Ethan Calway—the singer songwriter hailing from from Gippsland, Victoria.
Four-time GRAMMY® Award winner Keith Urban and the Tamworth Country Music Festival today unveil Ethan Calway as the inaugural recipient of the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship - a major new initiative spotlighting Australia’s next global country export.
Urban broke the news to Calway via a surprise Zoom call - WATCH THE MOMENT UNFOLD HERE.
The announcement follows the launch of the groundbreaking initiative earlier this year, which generated widespread excitement across the Australian country music community and attracted a strong field of emerging talent nationwide.
Designed to support one rising Australian country artist ready to take the next step internationally, the scholarship offers a career-defining opportunity in Nashville - including the chance to perform, write, record, connect with key industry figures and undertake dedicated recording time at Urban’s studio, The Sound.
Hailing from Warragul, Victoria, Calway stood out for his electrifying guitar work, raw yet emotive vocal style and an authenticity that signals strong global potential. Blending country, rock and storytelling influences, his artistry reflects both lived experience and a clear creative vision - marking him as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging voices. Calway’s latest single, “Better Tomorrow,” further cements his rising momentum - a driving, anthemic country-rock track centred on resilience, hard work and pushing toward something more. LISTEN HERE
“What an incredible opportunity - I’m beyond grateful to be chosen for something like this,” said Calway. “To learn, write and record in Nashville, and to have that kind of support behind me, is something I’ve always dreamed about. I can’t wait to get over there and make the most of it.”
The scholarship is the latest extension of Urban’s deep commitment to emerging artists. From early support and collaborations with artists such as Taylor Swift and Maren Morris to mentorship, touring opportunities and education initiatives, he has consistently used his platform to elevate new voices at pivotal moments in their careers.
“Ethan has something really special,” said Urban. “There’s a rawness and honesty in what he does that really connects. I’m excited to see what this next chapter brings for him and to be part of that journey.”
Peter Ross, Executive Manager of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, said the announcement marks a significant milestone for both the initiative and the broader Australian country music landscape.
“The response to the scholarship has been extraordinary, and Ethan is a truly deserving recipient,” he said. “This initiative reflects the shared values of the Festival and Keith - creating meaningful opportunities for artists to grow and reach new audiences. Keith is the living embodiment of the Tamworth pathway to success, and together we are proud to support the next generation of Australian country artists as they take their music to the world.”
The Tamworth Country Music Festival and Keith Urban teams will work closely with Calway as he undertakes the scholarship experience
Better Tomorrow out now
Built on punchy guitars and an anthemic hook, “Better Tomorrow” tells the story of pushing through long nights, working for something bigger, and refusing to stay stuck. With lyrics like “picking these strings and working for the man / is gonna pull me right out of this hollow,” Calway taps into a deeply relatable narrative - balancing passion with reality while chasing a way out. At its core, the track is about momentum and mindset. The repeated line “I’m working on a better tomorrow” lands as both a personal mantra and a universal message, resonating with anyone striving for change. Ethan Calway is quickly carving out a name in the Australian country scene with his blend of modern country-rock and authentic storytelling. Drawing inspiration from artists like Keith Urban and Vince Gill, his sound is grounded in real-life experiences, delivering songs that feel both personal and widely relatable.
Ethan’s rise within the Australian country scene has been rapid and well-earned. A 2023 Gympie NAB Talent Search Grand Finalist and 2024 Toyota Star Maker Top 10 Finalist, he further cemented his profile in 2025 as a standout contestant on The Voice Australia, turning all four chairs and joining Richard Marx’s team — with Marx using his coveted Ultimate Block to secure him.
Known for his electrifying live performances, road-worn storytelling, and rugged, authentic charm, Ethan Calway continues to emerge as one of country music’s most exciting new voices.
Discography
Channeling easy listening folk sounds through to heavy southern rock, ultimately grounding himself in country rock—Ethan’s music captures an artist confidently evolving.
