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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2010
Winners in the Western Australia Country Music Awards were announced during the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival at the weekend.
Connie Kis Andersen was named Best Female Artist while Terry Bennetts won the Male Artist award and Jane Germain & Ian Simpson took out the Best Group/Duo title.
Independent Single of the Year went to Deb Beckett with Ode To Elsie while Independent Album of the Year was won by Ronni Rae Rivers with Whole Heart To Give.
The Senior Songwriter award was presented to Kate Linke with Red Dirt, runner-up was Deb Beckett with Baby Boomers and the junior title went to Codee-lee Down with Battle On.
Photo: Connie Kis Andersen with broadcaster Brendon T Moylan following her announcement as WA Best Female Artist.
The 21st Bunyip Country Music Festival will be held this Sunday, February 28, at the Bunyip (Victoria) Recreation Reserve.
A "walk-up poets breakfast" with JJ Cuthbert and compere Andrew Embling kicks off festivities at 8am.
The main event runs from 10am to 6pm and will star Jeff Brown, Tim Farren,Bec Hance, Sandra Humphries, Karen Lynne & Blue Mountain Rain, Jasmine Rae, Simply Bushed and Travis Sinclair (pictured).
Other activities running through the day will include stalls, childrens rides and displays.
Further information can be obtained from organiser Joy Batchelor on (03) 5629 5388.
Weblink – www.bunyipvolunteers.com.au.
Ex patriate Australian Brad Fischer, journalist, columnist, and account executive with the "Nashville Music Guide" died on February 12 at the age of 73 due to kidney and heart complications.
He leaves behind his daughters Dallas Fischer and Tracy Stevenson, two grandchildren, Millie and Levi Stevenson, his brother Robert Fischer and sister Coleen Robinson in Melbourne.
Besides his regular CD review column "Fischer About You", Brad authored several articles on country stars, undiscovered artists and news events.
Brad was born on January 1, 1937, in Jeparit (Victoria) and pursued a career as a fighter pilot in the Australian Air Force. But after poor eyesight from an illness grounded him, he landed an ad copy job with an Australian agency and an illustrious second career was born.
His "Russian Roulette" commercial against drunk driving, which was commissioned by the government of New Zealand, was broadcast internationally. The video, still regarded as one of the most powerful anti-drug commercials ever produced, resulted in Brad receiving his first Cleo, a national award recognising excellence in advertising akin to receiving an Oscar for film.
His crowning achievement was as the political ad campaign director for Robert Muldoon, which resulted in Muldoon’s election as Prime Minister of New Zealand in l981.
Brad moved to North America in 1970 and worked extensively in Los Angeles, Toronto and Atlanta prior to relocating to Nashville in l986. His resume instantly landed him a position in Nashville working for McCann-Erickson, one of Nashville’s top advertising agencies at the time.
In semi-retirement, he accepted a position with the "Nashville Music Guide" in 1995 and his expertise turned it into "the music bible of music city" with an avid readership of industry, artists and fans.
– from an obituary by Dan Wunsch
Associate Editor, "Nashville Music Guide"
Jimmy, Ferlin, Billy and Don for American Hall of Fame
The Country Music Association has announced that Jimmy Dean, Ferlin Husky, Billy Sherrill and Don Williams (pictured from left) are to become the newest members of the American Country Music Hall of Fame.
Due to a tie in the voting, both Dean and Husky will be inducted in the "Veterans Era Artist" category.
Williams will be inducted in the "Modern Era Artist" category. Sherrill will be inducted in the "Non-Performer" category, which is awarded every third year in a rotation with the "Recording and/or Touring Musician" and "Songwriter" categories.
Dean, Husky, Sherrill, and Williams will increase membership in the Hall of Fame from 108 to 112 inductees.
"These four gentlemen broadened country music immensely with their talents," said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors, "exposing millions of fans around the world to our format.
"Their contributions to the genre and to popular culture are immeasurable, and we are proud to award them the highest honour in country music."
Induction ceremonies for the four will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum later this year.
Since 2007, the Museum's Medallion Ceremony, an annual reunion of the Hall of Fame membership, has served as the official rite of induction for new members.
"The 2010 honorees... have used their voices, songwriting, instruments and life experience to create enduring country music that dominated popularity charts throughout the middle and closing decades of the 20th Century," said Museum Director Kyle Young.
