Beth Lucas Seals Pivotal Chapter with Intimate ‘The Airlock Sessions’ EP
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The past two years have been nothing short of transformative for burgeoning country artist Beth Lucas. A whirlwind of five single releases has seen her ascend through the ranks of the Australian country music scene, punctuated by significant accolades and high-profile opportunities. The crowning achievement arrived at the 2025 Tamworth Songwriters Association Salute Awards, where she was honored with the prestigious New Songwriter of the Year title. This recognition underscored the depth and maturity of her burgeoning songwriting talent.
Adding to this momentum, Lucas emerged as a Grand Finalist in the highly competitive Gympie Music Muster x Monthertone talent search, further solidifying her presence as a compelling live performer. Her dedication to honing her craft is evident in her two-time graduation from CMAA The Academy of Country Music Australia, including the esteemed Keith Urban Scholarship in 2023. This immersive experience undoubtedly contributed to the refinement of her musicality and industry acumen.
A significant milestone in her journey came with the opportunity to open for viral US country sensation Alexandra Kay on her inaugural Australian headline tour. Sharing the stage with an established international artist provided invaluable exposure and further amplified Lucas’s growing fanbase.
Today marks the culmination of this pivotal period with the release of ‘The Airlock Sessions’, a thoughtfully curated mini-EP. This collection features the brand new track ‘Sweet’ alongside the previously released and well-received single ‘One Stoplight Town’. This release holds a special significance for Lucas, as it represents the final prize redemption from her victory at the 2023 Ekka’s Country Music Showdown talent search, effectively closing a significant chapter in her burgeoning career.
‘The Airlock Sessions’ serves as a compelling showcase of Lucas’s artistic versatility, highlighting her ability to navigate a diverse spectrum of human emotions through her songwriting. ‘One Stoplight Town’ is a vibrant and nostalgic ode to the intoxicating rush of young love and the boundless optimism that accompanies new beginnings, all vividly painted against the backdrop of a close-knit small-town community. The lyrics evoke a sense of youthful exuberance and the simple joys of shared experiences.
In stark contrast, ‘Sweet’ delves into the more introspective and tender terrain of potential heartbreak. This reflective piece casts a wistful gaze back at the halcyon days of a relationship, imbued with a palpable longing to recapture those cherished moments. The melancholic undertones resonate deeply, showcasing Lucas’s capacity to articulate vulnerability and emotional nuance through her music.
Recorded at the esteemed Airlock Studios in Samford, Queensland – a space owned by Ian Haug of the iconic Australian band Powderfinger – ‘The Airlock Sessions’ benefits from the expert touch of producer James North, known for his work with acclaimed artists such as Karise Eden, Tom Oliver, and Andy Penkow. The intimate and organic feel of the EP is further enhanced by the accompaniment of Lucas’s talented live band. Peter Eckel’s banjo adds a distinct country flavor, while Scott Eckel provides the rhythmic backbone on drums. Daniel Colborne anchors the sound with his nuanced bass and double bass lines, and Daniel Henwood’s electric and lead guitar work adds texture and emotional depth to the arrangements. At the heart of it all is Lucas’s signature acoustic guitar playing, which provides the foundational framework for her heartfelt vocals and evocative storytelling.
‘The Airlock Sessions’ is more than just a collection of two songs; it’s a testament to Beth Lucas’s artistic growth and the significant strides she has made in a relatively short period. It offers a glimpse into the emotional depth and songwriting prowess that have garnered her industry recognition and a growing fanbase. As she closes this pivotal chapter, ‘The Airlock Sessions’ serves as a promising prelude to the exciting new horizons that undoubtedly lie ahead for this talented country artist.