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LATEST NEWS 27 November 2023 Review: James Johnston @ Venue 114 (Sunshine Coast) Country, Live Music, COUNTRY, LIVE 7 February 2023 Country music star James Johnston talks success of 2023 so far ABC, LIVE, TCMF, COUNTRY 22 January 2023 JAMES JOHNSTON CONTINUES METEORIC RISE WITH TWO GOLDEN GUITAR AWARDS Country, Pop 15 January 2023 James Johnston performs LIVE from the Tamworth Country Music Festival ABC, Live, TCMF, Country 4 November 2022 Hot 50 Chart: James Johnston and Kaylee Bell Reach #1 CountryTown, ChartTopper, Country, Pop 1 July 2022 James Johnston and Kaylee Bell announce a new single 'SAME SONGS' Country, Pop, HouseConcert 19 November 2021 James Johnston drives home his new ‘SMALL TOWN’ Country, Pop 29 September 2023 JAMES JOHNSTON TO MAKE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC HISTORY THIS FRIDAY … BECAUSE HE WAS RAISED LIKE THAT 1 February 2023 James Johnston nominated for Rolling Stone - Best New Artist Nominee, bestnewartist, countrymusic, rollingstone 21 January 2023 A polished, golden new talent emerges in Tamworth Country 22 November 2022 NSW Mid North Coast musician James Johnston leads 2023 Golden Guitar Awards nominations Country, Pop 27 September 2022 Clayton Anderson and James Johnston Take Home Top Honours At Unsigned Only Music Competition CountryTown, Country, MusicAwards 6 May 2022 James Johnston reveals new single 'COUNTRY BOYS' Country, Pop 28 September 2023 JAMES JOHNSTON’S ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ IS A CELEBRATION OF BEING RAISED COUNTRY 26 January 2023 GOLDEN GUITAR WINNER JAMES JOHNSTON RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘GOT IT GOOD’ GOTITGOOD, Country, Pop 18 January 2023 Tamworth Country Music Festival: James Johnston nabs long list of Golden Guitar 2023 nominations GoldenGuitar, MusicAwards, Country 22 November 2022 Road to success: Tamworth nod the ticket to singer’s future Theaustralian, countrymusic, GoldenGuitar, MusicAwards, Country 1 July 2022 'COUNTRY BOYS' goes #1 at Country Radio in Australia Country, Pop, ChartTopper 8 April 2022 James Johnston's 'SMALL TOWN' continues to dominate Country, CountryTown
- TOBE ARTISTS | James Johnston and Zac & George
If we believe, we deliver! ARTIST MANAGEMENT | ARTIST BOOKINGS | ARTIST TOURING TOBE Artists is a full service artist management & creative company responsible for building and managing the career of independent artists James Johnston and Zac & George . LATEST TOBE ARTISTS NEWS JAMES JOHNSTON ZAC & GEORGE JAMES JOHNSTON 1/2
- James Johnston's 'SMALL TOWN' continues to dominate
< Back 08 APRIL 2022 James Johnston's 'SMALL TOWN' continues to dominate James Johnston’ Small Town is at #1 for the tenth consecutive week on the Countrytown Hot 50 Country Airplay Chart. Get To Know Ya by Casey Barnes moves into second, ahead of Good Beer by Seaforth and Jordan Davis (#3) and Bryce Sainty with This Summer’s The One (#4) – we premiered the music video here. ARTICLE BY: KEALI RUSSELL, SCENESTR James Johnston ’ Small Town is at #1 for the tenth consecutive week on the Countrytown Hot 50 Country Airplay Chart . Get To Know Ya by Casey Barnes moves into second, ahead of Good Beer by Seaforth and Jordan Davis (#3) and Bryce Sainty with This Summer’s The One (#4) – we premiered the music video here . Read more here by COUNTRYTOWN CLICK SINGLE ARTWORK TO LISTEN ON YOUR PREFERRED MUSIC SERVICE
- Country music star James Johnston talks success of 2023 so far
< Back 7 FEBRUARY 2023 Country music star James Johnston talks success of 2023 so far It's already been a big start to 2023 for Wingham born country music singer James Johnston. ARTICLE BY: KEALI RUSSELL, SCENESTR LISTEN HERE It's already been a big start to 2023 for Wingham born country music singer James Johnston. Two Golden Guitar wins, a sold out headlining show and there's lots in store for him the rest of the year including the release of his newest song Got It Good. Anna Moulder caught up with James to hear about his successful start to the year.
