Ridin’ Starts Winner Unveiled As More Acts Join The Ridin’ Hearts 2025 Line Up

As the countdown to Ridin’ Hearts Festival 2025 heats up, the organisers have added a fresh dose of new talent to the lineup. Australian rising stars Briana Dinsdale and Riley Ziskey will be gracing the Ringers Western Lone Spur Stage this October, as well as this year's Ridin’ Starts competition winner Ruby Jane.

The Ridin’ Starts competition is an accelerator for Australia’s next country music talent. As part of the prize, one emerging artist earns a 20-minute set on the Lone Spur stage at Ridin’ Hearts and a career-boosting toolbox of experiences including mentorship from industry heavyweights like Michael Chugg, James Johnston, Tom Jordan, and Natalie Waller; custom merch design with Love Police; press photos and a content package from their festival performance; a Ringers Western gift card; live show tour passes and travel and accommodation support. 

This year’s well deserving winner is Ruby Jane. The Victorian country singer, who started penning songs at just 17, credits legends like Slim Dusty and Dolly Parton as early songwriting heroes. Jane has been lighting up stages from local pubs to rodeos and festival stages with her potent blend of heartfelt storytelling and powerhouse presence. Now, she’s set to take on Ridin’ Hearts Festival a fitting next step for talent on such a steady upward trajectory.

Briana Dinsdale also joins the lineup, adding to her already impressive breakthrough year. A hybrid of classic twang and modern country polish, Dinsdale scored a top 10 single on the Countrytown Hot 50 Radio Airplay Chart with Real Time Love and landed as a top 10 finalist in this year’s Toyota Star Maker competition. The remainder of her 2025 calendar already looks crowded with festival dates including the Deni Ute Muster, BIGSOUND, and Gympie Pre-Muster. Expect her intimate songwriting and commanding stage energy to make the Lone Spur stage feel like home.

On the other end, Riley Ziskey brings a rugged, 90s-tinged energy to the festival grounds. After a long break from music working in the mines, the Longreach-born artist is back and fired up. Launching the Riley Ziskey Band, and making noise with his genre-spanning approach. His debut at Tamworth Country Music Festival earlier this year was a statement: he’s back and here to tell stories through unreleased original songs and high energy live shows.

With just nine weeks until festival kick-off, fans should lock in their plans now. Tickets and lineup details are available at ridinhearts.com, and with this fresh batch of local talent now confirmed, the excitement meter is off the charts.