Arizona's self-proclaimed 'desert honky-tonk princess', Brea Burns, is set to make her mark on Australian soil for the very first time, embarking on a 14-date national tour that includes a coveted spot at the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival.
From Metalhead to Honky-Tonk Royalty
Burns's journey to country music stardom is an unconventional one. As a teenager, she was a self-described 'metalhead' moshing to Silverchair, far removed from the world of Patsy Cline and Tammy Wynette. Her country pedigree, however, was always in her blood as the daughter of musicians who met at MCA Records in the 1970s.
"I used to think I hated country," Burns admits. A move to Nashville in her late teens exposed her to the classic sounds, a world apart from modern country radio. "I had to kind of backtrack and work my way back up," she says, discovering a deep connection to the genre's timeless roots.
A Bold Reinvention with an Aussie Classic
In a move that echoes Olivia Newton-John's own bold reinvention, Burns and her band, The Boleros, recently released a cover of Newton-John's 1981 chart-topper, 'Physical'. The track serves as a vibrant introduction to Australian audiences.
"I really love fitness so I've been finding ways to combine leotards and fitness into my music," Burns explains. The cover, initially conceived as a 'disco country' version, evolved organically. "It took on a life of its own and I let it happen," she says, showcasing her flair for blending kitsch and classic country authenticity.
The Arizona Sound and Playful Storytelling
The stark, cinematic landscape of Arizona is a silent but powerful member of The Boleros, profoundly influencing Burns's sound. "It naturally creates a cinematic vibe," she notes, a quality accentuated by the pedal steel of bandmate Adam Kurtz.
Lyrically, Burns balances heartbreak with humour. Her 2024 single, 'It Ain't Drunk Drivin' If Jesus Has The Wheel', cleverly tackles serious themes. "That song was a funny, silly song coming out of the pandemic," she says, explaining it was born from a need to lighten the mood. Each verse is based on true stories from people she knows, playfully critiquing the avoidance of personal responsibility.
Building a Kingdom Down Under
Burns's debut Australian tour is a long-held ambition. "I just want to build relationships with people here and would love for this to turn into a yearly thing," she states enthusiastically. The tour will also feature a strong Newcastle connection, with local musicians Matt Taylor and Liam Ferguson from Ben Leece & The Left Of The Dial joining The Boleros temporarily.
Fans can catch Brea Burns & The Boleros at Full Throttle Ranch in Buttai on Friday, January 16, 2026. They will also support Magpie Diaries at Bandon Grove Hall near Dungog on Saturday, January 17, before heading to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
With a flaming red bouffant, a velvety voice, and a sound steeped in desert atmosphere and classic country heart, Brea Burns is ready to expand her honky-tonk kingdom to Australia.