- A polished, golden new talent emerges in Tamworth
< Back 21 JANUARY 2023 A polished, golden new talent emerges in Tamworth James Johnston has swiftly become one of Australian country music’s leading lights, and he took home two Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth including new talent of the year. ARTICLE BY: KEALI RUSSELL, SCENESTR Backstage at Tamworth’s biggest music venue on Wednesday afternoon, country singer-songwriter James Johnston was catching his breath after finishing a full production rehearsal. In a few hours, about 1900 people would gather to witness one of the best-selling concert debuts by an emerging artist in the history of the NSW city’s annual country music festival. And a few days later, on Saturday night at the Tamworth entertainment centre, Johnston stood to earn as many as six Golden Guitar Awards, as the year’s lead nominee – an impressive feat in a sector where change is usually slow. “This is the dream, to come and put your own show on,” Johnston, 32, told The Australian. “I was six years old when I started busking on Peel Street; I was just a kid with a guitar, playing Lee Kernaghan songs. I say it’s the dream, but you don’t even really think it’s going to happen, because it’s almost untouchable.” Born in the NSW town of Wingham and led by songs including his autobiographical single Raised Like That – which has racked up 11 million plays on Spotify alone – Johnston has swiftly become one of Australian country music’s leading lights. Backed by a three-piece band, his headline concert shone with the polish of an experienced performer. The capacity crowd skewed young, with plenty of children in attendance – a great sign for festival organisers, who have typically struggled to bridge the gap between family-friendly free events and ticketed shows attended by older crowds. Asked how he was preparing for the Golden Guitars, where Johnston was also among the performers, he had opted to keep his expectations low by reminding himself to enjoy the moment, no matter the outcome. The father of two said, “I just want to walk into that room, and if I don’t win a single one, I’m actually totally fine with that. If I win them all, I’ll be stoked, don’t get me wrong – but the truth is that it’s all just a chapter in the story.” “There’s so much to celebrate this week that if that one doesn’t fall my way, well, I’ve still had one hell of a week, haven’t I?” That he had, and on Saturday night, two awards fell Johnston’s way: he was named new talent of the year, and won vocal collaboration of the year for Same Songs, his track with Kaylee Bell . Gold Coast singer-songwriter Casey Barnes won album of the year for Light It Up, which was also the genre’s top-selling album of 2022. Elsewhere, the remaining awards were spread evenly across nominees, another positive sign of growth in a musical sector where well-known names tend to alternate years of racking up gold statues at the hands of industry voters. Andrew Swift and Amber Lawrence were named male and female artist of the year, respectively, while musical couple Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley won both song and single of the year for their tracks Star of the Show and Memory Lane. The annual awards capped the first Tamworth Country Music Festival to be held in its usual summer calendar spot since 2020. After several years of Covid-affected shuffling, organisers were pleased to see the town jumping with live music at all hours for 10 nights in January. The writer travelled to Tamworth as a guest of Tamworth Regional Council. 2023 Golden Guitar Award Winners Album of the Year: LIGHT IT UP Casey Barnes | Producers: Michael DeLorenzis and Michael Paynter Alt Country Album of the Year: LOOKS LIKE HEAVEN Kim Cheshire | Producer: Rod McCormack Contemporary Country Album of the Year: WISER Lyn Bowtell | Producer: Shane Nicholson Traditional Country Album of the Year: IN THE MOMENT Ashleigh Dallas | Producer: Brett Dallas Male Artist of the Year: ANDREW SWIFT Female Artist of the Year: AMBER LAWRENCE Group or Duo of the Year: BROOKE MCCLYMONT & ADAM ECKERSLEY Vocal Collaboration of the Year: JAMES JOHNSTON & KAYLEE BELL Same Songs Bush Ballad of the Year: OUT ON KILLARNEY Dean Perrett | Songwriter: Dean Perrett Heritage Song of the Year: SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND Luke O’Shea | Songwriters: Luke O’Shea, Fred Smith, Mitchell Lynham Instrumental of the Year: SODA CAP BOOGIE The French Family Band Bluegrass Recording of the Year: GOOD MORNING MOON Kristy Cox New Talent of the Year: JAMES JOHNSTON Song of the Year: STAR OF THE SHOW Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley | Songwriters: Brooke McClymont, Adam Eckersley, Dan Biederman, Tiggy Heart Eckersley Video of the Year: SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND Luke O’Shea | Director: Luke O’Shea, Jay Seeney Single of the Year: MEMORY LANE Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley Top Selling Album of the Year: LIGHT IT UP Casey Barnes
- Review: James Johnston @ Venue 114 (Sunshine Coast)
