The Country Drop Playlist ProfileA huge week of heavy hitters, with Wade Forster, Tyla Rodrigues and Brad Cox all dropping new tunes after featuring in our roundup of Australia’s top 20 country music streamers this week. But it’s not just Aussies—this week sees the return of Eric Church and Darius Rucker with some cracking new tunes as well as some lesser-known artists to wrap your ears around.
Wade Forster & Treaty Oak Revival - Can Of Worms
A huge collab here for Australia’s favourite cowboy Wade Forster. It’s hard to believe it’s just a few short years since Forster was spending most of his time at rodeos and now he’s on the road selling out shows across the states, showing Nashville how Nashville should be done. This will pour petrol on an already fiery career.
Eric Church - On The Road
One of the finest songwriters country music has produced in the last couple of decades, Eric Church is back. This one’s probably a bit straighter down the line than last year’s epic statement piece Evangeline vs The Machine and while it’s less adventurous, it’s probably the reset he needs to bring back the Chief era fans. A song about all the places he’s been on the road… But he’s never been down under. Come on, Chief!
Tyla Rodrigues & The Kruse Brothers - Left To Hold Onto
Uncompromisingly traditional, Tyla Rodrigues has trodden her own path right from the start and it’s paying off in spades. This is a gorgeous slice of Friday joy, just daring Aussie country radio to get with the programme and meet the audience where they’re at. Spending more time on planes and stages across the world than curating an Instagram, Tyla’s showing us how it’s done.
Darius Rucker - I Believe
His first release of this year, Rucker has been splitting his time between his massive solo career as a country artist and touring with the reunited Hootie and the Blowfish. This one’s a great country ballad, perfect for your playlist before you head back for another spin of Wagon Wheel.
Erin Kirby - Cross My Mind
Twenty-two-year-old Nashville up-and-comer Erin Kirby describes herself as a melting pot of country and R&B. This tune is pretty straight down the middle pop-country (ok, maybe it’s leaning a bit more to the pop side), but when it’s a bop this good, we’ll pretend we heard a banjo (it’s in there) and let it through the country gate any day. Great chorus that’ll be in your head all weekend.
Austin Mackay - Wasting Time
The tallest man in showbiz is back with a cracking new tune—his fourth this year so far. With an intro reminiscent of Sheryl Crow’s If It Makes You Happy and a chorus that sounds both new and like a warm, familiar hug, this one’s a surefire winner. If you’re in Nashville, make sure you check him out at AmericanaFest next week.
Brad Cox - Better Off Without It
Coxy is rolling out the bangers one by one this year. Better Off Without It leans into the Aussie and delivers another slice of Australiana with a cracking singalong chorus that’s destined to be a highlight of his live show.
Bella Mackenzie - Neon Never Lies
Bella fans know what they want and she never fails to deliver. It’s pop with a twang and this mid-tempo banger will continue to fuel her ever-growing young audience. With half a dozen songs already dropped this year, we must be close to an album.
James Barker Band - Hey Honey
This one is a cracking tune out of Ontario, Canada. James Barker Band have had some big songs over the years, with multiple country #1s across Canada, but have not quite tipped over into other markets. They were due to hit Aussie shores for Longhaul, but with that now off the table, hopefully we can see them down here at some point. This one’s definitely worthy of your time.
Logan Mize - Even The Stars Burn Out
When country meets '90s-style rock, it’s hard for me to resist and this one’s firmly in that category. A great mid-tempo rock ballad from this Kansas local that just has me thinking back to late '80s James Reyne, Tom Cochrane or Richard Marx, despite not feeling too retro. A great sentiment for 2026 letting us know it’s ok not to be ok, it’s a great way to round out this week’s playlist.
