The majority of his previous emotive-based songs are from personal experiences, but this one is not.

"Rick (co-writer Rick Price) and I came up with the basic groove of the song first and decided it fitted perfectly with the storyline of a poor guy who has been 'done wrong' by his partner and everywhere he turns it seems she's still there - I guess a lot of blokes can relate to that," Barnes told X-static.

The track was recorded in Nashville last year and was released earlier this month.

Barnes, a former Australian Idol contestant who is based on the Gold Coast, is hoping it is the start of a busy 2015 music-wise.

He said he learnt in 2014 that if you "dream big, work hard, and never give up - it's amazing what you can achieve when you put your mind to it".

"I'd love to keep working with Rick and there are a few other Aussie songwriters that I'm keen to work with too," he said.

"Having recently opened for Mariah Carey on her Australian tour, I'm keen to build on that too and play at a few more larger festivals.

"I've already started writing for a new release (a full length album) so that will be the next big focus.

"I definitely want to get down to Tassie at some stage for some shows, as it is always good to come home."

Hard Times is available from iTunes.