< Back 27 NOVEMBER 2023 Review: James Johnston @ Venue 114 (Sunshine Coast) On the last night of his 'Raised Like That' tour, James Johnston reminded us all that we don't need much, just a song with a fiddle. ARTICLE BY: KEALI RUSSELL, SCENESTR Neon lights gleamed as the stars aligned at Sunshine Coast's Venue 144 (26 November). The crowd buzzed as they queued up for pizzas, merch and drinks, keen to be a part of the unforgettable night of country music that lay ahead. First to enter the stage with an irresistible blend of sass and power was the ever-amazing Bella Mackenzie. The moment she graced the spotlight, a collective hush descended upon the audience, surrendering to the enchanting fusion of her commanding vocals and the soulful twang of her guitar. The crowd swayed in unison to the resonance of her potent ballads and belted out the lyrics with fervour throughout her entire set. Treating the audience to a beloved cover of AC/DC's 'It's A Long Way To The Top', Bella had everyone primed and pumped for the following acts to grace the stage. Bella Mackenzie - image © KealiJoan Studios Next was the harmonious force of country music duo Zac & George, who illuminated the venue with their enchanting synergy and magnetic stage presence. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and it was no shock to learn they've been best friends since they were 12. Whether crooning poignant ballads or infusing the space with the lively twang of an uptempo tune, and even a cover of The Script's 'Breakeven', the duo's performance was a captivating journey through the diverse landscapes of the country genre. Their live show wasn't just a musical performance; it was a shared experience that transported the audience into the heart of their storytelling. With tales of love, homesickness, and life, set to the backdrop of finely crafted melodies, Zac & George delivered a live performance that left an indelible mark. Zac & George - image © KealiJoan Studios With no hesitation, headliner James Johnston lit up the stage alongside an ensemble of musical maestros, each contributing their unique flair to the electrifying performance. The insanely energetic bassist, Steele, set the rhythm ablaze with infectious enthusiasm, while much-loved guitarist Dave skilfully wielded his strings, adding layers of melody to the sonic tapestry. Incredible drummer Troy anchored the performance with precision and power, driving the beats that resonated through the venue. Adding a touch of twang and authenticity, fiddle player Rachel weaved her magic into the musical landscape, infusing the air with the soul-stirring resonance of her strings. From the first chords of Johnston's breakthrough hit song 'Raised Like That', a sonic journey through the heart of country music unfolded. With each strum of the guitar and every heartfelt lyric, James painted an emotive landscape that resonated deeply with the audience. James Johnston - image © KealiJoan Studios He surprised the audience by bringing his good friends Zac & George onstage. As they adorned him with a party hat, the crowd eagerly joined in a spontaneous rendition of 'Happy Birthday' to celebrate James in style. The camaraderie continued as they seamlessly transitioned into their collaborative hit 'Some Things Never Change', which was filled with energy and shared laughs throughout the entire song. Adding a dash of mystery, James playfully teased the audience with an unreleased gem, a song co-written with country legend Lee Kernaghan. The crowd hung on every note, anticipating the day they could officially add it to their playlists. To elevate the excitement, James then invited opener Bella Mackenzie to the stage, creating a magical duet with his song 'Same Songs'. The energy soared as they dove into a medley of crowd favourites, sparking a friendly sing-along rivalry among the captivated audience. James Johnston - image © KealiJoan Studios In a poignant moment, James underscored the significance of family through his touching song 'Seeing You Soon'. The heartfelt lyrics delve into the challenges of touring and the profound longing for family. What added a uniquely emotional dimension was the inclusion of his son's vocals, a soul-stirring element that never fails to tug at the heartstrings of everyone in the audience. The grand finale, an encore featuring 'My People', turned the venue into a pulsating sea of energy, with the 2022 CMC anthem bringing the house down. This electric ending left everyone buzzing with the contagious energy that defined the entire show. James Johnston - image © KealiJoan Studios Beyond the music, the night served as a profound reminder of country music's timeless appeal. A genre capable of uniting generations, James' performance was a testament to the enduring magic of country tunes, creating an atmosphere where everyone, regardless of age, could revel in the joyous celebration of live music. The night wasn't just a concert; it was a jubilant testament to the universal charm of country music. More photos from the show.