"Their songs, recordings, live performances, and presence on radio, television, and even in the movies, are part of the sonic architecture that now frames our music in the mainstream. We extend our heartiest congratulations to them all and look forward to the stories and fellowship to come."
"I thought I was already in there," said Dean humorously. "Seriously, it brought a huge grin to my face. I am honoured."
An emotional Husky said, "I'd like to thank my Lord Jesus Christ for... bringing me into the world as a country boy. And also, for giving me the talent to sing, entertain, and help convert millions around the world to country music. I'm still a country boy and proud of it. In the words of my close friend, the late Stringbean, 'I sure am glad I'm me!'"
"Anything I have ever accomplished would have been totally impossible without the help and support of the greatest songwriters and musicians in the world," said Sherrill, "and of course what I stole from Owen Bradley!"
"I feel extremely honoured and overwhelmed with this news," said Williams. "It is unbelievable that (the) CMA thought about me in this manner."
The CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 to recognise noteworthy individuals for their outstanding contributions to the format with country music's highest honour.
Weblink – www.countrymusichalloffame.com.
A big start to the year for Bec
Bec Hance has kicked off 2010 in a big way.
First up was her win of the New Songwriter Award at the Tamworth Songwriters Association Awards for Just Add Water (off her album The Tranquillity) co-written with Vaughan Baker.
Earlier this month, she won the Barry Thornton Encouragement Award at Bungendore. Bush balladeer Keith Jamieson and radio presenter Brian Annett both said: "It couldn't have gone to someone more deserving as Bec is an important major new talent for the country music industry."
During the last 12 months, Bec has become a popular act playing at festivals like Mildura, Tamworth, Bungendore and Whittlesea where she was a finalist this year in the Victorian & National Country Music Awards, as she was in this year's Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards.
Weblink – www.bechancecountrymusic.com.
The Sunny Cowgirls have taken over the top spot on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 Playlist this week with the clip of the title track to their latest album Summer.
Amber Lawrence is up one to number two with Wrecking Ball while The McClymonts former number one – Wrapped Up Good – is at three.
Jetty Road's number one from last week – World Keeps Turning – is at five, Peter McWhirter's Humm is at six and Dianna Corcoran is at seven with Thank You For Cheating On Me.
Just outside the top 10 is Lee Kernaghan's Planet Country while bullet performers this week include...
McAlister Kemp's All Kinds Of Tough (17 to 14), Mark Wells' You're Still On My Mind (21 to 18), Sara Storer's Calling Me Home (20 after debuting in the playlist at 24 last week), Lou Bradley's Uluru (30 to 27) and Danny Widdicombe's My Desires (42 to 39).
New entry for the week is Leanne Melmoth with All Of Your World (at 50).
CMC's Country Pick for the week is That’s Where The Faith Comes In by Kristy Cox.
Weblink – www.countrymusicchannel.com.au.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2010
CMC Rocks is a mini tour by three leading country acts, one from America, one from Australia and one from Canada.
Jack Ingram is the American country act, Steve Forde the Australian and Doc Walker the Canadian act.
Organised and staged by Rob Potts Entertainment Edge and Chugg Entertainment, CMC Rocks is billed as "a rockin' honky tonk party featuring country stars from around the globe".
The tour will touch down in Rooty Hill, Orange, Tamworth, Toowoomba and Brisbane from March 9 to 13 (see On Tour for details) and follows the CMC Rocks The Snowys event at which Jack and Steve will also feature.
Jack Ingram is a multi-award winning American singer/songwriter on his first performance trip to Australia.
Steve Forde is one of Australia's best known country performers signed to the ABC Music label and with two hit albums under his belt.
The band Doc Walker has amassed countless accolades over its 12 year career, including 10 Canadian Country Music Awards.
Photo (from left): Steve Forde, Jack Ingram and Doc Walker.
Weblink – www.entertainmentedge.com.au.
The fourth annual Cessnock Country Music Festival will be staged at East Cessnock Bowling Club from Friday May 21 to Sunday May 23.
Friday night's launch event will star Paul Costa who will be presenting songs his three albums including his latest, In This Life. His special guest will be 2010 New Talent Golden Guitar winner Victoria Baillie.
