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This website brings you the latest Australian country music news. News releases can be sent to news@countrymusicbulletin.com.au |
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
Troy Cassar-Daley has taken out the 2024 ARIA Award for Best Country Album with his latest release, Between The Fires. He beat Casey Barnes (Mayday), Tori Forsyth (All We Have Is Who We Are), James Johnston (Raised Like That) and Henry Wagons (The Four Seasons) to claim the prize. This is the sixth time Troy has won the ARIA fior Best Country Album having achieved the accolade in 1995 (for Beyond The Dancing), 2000 (Big River), 2006 (Brighter Day), 2009 (I Love This Place) and 2015 (Freedom Ride). The Awards were staged in Sydney earlier today. Weblink – www.aria.com.au/awards. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024 Golden Guitar Awards finalists announced Troy Cassar-Daley heads the list of finalists for the 2025 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards to be staged in Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital, in January.
Eight artists achieved three placings Casey Barnes, Michael Carpenter & The Banks Brothers, Kristy Cox, Ashleigh Dallas, Tori Forsyth, Taylor Moss, Andy Penkow and The Wolfe Brothers. Eleven artists feature with two placings each... William Alexander, Kaylee Bell, Graeme Connors, Jayne Denham, Kelly Dixon, Andy Golledge, Lane Pittman, Henry Wagons, Raechel Whitchurch and Zac & George. And 22 artists have a single finalist placing... Lachlan Bryan & The Wildes, The Bushwackers, Allan Caswell, Darlinghurst, Hamish Davidson, Denvah, Phil Doublet, Abbie Ferris, Wade Forster, Angus Gill, The High Street Drifters, Amber Lawrence, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, Luke O’Shea, Dean Perrett, The Pleasures, Brendan Radford, Small Town Romance, Andrew Swift, Lindsay Waddington, John Williamson and Dylan Wright. The full listing is... Contemporary Country Album of the Year Traditional Country Album of the Year Alt Country Album of the Year All We Have Is Who We Are – Tori Forsyth (producer Scott Horscroft) Note: album category finalists are autimatically finalists for the major Album of the Year award. Male Artist of the Year Casey Barnes Female Artist of the Year Kaylee Bell Group or Duo of the Year Michael Carpenter & The Banks Brothers Vocal Collaboration of the Year Beer in A Bar – The Wolfe Brothers & Kaylee Bell Bush Ballad of the Year Heritage Song of the Year Instrumental of the Year Gold Fever – Michael Carpenter & The Banks Brothers Bluegrass Recording of the Year Back To The Hills – The High Street Drifters New Talent of the Year Denvah Song of the Year Video of the Year Single of the Year Backbone (The Desert Child) – Kasey Chambers The 2025 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards will be staged in the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre on Saturday January 25. Weblink – tcmf.com.au, country.com.au. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024 Achiever Award winners The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Achiever Awards. The awards cover songwriting, artists, media, creative industries, musicians and more, and were chosen by the current CMAA Board, with an aim to “create an inclusive and overall recognition of the contributions of key historic and contemporary figures within our community,” according to a spokesman for the organisation. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024 Gympie Muster Raises $101,000 for Rural Aid The 2024 Gympie Music Muster has raised more than $100,000 for 2024 charity partner, Rural Aid. “Through the incredible generosity of attendees and the dedication of the festival team, this year’s event raised an impressive $101,000 for Rural Aid,” said a spokesman for the event. “These vital funds will directly support Rural Aid’s essential work assisting rural communities and farming families facing tough circumstances across Australia.”
With multiple fundraising initiatives, including the Buy A Bale sticker campaign, a collection drive for cans, campground fundraising efforts, the donation from Cooloola-Sunshine Coast Military Brotherhood and contributions from festival armbands, festival-goers united to make a meaningful difference. Rural Aid CEO John Warlters praised the generosity of Muster-goers: “The support from Gympie Music Muster attendees has been an incredible experience for us at Rural Aid,” he said. “It’s allowed us to tell our story to thousands of people who love country music and have a soft spot for farmers. This generosity has a profound impact on farming families, helping them manage the challenges they face every day.” The funds raised will support a range of critical services for families in rural areas, including emergency livestock feed, financial assistance, counselling services and essential water security, supplying drinking water for families whose tanks have run dry or have been damaged by bushfires or floods. “This funding will help those who are still in recovery from recent droughts, floods, and bushfires, as well as those dealing with mental health stressors,” John Warlters said. “Further afield, there are many families in South Australia, Western Australia, and Victoria dealing with record-low rainfall, trying to manage livestock and crops under difficult conditions.” Gympie Muster CEO Greg Cavanagh said he was moved by the community’s generosity: “The dedication from festival-goers in supporting rural communities is inspiring, and I’m proud that together, we’ve exceeded our goal of $100,000. Our mission is to support charities that improve the lives of rural families and communities, and Rural Aid does just that.” Looking ahead, The Gympie Music Muster is already in search of its next charity partner, with a focus on national organisations that support rural and regional communities, especially those dedicated to children’s welfare. “We aim to reach this fundraising milestone each year, and I’m stoked to see such an incredible response from our community,” Greg said. “The Muster is about giving back, and it’s clear our attendees share that same passion.” Weblink – www.muster.com.au. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024 CMAA announces return of Achiever Awards The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) has announced “the rebooting” of the Association’s Achiever Awards, originally held, in various forms, for a period of just over a decade from 1995 to 2007.
The Awards will be staged on Saturday November 23 in Sydney in conjunction with an industry symposium. Winners will actually be announced the week before the presentation function. The reintroduced awards will run in two categories… Contemporary Artists – “awarded to personalities excelling at a high level or providing a significant commitment to our industry in the last 12 months”.
Winners are being chosen by the current CMAA Board “with an aim to create an inclusive and overall recognition of the contributions of key historic and contemporary figures within our community,” the CMAA spokesman said. Acoustic performances will spread throughout the evening of the awards event in addition to presentations to the winners. The symposium running on the same day will comprise a series of panels in separate sessions during the afternoon of November 23 at the same venue as the awards presentation. Tickets and further information can be obtained by following THIS LINK. Weblink – www.country.com.au. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024 Noosa Guitar Festival this weekend Organisers of this weekend’s Noosa Guitar Festival have issued a final call for tickets to the major event. The three-day program features a host of artists with masterclasses also on offer this year. Well known and highly regarded in the guitar world, many have released multiple albums, toured with national and international artists and played on countless sessions.
Organised and staged by Wild Goat Entertainment and Big Sky Guitar Productions, this is the second Noosa Guitar Festival, staged in the Majestic Theatre in Pomona just west of Noosa Heads with masterclasses being held at Music at Noosa. A diverse array of highly talented artists will descend on the Noosa Hinterland to share their music, mastery and love of the guitar. In addition, organisers say they are excited to again be presenting the “Young Guns” of guitar, “who will no doubt become the guitar legends of the future! “Classical, Jazz, Blues, Country, Metal, and Rock will be the order of the day, so there really is something for everyone who loves guitar!” The list of artists appearing includes Jamie Clarke, Tom Combes, Doug De Jong, Camaron De La Vega, Hat Fitz, Michael Fix, Tim Gaze, Kathleen Halloran, the Ben Hauptmann Trio, Minnie Marks, Michael Muchow, Jake Parkes, the Tim Sladden Quartet, the Solstice Classical Guitar Duo and Leon Todd. A ”Jimi Hendrix Experience” will be a highlight of the Saturday night program featuring Simon Gardner, Tim Gaze and Leon Todd. Weblink – wildgoat.com.au/noosa-guitar-festival. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024 ABBA awards finalists announced Finalists for the inaugural ABBA (Australian Bush Balladeers Association) Music Excellence Awards have been announced. The Association says the Awards have drawn great support from Australian bush balladeers and traditional country music artists alike.
The full list (in alphabetical order of song/album or artist name) is… For Contemporary Song of the Year… Beauty Of The Bush by Andrew Ryan (written by Andrew Ryan) Ballad Of Jim Darcy by Studio8 (Luke Johnson/Michelle Morgan) Banks Of The Goobra by Peter Simpson (Peter Simpson/Pardre Jim Newton) Blacksoil Plains Of The Outback by Alice Benfer (Merv Maltman) El-Gringo by Peter Salata (Lindsay Waddington) Aussie Rain – Andy Penkow Dislodge by Broken Creek (Erin and Lachlan Heycox) Gunner The Kelpie Hero by Ken “Chainsaw” Lindsay (Ken Lindsay/Lindsay Waddington) Aussie Rain by Andy Penkow (Andy Penkow/Rip-Van Parks) Announced by ABBA in April this year, the Awards include specific categories for Australian bush ballads and traditional country music. Finalists were determined by specialised judging panels with a dedicated understanding of the music. Winners will be announced at the Awards presentation at The Balladeers Homestead in Tamworth on Thursday January 23 during the annual country music festival. “I wish to thank all who entered the Awards in our first year,” said ABBA President Peter Coad. “and I could not be prouder of how our Australian music industry have embraced the Awards and their specifically tailored categories designed to help support our Australian bush ballads in both traditional and contemporary styles.” Weblink – bushballadeers.com.au. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024 Warwick Rodeo in full swing The famous Warwick Rodeo is in full swing for 2024 with events and activities running through to and including this Sunday (October 27). A major highlight of the event will be the entertainment program which includes a tribute to American country superstar Garth Brooks tonight, guest stars (pictured from left) Wade Forster (2024 Star Maker winner) and Luke Geiger on Friday night, Shannon Noll and Charlie Fittler on Saturday night.
Culminating on the last full weekend of October every year, the Warwick Rodeo attracts the nation’s top rodeo riders and the best broncs and bucking bulls, according to a spokesman for the organisers, and is known as “Australia’s Most Famous”. The riders and the bucking stock come together to try and prove the old saying wrong – “never the horse that couldn’t be rode, never the rider that couldn’t be throwed”. Warwick Rodeo has been immortalised in song by a number of Australian country music stars including country legend Buddy Williams and leading singer/songwriter Norma O’Hara Murphy. Further information can be obtained from the website warwickshowandrodeo.com.au. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 ARIAs 2024 Finalists have been announced for the 2024 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards to be held in Sydney on Wednesday November 20. In the country category, finalists are Casey Barnes with Mayday, Troy Cassar-Daley with Between The Fires, Tori Forsyth with All We Have Is Who We Are, James Johnston with Raised Like That and Henry Wagons with The Four Seasons.
Troy has also scored a finalist berth in Best Solo Artist together with Emma Donavan who is also a finalist for Best Adult Contemporary Album with Til My Song Is Done. Michael Bryers has scored a finalist berth in the Best Cover Art category for Troy’s album Between The Fires. Weblink – www.aria.com.au/awards. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 Barellan Festival a highlight of October long weekend The Good Old Days Festival at Barellan in southern NSW is one of Australia’s most unique events authentically recreating and celebrating our nation’s pioneer heritage.
The Festival, the largest gathering of harnessed draught animals – horses, bullocks, camels, donkeys, mules and goats – in Australia, is a not-for-profit event run by volunteers and contributes funds back into the local regional community. Early farming practices showcased include horse and bullock drawn ploughs, binders, wool wagons and a mallee roller. Australia’s famous water cart will also be celebrated with a Furphy Festival featuring rebarrelling demonstrations, Furphy collectables and Furphy trains. This year, a highlight of the event will include the nveiling of a bronze Clydesdale statute in Barellan’s main street at 11am followed by a street parade with a billy boiling championship in the evening and entertainment by Marissa & The Guitar Man.
And the the full program gets underway with horse ring events, teamsters meet and greet, working yard dog display, demonstrations of horse drawn implements an obstacle course in the main arena, Furphy display, talks at the Light Horse and WWI horse drawn vehicle display, carriage rides, donkey static display and talks and Murray Wilkinson and his dogs in the cattle arena. And that’s just a quick overview of some of the activities which will also include farrier Troy Cross hot shoeing a horse, entertainment by Sharon Benjamin, Prestige Classical Coaching ballet performance, all day scone making, cow milking, milk separating, butter churning, market stalls, camel rides, blade shearing, working sheep dogs, blacksmith forge, whip making, rope making, Light Horse Troop static display, Smallmon Brothers Waste Animal Nursery, bullock teams, log snigging, and coach rides and hand painted scrolling and lettering demonstrations. Full details can be obtained from the Festival website barellanclydesdales.com.au. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 People's Choice Awards voting opens Voting has opened for the 2025 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards to be staged in Tamworth, Australia’s Home of Country Music, on Wednesday January 23.
In addition to the voted awards, at least one long-standing broadcaster will be inducted into the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Tickets for the Awards gala presentation concert are now available and can be obtained from the Capitol Theatre Box Office in Tamworth or on-line via entertainmentvenues.com.au. The ticket price for 2025 has increased to $20, reflecting continuous staging and promotional cost increases according to Awards organiser Bob Kirchner. “This still represents excellent value for money given the high calibre of artists who regularly grace the stage of the Tamworth Town Hall for the annual People’s Choice Awards,” Bob said. “And also reflects the world class level of their talent and recognition of their achievements during the past year or so.” Voting for the 2025 Awards presentation will run for two months, closing at midnight on October 31 with finalists to be announced in November. Performers on the Awards show, usually from among the year’s Awards finalists, will be announced in December. The official Awards voting form can be found at www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2024 Saralyn and Kelly win at Gympie Saralyn, from Paterson in NSW, has taken out the 2024 Gympie Music Muster Talent Search open section while Keely Ellen from Bundaberg in Queensland was named the junior winner.
Muster organisers have celebrated the continuing success of the event reporting a visitation over the pre-event and official days of 50,000, more than 20 percent up on last year’s 40,000.
“The Muster team does a fantastic job bringing the event together,” said Muster CEO Greg Cavanagh. “ getting the mix of music right and providing a wonderful atmosphere that brings generations together in the forest every August. Organisers have already hit the ground running planning for Muster 2025 which will run from Thursday August 28 to Sunday August 31. Photos: Saralyn (top) on the Gympie stge after being announced the 2024 Talent Search Open winner; and Keely Ellen performs during the competition. Weblink - www.muster.com.au. TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2024 Gympie Muster kicks off Thursday The mighty Gympie Music Muster kicks off this Thursday at the dedicated Amamooor Creek Muster site just out of Gympie running through to and including this Sunday. More than 200 individual acts will take to the various Muster stages during the events four days including many of Australia’s best known country stars. One of the highlights of the event is the annual Muster talent search, this year sponsored by Mothertone. “Our festival is committed to supporting emerging talent. We understand the value of providing a platform and opportunities for this next generation of artists,” said Program Co-ordinator Bec Anderson.
"Participating in the Gympie Muster talent search not only gave me an opportunity to compete but to attend the Muster for my first time,” Denvah said. “I'm grateful for the immense opportunities it's given me and for the support I've been given from those involved in the running of the search. “Being able to perform again at the Muster this year is an absolute blessing. It's fast become one of my favourite festivals and I'm grateful to be playing at such a highly regarded festival." This year’s finalists in the Open Section are Sarah Catania, Felicity Dowd, Tom Harrison, Ella Hartwig, Beth Lucas, Tom Mac, Katelann Maree, LJ Parks, Jack Raymond, Saralyn, Kaitlyn Thomas and Jacob Vincent. In the Junior Section, the finalists are Grace Alexandra, Henry Catania, Keely Ellen, Mackenzie Lee, Jamie Preston and Amy Ryan. Last year’s Junior winner was Shanleigh Rose who will also perform at this year’s Muster as a guest artist. Shanleigh said the talent search gave her the opportunity to introduce a wider audience to her songs. “I wasn’t really thinking about winning so much as giving a good performance. It definitely gave me a taste of what it’s like to perform professionally, a chance to play with a band and great feedback from peers, judges and audience members,” she said. “Winning it absolutely blew my mind and it definitely opened a lot of doors for me. One minute it’s announced and the next you’re sitting in the green room of the Hill Stage about to perform a song in front of thousands. One of the biggest things I got out of it was opportunities and recognition.” Talent Search Co-ordinator Michael Turner said the number of entries and the level of talent this year reflected how country music was growing in Australia. “It’s great to be amongst it and we’re going to need artists coming through for the future,” he said. “This year, we have had quite a lot of new applicants which is exciting, and it’s also great to see applications come in from people who have applied in past years, and we see that they have been working on their craft and skillset since we saw them last. “The prizes are tailored to give a real boost for an upcoming artist. However, just coming to the finals and playing at Muster will get you seen and recognised. It’s great street cred. All finalists win in that way.” As well as the latest Open winner’s success, other finalists and winners have been releasing new music, touring and playing overseas. Photo: Talent Search Co-Ordinator Michael Turner with 2023 winner Denvah. Weblink – www.muster.com.au. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2024 ABBA Awards announced A new set of Australian music awards will be launched this coming January by the Australian Bush Balladeers Association (ABBA).
“(Our) committee are a dedicated body who have been steadfastly promoting and supporting the Australian bush ballad artist and their music since the Association’s formation 24 years ago,” said ABBA President Peter Coad. “The Australian bush ballad story is one steeped in rich history, from our earliest pioneers, Tex Morton and Buddy Williams, to Slim Dusty, Stan Coster and our current leaders in the bush ballad world today, Dean Perrett, Jeff Brown, Ernie Constance, Tom Maxwell and so many more,” Peter said. “The Australian bush ballad genre has a strong following through the bush ballad events and traditional country music festivals around the nation. The Music Excellence Awards contain a variety of sections Australian bush balladeer artists can enter, to explore greater exposure.” “Embracing the traditional country section of our Australian music industry as part of (these) awards is important,” Peter said, “as many perform bush ballads as part of their repertoire, and we want to make sure everyone feels included and welcome to enter the awards if they feel their music suits a section." There are 11 Awards sections... Australian Bush Ballad Contemporary Song of the Year, Australian Bush Ballad Heritage Song of the Year, Australian Bush Ballad Traditional Song of the Year, Traditional Country Bluegrass Song of the Year, Traditional Country Heritage Song of the Year, Traditional Country Song of the Year and open sections for Classic Song of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year, Hillbilly Song of the Year, Instrumental of the Year and Video Clip of the Year. “It is also important to mention that no matter how many awards there are in Australia for our bush balladeers and traditional country music artists, our industry can only thrive by giving more recognition where we can to those artists trying to achieve.” Entries in the ABBA Music Excellence Awards will close on September 1. Winners will be determined by specialised judging panels independent of ABBA. Finalists will be announced in October. More information about the Music Excellence Awards, categories and entry criteria, can be found at www.bushballadeers.com.au/MEAwards.htm. THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2024 Fanny wins Country AIR Australian international country star Fanny Lumsden has been named winner in the Country category of the 2024 AIR (Australian Independent Record Labels Association) Awards.
Fanny was named Australia's 2024 Country Music Entertainer of the Year in January at the Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards and the AIR accolade follows last year's ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Award for Best Country Album. Fellow finalists in the category were Travis Collins for Any Less Anymore, Maple Glider for I Get Into Trouble, Henry Wagons for South Of Everywhere and The Wolfe Brothers for Livin' The Dream. Maple Glider's album was also among finalists for Album of the Year while their song Don't Kiss Me was among finalists for Song of the Year, an award won by Jem Cassar-Daley with King Of Disappointment. Amber Lawrence was a finalist for Childrens Album or EP with A Very Aussie Christmas. The AIR Awards were staged in Adelaide last night (Thursday August 1). Weblink – air.org.au/air-awards. WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024 Hats Off kicks off Friday Country Music Capital’s mid year festival Hats Off To Country kicks off this Friday (July 19). More than 100 individual artists are listed on the official program covering the three festival days up to and including Sunday.
It’s the 24th year of the event which launched in the year 2000 with a giant tribute concert to Slim Dusty. And this year, Hats Off seems to have come full circle with a major focus on traditional country music although, as usual, fans will be able to experience all kinds of country again during a Tamworth country music event. The major concert of this year's festival is Hats Off To The Bush, a celebration of bush ballad and verse hosted by Dianne Lindsay and Peter Simpson in the iconic Tamworth Town Hall on Saturday night. Starring on the this concert will be Jeff Brown, Lindsay Butler, Gary Fogarty, Caitlyn Jamison, Glenn Jones, Anne Kirkpatrick, Shaza Leigh, Steve Newton, Dean Perrett, Paul Ricketts, Alisha Smith and hosts Dianne and Peter. Artists will be backed by Rod Coe and members of the original Slim Dusty Travelling Country Band. A second major event at the Town Hall will star country pop star Shannon Noll on Friday night. All of Country Music Capital’s major venues will host entertainment during Hats Off, much of it free. Among the major activities will be the Australian Academy of Country Music Junior Graduation Concert and ABBA Balladeer’s Concert at Moonshiners, an album launch for Two Tone Pony, also at Moonshiners, and a Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) Showcase on Sunday morning at The Pub. West Tamworth League Club will have major paid shows featuring The Bushwackers, Zac & George and Tania Kernaghan with Jason Owen. Tamworth Songwriters association will also stage a number of showcases throughout the weekend at The Post Office Hotel, South Tamworth Bowling Club, Tamworth City Bowling Club and The Welders Dog. Laurie & Shelley Munson will stage a curtain-raiser to the festival with their regular songwriters night on Thursday evening at The Press which will also host an album launch for Sally-Anne Whitten on Saturday night. A full program can be found at www.hatsofftocounry.com.au. THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2024 EKKA finalists announced Finalists have been announced for the 2024 EKKA Country Music Showdown to be staged during the famous Royal Brisbane Show in August.
In the open category, finalists are Katie Brooke, Bradley Button, Georgie Darr, Mack Geiger, Madison Kate, Jess Kealy, Dave Kent, Chloe-Lee Mahony, Chloe Marks and Mackenzie May. Finalists in the junior category are Henry Catania, Makenzi Goodwin, Georgia Kelly, Eadie Peterson, Quinn McCarthy, Mackenna Rose, Phoebe Rose, Amy Ryan, SeaJem Sounds and Zia. Presented by Ariat Australia, the 10th annual talent search will be staged on Saturday August 17 and will see contestants competing for a “carer boosting” prize pool, of more than $60,000. The pool includes cash from major sponsor Ariat, the Troy Cassar-Daley scholarship to the Australian Academy of Country Music and performer profile promotion on Capital Country Radio and the Country Music Bulletin. The junior section is for contestants aged 12 to 17 with those 18 and over competing in the open section. Weblink – www.ekka.com.au. MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2024 OAM for Lynette Long time Country Music Capital based singer and recording artist Lynette Guest has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
Together with her family, Lyn travelled from their home in Mulwala to Adelaide in 1970 to appear on Reg Lindsay’s television program. In 1972, she toured Australia with the Buddy Williams Show, a time during which, she recorded harmonies on a session of Buddy’s including thefamous Buddy, Tex Morton and Sister Dorrie track I Live Country Music. In 1974, Lyn was named as a finalist in the Golden Guitar Awards. In 1975, she recorded her first single, on the Opal label, which was followed by her debut album Be My Guest in 1976. During the following decades, Lyn made numerous recordings and was recognised with a number of accolades including induction into the Country Music hands of Fame in 1990. In addition to her substantial performing and touring activity, Lyn was particularly renowned as one of country music’s best harmony singers having featured on many recording sessions over time including to this day. Together with her Scarlett trio fellow members Clelia Adams and Cate McCarthy, Lyn also featured regularly as a back up singer on the Golden Guitar Awards for a number of years. Lyn will receive her OAM from NSW Governor Margaret Beazley AC KC later this year. OAMs for Barry and Kate Today’s King’s Birthday honours list also includes two Tamworth based recipients who have made significant contributions to a range of activities including the Australian country music industry. Barry Harley and Kate Nugent have both been awarded Medals in the Order of Australia officially for their contribution to country music and the community of Tamworth. In their professional working lives, the partners in life have worked with various companies and organisations specialising in event management and promotion including the giant AgQuip field days, Australia’s biggest rural field days. But country music is the sector that has benefitted most from their involvement.
His involvement grew dramatically when he was employed by BAL Marketing, the events arm of Radio 2TM, responsible for staging and promoting the Awards and numerous other industry building activities through the 1970s and '80s. He was ultimately appointed manager of BAL Marketing before leaving to work in various roles before joining the local newspaper The Northern Daily Leader. Barry’s role as Sales Manager at The Leader eventually lead to him becoming once again embroiled in country music when Rural Press, publishers of The Leader, purchased AgQuip and the country music assets of Radio 2TM in the early 1990s and established Rural Press Events (RPE). In the following years, RPE was to have a major impact on the country music industry and the Tamworth Country Music Festival in particular. Among the major RPE innovations were the establishment of Capital News as a glossy monthly magazine and the building of the then new Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre into the major Tamworth festival venue for a number of years with numerous shows and activities held at the throughout festival week. During this time, Barry also served a stint as a director on the industry body the Country Music Association of Australia. Fast forward to the 2000s when Rural Press passed its country music assets to Tamworth Regional Council, Barry was employed as Council's manager of all things country music, a position he holds to this day continuing to have major impact and influence on all things country music, both in Tamworth and the broader Australian country music industry.
In 1984, Kate left BAL Marketing to join Max Ellis in his newly established marketing consultancy pursuing a variety of activities including the likes of the then new Port Pirie Country Music Festival and helping to establish the APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Awards. In 1992, Kate was heavily involved in the establishment of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) which ultimately took over organising and staging of the Golden Guitar Awards from 1993. In the following years, during her time with Max Ellis Marketing (MEM), Kate was a driving force in the ultimate growth and success of the CMAA including the numerous events it staged in both Tamworth and other parts of Australia and activities including establishment of the successful College of Country Music (now the Australian Academy of Country Music). After MEM wound back its activities in the late 1990s, Kate eventually became chief executive of the CMAA for a number of years before moving to join the then newly established Rural Press Events. At RPE, Kate was second in charge of the operation and a key part of its numerous successes over the following years. When Tamworth Regional Council took over RPE’s country music assets, Kate became general manager overseeing the remaining agricultural ventures which she continued to develop successfully for the new owners. During all of this time, Kate remained an active supporter of and participant in the Australian country music industry including assisting with fundraising and ultimate establishment of the three major statues in Country Music Capital… Smoky Dawson, Slim Dusty & Joy McKean and John Williamson. Needless to say, during their time, both Barry and Kate put in much more than they were ever paid to do and as a result, the Australian country music industry and Tamworth is far better off for their efforts. Both will receive their Order of Australia Medals from NSW Governor Margaret Beazley AC KC later this year. FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 Aussie artists at CMAFest
In addition to global superstar Keith Urban, artists will include Kaylee Bell, Travis Collins, Taylor Moss, Lane Pittman, Andrew Swift, this year’s Star Maker winner Wade Forster and the duo Zac & George. Ex pat Aussie Jamie O’Neal will also appear, together with, undoubtedly, a number of other acts in Nashville at the time but not part of the official festival line-up. Weblink – cmafest.com. THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024 Casey wins Country APRA
The award, presented last night in Sydney, was made for the song Summer Nights written by Casey with Michael Delorenzis & Michael Paynter. Casey took home the award from fellow finalists James Johnston (Got It Good written by Melanie Dyer with James, Michael Delorenzis & Michael Paynter and Same Songs written by Kaylee Bell and James with Gavin Carfoot, Jared Porter & Nolan Wynne), Brad Cox (Last Time Last written by Brad with Phil Barton & John Pierce), and Morgan Evans (Over For You written by Morgan with Madison Love, Timothy Sommers & Geoffrey Warburton). It is Casey's second consecutive APRA Music Award in the category. Weblink – www.apraamcos.com.au/about/supporting-the-industry/awards. FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024 Col launches Country Stars Veteran entertainer Col Finley has launched a lucrative talent search named Country Stars which has a prize package valued at $20,000.
Entries are the competition are to be submitted by video with a panel of judges and industry professionals to determine a number who will be invited to travel to Maleny to perform on the Friday to determine finalists who will go head to head in a championship battle the following day. Finalists in two categories – senior and junior – will perform two songs with backing by the Country Allstars Band in front of a live audience. "One of my long-term goals has been to bring country music back to Maleny on a larger scale, possibly through a music festival or a talent search,” said Col. “I have been working on this idea for some time now, and I am very thankful to the Maleny Show Committee for their support and confidence in my vision. "Country Stars aims to identify, educate, and cultivate the next big country music artist. “The prize pool is designed to align with our mentoring, education, and development program, ensuring that our winners receive the necessary support to achieve success in the country's music industry,” Col said. Both junior and senior winners will receive packages that include recording, film, distribution, photography, hair and beauty, clothing and mentoring, among other things. More information can be made, including how to enter, can be found here. Entries close on Friday May 3. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024 Justin & Sandy headline at Diesel Rust & Dust Justin Landers and Sandy Summers will headline entertainment at this weekend’s Diesel Rust & Dust Truck & Machnery Show at Denman in the NSW Hunter Valley.
Support act on the day will be the duo Happy Dayz. The day kicks off with a street parade through Denman at 9am leading to the show venue, the old football grounds in Turner Street where the massive show takes place. As well as the natural attraction of trucks and machinery, this year’s show will include a big variety of highlights including an appearance by three times Australian National Whip Cracking Champion Andrew Thomas.
Market and food stalls will also be a highlight as will chain saw carving demonstrations. “And a whole heap more,” according to organisers. The Denman Diesel Rust & Dust Truck & Machnery Show is hosted by the The Antique Truck & Machinery Club, sponsored by AGL, MACHEnergy and Shannons Insurance and supported by Denman Men’s Shed and Denman & District Heritage Village. Proceeds from the day will go to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and the Black Dog Institute. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024 APRA finalists announced Finalists have been announced for this year's APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Music Awards.
Got It Good by James Johnston, written by Melanie Dyer with James, Michael Delorenzis & Michael Paynter; Last Time Last by Brad Cox, written by Brad with Phil Barton & John Pierce; Over For You by Morgan Evans, written by Morgan with Madison Love, Timothy Sommers & Geoffrey Warburton; Same Songs by James Johnston & Kaylee Bell, written by Kaylee and James with Gavin Carfoot, Jared Porter & Nolan Wynne; and Summer Nights by Casey Barnes, written by Casey with Michael Delorenzis & Michael Paynter. In the Most Performed Blues & Roots Work category, finalists are Been So Good, Been So Far by Tim Rogers & The Twin Set (written by Tim); Brand New Man by Tex Perkins And The Fat Rubber Band (written by Tex Perkins and Matthew Walker; Dancing In The Dark by Ziggy Alberts (written by Ziggy; Dollar Bill by Blues Arcadia (written by Alan Boyle & Christian Harvey); and The Howling Dogs by Frank Sultana (written by Frank). In other categories with a Country interest, Paul Kelly is a finalist for the peer voted APRA Song of the Year with his song If Not Now co-written with David McComb and Ian Moss is up for Most Performed Rock Work with Nullabor Plain, a song he co-wrote with Troy Cassar Daley. The 2024 APRA Music Awards will be held on Wednesday, May 1 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. Weblink – www.apraamcos.com.au/about/supporting-the-industry/awards. TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2024 Applications open for junior Academy course Following this year’s successful Academy of Country Music senior course conducted in January, applications are now open for the junior course to run in Country Music Capital this July.
Pictured above: participants and tutors involved in last year's Junior Acaedmy course. During the Senior Course in January, students had the chance to work with award-winning artists including Academy Director Lyn Bowtell, General Manager Roger Corbett, group leaders Kevin Bennett, Ashleigh Dallas, Liam Kennedy-Clark, Melody Moko and Mickey Pye, as well as guests Sarah Buckley, Allan Caswell, Kasey Chambers, Max Jackson and Matt Scullion. Applications close April 30. MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2024 Billy stars at Warwick Show The iconic Warwick Show this weekend will star Aussie country rocker Billy Gudgeon.
Billy Gudgeon is a rising star in the Australian country rock scene, known for his strong voice and high-energy performances and three hit singles to his name. Over the course of his career, Billy has played at some of the biggest country music festivals in Australia, including the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Dalby Stock Horse Sale and this weekend’s sister event, the famous Warwick Rodeo, together with well-known names like Casey Barnes, Travis Collins and the Wolfe Brothers. Growing up on a farm, Billy has country roots and an appreciation for the land and its people. He spent his youth riding horses and working with cattle, experiences that continue to inform his music and inspire his performances, according to a spokesman for the artist. In addition to Billy’s headline appearance at this year’s Warwick Show, the event will include D’Aguilar Wildlife, the largest mobile wildlife display, a pet show, a display by Coastal Kelpie Stud, Cowgirls with Wings Trick Riding, the Trackskills V8 Show and a ute show on Friday. This in addition to all the regular activities and attractions on an agriculrural show reputed to be one of the best in Austraia. MONDAY,MARCH 11, 2024 Gympie Muster announces charity partner The Gympie Music has announced Rural Aid as its charity partner for the 2024 event. A Muster spokesman said the partnership underscored the Muster's commitment to supporting rural communities, particularly focusing on organisations dedicated to assisting rural families.
"The Muster has such a big audience and a real cross-section of people with that common love of country music,” he said. “With the experience the Muster represents, there is a natural affinity with an organisation like Rural Aid. We will be sharing the stories of rural families with them, not just the challenges, but showcasing what we do." Rural Aid aims to use the proceeds raised from the Muster to sustain critical programs, including mental health and wellbeing support. "It's one of those big wicked problems that we need to resolve,” John said. From providing hay for livestock to delivering emergency drinking water and water tanks, Rural Aid focuses on ensuring rural communities are resilient and sustainable.
"If people understand those challenges, when there is a bushfire, or flood or we are ever back into a significant drought situation, they will want to help because they have that deeper understanding of where that food comes from,” he said. Gympie Music Muster chief executive Greg Cavanagh highlighted the longstanding relationship between the event and Rural Aid, noting their shared commitment to helping those in need in rural areas. "The charity partner has always been a rural-based national charity," Greg said. "We have a long history with Rural Aid, a fantastic organisation with aligned purposes in helping people in the bush." The 2024 Muster will be staged at the dedicated Amamoor Creek State Forest near Gympie over four days, August 22 5o 25 inclusive. Tickets are available from www.muster.com.au. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2024 A Night In Nashville A Night In Nashville – the iconic event series paying tribute to all things American country – takes place this weekend at Orange NSW.
The two events are ticketed separately with two varying performance line-ups each evening. Common to both events will be line dancing, mechanical bull, prizes for best dressed and a variety of food and drink. Artists performing on the Friday evening include Paul Costa, Ryan Mead, Megan Woods and Jarrad Wrigley with 2023 Star Maker Max Jackson (pictufred) as the headline act. Robbie Mortimer (pictured) headlines Saturday evening’s line-up with Hustle & Heart, Nathan Lamont, Tyla Rodrigues and Claudia Tripp. Founded by Tim Mortimer and the team at BNB Made Easy during the Covid lockdowns…"It was quite depressing at the time, travel had virtually ceased and we thought, you know what, we need to get everyone together. So we decided to create an event that captures the essence of Nashville and brings it to our wonderful community in Orange," said Tim, the Event Director. "We're pulling in some incredible artists to town as well as local talent and have worked tirelessly to curate an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and “Southern” hospitality." Weblink – www.anightinnashville.com.au (note: tickets for THe Saturday evening event are sold out). FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024 West Australian winners Winners in the West Australian Country Music Awards were announced on Saturday.
Scarlet's Way (pictured) took home three awards, Group/Duo of the Year, Alt Country Single of the Year for Empire by Scarlet’s Way and Album of the Year for their self-titled release. Jonny Reid (pictured) won Male Artist of the Year and winner of the people's choice award. Emerging Artist of the Year went to Savanah Solomon and Junior Artist of the Year to Charli Smith. By The Side Of The Road by Lynn Hazelton took out Video Clip of the Year and Jokeria won Traditional/Heritage Country Single of the Year with No Place For Slim. Weblink - www.countrymusicwa.com.au. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024 Catching up on "Tamworth" #1 – Anthony wins bush ballad award
Described as one of Australia's finest up-and-coming traditional bush ballad guitarists, Anthony has numerous major accolades to his credit. A list that grew a little larger in January. Anthony was named as the inaugural recipient of the Australian Bush Balladeers Association's Bluey Francis Memorial Achievement Award. Bluey Francis instigated the formation of ABBA in 2000 and was a great supporter of young talent, a spokesman for the Association said. "I am shocked and honoured to receive this accolade," Anthony said. The Award was presented by ABBA President Peter Coad at the Back to the Bush concert during the just past Tamworth Country Music Festival (as pictured). MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2024 Four new faces on CMAA Board The Country Music Association of Australia has named four new members to its Board. Lindsay “Waddo” Waddington and Jon Wolfe were successful in the election held over recent months. Lindsay is the owner/operator of Kross Kut Recording Studio & Records based in Queensland and Jon is a long-time radio broadcaster and journalist based in Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital.
Pictured (from left): Melody, Lindsay, Kylie and Jon. The Board also appointed music artists Melody Moko and Kylie Whitney who, the Board says, will add their valuable input to the Association over the coming year. Following the election, the Board has now selected the Association's management committee for the forthcoming year... Chairman – Dobe Newton, Vice Chair – Karen (Kaz) Waters, Secretary – Meryl Davis, Treasurer (appointed) – Ross Johnson. The broader Board now comprises Lachlan Bryan, Michael Carpenter, Allan Caswell, Roger Corbett, Melody Feder (Moko), Peter Simpson (appointed), Lindsay Waddington, Kylie Whitney and Jon Wolfe. Weblink – www.country,com.au. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 Finalists announced for WA Country Music Awards Finalists have been announced for the 2024 West Australian Country Music Awards being staged as part of the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival this weekend (Friday to Sunday). They are… For Group/Duo of the Year… JoKeria, J.V. Rail and Scarlet’s Way. For Female Artist of the Year… Codee-Lee, Lynne Hazelton and Savanah Solomon (pictured from left below).
For Male Artist of the Year… Ray Jones, Brandon Poletti and Jonny Reid (pictured from left below).
For Emerging Artist of the Year… JoKeria, J.V. Rail and Savanah Solomon. For Junior Artist of the Year… Anne Deas, Bailey Perrie and Charli Smith. For Songwriter of the Year… Terry Bennetts & Keith Lethbridge with Desert Rose; Codee-Lee with The Little Things and Codee-Lee & Ray Jones with Leave the Light On. For Album of the Year… Chasing Dragonflies by Lynn Hazelton, Hear the Sound by Hayden McGlinn and Scarlet’s Way by Scarlet’s Way. For EP of the Year… I have Home by Ray Jones, The Little Things by Codee-Lee and Where the River Meets the Sea by Savanah Solomon. For Video Clip of the Year… By The Side Of The Road by Lynn Hazelton, Country Eyes by J.V. Rail, On The Run by Codee-Lee and Where The River Meets The Sea by Savanah Solomon. For Alt Country Single of the Year… Empire by Scarlet’s Way, Heart Is A Compass by Codee-Lee and Portaferry by Jonny Reid. For Contemporary Country Single of the Year… Doin’ It For Love by Scarlet’s Way, Gold by Brandon Poletti and The Little Things by Codee-Lee. For Traditional/Heritage Country Single of the Year… Desert Rose by Terry Bennetts, Leave The Light On by Codee-Lee & Ray Jones and No Place For Slim by JoKeria. Award winners will be announced on Saturday afternoob. Troy Cassar-Daley is the headline act at this year’s Boyup Brook festival, supported by acts including Terry Bennetts, Allan Caswell, Codee-Lee, JoKeria, Ray Jones, Dave Kent, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson, Brandon Poletti & The Eagleton Brothers and Helen Townsend & The Wayward Hearts. Weblink - www.countrymusicwa.com.au.
Tommy wins American Grammy Australia's Tommy Emmanuel has taken out his first American Grammy Award. Tommy took home the Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Capella for his cover of the Johnny Cash classic Folsom Prison Blues at the Awards staged Monday in Los Angeles. It was third time lucky for the guitar maestro after featuring in the 1998 and 2006 finals for Best Country Instrumental Performance category for, respectively, Smokey Mountain Lullaby and Gameshow Rag/Cannonball Rag. The awards, originally the Gramophone Awards (after the gramophone style trophy), are presented by the Recording Academy of the United States. Weblink – tommyemmanuel.com. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024 Allan's plaque unveiled Allan Caswell – the 2024 Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown inductee – was on hand for the unveiling of his plaque “on the rocks” on Sunday. The multi Golden Guitar winner, ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) award winner and one of our most recorded songwriters, migrated to Australia in 1966.
In 1979, Alan wrote On The Inside which became the theme for the television series Prisoner and later a major international hit song. Its success triggered a succession of recordings by Doug Ashdown, Acker Bilk, Cilla Black, James Blundell, Max Bygraves, Graeme Connors, The Delltones, Slim Dusty, Lynne Hamilton, The Irish Rovers, Anne Kirkpatrick, The Living End, Ricky May, Chad Morgan, Patti Page and Don Spencer. His music has taken him to every state in Australia and across the globe, including to Afghanistan, East Timor, Iraq, Los Angeles, Nashville, New Zealand and New York, and and he has worked live with artists including Pam Ayers, Garth Brooks, Tommy Emmanuel, Vince Gill, Herman’s Hermits, The Little River Band, Don McLean, Gerry & The Pacemakers and Billy Thorpe. In addition to songwriting, performing and recording, Allan is now also established as an author, record producer, journalist and teacher. He is, arguably, Australia’s most recorded songwriter, with more than 950 songs recorded and published. The Roll of Renown was initiated by Radio 2TM in 1976 when Tex Morton, acknowledhed as “The Father” of Australian Country Music, was the first to be placed on the Roll. Since then, a further 53 country music legends have joined the exclusive group. The Roll of Renown itself comprises large bronze plaques mounted on giant granite boulders in front of TRECC (the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre). A busy tourist attraction, it pays homage to past and present legends of Australian country music. A full listing can be found at the website historyofcountrymusic.com.au. MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024 Robbi & Ben – Tamworth's 2024 Busking champs Robbi & Ben (Robbi Morgan and Ben Gillard) have been crowned the 2024 Toyota Best of the Buskers champions following last night’s grand final at the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The duo Sunday Lemonade (Loz and Tyson) from Victoria were crowned "crowd favourite" as the "people’s choice" winner. Remaining finalists were Ruby Jane from Victoria, Emma Jones from Canberra, Monico from Sydney, Nikisha Priest from Lake Macquarie NSW, Rhiz (Rhiannon McArthur) & The Sugarplums (Pete Daffy, Jordy Hickey and Mandy Keating) from Melbourne and Saije (Shanteya and Jo) from Bellingen NSW. Now an iconic tradition of the Toyota Country Music Festival, the top 10 busking musicians were decided by Festival goers who voted and judges as they performed during the festival with a final round of judging on the last night of the festival to determine the winners. This year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival saw almost 400 buskers line Peel Street (at different times) during the event. The overall champion takes home $2,000 cash, a chance to play at the 2025 Toyota Country Music Festival’s Opening Concert, two paid gigs at The Courthouse Hotel and a Jands PA system. Other winners receive various prizes including cash. SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2024 Golden Guitar winners
Winners of the 2024 Golden Guitars were announced in Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital, last night. And they are… Female Artist of the Year – Kaylee Bell. Male Artist of the Year – Brad Cox. Group or Dup of the Year – The Wolfe Brothers. Song of the Year – Size Up by Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, written by Josh. New Talent of the Year – Max Jackson. Bush Ballad of the Year – Dust Kids by Storer, written by Greg Storer & Sara Storer. Heritage Song of the Year – 1861 by Duncan Toombs. Single of the Year – Size Up by Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham. Video of the Year – Steel On Steel by Duncan Toombs. Vocal Collaboration of the Year – Runnin' The Country by Travis Collins & The Wolfe Brothers. Instrumental of the Year – Ghost Train by Wicker Suite. Bluegrass Recording of the Year – Old Pickup Line by Wicker Suite. Alt Country Album – Hey Dawn by Fanny Lumsden (produced by Fanny with Matt Fell). Contemporary Country Album – Acres by Brad Cox (produced by Brandon Hood). Traditional Country Album – Birdsong by Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham (produced by Felicity & Josh with Matt Fell). Album of the Year – Livin’ The Dream by The Wolfe Brothers (produced by Rod McCormack, Nick Wolfe, Matt Fell & Johnny Gasparic). In addition to the Golden Guitar presentations, renowned musician, music director and producer Rod Coe was presented with Musician of the Year and radio personality Ray Hadley received the occasionally presented Country Music Capital Award. One of the most significant announcements of the night was the elevation of prolific songwriter and recording artist Allan Caswell to the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown. Allan’s plaque on the actual Roll of Renown in front of the Tamworth Regional Entertainmenty Centre will be unveiled at 11am today. FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024 2024 Hands of Famers This year's inductees into the Australasian Country Music Hands of Fame were announced today.
