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Join Cheryl Lee - That Radio Chick on STILL ROCKIN' IT for news, reviews, music and interviews with some of our favourite Australian musicians
One minute you’re a 17-year-old on national TV, the next you’re sleeping in a van, chasing gigs wherever they’ll let you plug in. I sit down with Australian country music star James Johnston to talk about what actually builds a lasting career: repetition, humility, and learning who you are after the spotlight moves on. From his early days in Wingham, NSW to finishing third on Australian Idol, James shares why that moment was exciting but not the thing that “made” him, and how the pub circuit and thousands of shows shaped his voice and confidence.
We also dig into why country music is exploding in Australia and around the world. James breaks down the shift from country being a guilty pleasure to becoming a festival-dominating genre, and why authenticity matters more than trends. He opens up about the grind of writing hundreds of songs before releasing the first one that truly felt like him, and how honest storytelling fuels streaming success, country radio singles, and chart runs.
Then we get into the fun stuff: massive Australian country music festivals, his sold-out UK tour, and the wild events that only make sense once you see them, including camel racing. James also previews The Bend Classic Cars, Country, and Camping at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, where country music and motorsport collide.
We close with family and the Raised Like That album, including a co-write with his wife and the sweet story of his son Koda singing on “Seeing You Soon.”
If you love modern country, live shows, and real artist stories, hit play, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the podcast.
What's James Johnston up to at the moment? Let's find out!
Get out when you can, support local music and I'll see you down the front!!
Visit: ThatRadioChick.com.au
