Every week, ABC Country’s Grass Roots program shines a light on the best independently released country music. Selected from the hundreds of new tracks submitted, the one-hour program is now available on demand as well as premiering each Monday at 9 pm on ABC Country, showing the health of Aussie country music across all its sub-genres. Here are three of this week's tracks you should have on your radar. 

Head here to have a listen to this week’s full episode of Grass Roots.

Lloyd & The Leftovers - Tried It On Tuesday

Lloyd & The Leftovers' latest cut, Tried It On Tuesday, summons a classic country sound for modern listeners.

The five-piece folk rockers, hailing from Western Australia, are known for their eclectic, energetic live shows, plus entertaining DIY recordings packed with spirit. Tried It On Tuesday is no different from the music and feeling fans have come to expect from the band.

The single offers a story about a hopeless romantic’s ode to their creative muse. It’s packed with a typical country twang, acoustic guitar, and fiddle, making for a soaring, positive number that shines.

As any creative knows, the point where collaboration with another ends can be difficult, but Lloyd & The Leftovers remind us that no matter how much trouble it is, making art is always worth it. 

Grayson Jenkins - Hard Heart To Hold

Kentucky’s Grayson Jenkins wears his heart on his sleeve with the new single, Hard Heart To Hold. A song that’s been jokingly described as “hillbilly Springsteen,” there is a bit of The Boss in the track with its anthemic nature and effortless storytelling.

The vivid tale arrives with pulsating drums and guitars, Jenkins’ vocals reflecting on his origins and ongoing journey. With Hard Heart To Hold, Jenkins shares the story of a young woman in early adulthood who finds her place in the Lexington music scene.

Hard Heart To Hold arrives ahead of the release of Jenkins’ fifth album, Country Parables, arriving this July. With four independent albums under his belt and fellow Kentuckians Sturgill Simpson and Keith Whitley to look to for inspiration, Jenkins couldn’t be more welcome in the new wave of Americana artists.

Jodi Martin - Diesel

Australian singer-songwriter Jodi Martin has returned with a quirky yet heartfelt anthem, Diesel. The track shows why she’s spent 25 years thriving in the music industry.

With Diesel, Martin and collaborator Jeff Lang have provided the ultimate track for those who embrace Australian culture, from op-shopping to fairy bread. It’s packed with humour and nostalgia, and results in a character becoming confident in their identity. 

Martin’s career highlights her talent, resilience, and heart. With seven albums behind her, plus an ARIA Award and collaborations with country greats Kasey Chambers, Arlo Guthrie, and Steve Leslie, Martin’s music continues to move audiences across the globe.

You can listen to the latest full episode of ABC Country’s Grass Roots here.