Show Notes
Brad Cox on new music, marriage, touring New Zealand & country music's evolution. Australian country star Brad Cox is returning to New Zealand and he dropped by to talk about his upcoming album, touring regional New Zealand, and the friendships that have helped shape his career. Timestamps: 00:00 - Why Brad is in New Zealand ahead of schedule 00:31 - Returning after his first NZ shows 01:02 - The significance of his first international gig 02:07 - The story behind his cheeky merchandise 02:46 - Inside the Drinking Pioneers fan club 03:28 - Building a live show centred around fun 05:11 - Why his band feels more like family 06:40 - Taking the new tour beyond Auckland 07:55 - Why touring regional New Zealand matters 09:00 - Country music's rise in New Zealand 10:08 - Married life and wedding memories 11:20 - The inspiration behind the new album 12:23 - Writing about things that genuinely matter 13:14 - Songs about the cost of living and real-world issues 14:09 - Why he wants fans to dance at every show 15:30 - Staying off social media and avoiding trends 16:43 - The story behind Democracy Manifest 18:38 - What fans can expect from the new album 19:35 - Looking ahead to the NZ tour Hear Brad Cox and more of your fave country stars on iHeartCountry NZ! Follow iHeartCountry NZ on: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from iHeartCountry NZ Essential Interviews
TheWesternGuide & Kaylee join Dan Bernstone on Kiwi Country Friday to talk about their emotional new duet, Truth I Keep. The pair share how the collaboration came together and why the song sat unfinished for nearly a year before finding its missing piece. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TheWesternGuide and Kaylee Bell have teamed up for one of the most exciting Kiwi country collaborations of the year, Truth I Keep. The pair join Georgia Burt to reveal how the song came together, why it sat unfinished for a year, what it was like recording together, the story behind the music video, and what's next for both artists, including The Western Guide's upcoming album Poviboy and Kaylee's international touring plans. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and premiere of Truth I Keep 00:00:22 - How Truth I Keep came to be 00:01:10 - Why Kaylee Bell was the perfect collaborator 00:01:42 - Kaylee's reaction to hearing the song 00:02:38 - Writing and recording Kaylee's verse 00:03:27 - Recording together in studio 00:03:42 - Music video details revealed 00:04:42 - Filming in the rain 00:05:13 - TheWesternGuide's upcoming album Poviboy 00:05:38 - Hidden meaning behind Little Red Number 00:06:43 - Kaylee Bell's UK tour and new music Follow iHeartCountry NZ on: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michael Marcagi joins us as he returns to New Zealand to open for Noah Kahan. The singer-songwriter talks about writing Scared to Start during Covid, seeing fans sing along on the other side of the world, the songs connecting most with crowds, life on tour, and why a potential New Zealand bungee jump has him slightly nervous. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to New Zealand & Australian tour experiences 01:30 - Auckland recommendations and Waiheke Island 02:05 - The possibility of a New Zealand bungee jump 03:29 - Touring with Noah Kahan 04:25 - Crowd reactions to Scared to Start 05:38 - Testing new music during shows 06:24 - Seeing fans connect with his music overseas 06:51 - Writing songs during Covid in Ohio 07:41 - Staying grounded while touring 10:00 - Why talking makes him more nervous than singing 11:21 - What fans can expect from a Michael Marcagi show Follow iHeartCountry NZ on: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
Kiwi country star Kaylee Bell is gearing up for another massive CMC Rocks appearance as the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary. Kaylee reflects on her first performance, how the festival helped shape country music across Australasia, her favourite CMC memories, camping with fans, and what audiences can expect from her 2027 festival set. Timestamps: 00:00 - CMC Rocks' 20th anniversary and Kaylee's connection to the festival 00:58 - Realising this will be her eighth appearance 02:24 - Memories of her first CMC Rocks performance 03:20 - How CMC helped grow country music in Australasia 04:04 - Christchurch stadium performance and live-show discussion 04:44 - What fans can expect from her festival set 05:16 - Kaylee's experience camping at CMC Rocks 06:38 - Why CMC fans are the best in country music Follow iHeartCountry NZ on: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Country music icons Brooks & Dunn are heading back to Australia for the 20th anniversary of CMC Rocks. We caught up with them to chat about the journey that brought them there. The duo reflect on receiving a major CMA honour, share stories from the road, talk about their loyal fanbase, and reveal what Kiwi and Aussie country fans can expect when they hit the CMC Rocks stage. Timestamps: 00:00 Receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award 00:33 Why the honour feels surreal 00:58 "Country music cockroaches" 01:31 Turning social media into merch ideas 01:42 The fans who've supported them for decades 02:19 Joining the 20th anniversary of CMC Rocks 02:38 Returning Down Under and dealing with jet lag 03:18 Talking New Zealand and Auckland 03:49 Memories of New Zealand and the All Blacks 04:33 Why they love watching rugby 05:19 Looking forward to returning to Australasia 05:37 The Perth travel saga 07:30 Mick Jagger's three-song Perth story 08:31 Why CMC Rocks has become a country music institution 09:15 What fans can expect from a Brooks & Dunn show 09:32 Why performing is more fun after 35 years 10:16 Playing London and hearing fans sing every word 10:58 When crowds sing louder than the artists 11:20 The magic of live music never gets old Follow iHeartCountry NZ on: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.