Stars during the weekend will include The Bob Katz, Kel-Anne Brandt, Jodie Crosby,Donella, Makaylie Foodey, Lee Forster, Bruce McCumstire, Tara Naysmith, Steve Passfield, Bob Pigott, Grant Richardson, Mitchell Shadlow, Lisa White and Holly Wilson.
The main Saturday night event will star the Wolverines.
Sunday will also include a full program of balladeers... including Greg Bain, Charley Boyter and his band, Ernie Constance, Christina George, Lynette Guest, Allan Lavender, Ken "Chainsaw" Lindsay and Slim Newton.
Festival organiser Rhonda Astill said: "We are delighted to be presenting an outstanding line-up of artists over the three days and we feel privileged to be supported by East Cessnock Bowling Club, Cessnock City Council, Reg Lindsay Rodeo Promotions, Comfort Inn Cumberland, Goanna Print, LJ Hooker and Britton Morrison of Appin.
"Secretary Manager of (the) Club Marlene Hartog has once again committed great support for the event by providing the perfect venue."
Ticket enquiries and bookings can be made from April 1. Further information can be obtained from Rhonda on 02 4990 6861.
Photo: Sisters Dianne, Jo and Sandra Lindsay during last year's main event, a tribute to their late father Reg.
Weblink – www.cessnock-country-music-festival.com.
A benefit concert is to be held in March for Jeff Dallas (pictured) who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
Jeff is the son of Golden Guitar winner and Roll of Renown inductee Rex Dallas.
His many friends in country music are getting together for a "mega concert" to raise much needed funds for "our mate Jeffrey".
Artists and musicians lining up to perform at this stage are
Lindsay Butler, Mike Casey, Geoff Clapson, Tracy Coster, Daley Croft, Jodie Crosby & Steve Newton, Graeme Doubleday, Natalie Foley, Johnny Grills, Lynette Guest, Kevin Harris,Lloyd Janson, Shaza Leigh, Tom Maxwell, Deniese Morrison, Nev Parnell, Peter Pratt, Jared & Rowan Scott, Brian Briza Summers, Those Gals, Greg Williams, Peter Wilson and the Dallas family, of course, Rex, Brett, Colin, Shannan, Lindsay, Ashleigh, Luke and Jack.
Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee Brian Howard will compere.
The concert will be staged at the Kootingal Bowling Club on Saturday March 20 from
2pm.
Many raffle prizes have been offered by country music stars who can't be there on the day due to prior work commitments.
Donations can also be made to the Motor Neurone Association.
Further information can be obtained from Deniese Morrison at Stagecoach on
02 6762 2441 or 0407 276 934.
An initiative of the Australian Institute of Country Music (AICM) has been to develop a music video website specifically designed for those with an interest in country music.
"The website features only video clips that will fit into the country music genre and will be closely monitored by AICM staff," said a spokesman for the organisation. "Only videos and comments approved of by AICM staff will make it through to the web page."
The first major use of the website – www.gocountry.tv – has been to provide access to videos taken of AICM and CMSOE (Country Music School of Excellence) students during the recent Tamworth Festival.
"To view these videos, go to www.gocountry.tv and select 'Tamworth 2010' from the category list on the left of the page. You should see a list of thumb nails to the right and by clicking on any one of the thumb nails should load the video into the screen.
"If you wish to make a comment or suggest videos to be included on the site, you need to register, a relatively simple task," the spokesman said.
Chart Update – The McClymonts' fourth week at the top
The title track from the McClymonts' album Wrapped Up Good is at number one for the fourth week in a row this week on the national Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart.
Troy Cassar-Daley's I Love This Place is steady again at number two while Amber Lawrence's Wrecking Ball jumps two places to number three and America's George Strait is down one to four with Twang.
Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill & The Little Hillbillies are jump two to number five with Lost Music Blues, Lou Bradley's Uluru is steady at six and Jetty Road's World Keeps Turning is at seven.
Ronni Rae Rivers' Things I Want edges up one to number eight, as does Tania Kernaghan & Ray Kernaghan's We're A Lot Like Each Other to nine and McAlister Kemp's All Kinds Of Tough enters the top 10 at 10.
