If you need any proof that modern country music is alive and well in Australia just take a look at Ridin’ Hearts.
The festival, held in both Melbourne and Sydney, brought the heat this year with a heavy-hitting lineup including international stars and local up-and-comers.
This year’s bill featured Casey Barnes, Tanner Adell, Mackenzie Porter, Josh Ross, Cooper Alan, and headliner Riley Green.
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After a secret vodka soda on the arduous PT journey out to Scoresby, we found the festival alive and well. The dust rose from the synchronized stomp of lightly liquored cowboys and girls putting boots to dirt and fists to the air.
Along with the more traditional sounds of acoustic guitar and home sweet home lyrics, the festival offered us a modern brew of progressive sounds including Cooper Alan’s EDM-infused songs and Tanner Addel’s trap country.
In a sleeveless denim shirt and beer in hand, Cooper Alan brought energy and charm to a crowd that was begging for more. He started with more lively, dare I say club-friendly hits before playing his soulful love song Take Forever (Hally’s Song), dedicated to his wife, who was present in the audience.
Under a fading auburn sunset and cell phone flashes, Riley Green proved why he is one of the most sought-after country stars today. Effortlessly switching between full band bangers, stripped-back guitar-based ballads and even a few duets with Mackenzie Porter, he had the crowd singing each song with him word for word.
Green ended the night with a solo rendition of his hit song I Wish Grandpas Never Died that moved his audience in a way that only songs about grandparents can.
Ridin’ Hearts was a festival that featured more than just music. It brought the hard-working farm boys, the pop country city girls, and everyone in between who enjoys the lighthearted and home-grown roots of country music together to celebrate on a spring Sunday by getting down and dirty in the dry Australian heat.
For more on Ridin’ Hearts, head here.
