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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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APRA Awards new date A new date for this year's APRA Music Awards – to be staged "virtually" – has been announced.
They were oringinally scheduled for Tuesday May 26 but will now be presented the evening before. Under the hashtag #VAPRAS, the Awards will be livestreamed from 7pm on the 25th via HYVIO’s global streaming platform. A number of performers will be featured during the presentation. Finalists were announced previously (click here for the story). Weblink – www.apraamcos.com.au/awards. 2020 Junior Academy cancelled The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) has announced cancellation of the 2020 Junior Academy of Country Music course that was to run in Tamworth in July.
Because of "the feedback we have received regarding the importance of networking, face-to-face learning and connecting, we feel that this is our only choice for 2020," the Association said. "At this stage, we hope that the Academy can return in 2021. "As we still don’t know how the health and economic conditions will play out between now and then, we are unable to give a clear indication of how and when the Academy (both junior and senior courses) will next be run." Hats Off still on... at this stage...
"A final decision will be made on June 1," according to a statement on the Destination Tamworth website. The Festival is scheduled to run from Thursday July 9 to Sunday July 12. Weblinks – www.country.com.au • www.hatsofftocountry.com. We support Aussies and Kiwis for ANZACS Country Music Bulletin and Capital Country Radio support the efforts of many to observe Anzac Day 2020 in meaningful ways in light of service and activity cancellations because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Key among these is Aussies and Kiwis for ANZACS, a dedicated facebook group established when it was announced that Anzac commemorations had been cancelled (as previously reported) Two veterans, Bill Sowry and Terry James, suggested standing in front of driveways to observe a minute of silence and at the same time, Justin Wilbur offered to light a candle as a tribute to the soldiers. He created the facebook group which Ash Louise joined with both ideas combined into what is now known as the "Driveway at Dawn" movement. Since then, the group brought together thousands of members in Australia, New Zealand and across the globe. For more information, the facebook group can be accessed here, or by clicking the image at the top right of this page. Capital Country Radio has joined Simply Bushed to promote the activity with a special announcement featuring the band's award-winning song Raise Your Glass. Simply Bushed will also be streaming a "Live To Your Loungeroom" session on their facebook page (here) from 11am tomorrow. "Chris and I will be together, albeit a strict 1.5 metre separation, to play a heap of songs and hopefully pay respects to the ANZAC troops of our history and that are still serving right now around the world," said SB's Pauly Grierson. Troy to feature in "Who Do You Think You Are?" Australian country’s own Troy Cassar-Daley is to feature in the next SBS TV program series “Who Do You Think You Are?” which returns in May.
For 2020, Troy joins former Olympian Lisa Curry, actors Cameron Daddo (who has also dabbled as a country singer) and Kat Stewart, retired politician Julie Bishop, comedienne Denise Scott and television personalities Bert Newton and Lisa Wilkinson. The journey for this year's selection of stars will span several centuries and continents, according to SBS Head of Commercial and Production Chris Irvine, “to unearth extraordinary genealogical revelations for some of the country's most beloved Australians.” “Who Do You Think You Are?” returns to SBS on Tuesday May 19 at 7:30pm. Weblink – www.troycassardaley.com.au. Support from Entertainment Assist Entertainment Assist, a national health promotion charity that raises awareness about mental health and wellbeing in the Australian entertainment industry, have released a series or free mental health support videos. The organisation says the videos are already being accessed by more than 60 people seeking help every day. The videos were specifically produced by Entertainment Assist to address the key issues causing anxiety for members of the entertainment industry – finance, sleep, healthy habits and staying connected. "The short support videos focus on self-care to help people through these very stressful times," Julia said. "Importantly the videos provide details for direct access to agencies which provide professional support in mental health and financial assistance. “If we help one person, we can be very pleased with the project,” she added. "Everyone in the industry can access the videos for free online through the Entertainment Assist website at www.entertainmentassist.org.au. New from Casey One new album release that slipped under the radar is Casey Barnes Town Of A Million Dreams, his fifth.
It is expected to debut high on the ARIA Country Albums Chart next week. Town Of A Million Dreams features the hit A Little More and the new single release Sparks Fly as well as a duet with Missy Lancaster, No Other You. Casey has been gaining a lot of ground over the last few years in particular with numerous awards and awards finaist nominations. His most recent album prior to the new release – The Good Life – also debuted at number one on Apple Music (then known as iTunes) and at number two on the ARIA Country Albums Chart. Last year, Casey signed to Chugg Music for managemebt and joined Select Music for live representation. Weblink – www.caseybarnes.com.au. Capital News publication suspended For the first time since it was first published in 1975, Australia's longest running country music publication Capital News has become a temporary victim of COVID-19 with publication suspended for the immediate future.
