Australian country powerhouse James Johnston is back with a heartfelt new single, BACK IN THE DAY, out now via Warner Music Australia. The release marks another major moment for the two-time Golden Guitar winner and ARIA-nominated artist, who continues to cement his status as one of Australia’s leading voices in country music.

Co-written with longtime friend and fellow Aussie country star Morgan Evans, the track taps into a deep sense of nostalgia. “‘BACK IN THE DAY’ was written from a raw and unfiltered place!” Johnston shared. “I’ve known Morgan since I was about 10 years old and we just started chatting about that time in our lives and how things just seemed simpler. We started writing and the song came effortlessly! Putting myself back there brought back mixed feelings, ​on one hand there is a real joy in going back to those simpler times, but at the same time there is a sadness in missing what felt like a happier, safer world! I feel BACK IN THE DAY really captures both of those emotions.”

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The track is a reflective ode to community and connection, two values that sit at the heart of everything Johnston stands for. It follows his January release, HELL BOY, which made headlines for its unique charity-driven launch. Fans could access the track early by donating to the Ronald McDonald House, a cause close to Johnston’s heart. He ran over 100km from Armidale to Tamworth ahead of the Tamworth Country Music Festival and raised over $21,000 in the process.

This year has already seen Johnston take home Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year at the 2025 Countrytown Awards, further proof of his momentum. His 2024 highlights include touring with Kip Moore, performing at the Cape Town Country Festival in South Africa.

Johnston’s landmark 20-track debut album, RAISED LIKE THAT, earned a Best Country Album nomination at the 2024 ARIA Awards and became the most streamed Australian country music album to date. It also powered a sold-out five-city regional tour and spent 26 weeks at #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart.

Next up, James will bring his high-energy live show to some of the country’s biggest festivals:

JAMES JOHNSTON LIVE DATES:

June 27 - Country Fest QLD, Bloomsbury QLD
August 31 - Gympie Music Muster, Amamoor Creek QLD
September 14 - Night At The Parkland, Brisbane QLD
October 3 - Night At The Barracks, Manly NSW
October 11 - Savannah In The Round, Mareeba QLD
You can find ticketing information at www.jamesjohnston.com

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