- James Johnston nominated for Rolling Stone - Best New Artist
< Back 01 FEBRUARY 2023 James Johnston nominated for Rolling Stone - Best New Artist Amy Shark, The Wiggles & Kylie Minogue Among 2023 Shure Rolling Stone Australia Awards Nominees The Rolling Stone Australia Awards will return to Sydney on April 4th for a night to celebrate Australian music ARTICLE BY: KEALI RUSSELL, SCENESTR Rolling Stone Australia has today unveiled the likes of Amy Shark and The Wiggles as nominees for this year’s Rolling Stone Australia Awards, which return to Sydney on April 4th for a party in honour of Australian music. Among the nominees vying for top honours are global hitmakers and breakthrough stars. Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Vance Joy leads the stellar list with three nominations for Best Record, Best Single, and the coveted Rolling Stone Global Award. Meanwhile, rising star Budjerah, global phenomenon The Wiggles, triple j darlings Spacey Jane, international touring juggernauts Gang of Youths, and king of country Keith Urban also have multiple nominations this year. The past 12 months have seen the rise and rise of many incredible new Australian artists, all capturing the attention of music lovers and tastemakers. Up for Best New Artist this year are Blake Rose, Budjerah, Eliza & The Delusionals, Forest Claudette, James Johnston, Lara D, Merci, Mercy, and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. Each year Rolling Stone Australia invites international editorial teams, including editors from Rolling Stone US and Rolling Stone UK, to vote in the Rolling Stone Global Award category. Nominated this year are Alison Wonderland, Gang of Youths, Iggy Azalea, Keith Urban, Kylie Minogue, Rüfüs Du Sol, Tash Sultana, The Wiggles, Tones And I, Troye Sivan and Vance Joy. The annual awards introduce multiple new sponsors this year, including headline partner Shure alongside Australis, Canna, Panhead, JMC Academy and Jim Beam. Poppy Reid, Editor-in-Chief at Rolling Stone Australia publisher The Brag Media, said: “We take great pride in the fact that, by hosting our third annual Rolling Stone Australia Awards, we get to play a part in recognising Australian music’s growth. Our partnership with Shure was organic. We both share a love for local music and we’re so excited to showcase the energising spirit of Australia with a night to remember on April 4. I am immensely proud to be part of the team pushing local acts worldwide through our awards judging process, and our editorial partnership with Rolling Stone parent company PMC.” Will Repanellis, Head of Marketing at Jands, said of Shure’s sponsorship: “It’s fantastic that we can bring together two iconic music industry brands, with a combined 153 years of championing Australian music, at this year’s Shure Rolling Stone Australia Awards.” In the weeks ahead, Rolling Stone Australia will reveal this year’s hosts, performers and the nominees in the hotly-contested Rolling Stone Readers’ Award. First announcing the arrival of the awards in 2020, the highly anticipated first edition of the event saw artists recognised across the five categories, including Best Record, Best Single, Best New Artist, the Rolling Stone Global Award, and the Rolling Stone Readers’ Award. At last year’s ceremony, Genesis Owusu, The Kid LAROI and King Stingray were named the big winners, with live performances from Amy Shark and Ruby Fields. Rolling Stone Australia’s print readership was up 20% to 220,000 readers from the previous survey, according to new Roy Morgan research, ahead of many staple titles. 2023 Shure Rolling Stone Australia Awards Nominees: Best Single Amy Shark – “Only Wanna Be With You” Budjerah – “Ready for the Sky” Courtney Barnett – “Rae Street” Keith Urban – “Brown Eyes Baby” Ruel – “Growing up is ___” Spacey Jane – “Hardlight” The Kid LAROI – “Thousand Miles” Vance Joy – “Clarity” Best New Artist Blake Rose Budjerah Eliza & The Delusionals Forest Claudette James Johnston Lara D Merci, Mercy Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Best Record 5 Seconds of Summer – 5SOS5 Gang of Youths – angel in realtime Julia Jacklin – Pre Pleasure Parkway Drive – Darker Still Spacey Jane – Here Comes Everybody The Wiggles – ReWiggled Thelma Plum – Meanjin Vance Joy – In Our Own Sweet Time Rolling Stone Global Award Alison Wonderland Gang Of Youths Iggy Azalea Keith Urban Kylie Minogue Rüfüs Du Sol Tash Sultana The Wiggles Tones And I Troye Sivan Vance Joy
- JAMES JOHNSTON’S ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ IS A CELEBRATION OF BEING RAISED COUNTRY
< Back 28 SEPTEMBER 2023 JAMES JOHNSTON’S ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ IS A CELEBRATION OF BEING RAISED COUNTRY “The record will make you want to dance, make you want to cry, and make you want to turn around and buy a little property in a small town somewhere.” ARTICLE BY: KEALI RUSSELL, SCENESTR On paper, James Johnston’s meteoric rise appears to have unfolded at a back-breaking speed, but after speaking with him, you quickly realise that he is exactly where he should be, and it’s been decades in the making. Refreshingly, James extinguishes any ideas of imposter syndrome and embraces his position and accolades, reflecting on the last two years gratefully. “I feel incredibly honoured, lucky and blessed that I get to be doing it,” Johnston reveals. “I have been dreaming about this experience my whole life; it just took me almost 30 years to finally get out there and do it. And for my music to have connected so well, that’s the part that has been the dream. “I get to now travel around the country, like last night; I played to 3,000 people in a venue that was literally next door to where I would play pub covers to nobody listening. I was there three years ago with my acoustic guitar, and everyone was screaming at horses and barely listening. I used to watch people lining up at the venue next door, and I’d be like, ‘Imagine one day’. “Last night, I played to a packed house and toured with Morgan Evans , another hero of mine. It’s crazy. To be able to play those shows and see whole crowds of people sing my songs back to me and come up to me after and say, “Your story is like my story”, it’s just really cool.” Johnston’s popularity has been quick and emphatic, with many of his songs centred around the seemingly everyday experiences of being a parent, a husband and life on the land. With storytelling so foundational to the country genre, James’ ability to capture a feeling