Bullet performers for the week include Dianna Corcoran's Thank You For Cheating On Me (15 to 11), The Sunny Cowgirls' Summer (19 to 14), Lianna Rose's Angels (21 to 17), Harmony James' Pretty (26 to 21), Adam Harvey & Guy Sebastian's Stuck In The Middle With You (29 to 23) and Kristy Cox (pictured) with That's Where The Faith Comes In (new at 27).
Other new entries for the week are The Lees' It Ain't Me Babe (at 28), Liam Brew's Doghouse ((at 29) and Amber Joy Poulton's Rising Star (at 30).
Weblink – www.countrymusicradio.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2010
Winners in the Victorian & National Country Music Awards were announced during the weekend's Whittlesea Country Music Festival.
In the national sections Male Vocalist of the Year went to Troy Cassar-Daley (pictured) with I Love This Place, Female Vocal to Amber Lawrence with When it all Comes Down and Group of the Year to Jetty Road (pictured) with Million Miles.
Troy Cassar-Daley was successful again with The McClymonts in winning Duet of the Year with Ain't Gonna Change Me, the Bluegrass & Traditional Country award went to the Davidson Brothers with Born To Play and the Smoky Dawson Best Independent Release award went to Sam Hawksley with Sounds Like Summer.
The Trailblazers Heritage Award was presented to Paul Costa for Survivor 1932, Composition of the Year went to Steve Eales with Echuca Sun, Hawking Bros Best New Talent was presented to Victoria Baillie with Make Me and Instrumental of the Year went to Wildseed with Goose On The Loose.
In the state section, Victorian Entertainers of the Year were named as Jetty Road with Million Miles, Sal Kimber won Female Vocalist with Sounds Like Thunder while Greg Champion was named Male Vocalist with This Was My Town - Marysville and Carter & Carter won the Group or Duo award with Surviving Black Saturday.
Victorian Album of the Year went to Jetty Road's Life At A Million Miles and the Whittlesea Country Music Festival Industry Award was presented to Maton.
Weblink – www.whittleseacountrymusicfestival.com.au.
Call for help with items for Slim
With the Slim Dusty Centre now finally under construction and an anticipated opening of December this year, a call has gone out for assistance from the Australian public to seek specific items for the museum that will help to complete some of the stories of Slim’s life.
"It is evident that many Australians hold the memory of Slim Dusty... close to their hearts and may have memorabilia hidden away in their homes or, more than likely, on display in their homes," said Slim Dusty Centre Curator Linda Raymond.
Linda has issued an invitation for Slim Dusty fans and their families to consider donating items of memorabilia as a part of one of the many significant displays within the Slim Dusty Centre.
"Since starting work on this project, I have come to appreciate the deep affection held by Australians and overseas country fans for Slim, Joy and the whole Kirkpatrick family," she said.
"I want to ensure that those fans have a chance to be involved in this important new national cultural centre and to see their personal memories become part of Slim's story."
"Dusty" family members have contributed their significant collection for display at the Slim Dusty Centre, material which has been gathered through more than 50 years of travelling the length and breadth of Australia.
"Missing pieces of memorabilia and stories and photographs of Slim with truckies and Aussie folk to complement these displays will be a priceless addition," Linda said.
An example of the items of interest would include "western" or Tex Morton style clothing, young girls cowgirl outfits, jodhpurs, boots, belts, neckerchiefs or pipes from the 1940s or '50s.
From this era, Linda also has an interest in an "EZ" guitar tutor or any other guitar methods or, something every young boy would have possessed at the time, Tex Morton or Smoky Dawson comics.
"Undoubtedly, any posters, tickets, programs or advertising material collected from agricultural shows, rodeos or sideshows in which Slim and Joy are mentioned would be cherished as an exciting part of the museum displays," Linda said.
"During his lifetime, Slim developed a great affiliation with our 'truckies' and to complement the 'Truckies Tribute to Slim' Paver Program in the courtyard of the Slim Dusty Centre, (we are) also calling on the many truckies who have memories, photos or memorabilia relating to Slim."
Linda said she would also welcome any pieces of dashboard decoration and truck artwork or relevant photographs that members of the public may be kind enough to donate to the Slim Dusty Centre.
Anyone with items of interest can email their contact details and stories with photographs attached to slimdustycentre@midcoast.com.au who will be in touch for further detail.