"Measures needed to slow the spread of the virus have affected the publication," said Council's Country Music Manager Barry Harley. "With the world in isolation, so too are touring musicians and entertainers, with closed venues and no festivals to attend," he said. "Our advertisers, readers and contributors are all being informed of the immediate changes, but we know they will all understand the situation is out of our control. "Although our loyal subscribers won't receive the May and June issues, their subscription orders will automatically be extended by the missing months." The publication is one of a few platforms for exclusive interviews with national and international Australian country artists. Barry emphasised the suspension of production was temporary and would be reviewed as conditions improved. The Capital News team looked forward to returning to production as soon as the industry began to recover. Discussion underway for "Tamworth 2021" Although it is almost still 10 months away, discussions are underway to determine the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the 2021 Tamworth Country Music Festival. A report in this week’s Northern Daily Leader said the event could come under question as a result of the public health restrictions currently banning any non-essential travel as well as gatherings of more than two people.
"But at what point do we state that the country music festival for 2021 is definitely on, or definitely off? "We will be working with other stakeholders in that event because the council doesn't wholly own the festival, it's owned by the community of Tamworth who contribute to it." As Australia’s biggest country music festival, “Tamworth” draws tens of thousands of visitors to the 10 day event every January. The influx of visitors adds more than $50 million to the economy and is deemed a huge contributor to the viability of local business, the Council says. Event organisers and the Council's own financial team are in the process of modelling the impacts of COVID-19 to try to predict what direction to take. The Festival relies on sponsorship but, with the pandemic forcing businesses into financial strain, it's difficult to say what level of support is affordable, Col said. "These are big decisions and it's too early to predict yet what will happen in 2021, there might be some stimulus packages to allow it to be bigger than ‘Ben-Hur’ but that's unlikely. "You can bet your boots it will look different to what it was coming into the COVID-19 scenario." With the event's 50th anniversary in 2022, the state government pledged financial support through Destination NSW in November last year. A final decision could be months away, but the Council will start conversations with major stakeholders to announce the plan for 2021. At this stage the festival is set to take place from Friday January 15 to Sunday 24, 2021. Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au. Footnote: at the time of this report, the mid-year Hats Off To Country Festival was still set to proceed in July but this will depend on social distancing restrictions at the time. Wolfe Brothers sign to BMG The Wolfe Brothers have signed to BMG Australia with new music to be released on the Broken Bow Records label.
Brodie resigned from the band to put more effort into his solo music and remains The Wolfe Brothers live lead guitarist. “This signing and new release is a huge milestone for us and we could not have gotten here without the support of every one of you!” the brothers said announcing the news to fans. “Thank you! We can’t wait to begin this new chapter with you all!” The Wolfe Brothers’ most recent album, Country Heart, released on the ABC Music label, won Album of the Year at the 2018 Golden Guitar Awards as well as Contemporary Album of the Year, Group ofthe Year and Song of the Year (for Ain't Seen It Yet). Indigenous Awards continue on-line The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) – usually held July/August – will continue in 2020 as a virtual, on-line, presentation. "The NIMAs are responsive to the health needs of Australians, particularly those in our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community," said an Awards spokesman.
"The NIMAs have always played an integral part in bringing us together as a community and this year we will take the opportunity to innovate, providing a multimedia experience which will celebrate not only music, but also the way technology has transformed Indigenous life, be it in our major capital cities, or our remote communities." Awards organisers say they will work with media partners to create "a rich program of live music across multiple screens and the ability for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from across the country to connect with the program, the artists and each other. Iwaidja, Malak Malak and Badu Island man Ben Graetz has been appointed the new NIMAs Creative Director. Ben said he was excited by the challenge of helming the 2020 NIMAs which usually attract more than 4,000 each year in Darwin. “The National Indigenous Music Awards are the biggest night on the calendar for First Nations musicians and it is an honour to be welcomed as its first Creative Director, albeit with a different palette than I was expecting to be painting with,” he said. “Over more than a decade, the Awards have been such an important place of recognition for musicians across the country, both to celebrate successes and provide a platform for new artists to be discovered and I am excited to be taking the reigns of an event with such an important legacy, especially at this time. “We will create an event where we can celebrate and honour our extraordinary musical community while of course listening to health advice and bringing our community together, this year virtually, to offer positivity and hope in these challenging times.” Nominations for this year’s National Indigenous Music Awards are now open at www.indigenousmusic.com.au. All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music released between July last year and June this year are eligible for nomination. For the first time, all artists who have appeared in the weekly National Indigenous Chart will be automatically considered for the Awards. “We are continuing the evolution of the NIMAs to create a platform that shines a light on Indigenous success and talent across the year, of which the Awards are a key part,” said MusicNT’s Mark Smith. “We are working closely with Ben to restructure the NIMAs advisory committee and are welcoming new members in 2020 to ensure we have Indigenous voices from across the country advising and leading the future strategy of the event. "We are proud to welcome Ben as our first Creative Director as we continue our path towards a NIMAs that is Indigenous-led: an event that not just amplifies Indigenous voices, but one that is determined and controlled by them.” Support Act welcomes government funding Support Act has welcomed a $10 million funding package announced today by the Federal Government. “Since COVID-19 shut down live performances across Australia last month, unprecedented numbers of musicians, road crew and other music workers have been turning to Support Act for crisis assistance,” said Chairperson Sally Howland.