or message and convey it so earnestly has made him appeal to such a wide country audience. Johnston says when he sits down to write a song, there is no strategic thinking in creating something that is sure to connect with people. Instead, he made a commitment to himself when he started taking his music seriously that he would only speak his truth. When asked if his upcoming record would be more of the upbeat anthems he has come to be known for, he assures us it is but also hints that we can expect a broader range. “The record is a journey; that’s all I am going to say,” he teases. “There are 20 songs, and when you get to the end of the record, I think you will know me way more intimately. The record will make you want to dance, make you want to cry, and make you want to turn around and buy a little property in a small town somewhere. “The over-arching thing I say is that it is a celebration of a way of life. Raised Like That is just that – a celebration of being raised like that. There are topics that I touch on that are heavy, as things about living on the land are not always nice. But the over-arching message is being thankful for that way of life.” Johnston continues, “A lot of the music I have released up to date is pulled from my upbringing and growing up in a small town, growing up in the country and all the things that come with that. I think the album, a lot of the songs are the evolution of that – it goes from now, being a dad, and then getting back to my roots and reconnecting with my childhood, taking my family and being back in that environment and what that means now.” Track five on the album, This Land Is Killing Me tackles the historically high suicide rates in country towns, something that Johnston feels connected to. The song itself came to Johnston after a late-night call from a friend experiencing tough times facing the struggles of living on the land. Johnston’s father was also part of community groups in their country town that supported men of all ages facing similar situations. Johnston explains, “I have written a lot of songs with messages that I want to share, and I’m really excited that there are a few of those songs on there (the record). To be honest, I didn’t sit down to write them, thinking they would be my next single; I just wrote them because I felt like I had something to say at that time. “I was very content with them sitting between me and my guitar, and that’s the way I thought they would exist. It was only when I was putting the record together that I thought, ‘You know what, I am going to let some of these songs go and be a bit more open, a bit more vulnerable and share my story as well’.” Fans who fell for Johnston’s upbeat anthems can expect that same flavour when they listen to parts of the Raised Like That album or when seeing him on tour or at the Cruisin’ Country Festival . In fact, Johnston and Morgan Evans (who is touring with him) go way back and actually met at a local all-schools combined event, Star Struck , which was created to identify the next generation of music talent. Morgan, 16 at the time, took 12-year-old James under his wing and showed him the ropes, as it was the first time James was on a stage that big. Now, 20 years on, they are able to channel their decade of experience of growing up and performing in that Australian bar scene to deliver their fun, country-grown performances together. “That full circle moment of travelling with him and having these shows sell out once, twice and sometimes three times. It’s crazy. This feels like our home territory. Both our shows are high energy, and it’s cool because we are different artists, but there is a lot of positivity in the room when you come to a Morgan Evans and James Johnston show. Good vibes going around.” With Johnston receiving a Golden Guitar award for his Same Songs duet with Kaylee Bell, which features on the album, it’s clear that Johnston thrives when collaborating with friends and peers. When asked what it was like to collaborate with Zac and George on Some Things Never Change , he assured us that filming the clip was as organic and fun as it appears. “The amount of planning that went into making that video clip was just, ‘Hey, let’s go and shoot a music video at my old pub’. That’s about as much planning as we put in,” Johnston laughs. “We kind of let whatever happens happen. It was great because so many locals showed up, and this song is about connecting with old friends. “We were just sitting there having a beer, and the locals just kept topping up our beers and topping up our beers. In music videos, you often shoot the same clip five times or something, so every time we sat there, we would drink the beer, and then they would appear and top the beer up again. By the end of the clip, we were a bit toasted, but we had a good time. That’s what the whole song is about; it felt authentic.” Johnston is tight-lipped about any other collaborations that might be in the works, saying that he cannot announce anything but teases that we can add “yet”. When asked how his two young sons received the album at home, Johnston assures us that they aren’t too fussed. “I’m just plain old dad, to be honest. It’s funny; people always ask me how my kids feel about what I do and all that. But at the same time, my youngest, who is 18 months old, actually said his first sentence only two days ago, and the sentence was “I’m talking about my people”, which is one of my songs, My People . I was with my wife, and we said, ‘Did he just sing the lines to that song?’ So that was very cute; we might have a little rockstar on our hands. “There is also (another) song on this record that features my older boy, Coda , and it’s the first time he has ever sung before, and he’s actually singing on one of the songs. It’s really a story of being away from home and the challenges with family, and now he gets to be on that. It’s really nice. There is even a song on there that my wife and I wrote together. I’m excited; it feels like a piece of the family is in there.” “For me, I want to take people on a journey, and hopefully, they can see themselves and their story in some of my songs. They can also get to know me a bit better too. Hopefully, people like it, and if they don’t – I’m still really proud of it.” James Johnston’s ‘Raised Like That’ will be released on 29 September, with pre-orders available now. Johnston will perform at the 2023 edition of Savannah In The Round festival in Mareeba, Cairns Hinterland, on 6-8 October.
