What’s happening?
Mackay’s own Heath Milner has released his new single Rollin’ last September 12. The track was written in Nashville eight years ago with international songwriters “Boots” Ottestad and Jeff Cohen. Ottestad has worked with Robbie Williams, Noah Kahan and Tim McGraw, while Cohen’s credits include Big & Rich, The Band Perry, Sugarland and Mandy Moore.
Why it matters
Milner describes the single as a reflection of his early years. “The inspiration came from where I was in life at the time,” he said. “I was gigging, having a few drinks and just doing what young musicians did at that time of my life. I sat down in the room with them, we started talking and came up with the idea and ran with it. It’s happy, upbeat and about keeping on going — just rollin’.”
Local impact
The Mackay musician is a familiar performer across Central Queensland. He recently took the stage at the Gympie Music Muster, reaching the finals of the Mothertone Talent Search. Milner continues to perform in the region and is scheduled to appear at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January.
By the numbers
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One finalist spot for Heath at the Gympie Music Muster Mothertone Talent Search.
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Eight years from songwriting in Nashville to today’s release of Rollin’.
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A full team of musicians contributed to the recording, including Liam Kennedy-Clark, Kelly Brouhaha, Lawrie Minson, Michel Rose and Mik McCartin.
Zoom in
The single draws inspiration from Garth Brooks and carries Milner’s cowboy lifestyle theme. “It’s about time we finally get this out,” he said. “Hopefully people enjoy it.”
Zoom out
The release highlights the growing presence of regional country music. Milner’s work shows how a Mackay-based musician can collaborate with international names while continuing to perform for local audiences.
What to look for next?
Audiences across Mackay and Central Queensland will see Milner perform Rollin’ live in the lead-up to his scheduled shows at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January.
