Songwriters Jim Arneman and Flora Smith’s partnership in music and life makes for an intoxicating combination of watertight harmonies and understated poeticism. Blending country, folk, Australiana and tex-mex 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.

​

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. Since the release of their album they have toured extensively sharing stages with the likes of Don Walker, Paul Kelly, Troy Cassar-Daley, Fanny Lumsden, Mick Thomas, Tracy McNeil, Darren Hanlon and Eilen Jewel.

​

In 2019 Small Town Romance took a musical hiatus as Jim Arneman produced the feature documentary Slim & I telling the story of his grandmother Joy McKean and her musical partnership with the late Slim Dusty. In support of the film Small Town Romance released the single ‘I Don’t Believe You’ co-written with Joy McKean and performed with Anne Kirkpatrick. This beautiful stripped back waltz went on the earn them their second Golden Guitar Nomination in 2021. 

​

2023 sees Small Town Romance releasing new material with the full album due out early 2024. A film, a pandemic and a few babies later, Small Town Romance are in a new stage of life and they have never had more to sing about. 

 

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

​

‘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