The sunshine is finally making an appearance and the end of the year is rapidly approaching which can only mean one thing: gig season is upon us, Australia, and 2026 is shaping up to be quite the year. Oklahoma born genre-bender Jake Banfield is just weeks away from touching down in Australia for his very first time, and with his recent single Lasso hitting #1 on Australian Country Radio, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

Banfield’s musical background reads like the most chaotic playlist: raised on ‘80s hair bands, ‘90s hip hop, old-school rap and of course classic country, he grew up with tastes that weren’t confined to one lane. Before stepping into the spotlight himself, Banfield carved out a wildly impressive early career writing for major pop names like Madison Beet, Little Mix and Anne-Marie. After moving to Nashville and reconnecting with his roots, he rediscovered his own voice and love for blending genres with emotion and swagger unlike anything else in country music right now.

His 2025 record Open Bars is the direct result of this- a heartfelt, hook-heavy record filled with big feelings and bigger bangers, weaving in elements of hip hop, rap and pop into a country framework without losing its authenticity. 

And now, Aussie fans are finally getting the chance to hear it live. Ahead of the Lasso Australian Tour, which will be stopping in Melbourne, Torquay, Sydney, Tamworth and Brisbane with support from rising star Bella Mackenzie- we’re spotlighting five tracks we absolutely cannot wait to experience in person.

1. Lasso

If the tour name didn’t already give it away, this one is the obvious centrepiece. Lasso is already a massive breakout smash, sitting comfortably at #1 on Australian Country Radio, and it’s the song that’s transformed Jake Banfield from a “name-you-should-know” into a “get-me-a-ticket-right-now” kind of artist.

It’s catchy, confident and danceable. It’s the kind of track that kicks off instantly recognisable cheers from the crowd the moment the first beat drops.

With a swaggering rhythm and infectious hook, this track is tailor-made for a live setting and what better one than a sweaty Aussie summer crowd singing along at full volume?

2. Boys Don’t Cry

Boys Don’t Cry sits on the other end of the emotional spectrum, one of the more vulnerable moments on Open Bars. This track blends Banfield’s pop-crafted writing talent with the raw honesty that has quickly become one of his signatures. It’s already racked up over 5 million streams, so it’s definitely resonating deeply with fans and casual listeners alike. 

There’s no doubt that this will be included in the set, providing a nice change of pace from the pop-country bangers and a flashlights-out moment for sure.

3. Thank You For Being You

Released in 2020, this one is a bit of a deeper cut. Thank You For Being You showcases a different era of Banfield- far more stripped-back, simple and deeply introspective. It’s a fan favourite for its slick melodic flow and reflective lyricism, and it would be such a treat to hear how present-day Banfield would reinterpret this on stage.

While there’s no guarantee this song will even make the setlist, every tour benefits from a few nostalgic throwbacks, and this is one that would hit especially hard. That contrast between his earlier acoustic work and more defined sound of Open Bars would offer fans a beautiful snapshot of how far he’s come not only as an artist but a storyteller.

Here’s hoping this gem sneaks its way into at least a few shows.

4. Sunburn

If there’s one track guaranteed to bring on a good time, it’s Sunburn. A personal standout from Open Bars, it’s a deeply infectious, beat-driven track that highlights Banfield’s love for rap and hip hop, wrapped in a melody that invites you to dance.

The chorus is punchy, the rhythm addictive and the whole track has an early-2010s summertime feel in the very best way. Its nostalgic without sounding dated and carefree without feeling empty.

5. Nights Like

Another highlight from Open Bars, Nights Like leans closer to Banfield’s country roots while carrying his signature modern twist. It’s the most classically country-sounding track on the record, a glowing ode to beautiful summer nights and moments that feel bigger in hindsight.

It’s got a boot-scooting beat, warm guitars and an anthemic chorus begging to be belted out in an intimate venue with a cold beer in hand- perfect for an Australian summer evening.

With the country scene booming in popularity across Australia and a growing appetite for genre-bending new voices, Jake Banfield’s arrival has been highly-anticipated. Pair that with Queensland’s Bella Mackenzie setting the mood with her opening set, and the Lasso tour is shaping up to be one of January’s must-see concert events for country fans. 

If Open Bars is any indication of Banfield’s trajectory as an artist, this might be your one chance to catch him in such intimate Aussie venues.