- James Johnston drives home his new ‘SMALL TOWN’
< Back 19 NOVEMBER 2021 James Johnston drives home his new ‘SMALL TOWN’ Over 5 million streams (and counting), a #1 airplay hit with a debut single release, top of Spotify’s Fresh Country playlist for a record 18 weeks, and over 8,000 fans utilising ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ on their Tik Tok’s. Heck, if this is any indication, James Johnston has well and truly arrived and is set to blow the doors off the country music worlds hinges with the release of his second single ‘SMALL TOWN’. ARTICLE BY: KEALI RUSSELL, SCENESTR A country boy born and bred in Wingham; James Johnston has built a sound that is capturing the hearts of listeners everywhere. His latest single ‘SMALL TOWN’ is a song of yearning: to return to his roots, away from the bright lights of the city skyline to the endless starlight of the bush. A sentiment his loyal fanbase are sure to resonate with. Produced by Elijah Cavanagh of Cavanagh Films, the video for ‘SMALL TOWN’ was shot on the outskirts of Gatton in Queensland, to capture the simple pleasure of a country bonfire party. “The story line follows the journey of a young country guy who was working in the city returning to his roots”, explains Johnston . “We threw a big party with a bunch of friends and just captured the magic.” Johnston’s writing is unique and familiar all at once, with a modern unique sound. On the writing of the song, Johnston says: “I wrote ‘Small Town’ on the drive back home to my hometown of Wingham. I had been spending quite some time in the city and I was just so excited to get back to my family farm. I wanted to capture that feeling of excitement and anticipation in the song - that build up as I was on that drive to get back home.” Produced by Justin Wantz in Nashville, ‘SMALL TOWN’ follows on from ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ , a debut single that has seen Johnston garner extensive national airplay leading to a #1 hit single on TMN CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts. With over 5 million streams, ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ is now regarded as the fastest streamed single by an Australian Country artist ever. Johnston’s recent activity on the live circuit has seen him play to huge crowds garnering stand out reviews. From performances at Pro Bull Riding events, to festival’s including Bush to Bay Festival and Savannah In The Round , the praise has been encouraging with Mareeba Express stating “Performing at his first ever festival, Johnston – the voice behind the massive breakout hit ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ was exceptional during his main stage performance on Friday afternoon. This man is going places. Make no mistake – this man is headed for a career in Nashville.” Despite the accolades, Johnston is still the level-headed, unassuming and approachable country guy he has always been. “I think so often when you grow up in a small town you think there is something so much bigger and better out there. Only until you step away you realise the magic of a small town and a close community. My family farm is still on the outskirts of my small town of Wingham and it's still one of my favourite things to go back to” , Johnston says. ‘SMALL TOWN’ is a road-trip anthem, perfect for singing out loud with the windows down, by an artist who is going places – and fast. With Apple Music announcing Johnston as the first Australian country artist to feature in the ‘Up Next’ local program, geared towards identifying and showcasing rising talent across Australia and New Zealand, Johnston is making an indelible mark on the music scene. He’s an artist that is set to be the soundtrack of this summer, and many more to come. CLICK SINGLE ARTWORK TO LISTEN ON YOUR PREFERRED MUSIC SERVICE
- James Johnston performs LIVE from the Tamworth Country Music Festival
< Back 15 JANUARY 2023 James Johnston performs LIVE from the Tamworth Country Music Festival James Johnston has taken the Australian country music scene by storm ARTICLE BY: KEALI RUSSELL, SCENESTR LISTEN HERE James Johnston has taken the Australian country music scene by storm. He's been nominated for his first ever Golden Guitar Award, where he's topped the nominations scoring a total of six. James joined Kristy Reading in the ABC studio this week to discuss his relatively short road to success and what's next for the bonafide star.
