James Ellis, The Songsmiths, Lane Pittman: 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 four 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.

James Ellis - Happy Birthday Songs

James Ellis has just released a self-proclaimed “country dance record,” The Party Might Be Over, and single Happy Birthday Songs showcases his bright, unique songwriting sensibilities.

Just one of the stunning tracks from the album, Happy Birthday Songs is a melting pot of Aussie honky tonk, classic country, and Americana. The Melbourne-based singer-songwriter isn’t afraid to remain in tradition or take some risks with his music. With his effortless charm and dry sense of humour, Happy Birthday Songs is an impressive cut from James Ellis.

The Songsmiths - The Lucky One

After many years of writing and recording music as The Songsmiths, the duo—Sarah and Kayla Goldsmith—have found their sweet spot with The Lucky One. In one of the song’s brightest moments, Kayla swaps her usual guitar riffs for the summery tones of the Mandolin and Weissenborn.

Their latest number is a warm, authentic outpouring of love and affection, with the duo seamlessly fusing acoustic-based country music with folk. The Timaru, New Zealand-based musicians spotlight their abilities as multi-instrumentalists and award-winning songwriters, capturing the depth and romance of lifelong love.  

Lane Pittman - Amen For The Weekend

Lane Pittman’s first song since his #1-charting debut EP, which was released in March, is a sunny, energetic track destined to top charts and road trip playlists.

Highlighting how his confidence has grown since opening for Luke Combs in Australia (and joining him once again in stadiums next year), Amen For The Weekend is hugely relatable—who doesn’t have those happy feelings on a Friday afternoon as the weekend approaches?

With Amen For The Weekend, Lane Pittman offers a three-minute delight, an escape from the everyday, and proves why, so early in his career, he’s already up for two Golden Guitar Awards—Male Artist and New Talent of the Year.

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