Casey Barnes Describes The 'Miracles' Behind New Album 'Mayday'

Today is the big day: after a little over a month, Casey Barnes has released his highly anticipated fifth album, Mayday.

Barnes offered the first taste of Mayday last year with the anthemic Summer Nights. Following the release of that single, he released a trio of songs: Miracles, Never Give Up On A Good Time, and Boys Like Me—all notably topping Countrytown’s National Airplay Chart before kicking off 2024 with the single, Mayday.

For the album, Barnes was joined by Melbourne’s dynamic production duo MSquared (Michael DeLorenzis and Michael Paynter) and Andrew Maury (Mayday, the single). He also teamed up with a group of A-list co-writers: Morgan Evans, Danielle Blakey, Jordan Dozzi, Dwayne O’Brien, Bobby Huff, Eric Paslay, Kaci Brown, Samuel Gray, Jason Nix, Phil Barton, and David Mescon.

Upon announcing the album last month, Barnes commented that it contains the set of songs he’s “proudest” of and is a collection dedicated to his fans.

To celebrate the release that found him “working the hardest I’ve ever worked before”, Casey Barnes has dished on the behind-the-scenes action of Mayday for Countrytown.

MAYDAY

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I absolutely loved teaming up with Morgan Evans and Danielle Blakey to write this one! When it came to finishing the new album, what I was really searching for was that one massive anthem on the record that was going to jump out at fans and radio and also be great for our live show. That’s exactly what we walked away with…. I love this one, and it’s the perfect way to kickstart the album.

SUMMER NIGHTS

Summer Nights is really the future soundtrack for your next party, ha. This song is all about letting your hair down with your mates, forgetting the stresses of your 9-5 job and having a good time. The track has also been a real standout over the last few months, getting a ton of radio play and picking up the APRA for Most Performed Country Work of the Year, which was pretty special.

BOYS LIKE ME

Boys Like Me tells the story of growing up in a small town and chasing big dreams while being grateful for the simple things in life. It’s a really special and important song highlighting a story that I know so many can relate to. Growing up with good mates, ones you’ve known since you were kids and are still there by your side today through thick and thin. The ones that’ll share a beer on a Friday night but will also be the first there when you’re going through tough times.

More than ever, this song is about how important the simple things in life are, not material possessions; it’s about making the most of every day and treasuring the ones you love.

AIN’T NO BETTER BUDDY THAN A BEER

What's the one thing in life that will wait for you patiently, never judge you, and always be there? Beer. That's the premise we went with when writing this one, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, of course. It's a BBQ Anthem that's a deliberate departure from what you’d be used to hearing from me. This one’s meant to be fun and have you singing along, no matter where you are around the world, when they call last drinks! I was also lucky to have legendary Nashville songsmith Bobby Huff add his pen to the tune, and we reckon it's guaranteed to have you reaching for the fridge, in moderation, of course ;)

NEVER GIVE UP ON A GOOD TIME

I've been a massive Eric Paslay fan since meeting when we both performed at C2C Festival back in 2019. We finally had the chance to reconnect again in October last year when I was over in Nashville writing for the new album and playing some shows, and that's when we co-wrote this new one, Never Give Up On A Good Time. I've always loved his writing and had a feeling we'd come away with really something special. This song's all about chasing that ultimate night out, good time and bringing your friends along for the ride!

EVERYTHING WE NEED

Now, this one is really special and definitely one of my favourite songs on the new album. Similar to God Took His Time On You, it’s a co-write with Sam Gray and Kaci Brown and highlights how often we lose sight of what life is really all about. It’s not about material possessions, having the best house or car in the street, but about the strength of your relationship and being grateful for the little things in life. I absolutely love this song so much and everything it stands for.

COUNTRY FOLK

Country Folk is definitely going to be a favourite to put in our new live set when we go on tour. Lots of energy and good times… That was the brief when I teamed up with Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis to write this one. It’s meant to be a bit of a country anthem about being proud of your country roots, your mates and where you come from!

8. MIRACLES

Something magic always seems to happen when the three of us get in a room. It was so good to team up again with Sam and Kaci from Brown & Gray to co-write Miracles together on my most recent trip to Nashville. We’ve had such an amazing track record over the last few years with multiple country radio number 1s, so I’m really excited to get this new one out there! Miracles has such a positive message, too, all about those sliding door moments in life and the power of how the right relationship can bring you out of even the darkest places.

SHE DOES

When I listen to this song, I sort of picture that perfect road-tripping anthem that you crank up to 10 driving down the highway. The song is a tribute to your partner and everything you love to do together. How everything feels just right when it’s just the two of you and time just stands still.

BACK IN TIME

I’d been wanting to work with Jason Nix for a long time after hearing some of the stuff he’d written with Lainey Wilson, and we finally had the chance to team up with Phil Barton and David Mescon to write Back In Time. It’s a powerful song all about wishing you could turn back time and change the mistakes you’d made. Realising too late what you’d let go.

You can catch Casey Barnes on tour throughout 2024 – find the tour dates below. You can buy/stream Mayday here.