VIDEO PREMIERE: The Rusty Pickups - 'California Widow'

Queensland’s own Rusty Pickups known four-part harmonies and old-timey country-folk flair are cranking things up a notch. Hot off their 2023 EP Rattle in My Heart, the Darling Downs quintet (Michael “Cookie” Cook, Lee Fielding, Ayden Roberts, Aimee Le Brocque and Waylon Katz) are premiering the video for their jaunty, fiddle-laced single, California Widow right here on Countrytown. And even better? They're giving fans a shot at a trip to New Zealand’s Tussock Country Festival in 2026.

Rusty Pickups lean into a classic country-folk setup, pairing banjo, bass and guitar with strong harmonies and story-driven songwriting. California Widow was born in the Tamworth Country Music Festival heat with a story that’s “equal parts hope and despair” and features fiddle from five-time Golden Guitar winner Pete Denahy. 

The video takes you on a cinematic ride, quite literally. With vintage clips interwoven and a rolling train journey set the scene, making stops along the way to collect each band member as the song builds. It’s clever, charming, and perfectly mirrors the track’s momentum.

But the band isn’t just releasing music, they’re launching their Rusty Road to Tussock campaign, a seriously good competition. One lucky winner and a mate will score return flights to Queenstown, transport to Gore, VIP access, and an all-expenses stay thanks to Tussock Country and Greenmount Travel. 

Sign-up is easy, you just need to subscribe to their newsletter. Not keen on international travel? No worries. Fans can also win house party with performances by Rusty Pickups and Rufous Whistler (depending on your region). There’s also merch pack and other giveaways up for grabs but more info can be found at rustypickups.com.au.

Rusty Pickups have been making a solid fan base from Toowoomba to Tamworth And they’re not planning on slowing down. The remainder of 2025 is jam-packed with festival appearances and their debut album will be dropping later this year.

RUSTY PICKSUP TOUR DATES

August 22nd - Dalby Delicious and Delightful, Dalby QLD

August 23rd - Harrisville Boots on the Bank, Harrisville QLD

August 24th - Tyalgum Country Music Festival, Tyalgum NSW

August 29th-31st - Gympie Music Muster, QLD

November 7-9th - Maleny Music Festival, Sunshine Coast QLD

November 14th - Cooly Goes Country, Coolangatta QLD