Pop star turned country Lonnie Lee, leading producer and recording artist Shane Nicholson and pioneer artist Elaine Pitt will have their handprints placed alongside 300 others at the Hands of Fame cornerstone in Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital. The imprinting ceremony will take place at 10:30am Saturday (January 27). Maia wins the Golden Gig
Lucy Beveridge, 15, from Stewart Brook in NSW was announced as second place winner in the seniors division with 14-year-old Robbi Morgan from Hornsby, NSW, taking out third place. In the junior division, 11-year-old Isabelle Voll from Highfields, Qld, was crowned the winner, with 12-year-old Charli Sullivan from Gerringong, NSW, in second place and nine-year-old Daniel Win-Cohan from Cootamundra NSW in third. Sponsored by Macca’s, The Golden Gig featured the week's top five artists from each age group who were invited to showcase their talents at the grand final concert. Pictured: the three senior winners – Maia in the middle, Lucy at left and Robbi at right. THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024 People’s Choice winners 2024 Winners of the 2024 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards were announced at a gala presentation in Tamworth today.
The very popular Bo’Ness Brothers won the Best Group or Duo award. Duncan Toombs, a relative newcomer as a recording artist, won the Best Album award with his first offering Steel On Steel. Duncan, of course, has been very successful for many years as a producer of award-winning videos. Sandee Facy, another newcomer beginning to make a name for herself, took home Best Song with Best One Yet co-written by Michael Saleta. Best Bush Ballad went to prolific songwriter Matt Scullion with Lennie You're A Legend, the story of Lennie Gwyther, a nine year old Australian boy who undertook a solo horseback ride in 1932 from Leongatha in Victoria to Sydney to watch the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Best Video was taken out by regular People’s Choice winner Brendan McMahon with I Hear Your Voice (The Soldier) featuring Montana Sharp.
The now new permanent category of Most Popular Musician or Instrumentalist was taken out by Corey Legge who has been pursuing a solo career as a singer/songwriter for almost a year now after working successfully in a number of bands. In the broadcast categories, Alan Gilmour maintained his hold on Most Popular Country Music DJ for the third successive year via his successful program the Australian Country Songwriters Show on todayscountry94one. Most Popular Country Music Radio Station went to perennial finalists KIX Country. This year’s inductee/s to the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame were the on-air team of Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson whose popular syndicated “Australian Bush Ballad Show” is now in its 12th year. Dianne is continuing a strong family tradition as her Mum Heather McKean (with sister Joy as The McKean Sisters) and Dad Reg were both among the earliest inductees to the Hall of Fame in 2002, just a few years after it was established. One of the many highlights of this year’s People’s Choice Awards presentation concert, in addition to the numerous performances by many of the finalists, was the announcement of Fanny Lumsden as Australia’s 2024 Country Music Entertainer of the Year. Voting for this accolade, which is largely determined by Australian country music broadcasters and specialist media, was extended to the public this year for a broader input. Following last year’s winner Troy Cassar-Daley, Fanny is another of Australia’s hardest working and most successful country acts with many achievements under her beltin a wide range of touring and special performances, music production, sales and critical acclaim. Examples of this success are her win of the 2023 ARIA Award for Best Country Album for her latest work Hey Dawn, and a performance last year at the iconic and globally renowned Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom. The Entertainer of the Year award was re-established by the Country Music Bulletin group, organisers of the People’s Choice Awards, who thought it was “high time it was re-introduced to recognise more than what is normally acknowledged in a series of category presentations.” This year’s award winners were announced again in the famous Tamworth Town Hall. Voting for the 2025 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards will open in July. Weblink – www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024 And the TSA winners are... Winners of TSA (Tamworth Songrwiters Association) Songwriter Salute Awards were announced in Country Music Capital last night. David Javier was named winner of the prestigious Country Song of the Year award for his work This Is How I Feel.
Singer/songwriter and broadcaster Connie Kis Andersen received the Tex Morion Award accolade. The new Radio Presenters Award went to Andy Penkow. Category winners Alt Country ... Oh My Girl by Kelsey Berrington & Patrick Kenny Bluegrass … Lonesome Highway Blues by Virginia Hermel Bush Ballad … Kidman’s Men by Virginia Coad & Peter Coad Comedy/Novelty … Santa Swapped His Sleigh For A Surfboard by Craig Stewart Country Blues … Menopause Blues by Dominique Maurice Country Rock … This Is How I Feel by David Javier Gospel/Spiritual … Just One Thing by Peter Shurley Local Heroes & Events … The Night I Worked With Tex by Lindsay Waddington & Allan Caswell Lyrics Only … Chasing Rabbits In Her Sleep by Terry Bennetts New Songwriter… Gavin Mac with Bushfire Novice … Mackenzie Dennis with Until Now Traditional & Ballad … Back Through My Yesterdays by Ged Hintz Youth … Good luck With Your Love by Shanleigh Rose Carey SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2024 Wade crowned 44th Toyota Star Maker Wade Forster from Winton, Queensland, has been crowned the 44th Toyota Star Maker in Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital, tonight.
Thousands of Tamworth Country Music Festival-goers filled Toyota Park for the event where the finalists played two songs each. The night was hosted by 2022 Toyota Star Maker Max Jackson with a special performance from last year's winner Loren Ryan. Born and raised in outback Queensland, Wade was raised on both a cowboy lifestyle and country music. In 2017, he left his hometown of Winton to pursue a career opportunity in refrigeration in Mount Isa. He bought his first guitar from facebook for $50 and spent his free time learning how to play. Toyota Star Maker provides a platform for emerging Australian country music artists, no matter the outcome of the grand final. While there can only be one winner, the nine grand finalists should be proud of their performances tonight, and their growth throughout the competition, said Co-ordinator Cheryl Brown. Toyota Star Maker Producer Barry Harley said: “Congratulations to each of our 2024 grand finalists, and of course, a very special congratulations to Wade who joins our incredible lineup of Toyota Star Maker winners." Announcing tonight's winner, Toyota Australia Senior Manager of Marketing Integration Tim Stuckey said the lineup of finalists was incredibly talented and demonstrates the quality of up-and-coming country music talent in the industry. “On behalf of Toyota Australia, I would like to congratulate Wade on becoming the 2024 Toyota Star Maker. Wade was up against some fierce competition in this year’s Grand Final, but ultimately was a well-deserved winner this evening." Weblink – starmaker.com.au. FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2024 Festival industry seminars A number of seminar learning options are available to country music industry participants at this year’s Tamworth Country music festival.
Subject areas include a general conversation about country music in Australia today, trends in recording (especially with reference to the impact of artificial intelligence) and artist and music marketing. A general workshop is also being held focusing on country music broadcasting. Details for these can be obtained at www.capitalcountryradio.com where registrations to attend can also be made. There is no admission charge but registration is required as spaces are limited. Organised by the Country Music Bulletin and Capital Country Radio, these sessions, are running at 2pm daily Monday to Thursday during festival week.
MusicNSW, with support from Create NSW, APRA-AMCOS and Arts North West, has organised a music industry panel and meet up titled Sound Advice: Let’s Talk Touring.
This activity will be held from 1pm to 3:30pm on Thursday January 25 at the University of New England’s Peel House in Fitzroy Street, Tamworth. Limited places are available and registration to attend can be made here.
It will run in two parts, first, a Sounds Australia Export Masterclass to explain what Sounds Australia does, why they exist, and how artists can use their showcases and networking events to further their international careers as well as advice on how to best prepare for showcasing internationally and learning about available funding opportunities. The second part will take the form of a panel discussion providing a “realistic look” at what it takes as an Australian artist to “rise through the noise internationally”. Attendance at the event – designed for artists, songwriters and industry of every level – is free, but registration is required and can be completed here. MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2024 Songwriters at Tamworth The final roster of performances by Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) members for the January festival in Country Music Capital has been finalised.
The venues are the Oasis Hotel on the Armidale Road (New England highway on the northern outskirts of Tamworth), the Post Office Hotel in the centre of town and Tamworth City Bowling Club in Napier Street, East Tamworth. Shows start as early as 10am (at the Post Office Hotel) and run as late as 7 to 9pm (at the other two venues). The unique aspect of TSA performances is that songs are presented by the songwriters themselves, a long held focus and tradition of the Association since it was established in ??? The full program can be downloaded from the Association’s website tsaonline.com.au. Performers have also been announced for the TSA Songwiters Salute Awards being held at 7pm on Tuesday January 23. They include… Virginia Coad, Blake Dantier, Jason Freckleton, Craig Lloyd, Amy Ryan, Matt Scullion, Shelley Jones Band and Two Tone Pony. The Awards show is being staged at Moonshiners, attached to The Family Hotel in Bridge Street, West Tamworth. SATURDAY JANUARY 13, 2024 The Servies' Tamworth festival The second major club group in Country Music Capital is The Services Group comprising mainly the Tamworth Services Club in Marius Street and North Tamworth Bowling Club in Bligh Street.
North Tamworth Bowlo will have paid shows featuring Lloyd Back, Jeff Brown, The Cartwheels, Simply Bushed with a special Australia Day concert and Western Distributors. Free shows at the Services Club this year will include performances by Ian Burns, Will Day, Phil & Lana Doublet, Col Finley, the Kelly & Billy Duo, Kerry Kennedy, Jamie Lindsay, Nay McAlpin, The Rams, Scarlett’s Way and Uncle Bob’s Jug Band. For this festival, the Servies Group also features a number of artists at or near the edge of country music, including the Felix Curran Family Band, Lonnie Lee and the a group of artists under the heading The Hitmakers. Special events at Servies Group venues this year will be Andrew Clermont’s famous Supper Club, The Rhymers Roundup Morning Show and Gleny Rae’s Sheilas Show at North Tamworth Bowlo, while the regular Writers In The Round sessions and a Northern Territory Showcase featuring the legendary Ted Egan will be staged at the Services Club. Weblink – theserviesgroup.com.au. FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2024 Brad's album is 2023's biggest seller
The 2022 number one – The Very Best Of Lee Kernaghan – came in at number two for 2023 while Kingswood’s Home took out third place and James Johnston’s Raised Like That was at number four. Morgan Evans’ Things That We Drink To (number two for 2022) took out fifth place for 2023 with Fanny Lumsden at number six with Hey Dawn and Travis Collins’ Any Less Anymore at number seven. TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024 Wests’ Tamworth Festival 2024 Wests Entertainment Group – the biggest registered club group in Country Music Capital – once again has an extensive program of both paid and free shows during this year’s January festival.
8 Ball Aitken, Doug Bruce, Chris Callaghan, Michael Carpenter & The Banks Brothers, Paul Costa, Tori Darke, Ella & Sienna, Aimee Hannan, Haystack Mountain Hermits, Jade Holland, Hurricane Fall, Amos Morris, Murphy’s Pigs, Kiara Rodrigues, The Silverline, Kevin Sullivan & The Sulli-vans and Duncan Toombs also have ticketed shows, as well as a chap by the name of “Tex Dubbo” (we’d better not be “a spoiler” by telling you here who that really is). Darren Carr returns with his hilarious ventriloquist show and Pete Denahy will be presenting The Breakfast Show at Wests every day of the festival. Wests is the bigger of the group’s venues in Phillip Street, West Tamworth; the other main venue being Wests Diggers in Kable Avenue. Diggers will also have a daily Breakfast Show featuring The Carr Brothers, Mike (and there he is again) Darren. The extensive program of free shows this year at both Wests and Wests Diggers includes the likes of Lance Birrell, The Robbie Bostock Band, Sarah Head, Katie Jayne, Travis List, Lawrie & Shelley Minson, Mak & Shar (of Brothers3 fame), The Mezcaltones, Dan Murphy, Redneck Gentlemen, The Rusty Pickups, Scarett’s Way, John Spence, Jeremy Turner and Trinity Woodhouse. For this festival, Wests also feature a number of artists at the of edge of country music, or not at all, including Bachelor Girl, Daryl Braithwaite, Brian Cadd, Choirboys, Eric Grothe & The Gurus, Vicky O’Keefe, Thelma Plum and Brooke Schubert. A number of regular special events will also continue at Wests this year such as the very popular Country Turns Pink breast cancer fundraiser, the late-night Coyote Ugly Bar at Diggers, the Ladies of Country concert, the Long Lunch free show in Legends Bar, the Maton Guitars Showcase, the Travellin’ Still concert with Slim Dusty’s Travelling Country Band, as well as a number of artist tribute shows. Weblink – wtlc.com.au. THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024 Tamworth 2024 Official Guide now available The Official Guide to the 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival is now available. As the only printed A to Z artist listing for the annual entertainment extravaganza, The Guide is always in high demand and can be purchased before the start of the 10 day official festival period.
Organisers no longer produce an app for the festival but searchable program information can be found at tcmf.com.au. Copies can be bought from the following locations in or near Tamworth… Bendemeer Hotel, Country Capital Newsagency, Country Music Hall of Fame, Duri Post Office Store, Northgate News, Powerhouse Museum, Summers IGA Kootingal, Tamworth Regional Gallery, Tamworth Visitor Information Centre and West Tamworth Newsagency. Outside of Tamworth, The Guide can be bought from the following locations… Armidale – Carr’s NewsXpress and JJ’s Newsagency Plus; Barraba – Barraba Pharmacy & Newsagency; Casino – Higgins Newsagency; Glen Innes – Schafer News; Gunnedah – Gunnedah Newsagency; Moree – Balo Square Newsagency; Tenterfield: Sullivans Newspower; Warialda – Warialda Newsagency; and Wyong – Wyong Plaza Newsagency. The Guide can be purchased online here. During the festival, The Guide will also be available from Festival HQ in Fitzroy Street just down from Toyota Fanzone. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2023 Reg Lindsay Country Homestead All StarsA Reg Lindsay Country Homestead All Stars concert will be staged during the upcoming Tamworth Country Music Festival.
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Troy wins Country ARIA
Troy has six placings, closely followed by Michael Waugh with five and Colin Buchanan, Kasey Chambers, James Johnston, Lee Kernaghan and Kingswood with four each.
Awarded in two categories – Legacy (“bringing to attention key personalities from our history who have been long standing supporters and achievers”) and Contemporary (“focusing on personalities who have made significant contributions to our industry in the last 12 months”).
Legacy Songwriter – Graeme Connors 
“These awards are non-competitive acknowledgements of individuals or groups, both contemporary and legacy, who have made a significant contribution to the Australian country music scene,” according to a spokesman for the CMAA.
Alice Benfer (pictured) leads the list of finalists with seven placings followed by Lindsay Waddington (pictured) with four, Lloyd Back, Broken Creek, Ashley Cook and Dianne Lindsay with three and Jokeria, Shelly Jones Band, Andy Penkow, Andrew Ryan and Mark Rigney with two each.
For Heritage Song of the Year…
At this year’s event, running from Friday October 4 to Sunday October 6, a full entertainment program will also be incorporated including bush poets, the iconic Bushwackers (Dobe Newton and Roger Corbett of the Buswackers pictured at right)and Lachie Cossor (pictured below) “the outback stockman” direct from the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.
Bush poet Ian Stewart-Koster will appear during Saturday breakfast with unannounced walk-ups welcome.
“Charity partner Rural Aid raised plenty of money,” said a Muster spokesman, “and community and volunteer groups involved in the event raised money for their various causes.”
Eighteen emerging artists will compete in 2024, those un the open section perhaps hoping to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner Denvah who went on to make the top three in Australian Idol and who will make a triumphant return to the Muster this week.
The ABBA Music Excellence Awards – recognising achievement in Australian bush ballad and traditional country music – will be staged at a special presentation concert during the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
She won the award for her hit album Hey Dawn but was not able to accept in person as she was on tour in the United Kingdom.
Born in Victoria, Lyn made her first singing appearance in television at age seven and competed successfully in talent quests around her home state and NSW including one run by station GMV6 in Shepparton which resulted in an invitation to appear on Brian & The Juniors hosted by Brian Naylor.
Barry became a part of the then fledgling Australian country music industry in the early 1970s as a set designer and builder for the early Golden Guitar Awards being staged in the Tamworth Town Hall in January.
Kate’s involvement in “the business” began in 1980 when she joined BAL Marketing in an administration role, a role that developed in the following years as she ultimately became involved in every aspect of the organisation’s country music, AgQuip and other activities.
A number of Australian country acts are on the bill to perform at this year’s CMAFest, America’s biggest country music festival, in June.
Casey Barnes has won the 2024 APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Music Award for Most Performed Country Work.
The event will culminate at the Maleny Show in Queensland with semi finals to be held on Friday May 31 and the finals on Saturday June 1.
Appearing as the Country Roads & Rhythm Show, Justin and Sandy will be key performers at the event which runs this Saturday, April 20 from 10am to 4:30pm.
“Hot” cars and motorcycles will also feature as well as family friendly activities like jumping castle and kids free face painting.
In the Most Performed Country Work category, finalists are...
Along with all the traditional attractions, and some new ones, the event is shaping up to be another successful happening in Queensland’s South East over three days this weekend, Friday to Sunday March 22 to 24.
Rural Aid chief executive John Warlters said he was excited about the collaboration that would see Rural Aid not only benefiting financially, but increasing the exposure of the charity and the services they provide.
“We do a lot of work in helping communities become more resilient and sustainable, ensuring they are more liveable and vibrant,” he said, emphasising
Described as “Australia's biggest Honky Tonk” the event will be held at The Agricultural Pavilion, Orange Showground, Friday and Saturday March 1 and 2.
Codee-Lee (pictured) was the biggest winner on the day taking out Female Artist of the Year and Songwriter of th Year, EP of the Year and Contemporary Country Single of the Year with her song The Little Things.
Country Music Capital based guitar player Anthony Baxter has been presented with a prestigious award by the Australian Bush Balladeers Association (ABBA).
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2024
He started performing professionally in 1971 and his songwriting career started in 1973 when he signed to Albert Music.
Robbi from Sydney (at left in our photo) and Ben from Wagga Wagga won over second placegetters Dollys (Millie Cottam, Maia Fletcher and Tahla Ward) from New Zealand in second place and Queensland's Dennis Comino who took out third place.
Seventeen-year-old Maia Fletcher from New Zealand has been crowned the senior winner of the Golden Gig competition which wrapped up in Tamworth today.
Rising star Andy Penkow (pictured below performing on stage) was named Best Male Vocal while last year’s Best Female Vocal winner Courtney Keil (pictured at right) made it two in a row.
Most Promising Future Star was awarded to Lily Grace.
The similarly prestigious Songmaker award, TSA's hall of fame accolade, went to Troy Cassar-Daley. Ken Robertson was announced as a recipient of a special Songmaker award.
Wade took the title from fellow finalists Jemma Beech, Ethan Calway, Felicity Dowd,Dakota East, Nathan Lamont, Piper Rodrigues, Jay Santilli, Jimbo Stokes and Jake Whittaker in a hard fought grand final battle.
As previously reported, a four mini seminars are running at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Peel Street especially for those who are “time poor” at festival time. These are scheduled to run for one hour with an option for longer if participants desire.
Participants will join in on talks about the challenges and approaches to touring and building a following around live shows outside artists home towns and is aimed at artists in their early to mid-career.
The workshop – which will run from 9am to 12:30pm at Tamworth Community Centre in Darling Street – is designed to help Australian country artists tap into the global country music market and build an international career.
Dozens of individual performances will take place at three venues from Friday January 19 to Sunday January 28.
Paid shows at the Services Club Songhouse room include by Kevin Bennett, Brad Butcher, Col Finley, Allison Forbes, Angus Gill, Hussy Hicks, Lynchburg, Luke O’Shea and The Pleasures.
Brad Cox’s Acres is number one on the list of the seven top selling Australian country albums of 2023 according to figures compiled and released by ARIA, the Australian Recording Industry Association.
Among the paid shows are some of Australia’s “a-list” stars, including Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey, Amber Lawrence and Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley.
The Guide contains an easy to follow daily program, historical facts and information about the festival, listing of finalists for the Golden Guitar Awards and People’s Choice Awards as well as the Toyota Star Maker talent search, maps, transport and accommodation, the Hands of Fame, Roll of Renown and insightful stories about the event.
Kirsty Lee Akers will headline the event, supported by Louis Burt, The Long & Short Of It, Ross McGregor, Bill & Tracey Rowland and Justin Standley.
The original Muster site was devastated by the recent Northern Rivers flooding, and the Muster itself took a hit through the pandemic.
“I’m really excited about our… announcements for 2024,” said Muster Program Director Oz Bayldon. “Country music has always been the core of the Gympie Muster and these artists certainly fit the bill.”
The award, instigated by Lindsay Waddington Music in conjunction with the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA), will be presented to Paul during the major Back to the Bush concert in Country Music Capital's Bicentennial Park during the 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival on January 24. |
All guest artists are finalists in the 2024 Awards which will run from 9am on Thursday, January 25, in the famous Tamworth Town Hall during the annual country music festival.
A number of surprise guests may also appear.
Tickets for the Awards are available from Entertainment Venues, Tamworth. A direct purchase link is included on the People’s Choice Awards website landing page www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
Performance category finalists (all highlighted on the Awards website) were announced late in November. Finalists in the broadcast categories – Most Popular Country Music DJ and Most Popular Country Music Radio Station or Program – will be announced next week.
In addition to these honours, an additional inductee (or inductees) will be announced during the Awards for the Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the 2024 recipient of the newly reinstituted Australian Country Music Entertainer of the Year will be revealed.
Admission to the gala presentation concert has been maintained at its traditional low level to recognise the contribution the voting public makes to the People’s Choice Awards, without whom they would not happen.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023
Boyup Brook 2024
Organisers of Western Australia’s Boyup Brook Country Music Festival have announced details, including the line-up of performers, for the 2024 event.
The festival, which includes presentation of WA Country Music Awards, will run from Friday to Sunday, February 16 to 18.
Organisers say the festival draws a diverse audience of all ages, ensuring there’s “something for everyone to revel in” over the course of the three days.
The artist line-up for the coming festival will include, in alphabetical order, Terry Bennetts, Troy Cassar-Daley, Allan Caswell, Kate Hindle, Jokeria, Ray Jones, Codee Lee, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson and Helen Townsend.
Organisers encourage visitors to take in the attractions of Boyup Brook while in town for the festival.
Special activities are being staged including Saturday’s Street Carnival, a Ute and Truck Muster and parade, “bustling” markets and the prestigious Boyup Brook Art Awards.
Weblink, including information on tickets – wacountrymusic.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023
Golden Guitar finalists announced
Travis Collins, James Johnston, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham and The Wolfe Brothers lead the finalist tally for the 2024 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards, the 52nd to be staged, with six places each.
Finalists were announced in Tamworth yesterday from a record-equalling number of 762 individual nominations.
Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley have scored five finalist placings while Fanny Lumsden has four.
Casey Barnes, Angus Gill, Luke O’Shea and Zac & George picked up three placings while Kaylee Bell, Michael Carpenter & The Banks Brothers, Brad Cox, Ashleigh Dallas, Max Jackson, The Pleasures, Matt Scullion, Storer, Duncan Toombs, Wicker Suite and John Williamson have two.
Twenty-four artists scored single finalist placings… Sara Berki, Adam Brand, Busby Marou, Brad Butcher, TC Cassidy, Allan Caswell, Matt Cornell, Tom Curtain, Hamish Davidson, the Davidson Brothers, Pete Denahy, Melanie Dyer, Michael Fix, Tori Forsyth, Anne Kirkpatrick, Gareth Leach, Melody Moko, Shane Nicholson, Dean Perrett, Lane Pittman, Brendan Radford, Loren Ryan, Andrew Swift and Lindsay Waddington.
The Awards will be staged by Tamworth Regional Council, with the support of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA), on Saturday January 27 during the annual festival in Australia’s Country Music Capital.
Awards Executive Producer Peter Ross said: “This year’s list… is a fantastic celebration of Australia’s vibrant and diverse country music industry. The 2024 Awards will acknowledge their hard work and passion and recognise their creativity and ingenuity."
For a full listing, download pdf HERE.
View the finalist announcement HERE.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023
Finalists announced for 2024 People’s Choice Awards
Finalists have been announced for the 25th staging of Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards during the 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival.
For Best Female Vocal, finalists are… Sandee Facy, Laura Frank, Lily Grace, Courtney Keil and Fanny Lumsden.
For Best Male Vocal… Casey Barnes, James Johnston, Brendon McMahon, Andy Penkow and Graham Rodger.
For Best Group or Duo… Bo’Ness, Highway 95, The Long & Short Of It, The Silverline and Vixens Of Fall.
For Best Album… Hey Dawn by Fanny Lumsden, Light It Up by Casey Barnes, Love Lies & Dirty Dishes by Andy Penkow, Raised Like That by James Johnston and Steel On Steel by Duncan Toombs.
For Best Song… Best One Yet by Sandee Facy (written by Sandy with Michael Saleta), Follow My Road by Lily Grace (written by Lily with Kirsti Warner & Chaise Flanders), Friday Nights by Corey Legge (written by Corey), From The Ashes by Matt Scullion & Col Finley (written by Col and Matt) and Hey Cowboy by Laura Frank (written by Nick Morrisey & Laura Bamford).
For Best Bush Ballad… Aussie Rain by Andy Penkow (written by Matthew Park and Andy), Big Old Land Australia by Steve Sparrow (written by Virginia Hermel), Lennie You’re A Legend by Matt Scullion (written by Matt), Million Dollar Farm by Allan Caswell (written by Allan with Manfred Vijars & Lindsay Waddington) and When Rivers Run by Dianne Lindsay (written by Dean Perrett and Dianne).
For Best Video… Always First by Courtney Keil, Best One Yet by Sandee Facy, Cowboy Lonesome by The Long & Short Of It, I Hear Your Voice (The Soldier) by Brendan McMahon and When I Die by Fanny Lumsden.
For Most Promising Future Star… Sandee Facy, Lily Grace, Corey Legge, Lane Pittman and Sandy Summers.
For the new, Most Popular Musician or Instrumentalist category… Anthony Baxter, Lance Birrell, Pete Denahy, Corey Legge and Lindsay Waddington.
In addition to these, the Entertainer of the Year accolade will be presented. Finalists are not announced for this award.
Two presentations will also be made recognising country music broadcasting in Australia… Most Popular Country Music DJ and Most Popular Country Music Program or Radio Station. Finalists for these will be announced in December.
And one or more inductions will be made to the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
The Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards will be staged in the famous and historic Tamworth Town Hall at 9am on Thursday January 25.
Tickets can be obtained by following the link at the Awards website www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
Admission to the gala presentation concert has been maintained at an affordable $10 to recognise the contribution the voting public makes to the People’s Choice Awards, without whom they would not happen.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023
Fanny wins 2023 Country ARIA
Fanny Lumsden's Hey Dawn has been named winner of the 2023 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) award for Best Country Album.
The album won over releases by Brad Cox – Acres; Brooke McClymont & adam Eckersley – Up, Down & Sideways; Henry Wagons – South Of Everywhere; and The Wolfe Brothers – Livin’ The Dream.
Another win of country significant was in the Best Use of an Australian Recording in an Advertisement (over 2 minutes duration) category which went to the Australian Marine Conservation Society with Voice Of The Sea – INNOCEAN Australia by John Williamson.
A full rundown of winners and finalists in all categories can be found here.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2023
Star Maker finalists announced
The top 10 finalists in the 2024 Toyota Star Maker quest have been announced.
They are...
Jemma Beech (from Singleton NSW)
Ethan Calway (Warragul Vic)
Felicity Dowd (Bega NSW)
Dakota East (Elwood Vic)
Wade Forster (Winton Qld)
Nathan Lamont (Wagga Wagga NSW)
Piper Rodrigues (Brisbane Qld)
Jay Santilli (Officer South Vic)
Jimbo Stokes (Scone NSW) and
Jake Whittaker (Stockleigh Qld)
Star Maker is Australia's longest-running, most respected and successful Australian country music talent search.
The grand final will be held in Country Music Capital's Bicentennial Park (renamed Toyota Park for the duration of the January country music festival) in the evening of Sunday January 21.
A prize package valued in the order of $100,000 will go to the winner including 12-months use of a new, fully-serviced Toyota motor vehicle.
Weblink – starmaker.com.au.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023
2024 Academy students announced
Students in the 2024 Counry Music Association of Australia Senior Academy of Country Music course have been announced.
A total of 27 are slated to take part in the activity, believed to be unique in the global music industry.
Included in the 2024 intake are two international students, one from New Zealand and one from the USA. The US student, yet to be announced, will be participating as part of the Nashville-Tamworth Sister Cities relationship.
Within Australia, students will travel from as far away as Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia and Victoria, as well as from Queensland and across NSW.
Twenty four will be participating in the singer/songwriter/performer course with three taking part in the instrumental course.
They are…
Shania Bonita (Titaatee, NSW)
Ian Burns (Mitchells Island, NSW)
Codee-Lee (Eaton, WA – APRA AMCOS partial scholarship)
Tate Cole (Brisbane, Qld)
Mem Davis (East Corrimal, NSW – APRA AMCOS partial scholarship)
Caitlin Drew (Leighton, SA – APRA-AMCOS partial scholarship)
Tiffany Grace (Pleystowe, Qld)
Zac Griffith (Nelson, Kohatu, NZ
Talitha Jae (Manunda, Qld)
Cait Jamieson (Bouldercombe, Qld – Macca’s Golden Gig Scholarship)
Emma Jordyn (Loganholme, Qld)
Wil Linder (Blaxlands Ridge, NSW)
Amberley Milne (from Australind, WA)
Tania Nichamin (Mangerton, NSW)
Nikisha Priest (Bonnells Bay, NSW)
Crystal Robins (Darwin, NT – Royal Darwin Show Scholarship)
Owen Smith (Tamworth, NSW)
Mitchell Steele (Mullumbimby, NSW)
Tamsin (Cherrybrook, NSW)
Gemma Tiller (Halbury, SA)
Kane Vincent (Echuca, Vic)
Cody Walker (Tamworth, NSW – John Minson/Tamworth Regional Council Scholarship)
Trinity Woodhouse (Abernethy, NSW)
Instrumental students are...
Shyanne Irwin (Branxton, NSW)
Felicity Kircher (Tingalpa, Qld – Ekka Scholarship 2019)
Daniel Neave (Miami, Qld – APRA AMCOS partial scholarship)
Academy courses are designed to nurture and develop aspiring music artists and will run for 12 days ahead of the 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival… January 8 to 19.
Course graduates will perform in a special Graduation Concert at 7:30pm on Thursday January 18 at the Moonshiners venue attached to the Family Hotel, bridge Street, West Tamworth.
Weblink – academycountrymusic.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023
Date change for 2024 People’s Choice Awards
The 2024 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards presentation has moved from Wednesday January 24 to Thursday January 25.
The change was necessitated because of a venue clash, according to Bob Kirchner from Capital Country Radio and the Country Music Bulletin, organisers of the Awards.
“It’s still a morning show, kicking off at 9am,” he said, “and although it’s unfortunate we had to make the change, it’s also fortunate because it puts the Awards back to our preferred Thursday of the main Festival week.”
Voting is still open in the Awards; this can be done at www.people’s choice awards.com.au.
Tickets for the gala Awards presentation can be obtained here.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
ARIA finalists announced
Finalists in the 2023 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards have been announced.
In the Country category, the finalists are Brad Cox for Acres, Fanny Lumsden for New Dawn, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley for Up, Down & Sideways, Henry Wagons for South Of Everywhere and The Wolfe Brothers for Livin' The Dream.
Brad Cox is also a finalist for Best Live Act up against Baker Boy, Budjerah, DMA’S, Dom DollaDom Dolla Australian Summer Festival Tour (Three Six Zero/Sony Music) G Flip, Julia Jacklin, King Stingray Rufus Du Sol and Tame Impala.Australia/Universal Music Australia)
Finalists for Best Blues & Roots Album are Ziggy Alberts for Dancing In The Dark, The Bamboos for Live At Hamer Hall With The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Cash Savage and The Last Drinks for So This Is Love, The Teskey Brothers for The Winding Way and Katie Wighton for The End.
Award winners will be announced in Sydney on Wednesday, November 15.
Weblink – www.aria.com.au/awards.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
Bullockies to shine at Barellan
Bullockies from around Australia will compete for the prestigious Teamsters Trophy while goats in harness will vie for the inaugural Little Teamsters Trophy at the 2023 Good Old Days Festival at Barellan in southern NSW on September 30/October 1.
The festival is the nation’s largest gathering of draught animals working in harness as they did on Australian farms over a century ago.
The Barellan Working Clydesdales committee is putting together a full program of authentic heritage events, a Furphy Festival, camp oven dinner "under the stars" with entertainment by award winning country duo The Silverline (pictured), a Clydie Art Trail and three-day glamping packages.
Visitors will be able to see horse, bullock, camel, donkey, mules and goats in harness, an Australian Light Horse display, camel races, blade shearing, butter churning, natural horsemanship display, working dogs, whip cracking, blacksmith, bullock cueing (shoeing), log snigging, ploughing, Furphy rebarelling, rope turning, sheaf tossing, wagon rides, old fashioned children’s games, a native bird display, bush poetry, scone making, market stalls and the grand parade.
Barellan Working Clydesdale Committee member Bruce Bandy and Aleks Berzins of Exeter will drive a team of more than 20 heavy horses pulling a wool wagon around the arena.
They will be joined in the arena by cameleer Rod Sansom, Salt Ash, NSW, bullockies Ron McKinnon and Darcy Quinn, Nowra, NSW, and their teams, a donkey team driven by Emily Parrott, Anna Bay, NSW, and Barellan farmer David Irvin with his vintage tractor pulling a Furphy water cart train.
Bullockies will compete this year for the prestigious Teamsters Trophy. Image Kim Woods.
The Good Old Days Festival set a single day attendance record of more than 7000 visitors last year, with cooks churning out 1800 scones and 70 dozen pies, and people of all ages left gobsmacked by the sight of 23 heavy horses harnessed to a fully laden wool wagon.
A highlight this year will be the Perpetual Teamsters Trophy presented by Tim Peel, Borambola, NSW, and being a model of a Bennett wagon crafted by Allan Langfield, Wagga Wagga. Judged by Fred Broso and Ian Dahlenburg, the trophy is awarded on a rotational basis to a different species of draught animal each year and acknowledges their contribution to the building of the nation.
This year the bullock teams will compete for the trophy. A new addition is The Little Teamsters trophy to be competed for on a rotational basis by goat, donkey and mule teams. This year the goat teams will compete for the title. The trophies will be awarded to the winning teams on the Sunday afternoon during the grand parade.
Barellan was becoming known as the teamster’s capital of Australia, according to Tim Peel.
“It is the place where all the different species of draught animals such as horses, bullocks, camels, donkeys, mules and goats gather in teams to demonstrate their traditional forms of work," he said. "It’s the only place in the world where you will see big teams of 16 to 18 camels in harness, pulling big wagons loaded with wool."
The popular new additions to the program last year will be back – Meet the Teamster with bullocky Ron McKinnon and cameleer Rod Sansom, and an obstacle course for heavy horses and their handlers.
Barellan Working Clydesdales Committee Secretary Fiona Kibble said the festival volunteers were excited to be planning for an event which will see the most experienced teamsters in the country assemble at Barellan to showcase horses, camels, donkeys, mules, and goats hauling wagons, binders, headers, ploughs, carts, buggies, sleds, sulkies and a mallee roller.
“We are working hard to increase the visitor experience with an enhanced program to underpin what is the Narrandera Shire’s biggest tourism event,” she said.
“Last year we had over 400 caravanners and campers, and successfully debuted additional onsite accommodation of glamping packages for our visitors.
“This year we look forward to welcoming visitors from all corners of the country in what is a huge economic injection for our small town and regional economy.”
The major sponsors for 2023 are QPL Rural-McGrath Riverina, AGnVET Rural and Helloworld Cootamundra.
Tickets for admission, camping, camp oven dinner, and glamping packages can be booked online at barellanclydesdales.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2023
Voting opens for People's Choice Awards
Voting has opened for the 2024 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards to be staged in the famous Tamworth Town Hall on Wednesday January 24.
There are two major developments for the upcoming Awards, according to Bob Kirchner of the Country Music Bulletin and Capital Country Radio, organisers of the event.
“Firstly, we are introducing a permanent new category for Musician or Instrumentalist of the Year,” Bob said. “This is an award we have presented occasionally before, usually to mark a special achievement or milestone in someone’s career, but we are now making it an annual presentation in recognition of the enormous contribution made to our industry by locally based musicians.”
The second innovation for 2024 onwards will be the extension of voting for the new Entertainer of the Year category which was only introduced at the 2023 Awards.
“We launched this special category with a vote by Australian country music broadcasters and specialist media representatives which will continue but we are extending the voting now to the broader public,” Bob said.
Awards for 2024 will be presented in 12 categories... Best Male Vocal, Best Female, Best Group or Duo, Best Album, Best Song, Best Bush Ballad, Best Video, Most Promising Future Star,Musician or Instrumentalist of the Year, Most Popular Country Music DJ, Most Popular Country Music Radio Station or Program and Entertainer of the Year.
In addition to the voted awards, at least one long-standing broadcaster will be inducted into the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Tickets for the Awards gala presentation concert are now available and can be obtained from the Capitol Theatre Box Office in Tamworth or on-line via entertainmentvenues.com.au.
The ticket price remains at a flat $10, “recognising the fact that our Awards are ‘the people's awards’ so we like to try and make it as easy and affordable as possible for our voters, friends and family members to attend,” Bob said.
Voting for the 2024 Awards presentation closes at midnight on October 31 with finalists to be announced in November.
Performers on the Awards show, usually from among the year’s Awards finalists, will be announced in December.
The official Awards voting form can be found at https://www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023
Gympie this weekend
All roads lead to the Gympie Music Muster this weekend with organisers already celebrating a bumper crowd with four-day passes sold out.
Music lovers have been gathering in the Amamoor Creek State Forest for weeks in the lead-up to Australia’s biggest music and camping not-for-profit festival and Chief Executive Greg Cavanagh said numbers were up again this year following record crowds in 2022.
“We have more campers and we will have more than 10,000 people on site on Saturday, alone, along with more four-day ticket holders and having to open up new camping grounds,” he said.
Greg has been involved with the Gympie Music Muster for more than 20 years, initially as an Apex Club member, and said the Muster is a bucket list item for many Australians.
“We always get a lot of first timers, as well as the hard and fast return patrons who come every year no matter what,” he said.
“It is truly the friendly festival and people come for the camping experience, the reunion of mates and the overall friendly vibe.”
Breakfast television has already been here capturing the vibe from the festival site, with Sunrise’s Sam Mac and crew at the Muster bright and early this morning, Greg said.
Headliners at this year’s Muster include Casey Barnes, Busby Marou, Troy Cassar-Daley (pictured), Morgan Evans and Kasey Chambers (pictured).
Regular patrons will notice a few upgrades across the festival site.
“We’ve upgraded the blues tent and the rodeo arena and improved capacity there so more people can see the bull ride,” Greg said.
We’ve also refreshed a lot of our infrastructure and our facades and spent a lot of money on vegetation management in the campgrounds to improve our camping capacity.”
Being not-for-profit, there are at least 25 community groups involved and benefiting from the 2023 Gympie Music Muster with TIACS – a free phone and text counselling service offering mental health support to Australia’s blue collar community – being the charity partner this year to raise awareness and funds for mental health services.
The Muster runs from today through to, and including, Sunday.
Weblink – muster.com.au.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2023
Rusty Iron Rally
One event on the minds of many country music followers and fans of vintage machinery is the Rusty Iron Rally being staged at Macksvlle (NSW) on the Fathers’ Day weekend, September 2 and 3.
Presented by the Mid North Coast NSW Machinery Restoration Club, this year’s Rally will showcase 100 years of everything International including trucks, tractors, harvesters and more, in the words of organisers.
And the event will be celebrating 26 years by supporting the Little Wings organisation that flies rural kids for urgent medical needs and essential treatment.
Weblink – nhma.com.au/rally/rusty-iron-rally.
MONDAY, AUGUST 7, 2023
Call for Star Maker entries
Toyota Star Maker, Australian country music’s premier talent search, is calling for entrants for the 2024 quest in January at the 52nd Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Prospective nominees have until the end of August to get their entries in.
Next year marks the 44th year of Star Maker, which continues to provide a platform for recent winners like Loren Ryan, Max Jackson and Blake O’Connor, as they kick-start their professional careers and follow in the footsteps of some of the quest’s most successful artists, including Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Travis Collins, Beccy Cole, Samantha McClymont and Lyn Bowtell.
Toyota Star Maker Manager Cheryl Brown says it is an opportunity for rising stars to take their career to the next level and it’s more than performing on a huge stage, in front of a large audience – it’s an opportunity for the winner to meet music industry leaders, learn, perform and grow as an artist.
Artists wishing to enter must submit two original tracks, plus a list of their achievements and describe why they are ready to be the next winner.
The top 10 finalists will be announced later this year and will be invited to perform at the 2024 Toyota Star Maker Grand Final in Toyota Park on January 21.
With more than $100,000 worth of prizes, Toyota Star Maker could be the beginning of another Australian country music artist's oppotunity to make a name for him/herself.
Details, including how ro enter, available at starmaker.com.au.
MONDAY, JULY 31, 2023
Vale – Arthur Blanch
Arthur Blanch – one of the early pioneers of Australian country music – has died. He was 94.
Arthur was born in Tamworth and grew up in sheep and cattle country near the small village of Wollun, not far from what is now Australia’s Country Music Capital. He used to sing and yodelled while mustering, feeding the dogs and milking.
Before long, Arthur was entering a long round of talent quests. In 1949, he tried his luck in Australia’s Amateur Hour and won. Lismore’s 2LM Radio Ranch Concert ran a talent quest in 1952 which he won, becoming known as The Singing Shepherd (many of our early pioneers had similar showbiz aliases).
After signing to Rodeo Records, he released six songs with two tracks – Sister Sue City Sioux and Shearing Time – getting lots of airplay. Four more were released on the Rodeo label.
Strange Little Girl was recorded and released on the Columbia label in 1962 and made it to the top 40 charts. It was the same year, Arthur recorded with his wife Berice and daughter Jewel – an album on the W&G label titled Meet The Blanch Family.
The Blanch Family moved to the USA in December 1963, playing a number of shows as well as spots on television. They recorded Maker Of Raindrops & Roses for Dot Records which was released in 1965.
Returning to Australia in that year, they worked club circuits also appearing on television up to 1968 when the family headed back to the USA where they lived and worked for the next 10 years.
Capitol Records in Hollywood signed The Blanch Family and renamed them The Blanchs in 1969. They were based in Los Angeles during the 1970s with Arthur working as a solo artist in addition to performances as a trio playing their music in most US states.
Arthur returned to Tamworth in 1978 for the Golden Guitar Awards and to be inducted into the Hands Of Fame and released a single, The Little Man’s Got The Biggest Smile In Town, on Curb Records which did well on Billboard, Cashbox and Record World charts.
Settling back in Australia near Brisbane in 1979, Arthur and Jewel signed to CBS Records Australia and released The Lady & The Cowboy album in 1981 also making a video to accompany the title track. This work won the Golden Guitar for Album of the Year for the duo and the song I Can Love You won Jewel the Female Vocalist of the Year award.
Arthur won the Golden Guitar for Album of the Year with Too Late For Regrets in 1983, and Male Vocalist of thr Year the next two years running – with I’ve Come A Long Way in 1984 and What Do Lonely People Do in 1985.
