Speaking from his home at the southern end of the Gold Coast, Barnes said he is in the middle of a packed schedule.
“We’re hitting the road to fly down to Tassie to launch the new album, then back up here for the album launch, and then heading all over the country on tour for the next few months,” he said.
“It’s going to be busy.”
Barnes will play the Muster on the Saturday night, three years after making his debut at the iconic Deniliquin event.
“We (my band and I) love the Deni Ute Muster. It’s one of my favourite festivals to play,” he said.
“We know what we’re in for now; it’s a loose and rowdy crowd, which is exactly what we want to see.”
Barnes’ new album Made For This continues his contemporary country sound, but with more up‑tempo tracks and big anthems.
“It definitely follows the same sort of theme, but there are a few more country rockers on this one,” he said.
Barnes’ music has reached far beyond Australia, with songs picked up by the AFL, NRL, Farmer Wants a Wife, and even major sporting organisations in the United States.
“Made For This has been the theme song for the NRL this season on Channel 9, so that one will definitely be in the show. We’ve been super lucky.
“The NFL, NASCAR, even this week a huge baseball game in the States used one of my songs, ‘Gone, Gone, Gone’.
“There’s a video of people dancing on the field to it. ”I had to check a bunch of times to make sure it wasn’t AI, but it’s actually real.”
Barnes also performed at Stagecoach in California, the world’s biggest country music festival, playing on the main stage to a crowd of more than 70,000.
“We’re trying to build that international fan base, and we’re keen to do more over there if we can.”
Barnes said one of the highlights of returning to Deniliquin will be mingling with fans.
“We love getting to meet everyone; there are always lots of good characters.
“We’re looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere and having a good time.”
He is also excited to share the Muster lineup with some of Australia’s biggest names.
“I’m very lucky to be friends with all of those guys - Lee Kernaghan, Troy Cassar‑Daley, Ian Moss, Shepard, Tones and I.
“It’s great when you get to play a festival where you’re actually mates with the other artists.”
With the Muster now just weeks away, Barnes had a simple message for fans.
“We just can’t wait to see you guys, get ready for a good time because that’s what we’re going to bring.”
The Deni Ute Muster promises two unforgettable days of music, culture, and community spirit.
This year’s event continues its proud tradition of celebrating the Aussie ute and rural lifestyle with a jam-packed program for all ages.
Camping is a major part of the Deni Ute Muster tradition, with free general camping available from October 2-5 as part of your ticket.
Find out more and book your tickets at www.deniutemuster.com.au.