Alternatively, donors can telephone (02) 6562 6533 or 1800 18 SLIM.
It was the dream of the late Slim Dusty to build a centre where the memorabilia collected all over Australia during his long and illustrious career could be shown and where visitors would be "involved in an interactive journey through the heart and soul of Australia".
Weblink – www.slimdustycentre.com.au.
Kelly crowned most socially connected driver in NSW
Country singer Kelly Hope has been crowned the most socially connected person in NSW after spending the summer living out of a Ford Focus to win the Fwd: a Ford challenge.
Fwd: a Ford saw a number of Facebook fanatics apply to be NSW’s most well-connected creative talker by explaining how they planned to share a Ford summer experience with as many people as possible.
The top 30 entries were given access to a Ford Focus or Fiesta for two weeks and were encouraged to blog, write, photograph and video their summer driving experience in order to grab a set of Ford keys for life.
Winning driver Kelly (pictured), a country singer originally from Albury, has now traded in her infamous, bright pink Ford ute for a new Ford Focus.
Kelly spent two weeks living and breathing her Ford Focus TDCi, including sleeping and eating in the vehicle, even drying her hair from inside the boot.
Her "passion for keeping the vehicle was shown through a series of incredible stories and video diaries which were followed by hundreds of Australians online," said a Ford spokesman.
"Kelly, who is also personal trainer, took the judges by storm with videos of clients being taken through their paces at exercise and yoga sessions, with the car being used as a prop.
"A trip to the Star 104.5FM Central Coast studio saw Kelly thrown into a challenge to drive listeners around the radio station in her car. She also penned a new song about her love for the vehicle in her pyjamas from the car boot."
Kelly said of her win: "I thought it would be really difficult to live out of a car for two weeks but I had an amazing time and it's an experience I'll never forget. I would like to personally thank everyone who has supported me online over the summer."
Raelene Wilson, Ford Event Manager said: "Fwd: a Ford received some excellent entries however, Kelly stood out as the most socially connected Aussie after sharing her exciting driving experiences on Facebook, Twitter, My Space and YouTube. Her posts received thousands of views, making Kelly one of the most watched people online in NSW over the summer period."
Weblink – www.kellyhope.com.
This year will see the staging of the 17th Norfolk Island Country Music Festival in May.
Artists booked to appear include Catherine Britt, Kristal Collins (pictured, 2009 Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year), Jim Haynes, Amos Morris, Tami Nielson, Barry Saunders and Jodi Vaughn.
Described as "a boutique country music festival", the annual Norfolk Island event has become well known on the country music calendar in Australia and New Zealand.
A major part of the Festival is the Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year Award (talent quest).
"Over the past 16 years, Norfolk Island has seen some of the great name artists performing on the island and audiences have been thrilled with the calibre of artists," said a spokesman for organisers.
"It is a much sought after event and performers and audience alike have a week of great music, comradeship and a ton of fun."
Although the Festival runs through eight days, it culminates in four main nights on the second weekend leaving days free for visitors to enjoy "the beauty and history of Norfolk Island".
This year's event will run from Sunday May 16 to Sunday May 23.
Weblink – www.nicma.nf.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2010
Applications open for Academy of Country Music
Applications have opened for the inaugural Academy of Country Music to run in Tamworth, Country Music Capital, this year from June 25 to July 10.
Aspiring singers, songwriters and players have until the end of this month (February) to apply to be involved in the Academy, a combination of the Tamworth Camerata and Australian College of Country Music.
"The success of the Camerata and College programs continues to be seen with awards presented, album sales and sell-out tours by past graduates,"said Cheryl Hayes, General Manager of the Country Music Association of Australia, operators of the Academy.
"The Academy... will provide a greater curriculum and resources than ever before," she said, "giving us great hope that new graduates will become the new industry leaders within country music."
Applications can be made online at www.country.com.au.
Past graduates of the College and Camerata include rising country star Lou Bradley and Amber Lawrence, Sara Storer, The Sunny Cowgirls...
Confirmed staff of the 2010 Academy include artists like Lyn Bowtell, David Carter, Roger Corbett, Ted Egan, Jim Haynes, Gina Jeffreys, Tamara Stewart and Felicity Urquhart, "giving insight into performance, songwriting, vocal delivery and the real world of a working artist in a competitive industry".
