There’s something kind of fitting about an Australian country artist and a Tennessee native meeting in Nashville and realising they’ve got more in common than not.
That’s exactly what happened when James Johnston linked up with rising US star Chase Matthew for their new single “Smoke I’ve Known.” What started as a social media connection quickly turned into a creative partnership – and, by the sound of it, a pretty effortless one at that.
Written in Nashville, the track leans into the idea that “country” isn’t tied to one place. For Johnston, it’s dirt bikes, bonfire nights, and the kind of memories that stick with you long after you’ve left home. For Matthew, it’s a different landscape – but the same feeling underneath. That shared understanding is what gives the song its heart.
Johnston puts it simply: this is a song about where you come from, and being proud of it. And despite the distance between Australia and Tennessee, both artists found themselves telling versions of the same story.
Matthew echoes that sentiment, calling the track “magic from the start.” The pair didn’t just write together – they hung out, rode bikes, and built the kind of easy chemistry that you can actually hear in the final song.
The collaboration also comes at a moment when both artists are on serious upward trajectories.
For Matthew, it’s the continuation of a huge run – billions of streams, a rapidly growing fanbase, and a reputation for high-energy live shows. He’s currently taking that momentum on the road, including tour dates across the US and Australia, and gearing up for his next album in 2026.
Meanwhile, Johnston is riding a wave of his own. Fresh off a massive showing at CMC Rocks and a string of major award wins, he’s firmly established as one of the leading voices in Australian country right now. His latest album Where You’ll Find Me signals a clear step onto the global stage, blending that distinctly Australian perspective with a broader, international sound.
And if there’s a common thread running through everything he’s doing right now, it’s connection – whether that’s with fans at festivals, collaborators overseas, or listeners hearing their own story reflected back at them.
That’s really what “Smoke I’ve Known” comes down to. Different backgrounds, different countries – same roots.
The track is out now, with the official video set to drop at 8:00am AEST on Friday, April 17th.
Listen to “Smoke I’ve Known” here, out now through Warner Music Australia.