He was appointed Honorary Ambassador for Queensland Expo ’88 and promoted the Expo while on tour in the the US. In 1986, Arthur released his album Long Way Home.
In 1987, Arthur and Berice moved returned to America, basing themselves in Nashville, from where Arthur recorded, toured and performed across the USA.
His album Love Walked In was successfully marketed on US television and he then recorded and released three gospel albums worldwide through 1994 and 1995.
In 1996, Arthur released his Homecoming album during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The same year, he also appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, at that time being only the fourth Australian to have appeared on American country music’s hallowed stage.
Athur released Songs Of Praise & Inspiration on his own Tamworth Music label in 1998.
In the year 2000, Arthur and Berice returned to Australia, basing themselves on the Queensland Gold Coast.
In 2001, Arthur was elevated to the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown in Tamworth. The following year, he was added to Country Music Capital’s Galaxy of Stars.
More albums followed, including Gems And A Few Jewels volumes 1, 2 and 3.
Life’s Been Good To Me was recorded and released and Arthur continued to achieve top 10 singles in the country music charts, performing at many of the big festivals as well as headlining The Arthur Blanch Show.
Arthur and Berice released the book Wollun One: The Story of the Blanch Family and in 1987, Arhur was awarded the Tamworth Songwriters’ Association’s Song Maker award.
In 2010, Arthur celebrated his 60th anniversary as a recording artist, He continued songwriting and promoting his album, How Can I Thank You, releasing the album Whatever Floats Your Boat in 2014 and his last, The Best Of Arthur Blanch in 2016.
A little known Arthur Blanch fact was that, in addition to all of his national and global successes, Arthur was popular for singing at weddings in and around Tamworth and Armidale. I was told this by several people, including one lady who had the pleasure of Arthur singing at her nuptials.
Both Arthur and Berice were members of the Australian Bush Balladeers Association for many years.
– Lorraine Pfitzner
FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2023
Gympie talent search finalists announced
Finalists have been announced for the NAB Gympie Music Muster Talent Search, part of the giant Gympie Muster coming up in August.
"The Muster is as much about nurturing emerging talent as it is about celebrating established artists," according to a spokesman, "and we’ve got 12 open finalists and six junior finalists joining us from as far as Victoria and NSW among plenty of Queenslanders" for this year's event.
Open section finalists are Sari Abbott, Ethan Calway, Cassidy-Rae, Denvah, Briana Dinsdale, Felicity Dowd, Ruby Jane, Finnian Johnson, Corey Legge, Cassi Marie, The Slims and Chloe Styler.
Last year's Open winner was Brittany Elise (pictured).
In the junior section (12 to 17 years), finalists for this year are Henry Catania, Dennis Comino, Phoebe Rose, Shanleigh Rose, Amy Ryan and LilG.
NAB Talent Search Co-ordinator Mike Turner said Australian music was in safe hands if these emerging talents were any indication.
“We’re looking for a combination of hard work and talent: someone who is going to be easy to work with and who has talent we can develop further,” he said.
“We are wanting to give artists a step up. As well as their musical talents, the judges took into account the entrants’ social media presence."
Among more than 100 entrants, he said, there were many more female than male artists.
The total prize pool is valued at more than $22,000 and includes career-building opportunities, mentoring and musical equipment.
Mike said he was most impressed with the number of 2022 finalists who were good friends and supported each other through the competition last year, even when they didn’t win.
“It was a really nice group and that’s something that doesn’t always happen in the outside world, so I’m hoping to see that again this year."
Finals of the 2023 Muster Talent Search will run during the event which will be staged over four days from Thursday August 24 to and including Sunday August 27.
Weblink – muster.com.au.
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023
Isa Rodeo includes big name entertainment
The Angels, Daryl Braithwaite, Jessica Mauboy, O'Shea and The Screaming Jets are headline acts appearing at this year’s iconic Mt Isa Rodeo coming up next month.
Daryl and Jessica will appear at specific events during the broader nine day period of celebrations while the others, including Luke Geiger, will grace the Isa Rodeo red dirt arena.
Officially the Mt Isa Mines Rodeo, the full event, which began in 1959, runs from Saturday August 5 to and including Sunday August 13.
Other highlights of the 2023 Isa Rodeo include the Bell and Moir Toyota Rodeo Arena Ball on Saturday August 5 (raising money for local charities)...
The Isa Rodeo Hall of Fame Dinner celebrating the pioneers and champions of the Mt Isa Mines Rodeo on Tuesday August 8 with four new inductees to be announced...
The Isa Street Festival on Wednesday August 9 featuring Daryl Braithwaite...
The Mt Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships on Thursday August 10 featuring Jessica Mauboy...
And the famous Isa Rodeo itself over three days, Friday to Sunday August 11 to 13.
O'Shea and The Screaming Jets will perform on the Friday night (11th) while Luke Geiger and The Angels will headline on the Saturday night (12th).
The Mt Isa Mines Rodeo is renowned as the biggest in the southern hemisphere and the third biggest in the world.
Photos: O'Shea (top) and The Angels.
Weblink – isarodeo.com.au.
TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2023
TSA Showcase 300th episode
This week, the Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) celebrates 300 episodes of its weekly radio program TSA Showcase, broadcast on the digital Capital Country Radio out of Tamworth.
Every episode of the program has been compiled and presented by TSA executive member Athol Latham and, going on the number of writers featured on the program this week, Athol would have put to air somewhere in the order of 4,500 songs all written by Australian country songwriters since program number one almost six years ago.
As an example, this week’s TSA Showcase features songs from Briana Dinsdale, Kathryn Turdak & Sally Estreich, Anne Fraser, Annette Hawkins, Tony Kennelly, Mackenzie Lee, Rae Leigh, Craig Lloyd, Susan Muranty, Ron Osborn, Sandy Rasmussen, Kevin Sullivan, Lucie Tiger, Jax Tonic, Wendy Wood and Craig Woodward.
TSA Showcase is unique as it features the very essence of country music… the songs from the writers, reflecting the TSA’s longstanding motto First The Song.
“And one thing can be guaranteed,” said Capital Country Radio’s Bob Kirchner, “the program is original... sometimes raw, but always original.”
And it is coincidentally appropriate the 300th program goes to air this week when the Hats Off to Country festival is happening in Tamworth and the TSA is one of the most prominent event organisers with no less than a dozen activities hosted or presented by the association.
“So Hats Off also to Athol Latham for his marvellous contribution to the cause of original Australian country music.”
TSA Showcase goes to air at 9pm Tuesdays, 11am Thursdays and 6am Saturdays.
Weblink – www.capitalcountryradio.com.
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2023
Music marketing workshop for Hats Off
Operators of Capital Country Radio and the Country Music Bulletin are running a special country music marketing workshop during next week’s Hats Off festival in Tamworth.
The workshop will be designed to offer attendees tips in the area of music marketing, especially as they relate to media and promotion and will also include a “state of the industry” discussion and aspects of modern recording philosophies and processes.
Organiser and host of the event, Bob Kirchner, has decades of experience in all forms of traditional and new media as well as a number of specialised and major marketing activities.
The recording session will be led by well known producer and musician Steve Newton of Enrec Studios.
Attendees at the workshop will be encouraged to “bring their issues” and also help in the workshop style by sharing their own experiences.
The Country Music Marketing Workshop will be held at the Tamworth Services Club in Marius Street at 2pm on Friday July 7.
It’s a free event but registration is required at the following link...
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/country-music-marketing-workshop-tickets-644920292957
THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023
Vale – Kevin King
Australian country music pioneer Kevin King has died. He was 92.
Kevin became interested in country music after hearing Tex Morton singing Rocky Ned on the radio.
In 1949, as a self-taught guitarist, he entered various talent quests winning for himself a guitar as first prize on Sydney’s Radio 2CH.
He entered the Tim McNamara Talent Quest in 1951 and won a heat after which he teamed up with guitar picker Pat Ware playing numerous pubs, clubs, charity shows and on radio.
In 1952, Kevin recorded several sides on the Regal Zonophone label, one of which was the song he is best known for, Rub-A-Dub-Dub backed by With This Ring I Thee Wed. The release sold about 20,000 copies.
Kevin subsequently recorded 28 sides on the Columbia and Regal Zonophone labels.
In 1956, he organised the All Star Western Show with Nev Nicholls, Chad Morgan, Rick & Thel and fiddler Peter Mollison. The show toured Australia for 15 months and played to big audiences in towns and cities.
Kevin then spent two years travelling with The Reg Lindsay Show Australia-wide.
During the late 1950s and early ‘60s, Kevin settled in Sydney and was resident singer with his band at the Texas Tavern, Kings Cross, entertaining American servicemen from Vietnam.
He then moved to the Crystal Palace Hotel in Railway Square where he stayed for five years. From there he moved to the Regent Street Transport Club where he stayed for a further five years.
In 1977, Kevin was inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame in Tamworth and in 2007, he was elevated to the Country Music Roll of Renown.
Kevin died unexpectedly on Thursday June 22 while travelling to Thailand.
FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023
Hats Off 2023
Thousands of visitors and locals are expected to converge on Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital, next month for Hats Off To Country 2023.
The city has been running the successful mid year festival since the year 2000, regularly hosting major acts and numerous support gigs at venues throughout the region.
At least 14 venues will host more than 80 individual artists and musicians for the upcoming 23rd event over four days, Thursday July 6 to and including Sunday July 9.
Events are mostly free at pubs and clubs but there will be a handful of ticketed shows.
Key among these will be the Adam Harvey & Beccy Cole Country Songbook Concert at the city’s famous Town Hall on the Friday night (July 7).
Hats Off complements the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival in January on a smaller scale offering “cooler temperatures and a hub for singer/songwriters,” according to organisers.
Tamworth Songwriters Association has a full program of showcases, giving their members an opportunity to present their songs to the general public, at venues including The Oasis Hotel, the Post Office Hotel, The Pub and Tamworth City Bowling Club.
The festival’s famous Cowboy Crawl takes crawlers to up to four venues on a comfortable coach ride on the Saturday night.
And the Country Music Association of Australia’s Academy of Country Music Junior Course Graduation Concert will be another major event.
Major city attractions, including the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame and National Guitar Museum will open as usual during the event.
Weblink – www.hatsofftocountry.com.au.
MONDAY, JUNE 12, 2023
OAM for Jean
Australian country music's Jean Stafford has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the 2023 King’s Birthday honours list.
One of the earliest Golden Guitar winners for Female Vocalist of the Year, Jean has been performing through a career spanning more than 50 years, releasing numerous albums and EPs during that time.
Some of the hit recordings she had on the Country Music Capital based Hadley label were What Kind Of A Girl (Do You Think I Am, Hello, Love and That Glory Bound Train.
She has also received numerous other awards and accolades.
In addition to her three Golden Guitars, Jean has notched up two finalist nominations in the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards and was elevated to Australasia’s Country Music Roll of Renown in 2008.
Jean was a regular on television’s Midday Show with Ray Martin and also appeared on screen with the likes of Mike Walsh and Ernie Sigley, establishing a record at the time for the most appearances on Australian television for a female country music.
Weblink – jeanstaffordmusic.com.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023
New "super" agency
Chugg Music and Select Music today announced their partnership with country music manager Dan Biddle to launch Wheelhouse Agency, a new booking agency focussed on the growing country music sector.
Wheelhouse combines the extensive live touring and country music market knowledge sets of Michael Chugg (Chugg Music), Andrew Stone (Chugg Music), Stephen Wade (Select Music), Rob Giovannoni (Select Music) and Dan Biddle (Dan Biddle Management) to provide what is described as "a premium agency service".
Rob and Dan will take on the roles of co-heads of the agency while continuing in their existing roles... Rob as Senior Agent at Select Music and Dan as Special Projects Manager for Chugg Music and Dan Biddle Management.
Katie Krollig, who has been part of the Select Music family for more than six years, joins the Wheelhouse team as lead agent while continuing to service her roster of Select Music artists.
The agency is launching with an impressive roster of award winning and best-selling artists combined with some of "the most exciting" emerging artists in the genre, including Casey Barnes, Sara Berki, James Blundell, Travis Collins, Andrew Farriss, Kingswood, McAlister Kemp, Taylor Moss, Shannon Noll, Lane Pittman, Loren Ryan, Amy Sheppard, Sara Storer and Henry Wagons.
Pictured (from left): Dan Biddle, Katie Krollig, Rob Giovannoni, Michael Chugg, Stephen Wade, Andrew Stone. Photo by Don Arnold.
Weblink – www.wheelhouseagency.com.au.
FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023
Vale – Joy McKean
Multi-award-winning Australian songwriter and musician Joy McKean has died, at the age of 93.
Joy, who was known as the “grand lady” of Australian country music, wrote many of her husband Slim Dusty’s most famous songs.
She was also an award-winning musician in her own right.
The Dusty’s long time recording company EMI said earlier today that Joy “passed away peacefully last night with family by her side after a long battle with cancer”.
“She will be remembered as a pioneer in Australian music,” thje company said.
Joy was also Slim’s manager and a tower of strength in the Australian country music industry.
Together with Slim, their partnership produced more than 100 albums, sold more than eight million albums and earned 45 Golden Guitars.
Joy won the first Golden Guitar award at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, in 1973, for her song Lights On The Hill.
The prolific songwriter has previously been described by Paul Kelly as “one of our greatest songwriters”, and as a “national treasure” by Troy Cassar-Daley.
THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023
Junior Academy students announced
Students for the 2023 Australian Academy of Country Music have been announced.
Aspiring singer/songwriters from across NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria will converge on Tamworth for the intensive eight day course leading up to Country Music Capital's mid-year festival.
Twenty-one students in all will take part in the course under the leadership of Academy Director Lyn Bowtell, General Manager Roger Corbett and group leaders David Carter, Ashleigh Dallas, Liam Kennedy-Clark and Aleyce Simmonds.
This will bethe first time the junior course has run in its full capacity since 2019 and excitement levels are high, according to a spokesman for the Academy, an initiation of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA).
Academy Director Lyn said all the students would learn so much from their mentors, but she was particularly excited that young musicians would be attending.
“We have some young instrumentalists coming which is exciting because the Academy is a wonderful environment for them where they get to learn so much and have support from Liam and other musicians and interns,” she said.
“It’s been a couple of years since we’ve run a full junior Academy so it’s going to be nice to see everyone face-to-face and work with the students and parents in person.”
Group leaders mentor the students and their parents through everything a career in music involves including performance, musicianship, songwriting, music business, social media and media relations.
“Parents are very much a part of their child’s early music career," said General Manager Roger, "so we mentor them on how to best manage their talented child."
Students range in age from 14 to 18 with six males and 15 females. Three students from Tamworth are among the 13 from NSW, six from Queensland and one each from Victoria and South Australia.
The intensive residential course runs from July 1 to 8 with three instrumental students and 18 completing the singer/songwriter/performer course.
They are...
Matthew Barrett – Moore Creek (Tamworth), NSW
Lucy Beveridge – Stewarts Brook, NSW
Dylan Buckley – Clunes, NSW (Instrumental) - APRA partial scholarship 2023
Charlotte Cooper – Kelso, NSW (Instrumental)
Bella Dior – Tamworth, NSW
Keely Ellen – Bundaberg, Qld - RNA Ekka 2022 Junior Winner
Layla Gossage – Charters Towers, Qld
Angus Kitt – Fitzroy North, Vic
Kyla-Belle – Moree, NSW - APRA partial scholarship 2023
Mackenzie Lee – Abermain, NSW - Maccas Golden Gig 2022
Lily-Grace – Lennox Head, NSW
Harriet Lowe – Crookwell, NSW
Mackenzie May – Tannum Sands, Qld
Hayden Phillis – Como, NSW
Coral Renee – North Ryde, NSW
Shanleigh Rose – Maleny, Qld
Jerome Shepherd – Warren, NSW (Instrumental) - APRA partial scholarship 2023
Emma Sproxton – Emerald, Qld
Lawson Thompson – Tamworth, NSW
Gemma Tiller – Halbury, SA
Charlotte Voll – Highfields, Qld
Weblink – academycountrymusic.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2023
Brisbane Truck Show launches tomorrow
For the thousands of country music fans in Australia’s trucking industry, we report news of the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show which launches tomorrow.
The Show, set to be “the biggest and best” in the event’s 55-year history, runs for four days, up to and including this Sunday, May 21.
With a display space covering more than 35,000 square metres, exhibits will fill all three levels of the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and will include all the big truck and trailer brands, plus further expansion of activations and entertainment in the nearby South Bank Parklands.
Buoyed by record demand for new trucks over the past 18 months, key brands Volvo, Mack, UD, Hino and Isuzu return to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest road transport equipment expo, joining stalwarts Kenworth, DAF, Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Fuso, Western Star, MAN and Iveco.
“And the big brands have a slew of new products on show, some publicly for the first time,” according to a spokesman for Show organisers.
“What’s more, the biggest showcase of battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles ever assembled in Australia will also be on display, including multiple models from established truck brands such as Volvo, Kenworth, Daimler, Isuzu, and Hyundai as well as new offerings from new brands including SEA Electric, Hyzon and HDrive.
“Not to be left behind, more than 30 of Australia’s world-class trailer manufacturers will also be showcasing the latest innovations in trailer design, including a raft of new products from the likes of The Drake Group, MaxiTRANS, Robuk Engineering, CIMC, Holmwood Highgate and Bruce Rock Engineering.
“Connecting it all together, a record number of parts and accessories suppliers and technology providerds will be exhibiting a raft of product advances that are playing an increasing role in delivering on the 2023 show’s key themes of innovation, safety, sustainability and knowledge.”
With the support of Tourism and Events Queensland, the Brisbane City Council and South Bank Corporation, the South Bank Truck Festival will see Little Stanley Street and Stanley Street Plaza again closed to traffic to showcase an ever-expanding line-up of innovative trucks and trailers, including a new zone dedicated to EVs.
Following its success in 2019 and 2021, there will also be an abundance of activities and entertainment in the Parklands, supported by the precinct’s retailers with a range of drinking and dining options.
Centrepiece of the South Bank Truck Festival will be a full scale Mack Anthem built entirely from LEGO bricks – almost a million bricks facilitating a build that has taken seven months in the lead up to the show. Finishing touches will be added live in front of the public at what’s sure to be among the most popular displays at the show.
“For old truck fans, cool classic trucks will again be a feature of the Brisbane Truck Show, with the Heritage Truck Association Australia staging its big annual event on the weekend of May 20-21at Rocklea Showgrounds.”
And that’s just mentioning a few of the major drawcards of the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show. Full details can be found at the website www.brisbanetruckshow.com.au.
HVIA Chief Executive Todd Hacking says the response to the show’s strategic expansion has been “fantastic”.
“All of that success is a reflection on the leadership shown by so many of our exhibitors who did such an amazing job of showcasing the values of their companies and our industry to the broader community,” he says.
“The opportunity to showcase our industry in this spectacular location provides the perfect opportunity to share our story with the community in a tangible and lasting way.”
Now ranking among the world’s leading transport industry events, the Brisbane Truck Show has come a long way from its humble beginnings back in 1968 when 21 truck, trailer and component manufacturers and suppliers came together at Haulmark Trailers’ premises in Rocklea.
These days, it is, by far, the biggest business event the road transport industry holds in the Southern Hemisphere.
Photos: top and middle, taken from the previous Brisbane Truck Show, bottom: Mack Brand Manager Brenda Riley, "The Brick Builder" Ben Craig and VGA Regional Commercial Manager Nicole Laspa at the Burleigh Heads studio where the LEGO model is being built.
FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023
Capella underway from tomorrow
The Capella Country Music Festival is back in a big way this year launching a substantial program of events from tomorrow running through to this Sunday (May 7).
Superstar country pioneer Chad Morgan will headline this year's event with a huge line-up including, in alphabetical order, Jeff Brown, Sam Burgess, The Gottani Sisters, The Gunbarrel Highwaymen
Hillbilly Goats, Jed & Trudy Hintz, Kylie Hogan, Pixie Jenkins, Roger Knox, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson, Chad Morgan Jnr, Dean Perrett, Amy Ryan and Alicia Smith & Caitlyn Jamieson.
Bush poets Gary Fogarty and Ray Essery will be in attendance to host breakfast events on Saturday and Sunday.
Walk-up artists will feature Tuesday to Friday from midday to 5.
A fund-raising dinner to support the Capella branch of the Queensland Country Womens' Association will be held on Friday night.
In addition to his performances, Chad will be conducting a launch of his recently released book on Saturday and signing copies afterwards as well as following his performanc on Sunday.
The festival will also feature members of the former Slim Dusty Travelling Country Band: Gus Fenwick, Doug Gallacher, Kelvin Nolan and Michel Rose.
A special attraction will be cooking demonstrations by entertainer, educator, author and world record holder Ranger Nick, "a master of keeping it simple demonstrating camp oven and bush cooking skills, something he has done for many years".
Ranger Nick whips up a cracker of a meal with whatever is in the tuckerbox. He is sure to teach you a thing or two about bush cooking and leave a lasting impression on you while he does it.
All activities are being staged undercover at the Capella Events Centre, 23 Hibernia Road.
The festival site has plenty of space for camping, caravans and motor homes.
Weblink – www.capellaevents.com.au.
FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023
Casey wins 2023 Country APRA
Casey Barnes has been announced the winner of this year's Most Performed Country Work award at the APRA Music Awards in Sydney last night.
Casey took the title with God Took His Time On You which he co-wrote with Kaci Brown and Samuel Gray.
Fellow finalists were Morgan Evans' Love Is Real, James Johnston's Raised Like That, Taylor Moss' Get It Girl and Seaforth's Good Beer.
Xavier Rudd won Most Performed Blues & Roots Work with We Deserve To Dream.
Weblink – apraamcos.com.au.
SUNDAY, APRIL 9, 2023
Man From Snowy River festival celebrates bush heritage
The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival is coming up at Corryong this month, celebrating Aussie bush heritage in the true style of Banjo Paterson’s famous poem.
Corryong is situated in the far north east of Victoria around 120 kilometres east of Albury/Wodonga and has been running its famous festival since 1963.
A crowd of more than 20,000 is forecast to attend this year’s event which runs from Thursday April 13 to and including Sunday April 16.
The four-day program will include dog events, bush poetry, a whip crack competition, ute muster, markets, art and photography shows, a street parade, a rode, and entertainment from leading country music acts.
Headlining the 2023 event will be Travis Collins, Paul Costa, Peter Denahy, Grant Luhrs, Danny Phegan and Sara Storer, supported by Bonza Blokes, The Cartwheels, Tom Curtain, Jayne Denham, Geoffrey Graham, The Pigs, Rory Phillips, Kevin Sullivan & The Sulli-Vans and The Surreal Cowboys.
The main focus at The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival are the
horse events, and especially the Man from Snowy River Challenge as the showcase event where competitors score points in a gruelling test of skills: stock handling, packhorse skills, whip cracking, bareback, horseshoeing and cross country.
Finalists then go on to attempt a brumby catch and a buckjump, and the winner gets to own the title of modern day “Man From Snowy River” until he’s challenged all over again the following year.
And then there’s Riley’s Ride and the Re-enactment. On the Monday before the festival, 50 riders set off from Tom Groggin Station in the scenic Snowy Mountains and retrace the last ride of Jack Riley, the legendary stockman believed to have been Banjo Paterson’s inspiration for the poem after they met each other in 1890.
On day five, Riley’s riders arrive at a property in Thowgla, near Corryong, where thousands have driven or been bussed in from the festival.
Then comes the re-enactment itself. Music from the iconic Man From Snowy River movie blasts out as “The Man” joins “Clancy of The Overflow” and their fellow stockmen in a heart thumping display of cracking whips and thundering hooves as they race to gather up the “brumbies” and return “the colt from Old Regret” to the station in an hour-long performance.
The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival brings people together to celebrate traditional Australian bush heritage in a beautiful, largely untouched landscape.
Whether visitors come for a week, a weekend or a day they find the setting unchanged from Banjo’s visit; the mountain ranges are just as spectacular, the valleys as beautiful and the fast running rivers as dramatic, said a festival spokesman.
And in 2023, a new event is taking place in the Rodeo Arena… a Feature Cut Out. “If you are ready to see a top-level performance for horse and rider put to the test Friday Night has you sorted!” organisers said.
“In the Cut-Out event, the rider and horse must work together to hold the beast at the top of the pen away from the rest of the heard, in doing this they will showcase the amazing skill, ability and agility of horse and rider put together.
“The Judge will be watching for the competitor skill with working his horse and reading the movements of the cattle to score them.”
Full event details, including festival program, can ve obtained from the website – bushfestival.com.au.
MONDAY, APRiL 3, 2023
A first for Rebel
Rebel Custom Guitars made their first entry into the Tamworth Country Music Festival this year via sponsorship of the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards.
Chief Executive Anestis Mantzouranis made a pointed effort of visiting the National Guitar Museum during his visit and presented the award for People's Choice Best Male Vocal to Graham Rodger.
Rebel Custom Guitars boasts an impressive range of guitars for stage and show, played by both national and international profile guitarists.
Long term endorsed players David and Lyn Hinds flew the Rebel Custom Guitars flag at Tamworth 2023.
Internationally, Rebel Custom Guitars are constantly on the road, being played by many players on many continents.
Anestis said he was excited about the prospect of returning to Tamworth in 2024 for both the festival for the People’s Choice Awards.
Weblink – www.rebelcustomguitars.com.
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2023
APRA Awards finalists
Finalists have been announced for the 2023 APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Music Awards.
In the Most Performed Country Work category, the finalists are Casey Barnes with God Took His Time On You (written by Casey with Kaci Brown and Samuel Gray), Morgan Evans with Love Is Real (written by Morgan with Parker Nohe and Jordan Reynolds), James Johnston with his self-penned Raised Like That, Taylor Moss with Get It Girl (written by Taylor with Michael Delorenzis, Michael Paynter and Alys Edwards) and Seaforth with Good Beer (written by Jordan Dozzi, Thomas Jordan, Mitchell Thompson and Rocky Block.
Finalists for Most Performed Blues & Roots Work are Ziggy Alberts with his self-penned I Believe, The Black Sorrows with Livin' Like Kings (written by Joe Camilleri and Nicholas Smith), Ash Grunwald with I Want You To Know (written by Ash with Fergus James), Xavier Rudd with his own song We Deserve To Dream and Vika & Linda with the Ben Salter penned My Heart Is In The Wrong Place.
In other categories of interest to the country and blues sectors, the late Archie Roach is a nominee for the peer voted Song of the Year with his song One Song.
The 2023 APRA Music Awards will be staged on Thursday April 27 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney with host Celia Pacquola, guest presenters Fred Leone and Henry Wagons and Musical Director François Tétaz.
Weblink – apraamcos.com.au.
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2023
Diesel Rust & Dust
The 2023 Diesel Rust & Dust Truck & Machinery Show will be staged on Saturday April 22 at Denman, NSW.
Featuring entertainment by award winning Justin Landers, the event is organised and staged by the Antique Truck & Machinery Club in association with the Denman Men's Shed, Denman Heritage Village, the Hunter Valley Classic Commercial Vehicle Club and the Denman Chamber of Commerce.
The program runs from 9:30 in the morning at Denman’s Old Football Grounds in Turner Street running until 4 in the afternoon with a substantial program throughout, including a main street vehicle parade at 8:30 for the interest of those wanting to nominate.
All Vintage, Classic and other type vehicle and machinery owners are welcome and encouraged to register and be involved. Contact Wayne on 0428 366 071 or Neal on 0409 045 264.
Held in conjunction with the Autumn Main Street Markets in Ogilvie Street, Denman Diesel Rust & Dust will feature displays including Vintage and late trucks, cars, motorcycles, stationary engines and machinery.
The day includes lunch time entertainment, this year featuring JUstin Landers in Diesel Rust & Dust Truck & Machinery Classic Country with special guests Happy Days and walk-up country artists.
Childrens’ activities will also be plentiful with market stalls, woodchop demos, merchandise sales plus a barbecue with hot and cold drinks available.
Weblink here.
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2023
Guitar maker success
The 2023 Tamworth Country Music Festival was successful for a number of guitar makers whose presence was felt more so than usual by their high profile association with the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards.
It's 21 years for Cole Clark Guitars since they released their Mistress, Guardian and Culprit electric guitar models in 2002 following the company’s founding the year before and it was a major celebration in January.
Cole Clark has a reputation for manufacturing state of the art, ground-breaking Australian developed Australian made acoustic and electric guitars using Australian sustainable Timbers.
Cole Clark Guitars sponsored Best Female at the People’s Choice Awards, a category well suited for the company, considering its dedication to the long term needs of female performers including Golden Guitar winner and long term Cole Clark fan and endorsee Lyn Bowtell.
Miles Jackson, Cole Clark Chief Executive had a brief but busy involvement at Tamworth 2023 connecting with players throughout venues as well as conducting a Cole Clark restring day at the city’s Capitol Music.
Currently, Cole Clark Guitars International Ambassador Lloyd Spiegel is on an overseas tour spreading the Cole Clark mantra and making ready for Cole Clark Guitars 21st celebrations.
Weblink – www.coleclarkguitars.com.
This is the first in a series of articles highlighting the success of the 2023 Australian Country Music Peoples Choice Awards and sponsors involved.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023
Junior Academy 2023
The Country Music Association of Australia’s Academy of Country Music is set to run a junior course this July and applications are now open.
“Applications for talented young aspiring singers, songwriters and musicians are invited,” said a spokesman for the Association.
Running from July 1 to 8 in Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital, the intensive residential course brings participants aged under 18 years, and their parents, together with “the cream of the country music crop for the experience of a lifetime”.
Ten-time Golden Guitar winner Lyn Bowtell leads The Academy as Director with fellow Golden Guitar winner and Bushwackers member Roger Corbett as General Manager.
Group leaders will include award-winning artists who will mentor the students and their parents through aspects of a music career including performance, musicianship, songwriting, music business, social media and media relations, including David Carter, Max Jackson, Aleyce Simmonds, and a host of others.
"Many of our junior students go forward after their Academy journey to forge amazing careers in country music,” said Roger, “James Johnston, Sinead Burgess, Jessica Mauboy, Max Jackson, Judah Kelly, Melanie Dyer and many more continue to have great success.
“The parent course is the Academy's one-of-a-kind course on how to best manage your talented child,” he said
“Guest songwriters and industry leaders will also visit The Academy for songwriting and music business-related topics which they will present to the students and their parents."
This year, nine junior and senior Academy alumni won 14 Golden Guitars between them, demonstrating the calibre of artists who have graduated from the courses since 1997, Roger said.
Director Lyn Bowtell can't wait to welcome junior students and their parents in person.
“We are excited to welcome another talented batch of students back to our residential course,” she said.
“A major highlight for me is seeing the growth that the students undergo through the intensive course and helping parents navigate the music industry to support their talented child’s career.”
The Academy junior course runs for a week ahead of the Hats Off to Country Festival.
Applications close on April 30.
Weblink – academycountrymusic.com.au.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2023
A Night In Nashville
A Night In Nashville – a special all-American themed country music festival – will be staged in Orange on the NSW Central West this weekend.
The event runs over two nights, Friday and Saturday (February 10 and 11) in the old Agricultural Pavilion at the Orange Showground which will be themed with festoon lights, hay bales and neon signs along the lines of Nashville’s famous Broadway entertainment precinct.
Entertainment will be provided by Abby Christo, Jake Davey, Robbie Mortimer and Clancy Pye on Friday night with Luke Fairbank, Bella Mackenzie and Robbie Mortimer again on Saturday night.
The event will also feature line dancing, American food vans and a mechanical bull, “creating the perfect setting for festival enthusiasts to come together and enjoy a fantastic end-to-end American Country Music experience,” according to organisers.
Photo: taken at the 2021 event.
Weblink – anightinnashville.com.au.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2023,
Boyup Brook gears up
A traditional major event following the 10 day January experience in Tamworth is the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival in Western Australia.
The festival offeers three days of non-stop entertainment, 25 hours of live music including "Tunes at Music Park: and the WA Country Music Awards, on top of "bootscootin’ and spoons workshops".
Running from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th of February, the festival includes a street carnival on the Saturday and markets on Friday and Saturday which will also feature a new market stage with live performances.
Organisers say there will be plenty of activities for children as well, like stilt walking, rock climbing, "Freedom Fairies" and "Top of the Stairs Puppets".
Bush poetry will feature all weekend with the prestigious Bush Poets Breakfast on Sunday. The Boyup Brook Art Awards & Exhibition will also be a highlight, this year’s theme being "Focus on Flora for 2023".
The famous Boyup Brook annual Ute & Truck Muster will make its way through the town on the Saturday.
Headlining the performers line-up this year will be multiple winners from this year's Golden Guitar Awards, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley with Terry Bennetts, The Bushwackers, Codee-Lee, Darren Coggan & Olivia Coggan, Siobhan Cotchin, Ginger Cox, The Eastern Line, Mike Goodwin, the Bradley Hall Band, Billy Higginson & The Pale Moon, Riders, Kate Hindle, Sally Jane, JoKeria, Ray Jones, Lansdell Family Music, "Cowboy" Roger Lawson, The Little Lord Street Band, Sam Lovell, Brandon Poletti & The Eagleton Brothers, J.V. Rail, Jonny Reid, The Red Ochre Band, Sibbsy and the Haines Train, Jonny Taylor, Helen Townsend & The Wayward Hearts and Phil Walleystack.
Weblink – www.wacountrymusic.com.au.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023
Archie, Dianne and Peter in Australia Day honours
Archie Roach, Dianne Lindsay and Peter Simpson have been recocognised in this year's Order of Australia honours announced today.
Archie has been posthumously elevated to the highest honour within the Order of Australia, a Companion (AC) in the General Division.
The honour was bestowed “For eminent service to the performing arts as a songwriter and musician, to Indigenous rights and reconciliation, and through support for emerging First Nations artists.”
Archie died in July last year.
Husband and wife duo Dianne Lindsay and Peter Simpson have each been awarded an OAM (Order of Australia Medal) for service to the performing arts as entertainers.
In addition to their respective substantial careers as singers, songwriters and recording artists, their long list of achievements includes organisation and hosting of the Back To The Bush Spectacular, one of the most popular events during the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival.
They also jointly co-host the long running syndicated radio program the Australian Bush Ballad Show.
Dianne is Patron of the Pittwater Country Music Club and Peter is a board member of the Country Music Association of Australia.
Individually and collectively, they have mumerous awards and accolades to their credit, including induction into the Country Music Hands of Fame.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023
Vale – Michael Cooke
Long time Country Music Capital based performer and recording artist Michael Cooke has died. He was 84.
Born in Mosman (a suburb of Sydney), Michael moved to Boggabri, NSW, in the early 1950s to work on rural properties in the area as a jackaroo.
In 1961, he bought a property at Currabubula (just south of Tamworth) and started to entertain at the local hotel.
In 1967, with the formation of the Tamworth branch of the Modern Country Music Association (now the Capital Country Music Association) in Tamworth, Michael joined with other locals performing at many concerts in the area.
Through Ross Murphy of Opal Records, he sent a demo tape to Hadley Records which resulted in a recording contract with them.
In 1968, he made the first of four EPs (extended play singles) with Hadley. An album was also released as part of the contract.
Michael toured with Slim Dusty to New Guinea and also worked with the Geoff Brown Showband around the north and north-west of NSW.
In 1974, Michael gave up music and moved to Sydney, becoming a professional fisherman until 1980 when he returned to Tamworth and performed with Lindsay Butler for eight months before giving music away again.
His last recording, an album, was with Opal Records in the 1980s, a time when he appeared with Geoff Brown and Vicki Lawrence performing around the NSW New England and North West.
Michael was inducted into Country Music Capital’s Hands of Fame in 1986.
He died in Tamworth on Wednesday January 18 after losing a battle with cancer.
MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2023
Busking winners
Country Music Capital's Lane Pittman has been crowned the 2023 Best of the Buskers Champion following last night’s grand final at the 51st Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The Festival’s top 10 busking musicians, as voted by festival goers and judges, performed to an enthusiastic crowd in Toyota Park on the final night of the festival, with Lane’s impressive performance winning over the judges.
Festival Manager Barry Harley said: “Lane put on a stellar performance tonight and is a very deserving winner of the busking champion title. With hundreds of buskers at this year’s event it was certainly a difficult choice for the judges!”
Lane takes home a $2000 cash prize as well as two paid gigs at the Courthouse Hotel during the 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival, plus the opportunity to perform at next year’s Opening Concert.
Ziggy McNeill from Freshwater, NSW, took out second place and Scott Rathman Jnr from Pooraka, SA, placed third, with both receiving cash prizes and paid gigs in 2024, while Maddie Warden from Walgett, NSW, was crowned the "people’s choice" winner, taking home a Yamaha electric acoustic guitar.
The remaining six of the top 10 – Matthew Barratt, Ruby Jane, Sunday Lemonade, The Meadows, The RnR Ranchgirls and Norman Shillingsworth – walked away with $200 each.
Announcing the winners, Tamworth City Toyota Dealer Principal Tim Easey (pictured above with Lane) said it was wonderful to see the streets of Tamworth buzzing again with such amazing busking talent.
“Over the last two weeks, we’ve heard some incredible artists playing their music all throughout Peel Street and I’d like to congratulate Lane on his win tonight against some immensely talented performers,” Tim said.
“The Toyota Country Music Busking Championships showcases the community heart of this festival by supporting grassroots Australian country music artists and provides them with a platform to showcase their talents, and by the performances we have seen, the future of Australian country music is looking bright,” he said.
Some of Australia’s country music icons got their start in busking on Tamworth's "boulevarde of dreams" – like Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers and Keith Urban.
“These championships are one of the most iconic parts of the Festival," Barry said, "and they do a fantastic job in showcasing the variety of musical styles and talent from the Festival’s main precinct.
“It is a perfect launch-pad for aspiring musicians as it helps them to get their music out there to a large audience.”
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2023
Golden Guitar winners
Winners of the Toyota 51st Golden Guitar Awards were announced in Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital, last night.
Presented by the CMAA – Country Music Association of Australia – and Tamworth Regional Council - the event was staged in the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre (TRECC) in front of a large crowd of fans and industry represententatives including many artists.
The biggest winners of the night were Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, who took out three awards, and Casey Barnes, James Johnston and Luke O'Shea who took home two each.
Brooke & Adam's wins were for Group or Duo of the Year, Single of the Year for Memory Lane and Song of the Year for Star Of The Show, written with Dan Biederman and the couple's daughter Tiggy Heart Eckersley.
Casey's category wins were the previoously announced Top Selling Golden Guitar and the award considered to be one of the main three, Album of the Year, both for his hit album Light It Up, produced by Michael DeLorenzis and Michael Paynter.
Luke's wins – Heritage Song of the Year and Video of the Year – were both for the song South East Queensland which he co-wrote with Fred Smith and Mitchell Lynham. Jay Seeney directed the winning video with Luke.
James' two Golden Guitars were for New Talent of the Year and Vocal Collaboration of the Year on Same Songs which he shared with Kaylee Bell.
Amber Lawrence took home Female Artist of the Year.
Andrew Swift was named Male Artist of the Year.
Asheligh Dallas won Traditional Album of the Year for In The Moment, produced by her Dad Brett.
Alt Country Album of the Year was won by Kim Cheshire for Looks Like Heaven, produced by Rod McCormack.
Lyn Bowtell won Contemporary Album of the Year for wiser, produced by Shane Nicholson.
Bluegrass Recording of the Year went to Kristy Cox for Good Morning Moon.
Dead Perrett was succesful in the Bush Ballad category with his song Out On Killarney.
Instrumental of the Year was won by The French Family Band for Soda Cap Boogie.
Expatriate Australian singer and instrumentalist Jedd Hughes was named 2023 Musician of the Year.
Long time singer/singwriter and media personality Colin Buchanan was elevated to the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown. His plaque will be unveiled at the Roll in front of the TRECC at 10am this morning.
Pictured (top) Adam and Brooke, then Casey Barnes, James Johnston (centre) amd Luke O'Shea.
Weblink – www.country.com.au.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023
Special tribute to "Redback"
A special tribute to Slim Newton – creator of the Australian classic hit The Redback On The Toilet Seat who died a little over a week ago – will be held in Country Music Capital's Town Hall tomorrow.
Slim was laid to rest on the Central Coast yesterday with the idea of staging a tribute formulating earlier this week.
Son and key organiser Steve Newton said: Dad began performing in the '50s, last century, and was touring throughout regional Australia and across the top end."
He became famous in June 1972, however, when the now infamous Redback was released by Tamworth's Hadley Records, going on to peak at number three on the pop charts and sell more than 100,000 copies.
"We know he got three gold records for Redback," Steve said, "there are two in the studios, which are a bit of a museum to him, and my sister has one too. But I have a sneaking suspicion there was a fourth, but we don't know where that is."
The Tribute To Slim – with "some very special guests" – will kick off at 10am tomorrow morning (Sunday) with doors opening at 9:40am.
"I would like to thank everyone for your kind words and condolences for Dad," Steve said. "Please join us on Sunday to remember him."
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2023
People’s Choice winners 2023
The best in Australian country music – according to “the people” – were recognised in Tamworth today at the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards.
Leading bush balladeer and perennial winner Graham Rodger was named Best Male Vocal while relative newcomer Courtney Keil took out the Best Female Vocal honour.
The RnR Ranchgirls, an already established live act now moving into recording and building a strong fan base, won the Best Group or Duo category.
Pictured top row (from left): Graham, Courtney, The RnR Ranch girls, Brendan; bottom row: James,, Andy, The Long & Short Of It, Laura.
Brendan McMahon was successful in Best Album for his latest work …as the road unfolds.
The latest sensation in Australian country music – James Johnston – won the Best Song category with his initial popular self-penned release Raised Like That.
Best Bush Ballad went to another relative newcomer, Andy Penkow, with Ghostly Gums, co-written with David Carter, Angela Bristow-Baohm and Kathleen Stewart.
Best Video was taken out by the very popular duo The Long & Short It of their hit song Midnight Choir.
Most Promising Future Star was awarded to Queensland based rising star Laura Frank.
In the broadcast categories, Alan Gilmour, another perennial winner who has one of the most popular programs on Australian radio – the Australian Country Songwriters Show – won Most Popular Country Music DJ while Danni Shaw’s Country Kickback – a new media program – was named Most Popular Country Music Program.
Two inductees were elevated to the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame… Rhonda Francis, a long time broadcaster with 2SSR in Sydney and Ron Montague (aka Ronnieboy) of 2RRR.
One of the day’s highlights was the announcement of Troy Cassar-Daley as Australia’s Country Music Entertainer of the Year for 2023.
Troy’s Stellar, continuing career, and particularly more recent achievements, were recognised with the award which is new in this format.
There have been a number of such awards presented in the past but not for some time, and the Country Music Bulletin group, organisers of the People’s Choice Awards, thought it was “high time it was re-introduced to recognise more than what is normally acknowledged in a series of category presentations – as important as they are”.
The Australian Country Music Entertainer of the Year accolade is determined by a vote of Australian country music broadcasters and specialist media.
Voting for the 2024 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards will open in July.
Weblink – www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023
TSA winners
Winners in the Tamworth Songwriters’ Association Songwriter Salute Awards were announced in Tamworth tonight during a gala presentation concert.
The major Songmaker recognition was presented to prolific bush balladeer Graham Rodger (pictured).
Country Song of the Year went to Fly To You by Patrick Kenny and Kelsey Berrington which also won the Alt Country Song Award.
The prestigious New Songwriter accolade was won by Felicity Dowd (pictured) with Handle It.
Winner of the Tex Morton Award, for service to country songwriting, was local Tamworth legend Patti Morgan.
For Novice Songwriting, the trophy went to Allan West & Ren Kyder with One For Sorrow.
The Youth Songwriting category was won by Amy Ryan with Gem Gem.
Winner of the Lyrics Only section was Kevin Pye with Ten Acres Out Of Town.
The Bluegrass Song Award went to Dave Diprose with Stranger In My Home.
The Country Blues Song Award was taken out by Empty, written by Shelly Jones & Lester Treuer.
