Flora Smith and Jim Arneman are Small Town Romance. With a knack for a story, an uncanny ear for melody and an innate poeticism, Small Town Romance blend folk, country and roots influences to create a sound that is uniquely their own. 

​

Small Town Romance know their way around a classic country song but make no apologies for speaking in an Australian voice.

​

Released in August 2024, Home Fires is the long awaited second record from Small Town Romance. A rich and ambitious collection of songs bursting with life and finely attuned insights. At times confessional, and at others observational, featuring closely observed portraits you’d expect from writers like Guy Clark or Don Walker. The record is twang forward but knows when to swing and when to take it down a notch. It’s the sound of a band coming into their own. 

​

Home Fires earned STR a nomination for Best Group or Duo at the CMAA Golden Guitar Awards, debuted at number 5 on the Australian Country ARIA charts, number 3 on the AIR Chart was selected as PBS Feature Album, 3RRR Feature sounds and ABC Country Spotlight album, received a 4-star review in Rhythms magazine, and named in Post To Wire’s top releases of 2024.

​​

Their self-titled debut was lauded by critics and fans alike receiving nominations for Music Victoria Country Album of the Year and Best New Talent category at the CMAA Golden Guitar awards. 

​

With a slew of high-profile festivals and supports already under their belt, STR are proudly carrying on the incredible musical legacy of Jim’s mother Anne Kirkpatrick and grandparents Slim Dusty and Joy McKean.

​​

‘Too many singers and band release endless boring product… Small Town Romance on the other hand only release quality music’ – Country Music People, UK.

​

‘I need to get over my prejudice that only Americans can make good country music. It couldn’t be farther from the truth as evidenced by Small Town Romance.’  Harry Kaplan, twangri-la.com

​

'An understated, yet classy release' - Rob Dickens, Listening Through the Lens

​

'Two beautiful voices that intertwine and tell tales of heartache populated with people and places. On their self-titled album of last year they created a wonderful record built on a relaxed and spacious sound, fine playing and songwriting that resonates with classic country and Cajun Qualities.' Chris Familton, Post To Wire

​

'One of the records of the year’ – Michael Park, The International Americana Show, Best of 2016