Kix Country and Countrytown Launch ‘Centre Stage’ Initiative

A media partnership between regional radio network Kix Country and online news site Countrytown has this week been unveiled.

The two organisations will combine their reach and influence among country music fans to provide a launchpad for new music through a brand new Centre Stage initiative.

A new act will be selected and profiled every week across Kix and Countrytown, including online feature, airplay and social support.

Kix content director Justin Thomson said the partnership is built on the foundation of two organizations passionate about furthering country music to make an impact.

“Countrytown’s reputation in supporting artists and breaking the big country music stories is the perfect match for our network of radio stations across Australia,” he said.

The online news platform, launched by Stephen Green’s SGC Media in 2020, was the first outlet in Australia targeting young, under-40 country fans.

Centre Stage revealed multi-award-winner Amber Lawrence as its first pick. Beydon her many Golden Guitar wins, Lawrence won Female Artist of the Year in 2015 and Vocal Collaboration of the Year for her 2021 rendition of the John Williamson classic “True Blue” alongside Dianna Corcoran, Aleyce Simmonds and Kirsty Lee Akers.

She has also co-hosted both the CMC Music Awards and Golden Guitar Awards and been a guest presenter of Channel 9’s “Getaway” and ARN’s iHeartCountry Radio.

Lawrence’s seventh album, “Living for the Highlights,” drops July 22.

Centre Stage artists will be “selected collaboratively” and announced each Monday.

“Working together to amplify artists gives us the ability to not only give them some promo, but to create a moment that can make a real difference in an artist’s campaign and ultimately their career,” Countrytown editor Mallory Arbour said.

“Our organisations are aligned in wanting to see country music have its mainstream moment in Australian culture. Working together, we can help our musicians get one step closer to that goal.”