The Country Song Rock Award was presented to Blake Dantier for Wish You Were My Beer.
The Country Ballad Award went to Craig Lloyd, David Carter & Merelyn Carter for Take The Wheel.
Matt Scullion won Traditional Song of the Year with The Legend Of The Lamp.
Terry Bennetts was the winner of Bush Ballad of the Year with The Dinner Tree.
Mark Rigney won the Comedy/Novelty Award with Modern Day Country Song.
The Local Heroes Song of the Year went to Free Again by Karen Law.
Gospel/Spiritual Song was taken out by Clayton Saunders for God Knows.
And the Radio Presenters Award went to the Shelly Jones Band.
Weblink – www.tsaonline.com.au.
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2023
Hands of Fame inductees announced
Five new famous hands will be be immortalised in concrete this coming Saturday following the announcement today of the 2023 inductees.
A celebrated singer/songwriter, internationally acclaimed bluegrass export, award-winning cinematographer and recording artist, outback horseman and "honky tonk queen" will cement their place in history.
Kevin Bennett, Kristy Cox, Tom Curtain, Duncan Toombs and Wanita (pictured from left) will place their hand impressions alongside 300 or so others at the Hands of Fame cornerstone in Country Music Capital.
Singer/songwriter Kevin Bennett is known as “the singer’s singer … the songwriter’s songwriter” and has led country blues and roots band, The Flood for many years.
He’s also been part of the much-awarded trio, Bennett, Bowtell and Urquhart and is a regular tutor at the Country Music Association of Australia's Academy of Country Music and The DAG Songwriters’ Retreat.
South Australian born Kristy Cox has quite the pedigree in country music, having come through the talent quest ranks to become an international bluegrass sensation.
Now a dual citizen of Australia and the USA, Kristy has a string of award-winning albums to her credit and is kept busy performing at festivals across America and in her own homeland.
Northern Territory based horse and dog whisperer Tom Curtain now has five successful albums, as well as an award-winning outback enterprise. He’s had number one hits from each release to date and the Katherine Outback Experience, his primary business, has won countless accolades for engaging tourists in the Territory.
Duncan Toombs has long been the sideman to Australian country music’s biggest stars and has won countless awards for creating film clips to accompany their music. Duncan has stepped into the spotlight with his much-anticipated debut album, Steel On Steel, to be launched at Wests’ Event Centre on Wednesday at 3.30pm.
Wanita was crowned Australia’s Queen of Honky Tonk by public acclamation in the early 1990s at a Hank Williams tribute show in Sydney. Now comfortable with the title, Wanita is the toast of the international film festival circuit following the release of "I'm Wanita!" – a documentary on her life.
“The annual Hands of Fame imprinting ceremony is always a highlight of the festival," said Tamworth Country Music Festival Manager Barry Harley.
“It is one of the most popular tourist attractions, and was established in 1977, with Johnny Ashcroft, Slim Dusty, Joy McKean, Smoky Dawson, Buddy Williams and Tex Morton among the crop of 21 artists saluted that inaugural year.”
The 2023 Hands of Fame imprinting ceremony will take place on Saturday January 21 at 9.30am at the Hands of Fame Park at the corner of Kable Ave and Bridge Streets hosted by well known country music industry identity Lorraine Pfitzner. Tamworth Regional Mayor Russell Webb will present the 2022 inductees with their certificates.
A full rundown of inductees to date, as well as more information about the Hands of Fame can be found at www.historyofcountrymusic.com.au.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2023
Loren wins Star Maker
Loren Ryan has taken out the 2023 Toyota Star Maker talent search.
Loren, from Tamworth, won the crown from fellow finalists Sari Abbott, Denvah, Emily Hatton, Finnian Johnson, Robbie Mortimer, Kora Naughton, Kiara Rodrigues, Claudia Tripp and Jacob Vincent.
A huge crowd witnessed the final at Toyota Park (renamed from Bicentennial Park during the Tamworth Country Music Festival) and were entertained by previous winner Kaylee Bell and the reigning Star Maker Max Jackson.
The winner of Star Maker benefits from a massive prize package designed to help them launch a major career in country music, including recording time and single releases, video production and the use of a Toyota vehicle for 12 months and fuel.
Previous Star Maker winners have included Kirsty Lee Akers, James Blundell, Lyn Bowtell, Darren Coggan, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins, Brad Cox, Gina Jeffreys, Lee Kernaghan, Samantha McClymont and Keith Urban.
Photo: Loren with her winner's plaque and 2022 winner Max.
Weblink – starmaker.com.au.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2023
Lifeline to benefit from Tamworth Festival
As the 2023 Tamworth Country Mjusic Festival gets underway, Lifeline has been announced as the major charity partner for event.
Funds raised at a number of activities, including major free nightly concerts in the park, will go towards the establishment of a hub for volunteers in the city answering calls from those in distress.
The partnership is with the major festival sponsor, Toyota.
Tamworth has been described as a "missing spot" on the Lifeline services map according to Northern NSW General Manager Michael Were.
"The ability for Lifeline to partner with Toyota and also with the Tamworth Country Music Festival is a huge opportunity for us to show that it is ok to not be ok," he said.
The hub, slated for construction in Tamworth’s new business park this year, will boost mental health support - a "growing" conversation in regional Australia.
"Tamworth is a key location for the development of our services," Michael Were said. "We're here to stay and grow mental health services in this region."
The hub will also present opportunities for locals to become crisis supporters.
"The process of training in crisis support is really intense, and it is really, really comprehensive," he said.
"We start with a whole heap of online courses, and then that goes into supervised shifts, roleplays, mentoring."
Lifeline hopes to call for expressions of interest from the community in the first few months of 2023, to begin the training process and get people on the phones before the end of the year.
Lifeline will be very visible at the festival, according to Festival Manager Barry Harley.
“People should pick up a straw hat, pins, a limited edition shirt or donate a bit of money during a meal at a participating pub or club,” he said.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2023
Tamworth Festival countdown
Although it is now not promoted as heavily as it once was, the week before the annual January country music festival in Tamworth is known as the Festival Countdown.
Starting from Friday January 7 and building up closer to the day before the official start of the Festival, a range of performances and shows have been taking place.
One of Country Music Capital’s major venues – the Tamworth Services Club, for example – has been featuring the well known act Kerry Kennedy Double Barrel all week performing nightly shows in the club’s lounge area.
On Wednesday (the 11th), the momentum starts to build with an Oz Opry Showcase at the (Lindsay) Butler Estate just south of Tamworth featuring the likes of Gavin Chatelier, Bella Dior, Tink Everett, Anthony Ferret, Rick Ferret, Sami Hollier, Kassidy Jewell, Andy Penkow, Rick & Friends, Bill Rowland, Tracey Rowland and “surprise guests”.
Thursday (12th) the pace builds to a festival eve crescendo with venues including the Austin Tourist Park with acts including Peter Campbell, Col Finley (pictured) and Robyn Norton...
The Courthouse Hotel with The Whiskey Mountain Boys; Family Hotel Moonshiners Bar with the Academy of Country Music Graduation Concert; Paradise Tourist Park with Cassidy-Rae (pictured) and Kate Hindle...
Riverside Campground Stage with Drew Blundell, Kirsty Bolton, Dennis Comino, Honey Duo, Sally Jane and Imogen Hall and Lane Pittman, Tamworth Town Hall with the Tamworth Country Music Festival Chariry Ball; Werris Creek Bowling & Tennis Club with the Australian Independent Country Music Brumby Awards and West Tamworth League Club withDarren Carr & The Cowpats and Shelley & Lawrie Minson...
All joining the Oz Opry Legends of Country at the Butler Estate and Kerry Kennedy at the Services Club.
Full details can be found in the...
Festival program on-line
Organisers of the Tamworth Country Music Festival – Tamworth Regional Council – have advised there will not be a Festival “app” this year, the decision taken to instead make the full festival program on-line.
It’s available at www.tcmf.com.au click on the What’s On tab.
The regular printed souvenir official program is still available from various locations including newsagents, Tamworth Visitor Information Centre and Festival HQ which this year is located in the former National Australia Bank building at the corner of Peel and Fitzroy Streets adjacent Toyota FanZone.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2023
Vale – Slim Newton
Ralph Ernest “Slim” Newton – best known for his hit song Redback On The Toilet Seat – has died. He was 90.
Slim released his now famous song, recorded at Hadley Studios in Tamworth on Sunday October 24, 1971, on an EP (extended play single) in June 1972.
The song became an instant hit peaking at number three on the Go-Set National Top 40 Singles Chart (the pop music chart of the day), selling more than 100,000 copies and remaining on that chart for 15 weeks.
In 1973, Slim won the first Golden Guitar trophy for Top Selling Record at the inaugural Australasian Country Music Awards, now the Country Music Awards of Australia.
He continued his career as a part-time musician and released several albums while also working in his trade as a welder.
In 1977, he was inducted into the Australasian Country Music Hands of Fame by Radio 2TM, instigators of the Awards and the now famous Tamworth Country Music Festival.
In 1992, Slim was honoured with the Tamworth Songwriters' Association's prestigious Songmaker Award.
In 2009, he was elevated to the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown by the Australian Country Music Foundation and Hall of Fame.
During his career, Slim released upwards of nine albums and four EPs including a number of singles issued from these works.
Born October 22, 1932, Slim grew up in Perth with two brothers. At the age of 17, while working as an apprentice welder, he started performing country music at weekends.
He finished his apprenticeship at the age of 21 and, while still plying his trade, continued performing as a musician.
In 1954, Slim toured Western Australia and followed with a solo northern Australian tour the following year.
In December 1956, he performed with the Gill Brothers Rodeo & Circus in Canberra, promoted as "West Australia's own Cowboy Singer".
By 1957, Slim was living in Sydney where he performed on the Reg Lindsay Show both on radio and at local venues.
Also that year, fellow country artists Rick & Thel Carey recorded You Can Say That Again which was co-written with Slim.
He returned to Perth in 1959, forming a group in the mid 1960s, The Mavericks, with Mick Kodra.
Slim had continued his songwriting and, in 1971, after contact from Eric Scott of Hadley Records, he and his family relocated to Tamworth so he could start recording his own material at their studios.
The EP containing Redback was his debut release. In addition to the Go-Set chart, the song peaked at number five on the officially recognised Kent Music Report Singles Chart and remained in their top 100 for 28 weeks.
In August 1972, Slim told Nan Musgrove of "The Australian Women’s Weekly" of an occasion where a visiting friend used his outside toilet in Perth where the light globe had blown. The friend reported that he was lucky there were no redback spiders on the toilet seat.
The phrase inspired Slim to compose the hit song which he said was "easy to write”.
His follow-up EP, How Did The Redback Die?, appeared in October of 1972 and continued the theme to explain what happened to the spider.
In November 2003, Slim was honoured by a celebration of his life in country music with his children and grandchildren performing his signature song in recignition of his 70th birthday.
Slim had five children with his wife Fay, nee Gill… Eric, Steve, Lisa, Linda and Jodi. Elder son Eric tragically died in a car accident in 1981.
Son Steve was a co-founder (and now sole operator) of Enrec Studios in Tamworth, worked with John Williamson for many years and as a concert guitarist.
Enrec (named in honour of his late older brother) is now located in the Hadley Studios, not the same building but the same label that Slim recorded with for many years.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2023
Casey takes out Top Selling Golden Guitar
Casey Barnes' Light It Up has been announced as winner of the Top Selling Album Golden Guitar award in the 51st annual Country Music Awards of Australia.
Finalists for the award, in order of sales results, were Adam Brand's All Or Nothing, Amber Lawrence's Living For The Highlights, Kirsty Lee Akers Wild and Christie Lamb's Truth.
Sales figures are as reported by ARIA, the Australian Recording Industry Association, for the period January 1 to December 31, 2022, for albums of new material, first released in 2022.
Light It Up was released in February 2022, debuting at number one on the ARIA Australian Country Album Chart and taking out the 2022 ARIA Award for Country Album of the Year.
It features five current hit singles and has spent 11 months on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart to date.
When told of his win Casey said: “This is a huge honour and extra special being my first Golden Guitar win capping off a year I’ll never forget. This one’s as much for the fans too who have been amazing with their support of the album. It’s always your biggest goal to release a record that people connect with so I’m incredibly grateful”.
Although he has won the top selling award, Light It Up was not the biggest selling Australian country album of 2022.
Lee Kernaghan's five album set of re-released material, The Very Best Of Lee Kernaghan, took out the top spot with Morgan Evans' 2018 release Things That We Drink To in second place.
Light It Up was in third place with Keith Urban's 2020 release The Speed Of Now Part 1 in the fourth position and The Very Best Of Slim Dusty (originally released in 2003 and now having spent an amazing 1,246 weeks on the Australian Country Albums Chart) at number five.
The judged Golden Guitar winners will be announced on Saturday January 21 at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre.
Weblink – www.country.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023
Balladeers Homestead is back
One of the latter institutions, and most popular, attractions of the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival has been the Balladeers Homestead run annually by the Australian Bush Balladeers Association (ABBA).
And, after a couple of years of Covid downtime, the Homestead is back in 2023 with a huge line-up of shows and performers at the Salvation Army Complex Function Hall on the New England Highway (Goonoo Goonoo Road) on the southern entry to Tamworth.
Bush ballads are Australia’s traditional country music, evolving from the earliest days of white settlement and especially our unique bush culture and poetry.
And espoused by the likes of Tex Morton, Buddy Williams and Slim Dusty in the earliest days of Australian country music.
The Balladeers Homestead will for the main week of the festival, Saturday January 14 to Friday January 20 inclusive.
Star acts appearing will include Band of Mates (Terry Bennetts, Evan Platschinda & Ginger Cox), Jeff Brown, Peter Coad & The Coad Sisters, the Gunbarrel Highwaymen (Owen Blundell, Terry Gordon & Reg Poole)with special guest Chad Morgan, Ged & Trudy Hintz and Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson.
Runaway Dixie will present a gospel, bluegrass and ballads concert with special guests Owen Blundell and Angus Gill and Jeff Brown and Ernie Constance will combine for a Golden Guitar winners showcase.
Shows on the last day of the Homestead will include a dedicated Yodel & A Song event with performers Owen Blundell, Peter Coad, Virginia Coad, Lynette Guest, Jim Hermel, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson and the Shelly Jones Band.
A number of ABBA Member Showcases will be staged featuring the likes of Marcia Armfield, Ken Smith, Peter “Smokie” Dawson, Greg Dillon, Graham Doubleday, Paul Fleming, Anne Fraser, Henry Hollis, Ron Lynch, Phil Manning, Patti Morgan, Robyn Norton, Jim O’Neil, Lachie & Georgia Owen, Rod & Rhonda Owen, Jeanette Parsons-Cain, Lorraine Pfitzner and Rodney Walker.
An ABBA Aussie Road Show will be staged on the Wednesday morning with artists including Anthony Baxter, Laurel Calvert, Tom Chesterfield, Angus Gill, Anita Ree and Anthony Tenace.
And the popular Slim, Bazza & Stan Tribute Concert will run again on the Thursday with performers including Greg Bain, Anthony Baxter, Terry Bennetts, Jeff Brown, Jason Carruthers, Ashley Cook, Lachie Cosser, Johnny Greenwood, Lyn Manning, Phil Manning, Peter Simpson, Anota Ree and John Smith.
This concert, set for 1:30 in the afternoon, will also include the official launch of bush ballad industry pioneer Lorraine Pfitzner’s book “My Life Story”.
Further information, including links for show detail and tickets, can be obtained from the website www.bushballadeers.com.au.
The Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival runs for 10 days from Friday January 13 to and including Sunday January 22.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2023
Performers announced for People’s Choice
The artist line-up has been announced for the 2023 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards gala presentation concert.
A total of 12 individual acts are confirmed for this year’s event which will be staged for the first time in the famous Tamworth Town Hall at 12noon Thursday Januaryt 19.
They are, in alphabetical order, Tracy Coster, Laura Frank, Tony Kennelly, Shaza Leigh, Dianne Lindsay, The Long & Short Of It, Brendan McMahon, Andy Penkow, The RnR Ranchgirls, Graham Rodger, The Silverline and Vixens of Fall.
Pictured, top row: Tracy, Laura, Tony and Shaza; secon row: Dianne, The Long & Short Of It, Brendan; third row: Andy, The RnR Ranchgirls; Graham Rodger; bottom row: The Silverline, Vixens Of Fall.
A number of special surprise guests will also appear.
Awards will be presented in 10 categories on the day… Best Female Vocal, Best Male, Best Group or Duo, Best Album, Best Song, Best Bush Ballad, Best Video and Most Promising Future Star together with the two broadcast categories, Most Popular Country Music DJ and Most Popular Country Music Radio Station or Program.
The 2023 Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee or inductees will be announced together with a new accolade, Australian Country Music Entertainer of the Year, determined from nominations received from country music broadcast and media sectors in Australia.
More information and a direct link for tickets to the Awards gala concert can be obtained from the website peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2022
Academy set for January return
The Country Music Association of Australia’s Academy of Country Music is running its senior course this January for the first time since 2020.
Twenty-eight participants, ranging in age upwards from 18, are set to spend two weeks in Australia’s Country Music Capital from January 3 leading up to the 2023 Tamworth festival.
They are…
Alison Clapton (Bodalla NSW)
Jo Cassaley (Moss Vale NSW)
Sarah Catania (Greensborough Vic)
Briana Dinsdale (Loganholme Qld)
Felicity Dowd (Bega NSW)
Wade Forster (Winton Qld)
Olivia Foy (Fitzroy Vic)
Emily Hatton (Macleod Vic)
Shyanne Irwin (Muswellbrook NSW)
Cassidy Joan (Winmalee Qld)
Eloise Jones (Eastwood NSW)
Amber Kenny (Robertson NSW)
Felicity Kircher (Tingalpa Qld)
Mark Lavender (Bundaberg Qld)
Zara Lindeman (Deniliquin NSW)
Ky Lowrey (Fletcher NSW)
Beth Lucas (Clontarf Qld)
Steve Martin (Kalaru NSW)
Charlotte Miller (Tamworth NSW)
Curly Mills (East Wagga Wagga NSW)
Laura Moore (Cunnamulla Qld)
Ashie Noey (Kentlyn NSW)
Noah Overs (Tamworth NSW)
Jo Page (Port Lincoln SA)
Bayley Pearl (Tugun Qld)
Charlotte Rose (Seaforth)
Gypsy Schmidt (Katherine NT)
The course – the only one of its kind in the world – kicks off on Tuesday January 3 and runs through until Thursday January 12 inclusive.
Structured in learning groups, Academy group leaders for 2023 will be 2015 Star Maker winner Mickey Pye and Golden Guitar winners Kevin Bennett and Melody Moko.
Instrumental group leader will be Liam Kennedy-Clark.
The Academy is overseen by Director Lyn Bowtell and General Manager Roger Corbett.
During the course, participants are immersed in all aspects of the music business, musical performance, songwriting, promotion and recording, among other aspects of making a career in music.
Guest tutors will include the likes of The Buckleys, Kasey Chambers, Ashleigh Dallas and Amber Lawrence and participants will also have the chance to co-write with 2022 Toyota Star Maker Max Jackson and Golden Guitar winners Allan Caswell and Aleyce Simmonds.
“This is the premier music business educational opportunity in Australia,” said Academy Director Lyn.
“It has been a challenging three years in the music business and we sadly had to cancel junior and senior courses during that time, but we cannot wait to get back to doing what we love the most.
“My highlight of The Academy is seeing the growth the students experience during their time in the course,” she said.
The intensive and residential nature of the course means students and staff members bond quickly and students discover like-minded friends, with many of these friendships lasting for life.
“The relationships that students and staff members form are priceless for everyone and assist in the development of the students as artists,” said General Manager Roger.
Participants will "show off" what they have learned at a Graduates Concert to be staged at Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar in Tamworth at 8pm on Thursday January 12. Tickets are available here.
Weblink – academycountrymusic.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
Songwriter finalists
Finalists have been announced for the TSA (Tamworth Songwriters’ Association) 2022 Songwriting Contest and Songwriter Salute Awards.
They are...
For Alt Country
Built Like Us by Felicity Dowd
Can’t Bring Back The Dead by Billie Copeland & Peta Cherae Peters
The Cattle Truck by Jo Caseley
Fly To You by Patrick Kenny & Kelsey Berrington
When She Gets Home by Blake Dantier & Michael Carpenter
For Country Ballad
California by Ian Burns
Don’t Say When by Blake Dantier
My Turn Now by Della Harris & Clive Young
Red Wine And Blue by Emily Hatton
Take The Wheel by Craig Lloyd, David Carter & Merelyn Carter
For Country Rock
Follow My Road by Lily Grace & Chase Flanders
Out Of My Hands by Willow
Right Down To The Wire by Lindsay Waddington & Allan Caswell
Truth Juice by Della Harris & Clive Young
Wish You Were My Beer by Blake Dantier
For Traditional
The Apron by Vickiree Melouney & Angus Gill
Big Bandy by Virginia Hermel
Crumbling Stones by Lola Brinton & Graham Howle
The Legend Of The Lamp by Matt Scullion
This Little Town by Roger Corbett
For Bluegrass
Not That Kind Of Girl by Anita Spring, Allan Caswell & Lindsay Waddington
Sitting Pretty by Amy Ryan, Melissa Stripp, Jen Mize, Madeleine McCaw & Leyon Milner
Stranger In My Home by Dave Diprose
Until This Song Ends by Lindsay Waddington & Allan Caswell
When Your Lies Come Down by David Javier & Sandy Louise
For Bush Ballad
The Dinner Tree by Terry Bennetts
The Goobragandra Packhorse Man by Brian Stitt
In the Warrego by Andrew Ryan
Long Way Round by Peter Coad
Waler by Peter Monaghan
For Comedy/Novelty
I Don’t Drink Anymore by Lindsay Waddington & Allan Caswell
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em by Justin Standley
Modern Day Country Song by Mark Rigney
Santa’s In My Family by Shelly Jones & Lester Treuer
Wrong by Blake Dantier
For Country Blues
A Little Faith by Cathy Dobson
Cheat On Me by Cathy Dobson
Empty by Shelly Jones & Lester Treuer
Keep the Rhythm In Me by Andy Penkow
Must Have Been the Wine by Della Harris & Clive Young
For Gospel/Spiritual
God Knows by Clayton Saunders
Hear The Angels by Shaza Butler
Judgement Day by Peter McDonald
Love Me by Rae Leigh
Train Of Love by Stan Lenz
For Local Heroes
1942 by Peter Coad & Virginia Hermel
Free Again by Karen Law
Gallipoli by Peter Monaghan
The Goobragandra Packhorse Man by Brian Stitt
The Stories In My Blood by Amy Ryan, Madeleine McCaw, Melissa Stripp, Gavin Carrfoot & Leyon Milner
For Lyrics Only
Ghosts Of Cobb And Co by Helen Harvey
Not Gone by Allan West
Saddle There For Me by Christine Eccleston & Luke Austen
Ten Acres Out Of Town by Kevin Pye
When The Brumbies Come To Water by Kevin Pye
For New Songwriter
Burning by Sari Abbott
Consider Me Gone by Chloe Styler
Handle It by Felicity Dowd
Let It All Roll Out by Billie-Jo Porter & Rachael Kennedy
My Side Of Town by Paul Ricketts
For Novice
A Country Song by Brian Murray
The Fencing Line by Mark Griffin
One For Sorrow by Allan West & Ren Kyder
One Horse by AllanWest & Ren Kyder
Our Fallen Heroes by Brian Murray & Jeanne Murray
For Youth
Gem Gem by Amy Ryan
Hard Working Man (Needs A Beer) by Mackenzie Lee Hall
I’m Off To Tamworth by Jake Murdoch
Like a Bull Rider by Mackenzie Lee Hall
You And I by Dennis Comino
Award winners will be announced at the TSA Awards Night to be held at The Longyard Hotel in Country Music Capital at 7pm on Tuesday, January 17.
Weblink – www.tsaonline.com.au.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2022
Gulgong festival returns
The Gulgong Folk Festival – billed as "the best traditional country town folk festival" and a "grass roots family friendly music festival" – returns in 2023.
To be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 6, 7 and 8, the Gulgong festival is steeped in music tradition having provided music, poetry trad sessions, busking and concerts at the Prince of Wales Opera House, dancing and "pure folk fun" for more than 35 years.
Star of the coming event will be Shane Howard (pictured) , the well-known and prolific Australian songwriter, admired and respected for his integrity and commitment to music, a spokesman for Festival organisers said.
Performances will also be made by acts including The Blues Preachers, The Full Irish, and Stringline.
Weblink – gulgongfolkfestival.com.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
Finalists announced for People’s Choice
Finalists have been announced for the 2023 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards.
They are…
For Best Female Vocal (pictured from left)… Cassidy-Rae, Tracy Coster, Lily Grace, Della Harris and Courtney Keil.
For Best Male Vocal (pictured from left)… James Johnston, Tony Kennelly, Brendan McMahon, Andy Penkow and Graham Rodger.
For Best Group or Duo… Bo’Ness, The Long & Short Of It, The RnR Ranchgirls, The Silverline and Vixens Of Fall.
For Best Album… As The Road Unfolds by Brendon McMahon, Campfire Stories by Bo’Ness, Knights Of The Saddle by Graham Rodger, Love, Lies & Dirty Dishes by Andy Penkow and Southerly Change by Tracy Coster.
For Best Song… Ghost Of The Yaraka Line by Graham Rodger, I Like Your Truck by Faith Julija, The Northern Coast by The Silverline (written by Michael Lehnen), Raised Like That by James Johnston and The Two Of Us Meet by Lily Grace (written by Lily Grace & Chaise Flanders).
For Best Bush Ballad… Common Sense by Tracy Coster (written by Ian Quinn), Family Tree by Dianne Lindsay (written by Rod McCormack, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson), Ghostly Gums by Andy Penkow, (written by David Carter, Angela Bristol-Baohm, Andy Penkow & Kathleen Stewart), Lawson’s Legacy by Shaza Leigh (written by Billy Wye & Shaza Leigh) and Where The Three Rivers Flow by Graham Rodger.
For Best Video… 1993 by Andy Penkow, The Northern Coast by The Silverline, Midnight Choir by The Long & Short Of It, Small Town by James Johnston and The Two Of Us Meet by Lily Grace.
Most Promising Future Star… Anthony Baxter, Laura Frank, Faith Julija, Courtney Keil and The RnR Ranchgirls.
Most Popular Country Music DJ… Alan Gilmour (todayscountry94one), Chantal Harth (Crow FM), Rhonda Francis (2SSR), Ronnieboy (2RRR) and Danni Shaw (Country Kickback).
Most Popular Country Music Program or Radio Station… Australian Country Songwriters Show with Alan Gilmour, Country Kickback with Danni Shaw, Friday Drive with Ronnie T & Jaq, KIX Country and Oz CMR Mildura.
Winners will be announced during the gala Awards concert in the famous Tamworth Town Hall at 12noon on Thursday, January 19.
Weblink (for artist line-up and direct link to ticket sales) – peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2022
Artists announced for WA festival
The artist line-up for the 2023 Boyup Brook Country Music Festival in Western Australia has been announced.
They are, in alphabetical order, Terry Bennetts, The Bushwackers, Darren Coggan & Olivia Coggan, Billy Higginson & The Pale Moon Riders, JoKeria (pictured), Ray Jones, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, Brandon Poletti & The Eagleton Brothers, Jonny Reid and Helen Townsend & The Wayward Hearts.
The Festival, which features the annual West Australian Country Music Awards, will run from February 17 to 19.
Weblink – countrymusicwa.com.au.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2022
People’s Choice move to Town Hall venue
The 2023 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards will be staged in the famous Tamworth Town Hall in January.
Awards in 10 categories will be announced, together with the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame induction and the re-introducted Country Music Entertainer of the Year accolade.
“The Awards have been held in a number of venues since they began in their current format in the year 2000,” said Bob Kirchner from the Country Music Bulletin, organisers of the event.
“So in this 51st year of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and almost our 25th year, we are delighted to move to the iconic Town Hall venue, birthplace of the January festival all those years ago.”
In addition to award presentations, the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards will feature performances from a number of finalists and special guest artists.
Finalists for 2023 will be announced as soon as the counting process, which includes voter validation, is finalised.
Awards are presented for Best Female Vocal, Best Male, Best Group or Duo, Best Album, Best Song, Best Bush Ballad, Best Video and Most Promising Future Star (new talent) as well as two dedicated categories for broadcasters… Most Popular Country Music DJ and Most Popular Country Music Radio Station or Program.
“Because our awards are ‘the people’s awards’ we always try to keep the ticket price low so as many of our voters as possible and other members of the public can attend the presentation,” Bob said.
“And this year, we have been able to keep the price at $10, the same as 2022.”
Tickets are available from the Capitol Theatre box office in Tamworth or a direct link for on-line purchases can be found at the Awards website peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2022
Country Music Entertainer of the Year recognition returns
An Australian Country Music Entertainer of the Year award will be announced this coming January during the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The award, being re-established by Australia’s Country Music Bulletin and Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards, will be determined following a nomination process involving representatives from Australia’s country music broadcast and other media sectors.
“It’s high time this special award returned,” said the Bulletin’s Bob Kirchner. “It’s been an on-again off-again process over the years and we’re delighted that we are able to facilitate its re-introduction on a permanent basis.
“The award fits perfectly with our group,” Bob said. “Unlike the Golden Guitars, which are for recorded material, and the TSA Awards, which are dedicated to songwriting alone, ‘entertainment’ is a much broader field of view, one which sits neatly with the comprehensive industry coverage of the Bulletin and within a populist awards scheme like People’s Choice.”
Criteria for nomination for Australia’s Country Music Entertainer of the Year will
include, but not be limited to… commercial success of recorded material, sales/streaming of recorded material, concerts/tours successfully undertaken, prominence in the media (including social), general activity and success as an entertainer and involvement in philanthropic aspects of the community.
Broadcasters and other media representatives are currently being invited to participate in the nomination process.
If you are in the business, don’t receive an invitation and would like to be involved, email bob@countrymusicbulletin.com.au.
The 2023 Australian Country Music Entertainer of the Year award will be announced during the People’s Choice Awards and presented during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. A list of final nominees will be published prior to the start of the Festival.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2022
TSA semi-finalists announced
Semi-finalists in the TSA (Tamworth Songwriters’ Association) 2022 Songwriting Contest and Songwriter Salute Awards have been announced.
Finalists will be announced shortly. Winners will be announced at during the Awards Concert at The Longyard Hotel, Tamworth, on Tuesday January 17.
And the semi-finalists are...
In Alt Country
1823 ... Dave Diprose
Australia ... Ben Mitchell
Black Dress ... Billie Copeland, Mitch Hagger
Blue Jeans ... Sammy & Matt Hollier & Matt Wiles
Built Like Us ... Felicity Dowd
Can't Bring Back the Dead ... Billie Copeland, Peta Cherae Peters
Consider Me Gone ... Chloe Styler
Don't look back ... Brian Stitt
Everybody Knows Your Name ... Lucie Tiger O'Connor
Flag at a Bull ... Simon Drew
Fly to You ... Patrick Kenny, Kelsey Berrington
Gabriel ... Bradley Christmas, Richard Gosling
Heart Break Subway Train ... Billie Copeland Peta Cherae Peters
High School Reunion... Kiara Rodrigues
Home ... Billie-JoPorter, Pete Dyball, Sam Dyball
If You Could Only Find The Time ... KylieAdams-Collier
I'll Give You Heartbreak ... Amy Ryan, Melody Moko
Let The Good Times Roll ... Lucie Tiger O'Connor
Like Bob Said ... Billie-JoPorter, Kelly Breuer
Living On Love ... Lucie TigerO'Connor
Love Lies and Dirty Dishes ... AndyPenkow, Allan Caswell
Mediocreville ... Cathy Dobson
Now I Know ... Dennis Comino
October Haze ... Dennis Duigan
Sky Falls Out Of You ... Susan Muranty, Sven Tydeman, Ritchie Neville
Slaying Ghosts ... Billie Copeland, Peta Cherae Peters
Strong Enough ... Anita Spring
Taking Bad with the Good ... Alan Bruce, Geoff Zenner
The Cattle Truck ... Jo Caseley
This Is Home ... Ben Mitchell
This Is Your Captain Speaking ... Ben Mitchell
Times Done Changed ... Simon Drew
Too Many Bottles of Rum ... Terry Bennetts, Keith Lethbridge
Too Much ... Amber Kenny
Too Much Space ... Sari Abbott, Cass Hopetoun, Blake Dantier
When She Gets Home ... Blake Dantier, Michael Carpenter
Where We Stand ... Chloe Styler
Country Ballad (the John And Judy Martin Commemorative Award)
Beauty of the Bush ... Andrew Ryan
Big Red ... Virginia Hermel
California ... Ian Burns
Don't Say When ... Blake Dantier
Driving Me Insane ... Norman Crew
Dunolly Drover ... AJ Leonard, Paul Neuendorf
Fallen Snow ... Andy Penkow, Rip-Van Park
Four Hundred K'S ... Mackenzie Lee Hall
From The Ashes ... Matt Scullion, Col Finley
Hitting The Wall ... Tony Kennelly
I Love This Rodeo ... Lindsay Waddington, Allan Caswell
I Still Think About You ... Sandy McNaughton, David Javier Sarmiento
I Wanna Write a Song ... Shelly Jones, Lester Treuer
I'm Going OK ... John Wright
Indiana Rose ... Ron Osborn
Life In A Small Country Town ... Dave Diprose
Little Shadows ... Shaza Butler, Shaza Leigh, Kassidy Jewell
Love Me Through The Lonely ... Wendy Wood
Lovesick ... Esme Macdonald
Lucinda ... Bradley Christmas
Mama You Should See This ... Lily Grace, Jake Davey
Man With All The Charm ... Toria Richings
My Turn Now ... Della Harris, Clive Young
Never Want To Leave This Town ... Dave Diprose
No Tomorrows ... Susan Muranty, Damien Leith
Old Time Dances ... Stan Lenz
On a Summer's Night ... Kylie Adams-Collier
Our Fallen Heroes ... Brian Murray, Jeanne Murray
Place Like Home Lily Grace, Dakota Striplin
Please Make It Me ... Willow .
Red Wine and Blue ... Emily Hatton
So Far So Good ... Wendy Wood
Steel Town ... Alan Gilmour
Still In Love With You ... Steve Montgomery
Take The Wheel ... Craig Lloyd, David Carter, Merelyn Carter
Taking it all Away ... Don Cowling
The Brumbies' Fate ... Jo Caseley, Richard Roberts
The Old Guitar ... Andy Penkow
The Sky Is My Country Too ... Susan Muranty, J Edna Mae
Time ... Steve Montgomery
Troop Train ... Peter Monaghan
Turquoise ... Susan Muranty, Renee Jonas
What Can I Say ... Alice Benfer, Sam Hawksley
When I Fall ... Anita Spring, Allan Caswell, Lindsay Waddington
Wide Open Spaces ... Dayle Alison Walker
Would You like to Learn to Fly ... Steve Montgomery
Your Voice ... Willow ... David Carter
Country Rock
B & S Ball ... Mark Rigney
Back Again ... Greg Herbert
Better Than I am ... Maddie Cail
Book Cover ... Tracey Rowland, Sandy Robinson
Bucket Of Beers ... Lucie Tiger O'Connor
Burn It Down ... Lucie Tiger O'Connor
Country Boy ... Jax Tonic
Every Day is Anzac Day ... Benn Gunn, Andrew Cavanagh
Heart Like a Wheel ... Tony Marks
I Got a Feeling ... Cathy Dobson
I Just Want To Hold You ... Wendy Wood
Journey of Your Life ... PaulWhite, Craig Pinkney, Mick Burn, Bert Giancristafaro
Label Me A Killer ... Billie Copeland, Peta Maree Richards
Livin' Country Fun ... Andrew Ryan
Love Yourself ... Ross Webb
My Side of Town ... Paul Ricketts
Never Tasted Dirt ... Alice Benfer, Brendan Smoother
Out Of My Hands ... Willow .
Raining Down on Me ... Cathy Dobson
Right Down To The Wire ... Lindsay Waddington, Allan Caswell
Right Next To You ... Lucie Tiger O'Connor
Second-Hand Heart ... Lily Grace, Lee Bowman, Paula Bowman
The Two Of Us Meet ... Lily Grace, Chaise Flanders
The Outlaws ... Ian Burns
Truth Juice ... Della Harris, Clive Young
Twistin ... Mark Rigney
Wish You Were My Beer ... Blake Dantier
With Her ... Craig Woodward
A Song to Find Peace with Leaving ... Teri Young
Ain't Too Late (To Start Again) ... TC Cassidy, Angus Gill
All Alone ... ThomasLibreri, Annie June, LilyGrace, James Blundell
Arnhem Land Sunset ... Jeff Aschmann
Big Bandy ... Virginia Hermel
Concrete Cowboy ... Ruby Jane Shirreff, Catherine Britt
Crumbling Stones ... Lola Brinton, Graham Howle
Don’t Sell Australia Out ... Jason Carruthers, Chris Long
From A Migrants Pen ... Lindsay Waddington, Allan Caswell
Honeycomb and Glue ... Felicity Dowd
In The Valley ... Kylie Adams-Collier
Lawson's Legacy ... Shaza Butler, Shaza Leigh, Billy Wye
Let's Pretend ... Alice Benfer, Sam Hawksley
Memories of My Old Town ... Kylie Adams-Collier
Misty Mountains ... IanBurns, Lachlan Bryan
Proceed With Caution ... Shelly Jones, Lester Treuer
Proud to Call You Dad ... Lloyd Back
Smoke and Perfume ... Kim Copedo
Sons of the Saddle ... Terry Bennetts
Stock Routes of Australia ... Peter Dawson, John Davis, Colin DeFries
The Apron ... Vickiree Melouney, Angus Gill
The Legend Of The Lamp ... Matt Scullion
The Mountain ... Barry Walker
This Little Town ... Roger Corbett
West Of The Great Divide ... Stan Lenz
You Don't Have To Be A Hero ... Michelle Little
You Don't Mix Whiskey ... Blake Dantier
Bluegrass
Bad Livin' ... Dave Diprose
Country Style Music ... Chris Treuer, Kenny Gallagher
I'm Working ... Dave Diprose
Lawman ... Dennis Duigan
Not That Kind of Girl ... Anita Spring, Allan Caswell, Lindsay Waddington
One Man Woman ... Mark Rigney
Poor Boy ... Stan Lenz
Rollin' On ... Dave Diprose
Sitting Pretty ... Amy Ryan, M Stripp, J Mize, McCaw, L Milner
Stranger In My Home ... Dave Diprose
The Land Up Over ... Ben Mitchell
The Willow Weeps For Me ... Kylie Adams-Collier, John Seers
This Town ... Dave Diprose
True Love ... Kylie Adams-Collier, Lola Patricia Brinton
Until This Song Ends ... Lindsay Waddington, Allan Caswell
When Your Lies Come Down ... David Javier, Sandy Louise
Bush Ballad (the Bev Daniel Commemorative Award)
Below Tamborine Town ... Katelyn Newlands, Neil T Simpson
Beneath the Southern Cross Once More ... Steve Roberts
Black North Queensland Snow ... Lindsay Waddington, Allan Caswell, Manfred Vijars
In the Warrego ... Andrew Ryan
It Goes To Show ... Lloyd Back
Long Way Round ... Peter Coad
Port Davey Track Anthem ... Teri Young
Raining On The Plain ... Ron Osborn
She Was a Cowgirl ... Steve Montgomery
Sometimes It's Your Job ... Lindsay Waddington, Allan Caswell, Manfred Vijars
Special Things ... Warwick Trant
Stand Up For Slim ... Shaza Butler, Shaza Leigh, Dudley ‘Spud’ Corbett
The Dinner Tree ... Terry Bennetts
The Drover ... Clayton Saunders
The Fencing Line ... Mark Griffin
The Goobragandra Packhorse Man ... Brian Stitt
To Keep Family Alive ... Ben Mitchell
Waler ... Peter Monaghan
Comedy/Novelty (the Geoff Mack Commemorative Award)
Aussie As ... Mark Rigney
Bad Livin' ... Dave Diprose
Blue Grenadier ... Don Cowling
I Don't Drink Anymore ... Lindsay Waddington, Allan Caswell
If You Can't Beat 'Em ... Justin Standley
I'm A Serious Giggin' Muso ... Floyd Black
In the Neck ... Thomas Libreri, Tessa Libreri
Modern Day Country Song ... Mark Rigney
Pappy's Farm ... Allan West, Leo McSorley
Santa's In My Family ... Shelly Jones, Lester Treuer
The Aussie Bush Mechanic ... Terry Bennetts, Keith Lethbridge
Wrong ... Blake Dantier
Country Blues
A Little Faith ... Cathy Dobson
Cheat on Me ... Cathy Dobson
Country Blues ... Ben Mitchell
Empty ... Shelly Jones, Lester Treuer
Hey Cowboy ... Ian Burns
I'm Leaving You ... Norman Crew, Dylan Reisch
Keep the Rhythm in Me ... Andy Penkow
Last Call ... Blake Dantier
Mamma's Table ... Kylie Adams-Collier
Missed Opportunity ... Willow .
Must Have Been The Wine ... Della Harris, Clive Young
Pleasure and Pain ... Bradley Christmas
Short Term Gain, Long Term Pain ... Felicity Dowd
Solitary Man ... Andrew Ryan, Jen Mize, Kaetlan Grealy
The Devil You Know ... Lucie Tiger O'Connor
Gospel/Spiritual (the Britton Morrison Commemorative Award)
A Table For Two ... Steve Stemp
God Knows ... Clayton Saunders
Hear The Angels ... Shaza Butler
I Can Count on You to Walk with Me ... William Langhorn
I Love My Life ... Shelly Jones, Lester Treuer
It's the Gift ... Thomas & TessaLibreri
Judement Day ... Peter McDonald
Lord, Crush all Evil ... Peter McDonald
Love Me ... Rae Leigh
One Short Hour ... Alex Varlow
Second Chance ... Peter McDonald
Super Hero Jesus ... Justin Standley
Sweet Jesus Carry Me ... Justin Standley
Sweet Loretta ... Alan Gilmour, Shirl Llewellyn
Take me Back ... Garry Jones
Train Of Love ... Stan Lenz
Walk with God ... Ron Till
Local Heroes
1942 ... Peter Coad, V. Hermel
A Dozen Letters ... Sandy McNaughton, Phillip Doring
Beneath the Southern Cross Once More ... Steve Roberts
Bound For Glory (Charles Perkins) ... Alan Gilmour
Father's Eyes ... Allan Cameron
Free Again ... Karen Law
Gallipoli ... Peter Monaghan
Heartstrings ... Amy Ryan, Ashleigh Dallas
I'm Here (Based on Real Heroes, Real People, Real Events) ... Justin Standley
Johnny ... Noeleen Smith
Pitjantjatjara ... Jeff Aschmann
Stories in my Blood ... Amy Ryan, M McCaw, M Stripp, G Carrfoot, L Milner
That Young Man Was My Brother ... Justin Standley
The Ballad Of Phyllis Frost Prison ... Jonathan Hibbert
The Goobragandra Packhorse Man ... Brian Stitt
To Fill the Pail ... Kylie Adams-Collier
Waler ... Peter Monaghan
You Don't Have To Be A Hero ... Michelle Little
Your Heart Will Pull You Through ... Norman Crew
Lyrics Only
Down the Line ... Kevin Pye
Four Hands Around One Heart ... Susan Muranty
Ghosts of Cobb and Co ... Helen Harvey
Making Sense of Henry ... Kevin Pye
Melancholy ... Michelle Morgan
My Happy Place ... Faith Julija Kristensen
Not Gone ... Allan West
Right Kind Of Wrong ... Christine Eccleston, Angus Gill
Saddle There For Me ... ChristineEccleston, Luke Austen
She Also Served ... Kevin Pye
Some Loving Left To Do ... Susan Muranty
Ten Acres out of Town ... Kevin Pye
The Anniversary Waltz ... Kevin Pye
The Rains On Uluru ... Anne Fraser
This House ... Simon Berger
When the Brumbies come to Water ... Kevin Pye
When The Murrumbidgee’s In a Hurry ... Christine Eccleston
New Songwriter
Burning ... Sari Abbott
Consider Me Gone ... Chloe Styler
Handle It ... Felicity Dowd
Kiss You When The Rain Comes ... Sally Jane Pottinger
Let It All Roll Out ... Billie-JoPorter, Rachael Kennedy
Like a Bull Rider ... Mackenzie Lee Hall
My Side of Town ... Paul Ricketts
Strong Enough ... Anita Spring
The Northern Coast ... Michael Lehnen, Catherine Lehnen
Too Young ... Sally Jane Pottinger
Where We Stand ... Chloe Styler
Novice (the Garry Koehler Commemorative Award)
A Country Song ... Brian Murray
Desert Blooming ... Owen Smith
Long Road To Tamworth ... Floyd Black
One For Sorrow ... Allan West, Ren Kyder
One Horse ... AllanWest, Ren Kyder
Our Fallen Heroes ... Brian Murray, Jeanne Murray
The Fencing Line ... Mark Griffin
The Pioneer's Wife ... Brian Stewart
Wishing Star ... Allan West
You Are A Lighthouse ... Shirley Goslett
Youth (the John P Toomey Commemorative Award)
Brunette Country Girl ... Jake Murdoch
Gem Gem ... Amy Ryan
Hard Working Man (Needs a Beer) ... Mackenzie Lee Hall
Hopeless Day ... Dennis Comino
I'm Off To Tamworth ... Jake Murdoch
Like a Bull Rider ... Mackenzie Lee Hall
Wild is a Woman (Double Crossed) ... Mackenzie Lee Hall
You and I ... Dennis Comino
Weblink – www.tsaonline.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2022
Star Maker finalists
The 2023 Top 10 finalists for Toyota Star Maker, Australia's longest-running and most respected country music talent search, have been announced.