"These recognised names will be complemented by the best 'behind the scenes' and technically trained industry professionals such as record producers od McCormack and Herm Kovac, musicians Rod Motby, Doug Gallacher, Ian Lees, Brad Bergen, Duncan Toombs, Sean Rudd, Sofie Spencer and Peter Cooper..."
The Academy will deliver two targeted courses made up of tailored syllabuses. One junior, specifically designed for applicants between 13 and 18 years old in which a parent or guardian must also attend the program to be educated on the industry. And the senior course for applicants between 18 and 35 years of age.
While the program will primarily concentrate on country music, the Academy will also encourage students to expand into areas of new country and crossover styles of music that will be attractive to new and expanding audience bases, organisers say.
To mark the inaugural conducting of the Academy, a special streaming program for aspiring musicians who intend to become instrumental specialists will be offered for the first time.
Applicants for the new strand will be expected to demonstrate a high level of skill on their chosen instrument and experience working in a full band context, the Academy said.
"While they will not be expected to sight read notated music, they will be taught to follow detailed chord charts and will be schooled in the use of the international numbering system."
The 2010 Academy of Country Music will culminate with an end of course graduation concert unveiling and showcasing the newly educated students and featuring some special guest industry stars.
Further information can also be obtained by telephoning (02) 6766 1577.
Tommy guitars raise money for Haiti
Tommy Emmanuel has raised almost $40,000 for victims of the Haitian earthquake by selling three of his guitars on eBay.
Tommy sold off his Maton Jumbo with a winning bid of just over $21,000, his Gibson Country Gentleman, which raised almost $7,000 and his Paul Reed Smith acoustic which topped out at just over $10,000.
The Jumbo was made for Tommy by Maton and it was the first Mahogany guitar they made. "I've played this guitar all over the world," Tommy said. "I wrote The Tall Fiddler, Lewis & Clark, The Mystery, Antonella's Birthday, and many more songs on this guitar."
The Paul Reed Smith acoustic was a gift to Tommy made via Ricky Skaggs. "I'm moved to donate this instrument because (I have been inspired) by Paul's kindness that I have witnessed on many occasion. He is a man of great generosity.
"The Gibson Country Gentleman was given to me by my friend Mike Voltz from Gibson in 1999. It is the last electric guitar made at the Nashville factory before (the company) moved to Memphis. It has a beautiful sound and plays exactly the same as Chet Atkins' used to."
In addition to the guitars, successful bidders also received two VIP seats to a Tommy concert, dinner with Tommy and a two hour private guitar lesson.
The money raised was donated to the Haitian cause via UNICEF.
Photo: Tommy with his Maton Jumbo.
Weblink – www.tommyemmanuel.com.
Jasmine releases deluxe CD/DVD
Jasmine Rae, who burst on to the Australian country music scene in 2008 after winning the Telstra Road to Tamworth competition, has released a deluxe edition of her debut album Look It Up.
The album debuted at number five when it was released originally and went on to be nominated for an ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Award last year, the same year she toured with America's Brooks & Dunn, Dierks Bentley and Joe Nichols in Australia.
Jasmine also became the most popular country artist on Myspace Australia and to date is the only Australian based country artist to have had more than a million song plays on Myspace.
The new Deluxe CD/DVD edition of Look It Up features six new tracks, including four "stripped bare" acoustic tracks, four music videos, two live performances and a mini-documentary on Jasmine’s career so far.
It was officially released earlier this month to co-incide with the start of Lee Kernaghan’s 2010 Planet Country National Tour in which Jasmine will appear in all shows.
Weblink – www.jasminerae.com.au.
Chart Update – The McClymonts' third week at number one
The McClymonts' Wrapped Up Good is at number one for the third successive week this week on the national Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart.
Troy Cassar-Daley's I Love This Place is also steady at number two while America's George Strait is at three with Twang and Jetty Road's World Keeps Turning is at four.
Amber Lawrence's Wrecking Ball jumps three places to number five, Lou Bradley's Uluru is at six and Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill & The Little Hillbillies are steady at seven with Lost Music Blues.
Lee Kernaghan's Planet Country is at eight, Ronni Rae Rivers' Things I Want bounds into the top 10 at nine and We're A Lot Like Each Other by Tania Kernaghan & Ray Kernaghan enters the top 10 at 10.
