This became a fruitful collaboration, with Weston and his partner co-writing songs and performing together. It was during this time that Weston began to gravitate towards the country rock genre, finding it a better fit for his songwriting style. ‘It's a very song and guitar orientated genre,’ he explains, ‘whereas the rock side, the popular rock side doesn't seem to be filling that void.’ Weston's latest release, the EP Giving All I Have, features the single ‘It's Easy’, which has evolved from its Fleetwood Mac-inspired origins to its current upbeat, radio-friendly sound, is a testament to Weston's collaborative spirit and the guidance of his producer, Peter Stevenson. As Weston looks to the future, he is excited to continue his musical journey, with plans to record more original material and bring his live performances to larger stages. Listen to Dean Weston on Apple MusicListen to Dean Weston on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website