Jenny Mitchell has spent a decade turning stories into country songs

Jenny Mitchell has spent more than a decade writing songs.

Originally from Gore and now based in Melbourne, she has become one of the most recognisable names in the Aotearoa country scene, earning an Aotearoa Music Award and four Australian Golden Guitar nominations along the way.

Her new single, Mr Cotter’s Ridge, shows exactly why.

Musically, there is no great mystery about what you are listening to. The track is country through and through. Banjo and acoustic chords roll on through and Mitchell’s melody has that familiar country shape that makes the song feel right at home.

It's in the lyrics and their story where the song gets interesting.

Set in 1860s Kilcunda, Mr Cotter’s Ridge tells the story of a farmer who refused to clear three ancient gum trees from his land under Australia’s Land Act. He eventually walked away from his allotment rather than cut them down. A decade later, farmers in the same area were being paid to plant trees.

Mitchell co-wrote the song with Jenny Churchill, whose family has farmed land beside Mr Cotter’s for generations. It was recorded with Australian alt-bluegrass band Midnight Chicken, and produced by Shane Nicholson.

The song is a worthy addition to an extensive catalogue. Jenny Mitchell has been telling stories for years. Mr Cotter’s Ridge is another one worth hearing.