Brock Rodziewicz: A Rodeo Romance Frozen in Time: Brock County’s ‘Akubra Bands’
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In the world of country rock, the “rodeo song” is a hallowed tradition. But while many tracks focus on the eight seconds of glory or the dust of the arena, Brock County has delivered something far more intimate and authentically Australian with his latest single, “Akubra Bands.” This is a song about the quiet moments that happen behind the chutes—the glances, the shared stories, and the brief connections that linger in the mind long after the gear is packed away.
The Story: More Than Just a Hat
The inspiration for “Akubra Bands” comes from a true-to-life encounter Brock had while performing “out west” at a rodeo event. It’s a classic setup: the lead singer catches the eye of a girl in the crowd, and for a few hours, the rest of the world fades away.
However, the beauty of this track lies in the specific, grounded details. After the show, the two found themselves comparing “cattle tags”—the plastic markers often tucked into the bands of Akubra hats as a badge of rural identity. This exchange of information, a uniquely rustic “ice-breaker,” led to a conversation and, eventually, a kiss that clearly left a mark. As the artist wryly notes, it was a memory with long-lasting legs… at least for him.
The Artist: Brock County
Brock County (the musical moniker for Brock Rodziewicz) is relatively new in its entirety. With a balance of seasoned performers, along with some of the best new talent makes this band what it is. Matt Gordon (Bass) spent his school years with Brock and has had a music bond with him from those days. Mitch Callaghan (Lead Guitar) supported Brock at many country festivals in Sydney. Ben Greene (Guitar) was the first to work with Brock in a full band, and finally Jason Rodziewicz (Drums) came on board to play also assist with managing his young cousin. With all the band hailing from Sydney’s west at the foot of the Blue Mountains, they all shared time out on the land where their adventures turn into inspirations for writing and sharing great country music…The County are coming to play.
Song Review: ‘Akubra Bands’
“Akubra Bands” perfectly captures the Country Rock aesthetic with a blend of driving percussion and melodic grit.
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The Narrative: The song leans into the reality that “first rodeos” (in life or in love) rarely go according to plan. It’s a refreshing take on the fleeting nature of romance in the traveling musician’s life.
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The Sound: Expect a foot-tapping tempo that reflects the high-octane energy of a rodeo, balanced with a nostalgic warmth in the guitar work that mirrors the “memories” Brock carries from that night.
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The Authentic Touch: By centering the song on the Akubra, an iconic symbol of Australian heritage and resilience, Brock anchors the track in a specific place and time. It’s a song for anyone who has ever worn a well-worn hat and has a story tucked under the brim.
The Verdict
With “Akubra Bands,” Brock Rodziewicz has written an anthem for the dreamers and the “road warriors.” It is a vivid, catchy, and deeply relatable slice of life that proves some of the best stories are found in the short-lived ones.