They are...
Sari Abbott from Sunrise Beach (Qld)
Denvah from Rockhampton (Qld)
Emily Hatton from Brisbane (Qld)
Finnian Johnson from Maryland (NSW)
Robbie Mortimer from Orange (NSW)
Kora Naughton from Albion Park (NSW)
Kiara Rodrigues from Padstow (NSW)
Loren Ryan from Tamworth (NSW)
Claudia Tripp from Perth (WA) and
Jacob Vincent from Kangaroo Point (NSW)
The Toyota Star Maker Grand Final will be staged at 7pm on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at Toyota Park in Tamworth. It is one of the biggest events of the annual Toyota Country Music Festival.
Weblink – starmaker.com.au.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022
Golden Guitar finalists
Finalists for the Toyota 51st Golden Guitar Awards were announced this week.
The CMAA – Country Music Association of Australia – and Tamworth Regional Council - joint organisers of the Awards, said there were more than 600 entries for the coming year's event... “a tremendous number”.
Topping the finalist list from his first time entry in the Golden Guitars with six placings is newcomer James Johnston. James came to prominence last year as a finalist in the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards following the release of his first two singles, both of which gained widespread airplay and big numbers on streaming platforms.
Casey Barnes, Adam Brand and Amber Lawrence each have five placings while Ashleigh Dallas, Angus Gill, Brook McClymont & Adam Eckersley and The Weeping Willows have four.
Kaylee Bell, Lyn Bowtell, Michael Carpenter & The Banks Brothers and Luke O’Shea all picked up three finalist placings, while dual nominations went to Kristy Cox, Blake Dantier, Melanie Dyer, Morgan Evans, Isaiah Firebrace, Lee Kernaghan and Mitch Tambo.
A further 32 individual acts feature with one placing.
Awards Executive Producer Peter Ross said: “This year’s list of nominees is a true snapshot of how diverse and talented Australia’s country music artists are. The 2023 Awards will acknowledge and celebrate their creativity and passion.”
NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts Ben Franklin said: “The Golden Guitar Awards are a music institution that every year shines a light on the incredible depth of Australia’s country music talent.”
Toyota Australia’s Sean Hanley said the Golden Guitar Awards showcased the very best of the best in country music.”
The Awards will be staged in the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre on Saturday, January 21, 2023.
The full finalist listing is…
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR (pictured below from left)
Lyn Bowtell
Ashleigh Dallas
Melanie Dyer
Hayley Jensen
Amber Lawrence
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR (pictured below from left)
Casey Barnes
Adam Brand
Morgan Evans
James Johnston
Andrew Swift
GROUP OR DUO
OF THE YEAR
Lachlan Bryan & The Wildes (pictured top left)
The Buckleys (top right, then from left)
McAlister Kemp
Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley
The Weeping Willows
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
All Or Nothing – Adam Brand (produced by Adam Brand, Vesa Matara, Benjy Pocock and Luke Wooten)
In The Moment – Ashleigh Dallas (produced by Brett Dallas)
Light It Up – Casey Barnes (produced by Michael DeLorenzis and Michael Paynter)
Living For The Highlights – Amber Lawrence (produced by Stuart Stuart)
Silver Linings – Kaylee Bell (produced by Simon Oscroft, Andy Mak and Joseph Fari)
ALT COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Dead Men Tell No Tales – Allison Forbes (produced by Matt Fell)
Looks Like Heaven – Kim Cheshire (produced by Rod McCormack)
Strength Of A Queen – Andy Golledge (produced by John Vella & Ryan Miller)
Tug Of War – Jenny Mitchell (produced by Matt Fell)
You Reap What You Sow – The Weeping Willows (produced by Andrew Wrigglesworth & Laura Coates)
CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR
All Or Nothing – Adam Brand (produced by Adam Brand, Vesa Matara, Benjy Pocock and Luke Wooten)
Light It Up – Casey Barnes (produced by Michael DeLorenzis and Michael Paynter)
Living For The Highlights – Amber Lawrence (produced by Stuart Stuart)
Silver Linings – Kaylee Bell (produced by Simon Oscroft, Andy Mak and Joseph Faris)
Wiser – Lyn Bowtell (produced by Shane Nicholson)
TRADITIONAL COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR
In The Moment - Ashleigh Dallas – Produced by Brett Dallas
Dry Season - Blake Dantier – Produced by Simon Johnson
Shades of Blue - Kristy Cox – Produced by Jerry Salley
Mr Goodtime - Michael Carpenter and The Banks Brothers – Produced by Michael Carpenter
Travelling Heart - TC Cassidy – Produced by Angus Gill
SONG OF THE YEAR
All Or Nothing by Adam Brand, Nicholas Wolfe & Tom Wolfe (recorded by Adam Brand)
Small Town by James Johnston & Nolan Wynne (recorded by James Johnston)
Small Town by Casey Barnes, Michael DeLorenzis & Michael Paynter (recorded by Casey Barnes)
South East Queensland by Luke O'Shea, Fred Smith & Mitchell Lynham (recorded by Luke O’Shea)
Star Of The Show by Brooke McClymont, Adam Eckersley, Dan Biederman & Tiggy Heart Eckersley (recorded by Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley)
BUSH BALLAD OF THE YEAR
Family Tree – Dianne Lindsay (written by Rod McCormack, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson)
Ghostly Gums – Andy Penkow (written by Kath Stewart, David Carter, Angela Bristow-Baohm & Andy Penkow)
Out On Killarney – Dean Perrett (written by Dean Perrett)
Sometimes It’s Your Job – Allan Caswell (written by Allan Caswell, Manfred Vijars & Lindsay Waddington)
Waiting For The Boss – Angus Gill featuring Anne Kirkpatrick (written by Angus Gill, Alan Mackey & Mary O'Brien)
HERITAGE SONG OF THE YEAR
Bogswamp – Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham (written by Josh Cunningham)
Come Together – Lee Kernaghan, Mitch Tambo & Isaiah Firebrace (written by Lee Kernaghan, Mitch Tambo, Isaiah Firebrace, Nicholas Wolfe, Colin Buchanan and Garth Porter)
I'm Coming Home – Amber Lawrence (written by Amber Lawrence & Katrina Burgoyne
Listen to the Country – Angus Gill & Kevin Bennett (written by Angus Gill & Kevin Bennett)
South East Queensland – Luke O’Shea (written by Luke O'Shea, Fred Smith & Mitchell Lynham)
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
All Or Nothing – Adam Brand
Get To Know Ya ¬– Casey Barnes
Memory Lane – Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley
Sing Along Drink Along – Morgan Evans
Small Town – James Johnston
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
One Of Them Nights – Travis Collins (directed by Jay Seeney)
Small Town – James Johnston (directed by Elijah Cavanagh)
Something Good's Gonna Happen – The Wolfe Brothers featuring Amy Sheppard (directed by Jay Seeney)
South East Queensland – Luke O'Shea (directed by Luke O'Shea & Jay Seeney)
Star Of The Show – Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley (directed by Brad Murnane)
INSTRUMENTAL OF THE YEAR
Burning Mountain – Michael Carpenter & The Banks Brothers featuring Hamish Davidson
Clippety Clop – Pete Denahy
Dust – Angus Gill & Pixie Jenkins
Fidget Spinner – Mickey Pye
Soda Cap Boogie – The French Family Band
BLUEGRASS RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Good Morning Moon – Kristy Cox
House Of Sin – The Weeping Willows
Road Man – Michael Carpenter & The Banks Brothers
Sweet Sister Jasmine – Angus Gill
Until This Song Ends – Lynchburg & The Weeping Willows
VOCAL COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
Kirsty Lee Akers, Amber Lawrence and Ashleigh Dallas – Let The Girls Sing
Lyn Bowtell and Shane Nicholson – Wiser
Melanie Dyer and Caitlyn Shadbolt – Dumb Decisions
James Johnston and Kaylee Bell – Same Songs
Lee Kernaghan, Mitch Tambo and Isaiah Firebrace – Come Together
NEW TALENT OF THE YEAR
Blake Dantier
Cass Hopetoun
Max Jackson
James Johnston
Taylor Moss
Weblink – www.country.com.au.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24. 2022
Casey wins Country ARIA
Casey Barnes has won the Best Country Album award at the 2022 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards announced in Sydney tonight.
He beat Adam Brand's All Or Nothing, Georgia State Line's In Colour, Amber Lawrence's Living For The Highlights and Andy Golledge's Strength Of A Queen to take home the award.
The late Archie Roach was named winner of Best Independent Release with One Song.
William Crighton won the Blues & Roots category with his album Water And Dust.
Photo: Casey after receiving his award with Michael Chugg (left) and Dan Biddle.
Weblink – www.ariaawards.com.au.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17. 2022
Two major festivals this weekend
Two major music events take place this weekend, one each in NSW and Victoria.
Both run for thee days, Friday through to Sunday inclusive… the Australian Blues Music Festival at Goulburn in NSW, the Mountaingrass Festival at Beechworth, Victoria.
Blues Festival
The Australian Blues Music Festival is unique in that entry to all shows is free.
After years of setbacks due to bushfires and Covid, this year’s event – the 25th to be staged – will feature more than 30 “of the finest local and interstate acts” including well-know stars of the blues circuit like Owen Campbell & The Cosmic People, Sultana Southwell Roulette & The SunBears, Minnie Marks, The Marvellous Hearts (pictured) and “the amazing new talent of Chloe Kay & The Crusade".
Performances can be seen at multiple Goulburn venues including the Goulburn Railway Bowling Club, Goulburn Workers Club, The Goulburn Club and Hume Conservatorium.
More information can be obtained from australianbluesestival.com.au.
Mountaingrass
The Mountaingrass event is organised by the Australian Bluegrass & Old Time Music Association (ABOTMA) which was formed in 2013 to continue organising an annual bluegrass and old time music festival following on from the successful Harrietville Bluegrass & Traditional Music Convention after it ceased in 2012.
Organised entirely by volunteers and members of ABOTMA, Mountaingrass was held at Harrietville from 2013 to 2017 after which it moved to Beechworth.
In addition to a packed music program, Mountaingrass also runs a series of workshops on bluegrass and instruments including banjo, bass, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and more.
Stars of this year event include the likes of NSW’s Corn Nut Creek, Crow Mountain, Narrownecks and Willing Ponies, South Australia’s Bluegrass Junction and The Cherrry Pickers, Victoria’s Bluestone Junction, Dave Diprose & Hillbilly Radio, Slim Dime, Weeping Willows and Paul Wookey & Not My Band (featuring Peter Denahy), and many more.
Further information, including full program and artist listing, is available from muntaingrass.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022
Voting deadline looms for People's Choice
The deadline for voting in the 2023 Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards is just under two weeks at midnight, Wednesday, November 30.
Voting is open in 10 categories... Best Female Vocal, Best Male, Best Group or Duo, Best Song, Best Bush Ballad, Best Album, Best Video and Most Promising Future Star plus the two broadcast categories, Most Popular Country Music DJ and Most Popular Country Music Radio Station or Program.
Winners will be announced in January from Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital.
Photo: The Silverline, with their 2022 award for Best Group or Duo.
Voting is via the website peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2022
Wangaratta Festival kicks off tomorrow
The 2022 Wangaratta Country Music Festival kicks off tomorrow and runs for three days up to and including Sunday.
Stars of this year's event, in alphabetical order, are Rob Breese, Robyn Gleeson, Melanie Hedt, The Hoffmans (pictured at left), Wayne Horsburgh (centre), Tony & Liz Kristalyn, Tom Maxwell (pictured at right), Lach McKay, Joe Musico, Jamie Neilsen, Anthony Tenace and Kinta Watts.
The festival runs at the Da Vinci Social Club, Pyles Lane, Laceby.
More information can be found here at the festival's facebook page, including a link to ticket sales.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022
Warwick Rodeo kicks off Monday
The famous Warwick Rodeo kicks off on Monday with a full week of activity running through to the following Sunday (October 30).
Culminating on the last full weekend of October every year, the Warwick Rodeo attracts the nation’s top rodeo riders and the best broncs and bucking bulls, according to a spokesman for the organisers, and is known as “Australia’s Most Famous”.
The riders and the bucking stock come together to try and prove the old saying wrong – “never the horse that couldn’t be rode, never the rider that couldn’t be throwed”.
Warwick Rodeo was immortalised in song by Australian country music legend Buddy Williams in the early 1940s but well before then, Warwick had a tradition of horsemanship and great riders to match the city’s sandstone buildings, fine churches, rose gardens and wide, tree-lined streets.
Today, Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft attracts crowds in excess of 30,000 with competitors and horses travelling from every mainland state to compete.
“In 2021, we ran a full points Warwick Rodeo with $6000 being posted per open event,” the spokesman said.
“The Gold Cup Campdraft is known as the Melbourne Cup of campdrafting and we can’t wait to welcome the competitors back to the arena.
“The event has pushed through a few tough years with drought and the issues it posed with water security with thanks to not only the recent rain but the Society investing in measures to ensure the grounds have a reduced impact on the urban utilities.”
In addition to the rodeo action, a range of top line entertainment is on the program, performing Friday and Saturday nights after rodeo events.
Rising country star Will Day (top) will perform on the Friday evening while the Viper Creek Band with Josh Setterfield (below), will be the main music attraction.
Further information can be obtained from the website warwickshowandrodeo.com.au.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022
Ariah Park underway
The Ariah Park Mary Gilmore Festival is now underway running through to and including Sunday (the 16th).
The event takes place at the Ariah Park Showground, Ariah Park, just west of Temora in Southern NSW off Burley Griffin Way.
Walk ups continue through Thursday with a special concert also featuring the Darcy & Ally evening concert.
Tom Maxwell (pictured, top) will be the main attraction on Friday night.
Saturday morning brings a Poets’ Breakfast with Neil Smith followed by entertainment all day with stars including Tom again with Owen Blundell, Stephen Cheney, Charly Hackett, Bec Hance (pictured), The Hoffmans and John & Christine Smith.
Saturday night features Royden Donohoe (picturedf) who will also be back again on Sunday with the Sunday morning morning gospel service, followed by Sunday markets in the newly beautified Ariah Park main street.
More information (including for campers) available at the event’s facebook page here.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2022
ARIA finalists announced
Finalists have been announced for the 2022 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards.
For Best Country Album, they are All Or Nothing by Adam Brand (ABC Music), In Colour by Georgia State Line (Cheatin Heart Records/Virgin Music Australia), Light It Up by Casey Barnes (Casey Barnes Entertainment/Chugg Music), Living For The Highlights by Amber Lawrence (ABC Music) and Strength Of A Queen by Andy Golledge (I OH YOU/Mushroom).
In other categories with a country connection, the late Archie Roach is a finalist for Best Independent Release with One Song (Bloodlines/Mushroom Group),
In the Blues & Roots category, finalists are Hard Up by The Bamboos (BMG/ADA), Live At Hamer Hall by The Teskey Brothers with Orchestra Victoria (Ivy League Records/Mushroom Group), Thornbird by Thornbird (Thornbird/MGM), Undone by Charlie Collins (Island Records Australia/Universal Music Australia) and Water and Dust by William Crighton (ABC Music).
The 2022 ARIA winners will be announced in Sydney on Thursday night, November 24.
Weblink – www.ariaawards.com.au.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
Carinda postponed
The Let’s Dance Carinda Tribute Festival has been postponed because of the high risk of flooding and road closures due to the huge amounts of rain and flooding rivers in and around the town.
“It’s our number one priority to make sure everyone is safe,” a committee spokesman said, “so unfortunately (we have) made the devastating hard decision to postpone the festival to a later date.
“We will meet with the local Shire General Manager on Monday to form a plan. We are very sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding and support.”
A new date for the festival, which was to be held this October long weekend, will be announced as soon as it is known.
Now to the story of the Let’s Dance Carinda Tribute Festival… which is actually… Bowie with a twist
Not a story we would normally run on a country music website but this one has a definite country twist.
It’s all about one of the world’s most famous, and iconic, music stars who made a video in a setting more country than many country videos!
It’s about David Bowie – the late mega pop star, regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his innovative work during the 1970s.
His career was marked by reinvention and visual presentation, and his music and stagecraft had a significant impact on popular music. Perhaps none more than the second subject of this story, the music video for one of his best known songs, Let’s Dance.
For those who don’t know, Bowie chose the northern NSW outback town of Carinda (just south west of Walgett) and the Warrumbungle National Park to shoot the video for the title track to the album that drove him to the peak of his popularity and commercial success in 1983.
Centred on the by now famous Carinda Pub, which quickly became a mecca for Bowie fans from all over the world looking to stand and be photographed in the same spot where Bowie filmed his video, the video inspired locals to establish the Let’s Dance Carinda Festival paying tribute to, and celebrating, David Bowie and his remarkable music legacy.
The organising committee’s mantra is to embrace and develop the festival where it is a recognisable event with a highly regarded reputation.
The festival is putting the small rural township on the map and is becoming a must come, must do, must see event on the tourism calendar, engaging people from across Australia, connecting them through David Bowie’s music.
The festival offers Carinda the chance to showcase the small rural township and surrounding properties with the hotel, a self-serve fuel station, a post office and a recently-opened coffee/craft shop.
A community pool, a one teacher public school that caters for students K-6 and a recreation/camp site area which is the core location for the Let’s Dance festival.
Carinda is a community wanting to survive, it is welcoming, friendly and proud of this unique event in its history, said a spokesman for the organising committee.
“Elvis did not go to Parkes and ABBA has not been to Trundle BUT Carinda can say that the famous British pop icon David Bowie not only came but recorded in our town. Certainly, an event to be proud of and to celebrate!”
Keep an eye on the website – www.letsdancecarinda.com – for updates on the rescheduled 2022 event.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
King of The Ranges this weekend
The NSW Upper Hunter’s King of The Ranges Stockman’s Challenge & Bush Festival is on this weekend at Murrurundi, just south of the Country Music Capital, Tamworth.
The three-day event – Friday September 23 to Sunday 25th – includes elements of music and bush poetry in addition to the extensive program that makes up the Stockman’s Challenge.
Graham Doubleday and Brian Howard – aka Dubby & Howdy – will provide the musical entertainment on the Friday evening supported by Chloe & James and Mia & Tash while renowned bush poet Carol Heuchan will cover that side of the entertainment.
Carol will also host the inaugural King of the Ranges Performed Poetry competition.
And there will also be a Poet’s Breakfast on Sunday morning.
Celebrity Bush Cook "Ranger Nick" – the “master of keeping it simple” – will feature regularly in the Poetry & Tucker Tent.
Although the equine events are, of course, the main game, the comprehensive weekend program features a range of additional activities like the childrens goat races, whipcracking, heavy horses, bison training, cattle dog trials, billy boiling and old-time shearing as well as a grand parade.
More information, including a full program of activities, can be found at www.kingoftheranges.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2022
Music industry losses
The Australian music world has been rocked in recent weeks with the passing of a number of notable individuals, three of whom played a significant role in Australian country music.
It all happened so quickly, it’s been hard to keep up.
So, for the record…
Vale - Keith Jamieson
Leading bush balladeer and Medal of the Order of Australia recipient Keith Jamieson died after battling several illnesses during the past year or so. He was 74.
Originally from Goondiwindi, Keith called the Queensland town of Bouldercombe home in recent years from where he was heavily involved in a number of country music activities, including the Bouldy Bush Bash, Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad Awards and the Widgee Balladeers & Country Music festival.
A prolific recording artist in his own right, Keith also served as a director on the Country Music Association of Australia board.
He released numerous albums throughout his 40 plus year career including A Picture Of Australia, Bush Ballads Forever, Looking Back Along The Track, Jammo: The Early Years 'til Now, Troy's Memory and The Year 2000 Australian Bushman.
An EP, The Ballad Of Mulga Dan, also formed part of Keith’s catalogue.
He recorded his first songs in 1979… Capella Rodeo and Country Music Man, both produced by Barry Thornton, and started touring three years later in 1982.
Among Keith’s notable career achievements was the recording by Slim Dusty of one of his songs, The Blue Gumtree Ball, which was released on Slim’s Natural High album in 1994.
Following his retirement from the mining industry, Keith began touring around Australia full-time with his partner Alisha Smith and their daughter Caitlyn, with both of whom he also released several collaborative albums, the trio often performing at various country music events.
In 1998, he established a community radio station – 4BCB 92.7 – in Blackwater which he managed until his move to Bouldercombe in 2006.
Keith’s numerous awards and honours have included a Queensland Award of Recognition in Country Music, induction into the Country Music Hands of Fame in 2005, the 2014 Golden Guitar for Bush Ballad of the Year for I Love Australia written for Jeff Brown and his Order of Australia Medal, presented in 2020 for services to country music and the community.
Vale – Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John, who died on August 8 in California, sold 100 million records globally.
That puts her in the upper echelon of acts who began their careers in Australia – the Bee Gees (220 million), AC/DC (200 million) and Air Supply (100 million).
Having started her career as a budding pop artist on shows like television’s Bandstand in Australia, Olivia moved to the United Kingdom where she established herself as a crossover country artist with hits including If Not For You and Banks Of The Ohio (1971), Let Me Be There (1973), If You Love Me Let Me Know and I Honestly Love You (1974), Have You Never Been Mellow (1975) and Sam (1977).
Her success at this time included American chart hits, as well as in Australia and the UK, being voted Best Female British Vocalist two years running, and a number of US based awards including a Grammy for Best Country Female.
Much more and greater success was achieved following her rise to stardom after starring in the mega hit movie Grease and the rest, as they say is history, in the end crossing pop, country and adult contemporary radio formats with ease, breaking and setting a number of records along the way.
For services to charity, cancer research, environmental and animal protection, and entertainment, Olivia was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).
She was made a Companion of the Order of Australia and admitted to the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2002.
Olivia’s struggle with cancer is well known, as is her involvement in setting up the ONJ Cancer Centre, an enduring legacy for a musical megastar.
Vale – Archie Roach
Archie Roach, who has died aged 66, was an Indigenous Australian singer/songwriter, guitarist and writer, whose most famous song, Took The Children Away, described his own painful life story and in the process helped to educate Australians about one of the darkest chapters in their history.
It won him two ARIA awards and an International Human Rights Achievement award and established him as one of Australia’s most distinctive and celebrated performers.
Archie was one of the stolen generations of Aboriginal children who were forcibly removed from their families by government agencies under protection era laws and policies. Aboriginal children were placed in homes and orphanages or brought up by white foster families.
The aim was that they should be assimilated into the white community, reject their heritage and language, and adopt white culture instead.
Through his songs and later his 2019 memoir Tell Me Why, Archie revealed the suffering these policies inflicted on Aboriginal families for generations.
Archie wrote Took The Children Away after being encouraged by an uncle to write about his own experiences. He sang it on a community radio station, then in pubs and on TV, and came to the notice of one of Australia’s best-known singer-songwriters, Paul Kelly.
He was offered a recording contract and released his first solo album, Charcoal Lane, in 1990. The album won ARIA awards for best new talent and best Indigenous album.
Archie went on to record a series of solo albums, including Jamu Dreaming (1993) and Looking for Butter Boy (1997) and provided the soundtrack for the film The Tracker in 2002.
He and his wife Ruby Hunter spent time teaching music and performing in remote Indigenous communities and offered an open house to homeless and disadvantaged young people.
Ruby died in 2010 marking the start of a sad and difficult time for Archie. Later that year, he suffered a stroke, and the following year – after returning to live performance – he was diagnosed with lung cancer and had a lung removed.
Announcing that he “wanted to write about coming through pain in a positive way,” he recorded his 2012 album Into The Bloodstream “with an oxygen bottle on standby”.
In 2016 he released Let Love Rule, followed by Tell Me Why in 2019 becoming his most successful album and the first to be a top 10 bestseller in Australia.
In 2015, Archie was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his “significant service to the performing arts as a singer, songwriter and guitarist, and to the community as a spokesman for social justice."
In October 2020, he launched the Archie Roach Stolen Generation Educational Resources: a free package of educational support materials, developed by First Nations curriculum writers, to teach young Australians about Indigenous Australia, cultural identity and the stolen generations.
The album of Charcoal Lane re-recordings was released in November 2020 and Archie was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame later that month.
As he had lived with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for years, he was taken from Warrnambool Base Hospital in an ambulane to accept the award via a broadcast from the nearby Lighthouse Theatre, performing Took The Children Away while breathing through a nasal cannula with an ambulance waiting outside.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022
The Good Old Days Festival set to return this year
The nation’s largest gathering of harnessed draught animals, The Good Old Days Festival, is set to go ahead at Barellan on October 1 and 2, thanks to NSW Government funding, after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A $56,835 grant under the Regional Events Acceleration fund will assist with live entertainment, grandstand seating and glamping accommodation at the 2022 Festival.
Organisers, the Barellan Working Clydesdales Committee, also received a $5000 grant from Nutrien Agrimac for the purchase of a ride on mower for ground maintenance.
The committee unanimously voted to proceed with the 2022 event and is planning a full program of authentic heritage events, a Furphy Festival, camp oven dinner under the stars with entertainment by The Bushwackers and a Clydie Art Trail.
Three-day glamping packages will be available and visitors will be able to see horse, bullock, camel, donkey, mules and goats in harness, an Australian Light Horse display, camel races, blade shearing, butter churning, dog jump, working dogs, blacksmith, rope turning, sheaf tossing, old fashioned children’s games, bush poetry, scone making, market stalls and the grand parade.
A highlight for visitors will be the Barellan Working Clydesdale Committee horse master Bruce Bandy and Lake Cargelligo Australian draught horse breeder Steve Johnson driving a team of around 30 heavy horses pulling a Bennett wool wagon. The inaugural animal to compete for this prestigious trophy will be the Clydesdale in 2022.
They will be joined by Rod Sansom with his donkey and bullock teams, Phil Thomson and his bullock team and David Irvin with his vintage tractor pulling a Furphy water cart train.
New for this year will be the perpetual Teamsters Trophy, an initiative of master horseman Tim Peel recognising our pioneering draught teams and with a scale model of a Bennett wagon handcrafted by Allan Langfield of Wagga Wagga.
The Good Old Days Festival set a single day attendance record of 7000 visitors when it was last held in 2019, with cooks churning out 1000 scones, and people of all ages left gobsmacked by the sight of 32 horses harnessed to a fully laden wool wagon.
Barellan Working Clydesdales Committee secretary Fiona Kibble said Festival volunteers were excited to be planning for an event which will see the most experienced teamsters in the country assemble at Barellan to showcase horses, camels, donkeys, mules and goats hauling wagons, binders, headers, ploughs, carts, buggies, sleds, sulkies and a mallee roller.
“The Regional Events Acceleration Fund grant will help ensure this event comes back bigger and better than ever,” Fiona said.
“The funding is crucial to expanding the event to cater to a larger crowd and underpinning what is the Narrandera Shire’s biggest tourism event."
MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2022
Muster announces talent search finalists
The Gympie Music Muster has announced finalists for it's 2022 Talent Search.
Sponsored by NAB, the Talent Search has been responsible for launching or boosting the careers of a number of now well-known acts like Ruby Gilbert, Drew McAlister, Brooke & Sam McClymont and Mark O'Shea.
A few former winners are even returning this year as performers in their own right, said a spokesman for the event organisers, including Rudy Gilbert, Felicity Kircher, Drew in McAlister Kemp and Brooke Schubert.
Finalists in this year’s talent search will travel from across Queensland and as far away as Victoria to take part in the competition.
In the Junior Category (for 12 to 17 year olds) the finalists are Envyy – Cora and Lochie (from the Sunshine Coast, Qld), Lily Grace (Gold Coast, Qld), Jake Murdoch (Gold Coast Qld), Emmagen Rain (Murwillumbah, NSW), Noah Robertson (Whitsundays, Qld) and Sarah Savannah (Brisbane, Qld).
In the Open Category... Sari Abbott (Sunrise Beach, Qld), Ally & Sarah (Ipswich Qld), Brittany Elise (Boyne Island, Qls), Emily Hatton (Melbourne, Vic), Mandy Hawkes (Alstonville, NSW), Phoebe Jay (Bundaberg, Qld), Brad Millers (River Ranch Qld), Leyon Milner (Mackay, Qld), Mitch (Gold Coast, Qld), Ali Shield (Sunshine Coast, Qld) and Valley 109 (Brisbane Qld).
While the biggest prize is the boost to their burgeoning music careers, the winner will be heading off to Nashville with mentoring and performance opportunities provided and industry networking sessions.
“Although the talent search is based on a competition format, it’s about every artist showcasing themselves,” Co-ordinator Michael Turner said.
“We’ve seen people come second or third in talent searches and go on to have awesome careers – sometimes even bigger than the winner," he said, "simply through their talent and dedication, so we’ve arranged for every finalist to receive mentoring and distribution of their music. There will be no losers in this.
“For the same reason, the major prizes are all focused around showcasing and nurturing the artist, including industry opportunities.
Weblink – www.muster.com.au.
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022
Vale – Barrie Brennan
Barrie Brennan, a Tamworth local long involved with the country music sector, has died at the age of 84.
Barrie first became involved in country music while working at the University of New England Centre for Continuing Education in Tamworth in 1973.
That year, the Country Music Awards were launched and Barrie was asked to be the Awards Judging Auditor, a position he retained for the next 20 years almost.
Barrie also spent almost three decades as a board member of the Australian country music Foundation instigators of the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame and national country music archive.
An expert in distance and continuing education, he retired from the University in 1999.
In 2016, Barrie published a book on adult and extension education called Continuing Professional Education in Australia, described as "a tale of missed opportunities".
At the Australian Country Music Foundation, he undertook numerous roles including involvement in funding applications and organisation of the Australian Country Music Literary Award.
Prior to come to Tamworth, Barrie taught English and history at Grenville and Gilgandra.
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022
Hats Off kicks off today
Country Music Capital’s mid year festival – Hats Off To Country – kicks off today.
This year’s event, coming just a few months after the postponed January festival in April, is being billed as a festival featuring the city and surround’s raft of local talent.
“A chance to shine a light on local talent, outside of the hustle and bustle of the usual January festival,” a spokesman said.
Tamworth Regional Council's Country Music Co-ordinator Cheryl Brown said the cooler, mid-year event had entertained visitors and locals for 22 years – even in the pandemic-struck 2020.”
But she admitted it may be too soon to expect a flood of fans, with the postponed Tamworth Country Music Festival held just two months ago.
"Artists have been hit hard over the past two years and we decided to shine a spotlight on our local artists this time, with a few visiting artists too," she said.
"It's also a great opportunity to support our local entertainment venues who provide fantastic entertainment and service. They really come together each year to make this festival the success that it is."
For Lawrie and Shelley Minson (pictured), festivities will kick off early with a songwriters event at The Press on Thursday at 7pm.
"We've been running it for the past five months, it's usually the first Thursday of the month and it coincided with Hats Off this month, so it worked out really good timing," Lawrie said.
The duo then takes to the stage at West Leagues on Friday night, before wrapping up the weekend on Saturday at The Oasis Hotel.
Lawrie said Hats Off still meant a lot to the local artists who can sometimes be overlooked in January.
Other artists on the program include Freddy Bailey, Anthony Baxter, Kirsty Bolton, The Crosby Sisters, Dale Hooper, Katie Jayne Band, Kerry Kennedy and Double Barrel, Rae Leigh, Ross McGregor, Brendan Nawrocki, Redneck Gentlemen, Piper Rodrigues, Peter Salata, Ryan Sampson, Jared Scott, Brendan Smoother, Mike Vee, Kerry Walsh and Trinity Woodhouse.
Hats Off began in June 2000 with a major salute concert to the King of Australian Country Music Slim Dusty, and soon became a mid-year celebration of all thing's country music in Tamworth.
Venues from all over town participate, with a variety of gigs, but a favourite is the annual Cowboy Crawl which returns on Friday night.
Beginning at the Tamworth Services Club, the bus then moves to The Longyard, then back to Wests' Diggers before “a short crawl” to Peel Street's Tudor Hotel.
Hats off to Country 2022 runs from Thursday July 7 to Sunday July 10 with more than 60 individual events or activities on the official and unofficial programs.
Weblink – www.hatsofftocountry.com.au.
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2022
Lee on film
A film celebrating the life and music of Aussie country star Lee Kernaghan will be released later this month.
“Lee Kernaghan: Boy From The Bush” will be out in cinemas on Thursday July 28.
The film was directed by Kriv Stenders, who has credits including “Red Dog” and the documentary “Slim & I” with production by Chris Brown (“Slim & I” and “The Proposition”) and Diana Le Dean (“Slim & I”).
Described as a part-concert film and part-road movie, the film features live performances of some of Lee’s greatest hits, a new song and “stunning local landscapes, remarkable people and amazing stories that have inspired him throughout his incredible 30-year career,” according to a release announcing news of the film.
The official trailer of “Lee Kernaghan: Boy From The Bush” can be viewed here.
"Lee Kernaghan: Boy From The Bush" will only be available in cinemas for a short time and is expected to be available on DVD and digitally thereafter.
The winner of 37 coveted Golden Guitar Awards, with millions of albums sold and 38 number one hit songs to date, Lee has shaped a generation and made a huge impact on the country music scene in Australia.
Weblink – www.leekernaghan.com.au.
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022
Muster returns after two years
After two years in abeyance as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the renowned Gympie Muster returns in August this year with a massive line-up of entertainment.
The 2022 Muster will be headlined by Adam Brand, Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers, Beccy Cole, Graeme Connors, Brad Cox, Adam Harvey, Lee Kernaghan, Chad Morgan, John Williamson and The Wolfe Brothers.
Headliners will be supported by a raft of stars including Casey Barnes, The Black Sorrows, James Blundell, Lachlan Bryan & The Wildes, The Bushwackers, Travis Collins, Ash Grunwald, Tania Kernaghan, Amber Lawrence, Fanny Lumsden, McxAlister Kemp, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, Shane Nicholson, The Pigs, Jasmine Rae, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham and Warren H Williams.
Also on the bill is a long list of well-known and rising star acts like 8 Ball Aitken, Fiona Boyes, The Buckleys, Brook Chivell, Cornell & Carr, Darlinghurst, Steve Forde, Ruby Gilbert, Good Will Remedy, Briannah Grace, Bec Hance, Haystack Mountain Hermits, The Hillbilly Goats, Mason Hope, Hurricane Fall, Pixie Jenkins, James Johnston, Minnie Marks, The Mason Rack Band, Jason McDaniel, Taylor Moss, Open Season Band, Natalie Pearson, Tex Perkins & The Fat Rubber Band, Amber Joy Poulton, the Tony Q Band, Andrew Swift, Uncle Bob’s Jug Band, Vixens Of Fall, Michael Waugh, Raechel Whitchurch and Sammy White.
More than 100 individual acts will appear during the Muster’s four days,
Thursday to Sunday, August 25 to 28.
The Muster is staged at the dedicated site in the Amamoor State Forest south west of Gympie in Queensland.
The first Gympie Muster was held in 1982 as a celebration of the Golden Guitar win by the Webb Brothers’, on whose property the event was originally held.
Since then, the event has grown to become one of Australia’s most recognised country music festivals.
It is also well known as one of the nation’s iconic fundraising events having returned more than $20 million to community groups and charities since inception.
Owned by the Apex Club of Gympie, the fundamental purpose of the Muster has always remained the same – “to raise funds for those in need in our communities”.
Over the years there have been more than 2500 performances at the event including by Australian country royalty Slim Dusty who has a camping area named in his honor.
The return of the Muster in 2022 after missing two years will see more than 240 separate performances across six stages and a variety of interactive experiences for audience education and participation.
Weblink – www.muster.com.au.
THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022
WA Award Winners
Local artist Codee-Lee (pictured) has come away from this year’s West Australian Country Music Awards with four wins.
Code-Lee won Single of the Year and EP of the Year in her own right for Who I Am (produced by Shane Woodhouse), shared the songwriting award with Katrina Burgoyne (also for Who I Am) and also took home the Awards people’s choice gong.
Kate Hindle was a dual winner taking out the Emerging Artist award and Female Artist of the Year.
And The Little Lord Street Band also scored a double for Group of the Year and Album of the Year with the self-produced A Minute Of Another Day.
Chris Matthews was named Male Artist of the Year and Mike Goodwin won Video Clip of the Year for Sugarcane, produced by Mike and Angela D'Arcy Evans.
West Australian Country Music Junior Vocalist of the Year winner was Charlee Jones.
This year’s Awards, presented again by Livelighter, were staged as a virtual, online, event earlier this month.
MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022
Country music honours
A number of country music identities have been honoured in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours, all to receive Order of Australia Medals (OAMs).
Graham Bell, Coffs Harbour based broadcaster, is being recognised for his service to community radio and to country music.
Leading singer/songwriter and "Coodabeen Champion" Greg Champion is being recognised for his service to the performing arts and to radio.
Beccy Cole, who was inducted into the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown this January, is being recognised for her service to country music.
And Bendigo based performer and broadcaster Florence (Floreena) Forbes is being recognised for her service to country music and to radio presentation.
Both Graham and Floreena are also inductees to the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Vika & Linda Bull – blues and soul artists who align sometimes with the country sector – are also to receive OAMs.
Pictured (from left): Graham, Greg, Beccy and Floreena.
THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022
Dusty Boots this weekend
The 2022 Dusty Boots Festival & Awards are being staged this weekend at Narromine in the NSW Central West.
A long list of artists will feature during the three day program... Cheryls Anderson, Anthony Baxter, Lance Birrell, Rob Breese, Cactus Flat/Westerneers, Peter "Smokey" Dawson, Roydon Donohue, Greg Franks, Grazy's Country, Hell & Heels, Justin Landers, Wayne "Hoss" Metcalf, Kirsten Minnick, Greg Bolan & Cal Brinsmead, Andy Penkow, Ben Ransom, Reflections, Kevin Sullivan, Sunset Duo and Mark Swain.
The action kicks off at the Narromine USMC tomorrow, Friday 10th with the Awards event to run through Saturday and a huge wrap-up day running all day Sunday.
A total of 15 awards will be announced and presented for services to country music.
Weblink here.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2022
Bungendore Muster to fold
In an announcement on facebook today, organisers of the Bungendore Country Music Muster said at a special committee meeting yesterday (May 24) the dedicision was taken to wind up the association effectively spelling the end of the previously annual event.
"In organising and holding an event such as the Muster, it requires much financial input and many hours of volunteer labour," the statement said, "and the association falls short on both these issues.
"The health and age of committee members and the failure of the committee to attract suitable people for managing and organising the festival was a major factor to reluctantly fold the association." the committee said.
The Muster has not been held during Covid although the associated Australian Bush Ballad Awards have been staged "virtually".
"There has been much discussion with community groups, including other interested individuals regarding management assistance," the committee said, "but no suitable offers for assistance have been forthcoming.
The Muster had been staged continuously for 36 years, raising funds for the Bungendore community and encouraging and promoting Australian country music.
No statement was made as to the future of the Bush Ballad Awards although it is understood discussions are underway with a view to maintaining these as a major national event.
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022
Finalists announced for 2022 West Australian Awards
Finalists have been announced for the 2022 West Australian Country Music Awards, presented by Livelighter, winners to be announced from Boyup Brook on Saturday June 11.
For Female Artist of the Year, finalists are Codee-Lee, Siobhan Cotchin and Kate Jindle.
For Male Artist of the Year – Mike Goodwin, Chris Matthews and Jonny Reid.
For Group/Duo of the Year – The Little Lord Street Band, Scarlett’s Way and Helen Townsend & The Wayward Hearts.
For Album of the Year – A Minute of Another Day by The Little Lord Street Band (produced by The Little Lord Street Band), Little Bit Long Way by Chris Matthews (produced by Chris Matthews and Benjy Pocock) and Sleeping Rough by Ray Jones (produced by Bill Chambers).
For Single of the Year – Just The Way It Is by Siobhan Cotchin, Run To Me by Codee-Lee and Who I Am also by Codee-Lee.
For EP of the Year – Clem by Kathy Carver (produced by Mark Donohoe), Love, Lies “n” Leaving by Helen Townsend with Shannon Smith (produced by Helen Townsend, Shannon Smith and Elliott Smith) and Who I Am by Codee-Lee (produced by James Newhouse).
For Video Clip of the Year – I Won’t Lie by Lincoln MacKinnon (produced by Lincoln MacKinnon), Once You’re Wrapped Around Me by Lincoln MacKinnon (produced by Lincoln MacKinnon) and Sugarcane by Mike Goodwin (produced by Mike Goodwin & Angela D’Arcy-Evans).
For Songwriter of the Year – Codee-Lee with Boy From Idaho, Codee-Lee & Katrina Burgoyne with Who I Am and Kate Hindle with Broken Mind.
For Emerging Artist of the Year – Siobhan Cotchin, Kate Hindle and Simon & Tammy London.
For Junior Vocalist of the Year – Shae Digney, Charlee Jones and Maddison Sheppard.
Weblink – www.countrymusicwa.com.au.
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022
Roger inducted into Galaxy of Stars
Ausralian indigenous country star Roger Knox has been inducted into Tamworth’s Galaxy of Stars.
The Galaxy of Stars is one of a number of key recognition schemes in the Country Music Capital.
Roger joins the likes of Slim Dusty, who was the first inductee in the year 2000, and 30 others including Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers, Lee Kernaghan and John Williamson.
Roger, a Kamilaroi/Gomeroi man, is an accomplished country singer who moved to Tamworth at age 17.
He started his music career as a gospel singer, quickly picking up the nickname “The Black Elvis” for his hairstyle and snappy dressing.
Through his long and illustrious career, Roger has released five albums, toured nationally and internationally and received a number of accolades including induction into the Hands of Fame in 2004.
Toyota Country Music Festival Manager Barry Harley said: “The Galaxy of Stars was launched more than 20 years ago by Tamworth Regional Council to recognise artists who’ve made a significant contribution to Australia’s music industry and congratulated Roger on being named the 2022 Galaxy of Stars inductee.
“He continues to have a fantastic career and he’s made a huge impact on Australia’s country music scene,” Barry said.
In 1993, Roger was awarded two NAIDOC awards – National and NSW Indigenous Artist of the Year and in 2002 also contributed to the album Gamilaraay & Yuwaalaraay Songs, a compilation of language songs.
In 2006, he was the recipient of the Jimmy Little Award for Lifetime Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait music at the Deadly Awards.
