Headline Shows in Glasgow, Manchester, and Birmingham, Alongside Country Calling Festival Appearance
Australian country music sensation, three-time Golden Guitar winner and ARIA Award nominee James Johnston releases his new track ‘TAKES ME BACK,’ out now via Warner Music Australia.
Listen HERE.
‘TAKES ME BACK’, introduced for the first time in a world exclusive first play from Darius Rucker on BBC Radio 2‘s Country Show yesterday (Aug. 6) arrives just days before James kicks off his electrifying, sold-out first-ever UK headline tour in Glasgow, as well as his first Canadian headline show this September. To mark the moment for his Scottish fans, today James also shares the surprise b-side record of ‘COUNTRY SONG’ featuring bagpipes in celebration of his debut performance in Scotland on August 11.
‘TAKES ME BACK’, introduced for the first time in a world exclusive first play from Darius Rucker on BBC Radio 2‘s Country Show yesterday (Aug. 6) arrives just days before James kicks off his electrifying, sold-out first-ever UK headline tour in Glasgow, as well as his first Canadian headline show this September. To mark the moment for his Scottish fans, today James also shares the surprise b-side record of ‘COUNTRY SONG’ featuring bagpipes in celebration of his debut performance in Scotland on August 11.
One of Johnston’s most universally relatable releases to date, ‘TAKES ME BACK’ is a heartfelt reflection on the memories, people and moments that shape us. Built around the idea that certain songs, smells, places or experiences can instantly transport us back to another chapter of our lives, the track captures the nostalgia of growing up, lifelong friendships and the connections that never fade. While firmly grounded in James’ signature country storytelling, its themes are universally understood, giving the song a natural resonance with audiences across Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and beyond.
Speaking on the new track, James said: “I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot over the past couple of years and, no matter where I end up, there are always certain songs, places or moments that take me straight back home. That’s what inspired this one. It feels like the perfect song to kick off what’s shaping up to be a really exciting chapter, and releasing it just before heading over to the UK and Canada makes it even more special.”
‘TAKES ME BACK’ is the latest solo track from James, following his collaboration with one of the US’s hottest rising country stars, Chase Matthew, on their track ‘SMOKE I’VE KNOWN.’ Written in Nashville, the song is a powerful exploration of roots and identity, bridging the gap between Australia and Tennessee and challenging the idea that country music belongs to a single place.
Further cementing his place as one of Australian country music’s leading voices, Johnston received standout recognition at the 2026 Countrytown Awards, where fan votes saw him take home Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year for the second consecutive year, alongside Song of the Year and Album of the Year.
Building on that momentum, James has already lit up stages at CMC Rocks 2026 and Sweden’s High Chaparral Country Festival this year, delivering unforgettable sets packed with fan favourites and tracks from his latest album, WHERE YOU’LL FIND ME. He’s now taking the show back on the road with a run of headline dates across the United Kingdom and Canada, including festival appearances at Australia’s Gympie Music Muster and The Bend Classic, as well as the UK’s Country Calling Festival.
Further details are available at jamesjohnston.com.
UPCOMING 2026 TOUR DATES:
August 11, 2026 – Glasgow – SWG3 TV Studio (SOLD OUT)
August 12, 2026 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds (SOLD OUT)
August 13, 2026 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds (SOLD OUT)
August 14, 2026 – Manchester – Academy 2 (SOLD OUT)
August 16, 2026 – Chelmsford – Country Calling UK
August 29, 2026: Gympie Music Muster, Amamoor, Australia
September 11, 2026: Live In Canada, Calgary, Canada
October 2-4, 2026: The Bend Classic, Tailem Bend, Australia
FULL DETAILS OF ALL UK TOUR DATES ARE ON THE COUNTRY LOWDOWN GIG GUIDE
2025 marked a huge year for James with the release of WHERE YOU’LL FIND ME. Reuniting with long-time producer and friend Jared Adlam (Adam Brand, Lee Kernaghan) and collaborating with mentor and country superstar Morgan Evans, Johnston delivers a record that reflects both personal growth and global ambition. In addition to his remarkable success in Australia, James has taken country music global – returning to South Africa, where he won Song of the Year at the 2025 Bok Radio Bokkies for his collaboration with local artist Appel on their single ‘COUNTRY IS FOR ME‘.
James’ history-making 20-track debut album, RAISED LIKE THAT, was nominated for Best Country Album at the 2024 ARIA Awards. The album staged a sell-out five-city Australian regional tour and became the most in-demand streamed Australian country music album. With six #1 airplay hits, maintaining the #1 spot for 35 weeks on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart, over 165 million global streams, three Golden Guitar Awards, and certified ARIA platinum, James is easily Australia’s most exciting country music artist. He’s already won Best New Talent and Best Vocal Collaboration with his friend Kaylee Bell at the 2023 Tamworth Country Music Festival, as well as being nominated for a QMA Award, an APRA Music Award, and was a 2023 Rolling Stone Australia Award nominee.
With more music and shows planned for 2026, he is set to continue growing his fanbase and reputation in the months ahead.
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