Katie Jayne raises a glass to doing things differently with ‘Beer & Broken’

Hunter Valley country artist Katie Jayne is turning a personal turning point into a bold new musical chapter with ‘Beer & Broken’, an upbeat country anthem about freedom, self-discovery and choosing your own path, ahead of her forthcoming concept album, Drinkin’ Songs (About Not Drinking).

Katie Jayne has never been one to do things quietly.

Known for her powerhouse vocals, infectious energy and unapologetic country attitude, the Hunter Valley singer-songwriter is stepping into a new chapter with a story she's been keeping to herself for the past two years.

Her latest single, ‘Beer & Broken’, marks the first release from Drinkin’ Songs (About Not Drinking), a forthcoming concept album that puts a fresh perspective on some familiar country music themes.

And while the title might suggest a traditional country drinking song, Katie has something quite different in mind.

Written and produced with award-winning production duo MSquared, Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis, ‘Beer & Broken’ is a lively, guitar-driven declaration of independence, celebrating the freedom that comes with making decisions on your own terms.

‘I wrote “Beer & Broken” from the perspective of someone who has spent plenty of nights in bars, made plenty of questionable decisions and eventually realised that being wasted wasn’t the way I wanted to spend my life,’ Katie explains.

‘There’s no sadness or shame in this song. It’s about drawing a line in the sand and having a bloody good time on the other side of it. I can still two-step, raise a little hell and have a laugh with the best of them.’

For Katie, those words reflect a decision she made two years ago to embrace sobriety while continuing to build her career in country music.

Initially uncertain how the change might affect her life on the road, she soon discovered that the things she loved about performing hadn't changed at all.

‘It’s been quite a wild ride being secretly sober for the last two years,’ she says. ‘I’ve had a lot of fun touring and playing rowdy country shows, even doing my first shoey with a Coke Zero (don’t tell the crowd!).’

Now, she's ready to share that experience publicly, hoping her story might encourage others who have been considering a similar change.

She's also partnered with national charity Sober in the Country Ltd (SITC), which supports people navigating alcohol-related challenges in rural and regional communities. As a member of its online peer support network, the Bush Tribe, Katie has experienced the value of connection and support firsthand.

For an artist whose music has always carried a healthy dose of humour and personality, it's a meaningful new direction without losing any of the spirit audiences already know.

A graduate of the CMAA Academy in 2017 and a Toyota Star Maker Top 10 finalist in 2022, Katie has been carving out her place in Australian country music for several years.

In 2024, she was named National Country Rising Star at the Tasmanian Independent Country Music Awards, adding to a growing list of career milestones.

Her debut album, Your New Favourite Country Artist, arrived in January 2026, debuting at No. 3 on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart and No. 20 on the ARIA Country Albums Chart.

The release brought together the contemporary country sound, sharp songwriting and larger-than-life personality that have become central to her music.

She's also developed a strong reputation on stage, performing alongside artists including Shannon Noll, Amber Lawrence, James Johnston, Brad Cox, Hayley Jensen, Casey Barnes and Travis Collins.

Festival appearances at Gympie Music Muster, Deni Ute Muster, Tamworth Country Music Festival and Meatstock have further established her as a dynamic live performer, backed by an energetic five-piece band and her distinctive pink-and-black country aesthetic.

It's that same spirit she's bringing into her next release.

With Drinkin’ Songs (About Not Drinking), Katie is opening up a conversation through the kind of music she knows best, using catchy hooks, humour and relatable storytelling to explore a subject that has become an important part of her own life.

And ‘Beer & Broken’ feels like the right place to start.

There's no attempt to reinvent her image or distance herself from the artist audiences already know. Instead, she's letting listeners see another side of her story, one that reflects how she's grown both personally and creatively.

For Katie Jayne, the next chapter isn't about changing who she is.

It's about being more comfortable with who she's become.

‘Beer & Broken’ is out now through RTC Records, with Drinkin’ Songs (About Not Drinking) to follow.