Bullet performers for the week include McAlister Kemp's All Kinds Of Tough (17 to 12), Sandra Humphries' Is That What He Told You (18 to 14), Dianna Corcoran's Thank You For Cheating On Me (20 to 15), The Sunny Cowgirls' Summer (24 to 19), Lianna Rose's Angels (25 to 21) and Harmony James' Pretty (30 to 26).
New entries for the week include Adam Harvey's duet with Guy Sebastian,Stuck In The Middle With You (new at 29).
Weblink – www.countrymusicradio.com.au.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010
The tenth Perth City Muster will be held at the Claremont Showgrounds on Saturday, February 20 from 3pm.
This year's event is being billed as "the ultimate celebration of contemporary country music with a galaxy of Golden Guitar stars lighting up the Arena".
Lee Kernaghan will headline, together with Kasey Chambers and John Williamson, all together on the same stage for the first time.
Sharing the spotlight will be Beccy Cole and multiple 2010 Golden Guitar finalists Harmony James and Amber Lawrence with Brendon T Moylan compering.
All artists will be meeting, greeting and signing in the merchandise tent following their performances.
In addition to the "pure country music" a "Beaut Utes" competition will be conducted with utes on display from 1pm on the day.
Further information on any aspect of the 2010 Perth City Muster, including tickets, can be obtained from the website www.citymuster.com.au.
First single released from Ian's new album
Frontier Country is the first single to be released from Ian Quinn's new album Quinny.
For more than 20 years, Ian has written about what makes Australia and Australians special. His contribution to Australian country music has quietly earned him a strong reputation as a songwriter with numerous awards and accolades.
During his career, Ian has released six original albums and more than a hundred songs have been recorded by other artists including Tracy Coster, Slim Dusty, Glenn Jones, Anne Kirkpatrick, Amos Morris, Dean Perrett, Peter Pratt and Anita Ree.
Last year saw Ian take a new direction in his career, entering the realms of "country music artist" with the recording of a career defining album.
Teaming up again with producer and co-writing partner Roger Corbett, Quinny is described as Ian's "snap on the world, his points of view, some political, some personal and those Australian stories he tells so well," in the release with news of the new single.
"This album is like a loaded camera full of snapshots of where and what Australia is today.
"It's a blend of country, folk and rock feels and reels, reflective melodies with a chorus calling for change. It's a measure of great Australian songwriting and production."
Frontier Country is described as "a call to arms".
"Whatever side you sit with the current and controversial topic of climate change and Australia's increasingly extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, this song makes a statement about our great wide brown land, 'mother nature's calling us, listen as she speaks..."
Weblink – www.ianquinn.net.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010
Winners of the annual Stan Coster Memorial Bush Ballad Awards were announced during the first night of the annual Bungendore Country Muster last night.
Album of the Year went to Dean Perrett's A Thousand Campfires.
Brian Letton won the Male Vocal award with his track Sorry Mate.
Dianne Lindsay won the Female Vocal award with Cooper After Rain.
The New Talent award went to John Battle (pictured) with In The Outback Of Australia.
Instrumental/Vocal Group/Duo was won by Dianne Lindsay and Anne Kirkpatrick with Long Road Home.
Johnny Kaye & Tom McIvor won the Songwriter award with Manarichie Rails.
The Comedy Song award was taken out by Tom McIvor with Coleslaw.
And the Barry Thornton Encouragement Award was presented to Bec Hance.
Weblink - www.bungendorecountrymuster.com.au.
Chart Update – The McClymonts still at the top
The McClymonts' album Wrapped Up Good is at number one for the second week this week on the national Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart this week.
Troy Cassar-Daley's I Love This Place is steady at number two, as is Jetty Road's World Keeps Turning at three while America's George Strait is at four with Twang.
Lou Bradley's Uluru edges up one number five, Lee Kernaghan's Planet Country is at six and Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill & The Little Hillbillies are at seven with Lost Music Blues.
Amber Lawrence's Wrecking Ball bounds into the top 10 at eight, Felicity Urquhart's Roller Coaster is at nine and Luke O'Shea's How Well Have You Loved is at 10.