- JAMES JOHNSTON TO MAKE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC HISTORY THIS FRIDAY … BECAUSE HE WAS RAISED LIKE THAT
< Back 29 SEPTEMBER 2023 JAMES JOHNSTON TO MAKE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC HISTORY THIS FRIDAY … BECAUSE HE WAS RAISED LIKE THAT ARTICLE BY: KEALI RUSSELL, SCENESTR When James Johnston released his debut single, ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ two years ago, he never could have anticipated the whirlwind that followed. Six #1 airplay hits, 54.5 million global streams and two Golden Guitars later, James is easily Australia’s most exciting Country Music artist. This week the song that started it all has just been certified ARIA platinum. But there’s more. The bloke who grew up near the small town of Wingham in New South Wales, and sings of country life with an authenticity that makes a drover cry, a farmer sigh, a young jackaroo spin, a country girl smile and city folk wistful, will this Friday make Australian music history. His album RAISED LIKE THAT (The Album) releases on Friday and will be Australia’s largest debut Country album ever, a body of work featuring 20 extraordinary tracks and a heartfelt celebration of country living. His sound is modern and unique with driving guitars, pounding drums and his gravelly vocal centre stage. He works his boots off. The stunning debut contains moments that revel in joy and nostalgia, yet dares to dwell on the real hardship and adversity that faces so many people living in the country and on the land. There’s anthems that will fill dancefloors and raise hands in the air, and quiet stories of empowerment, hardship and love that will bring tears to knowing eyes. His words are lived-in and he sings with incredible heart because he was raised like that and he did grow up there. What’s more, James is a helluva live performer, having spent the past two years touring and performing on stages from Mount Isa to Melbourne, and all stops in between; he’s as at home in a studio as he is on the back of a semi-trailer in Deniliquin (where he happens to be this weekend). “I wanted to share songs about the good but also the often less talked about side of country life. When it’s all said and done, I hope this album makes you feel proud of where you call home,” said James. “ Music has forever been the way I can express myself in the most honest way possible,” admits the singer-songwriter. “I’ve always loved albums that allow the listener to truly get to know an artist. RAISED LIKE THAT, is that for me.” James called on his mates and longtime collaborators to realise his epic vision for RAISED LIKE THAT . Nashville-based hit-maker, Justin Wantz , racks up production credits on a mammoth 17 tracks, alongside Australia’s Gavin Carfoot and Liam Quinn , while Ilya Toshinskiy steps in to produce the rousing, ‘WE GREW UP ON’. While nine of the debut’s tracks were penned by Johnston alone, he shares songwriting duties with the other 11with long-time collaborator, Nolan Wynn , producers Michael DeLorenzis and Michael Paynter and fellow artists Kaylee Bell, Jared Porter, Melanie Dyer , and Zac and George , among others. The empowering, ‘A COUNTRY GIRL CAN’, even credits Johnston’s wife, Taliarose Johnston . Songs like ‘I STILL CALL IT HOME’ and ‘GOOD TO BE BACK’ celebrate small town values, while the more intimate, ‘THIS LAND IS KILLING ME’ highlights the trials and tribulations of life on the land. Songs like ‘GOT IT GOOD’ and ‘SEEING YOU SOON’ (featuring James’ eldest son, Koda) allow listeners to have a more personal look into James’ life, in which he shares the love and admiration he has for his wife and two boys but also the struggles of being away on the road. Life on the road has been rigorous for Johnston, having just completed a national tour with Australian heavyweight, Morgan Evans . The star has appeared at countless festivals – CMC Rocks, Berry’s Big Country, Gympie Music Muster, Meatstock, Tamworth Country Music Festival – you name it! He’s soon slated to light up stages at the rowdy, Deni Ute Muster and Far North QLDs, Savannah in The Round. Since releasing his debut single, Johnston has amassed a jaw-dropping 54.5 million global streams. Not only that, but his six #1 airplay hits have earned him a run of 110 consecutive weeks in the Top 20 of the Country Hot 50 National airplay chart. He’s been nominated for a QMA Award, an APRA Music Award and was a 2023 Rolling Stone Australia Award nominee for Best New Talent. But all his hard work was rewarded in January when he received two Golden Guitar Awards – New Talent of The Year and Vocal Collaboration of the Year. RAISED LIKE THAT (The Album) releases on Friday 29th September 2023. About the songs in James’ words…. RAISED LIKE THAT – a song that captures my story and those of the people and places that shaped me to be the person I am today. RAISED LIKE THAT tells the story of community, integrity, and a celebration to a way of life of people who grew up in a small community. The anthemic production and lyrics are reminiscent of Eric Church and Kip Moore and the track is undeniably infectious. KEEPIN IT COUNTRY – tips its hat to the rockin’ live country bands of the 90’s! With chicken pickin’ guitar solos to wailing fiddles, KEEPIN IT COUNTRY is sure to be a dance floor filler at the local honky tonk. COUNTRY BOYS – the story of the way I would spend weekends growing up in the country! From riding dirt bikes to loosing summers swimming in the creek, COUNTRY BOYS is my childhood wrapped up into one song! SMALL TOWN GIRL – is about finding yourself back in your hometown and finding the one! From buying up dirt, to cranking up Garth, she reminds you of all that you love about that life in a small town. THIS LAND IS KILLING ME – after a phone call late