Some songs begin with a broken heart. Naya Smith’s debut began with a rough day looking after two boys on a remote property.
Working as a governess, Naya found herself joking that the kids were going to drive her to drink. That passing thought became the starting point for Whiskey Blues, a song that grew beyond the working day into bad days, heartbreak and the effort of convincing yourself you’re doing just fine.
The Townsville-based singer-songwriter wanted to keep it upbeat and fun, with something listeners could sing along to while recognising a little of their own experience. That mix of humour and harder feelings sits at the heart of the single: a cheeky country exterior with something more going on underneath.
Released on 6 November 2026 through RTC Records, Whiskey Blues was written by Naya and produced by Stuart Stuart. The release brings a country-rock edge to a story about trying to drown out the things you would rather not face.
For Naya, this first release follows years spent finding her feet in Queensland’s country music community. Growing up, she competed and performed at regional festivals from Charters Towers to Mackay, building her love of performing along the way.
Over the past three years, she has also attended The Song Muster in Gympie, co-writing with other artists and songwriters and performing each time at The Song Muster Showcase at the Gympie Music Muster. Those experiences have helped her develop both sides of the craft: writing the story and taking it to an audience.
There’s a place around the campfire for songs drawn from everyday country life, and the beginning of this one is easy to picture. A remote property, a trying day and a throwaway joke have given Naya Smith the story behind her first single.
Listen to Whiskey Blues
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