Siobhan Cotchin, Leroy Macqueen & More: The 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 9pm 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.

Michael Waugh – We Are Here

Michael Waugh’s brand new single is anthemic, rousing and like folk songs from another time, it sings the praises of heroes. This one shouts the praises of iconic gay pioneers – men whose stories were often hidden in the shadows, or hiding in the light. Of We Are Here, Waugh says it “celebrates those gay men through history – many of whom risked their lives – so that I can stand here today, wearing my rainbow elastic panelled Blundstone boots, and speak my truth”.

Siobhan Cotchin – If God Is A Man

Siobhan Cotchin is making major waves with her edgy and cool blend of alternative country. After a huge BIGSOUND in Brisbane last week, Cotchin has just been announced as support for Matchbox Twenty on their upcoming national tour. Keep an eye on this fresh new talent from WA – she’s the real deal!

Leroy Macqueen – Long Way Down

Known as one ‘helluva ballad daddy’, Leroy Macqueen has spent the last decade performing on stages across the globe. The Melbourne country crooner, whose style sits comfortably in a similar lane to Orville Peck, sees Macqueen at peak performance on the brand new single Long Way Down.

Billie Jo Porter – Upside

When you hear the name Billie Jo Porter, the words “authentic”, “fun” and “unique” all resonate with this fresh new star of Aussie country music. Fresh off the back of the 2022 Star Maker competition, Porter has become one of the most sought-out songwriters and performers. Instead of following the traditional or formulaic path, Porter has remained true to her artistic nature, underpinned with a melodic purity of pop, folk and country lilting eclectic artists before her such as The Waifs, Frente and Melody Moko.

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