Roger was also inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Indigenous Music Awards in Darwin in 2018.
Through his music, Roger regularly supports his community through NAIDOC, fundraising efforts and promoting educational activities to support his community, Barry said.
“He is a fantastic artist and ambassador for country music who has used music and singing as part of his culture to bring people together.”
Roger’s plaque (seen here with the star himself and Tamworth Mayor Russell Webb, will be installed at the Galaxy of Stars display in the forecourt of the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre.
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022
Troy and Shane win big at the Golden Guitars
Troy Cassar-Daley (pictured top)and Shane Nicholson (pictured) have come out of last night’s Golden Guitar Awards as the two biggest winners.
Although Shane won one more than Troy with four, it was definitely Troy’s night as he overtook Slim Dusty and Lee Kernaghan in “the Golden Guitar Stakes”.
Troy now has 40 Golden Guitars to his name, two ahead of Slim and Lee both on 38.
Shane won Single of the Year and Song of the Year with And You Will have Your Way and Album of the Year and Alt Country Album of the Year with Living In Colour.
Troy won Vocal Collaboration of the Year for South with Ian Moss, Top Selling Album of the Year with The World Today and Male Artist of the Year.
The Wolfe Brothers also scored well with Contemporary Album of the Year for Kids On Cassette and Group or Duo of the Year.
And Weeping Willows was the remaining act to win multiple awards… Instrumental of the Year with Southern Gothic and Bluegrass Recording of the Year with Black Crow.
Video of the Year went to Ashleigh Dallas and Luke O’Shea for Long Way Round and Michael Waugh took out Heritage Song of the Year with Dirty River.
Angus Gill won the Bush Ballad Golden Guitar with The Easy Way, co-written with Manfred Vijars.
Adam Harvey won the Traditional Album gong with Songs From Highway One while New Talent of the Year was taken out by Darlinghurst.
Ashleigh Dallas was named Female Artist of the Year.
Beccy Cole was announced as the 2022 inductee to the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown and Brendan Radford as the CMAA’s Musician of the Year.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022
Max crowned Star Maker 2022
Max Jackson has been crowned Toyota Star Maker 2022.
Max won the title from nine fellow finalists, Jake Davey, Brittany Elise, Charlie Fittler, Jade Gibson, Katie Jayne, Heath Lancaster, Billie-Jo Porter, Clancy Pye and Loren Ryan.
It was the 42nd Star Maker quest following the 2020 event, last yeae’s talent search having been cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions.
Organisers say Max caught the eye of judges “with a captivating performance of her songs Life Of The Party and Runnin'.”
Star Maker has been a “launching pad” for some of Australia's best known country stars including Kirsty Lee Akers, James Blundell, Lyn Bowtell, Darren Coggan, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins, Brad Cox, Gina Jeffreys, Lee Kernaghan and Keith Urban.
It was a tough job for judges according to Star Maker coordinator Cheryl Brown who said: "it was a particularly difficult year with all 10 finalists worthy of being here."
Max takes the crown from singer/songwriter Sammy White who held the title for two years as there was no event In 2021.
At Tuesday night’s Star Maker final, Lee Kernaghan surprised fans with a performance of his classic Outback Club and Boys From The Bush hits, marking 40 years since he won Star Maker in 1982.
Judges took into account each finalist’s entry, their individual interviews and preparation before Max was chosen as the ultimate winner.
Toyota Australia Marketing Integration Senior Manager Tim Stuckey (pictured above with Max following the winner's announcement) said the performances were a testament to the extraordinary up and coming talent in Australian country music.
"On behalf of Toyota Australia, I would like to congratulate Max on taking out the 2022 Toyota Star Maker title," he said.
"For over two decades, Toyota Australia has proudly helped rising country music stars achieve their dreams and Max was truly a deserving winner of the 42nd Star Maker competition.
“We hope the prizes Max takes home will help enhance what is set to be an incredible career in music, and we wish her all the best for their career."
In addition to the title of Toyota Star Maker winner, Max will be handed 12-months of use of a new car and fuel card, a photo portfolio, a recording session and production of two professional clips and the opportunity to perform at major events and festivals across the country.
Weblink – www.starmaker.com.au.
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022
2022 People’s Choice Winners announced
Winners in the 2022 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards were announced in Tamworth today.
A cross section of the Australian country music industry gained recognition from fans who voted in their thousands to determine the winners.
Best Female Vocal went to newcomer Cassidy-Rae (pictured) while rising star Brendan McMahon (pictured) took home Best Male Vocal.
The Silverline (pictured below) won Best Group or Duo, the first time this award has “changed hands” in more than a decade following the disbanding of perennial winners Brothers3.
Best Album went to Free Time And Money by Justin Landers.
Best Song went to When Only Real Country Will Do, written by Virginia Hermel, recorded by Runaway Dixie.
Best Bush Ballad was awarded to Born To The Saddle, written and recorded by Graham Rodger.
Lily Grace and James Blundell took home the Best Video award with the video of their song Annie June.
Andy Penkow was named Most Promising Future Star.
In the broadcast categories, Alan Gilmour was named Most Popular Country Music DJ and Brisbane’s Triple A Murri Country Brekky Show with Tariana Olive & Jharal Yow Yeh won Most Popular Country Music Program.
This year’s People’s Choice Awards also saw inductions into the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame for the first time.
Three inductees were announced, the first, Alan Gilmour of todayscountry94one and, specifically, the Australian Country Songwriters Show.
Two special inductions in this 50th year of the Tamworth Country Music Council were broadcasters Bob Corbett and Phil Corbett.
The two, who are not related, each played a significant part in Tamworth Radio Station 2TM’s role in developing the Golden Guitar Awards and annual country music festival.
Phil was a long term employee of the station who had involvement with activities as varied as the early specialist radio programs Big T Jubilee and National Country Music Jamboree.
Bob worked on the now famous radio program Hoedown with John Minson helping to build the program’s success in its developmental years.
Weblink – www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022
Vale – Nev Nicholls
Australian country music pioneer Nev Nicholls has died at the age of 91.
Growing up in the NSW Central West, Nev travelled to Sydney in 1952 to put down some custom recordings.
This led to an audition, and eventual signing, with the now classic early pioneering record label Regal Zonophone.
Nev cut 22 sides of mostly his own material for Regal.
He then appeared on “Australia’s Amateur Hour” and the Tim McNamara talent quest.
In 1957, Nev did his first country tour with The Reg Lindsay Show with Reg, Heather McKean, Rick & Thel Carey, Chad Morgan, Judy Stone and comedian Freddy Merideth.
In 1968, he got a call to audition for a night club job in Kings Cross and that led to a 10 year stint at the famous Texas Tavern where he and his band The Country Playboys played to audiences including American servicemen on R&R (rest & recreation) from the Vietnam War.
In 1970, Nev released his album – Cross Country Music – on the Du Monde label, the first of more than 20 to follow.
In 1975, he won the Golden Guitar for Instrumental of the Year with Nashville Express as Nev Nicholl’s Country Playboys. In 1977, Nev was inducted into the Hands of Fame in Tamworth.
From the late ‘70s through to 1988, The syndicated “Nev Nicholls National Roadshow” went to air throughout Australia on more than 90 radio stations - a weekly two hour program.
He also launched a travelling show under the same name and toured that all round Australia, starring at various times, Gary Brown, Phil Emmanuel, Cowboy Bob Purtell, Debbie Lee Rae and Lisa White.
As a further string to his bow, Nev launched his own record label Nicholls 'N’ Dimes.
In 1992 he was inducted into the Australasian Country Music Roll Of Renown at Tamworth.
Nev had always been a prolific writer and besides recording vast numbers of his own songs he also covered songs and was known significantly for his connection to trucking music.
In 2002, he was inducted into the newly established Australian Country Music Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame.
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022
Six for Hands of Fame
This year’s inductees into the Country Music Hands of Fame cornerstone in Tamworth have been announced.
They are, in alphabetical order… Kirsty Lee Akers, Roo Arcus, Lyn Bowtell, John Elliott, Luke O’Shea and Dennis “Fibber” Parker.
Kirsty Lee, Roo, Lyn and Luke are all well-known and award winning recording artists while Queensland based Dennis is a long-time country music entertainer who has performed during the past 50 years at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Birdsville, Gympie Muster, local pubs and clubs and more.
John Elliott is one of Australia’s leading photographers and media men, especially in country music.
He is well known for his involvement in radio, for his writing in numerous publications, festival organisation and promotion and has a number of dedicated photo-journalistic publications to his credit.
The hand imprinting will take place on Wednesday morning April 20 at 9:30 during the rescheduled Tamworth Country Music Festival.
These six will join the already 400 famous names recognised in the Hands of Fame cornerstone.
Pictured (clockwise from top left): Kirsty, Luke, Lyn, John, Roo and Dennis.
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022
APRA finalists announced
Finalists for the 2022 APRA Music Awards have been announced.
In the Most Performed Country Work category, they are...
Casey Barnes with Come Turn Me On, written by Casey with Kaci Brown and Samuel Gray;
Brad Cox with his self-penned Short Lived Love;
Fanny Lumsden with Dig, written by Fanny with Benjamin Corbett and Dan Freeman;
Seaforth with Breakup, written by Cameron Bedell, Thomas Jordan, Liz Rose and Mitchell Thompson; and
Amy Shark & Keith Urban with Love Songs Ain’t For Us, written by Amy and Ed Sheeran.
Award winners will be announced on Tuesday May 3 at the Melbourne Town Hall.
Weblink – www.apraamcos.com.au.
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2022
People's Choice announce special guest comperes
Organisers of the upcoming Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards have announced special guest comperes for the upcoming 2022 event.
Three-time Golden Guitar nominee (including for this year) Jayne Denham will be joined by last year's People's Choice Country Music DJ of the Year Ray McCoy to handle compereing duties for the 2022 event.
One of Australia's most admired and sought-after country rock performers, Jayne's impressive and energetic live shows have earned her countless opportunities performing for VIP crowds.
She performed at Keith Urban's Sydney shows and has appeared as a featured artist at all of the major Australian country music festivals including Tamworth, CMC Rocks, Deni Ute Muster and Gympie Music Muster.
Also known for her trucking songs, her deep connection with the trucker community led to Jayne becoming Ambassador for the Women In Trucking Association in the US.
In 2017, her high-octane reputation caught the attention of US promoters, who invited her to perform at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Texas, leading to a demand for her to be constantly touring America.
Most recent successes have included the song Black Coffee And White Lines which garnered more than a million streams across all platforms in just four weeks.
Ray McCoy is a modern day legend in country music broadcasting, particularly through his high profile on air duties at Country Music Capital's 88.9 FM which broadcasts to a wide audience, including globally via the Internet.
Over many years, Ray has worked at numerous radio outlets including Tamworth's own iconic Radio 2TM
The 2022 Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards will be staged in the Grand Ballroom at Wests Diggers in Country Music Capital at 10am on Tuesday April 19.
Tickets are available from Wests in Tamworth or online at wtlc.com.au.
Eleven of the finalists in the 2022 Awards will feature as guest artists during the gala presentation event.
Weblink – www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2022
Festivals update
In addition to the postponed Tamworth Country Music Festival, a number of major events are scheduled for April.
There have been some casualties – like the Winton, Dolly and Yarabah events (and there may be more that we have not received advice on) – but it's looking a lot like the start of a return to normal.
On the Bulletin Festival & Events page, there are 27 events listed, an average of almost one a day for the month.
Key among these, chronologically, are The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival at Corryong, the Goulburn Valley Country Music Festival at Shepparton, the National Folk Festival in Canberra, Roma Easter in the Country, Hartwood Campfires & Festival at Coolah, Stone The Crows Festival at Wagga Wagga, the Parkes Elvis Festival, the Mundi Mundi Bush Bash, the Gippsland Country Music Festival, Australian Celtic Festival at Glen Innes, the Mayworth Dance Festival in Tamworth and the Charters Towers Country Music Festival.
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022
New from 8 Ball
8 Ball Aitken has released a new album titled Heart And Soul.
The self-produced work was mostly completed in Nashville by the singer/songwriter/musician in Nashville before re-locating back to Australia 12 months ago.
8 Ball toured the world for more than a decade performing his “swampy-blues-rock” across 20 countries to date, gaining a loyal fan base from his live shows and internet videos.
8 Ball relocated to Nashville in 2012, working from America’s “music city” for nine years. In 2021, he won second place in the International New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival.
His previous album, Ice Cream Man, hit number one on the Australian Blues & Roots Charts in March 2021.
The new album is available on CD and vinyl and can be obtained via 8 Ball’s website www.8ballaitken.com.
FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2022
Artists announced for People’s Choice Awards
An impressive list of guest artists has been announced for the 2022 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards to be held in Tamworth on Tuesday morning, April 19.
The Awards, rescheduled from January together with the 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival, will be staged in the Grand Ballroom at Wests Diggers in Country Music Capital’s Kable Avenue.
In alphabetical order, guest artists, who are all Awards finalists, will be Benny Allen, Ian Burns, Cassidy-Rae, Tracy Coster, Justin Landers, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson, The Long & Short Of It, Brendan McMahon, Andy Penkow, The Silverline and Willow.
Discussions are underway for new hosts for the Awards and it is expected a surprise guest or two will also appear.
Awards will be presented in 10 categories… Best Female Vocal, Best Male, Best Group or Duo, Best Album, Best Song, Best Bush Ballad, Best Video and Most Promising Future Star, together with the dedicated broadcast awards… Most Popular Country Music DJ and Most Popular Country Music Radio Station or Program.
For the first time this year, announcement of the inductee/s into the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame will be announced at the People’s Choice Awards.
The show gets underway from 10am on Tuesday April 19 with tickets set at a low $10, as a special thank you to members of the public who vote each year to determine winners.
Tickets are available from Wests in Tamworth, or via the website wtlc.com.au.
The People's Choice Awards are in their 22nd this year following their launch in the Year 2000.
A full list of finalists, past winners and more can be found at peopleschoiceaards.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2022
Gippsland Country Music Festival
The second annual Gippsland Country Music Festival will be held on Saturday April 23.
The event will be headlined by Kasey Chambers, Travis Collins, Adam Harvey and The Wolfe Brothers with support from acts including Darlinghurst, Mick Harrington, Taylor Moss, The Strzelecki Stringbusters, Bob Wilson Barkindji Man and MC Ben Mastwyk.
After a sell-out inaugural event, the second year is on its way to selling out in advance. Organisers have just announced final release tickets as well as playing times for the all-day event.
Gates open at 11am with the entertainment continuing all day until Kasey Chambers takes the stage at 8pm to close out the evening.
Other activities taking place at the event include line dancing classes, wood-chopping demonstrations, rides and market stalls.
For organiser and long-time Gippsland local Aidan McLaren, to see such support thrown behind the event for a second year in a row means something very special to everyone involved on working on the festival.
“To sell-out the inaugural event so quickly was such an exciting moment,” he says. “Now, to have the second edition on track to sell out as well is incredible. For a long-time we’ve felt like the Gippsland region deserved to have its own country music festival, and now that it’s here, and people are loving it, we truly hope it is something that can continue for many years to come.
“To be able to welcome world-class country acts to the local region, while also providing opportunities to local acts is something we’re really proud of.”
The event is not just about bringing the music to Gippsland, but also about showcasing everything that Gippsland has to offer, Aidan said.
“We hope the festival is huge for our Gippsland region, both economically and socially. Our ticketing data shows that a lot of people are travelling from outside of Gippsland to attend.
“The knock-on effects of this to local business are immense, as many of these people will be staying overnight in Gippsland and most likely exploring some of the other amazing places the region has to offer.
Weblink – www.gippslandcountrymusicfestival.com.
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022
Wanita on air this week
The ABC documentary based on Australian country recording artist Wanita goes to air for the final scheduled time this week.
“I’m Wanita” – billed as “the story of ‘Australia’s Queen of Honky Tonk” – follows the “renegade” country music singer from Tamworth on a mission to record an album in Nashville and realise her lifelong dream of stardom before it’s too late.
“Wanita embarks on a quest to record an album in the country music Mecca of Nashville, but her inability to toe the line threatens to derail her plans,” said a spokesman for the documentary produc
Check our previous story here for more.
Final scheduled air time is 9.30pm Tuesday March 8 on ABC TV in conjunction with International Women’s Day.
THURSDAY, MARCH 3. 2022
Vale – Marge Graham
Well-known NSW North Coast country music identity Marge Graham has become a victim of the week's unprecedented floods in the Northern Rivers.
"We are heartbroken at the news that singer/songwriter, Lismore resident Marge Graham is one of two women who lost their lives in the Lismore floods," said Country Music Co-ordinator with Tamworth Regional Council Cheryl Brown.
"Marge was a huge country music supporter and organiser of events in and for her community as well as at the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival. She volunteered at festivals, concerts, nursing homes and fundraising events for worthy local projects."
Marge was a presenter on her local radio station River FM92.9 hosting her own program Country Breakfast and was involved in radio for more than 40 years.
In 2007, she undertook a 24 hour broadcast on Saturday April 21 to raise money for charity completely solo. She was celebrating her 30th year on the air.
In 2018, she was inducted into the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
In 2019, Marge received the Tamworth Peel Valley Lions Club Country Music Community Service Award "for her exemplary service to the community through her association with country music". She donated the $500 that she received to her local Riding for the Disabled branch.
Marge was a voluntary co-ordinator of the Cedars Guitar Country Music Festival in Lismore for 40 years.
Photo (by Robyn McIntosh): Marge with her certificate of induction to the Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
TUESDAY, MARCH 1. 2022
Bush Ballad winners
Winners in the 2022 Stan Coster Memorial Bush Ballad Awards have been announced.
Sharon Heaslip (pictured) was named winner of the Female Vocal award with It’s Always The Son That Gets The Farm.
Terry Bennetts (pictured) won Male Vocal with the song he co-wrote with Keith Lethbridge, Not Without You Old Mate which also took out the Songwriter award for the songwriting team.
The Coad Sisters won the Group/Duo award with Virginia's song Land Of Acacia.
The Album award went to Ken "Chainsaw" Lindsay for My Favourite Place.
Anthony Baxter won the Instrumental award with Wattle In Springtime.
Tracy Coster was named winner of the Comedy Award with her self-penned Beer I Bought For Dave.
The New Talent Award went to the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame's "Outback Stockman" Lachie Cosser with Southern Cross.
Award winners were announced on-line from Bungendore on Sunday night. There was no Bungendore Muster, where the Awards are usually announced, this year, due to Covid 19.
Weblink – bcmm.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2022
Star Maker pop ups
Organisers of Toyota Star Maker have announced a series of “pop up” concerts featuring the 2022 finalists in the lead up to the grand final event which will now be held in Tamworth on Tuesday April 19.
Set to perform in each of their home towns, the top 10 will take to the stage at their local Toyota dealership over the coming weeks.
Star Maker Coordinator Cheryl Brown said it would be a great opportunity for finalists to perfect their craft in the lead up to the Grand Final.
“These pop up concerts will be a great chance for the top 10 to practice and show off their skills as they prepare for their main performance.”
Kicking off this Friday (February 11) at 4pm, one finalist will perform each week, in the lead up to the 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival.
They will perform five songs live at their local Toyota dealership with an opportunity to meet and greet fans afterwards.
Cheryl said: “This year’s top 10 are a truly talented and inspiring bunch, and these free concerts will give fans a taste of what’s to come in this year’s Grand Final event, so I encourage everyone to go along and show their support.”
Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer Vin Naidoo said the pop up concerts were a great opportunity for the artists to perfect their performances and bring the excitement of the Toyota Star Maker to their own local community.
“Toyota and its dealer network are proud to support this initiative and give country music fans an exciting taste of what they can expect when the top 10 artists take to the stage for the finals of the 2022 Toyota Star Maker in Tamworth in April.”
Fans who attend the free pop up concerts will also have a chance to win a Tamworth Country Music Festival experience prize.
“There will be special QR codes at each pop-up concert and anyone who enters will go into the draw to win two tickets to The Country Club at the Toyota Star Maker Grand Final, as well as two tickets to the Golden Guitar Awards, Lee Kernaghan’s show plus accommodation,” Cheryl said.
In order of appearance, following are the 2022 Toyota Star Maker “pop up” concerts…
Max Jackson – 4pm, Feb 11 – Newcastle Toyota
Jake Davey – 4pm, Feb 18 – Taree Toyota
Brittany Elise – 4pm, Feb 25 – Bill Robertson Toyota, Gladstone
Clancy Pye – 4pm, Mar 4 – Orange Toyota
Billie-Jo Porter – 4pm, Mar 11 – Coffs Harbour Toyota
Jade Gibson – 11am, Mar 19 – Wangaratta Toyota
Heath Lancaster – 4pm, Mar 25 – Kempsey Toyota
Katie Jayne – 4pm, Apr 1 – Scone Toyota
Charlie Fittler – 4pm, Apr 8 – New England Toyota, Armidale
Loren Ryan – 4pm, Apr 15 –Tamworth City Toyota
Weblink – starmaker.com.au.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022
New Smoky Dawson book
Among a number of publications set for release in conjunction with the 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival was a book celebrating the amazing story of the great Smoky Dawson.
Country Music Capital's Northern Daily Leader reported... "Smoky Dawson – A Life" is a substantial update of Smoky's original autobiography released 36 years ago. The new publication is a fully illustrated, 368-page coffee table book that combines the original work with a new chapter: The Final Round-Up.
Author of the new chapter is Glenn T, a playwright, actor and award-winning production designer who was Smoky and Dot's confidant and loyal companion in their later years.
The extensive biography covers the period 1985 almost to the present day and the book has more than 200 historical and contemporary photographs and illustrations.
"I got to meet Smoky at a function in the early '90s," Glenn said. "I was introduced by a mutual friend of ours and we just got along well.
"We became good friends, I lived nearby and as Smoky and his wife Dot started driving less and less I'd take them to various events. I became their local driver and we'd spend a lot of time at the house chatting away and listening to stories."
Glenn said Smoky was his "hero as a child" and to become a part of his life was a dream come true.
"I grew up in the era of watching him on television. So to get to meet him and work with him became quite a thrill for this young cowboy," he said.
Smoky, who is often referred to as Australia's most versatile showman, died in 2008 at the age of 94.
He was a singer, recording artist, songwriter, poet, scriptwriter, actor, television performer, horseman, stuntman, knife-thrower, double-headed axe hurler, whip cracker, raconteur, rancher and revered mentor.
Featuring memories and photographs from the Tamworth Country Music Festival over the years, the new work was released in January.
"I was able to go through the private photo albums and pulled out a lot of never before seen images, personal images and some great publicity photos from many, many decades," Glenn said.
"He loved the festival so much and what it brought to young people as well as recognising the older ones, but I think that Smoky just loved seeing the different types of music.
"He was a mentor for Keith Urban when Keith was 14 and there's a great photo in the book of Smoky with a young mullet-headed Keith Urban that I think came from The Leader back in the day.
"Tamworth was such a big thing in his heart."
Proceeds from the book will go towards the Smoky Dawson Foundation and Bear Cottage.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2022
Country Superstars return
Country Superstars – a "tribute show to American country superstars" – is back on the road following the long absence of performance opportunities due to the coronavirus.
The show is described as an event of "timeless country classics from Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, Linda Ronstadt, Alan Jackson and Shania Twain".
Tamworth will be the first show back on Friday March 4 in the Capitol Theatre with Armidale the following evening at the Armidale Bowling Club.
Events then follow at Queanbeyan (March 17), Wagga Wagga (March 18), Wodonga (March 19), Orange (April 21), Gosford (April 22), Maryborough (June 3), Bundaberg (June 4), Bathurst (June 16) and Mudgee (June 17).
Tickets for all shows can be obtained from the Country Superstars facebook page here.
"We aim to have a real fun night... as well as all the songs everyone knows, getting our audience involved and being part of a great country music night out," said a spokesman for the show.
The first half of the show is described as "retro" with songs of Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton while the second half is aimed at "a little more rockin’ country with covers of the likes of Alan Jackson, Linda Ronstadt and Shania Twain."
MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2022
Stephen White appeal to government
Respected Australian music industry identity Stephen White, who has been involved in the Australian music scene for almost five decades, is fed up with government disdain for the industry and has spelt out his case in an open letter to the Prime Minister and Federal Members of Parliament.
The letter, also addressed to State and Territory Premiers, Chief Ministers and Opposition Leaders, Deputy Premiers, all State Government Ministers and Shadow Ministers, is reproduced below in full.
Stephen currently manages Andrew Farriss, Lee Kernaghan and The Wolfe Brothers. In his 20s he was touring the world with the Little River Band.
To the National, State and Territory leaders of our beloved country, Australia,
2022 will be my 48th year as a full time professional member of the Australian Entertainment Industry. During that time I have waved the Australian Flag high and proud as I worked with some of our greatest music talents on home soil and in some cases all around the world.I remember walking out on to the stage in 1978 at the Dallas Cotton Bowl in Texas in front of 80,000 people and with all the gusto, passion and pride I could muster releasing the words “Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome from Melbourne Australia….Little River Band” and there was a roar from the crowd unlike anything I had ever heard or physically experienced before.
I remember tears of pride welling in my eyes and thinking to myself “here we are on the other side of the planet and we are representing our country on the world stage performing with Fleetwood Mac, Santana, The Eagles. This was 1978 and I was a 23 year old kid from Merrylands in the Western Suburbs of Sydney. Life could not have been better.
I was so proud to be an Australian and wherever we travelled around the world people everywhere had a huge soft spot for what to many was the mystical land down under and the care free, easy going Aussies. Everybody wanted to know about us and our country. Australians could do no wrong in the eyes of our international brothers and sisters.
WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED? – more on this question at another time. Today’s letter is topic specific to the Government to request the assistance that is urgently required for the survival of the live entertainment industry in Australia.
Prime Minister, our industry is drowning and you and all of the other leaders are turning your back on us. Every segment of our industry from artist Managers, Promoters, Booking Agents, Publicists, Technical Crew, Tour Managers, Production Managers, the Artists, the service industries that supply us with rental trucks and cars, sound systems, lighting rigs, projection equipment, rehearsal studios, loaders who help unload the trucks into the venues every day, merchandise sellers and suppliers, travel agents, accommodation providers, airlines, backline equipment hire companies and the manufacturers of all the above equipment used in our industry are all in deep, really deep trouble.
I must also recognise and point out that the same need for help also applies to all small business that can’t earn enough money to keep the doors open caused purely by the rules and limitations enforced by State Governments with no intervention from Canberra.
These rolling decisions of lockdowns and border closures have crippled us. We are hurting, we are demoralised, we are suffering – while those public servants who bring down the hammer on us by imposing these orders are all still getting their wages every week.
The mental health of a very high number of our brothers and sisters is in steep decline. After two years we have run out of our own financial resources. Some had no resources to draw upon to begin with as they live basically week to week – but they have always got by, until now. We are concerned about which week will be the week we can’t pay rent let alone how to pay the regular overheads and bills that do not stop coming in. We have families depending on us!
Those of us who own our own business have staff who rely on their wages to survive. Last week I had to let go a senior staff member simply because the week before we received cancellations of shows for January and February worth over $300k in turnover. These shows were the light at the end of the tunnel for us – and it has been a very long tunnel of border closures and outbreaks. These shows were going to pay the bills, wages and rent. That amount of business vanishing into thin air is like a full force kick with steel capped boots into a man’s groin area. It stops you in your tracks and you fall into a ball on the ground screaming in pain.
And as of today I have nearly all of my March dates also postponed as well. Weren’t we supposed to be in the clear when we reach 90% vaxed? Is it in fact now getting worse with about 95% of the people vaxed? Seriously, WTF is going on Prime Minister?
I know if this is having such a massive impact on my every waking hour and having such a negative mental and physical effect on me, even with all my experience being a seasoned veteran of what is a very difficult and risk filled business at the best of times, then I have no doubt it is having the same effect, and probably even worse, on many others in the industry.
Our lives are driven and funded by providing entertainment to live audiences, which in turn provides wages for hundreds of thousands of people every week around Australia.
Over the last 2 years the lockdowns, border closures and reduced venue capacities have effectively shut us down. We are at the end of our tether Prime Minister. Enough is enough and the continued blatant lack of attention being shown to our industry shall never be forgotten. You must act now and give assistance before we all go under or lose the support of hundreds of thousands of Australians.
I am talking about the workers and the smaller businesses in the sector. We all rely on turnover. We are all feeling so helpless and unable to support long serving and loyal staff and sub-contractors like our road crew members. The crews are the backbone of the live entertainment industry. Many have been working on their respective craft for up to 30 years. They are all self-employed and have had almost no work for the last 2 years.
How the Government can’t see the unique situation the small business people in the live entertainment industry are in and not recognise that we are all in deep trouble and that our sector is arguably the worst hit of all by this Pandemic is beyond me.
So the question is what do we do?
The answer Prime Minister is that you take the time with some of your best people and sit with a few people from my industry who are actually in the position of about to go down with our respective boats – not ships. The folks who have ships are doing ok.
Let’s be clear here. Let’s be specific. I am not talking about the entire entertainment industry. We all have many colleagues and friends who work in the corporate arena. The multi-national recording and publishing companies who, by the way, are enjoying their best profits and growth that they have seen in many years throughout the last 2 years. The employees of these corporations have been able to work from home and still get their pay put into their bank accounts every week through the Pandemic. This a good thing – we want them to stay afloat and be ready to work with us when things return to normal. My point is that they do not need the assistance I am asking for here.
The same applies for the Corporate and Major Promoters, some of whom are multi-national, and some local, who have deep ties with financial investors with seemingly unlimited funds who are based in other countries. These companies do not need a hand. They can manage.
I have read about corporate music industry management, industry bodies and committees going to Canberra to lobby the Government for assistance for the industry. This is all good and very much appreciated but you have to also talk to the small business owners in the sector, the folks who are looking at their lives crumbling under the pressure of being unable to get through this time of forced unemployment, a time that is stripping us of our dignity.I know you have tried some programs to help the entertainment industry like the RISE Grants and these have put millions of dollars into the industry, and it is appreciated. It has given many people a few pay days. Some people had days of welcomed work providing their specific services to the projects that won a grant. Others received pay days that were mini lottery wins. Overall, it was a good thing in general.
It was a great initiative on one level but you are missing what needs to be done for the working people who are struggling.
It would be interesting to have independent reports done on every grant given from the RISE Grant Program and see what the outcome was from the use of the money given.
Having said that, there were many worthy projects that the money went to but the exercise did not solve the problems the smaller players are facing. Those problems are actually being able to survive in these times – and I mean literally survive.
So the answer to the question at hand is you need to come up with another JobKeeper style program for the small business companies and self-employed contractors that legitimately need help within the live entertainment industry.
I have to say that the JobKeeper Program really helped us over the period it was paid at the top rate. The wages got paid and we were able to pay the bills from savings and the occasional income that was earned during some of those months. So thank you very much for that. But you got JobKeeper wrong in a few areas.How is it possible that all of your many highly educated team leaders that include Harvard Business School graduates could not see that during JobKeeper you were paying billions of dollars out to companies who, because of the Pandemic, have never made so much profit – ever! Billions of dollars were wasted in situations like Harvey Norman and a plethora of other businesses who took JobKeeper from the tax payers and were, at the same time, making record profits. The ease at which many companies were paid more than their due by way of errors on their forms and also by way of manipulating figures is a catastrophe. An amazingly unquestioned and forgotten catastrophe that should have seen many heads roll. But hardly a word was spoken about it.
For example: IDP Education received $4 million in JobKeeper and gave CEO Andrew Barkla a $600,000 bonus. Last year he was Australia’s highest paid CEO, taking home $37 million.
The ATO and Treasury admit to a $60 billion bungle that saw them over count the amount of workers being paid because of mistakes on companies’ application forms. This reduced the scheme’s $130 billion price tag to just $70 billion.
$13 billion worth of JobKeeper payments went to Companies that increased sales and profits thanks to the Pandemic. This was between April and September 2021 – a 6 month period. This does not include the prior 12 months of which I can’t find any figures for payments that were paid to wealthy profitable companies that were making record profits thanks to Covid-19. The mathematical assumption is that up to $39 billion dollars was paid to companies who did not need it and were so profitable that their CEO’s were getting bonuses of up to a million dollars per year and some were bonused even more.
During this fiasco me and my colleagues in the live entertainment business were going broke. And with the recent Omnicom outbreak and associated rule changes it is even tougher times for us now. We have no way to make any money Prime Minister.
Our industry is always the first to step up when our country and our people are in trouble, whether it be fire, flood, drought or a unique disaster that falls on a community. We are always there to help raise money and raise the collective spirits of the affected communities.
This letter is purely about the support needed for citizens from a specific industry and any associated small businesses that are currently still unable to work and provide for their families because of rules that limit our capacity to operate. Our industry is the worst affected industry from Covid-19. It is an industry that is not able to survive due to no fault of its own. We are at the mercy of Government decisions whilst most other industries are getting back to work. Prime Minister this is an urgent call for help and it is time for action.
Sincerely,
Stephen White
CEO
Stephen White Management / Stephen White Productions
FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022
Boyup Brook cancelled
The 2022 Boyup Brook Country Music Festival in Western Australia, which was to be held next month, has been cancelled due to on-going risks posed by Covid 19.
The decision to cancel was made by the organisers, the Country Music Club of Boyup Brook, in consultation with the local Shire of Boyup Brook.
Boyup Brook – known as the centre of country music in WA –is also a small regional town and with recent community spread of the coronavirus in Perth and neighbouring regional areas, it was considered the elevated risk posed by holding a large-scale event in the region was unacceptable.
Country Music Club of Boyup Brook President Jason Forsyth said the decision, while difficult, was the right one.
“Despite thorough planning and strict health and safety protocols, the emergence of the Omicron variant and the uncertainty surrounding its spread, have meant holding this event simply contains too many risks,” he said.
“We understand the cancellation of the festival will be incredibly disappointing for our local community, our line-up of all Western Australian artists, staff, passionate volunteers and funding partners who have worked tirelessly over the past year on the event.
“However, we have the responsibility to ensure to the best of our ability the health and safety of not only our attendees, but also the greater Boyup Brook community which play host each year to our festival,” he said.
“We have made this decision out of an abundance of caution and it will allow our team to focus on bringing our much-loved event back in due course when guests, volunteers, staff, and artists can all feel confident about the holding of the event.”
Shire of Boyup Brook President Councillor Richard Walker said he was saddened the event would not go ahead, butb he was pleased Festival organisers had put the health and safety of the local community first.
“The country music festival is the largest event held each year in Boyup Brook and, whilst it is disappointing to see it cancelled two-years in a row, the risk to our community posed by proceeding with such a large-scale event is just too high.
“This decision is the right one, and the Boyup Brook Council will continue to work with the Country Music Club of Boyup Brook to find ways to support them during these challenging times.”
The Club will reach out to ticket holders in the coming days to organise refund of tickets.
Weblink – www.countrymusicwa.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2022
Evelyn and John recognised in Australia Day honours
Evelyn Bury and John Schumann have been recognised in the 2022 Australia Day Order of Australia honours.
Evelyn has been named a recipient of an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) while John will become a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
A long-time entertainer and award-winning singer/songwriter and recording artist, Evelyn was recognised for services to country music.
Among her achievements was the Golden Guitar for Female Vocalist of the Year in 1988 for her recording of I'm Stronger Than I Look.
She was inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame in 1991.
Best known for co-writing and recording I Was Only 19 as leader of the band Redgum, John was recognised for significant service to the veteran community, to music and to the community.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022
Lee tops Aussie Album Chart
Lee Kernaghan has debuted at number one on the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Australian Country Albums Chart this week with his new compilation, The Very Best Of Lee Kernaghan.
Another new entry this week is the latest release from Brad Butcher, Storyteller – The Journey So Far (at number 3).
The chart makeup also varies this week with the re-entry of Adam Harvey’s latest studio album Songs From Highway One, back in at number 17.
Out of the chart this week are Kasey Chambers’ The Captain (from 16), Lee Kernaghan’s Ultimate Hits (20) and the debut self titled album from Darlinghurst (18).
Following Lee at number two is Morgan Evans’ Things That We Drink To (down one from number one last week).
Keith Urban is at four and five, respectively, with The Speed Of Now Part 1 (down one from number three last week) and Ripcord (down from number two).
Slim Dusty holds two positions in this week’s chart – number six with The Very Best Of Slim Dusty and 10 with Gone Fishin’.
His Favourite Collection by John Williamson at number seven, Shannon Noll’s Raw is at eight and Keith’s The Story So Far is at nine rounding out the top 10.
Two significant chart milestones have been reached this week… Morgan Evans ticks over 170 weeks in for Things That We Drink To and Keith Urban’s The Speed Of Now Part 1 hits 70 weeks in.
A countdown of the Top 20 can be heard from 7 o’clock this evening on Capital Country Radio (digital via the internet) with repeats at 9am Thursday at 12noon Saturday.
Weblink – www.capitalcountryradio.com.
MONDAY, JANUARY 24
Country stars on Australia Day
A number of country stars will perform during the 2022 Australia Day Live Outdoor Concert at the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday.
Andrew Farriss (pictured), a new country star and former key member of global supergroup INXS, will be among the line-up.
Kirsty Lee Akers, Hayley Jensen, Amber Lawrence and Aleyce Simmonds (pictured second from left to right) will perform their reimagined version of the John Williamson classic True Blue.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022
TSA 2022 winners
Winners in the 2022 Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) Songrwriter Salute Awards were announced from Enrec Studios in Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital, via youtube tonight.
Winner of the Novice Songwriting Award was Andrew Ryan with Our Land while Felicity Dowd took the honours for Youth Songwriting with Miss You.
In Lyrics Only, Susan Muranty won with The Heart You Break The Hardest and Tony Smith won in Gospel/Spiritual with Lean On Me.
The Bluegrass Song Award went to Justin Landers with Always Kiss Her Goodnight while the Country Blues Song Award was won by Geoff Williams with Ocean Fever.
Comedy/Novelty Song was taken out by Terry Bennetts with Welcome To Australia and the Country Rock Song award went to Lily Grace (pictured at left) and Bella Mackenzie (right) for Sixteen Wishes which was also named Country Song of the Year.
Susan Dorahy won Alt Country Song with Redemption Is Real while Wendy Wood won Country Ballad with Fairytale.
Peter Simpson took out Bush Ballad of the Year with The Things I Left Behind and Kevin Sullivan won Traditional Song of the Year with Pilgrimage.
The TSA’s New Songwriter award was presented to Emily Hatton with Make It Slow and Lindsay Waddington and Allan Caswell won Local Heroes Song of the Year with Youngie.
Bob Kirchner, owner/operator of the Country Music Bulletin and Capital Country Radio, was presented with the TSA’s Tex Morton Award.
Peter Denahy (pictured) was named winner of the prestigious Songmaker honour (Australian country music songwriting’s roll of renown).
The 2022 Awards Show, which was to be staged live during the January Country Music Festival in Tamworth but couldn’t because of the postponement, persevered in the online environment as it did last year when the festival was cancelled altogether.
Link to the awards show here.
Association weblink – www.tsaonline.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2022
Lee celebrates 30 years
Lee Kernaghan has released a milestone album, The Very Best of Lee Kernaghan – Three Decades of Hits, curated by Lee himself, to mark the 30th anniversary of his 1992 classic debut album, The Outback Club.
The three CD 62 song collection documents three decades of dedication to his craft – a decade per CD – a journey which has ensured Lee remains one of the biggest names in Australian country music.
“The 30th Anniversary of The Outback Club!! It’s been an amazing ride,” Lee said. “Three decades of music making, songwriting, recording and singing songs about the people and the country that I love.”
The special three disc set has been specially compiled to take fans on a musical journey through the hits and musical highlights of Lee’s career.
Disc one features the very best of the ‘90s – from The Outback Club all the way through to the Hat Town album.
“Everything we recorded back then was on two-inch multitrack tape that gave the songs a special warmth and fidelity that you only ever hear on analogue recordings,” Lee said.
The second disc includes the Electric Rodeo years and some of his best recordings from that era while the third disc covers from Planet Country to the best of Lee’s latest studio album, Backroad Nation, together with “some special duets with my damn good mates and touring partners The Wolfe Brothers,” Lee said.
With 14 studio albums under his belt, Lee has sold more than two million albums in Australia and had 40 number one hits on the Australian country charts.
In 2004 he received an Order of Australia Medal and in 2008 he was named Australian of the Year.
In Tamworth on Thursday, April 21, Lee will stage a special 30th anniversary concert as part of the rescheduled 2022 Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Weblink – https://www.leekernaghan.com.
MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2022
Full steam ahead for Tamworth country music in April
Details of events and activities rescheduled for the postponed Tamworth Country Music Festival have been announced, with more to come.
In varying reports, as many as 90 to 95 percent of acts who were coming in January are expected to return for the new April event with many already confirmed.
Tickets for many of the rescheduled events went on sale on Friday.
Toyota Country Music Festival Manager Barry Harley said: “While some may have been disappointed in our decision to postpone the festival, many artists have confirmed they will be back and ready to roll in April to celebrate the festival’s 50th anniversary.
“All the big names will return including Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley, Lee Kernaghan and John Williamson, as well as Adam Harvey, Beccy Cole, Sara Storer, James Blundell, Graeme Connors, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham and fan favourite Fanny Lumsden.”
There will be seven nights of free entertainment in Toyota Park kicking off with the traditional opening concert on Monday, April 18, as well as the Toyota Star Maker Grand Final, Back to the Bush spectacular and Americana in the Park, plus a host of surprise guests across the week, Barry said.
We already reported that the 2022 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards will be on Wednesday April 20 with the giant 50th Anniversary Concert set for the following day, Thursday the 21st.
Others joining the rescheduled ticketed line-up include Ashleigh Dallas, Brad Butcher & The Weeping Willows, Darren Coggan, Amber Lawrence with her Kids Gone Country show, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley and Melinda Schneider.
“We’re also pleased to announce the Toyota Busking Championships will be back in April," Barry said, "along with Toyota Fanzone stage which will kick off at 9am every day giving festival goers a chance to experience up close and personal performances from their favourite artists."
The Toyota Zone, with the Tailgate Sessions, featuring buskers, Star Maker finalists and special feature artists performing from the back of a Toyota LandCruiser 70, is another key feature rescheduled for the April Festival program, along with Toyota's famous Tamworth hats.
These will be available for a $2 donation, as well as limited edition pins for a $5 donation, with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to support local community organisation, Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Services.
The Golden Gig, sponsored by Maccas, will make its debut in April giving those 17 and under “their moment in the spotlight” on the Maccas Stage and the opportunity to win a range of prizes.
Barry also confirmed that the Festival Precinct and Family Zone will be back operating for the full seven days, with street performers, rides and market stalls, while Riverside camping will return along with pre-pitched camping tents, Wallaroo.
Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sean Hanley said it was great to see the commitment from the artists and all involved in the Toyota Country Music Festival to making sure the Festival remained a huge success following the postponement.
“The Toyota Country Music Festival is an iconic event on the music calendar and especially in this 50th anniversary year, it’s such an important celebration of country music and rural life,” he said.
“We are proud to be able to help support the festival and ensure country music fans and artists can celebrate the resilient community spirit that is at the heart of regional Australia.”
While putting plans in place for the April event, Festival organisers are also working with Support Act, the music industry benevolent association delivering crisis relief services to artists, artist managers, crew and music workers across all genres, to support those who have been impacted, not only by the postponement, but by the situation over the past few years.
“There has been significant impact to the live music industry over the past two years," Barry said, "and we understand postponing the Festival just a week out from its scheduled start date was another hit to the industry, so we want to support those affected as much as we can during these difficult times.”.
A donation page has now been set up and those who are able to, are encouraged to join festival organisers by showing their support.
The Tamworth Country Music Festival is supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.
Registrations for busking and the Maccas Golden Gig re-open today (Monday January 17) and Fanzone performers, if not contacted already, will be contacted directly to reschedule their performance.
Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2022
The music still plays in Country Music Capital
The official 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival may well have been moved to April but there is still a host of activities in the Country Music Capital during the next week or so.
