Australian country music’s rising star, James Johnston, is proving once again why he’s one of the genre’s most dynamic talents.
The two-time Golden Guitar winner and ARIA nominee is kicking off 2025 in high gear, juggling the release of his empowering new single “HELL BOY” and a charitable 100km run leading up to his 2025 shows in Tamworth.
“HELL BOY” has dropped through Warner Music Australia, offering fans a poignant reflection on love, hard work, and living life to its fullest. The track is deeply personal for Johnston, inspired by his role as a father and the lessons he’s passing on to his children.
‘There’s a special kind of magic in watching your children grow. As a dad, I’ve found myself echoing the words of my old man, instilling the same values in my boys,” he says. “‘HELL BOY’ is a reflection of that journey. It’s a song about the power of love, the importance of hard work, and the thrill of living life to the fullest.”
Johnston’s passion extends beyond music. This week, he has been running the Road to Tamworth, a four-day, 100km run from Armidale to Tamworth to raise $10,000 for Ronald McDonald House. Along the way, he has hosted pop-up campfire acoustic performances in towns like Uralla, Bendemeer, Moonbi, and Kootingal, bringing communities together through music.
Reflecting on the significance of Tamworth in his journey, Johnston recently told Rolling Stone Australia: “Tamworth holds so many amazing memories for me… I used to go over the range and go to the festival every year. We’d spend a week in town where I’d be busking on the streets, and the family would stay in a little shack.”
He added: “One of the big things that I used to love was the flags down the main street with all the artists’ names as you drove into town. I remember the day that I got my first flag, and that was a really big accomplishment and then I got to win my first Golden Guitar two years ago for New Talent of the Year.”
Johnston’s journey to stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. His debut album, Raised Like That, earned an ARIA nomination for Best Country Album in 2024 and became the most-streamed Australian country album. With six No. 1 hits, platinum certification, and over 80 million global streams, Johnston has cemented himself as a force in the industry. From touring with American country star Kip Moore to performing at international festivals like Cape Town Country Festival, Johnston’s electrifying stage presence has earned widespread acclaim.
Looking ahead, Johnston is set to host next weekend’s Golden Guitar Awards, followed by performances at Melbourne Muster, Qld Country Fest and the QLD Music Trails – Outback Sounds, further solidifying his reputation as a must-see live act.
