The Country Drop Playlist ProfileIt’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but I’m continuing to hold out on the avalanche of Christmas songs. We’ll be doing a new Christmas song wrap in the coming weeks, so never fear – if you feel like it’s time already for the man in the red suit, there are great new tracks from Kaylee Bell and Tyla Rodrigues this week, but we’re not quite ready to surrender to the eggnog just yet. So this week, we’ve got ten great tracks that are ready for your consideration for when you don’t need your night to be silent just yet.
Ella Langley - Here Then We’re Gone
The new Hunger Games soundtrack is throwing up some seriously good tunes, with a bunch drip-feeding over the last month. It’s a moody soundtrack, and this gorgeous Langley ballad is a gorgeously produced track that, soundtrack or not, should be in your ears this weekend.
Billy Vincent - No Destination
These days, moody soundtracks that do all they can to overshadow their movie parents are few and far between. The '90s were full of them (I’m looking at you, Godzilla), and we saw it happen again with Twisters a couple of years ago (which also leaned heavily country). Not sure if The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will live up to its epic soundtrack, but it’s got a job ahead of it. This second tune we’ve chosen this week is a huge achievement for an Australian artist. Billy Vincent was born in Cairns and grew up in Mackay. He started as a footy player, but with this incredible achievement, he is firmly now one of Australia’s finest new exports, kicking goals globally and holding his own on a global stage.
Hailey Benedict - Past The Picket
One of Canada’s biggest new artists, Benedict is signed to Big Loud Records after emerging from Alberta. She’s already got four CCMA nominations under her belt (and a win) and continues to go from strength to strength. Things My Mama Says was a top 10 on the Billboard Canada country chart in 2024, but it feels like Benedict is just getting started.
Bryce Sainty - This Side Of Town
Bryce Sainty has been kicking around the Australian scene for more than a decade, but it feels like he’s still got places to go. He’s been nominated for a CMC Award, had multiple radio successes and has been a Starmaker finalist, but This Side Of Town is possibly his most accomplished tune to date. Impeccable production and just a great song, this sounds like an artist who knows who he is. And you should know, too.
Kameron Marlowe - Tell By Now
He was in Australia in 2024 for CMC Rocks and will be back to impress in 2027, and this new tune is the perfect track to learn the words to all summer, ready to sing back to him on the big stage. His blend of country with serious soul is always a winner, and it’s no different here.
Avery Anna - Roadkill
Maybe it’s the Hunger Games theme, but we’re loving the dark tunes this week, and Avery Anna’s Roadkill is one of the best. It’s a low-tempo stomper that could easily have been on the soundtrack and given Ella a run for her money. This is not just one of the better songs of the week, but is one of the better songs of the year.
Payton Sullivan - Talkin’ Bout My Girls
OK, so it was all getting a bit serious this week. Don’t worry – I haven’t forgotten your need to party, and Payton Sullivan’s interpolation of The Temptations' My Girl is the perfect way to grab a rosé and hang on the deck. It’s taking the timeless chorus and dragging it into 2026 in what could be an anthem for the girls this summer (or winter).
Seaforth - Run Out Of Beer
You didn’t think we’d have a week without a beer song, did you? Seaforth announced the return of Tom Jordan to the duo this week, and they are very quick out of the blocks with this new tune to wave the flag that they’re back. You know what you’re getting here – it’s a competent party banger that shows Seaforth still know how to do it after over a decade together (except for the apart bit).
Jack Wood - Take It Slow
Billy Vincent took off the footy boots to head to country music, and this week we’ve got a new song from Jack Wood, who’s just taken off the cricket pads for a new career in country. This one’s a great tune that’s drawing a serious line in the sand (perhaps a crease?) and showing the world that country is his game. It’s an incredibly accomplished song and only the second he’s ever released. Watch this space, because Jack Wood has arrived.
Vixens of Fall - Chainsmoke & Mirrors
One of the hardest-working bands in showbiz, Vixens of Fall have spent a decade touring through Australia, becoming one of regional Australia’s favourite acts. Their new album, Fox Hollow, is just their second over that time, but is a massive achievement for the women. Produced with Rod McCormack, Chainsmoke & Mirrors is a highlight from the record, and now that you’re done with the new playlist adds, head on off and give the rest of the album a listen. Happy Friday!
