Frecko, Crescent Moon & Amanda Rheaume: Highlights From This Week’s ‘Grass Roots’

Every week, ABC Country's Grass Roots program shines a light on the best independently released Australian country content. 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.

Frecko - Daughter’s New Ride

Father-son duo Frecko are back with the moving new song, Daughter’s New Ride. A song drenched in nostalgia, the track has been lifted from the duo’s debut album, Dreams Are Hard To Sell.

Daughter’s New Ride was written by Jack and Jason Freckelton following a drive through Newcastle, NSW. It reflects the harsh truth of working-class life, where many lose their dreams and the pursuit of another life feels out of reach.

A vivid portrait of everyday struggles of an average everyday life and an uncertain future, the song is gritty and raw, refusing to leave anyone behind even if that’s what happens in our society. 

Crescent Moon - Ocean

Melbourne-based country-meets-roots outfit Crescent Moon have released a stunning new track called Ocean.

A six-and-a-half-minute epic, Ocean builds a unique atmosphere that evolves and builds until it reaches an inevitable crescendo. Borrowing a little from Gram and George while showing respect to Ryan and Lucinda, the group’s three-part harmonies shine along with twang and lap-steel guitar playing.

Crescent Moon excel with their well-travelled, eclectic blend of weaving and Americana-inspired rhythms while putting an Aussie spin on songs about cattle, cars, canines, cold winter Sundays, and the call of the ocean.

Amanda Rheaume - One Of These Days

Canadian singer-songwriter Amanda Rheaume knows how to share a song with an important message without forgetting to make it catchy and memorable.

One Of Those Days is a fiery explanation of the truth about Agawa Bay, examining the 1968 government-led burning of Métis homes, using multiple perspectives. Musically, the song is anchored by fiddle and acoustic-based instruments, while her vocals are strong and commanding. It’s upbeat and engaging, bringing you into a world with serious subject matter that you can dance to.

“This is one of many stories of Métis people being displaced, and this story in particular is almost impossible to find on the internet or in the history books,” Rheaume said. “Métis communities have existed on these lands for over two and a half centuries, yet many people aren’t familiar with our histories.

“I am honoured and privileged to be able to tell this and other true stories on my album, in song. One Of These Days is dedicated to the cherished Métis elder and knowledge holder Mrs. Mary Dolores Pinder née Bussineau.”

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