Key among these is a substantial program of shows at the city's Austin Tourist Park which went to great pains during the 2021 cancellation as well to provide entertainment for the hundreds of fans who stayed.
The program, which started on Thursday, the day before what would have been the official start to the major event, features artists including Catherine Britt (pictured), Darren Coggan (pictured), The Crosby Sisters, Collyn Crowhurst, Shyanne Irwin, Kathryn Jones, Guy Kachel, John Krsulja, Jamie Lindsay, Rae Moody, The Redneck Gentlemen, Loren Ryan, Mat Scullion, Andrew Swift, Sally-Anne Whitten & Alwyn Aurisch and Craig Woodward.
Tracy Coster, who is a finalist with Ian Quinn for the Bush Ballad Golden Guitar this year, will conduct a launch of her latest album – Southerly Change – on Thursday January 20.
The Austin Tourist Park shows run up to and including Saturday January 22. Details can be found here.
Darren Coggan will also continue with his John Denver tribute concert in the city's Capitol Theatre tonight (Saturday January 15) and the ABCRA Rodeo will still run on Friday and Saturday, January 21 and 22.
A number of pubs and clubs have a limited program of entertainment, including West Tamworth League Club and its sister club Wests Diggers (including Darren & Mike Carr and The Two Vees), The Tamworth Hotel (The Little Quirks) and The Tudor (Jimmy Craz Band and Rick Cuthel).
Dedicated year round attractions are also open, like the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame and the National Guitar Museum.
And the comprehensive festival exhibition – Take Me Home To Tamworth – will continue at the Tamworth Regional Gallery.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022
Wolfe Brothers to open historic cricket match
Tasmania’s multi-award winning country rock duo The Wolfe Brothers have been given the honour of performing live to open Day Two of the first ever Ashes Test held in Tasmania tomorrow (Saturday) at Hobart’s Blundstone Arena.
Their pre-game performance at 2.30pm (AEDT) will be followed by a second innings where the band will perform two of their biggest hits during the Tea Break at 7.40pm. The Test is a day/night game and will be telecast live around the world.
Lead singer and guitarist Nick Wolfe describes himself as a massive cricket fan.
“After the disappointment of the Tamworth Country Music Festival and Golden Guitar Awards being postponed until April, to get the news that we will be playing at this historic event for Tassie has certainly lifted our spirits,” he said.
“We may never get another Ashes Test down here again, so to be actually involved on Day Two is a real honour. I have a guitar that is actually made from a cricket bat (pictured) that was a gift from my wife Tani in recognition of my love of cricket and music. I think it will have to make its first public performance on Saturday as there will never be a more fitting occasion to do so.”
Under normal circumstances The Wolfe Brothers would be attending the Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth on Saturday where they are finalists for an incredible seven awards – their highest tally to date.
The duo has released five studio albums and have achieved 16 consecutive number one singles since they came in as runners-up on the 2012 series of Australia’s Got Talent from where they were invited to audition for Lee Kernaghan who was looking for a new backing band at the time.
A strong connection was made, and The Wolfe Brothers have been touring with Lee and opening all of his concerts for the last nine years. The brothers have also been headlining their own sold-out tours and festivals around Australia and have performed at festivals in the USA and Canada.
The Wolfe Brothers current album, Kids On Cassette, was released last year and entered the ARIA charts at number one. Today it was confirmed by ARIA as the third highest selling Australian country music album for 2021.
No Brakes was the first single released from the album on April 17 2021, and from then to now, The Wolfe Brothers can claim the title of the most played artist on Australian Country Radio.
For bass guitarist Tom Wolfe, the performance at the Ashes Test is a great restart for 2022.
“We started the year being informed all of our January and early February shows have been postponed due to Covid-19,” he said. “The news that we are playing at the Ashes Test is just what we needed as a boost before we start recording our next album on Monday next week. To go into the studio on a high is the perfect scenario and we are grateful to Cricket Australia for the opportunity.”
Weblink – www.thewolfebrothers.com.
Keith tops 2021 chart
ARIA – the Australian Recording Industry Association – has released it’s top selling charts for calendar year 2021, and Keith Urban has taken top spot for the second year running with his 2020 release The Speed Of Now Part 1.
Troy Cassar-Daley is in second place with The World Today, Morgan Evans’ Things That We Drink To is in third place while The Very Best Of Slim Dusty is at number four.
Adam Harvey’s Songs From Highway One is at number five, Keith Urban also has sixth place with Ripcord and the latest release for Slim Dusty – Gone Fishin’ – is at seven.
Rounding out the top 10 are John Williamson with His Favourite Collection at eight, The Wolfe Brothers’ Kids On Cassette at nine and Shannon Noll’s Raw at 10.
Troy's album, as the highest selling "new release" for 2021, autiomatically wins the Golden Guitar for Top Selling Album of the Year in the Country Music Awards of Australia.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022
Tamworth 50th festival postponed
Due to increased safety concerns amid the current coronavirus surge, it has been decided to postpone the 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival to April.
The decision, by key organiser Tamworth Regional Council, was made following a meeting of festival stakeholders which overwhelmingly endorsed the proposal.
Neither the option to continue with the festival as is, or to cancel altogether, was favoured, especially given safety concerns for staff, the broader community and visitors, and the increasing number of cancellations by visiting artists.
Although it was not considered that a postponed event would be anywhere near the size of the traditional January festival it is expected that most, if not all, major activity that was to be held this January would transfer to the new time.
These would include the key anchor event, the Golden Guitar Awards.
The new dates for Tamworth’s 50th Country Music Festival are Monday January 18 to Sunday January 24.
“The decision to postpone the Festival, just a week out from the event, was a difficult, yet necessary, decision to make," said Festival Manager Barry Harley.
"Given the current state of COVID transmission in our communities, and the impact the changed Covid safety measures have on our venues, it is the best decision for the health and safety of everyone involved particularly the Tamworth and country music communities.
“We will continue to work diligently with government authorities, festival stakeholders, and the country music industry as we prepare to welcome artists, fans, employees, vendors, and sponsorship partners back to Tamworth in April this year.”
An update on the rescheduled event will be made next week.
Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au.
Link directly to the announcement video here with Tamworth Mayor Russell Webb.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022
Artist line-up announced for People’s Choice Awards
The line-up of special guest artists to perform during the 2022 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards gala presentation has been announced.
They are, in alphabetical order (pictured from left top to bottom), Benny Allen, Tracy Coster, Lily Grace, The Long & Short Of It, Brendan McMahon, The Silverline and Peter Simpson & Dianne Lindsay.
All are finalists in this year’s Awards which will be announced from 12noon Thursday January 20 from the Grand Ballroom at Wests Diggers in Kable Avenue, Tamworth, during the January country music festival.
Winners will be announced in eight performance categories… Best Female, Best Male, Best Group or Duo, Best Album, Best Song, Best Bush Ballad, Best Video and Most Promising Future Star, and two broadcast categories – Most Popular Country Music DJ and Most Popular Country Music Program or Radio Station.
In addition, from this year, the People’s Choice Awards will be hosting the announcement of inductees to the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
The People’s Choice Awards has also been asked to host the announcement and presentation of the Australian Country Music Literary Award which was co-ordinated by the Australian Country Music Foundation until this year when most ACMF assets were transferred to Tamworth Regional Council.
Pricing of admission to the People's Choice Awards this year has been set at a nominal $10 as a gesture of gratitude to fans who determine the awards by voting.
A link to the ticket selling point can be found on the People's Choice website www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2022
Bunyip in Tamworth
Brisbane based Bunyip Guitars will be in Tamworth for the 2022 January country music festival.
Bunyip Guitars grew out of a desire for a lightweight, solid guitar that was resonant and clear, according to a company spokesman.
Other requirements included “pickups that did not hum, a 22 fret neck that was easy to play and a diversity of sounds and tones with simple controls”.
“The instrument needed to be easily identified as Australian,” the spokesman said. “Several ideas were explored but in the end, the name Bunyip was chosen.
Scoey, the main designer, previously worked at Fender, Gibson and MCD guitars… experience that led to him using a unique body shape reminiscent of a Telecaster.
Having found Australian wood that met the requirements, the first Bunyip was started. The initial design included locking tuners, string independent intonation, humbucking and single coil pickups in the same guitar together with a simple control system.
Requests for some specialist instruments were received, and the Stetsbar was added to provide a tremolo system that was removable and always returned to tune. When it became available the Apollo Music Parts G/B bender was also included in the Bunyip offerings.
“Along the way it was discovered that a “reverse” headstock gave better tone and reduced string tension and neodymium magnets could be used to make great 'silent single' vintage sound pickups,” the Bunyip spokesman said,
“A finish for the neck was developed which made it feel like it was 20 years old right out of the case.”
Bunyip researched for high quality American steel guitar strings and added these to their brand as well as quality plectrums in various grades.
The company logo – “Bill the Bunyip” – was drawn by Tomyo in Japan after seeing a Bunyip guitar and Les Crighton updated the original sketchings. Sim Anderson, a customer, came up with the company slogan – “the new guitar that you have owned for 20 years – after his daughter, playing a Bunyip, won the Homestead Country Music Award.
Research and development of improvements to existing designs, as well as new models, is
continuous at Bunyip with on stage testing of innovations by Bunyip staff and associated artists.
Bunyips are played by Glen Albrecht, Jessey Jackson, Josiah McAllen (USA), David Thompson and Yasuhiro Tsutsumi (Japan) as well as a host of local players from Cairns to Hobart.
Oxley Bowling Club in Piper Street will be home for Bunyip Guitars during the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Weblink – bunyip-guitars.com.
MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2022
Tamworth festival smartphone app now available
The Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth Official Guide smartphone app is now available for download.
A companion to the Official Guide to the 2022 festival, the app allows users to stay up to date with any changes to listings made because of the impact of coronavirus restrictions.
Tamworth Regional Council – overall co-ordinators of the January country music festival in the city – have confirmed the 2022 Festival is going ahead, subject of course to prevailing health orders but these are not expected to change before the event kicks off on Friday January 14.
Most activities are expected to proceed as or near-as planned but there have been some changes already and potentially more will occur before the festival begins.
Information on the app, including any changes, is provided by artists and venues.
The Official Guide itself, and the app, have the only A-Z Artist listing available for the festival as well as the daily program and special features including historical facts and information about the Golden Guitar Awards finalists, Toyota Star Maker talent search, Hands of Fame, Roll of Renown and more.
Retailing for $10, the Guide comes with a bonus CD featuring some of the songs written and recorded about Australia’s Country Music Capital and the festival.
It is available from newsagents in and around Tamworth and selected newsagents throughout NSW, Queensland and Victoria.
The Official Guide App includes additional features such as live program information, venue and genre listings, what’s “on now” and “near me” functions as well as transport information and maps.
It also allows users to search for artists, events and/or venues.
The App is available for download from the Apple App Store and Googleplay for android devices at a cost of $4.49.
Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2021
And now… TSA finalists
Following the recent release of semi-finalists, the Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) has now released finalists for its 2022 Songwriter Salute Awards.
For Song of the Year in Alt Country, they are… Susan Dorahy with Redemption Is Real and Tell You, Damien Hosken with With Love And Surrender, Susan Muranty & Sven Tydeman with Stop Time With A Kiss and Billie-Jo Porter & Kylie Nebauer with Upside.
In Bluegrass… Kylie Adams-Collier with Light As A Feather, Virginia Hermel with Coming Home, David Javier with Precious Gem, Shelly Jones & Lester Truer with If Uou Knew What You Know and Justin Landers with Always Kiss Her Goodnight.
In Bush Ballad… Terry Bennetts & Keith Lethbridge with Not Without You Old Mate, Peter Simpson with The Things I Left Behind, Graham Rodger with Born To The Saddle and Feral Muster, Pat Thompson with Two Old Friends and Lindsay Waddington & Allan Caswell with He Liked Horses More than People.
In Comedy/Novelty… Lloyd Back with Are They Ever Leaving Home, Terry Bennetts with Welcome To Australia, Virginia Hermel & Jim Hermel with I’m Getting Off The World (At The Next Stop), Stan Lenz & Glenny Palmer with She’ll Be Right and Russell Neal & Stafford Watts with Christmas Cheer.
In Country Ballad… Norman Crew & Greg Piggot with Sometimes The Juice Just Ain’t Worth The Squeeze, Emily Hatton with Make It Slow, Damien Hosken with There Is A Part Of Me, Ross Webb & Christine Eccleston with Cowgirl Angel and Wendy Wood with Fairytale.
In Country Blues… Andy Penkow, Kathleen Stewart, Kalesti Butler & David Carter with How Many Times, Lucie Tiger O’Connor with Found My Home and Midnight Goodbye, Alex Varlow with Nigel and Geoff Williams with Ocean Fever.
In Country Rock… Lily Grace & Bella Mackenzie with Sixteen Wishes, Emily Hatton with Mess Around, Aaron Jurd with Midnight Train, Ben Ransom with Come Back For More and Noeleen Smith.
In Gospel/Spiritual… Jacques Gentil with Worst Of Sinners, Virginia Hermel with Thank You For Being My Friend, Steven Sherrah & Andrew Bertram with Flowers Still Blooming In Spring, Tony Smith with Lean On Me and Pat Thompson with Until I Reach My Goal.
In Local Heroes… Blaise Beach with Fire And Flood, Bindi Blacher with Tooth In The Cog, Lily Grace with What A Mother Taught Me, Graeme Howie with Only One Came Home and Lindsay Waddington & Allan Caswell with Youngie.
In Traditional… Virginia Hermal with Land Of Acacia, Justin Landers with The Corner Store, Tony Smith with The Ghost Of This Guitar, Kevin Sullivan with Pilgrimage and Lindsay Waddington & Allan Caswell with Just Get Better.
In Youth… Felicity Dowd with Miss You, Grace Mae Gladwin with Skipped A Beat, Lily Grace & Bella Mackenzie with Sixteen Wishes, Mackenzie Lee Hall with Loves In Drought and Shyanne Irwin with Out Of This Town.
In Lyrics Only… Christine Eccleston with Save A Saddle There For Me, Helen Harvey with The Wave Hill Spur, Susan Muranty with The Heart You Break The Hardest, Kevin Pye with The Private’s Mate, Julie Richards with Black Dog and Graham Scobie with Yarri Of Gundagai.
For the TSA’s New Songwriter Award, finalists are Felicity Dowd with Miss You, Lily Grace & Bella Mackenzie with Sixteen Wishes, Emily Hatton with Make It Slow, Billie Jo Porter & Andrew Blyth with Feels Like Us and Steve Roberts with FiFo Man.
In the Novice section, finalists are Gary Bewley with Mates, Daria Koutsoukos with Song for Beth, Sarah Nicholls with You Didn’t Have To Be, Sue Oppy with It’s A Long Way There and Andrew Ryan with Our Land.
Winners of 2022 TSA Awards will be announced at The Longyard Hotel, Tuesday evening January.
Weblink – www.tsaonline.com.au.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021
Academy postpones 2022 course
Due to current NSW Government restrictions, the Australian Academy of Country Music has made the decision not to proceed with the 2022 senior course which was due to start in a matter of days.
The course was to run from January 4 in Tamworth but with the health and safety of Academy staff and students at the forefront of all decisions by the organising team, the "difficult decision" to postpone to January 2023 has been made.
“We feel this is the best decision for the health and safety of our students and staffmembers, and to ensure we comply with all NSW Government COVID-19 restrictions,” Director Lyn Bowtell said.
“We did not make this decision lightly, and thank our students and staff members for their understanding in these ever-changing times.”
The January course would have been the first senior course to run since January 2020. The Academy administration team has informed all students, mentors and staff members of the decision.
Weblink – www.academycountrymusic.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2021
Finalists announced for 2022 People’s Choice Awards
Finalists have been announced for the 2022 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards to be staged in Tamworth during the upcoming January country music festival.
“Once again, we recorded thousands of votes from country music fans Australia wide, as well as a few from overseas,” said Awards organiser Bob Kirchner.
“Voting patterns have changed a little during the pandemic but we continue to see strong support for independent artists and new and emerging talent.
“So much so that in some key categories, we have had to announce 10 finalists rather than the usual five because of the support for a number of artists in particular.”
Overall, there were nominations for hundreds of individual artists and broadcasters in the 10 Awards categories.
Missing from the 2022 listing is Brothers3, one of the most prolific award-winning acts since the band won their first two PCAs in 2011 for Best Group and Most Promising Future Star.
The group disbanded earlier this year when Makirum and Shardyn Fahey-Leigh established a duo act known as Mak & Shar with Tayzin deciding to “take a break”.
“Which means, for the first time in a long time, we will have a different winner in the group category,” Bob said, “a category we were almost going to rename in honour of Brothers3 and not let them win!”
Tickets for the gala Awards presentation, to be held at Wests Diggers in Kable Avenue, Tamworth, Thursday January 20, will be on sale soon via wtlc.com.au.
The ticket price has been set at a nominal $10 in recognition of input fans have made to the People’s Choice Awards over the years.
An additional feature of the Awards, from this January, will be the announcement of inductees to the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Weblink – www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
The full listing of 2022 finalists follows.
Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards – 2022 Finalists
Best Female Vocal
Vanessa Bourne
Cassidy-Rae
Donna Fisk
Lily Grace
Della Harris
Emma Jene
Rachel Jillett
Shaza Leigh
Katelann Maree
Becci NetheryBest Male Vocal
Benny Allen
James Blundell
Ian Burns
James Johnston
Justin Landers
Brendan McMahon
Graham Rodger
Clayton Saunders
Tony Smith
WillowBest Group or Duo
The Kindly Ravens
The Long & Short Of It
Mirror Image Duo
The Silverline
Vixens Of FallBest Album
Free Time And Money – Justin Landers
No Rush Today – Brendan McMahon
Stir The Embers – Tony Smith
Wanted – Jayne Denham
Yesterday’s Roses – Glen Albrecht & Vanessa SangerBest Song
Annie June – Lily Grace & James Blundell (written by Lily & James)
Raised Like That – James Johnston (James)
Stand On Your Own Two Feet – The Water Runners (John Littrich/Neil McCann)
Uluru – Graham Rodger (Graham)
When Only Real Country Will Do – Runaway Dixie (Virginia Hermel)Best Bush Ballad
Beautiful Dreamer – Tony Smith (written by tony)
Born To The Saddle – Graham Rodger (Graham)
Common Sense – Tracy Coster (Ian Quinn)
Old Boots – Lloyd Back (Lloyd)
Sounds Like Country To Me – Peter Simpson & Dianne Lindsay (Dianne & Peter)Best Video
Annie June – Lily Grace & James Blundell
Cheers Y’all – Cassidy-Rae
Grandad’s Guitar – Katelann Maree
Mother – Brendan McMahon
Next Life – Della HarrisMost Promising Future Star
Cassidy-Rae
Katelann Maree
Lily Grace
Rachel Jillett
James Johnston
Faith Julija
Brendan McMahon
Andy Penkow
Lucie Tiger
WillowMost Popular Country Music DJ
Mark Eckel, OZCMR, Mildura
Alan Gilmour, todayscountry94one
Tariana Olive and Jharal Yow Yeh, 98.9FM Brisbane
Ronnieboy, 2RRR Sydney
Ronnie T, todayscountry94oneMost Popular Country Music Radio Station or Program
98.9FM Brisbane Breakfast Show
ABC Saturday Night Country
The Australian Country Songwriters Show
Kix Country
todayscountry94one
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021
Kasey on a roll
Kasey Chambers is bubbling with enthusiasm. She's "keen as", as she likes to say, according to a report in The Newcastle Herald by Josh Leeson.
After what's been a fairly torrid and frustrating two years due to COVID-19, there are blue skies ahead for Australia's queen of alt-country. A massive 2022 is on the horizon.
Firstly, there's a headline show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January, followed by a hectic April with appearances at Wildflower (April 2) and Sunset Sounds (April 23) music festivals at Roche Estate in Pokolbin and sandwiched in between is Bluesfest at Byron Bay (April 15-18).
Then, Kasey hits the road with "two of her favourite people in the industry", Queensland folk-pop duo Busby Marou.
"It's a really nice position to be in, certainly after the last two years of it generally being pretty tough for all of us, particularly in the gig world," Kasey said.
"We had a few gigs go through earlier this year and then others got cancelled. So even if we had a few gigs come through at different times it was a pretty nerve-racking time to know if anything was actually gonna end up happening."
Kasey has hardly lay idle in lockdown. She's spent much of this year building her Rabbit Hole Studio and Music Retreat on her bushland property on the Central Coast.
A competition was recently held to give young unsigned artists an opportunity to have an EP recorded at Rabbit Hole and produced by Kasey and collaborator Brandon Dodd.
"Why I started that competition is it's a really tough time to be launching a career and to get music out there when you can't tour and you can't showcase new songs and have life experience so you can write songs," Kasey said.
In November, the music retreat component of Rabbit Hole opened for the first songwriting day camp hosted by Kasey. Several camps were sold out before Christmas and more are planned for 2022.
The day camps allow budding musicians to receive intimate knowledge from Kasey about navigating the music industry. They also get an insight into how the ARIA Hall of Fame and Country Music Rollof Renown inductee wrote songs like The Captain, Not Pretty Enoug, Ponyand Barricades And Brickwalls.
"This way I get to create a whole special day that's based around general music and creative advice, but then we'll specifically spend time on songwriting," Kasey said.
"We'll sit around the campfire and jam and everyone joins in. We'll do a walk-through of the studio to show people how to record a song, so there's a little bit of everything.
"My other favourite hobby outside of music is cooking, so I get to do all the cooking and catering for the day, which I love."
Kasey says opportunities like the day camps are needed now more than ever due to the pandemic. The 45-year-old mother-of-three has seen first-hand how difficult the past two years have been for teenagers and young adults through her son Talon, 19.
"My eldest son finished year 12 last year and was all ready to go out and start discovering who he is outside of school and outside of his parents and a lot of it has been stuck at home for this last year," she says.
"It's tough, in general, for that age group, but particularly in music.
Another important lesson Kasey wants to teach through her camps is the importance of authenticity.
It's something she has possessed in spades since the release of her iconic debut The Captain in 1999 which won an ARIA for Best Country Album in that year and two Golden Guitars in January 2000.
At the time, the alternative-looking artist stood out in the conservative Australian country scene, traditionally dominated by male artists like Slim Dusty, John Williamson and Lee Kernaghan.
Two years later, Kasey’s second album, Barricades And Brickwalls, led by the number one single Not Pretty Enough, crossed over into the mainstream and won three ARIAs and became the highest-selling Australian album of 2002.
More number one albums followed with Wayward Angel (2004), Carnival (2006) and Rattlin’ Bones with then husband Shane Nicholson (2008).
Throughout the success, Kasey refused to be molded by the male-dominated music industry into a typical country-pop artist.
"I didn't set out to do that," she says. "I'd love to say I had this really clear plan of what I wanted to do and I smashed it, but it wasn't anything like that. I was just doing my thing.
"It wasn't only that I was a woman, it was also I was a female playing country music, which was a kind of like a double whammy.
"It was a little unexpected at the time, but I also didn't know a lot of that at the time, I just played music and did my thing and tried to be as true to myself as I could be.
"I tried not to bend what I was doing or change what I was doing to please anyone. I just did my thing and I stayed strong to what meant something to me.”
Weblink – www.kaseychambers.com.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2021
People's Choice to announce Broadcasters Hall of Fame
Inductees into the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame will be announced as part of the annual Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards from January 2022.
The Broadcasters Hall of Fame was inaugurated in 1997 by the Australian Country Music Foundation, operators of the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame in Tamworth.
Earlier this year, assets of the Foundation were passed to Tamworth Regional Council as a means of guaranteeing the Foundation’s significant archival collection.
Although the Broadcasters Hall of Fame is considered important, it was not deemed to be a core aspect of the overall Country Music Hall of Fame operation.
The People’s Choice Awards were considered an ideal organisation to take over operation of the Broadcasters Hall of Fame as it had been recognising country music broadcasters, radio stations and programs for almost 20 years.
Announcing the change, People’s Choice Awards organiser Bob Kirchner said he was delighted to be able to take the Broadcasters Hall of Fame on board.
“Broadcasters, radio stations and other media outlets are, of course, an integral part of the country music industry so it has been important to be able to recognise their contribution,” he said.
“With the Broadcasters Hall of Fame now part of our presentation, that will greatly expand the recognition and also provide a much stronger prominence and focus for the Hall of Fame itself.”
Nominations for the Broadcasters Hall of Fame can be made simply by making written submission to Broadcasters Hall of Fame, PO Box 933 Tamworth 2340.
The 2022 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards will be staged at Wests Diggers in Tamworth at 2pm on Thursday January 20.
A full listing of inductees can be found at www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021
New release co-incides with re-opening of Reg Lindsay Memory Barn
A special version of the Reg Lindsay classic Silence On The Line has been released to co-incide with the re-opening of the Reg Lindsay Memory Barn near Tamworth.
The release comprises Reg's original recording with a new part of the rodeo cowboy's partner sung by Jodie Crosby of The Crosby Sisters. The recording is the first recording off a new album to be released in March titled From The Hand Of Reg Lindsay.
With 14 tracks written or co-written with wife Ros, the album has bonus tracks Silence On The Line, Armstrong (Reg’s biggest hit) and a track Reg recorded in Nashville back in 1985 titled Bonham’s Last Ride which has never been released in Australia.
This year would have been celebrated as Reg’s 70th anniversary in the entertainment industry but due to hold ups caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the had to be delayed until 2022.
Now back in full swing with fans booking in to visit, the Reg Lindsay Memory Barn gives visitors a walk down memory lane among the display of all Reg Lindsay memories, including his guitars , hats, boots, mouth organ collection of nearly 50 harps, many of which he played while recording some of his 70 albums.
There are many photos in the museum with Reg and special guests who performed on his television shows, the "National Country & Western Hour" from Adelaide and "Reg Lindsay’s Country Homestead" which was aired from channel 9 Brisbane.
The Barn was officially opened on January 21 this year by MP Barnaby Joyce MP with local media and special guests in attendance.
Reg's wife Ros said The Barn took four years to get to the stage where she could now show fans the enormous collection of Reg Lindsay memorabilia along with special items from other country music entertainers.
Located at 89 Howes Hill Road, Yannargee, off the Wandobah Road just up from the junction with the Purlewaugh Road between Spring Ridge and Premer, The Barn is described as a must see for any music fan and will be in full swing during the upcoming Tamworth Country Music Festival.
More information, including available merchandise, can be found at www.reglindsay.com.au.
Fans can also connect via the Remembering Reg Lindsay Group facebook page.
Two special items of merchandise recently added at The Barn are The Reg Lindsay Pictorial Book with photos and stories from many of the artists who performed on both of Reg’s television shows and the first release of Reg Lindsay’s Country Homestead Show on DVD which includes a number of interviews from the likes of Adam Harvey, Jade Hurley and Bert Newton.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021
Cavalcade 2022 cancelled
The Country Music Cavalcade – the iconic street parade that has been a key feature of the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival for 41 years –will not run in 2022.
In making the announcement, Tamworth Regional Council said ever-increasing safety mitigation requirements and significant security risks associated with vehicle movements were the catalyst for the decision.
“A safety audit of the Cavalcade, which included discussions with local police, was conducted in 2020, which revealed a significant number of risks that can’t be adequately managed,” Festival Manager Barry Harley said.
Although the media statement announcing the Cavalcade decision clearly seemed to indicate it was the end of the activity, in a subsequent news report, Barry referred to the Cavalcade “as we know it” and was quoted as saying: “…that’s not to say a cavalcade in a different form or location couldn’t be considered.
“But for 2022 it’s impossible for us to manage a safe event.”
The Cavalcade started in 1980 by the Tamworth Chamber of Commerce & Industry and ran every year until 2020 having been cancelled in 2021 along with “the official festival” due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Council has put together what they term a “Community Celebration” in the city’s major Bicentennial Park to run in a similar timeframe as the Cavalcade would have on the main Saturday morning of the festival.
It will comprise market stalls and entertainment.
Photo: the lead float in an early 1980s Cavalcade.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021
Troy in new TV doco
Country star Troy Cassar-Daley heads a new television documentary – "Sing About This Country" – premiering on NITV (National Indigenous Television) on Saturday night.
Troy joins friends The Black Image Band, brothers Cliff Harrigan, Pando Harrigan, Dylan Harrigan and Porky Harrigan, taking their music to Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula (all pictured).
"Sing About This Country" is described as a story of friendship, family and brotherhood, “set amidst the backdrop of stunning remote landscapes and showcasing musical performances like no other”.
NITV says it is proud to give Australian audiences exclusive access to a unique tour from Troy.
“Follow the group as they bring their music to isolated communities, culminating in a hometown performance in Cooktown in front of their family and friends, as well as a lively audience enjoying some good old-fashioned country music.”
"Every now and then you get to do something that fills your heart and soul to the brim,” said Troy, “rekindling old friendships and reminiscing about the past on a very sacred part of our country.
“We got to feel the old people’s spirts around is as we travelled, heal together, play music together and sing about this amazing country of ours.
Director of Indigenous Content at SBS Tanya Denning-Orman said: “What a combination – country music and the beautiful Cape York Peninsula. It’s a joy to have Troy and The Black Image Band take us all on this adventure.
“Music is at the heart and soul of First Nations culture, and we cannot wait to launch our new music documentary programming slate with the brilliant 'Sing About This Country'."
Weblink here.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
Bush Ballad Awards finalists
Finalists have been announced for the 2022 Stan Coster Memorial Bush Ballad Awards.
The Awards, usually announced as part of the Bungendore Country Music Muster, will be announced on line again next year as it has been decided not to stage the actual Muster due to unknown variables resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
Winners will be announced via youtube on Saturday February 27 at 7:30pm.
And the finalists are...
For Female Vocal... Tracy Coster (pictured) with The Man In The Colourful Suit, Sharon Heaslip with It’s Always the Son That Gets The Farm and Dianne Lindsay with Just Let Him Be.
For Male Vocal... Terry Bennetts with Not Without You Old Mate, Graham Rodger (pictured) with Born To The Saddle and John Smith with For those Who Understand.
For Duo or Group... the Coad Sisters with Land Of Acacia, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson with Sounds Like Country To Me and the McKay Brothers with You're Still Just 22.
For Songwriter... Lloyd Back with Old Boots, Terry Bennetts & Keith Lethbridge with Not Without You Old Mate and the Coad Sisters with Land Of Acacia.
For Instrumental... Anthony Baxter with Wattle In Springtime, Lindsay Butler with Where The Roper Flows Tonight and Lindsay Hammond with Lawson’s Ghost.
For Album... Tracy Coster with Southerly Change, Ken “Chainsaw” Lindsay with My Favourite Place and John Smith with For Those Who Understand.
For New Talent... Lachie Cossor with Southern Cross, the McKay Brothers with Good Times Will Come Again and Ian Wilkinson with Women Of The Outback.
For Comedy... Terry Bennetts with Welcome To Australia, Tracy Coster with Beer I Bought For Dave and Ken “Chainsaw” Lindsay with The Day I Rode Chainsaw.
Weblink – bcmm.com.au.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021
Tamworth's Toyota Park program announced
Details have been announced for an extensive program of free night-time entertainment during the 2022 Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The program is for the city’s Bicentennial Park, known as Toyota Park for the 10 days of the festival in recognition of major sponsor Toyota.
A major event is scheduled for every night in the park “Toyota stars under the stars” for the entire duration of the event.
The park has a capacity for thousands of fans and is set up with major stage facilities and public amenities including food vendors.
On the first night, the traditional Official Opening Concert will be staged with guest artists including Kirsty Lee Akers, Melanie Dyer, Abby Ferris, Blake O’Connor, Loren Ryan, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, The Vixens Of Fall and Sammy White (pictured).
The host will be Brisbane radio personality Laurel Edwards and graduates of the Country Music Association of Australia’s Academy of Country Music will also perform.
Saturday night will see KIK Live In The Park with artists including Casey Barnes (pictured), The Buckleys, Darlinghust, Hurricane Fall, Hayley Jensen and Bella Mackenzie.
Sunday night sees the 42nd staging of the Star Maker Quest also sponsored by Toyota.
The launching pad for many of today’s stars, like James Blundell, Beccy Cole, Gina Jeffreys and Keith Urban, this year will feature the Top 10 Star Maker finalists battle it out for the 2022 crown.
Sammy White, the most recent Star Maker winner, will be a special guest together with one of our best known Star Maker winners Lee Kernaghan (pictured) who will be celebrating 40 years since he won in 1982.
Monday night will feature a number of artists who play in the “Americana” sub-genre of country music… Kelly Brouhaha, Lachlan Bryan & The Wildes, Henry Wagons & The Only Children, The Weeping Willows and Gretta Ziller (pictured).
Tuesday night brings together a number of country rock exponents in an Aussie Country Rock Showcase… Stewart Barton, Brewn, Copperline, Paul Costa, Rachael Fahim, Charlie Fittler, Melody Moko, Ian Moss and Ben Ransom (pictured).
Wednesday night will be the ever popular Back To The Bush Spectacular which always draws a huge crowd.
The 2022 line-up will feature more than 40 bush balladeers headlined by country pioneer Chad Morgan.
Included on the show will be the likes of Terry Bennetts, Owen Blundell, Charley Boyter, Jeff Brown, Lindsay Butler, Peter Coad, the Coad Sisters with Jim Hermel, Keith Jamieson, Anne Kirkpatrick (pictured), David Kirkpatrick, Shaza Leigh, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson, Tom Maxwell, Alisha Smith and John Smith.
Thursday evening will see Adam Brand’s (pictured) Big Country Jam with guest artists James Blundell, Cornell & Carr, Tori Darke and Cass Hopetoun.
Friday evening will feature Travis Collins (pictured) & Friends… Taylor Moss, Emmagen Rain, Southbound, Andrew Swift and the newly crowned Toyota Star Maker 2022.
Saturday night’s show will be a Blast Of Blues with acts including the Buddy Knox Blues Band, Fiona Boyes (pictured), The Rumour Mill (with Alwyn Aurisch, Guy Kachel and Sally-Anne Whitten) and one-man band Mitch King.
The final night of the festival, Sunday January 23, will be The Best Of The Buskers where the top 10 buskers selected by the judges through the festival compete for the 2022 Tamworth Best of the Buskers Crown.
More than 100 artists will feature at Toyota Park during the 2022 Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The park entertainment is supported by the NSW State Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund to the tune of $150,000 “to enable a bigger Stars Under the Stars series”.
“It’s great to be able to support such an iconic event in Tamworth that will attract thousands of visitors who will spend in local shops and cafes, helping regional NSW’s economy rebound from the impacts of COVID-19,” he said.
“There is no other festival in Australia that can provide this quality line up of musicians for free,” said Toyota Country Music Festival Manager Barry Harley.
Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2021
New People's Choice venue for 2022
Organisers of the Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards have announced a new venue for the return to live stage presentation in January.
It will also be a return to a previous home, Wests Diggers Club in Country Music Capital's Kable Avenue, previously the Tamworth RSL Club.
The Awards will be held on their traditional day, Thursday of the Tamworth Country Music Festival but in the afternoon rather than the evening.
Commencing at 2 o'clock, the 2022 Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards will feature a number of Awards finalists in addition to the gala Awards presentation.
Ticket price for the coming year has been set at a nominal $10 as a special "pandemic recovery" incentive gesture to "the fans" who determine award winners.
And tickets will be available shortly via www.wtlc.com.au.
In line with previous years, more than 20,000 votes were cast for the upcoming Awards.
Awards finalists will be announced later this week.
Weblink – www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021
TSA Semi Finalists
Almost 350 semi finalist placings have been announced for the 2022 Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) Songwriter Salute Awards to be staged in January.
This is one of the longest lists of finalists in the TSA's history since it first started recognising excellence in Australian country music songwriting in 1984.
Many well known names join a host of new and emerging writers among the semi finaists, including Terry Bennetts, Billy Bridge, Jim Brown, Lachlan Bryan, Ian Burns, Michael Carpenter, David Carter, Allan Caswell (pictured), Bill Chambers, Roger Corbett, Tracy Coster, Peter Denahy, Sam Hawksley, Jim Hermel, Virginia Hermel (pictured), Graeme Howie, Gina Jeffreys, Shelly Jones, Justin Landers, Michael Lehnen, Shaza Leigh, Stan Lenz, Keith Lethbridge, Thomas and Tessa Libreri, Ken Lindsay, Rod McCormack, Steve Newton, Andy Penkow, Kevin Pye, Ben Ransom, Graham Rodger, Peter Simpson, Kevin Sullivan, Lucie Tiger, Lindsay Waddington and Wendy Wood.
The strongest category is Country Ballad with 49 semi finalists announced followed by Alt Country and Country Rock with 36 and 35 semi finalist placings respectively.
The Lyrics Only category is next strongest with 29 semi finalists announced, followed closely by Traditional with 28, Novice with 26, Local Heroes with 22, Country Blues with 21 and Bush Ballad with 22 and Comedy/Novelty with 20.
Bluegrass, Gospel/Spiritual and Youth categories all feature 15 semi finalists.
Seventeen semi finalists have been announced for the presigious New Songwriter Award... Benny Allen, Briana Dinsdale & Ken Dinsdale, Felicity Dowd, Kylie Gale, Kylie Gale & Billie-Jo Porter, Kerrie Gambley, Lily Grace, Emily Hatton, Dave Hughes & Cheree Martin, Shyanne Irwin, Callan Kennedy, Patrick Kenny, Billie Jo Porter & Andrew Blyth, Sally Pottinger, Steve Roberts, Anita Spring and Willow.
A full listing of semi finalists, together with respective song titles, can be viewed on the TSA website www.tsaonline.com.au.
Final judging is now in process with finalists expected to be announced just before Christmas.
In addition to the annual Awards presentation, which will be held in 2022 on Tuesday evening January 18 at The Longyard Hotel, TSA showcases will be held at the Tamworth City Bowling Club, Oasis Hotel and the Post Office Hotel.
A total of 55 performers will play multiple spots under the TSA banner throughout the festival from Saturday January 15 January until Sunday January 23.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2021
Gidgee winners
The 2020/2021 Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad Awards have been run and won at Pittsworth in Queensland.
And the winners are...
Female Vocal – Sharon Heaslip (pictured) with A Country School (fellow finalists Dianne Lindsay with Graveyard Hill and Kylie Adams Collier with Camel Up Earlston Said.
Male Vocal – John Smith (pictured) with The Photograph. John won the award from fellow finalists Terry Bennetts with A Fortunate Life and Peter Simpson with The Things I Left Behind.
Album – For Those Who Understand by John Smith (fellow finaists, A Fortunate Life by Terry Bennetts and Bush Country by Lindsay Hammond.
Instrumental – Lawson's Ghost by Lindsay Hammond (fellow finalists Calling Of The Heart by Terry Bennetts and El Gringo by Peter Salata & Lindsay Waddington.
The Songwriter award went to Peter Simpson for The Things I Left Behind (fellow finalists, Ashely Cook & Terry Bennetts for Ballad Of The Coal Pit Ponies and Ray Essery & Terry Bennetts for The Old Man At The Bar.
And the Comedy/Novelty award was won by Terry Bennetts with Welcome To Australia (fellow finalists Lloyd Back with G String and John Smith with The Loaded Dog.
Bush poets Ray Essery and Gary Fogarty were recognised with Gidgee Coal Legend awards together with long-time singer/songwriter Johnny Greenwood.
Impacts of the coronavirus caused a lack of entries this year in new talent and group/duo award sections which will be reinstated next year, organisers said.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021
Tamworth 50th recognised with official coinage
The Royal Australian Mint has paid tribute to the famous Tamworth Country Music Festival by releasing a sommemorative coin to mark the festival's 50th year.
The collectible 50 cent coin – which comes in two versions – features a gold-plated version of the Festival’s signature Golden Guitar.
First in the series is a 2022 50 cent "Selectively Gold-Plated Silver Proof Coin" while the second is a 2022 50 cent "Uncirculated Coin". The gold plated version sells for $90; the uncirculated version for $10. Both are legal tender and available via the festival website tcmf.com.au/shop or through the Call Centre on 1300 652 020.
Chief Executive of the Mint Leigh Gordon said the coin recognised the significant social and cultural impact the Tamworth Country Music Festival had had over the last 50 years.
“The Mint is excited to have collaborated with the Tamworth Country Music Festival to release a coin that tells the story of a much loved part of Australian culture and history... country music fans and coin collectors will treasure this unique coin for years to come.”
Backdrop of the coin design was inspired by the festival stage, illuminated with beaming light. A winding road leads to the stage, highlighting the distance festival goers and artists alike travel to get to the festival.
Tamworth Country Music Festival Manager Barry Harley said: “For five decades this Festival has celebrated and supported Australia’s country music artists and the industry. Fifty years is a truly remarkable milestone to reach and it’s fitting that this moment is celebrated and now immortalised on a 50 cent coin.
“With a limited stock of coins available, I urge all country music fans and coin collectors... to get in quick before these pieces of musical history are sold out.”
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021
A bigger week for Troy
It's been a big week for Troy Cassar-Daley following his domination yesterday of Golden Guitar Awards 2022 finalist nominees, quickly followed this evening with his naming as winner of the 2021 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Award for Best Country Album with The World Today.
Troy beat out The Wolfe Brothers' Kids On Cassette, Shane Nicholson's Living In Colour, Brad Cox's My Mind’s Projectionand Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham's The Song Club to win the presigious honour.
Archie Roach won Best Blues & Roots Album with The Songs Of Charcoal Lane from fellow contenders Ziggy Alberts with Searching For Freedom, Emma Donovan & The Putbacks with Crossover, Martha Marlow with Medicine Man and Josh Teskey & Ash Grunwald with Push The Blues Away.
Award winners were announced from Sydney's Taronga Park Zoo and livestreamed via YouTube.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2021
Troy dominates 50th Golden Guitar Awards finalist nominees
Final nominees have been announced for the 2022 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards, the 50th to be staged since the Awards were first held in January 1973, with Troy Cassar-Daley dominating the list.
Troy features in eight categories from his latest studio album The World Today… Alt Country Album and Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Video of the Year for Back On Country, Heritage Song of the Year for I Hear My River, Male Artist of the Year and Vocal Collaboration with Ian Moss on the song South.
The Wolfe Brothers have seven finalist placings from their latest studio release Kids On Cassette… Contemporary Country Album and Album of the Year, Song and Video of the Year for the album’s title track, Heritage Song of the Year for Small Town Song, Vocal Collaboration for Startin’ Something with Locash and Group or Duo of the Year.
Shane Nicholson is up for five Golden Guitar awards in 2022 from his ninth studio album Living In Colour… Alt Country Album of the Year and Album of the Year, Song and Single of the Year with And You Will Have Your Way and Male Artist of the Year.
The duo of Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham feature in four categories… Group or Duo of the Year, Alt Country Album and Album of the Year for The Song Club and Video of the Year with their song Spare Parts.
Rising star Angus Gill also features in four categories… Traditional Country Album of the Year with The Scrapbook, Bluegrass Recording of the Year for Always On The Run, Bush Ballad of the Year for The Easy Way and Instrumental of the Year for Musterin’ Season with Linsday Waddington.
Catherine Britt, Darlinghurst and Adam Harvey all feature in three categories, while dual nominations went to Casey Barnes, Brad Cox, Kristy Cox, Ashleigh Dallas, Jayne Denham, Montgomery Church, Matt Scullion, Amy Shark with Keith Urban, Andrew Swift, Michael Waugh, The Weeping Willows and Raechel Whitchurch.
A further 32 acts feature as single finalist nominees… Kaylee Bell, Lachlan Bryan & The Wildes, Katrina Burgoyne, Camille and Stuie, Michael Carpenter and The Banks Brothers, Allan Caswell, Kim Cheshire, Cornell & Carr, Tracy Coster, Davidson Brothers, Pete Denahy, Morgan Evans, Andrew Farriss, Sam Hawksley, Cass Hopetoun, Jedd Hughes, Hayley Jensen, Troy Kemp, Lee Kernaghan, Amber Lawrence, Dianne Lindsay, Travis List, Fanny Lumsden, The McClymonts, Ian Moss, O’Shea, Luke O’Shea, Dean Perrett, Camille Trail, Lindsay Waddington, Michael waugh and Sammy White.
