James Johnston Releases New Single 'Country Is For Me'

Speaking about the new track, James said, "I've always dreamed of sharing my music with the world and celebrating the country way of life through the lens of different cultures. COUNTRY IS FOR ME is the embodiment of that dream. Collaborating with Appel has been an incredible experience. His passion and genuine connection to his fans, family, and country have been so inspiring. At the beginning of this journey, I was searching for a kindred spirit in music, but I never could have imagined I would find a lifelong friend. The joy of creating COUNTRY IS FOR ME shines through in the recording. I'm excited to share it with the world and show that, despite being born in different places, we're not so different."

Appel added, "Meeting James and collaborating to unite cultures through the universal language of music has been a journey neither of us realised the world needed. By weaving together our stories, voices, and distinct roots, we've proven that when barriers come down, the music only grows stronger. It has been a truly mutual and inspiring experience, highlighting the limitless potential of music."

This collaboration with Appel marks James' latest release following his single, 'BLAME,' which was released last month following his signing with Warner Music Australia, with support from Warner Nashville, has received praise from notable outlets including Rolling Stone Australia, The Daily Telegraph, The Music Network, Countrytown, and more.

James has just wrapped up a tour alongside American country star Kip Moore, where he performed some of his biggest shows in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These performances not only showcased his dynamic stage presence but also solidified his reputation as a star in the industry. Scenestr remarked, "James created memorable musical moments that had fans cheering."

James' history-making 20-track debut album RAISED LIKE THAT is nominated for Best Country Album at the 2024 ARIA Awards - which will take place at the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on November 20. RAISED LIKE THAT staged a sell-out five-city Australian regional tour and became the most in-demand streamed Australian country music album.

With six #1 airplay hits, maintaining the #1 spot for 21 weeks on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart, 80 million global streams, two Golden Guitar Awards, and certified ARIA platinum, James is easily Australia's most exciting Country Music artist. He's already won Best New Talent and Best Vocal Collaboration with his friend Kaylee Bell at the 2023 Tamworth Country Music Festival, as well as being nominated for a QMA Award, an APRA Music Award and was a 2023 Rolling Stone Australia Award nominee.

Quickly becoming one of the most sought after acts in Australian country music, James has taken his "electrifying voice and array of feel-good country songs" – (Newsport) to some of Australia's biggest and most loved stages. With performances at CMC Rocks, Savannah in the Round, Berry's Big Country, Gympie Music Muster, the Tamworth Country Music Festival and of course Meatstock in Toowoomba, James has certainly ticked a few things off the bucket list.

James Johnston is undoubtedly the hottest name in the Australian country music scene right now and with further music to come in 2024, James is set to continue to grow his fanbase and reputation over the coming months.