Hear that Sunny Coast? It’s the sound of anticipation, because Australia’s hottest country music star is headed to the Bokarina on his history-making five-region tour, playing at Venue 114 on Sunday 26 November, so mark your diaries, grab your boots and families and get ready to country!
Last week, Johnston’s debut album RAISED LIKE THAT made history as Australia’s largest debut Country album ever featuring 20 extraordinary tracks. It is currently #1 on the ARIA Top 20 Australian Albums (All Genres) and the #1 on the ARIA Top 20 Australian Country Albums and now James Johnston is taking his music to the people.
He said the Sunshine Coast held a special place in his heart.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Australia and has been a personal favourite spot for me and my family for years, so to now be coming to this community to share my music is something special! I can’t wait to hear everyone singing loud with us,” he said.
His first ever solo concert pre-sold out in 56 minutes and this bloke who was born and raised near Wingham and now lives in country Queensland just keeps rewriting history. He’s now the most in-demand streamed Australian-based country music artist and today by announcing his first multi-venue regional city tour, he’s officially inviting the people he sings for and about – to join him in making history!
The RAISED LIKE THAT TOUR opens in Wollongong on Saturday 18 November and closes on the Sunshine Coast on Sunday 26 November and includes Tamworth, Rockhampton and Townsville in between. All shows are all ages with Johnston’s incredible appeal spanning multi generations.
“As the father of two boys I want my concert to be for all country music lovers, regardless of age or where you come from. This show if for everyone to come and sing their hearts out and just have a damn good time,” James said.
When Johnston released his debut single, ‘RAISED LIKE THAT’ two years ago, he never could have anticipated the whirlwind that followed. Six #1 airplay hits, 110 consecutive weeks in the Top 20 of the Countrytown Hot 50 National airplay chart, 55 million global streams, two Golden Guitars and the song now being certified ARIA platinum, James is easily Australia’s most exciting Country Music artist.
He’s been nominated for a QMA Award, an APRA Music Award and was a 2023 Rolling Stone Australia Award nominee for Best New Talent. But all his hard work was rewarded in January when he received two Golden Guitar Awards – New Talent of The Year and Vocal Collaboration of the Year with good friend Kaylee Bell.
Once you listen to a James Johnston song, you never forget it, or his sound: driving guitars and pounding drums frame his gravelly voice that’s deep and soaring, then celebratory and soulful, telling stories of the country that revel in joy and nostalgia. There’s anthems that will fill dancefloors and raise hands in the air, and quiet stories of empowerment, hardship and love that will bring tears to knowing eyes. His words are lived-in and he sings with incredible heart because he was raised like that and he did grow up there.
What’s more, James is a helluva live performer, having spent the past two years touring and performing on stages from Mount Isa to Melbourne, and all stops in between; he’s as at home in a studio as he is on the back of a semi-trailer in Deniliquin or Dalby.
He completed a national tour with Australian heavyweight Morgan Evans this year and has appeared at countless festivals including CMC Rocks, Berry’s Big Country, Gympie Music Muster, Meatstock, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Deni Ute Muster and Far North QLD’s Savannah in The Round.
Joining him on the RAISED LIKE THAT TOUR are his great mates and music collaborators Zac and George as the Tour Support Act and Bella Mackenzie (The Voice) as the Tour Opening Act.
“I want to share songs about the good but also the often less talked about side of country life. When it’s all said and done, I hope this album and the tour makes you feel proud of where you call home,” James said.
“Music has forever been the way I can express myself in the most honest way possible as an artist. RAISED LIKE THAT is that for me and I cannot wait to take it to the Sunny Coast, to get hands in the air and smiles on faces.”
Presale tickets are live from Wednesday 18 October at jamesjohnston.com and to the general public on Friday 20 October.