Bullet performers for the week include McAlister Kemp's All Kinds Of Tough (20 to 17), Dianna Corcoran's Thank You For Cheating On Me (24 to 20), The Sunny Cowgirls' Summer (29 to 24) and Lianna Rose's Angels (28 to 25).
The only new entry for the week is Harmony James (pictured) with Pretty (new at 30).
Weblink – www.countrymusicradio.com.au.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2010
Nominations close February 12 for Queensland Country Music Awards
Nominations close this Friday (February 12) for Australia's newest major country music awards, dubbed The Queenslanders.
The Queensland Country Music Awards are open to artists who have been resident in Queensland at any time during the period July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009.
Nominations from some of the leading lights of Australian country music, including a number of previous award winners, are expected for The Queenslanders, among them, several multiple Golden Guitar winners and finalists.
Finalists for this year's Awards will be announced on Thursday, April 1.
Trophies will be presented to winners at a special ceremony during this year's Charters Towers Country Music Festival on Friday night,April 30.
Both the Charters Towers Country Music Festival and the Queensland Country Music Awards are sponsored by McDonalds Charters Towers.
Awards Co-ordinator Meryl Davis said there was "a huge buzz" of excitement in the industry about the new Awards.
"So many of Australia's best and brightest country music artists come from Queensland, so it's great that they're getting this kind of recognition," Meryl said.
Entries for The Queenslanders must have been released for sale via hard copy CD or digital download during the eligibility period. While nominees must have been resident in Queensland during the eligibility period, tracks don't have to have been recorded in the Sunshine State.
For this year only, The Queenslanders have an eligibility period of 18 months. For future awards, the eligibility period will be 12 months — the calendar year.
The Awards will be judged by a panel of prominent and respected industry figures, with the judges' names being made available after the winners have been announced.
Categories in the Awards are Male Vocal of the Year, Female Vocal, Group or Duo, New Talent, Bush Ballad/Heritage Song of the Year, Instrumental and Vocal Collaboration of the Year.
Nomination forms and further information can be found at www.charterstowerscountrymusic.com.
Enquiries can be directed to Meryl Davis on 0419 190 395, Rosie Adsett on 0409 091 605 or email queenslanders@countrymusic.com.au.
Keith Urban took out the Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles earlier this month.
The award was for the track Sweet Thing, a song inspired by wife Nicole Kidman who accompanied Keith to the ceremony.
It was Keith's third Grammy.
Country sensation Taylor Swift dominated this year's Grammys taking home four awards, including for Best Country Album for her chart-topper, Fearless which also claimed the biggest award of the night, Album of the Year.
The Greencards, Australia's other nomination in this year's Grammys, were beaten to the Best Country Instrumental Performance award by Steve Wariner with Producer's Medley from his My Tribute To Chet Atkins album.
Weblink – www.grammys.com.
Chart Update – The McClymonts take over number one
The title track from The McClymonts new chart-topping album Wrapped Up Good takes over the number one spot on the national Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart this week.
Troy Cassar-Daley's I Love This Place edges up one more place to be at number two while Jetty Road's World Keeps Turning slips one to three and Planet Country - Lee Kernaghan's number one record breaker - drops to number four.
America's George Strait is at five with Twang, Lou Bradley's Uluru bounds up four places to six and Felicity Urquhart's Roller Coaster is at steady seven.
Kasey Chambers, Poppa Bill & The Little Hillbillies' Lost Music Blues bounds into the top 10 at eight, Luke O'Shea's How Well Have You Loved is steady again at nine and Carrie Underwood's Cowboy Casanova is at 10.
Bullet performers for the week include Amber Lawrence's Wrecking Ball (15 to 11), Tania Kernaghan & Ray Kernaghan's We're A Lot Like Each Other (20 to 17), Rodney Vincent & Greg Champion's Bit A Dirt Never Hurt (21 to 18), Sandra Humphries' Is That What He Told You? (23 to 19), McAlister Kemp's All Kinds Of Tough (24 to 20) and Dianna Corcoran's Thank You For Cheating On Me (29 to 24).
New entries for the week are Lianna Rose with Angels (new at 28), The Sunny Cowgirls' Summer (at 29) and Peter McWhirter's Humm (at 30).
Weblink – www.countrymusicradio.com.au.
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