one night from an old friend of mine, I sat down and penned this one. The song tells the story of a farmer calling his friend to confide in his emotional desperation and tell that not all is okay. THIS LAND IS KILLING ME holds a message that life on the land is hard and the importance of reaching out to friends when times are tough to help you get through. WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD – I was born and raised on my family farm in regional NSW. This is the story of a real-estate investor coming to buy the family property without respect to the history that the land holds. Its powerful cinematic style production paints a vivid picture evoking a deep seeded pain that echoes throughout the song. WE GREW UP ON – anyone that grew up in the country knows that one of the best days was when you got your first car. It was more than just a car; it was your first taste of real freedom. Turn it up! GOOD TO BE BACK – paints the picture of driving back through your little hometown and pulling up in the drive to a life that holds the memories of your childhood. It’s a feeling I know all too well, growing up on a small rural property. GROWING UP – follows the story from young love to settling down, to passing on the lessons learnt through that journey to the next generation. It’s a lifetime in one song. SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE (+ Zac & George) – Zac & George and I wanted to make a song about old mates reconnecting, and this is a celebration of those friendships that last forever. I wrote SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE in Nashville just before I flew home to Australia, listening back to the demo on the plane ride home, I knew we had captured something special. GOT IT GOOD – a celebration of the simple things in life. The roof over your head, the job that pays the bills and the love that’s waiting for you at home. OLD COUNTRY BARN – I wrote this on a long drive from Brisbane to Tamworth with nothing but the steering wheel to make the beat. This track can be blasted just as loud at home in a country hoedown as it can at a rocking festival. ANYTHING LIKE ME – inspired by the birth of my first-born son, as a lot of parents ask themselves, what will their child’s future look like and will they follow in their own footsteps. It’s my own life, a universal story of growing up with its ups and downs. The song comes full circle with the final statement “I can’t tell the future so I’ll have to wait and see, if this boy will be ANYTHING LIKE ME” SEEING YOU SOON (Ft Koda) – after spending so long on the road travelling between shows, I yearned to get back home to see my family. This is the story of the long drive to see my young boy KODA who features on the track. WORLD UNDER MY TYRES – 16, and a full tank of gas! WORLD UNDER MY TYRES is the story of taking off with your best mate to hit the open road for the first time. COUNTRY GIRL CAN – a song for the country girls and inspired from comments on my TikTok from country girls around the world after I put the question out there, what makes a country girl a country girl. I then went through 1000’s of comments to shape A COUNTRY GIRL CAN. SMALL TOWN – I wrote this one on the drive back home to Wingham. I had been spending quite some time in the city and I was just so excited to get back to my family farm. I think so often when you grow up in a small town you think there is something so much bigger and better out there. Only until you step away you realise the magic of a small town and a close community. My family farm is still on the outskirts of my small town of Wingham and it’s still one of my favourite things to go back to. SAME SONGS (+ Kaylee Bell) – a celebration of the music that defined a generation. Grown from a single TikTok video, SAME SONGS is my first collaboration. When I reached out to fans on who they’d like to see me collaborate with I was inundated with requests to partner up with Kaylee on this song and she rose to the challenge writing a verse that is tribute to the female artists that she grew up on. MY PEOPLE – a song about the spirit of a country music festival! Rolling up in your ute with your best mates to see your favourite bands! I grew up with great artists like Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and Brooks and Dunn and I have always wanted a song reminiscent of these artists. MY PEOPLE was recorded using a live band in Nashville and includes the iconic elements of fiddle and harmonica found in so many of the great country songs of the 90s. I STILL CALL IT HOME – When I was 17, I left my little hometown to chase the dream of music, but wherever I go that little, small town will always be home. I STILL CALL IT HOME is that story. The line ‘Proud to say where I come from’ emphasises the strong connection I still have to the place that shaped me into the artist I am today. Website: www.jamesjohnston.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamesjohnstonmusic Instagram: www.instagram.com/jamesjohnstonmusic TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@jamesjohnstonmusic YouTube: www.youtube.com/jamesjohnstonmusic FOR bookings and or management enquiries, please contact Beau Thomas (TOBE ARTISTS) on 0437 148 782 or email beau@tobeartists.com FOR interviews or more, please contact Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email kath@kathrose.com
- James Johnston and Kaylee Bell announce a new single 'SAME SONGS'
< Back 01 JULY 2022 James Johnston and Kaylee Bell announce a new single 'SAME SONGS' Pre-Save to WIN a HOUSE CONCERT anywhere in the world! ARTICLE BY: KEALI RUSSELL, SCENESTR A first. A global friendly comp where a fan can WIN a HOUSE CONCERT by James Johnston and Kaylee Bell anywhere in the world! CLICK IMAGE TO PRE-SAVE