The announcement of finalist nominees was made today jointly by the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) and Tamworth Regional Council from Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital.
CMAA Chairman Dan Biddle said: “The list of talented nominees shows just how diverse, creative and inspiring Australia’s country music industry is right now.
“The record number of entries is a true testament to the resilience and passion of our artists and industry professionals.”
In a record-breaking year, more than 760 entries were received for the 50th Golden Guitar Awards – the biggest number ever.
Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer John Pappas said the company was proud to support the Golden Guitar Awards and congratulated all the nominees in their 50th year.
“Toyota has been a longstanding supporter of Australia’s premier country music awards and it’s fantastic to see the depth of talented artists that we have in this country,” he said.
“We want to offer our congratulations to all the artists nominated for awards who continue to produce some of the best country music in the world.”
Today’s announcement was livestreamed to audiences across the country and overseas, with performances by multiple Golden Guitar winners Troy Cassar-Daley, Luke O’Shea and Ashleigh Dallas and rising star Cass Hopetoun.
The Toyota 50th Golden Guitar Awards will be staged on Saturday, January 22 from the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre and livestreamed via tcmf.com.au.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2021
New Aussie country TV doco
“Going Country” – the new ABC TV documentary – is described as "a road trip into the heart of Australian country music".
Australia has a rich history when it comes to country music and our country scene continues to punch well above its weight when it comes to the quality and quantity of our great artists, producers of the two part series say.
“'Going Country' brings together the people, places and stories that have been integral to the story of this genre of music, viewing the broad genre through six key songs that have been integral to its progression," they say.
Host Justine Clarke travels to places that inspired or feature in the songs, learning more about how country music has done so much in telling stories about our nation.
She visits places like Blackheath, Broken Hill, Capertee Valley, the Colo River, Kempsey, Little River, Silverton, Tooma and, of course, Tamworth, as she learns about the unique Australian take on what has been – and remains – a cultural behemoth over the past 100 years.
New performances filmed for the show will feature throughout, as artists like Troy Cassar-Daley, Kaey Chambers, Paul Kelly and Fanny Lumsden take viewers through some of the most enduring songs in the genre's history.
Director Kriv Stenders – who was behind the lens for the recent Joy McKean documentary "Slim & I", as well as the 2017 film “The Go-Betweens: Right Here” – helms the production.
On top of the new footage and interviews, the show will feature archival images and video of some of the most iconic moments in Australian country music, “resulting in a glorious tribute to this most resilient genre”.
"Going Country" premieres on ABC TV and iview tomorrow night (Tuesday November 2) at 8:30pm.
Weblink – iview.abc.net.au/show/going-country.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021
Vale – Dave "Prousty" Proust
Widely respected comedian and bush poet Dave "Prousty" Proust lost his battle with brain cancer on Wednesday.
He passed away surrounded by his family following a three-year tussle with the disease.
Described as "an Australian bush hero", Dave also worked as a firefighter, presenter and actor through a career that took him to national notoriety and international performances.
“Yesterday when he passed away we were all at home,” Dave's wife Therese said.
“It was really peaceful and beautiful … horrendously sad and also really loving.
“We’ve had so many beautiful messages and such an outpouring of love. It was a real compliment to who he was.”
Dave spent more than 20 years entertaining audiences across the globe, and featured in the 2011 "Underbelly" television series, among others. and a movie, "1500 Steps".
In 2015, he won the Australian Bush Laureate Award for Single Recorded Performance of the Year for "The Auction".
He spoke openly about his cancer, calling it "a death sentence" however remained jovial and brought laughter even in the most challenging times.
Sadly, Dave is the second bush poet to have succumbed to brain cancer this year, following the death of fellow Bush Laureate Award winner Dean Trevaskis in August.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021
ARIA finalists announced
Finalists have been announced for the 2021 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards.
In the Best Country Album category, they are Kids On Cassette by The Wolfe Brothers, Living In Colour by Shane Nicholson, My Mind’s Projection by Brad Cox, The Song Club by Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham and The World Today by Troy Cassar-Daley.
Amber Lawrence is a finalist for Best Children’s Album with The Kid’s Gone Country 2, Archie Roach is a finalist for Best Independent Release and Best Blues & Roots Album, with The Songs Of Charcoal Lane.
Keith Urban is a finalist in three categories… for Song of the Year and Best Video with Amy Shark for Love Songs Ain’t For Us, and Best Artist with The Speed Of Now Part 1.
The 2021 ARIA Awards will be staged on Wednesday November 24.
Weblink – www.aria.com.au/awards.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2021
Academy announces January intake
The Australian Academy of Country Music has announced students participating in the January 2022 senior Academy course.
“New talent in the Australian country music scene is increasing and the January 2022… course in Tamworth continues to grow,” said an Academy spokesman.
The Academy remains the only course of its kind in the world and provides students with opportunities they may not otherwise have, and numbers of students have increased for next year.
From January 4, 28 students will spend 10 days in Country Music Capital with the some of the Australian country music artists and industry representatives.
Tutors for 2022 are Golden Guitar winners Kevin Bennett, Lachlan Bryan and Ashleigh Dallas, led by Academy Director Lyn Bowtell and General Manager Roger Corbett.
During the course, students are immersed in all aspects of the music business, musical performance, songwriting, promotion and recording, among other aspects of making a career in music.
Industry “insiders” like The Buckleys, Troy and Jem Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers and Andrew Farriss will help deliver the curriculum.
Students are travelling from as far away as Queensland and Victoria as well as from throughout NSW for the January 2022 course.
“This is the premier music business educational opportunity in Australia,” said Lyn Bowtell (pictured). “It has been a challenging two years in the music business, and we sadly had to cancel junior and senior courses during that time but we cannot wait to get back to doing what we love the most.
“My highlight of The Academy is seeing the growth the students experience during their time in the course.”
The intensive and residential nature of the course means students and staff members bond quickly and students discover like-minded friends, with many of these friendships lasting for life.
“The relationships that students and staff members form are priceless for everyone and assist in the development of the students as artists,” said Roger Corbett.
And the students are… Sarah Catania (from Greensborough, Vic), Alison Clapson (Bodalla, NSW), Phoebe Dawson (Bathurst, NSW), Briana Dinsdale (Loganholme, Qld, winner of the Keith Urban Scholarship), Felicity Dowd (Bega, NSW), Wade Forster (Winton, Qld), Olivia Foy (Fitzroy, Vic), Tiffany Grace (Walkerston, Qld), Mia Haggarty(Seahampton, NSW), Harry J Hart (Ashmore, Qld), Emily Hatton (Macleod, Vic, winner of the Melbourne North-Eastern Suburbs Scholarship), Shyanne Irwin (Muswellbrook, NSW), Cassidy Joan (Winmalee, NSW), Felicity Kircher (Tingalpa, Qld, winner of the Homestead Youth Expo Scholarship), Mark Lavender (Bundaberg, Qld), Beth Lucas (Clontarf, Qld), Zara Lindeman (Deniliquin, NSW), Ky Lowrey (Fletcher, NSW), Steve Martin (Kalaru, NSW), Brendan McMahon (Batemans Bay, NSW), Charlotte Miller (Tamworth, NSW, winner of the John Minson Scholarship), Curly Mills (East Wagga Wagga, NSW), Laura Moore (Cunnamulla, Qld), Ashie Noey (Kentlyn, NSW), Bayley Pearl (Tugun, Qld), Mitch Rolfe (Emerald, Qld), Charlotte Rose (Seaforth, NSW) and Jimbo Stokes (Scone, NSW).
Weblink – academycountrymusic.com.au.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
Ausmusic T-Shirt Day
Friday November 19 is Ausmusic T-Shirt Day in 2021.
Established in 1997, the aim of the day is to provide breathing space to help members of the music industry get back on track when they have hit a tough patch or just need breathing space, according to organisers, Support Act.
"We offer COVID-19 Crisis Relief Grants valued at $2,000 for individuals and $2,700 for families with dependent children," a spokesman said. "These grants are specifically for people whose livelihoods have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Our assistance can also take the form of general grants, which help paying the rent or the mortgage, buying a bed or wheel chair, paying for car repairs, medical, dental, phone, electricity bills or a credit card debt. We provide referrals to other support services, funding for funerals and we support friends and family seeking to raise funds for an artist or music worker in crisis through our Help a Mate program.
"We also support the industry with a wide range of mental health prevention, education and training programs including Mental Health First Aid, web series On My Mind and Bystander Intervention Training," the spokesman said.
"The Mental Health Resources page on our website provides evidence-based information, articles, videos, plus app and book recommendations, specifically curated for those who work in music."
In June 2018, Support Act established the Wellbeing Helpline, a free, confidential 24/7 counselling service available to anyone working in Australian music who needs to talk about any aspect of their mental health. It can be accessed by calling 1800 959 500.
"You can call the Helpline if you are suffering from anxiety, depression, suicide ideation or any other form of mental ill health," the Support Act spokesman said. "Our qualified counsellors can also help with career insecurity, financial management, grief counselling, alcohol and substance dependency, homelessness, creative disputes and relationship breakdowns."
Support Act raises funds from the music industry and its supporters. This can be in the form of donations, sponsorship, community fundraising, Help a Mate appeals, events such as the annual “Music in the House” industry lunch and promotions such as Ausmusic T-Shirt Day.
Weblink – www.ausmusictshirtday.org.au.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021
Golden Guitar gets a facelift
Country Music Capital's iconic Big Golden Guitar is getting a facelift in readiness for the 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival this coming January.
The nationally recognised tourist attraction is closed to the public from today until this Saturday (October 9) in order for Tamworth Regional Council to undertake required maintenance work.
Council’s Kate Baker said the Big Golden Guitar was definitely in need of some attention.
“Given the extremes of temperatures we experience in this region, the guitar is faded and weathered, and in need of a make-over.”
As part of the facelift, Council and contractors will thoroughly clean the guitar before carrying out minor repairs and respraying in a long-lasting bright gold paint.
During the maintenance period tourists and member of the public will not be able to access the guitar in order to take photos.
“Unfortunately, due to safety reasons, the Big Golden Guitar will be out of action for the refurbishing period,” Kate said.
“While COVID-19 restrictions are preventing many people from travelling at the moment, we’ve also timed the maintenance outside of the October school holiday period to ensure minimal disruption to the public.”
The 50th Tamworth worth Country Music Festival is shaping up to be one of the most significant and organisers want to put the city’s best foot forward for the celebration.
“This city is known as Australia’s Country Music Capital and for good reason," said Council's Barry Harley. "Tamworth hosts the biggest music festival in Australia and the biggest country music festival in the Southern Hemisphere.
“And it’s only fitting that the Big Golden Guitar is looking its best for the big 50th celebration.”
Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2021
World Guitar Day
The first official celebration of World Guitar Day takes place this month, on Monday October 18.
Support of UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), the International Art Academy and dozens of international Institutions of international scope and high prestige, World Guitar Day is being marked in 430 cities in 103 countries around the world.
Founder and Chief Executive Yorgos Foudoulis said: "We join forces and send messages of peace, reconciliation, culture, positive energy, with the symbol of the most popular musical instrument, the GUITAR, which has a recorded history of 4,000 years.
"In the difficult days of 2021, the people and countries that find the strength to celebrate 'Civilisation Days' have great soul strength, a warm heart and enlightened mind, to fill the whole earth with them," he said.
"I hope we are together every year, healthy and creative, to celebrate the World Guitar Day."
World Guitar Day celebrations in Australia include an associated promotion of October as World Guitar Month on Capital Country Radio which is focussing on guitar instrumentals during the month and will run a World Guitar Day special on October 18.
Weblinks – worldguitarday.org • www.capitalcountryradio.com.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021
People's Choice voting closes October 31
Voting in the 2022 Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards closes at midnight on October 31.
Thousands of votes have already been cast and organisers invite all fans of Australian country music to nominate their favourite artists by voting before the polls close.
"We are especially looking forward to giving recognition to as many as possible as we lead up to the Awards presentation in January," said the Country Music Bulletin's Bob Kirchner, organiser of the event.
"It's been a very difficult time for the entire live music industry and we are not out of the woods yet," Bob said.
"Every year, fans nominate hundreds of artists, musicians and broadcasters by voting in the People's Choice Awards and we take great pride in projecting this strong popularity of Australian country music to a wider audience."
The Awards are sponsored by Capital Country Music Radio, a digital radio station which is part of the Country Music Bulletin group playing all Australian country music 24 hours a day seven days a week.
"Capital Country Radio is gaining listeners all the time and that reflects the enormous amount of top quality music we play," Bob said. "Aussie country is definitely up with the best in the world... sometimes better, and there is a constant stream of great new music coming through all the time."
As part of the People's Choice Awards promotion, every nominee is recognised and highlighted via the Awards website and social media.
Finalists are annouunced in December with the Awards presentation set for Thursday evening January 20.
Voting is via www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
Queensland festival first to offer vaccines
The Savannah in the Round country music festival in the Cairns hinterland this weekend will feature a Covid-19 vaccination hub.
Queensland Health has teamed up with the event to get more jabs in arms in the battle against the coronavirus.
The Savannah in the Round festival, which will take place in Mareeba in the Cairns hinterland, will be headlined by James Blundell, Adam Brand, Busby Marou, John Butler, Casey Barnes, Troy Cassar-Daley, Beccy Cole, Graham Connors, Brad Cox, Lee Kernaghan, Sara Storer, John Williamson and The Wolfe Brothers.
Also featuring will be the vaccination hub, offering festival goers a free dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
While the festival claims to be Australia’s first to give out vaccines, there is global precedent: last month in the UK, pop-up vaccination centres featured at the Reading and Leeds music festivals; and in July, an electronic pop music festival in Ottawa, Canada vaccinated hundreds of festival goers.
As of Wednesday, fewer than 50 percent of Queenslanders aged 16 and older were fully vaccinated, compared to NSW with almost 62 percent.
Festival Director James Dein said the partnership with Queensland Health would contribute to the state getting back to normal.
“Creating a festival in the middle of a pandemic is no easy task, but vaccination is the key to freedom,” he said.
“We have worked hard for over two years now on ensuring our Covid plan is best practice, and while we’re proud of the event we’ll be delivering to the Tropical North this weekend, we are urging our patrons to join us in getting the jab so that normal life can be just around the corner.”
Photo: a stage and audience pic from this year's event.
Weblink – www.savannahintheround.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
Busking applications open for Tamworth 2022
The battle to become Australia’s next big-name busker is officially underway, with registrations now open for the highly anticipated Toyota Country Music Busking Championships taking place in Tamworth this coming January.
As "an opportunity for budding stars to follow in the footsteps of award-winning artists like Keith Urban and Kasey Chambers, the 50th Country Music Festival is expected to see around 400 buskers lining Tamworth’s Peel Street, all searching for their big break," according to a spokesman for origanisers Tamworth Regional Council.
"Performing on Tamworth’s ‘Boulevard of Dreams’ is a rite of passage for many artists starting out in the industry," the spokesman said.
“Every year my mum and dad would pack us kids up in the car, we would head to Tamworth, and camp for two weeks,” said Golden Guitar winner, Kirsty Lee Akers.
“I would perform in talent quests and busk on Peel Street and the money I earned from busking paid for my first ever EP when I was 16.”
Performing throughout the 10-day Toyota Country Music Festival, buskers will have a chance to impress, with judges roaming the streets to select the top 10 performers.
Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer John Pappas said the busking championships were always a highlight of the Festival "and the music on the streets iss what really brings the community together.
“Over the years we have seen some extraordinarily talented musicians and performers head for Tamworth for the busking championships and for many of today’s stars, it’s where they got their very first break,” he said.
“It’s always a tough decision for the judges, but the championships really showcase that celebration of community spirit and support for regional and rural Australia that is at the heart of the whole festival,” he said.
The 10 top performing buskers will have the opportunity to perform in front of a crowd of hundreds at the Toyota Best of the Buskers concert on the final Sunday of the Festival.
In addition to the championship title, more than $5,000 worth of prizes are also on offer.
Festival organisers have appointed a busking co-ordinator, who will begin work in October.
Busking registrations can be made here.
Photo: an iconic image from the archives of a very young Troy Cassar-Daley busking during the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2021
ARIA Awards on-line again in 2021
It will be another year of a virtual awards ceremony for the Australian Recording Industry Association Awards this year.
The 2021 ARIA Awards will be held in partnership with YouTube Music on Wednesday, November 24, and streamed live on YouTube.
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said while she would have preferred to have put on an in-person event this year, ARIA wasn’t willing to do things by halves, so taking it online was the right call.
“We would definitely rather be in a position where we can have a massive show at an amazing Sydney venue with thousands of people and amazing performances, but we have to deal with the situation we’re in, not the situation we wish we were in,” she said.
Despite the challenges and disappointment, ARIA said they were going to really "lean in" to the partnership with YouTube Music and experiment with experiences and interactions it hasn’t tried before.
“I am really excited though about the possibility and the opportunity that we’re being given," Annabelle said, "and we still don’t know exactly what life is going to look like in Sydney by November 24, but we didn’t want to keep planning for a half-and-half event.
"We wanted to make a decision and turn around and put all of our resources into making a really great digital show that really celebrates and recognises the incredible nominees that we’re going to have this year,” she said.
“Sometimes when you have to take a different turn than you would have expected, it can lead to some really exciting changes and differences, and this year, we’re going to lean into the YouTube stream experience, and try some things that we haven’t tried before, and be a bit more innovative, use some cool technology, get greater fan and audience engagement than we’ve ever been able to do before."
ARIA Chair Natalie Waller said in a statement that the Awards would be back in-person in 2022, but for now “the choice to go digital was obvious”.
“Taking into account the uncertainty around restrictions and overall public safety, the 35th annual ARIA Awards is taking a new digital show turn this year. It is vital for us that the event goes ahead in some form or another, to celebrate the determination, resilience and achievements within the music community during this very challenging period," she said.
"The Australian music industry has been a beacon of light for many of us for almost two years now, we are delighted to be bringing this year’s event to people in a different format."
YouTube’s Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen said: "YouTube is proud to be part of the ARIA Awards for a third year and to help stream the celebration around the world and into Australian homes for the very first time.
"Since March 2020, it has been really tough for the music industry. It has made creating shared moments even more important – and last year’s Awards did just that," he said.
"Australia has an outsized weight in the global music scene, and we will continue to empower and help local artists grow their audiences, connect with fans in meaningful ways and break songs around the world. I’m excited to see what will come out of Australia this year."
Weblink – www.aria.com.au/awards.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021
SAM Awards finalists announced
Finalists have been announced for the 2021 SAM (South Australian Music) Awards – celebrating the achievements of South Australian musicians, venues and industry workers.
The Awards will be staged at a COVID-safe outdoor format in the grounds of the former Adelaide Gaol now tourist attraction on Thursday November 18.
The list of nominees spans a range of genres. Winners will be decided by a panel of 15 national and local judges who represent and work across various facets of the industry.
In the Country category, finalists are Ricky Albeck & the Belair Line Band, Jimmy Bay, Mark Curtis and the Flannelettes, Jaylee Daniels, Michaela Jenke (pictured), Ben McNeil, Paula Standing and Matt Ward (pictured).
Finalists on the Blues & Roots category are Craig Atkins, Sturt Avenue, Trav Collins, Mojo Dingo, Sean Kemp, Mum’s Favourite, Wanderers, Cal Williams Jr and Nick Wilton.
Music SA Chair Anne Wiberg said she was proud of the SA music community in 2021.
“South Australian artists have, yet again, continued to produce incredible, world-class original music,” she says. “I am so happy that the SA Music Awards enables us to celebrate not only those who create it but everyone who supports and works in the industry.”
Weblink – southaustralianmusicawards.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021
ARIA removes gender specific awards categories
Music industry body ARIA (the Australian Recording Industry Association) says it is attempting to open its annual awards up to "a more diverse range of performers" by removing gender specific categories in the annual ARIA Awards.
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd (pictured) said the division along binary lines excluded too many talented non-binary artists, and also prevented women from being recognised as men’s equals in the industry.
Instead, this year’s awardswill recognise the industry’s Best Artist.
To compensate for the change, there will be 10 nominees in the category, instead of the usual five per gender.
Annabelle said she didn’t want the ARIA Awards to be exclusionary in any way.
“If you have categories that are limited to people who identify as male or female, then you are excluding a whole bunch of amazing artists that are non-binary. And it was clear that the time of excluding non-binary artists had absolutely passed,” she said.
“The music industry is demanding a more equal, inclusive, safe and supportive space for everyone and ARIA is working hard to achieve that across the ARIA Awards and everything we do.
"While the removal of gender-based categories is a significant change we are proud of, I recognise it is just one step in the continuous journey of reassessment, progression and ultimately evolution that we are committed to undertake," she said.
"We’re determined to make the future of the ARIA Awards and the future of Australian music as bright as it can be."
ARIA’s newly elected Chair Natalie Waller said removing the gendered categories felt like an organic step for the future of ARIA.
“A key principle of ARIA and the Australian music community is that peers are given equal opportunity and treated to the unity they deserve. Therefore, we are incredibly proud to enter the next chapter of ARIA’s ever-evolving journey by removing the gender-based award categories, reconstructing the way in which the event has been traditionally held,” she said.
Weblink – www.aria.com.au.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2021
New from Matt
South Australian based country artist Matt Ward will release his second album in November.
The album – If I Was In Dallas Tonight – will be released on digital, CD and vinyl, with 50 percent of album sales revenue going to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) Foundation.
Despite the challenges presented by the ongoing COVID pandemic, Matt is currently on his Challenge 21 tour in South Australia before heading to Groundwater Country Music Festival in November and Tamworth Country Music Festival in January.
Challenge 21 is a fundraising initiative close to Matt’s heart, established for the WCH Foundation in tribute to his nephew Sam Roberts who passed away at four years of age (and would have been 21 this year) as a result of a rare genetic condition, Niemann-Pick Disease.
Matt's new album follows the 2019 release of his acclaimed debut album Heartland which reached number one on the ARIA Australian Country Albums chart.
An international collaboration, If I Was in Dallas Tonight was inspired by Matt’s travels and experiences across Australia and America and "all the highlights, challenges and mistakes along the way".
He began recording the album at Yellow Dog Studios in Texas in 2019 after showcasing at Americanafest in Nashville, but due to the challenges of COVID, had to continue on remotely from Australia, also working with multiple ARIA and Golden Guitar winner, Matt Fell, in Sydney.
"Off the back of his debut success, the quality and diversity of Matt’s new works stamps him as a serious creative force in Australian country and Americana music," according to a spokesman for the artist.
"Combined with his authenticity as a storyteller, spirited live performances, and genuineness as a person, he is ready for country music’s biggest stages."
The CD and vinyl version of the new album are available to pre-order from Matt's website. The digital version is available at online music portals.
Weblink – www.mattwardmusic.com.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021
Gold Coast Award winners
Country star Casey Barnes has been named the Gold Coast Music Awards Artist of the Year for the second year running.
Five hundred people attended the Awards last weekend at the Gold Coast's Home of the Arts Theatre with artists take home honours in 10 categories.
Multi-instrumentalist/producer Scott French won Musician of the Year.
Finalists for various awards included Busby Marou, Hussy Hicks and Lindsay Waddington. Casey was a finalist in multiple categories including Song of the Year for Come Turn Me On and Release of the Year for Town Of A Million Dreams.
“We’re still overwhelmed that the Awards actually happened," said Awards Director Chloe Popa.
Weblink – gcmusicawards.com.au.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2021
Big names role in for Tamworth 2022
The 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival is shaping up to be the most memorable one yet, according to organisers, with more big names set to roll into Australia’s Country Music Capital to celebrate the milestone.
Among the names added to the 2022 line-up is Roll of Renown Inductee and ARIA Hall of Famer John Williamson who will celebrate 52 years at the Tamworth Town Hall on January 21.
Golden Guitar and ARIA Award and APRA Award winners Busby Marou will team up with Star Maker winner and four time Golden Guitar nominee Brad Cox for a double header at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC) on January 19.
Golden Guitar winner Adam Harvey will perform at Blazes Show Room, as will Kirsty Lee Akers, Casey Barnes, Beccy Cole, Tex Dubbo, Gina Jeffreys, Tania Kernaghan and Amber Lawrence.
Other artists included in the Wests Entertainment Group line-up include Darren Carr, Hurricane Fall, Christie Lamb, Hayley Jensen, Camille Trail, Michael Waugh and Kevin Bloody Wilson.
And these are just a very few of the extensive line-up of festival acts which can all be found on the Entertainment Cenues website entertainmentvenues.com.au where ticketed shows and the Toyota 50th Golden Guitar Awards are now on sale.
Festival Manager Barry Harley said it was exciting and fitting that so many accomplished artists are coming back to Tamworth in 2022 following the cancellation of the official festival in January 2021.
“For many of these artists Tamworth is where it all began," he said. “Whether it was busking on Peel Street or performing as part of the festival early in their career, thereis a huge connection between country musicians and Tamworth.
“And it is only fitting that they are here in the city for the 50th anniversary.”
NSW State Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the 50th anniversary edition of the Tamworth Country Music Festival was shaping up to be a blockbuster event.
“Fans can rest assured that country music will still be found in Tamworth next January, as this city is and always will be the capital of country music in Australia.
“With NSW residents responding so positively to the call to get vaccinated, we can optimistically look forward to coming together for major events and welcoming visitors into our communities to the benefit of the local visitor economy,” the Minister said.
Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer John Pappas said Toyota was proud of its long-standing support for the Toyota Country Music Festival and the artists on the bill for 2022 would give music fans something to "truly look forward to".
“It’s been a tough couple of years for people across Australia so we’re extremely pleased to be able to support such a strong line-up of country music stars and help celebrate the community spirit that has been at the heart of the festival for 50 years,” he said.
General festival information can be found on the official website tcmf.com.au.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021
New from Michael
Singer/songwriter Michael Waugh has released his fourth studio album, titled The Cast.
Since his 2016 debut, Michael has released three albums of story songs based on characters and events from around his home town of Maffra in Eastern Victoria.
On his latest release, Michael introduces a new roll-call of characters and "new territory covered – musically and lyrically," according to a spokesman.
"It may be his love for storytelling in his work as a high school Drama teacher that has led to the character driven story songs which are uniquely specific to The Cast," the spokesman said of the 13 tracks on the record, they are "little slice of life dramas that play out through the album."
“Working with kids keeps things real,” says Michael. “If you’re doing your job properly as a teacher then you need to empathise with where kids are coming from – imagining what it might be like to walk around in their school shoes for a day. I suppose if you’re doing your job properly as a songwriter, then you’re doing the same thing – trying to give voice to what it’s like to live inside a character’s skin.”
Written and produced through the time of Melbourne’s 2020 COVID lockdown, the emotional core of the album is Michael's tribute to his parents who both died within six weeks of each other last year.
"While I really missed touring and making music with my friends," Michael said, "I needed to be still after losing mum and dad – to reflect, to write and to be surrounded by my family. Being isolated in lockdown was a little like having a broken arm stuck inside a cast – it was frustrating and I was itching to get out, but ultimately it’s what I needed so that I could start to put myself back together again.”
The album was produced by the multi-award winning Shane Nicholson who has now partnered with Michael on all of his four records.
Weblink – www.michaelwaugh.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
Kristy pays tribute to health care workers
Kristy Cox – Australia’s "Queen of Bluegrass" – has released her first single through her new deal with Billy Blue Records… a tribute to dedicated workers on the health care front line.
Person Of The Year will appear on Kristy’s seventh album (her first on Billy Blue Records), Shades of Blue.
“I am so excited for my first single release on Billy Blue Records,” Kristy said.
“Person Of The Year is such a special song that pays tribute to nurses and doctors who work tirelessly to save others. The last 18 months have been especially hard on them.”
The song was written by Jerry Salley and Bill Whyte.
“Jerry and Bill brought tears to my eyes with their lyrics that ring so true,” Kristy said.
“I have multiple family members who work in this field and this song is for them and so many others.”
Kristy, who now lives in Nashville, has topped the Billboard charts and is a multiple Golden Guitar winner. In 2014, she was named Australian Country Music Independent Artist of the Year.
The new Shades Of Blue albumwill be available in January.
Weblink – www.kristycox.com.
MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2021
Vale – Tom T Hall
American country star Tom T Hall – known as "The Storyteller" – has died. He was 85.
Along with such contemporaries as John Hartford, Kris Kristofferson and Mickey Newbury, Tom helped usher in a literary era of country music in the early 1970s, with songs that were political, like Watergate Blues and The Monkey That Became President, deeply personal like The Year Clayton Delaney Died, and philosophical like (Old Dogs, Children and) Watermelon Wine.
"In all my writing, I’ve never made judgments,” he said in 1986. “I think that’s my secret. I’m a witness. I just watch everything and don’t decide if it’s good or bad.”
Tom settled in Nashville in 1964 and first established himself as a songwriter. His breakthrough came with Harper Valley P.T.A., the 1968 international hit about small-town hypocrisy recorded by Jeannie C Riley whichsold millions of copies and won a Grammy award for the singer. His own career took off after that.
Throughout the ’70s, Tom became one of Nashville’s biggest singer/songwriters. he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1978.
Tom died on Friday August 20 at his home in Franklin, Tennessee. Hall, known as “The Storyteller” for his unadorned yet incisive lyrics, composed hundreds of songs.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021
Melanie moves to ABC
Rising star Melanie Dyer's new single Run Out Of Road will be released by ABC Music.
The new release signals the end of Melanie's longstanding relationship with Universal Music Australia, as reported by The Music Network.
Melanie appeared on "The Voice" in 2012 but none of the judges – Delta Goodrem, Joel Madden, Seal or Keith Urban – turned their chairs and selected her for their teams.
At the time, Madden said he would regret the decision and added “mark my words, you are going to make it”.
In 2013, Melanie then signed to UMA.
For her new single, however, she’s made the move to ABC Music.
She said she’d always felt drawn to the ABC Music team.
“I’m really excited and honoured to be joining ABC Music. Over the years I have naturally gravitated towards the ABC team at gigs, award shows and industry events. I’ve always felt heard and supported, especially being led by such strong, nurturing women in Natalie Waller and Jenny Peachey,” she said.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that ABC is a perfect fit for me and I can’t wait to work with the rest of the team and release all the new songs I’ve been working on.”
ABC, meanwhile, was equally excited to have Dyer on the roster. “We look forward to building on her accolades and achievements to date with the new music,” said Jenny Peachey.
Melanie, who wrote the new song with Forest Glen Whitehead and Dan Fernandez, said the song had a message about taking every chance to wander, fall in love and enjoy the ride, because “we all know how quickly it can be taken away”.
“I wrote Run Out Of Road during my last trip to the USA in February 2020 just weeks before COVID hit Australia and they stopped all international flights.
"I’ve been so lucky to travel from Gold Coast to California, New Zealand to Memphis and everywhere in between for music. When the world came to a halt in 2020, this song took on a whole new meaning. This song is a reminder that life is fleeting and moments are precious.”
Weblink – www.melaniedyer.com.au.
MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021
Golden Guitar Awards 50th album set
The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA), in conjunction with ABC Music, has announced the upcoming release the official CMAA 50th Anniversary The Winners albums set.
Available on November 12, the music releases will include a limited edition "deluxe" four album set in two volumes, each volume also available for sale separately both as CD and via digital partners.
"The tracklisting features a who’s who of Australian country music across the decades," said a CMAA spokesman, "including Slim Dusty, Buddy Williams, Col Joye, Jean Stafford, Smoky Dawson, Redgum, Graeme Connors, Keith Urban, James Blundell, Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, The McClymonts, Kasey Chambers, The Wolfe Brothers, Fanny Lumsden, Morgan Evans and more!"
CMAA President Dobe Newton said: "The 50th anniversary of Australia's longest-running music awards show and festival will make the 2022 Toyota Country Music Festival and Golden Guitar Awards truly memorable.
"The CMAA is honoured to partner with Tamworth Regional Council and the ABC for this special edition of The Winners which catalogues the amazing contribution our writers and artists have made to our nation's music over the decades. The stories told and the voices that tell them are a wonderful reflection of our identity and culture and will be celebrated by fans across the nation and the world."
Festival Manager Barry Harley said: “2022 is a big year. Not only for the festival itself, but for its pinnacle event, the Golden Guitar Awards. This limited-edition set showcases and celebrates the cream of Australian country music from over the five decades and I couldn’t think of a better way to commemorate the 50-year milestone.”
Weblink – www.country.com.au.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021
New from Justin
Justin Landers has released his second album – Free Time And Money – with 10 self-penned, all-original songs in what he calls a variety of country music styles.
"Traditional country, country rock, bluegrass, blues & roots and honky-tonk are all covered.
“Making music takes dedication, commitment, hard work and, a lot of time and money," Justin said. "That’s why I named this album Free Time And Money. These two major ingredients I needed to find to make this project a reality."
When asked about the inspiration for the album, Justin said: “There was never meant to be any particular theme to the album. It’s just a bunch of songs I wrote about various events and things that have affected me emotionally over my life and especially over the last year or so.
"2020 was certainly a year of events, not just for me but for everyone”, Justin said. “I also wanted to showcase the country music styles that I most enjoy."
The album includes three pre-released singles, How 'Bout This Weather, A Campfire Waltz and Be A Little Kinder, all of which made top 10 positions on various country charts across Australia and were also credited with top f finalist positions in the TSA Songwriter Salute Awards.
Produced by Simon Johnson and the team at Hillbilly Hut Records, Justin said he is immensely proud of the album and the "incredible talent" of the musicians involved.
“Simon is just so patient, supportive and awesome to work with. The musicians at Hillbilly Hut are exceptional," Justin said. "Simon and the team added just the right colour to my songs and really bought them to life."
Free Time And Money is available from all leading digital media stores and is also direct on CD from Justin’s website; www.justinlandersmusic.com.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021
International award nominees announced
The CMA (Country Music Association, America) has announced nominees for its 2021 international awards.
ABC Music & Events' Natalie Waller (pictured) is a finalist for the prestigious Jo Walker Meador International Award which recognises "outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development... outside the United States".
Natalie is up against Ilse DeLange (artist, founder of Spark Records, Firefly Publishing and Tuckerville Festival in The Netherlands), Tracy Martin (The Core Entertainment, Canada) and the UK's Chris York (SJM Concerts, Country to Country Festival UK).
The Wolfe Brothers (pictured) have been announced as finalists for the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award, recognising "outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of Country Music as well as brought attention to the country music format in their foreign based territory".
Other finalists are Jill Johnson (from Sweden), Brett Kissel (Canada) and The Shires (United Kingdom).
Promoter Michael Chugg is a finalist for the Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award, presented for "outstanding achievements by an individual who has made important contributions to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for country music outside of United States".
Other finalists for this award are Sina Hall ( Semmel Concerts Entertainment, Germany), Nigel Hassler (CAA UK), Sigve Prestnes (Stageway Talent, Norway) and Troy Vollhoffer(Premier Global Production, Country Thunder Music Festivals and Big Valley Jamboree, Canada).
This is the first year for the Rob Potts (pictured) award which is named after the late Australian promoter recognised as a leading artist manager, promoter, CMA and CMAA (Country Music Association of Australia) Board member and advocate for country music.
Rob's career spanned more than 30 years, opening doors for Australian country artists including Tommy Emmanuel, Morgan Evans and Keith Urban.
Saniel Marriner of CMT Australia has been announced as a finalist for the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award, recognising "outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside the United States".
Saniel is up against Mathias Bridfelt (SVT, Sweden), Ricky Marshall (BBC Radio 2, UK), and Charlotte Thompson (Red Umbrella PR, Canada).
And Kix Country's Justin Thomson is a finalist for the International Country Broadcaster Award presented for outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in his/her country".
Justin's fellow finalists are Dayna Bourgoin (Pure Country Radio/Bell Media, Canada), Rita Jernquist (Sveriges Radio P4, Sweden) and Baylen Leonard (Absolute Radio Country/Bauer Radio Limited, UK).
“We are delighted to honour those in the industry who have been instrumental in carrying country music forward into territories outside of the United States as this year’s CMA International Awards nominees,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern.
“And we are especially thrilled to be adding a new award to the slate this year recognising those specifically in the live music industry cultivating and growing country music’s reach. A true pioneer in the genre, few people exemplified this more than Rob Potts. He was a driving force in our efforts to expand country music internationally and I am excited we are able to honour those following in Rob’s footsteps.”
MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021
Vale – Dean Trevaskis
Journalist and bush poet Dean Trevaskis has died, aged 53, from brain cancer which was diagnosed in November last year.
He passed away peacefully yesterday surrounded by family.
Dean grew up in Shepparton (Vic) and studied nursing at La Trobe University in Melbourne and then went into psych nursing. He did that for 20 years working in some of the biggest psychiatric hospitals in the world, including Broadmoor in England where he looked after people like Peter Sutcliffe, the "Yorkshire Ripper".
In 2009, Dean won Bush Poem of the Year at the Australian Bush Laureate Awards for "The Power Of Kokoda".
MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021
Vale – Tom LeGarde
Tom LeGarde, half of Australian born country The LeGarde Twins, has died at the age of 90.
Tom’s twin brother Ted predeceased him in 2018. Co-incidentally, the brothers died on almost the same date – Tom on July 30, Ted on August 1.
The LeGarde Twins performed in Australia in the 1950s where they were known as “Australia’s Yodelling Stockmen”.
They were signed to the Rodeo label from 1950 to 1952, after which they released a string of hits on the Regal Zonophone label.
In 1957, the twins (Tom is pictured on the right) left for North America, initially for Canada (they had acknowledged Canadian country singer Wilf Carter, or "Montana Slim", as an influence) then to Hollywood where they performed on television and hosted a show of their own in Los Angeles.
Ultimately, however, they settled in America’s Music City, Nashville, where they toured the United States as part of a revival of interest in the music of old western movies.
In 1972, they signed with American Heritage Records, and in 1980 with Festival Records in Australia.
In later years, they opened The LeGarde Twins Country Music Theatre in Hendersonville, just out of Nashville before moving the venue into Nashville proper.
The Twins were still active in the first decade of the 21st century, playing in the Nashville Palace in 2007, at the Williamsburg Film Festival in 2008, and at a festival in North Carolina.
Tom (left) and Ted are pictured in more recent years.
Born in Mackay, Qld, the twins were described by hometown compatriot Graeme Connors as “larger than life” in early Australian country music.
“Tom and Ted had an international perspective long before it was 'cool' and I recall on my first visit to Nashville in the early ’90s how they generously took me to meet everyone who was anyone at that time in Music City,” Graeme said.
“Being stars in the early years of the American country industry they looked the part and dressed the part while always proud of their Australian roots.”
The twins were inducted into Australia’s Country Music Hands of Fame in 1987.
A book of stories titled "Showbiz Hustlers" has been published on their rise to fame "telling of how two rough and tumble boys from a Queensland sugar cane farm became country music stars," according to one review.
THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021
Gympie cancelled
This year’s Gympie Music Muster has been cancelled.
“It is with great disappointment and sorrow that we have to inform you of our 40th Birthday celebration cancellation,” organisers said in a statement.
“This decision has not been made lightly as our team has been working tirelessly and were ready to deliver a first-class festival, that you all know and love. Many of our Muster family – ticket holders, artists, contractors, volunteers and vendors come from far and wide and we feel it is only fair that we notify all as soon as possible.
“Our CoVid19 plan was in place, however the risks involved in continuing with the festival this year are escalating daily. In the interest of the Gympie Music Muster’s long-term sustainability and our brand we have had to make the hard decision for all involved.”
The 40th celebration Muster was shaping up to be “the best Muster ever”. Ticket sales were exceeding expectations with a third of patrons coming from interstate.
“Patrons, sponsors and vendors funds are not ours until such time as we are able to deliver our event,” organisers said. “Financially, the event relies on unrestricted travel to and within Queensland for patrons, artists and suppliers.
“We are a not-for-profit organisation and the current situation and the uncertain future poses an unacceptable financial risk. Unless the event can be delivered with a full program and with unrestricted interstate attendance, we cannot deliver value for our patrons and guarantee payment to our suppliers.
“In the event of a late cancellation or any sudden lock down, we simply could not refund tickets and pay suppliers which would be financially catastrophic for the future of the event.”
Organisers are now looking forward to regrouping for the 2022 Gympie Music Muster when they are hoping the majority of Australians will have been vaccinated and travel restrictions relaxed.
All current ticket holders will be offered the opportunity to transfer tickets to next year’s festival to be held Thursday August 25 to Sunday August 28 or may get a refund.
“By transferring your tickets, you are demonstrating your ongoing support for our iconic music and camping festival and guarantee that you are already set for the 2022 Muster at the 2021 price,” organisers said in their statement.
Further contact will be made next week with ticket holders.
“Our heartfelt thanks and best wishes go to our Muster Mates and family – thank you for your on-going loyalty and support.”
FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021
Mildura festival back on
The Mildura Country Music Festival – renamed slightly as the Mildura-Wentworth Country Music Festival – returns in 2021 (Covid19 allowing) after a year or so in the wilderness.
It will run in the same timeframe as the original successful event, Friday September 24 to and incuding Saturday October 2.
The festival is being organised by Music Entertainment owner David Storer following the withdrawal of Queensland-based promoter Chandler-Shaw Events.
They were to run the event last year following the withdrawal of long-time organiser John Arnold who ran his last festival in 2019 but the coronavirus pandemic caused its cancellation along with many others.
David Storer said he was "thrilled" to be selected by Mildura Council to run the festival which he will do for the next three years.
Festival performances will be split across both sides of the border... Mildura is in Victoria, Wentworth is 34 kilimetres away in NSW.
Artists announced for 2021 include Lance Birrell, Owen Blundell, Adam Brand (pictured), Rob Breese, Don Costa, Paul Costa, Sandie Dodd, Dwayne Elix, Bec Hance (pictured), Graeme Hugo, Neil McArthur, John O'Dea, Luke O'Shea, Parle Bros, Dave Prior, Justin Standley, Gina Timms, Rodney Vincent and Gretta Ziller.
Adam Brand is the Festival Ambassador for 2021.
There has been no announcement yet as to whether there will be a future for the Australian Independent Country Music Awards which used to run as a part of the Mildura festival.
Weblink – www.mildurawentworthmusicfestival.com.
TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021
Natalie elected ARIA Chair
The peak Australian music body, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), has announced the election of Natalie Waller, Head of ABC Music & Events, as ARIA Chair for a two-year term, effective immediately.
This follows the recent resignation of long time chair Denis Handlin.
Natalie (pictured), who has been a member of the ARIA Board since February 2019, joined the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1998 in the ABC Music business team and held various roles including Business Manager. She was appointed to her current role in 2012.
Natalie has worked across many genres within ABC Music mainly specialising in Australian music and championing niche genres. She also works with well-known ABC music brands including triple j. She currently holds the position as Vice Chair of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA), was appointed to the Board of the Country Music Association (CMA America) in January 2021 and is Chair of the CMA Australian Task Force.
“It is an absolute honour to be elected as ARIA’s new Chair," Natalie said. "At this time of change and challenge for the Australian music industry, I’m determined to give my all to continuing ARIA’s mission of championing our fantastic artists and industry. I’m thoroughly excited to get to work with the Board, Annabelle and the ARIA team.”
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Natalie as the new Chair of ARIA. During her time on the Board, she has demonstrated an incredible knowledge of the scope and diversity of the Australian music landscape. We are thoroughly looking forward to the next two years and continuing our mission to communicate the true economic and cultural value of our amazing recording industry.”
The members of the ARIA Board are: George Ash, President Universal Music Australia & New Zealand; Libby Blakey, Business Affairs Director, Warner Music Australia; Sebastian Chase, Founder, MGM Distribution; Karen Don, Senior Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs, Universal Music Australia; Sophie McArthur, Vice President, Partner Development and Streaming Strategy, Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand; Gordon Pitt, Vice-President, Legal and Business Affairs, Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand; Dan Rosen, President, Warner Music Australia; and David Vodicka, Managing Director, Rubber Group of Companies.