“Despite dozens of online fundraising campaigns by hundreds of artists over recent weeks, the organisation has been stretched to the absolute limit by these cries for help so today’s announcement will be a game changer for the entire music community.” The funding will enable Support Act to provide crisis relief to artists, crew and music workers who have lost their jobs and income as a result of COVID-19, and to upscale and extend access to the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline to all members of the arts industry." “We applaud the Government for the assistance packages they have already provided – the JobSeeker and JobKeeper benefits will go a long way to providing a safety net for the majority of people in the music industry affected by the COVID-19 crisis and we encourage all eligible artists, crew and music workers to register for these benefits asap,” said Clive Miller, Support Act CEO. “This additional funding from the Government will enable us to ensure that Support Act can provide short term financial support to those artists, crew and music workers who fall through the cracks for any reason and are unable to access government benefits; and those who are injured, unwell or have a mental health issue that is preventing them from being able to work.” He also acknowledged the increasing need for mental health and wellbeing support across the music industry. The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline is a free, confidential phone counselling service available to anyone working in Australian music who is concerned about any aspect of their mental health and wellbeing. "Since its establishment in June 2018, it has provided more than 1,100 hours of counselling support to people in the music industry and, more recently, to performing arts workers in Australia as part of our partnership with Arts Wellbeing Collective," he said. “An immediate first step as a result of receiving this funding will be to extend access to the Helpline to all members of the arts sector.” The Support Act Board is also meeting today to establish an industry task force to help ensure that the funds are administered in a timely and efficient manner. Weblink – supportact.org.au. Easter in the Vines goes ahead... ... virtually, of course! Riversands Vineyards at St George, Qld, will be running their Easter in the Vines with past and present guest artists performing songs nominated by fans.
Songs can be nominated via the Riversands facebook page here. "Like many, our entertainers have had their gigs cancelled and are facing hardship. Please support them during their gig," said a Riversands spokesman. The Vineyard is running a number of promotions in conjunction with the entertainment, including virtual wine tasting, aimed at helping to keep staff employed during the coronavirus pandemic. The event will be live-streamed on the Facebook page from 3pm onwards on both Easter Saturday (April 11) and Sunday (April 12). Weblink – www.riversandswines.com. APRA Awards finalists Finalists have been announced for the 2020 APRA Music Awards, winners of which will be announced on-line on Tuesday May 26.
Sarah Aarons (pictured), Greg Kurstin and Maren Morris with Girl, recorded by Maren Morris. Troy Cassar-Daley (pictured) and Greg Storer with Wouldn't Change A Thing, recorded by Troy. Travis Collins and Allison Veltz with Happy, recorded by Travis. Morgan Evans, Chris DeStephano and Joshua Kear with Young Again, recorded by Morgan. Thomas Jordan, Mitchell Thompson, Daniel Ross and Michael Whitworth with Love That, recorded by Seaforth. Troy Cassar-Daley is a finalist in Most Performed Rock Work with the song he wrote for Jimmy Barnes, Shutting Down Our Town, recorded by Jimmy with Troy. It's understood this is the first time a country act has featured as a finalist in the rock category. Busby Marou are finalists in Most Performed Blues & Roots work with Sound of Summer, written by Thomas Busby, Jeremy Marou, Phil Barton and Lindsay Rimes. With the Awards now taking place as an online event, APRA AMCOS say they are prouder than ever to acknowledge the work of this year’s contender. "If ever there was a time to acknowledge the work of songwriters – both those on stage and those who work quietly behind-the-scenes – it is now," said Chief Executive Dean Ormston, "which is why we have committed to the 2020 Virtual APRA Music Awards. "Our songwriters give us so much - they contribute enormously to our economic and cultural wealth, and in a world of self-isolation, never has the comfort, poignancy, or uplift of a song been more important!" Weblink – www.apraamcos.com.au/awards. Gold Coast Awards go virtual The Gold Coast Music Awards will deliver the official 2020 Awards presentation virtually via Facebook at 7pm on Thursday, April 30.
Up for Release (Great Divide) and Artist of the Year, Busby Marou said they put “more love and effort into this record than anything we’ve ever done before, so it’s an absolute pleasure to be recognised as a finalist by the Gold Coast Music Awards." “The music scene on the coast is pumping and keeps on kicking," said Tom Busby. "Despite the madness going on around the world right now, it’s comforting to see these awards forging ahead to recognise and celebrate artists when we need it most.”
“While we can’t hold a big, face to face awards ceremony, we think it is really important to bring the community together, virtually at least, to acknowledge and celebrate the creative gold that continues to come out of this city. “We’d love for everyone to tune in and watch the 2020 Gold Coast Music Awards, together, for an hour of support and solidarity from the comfort and safety of your couch!” To be involved, viewers must RSVP to the 2020 Virtual Gold Coast Music Awards Facebook event at bit.ly/GCMA2020. In addition to Busby Marou, Casey Barnes and Hussy Hicks, finalists for Artist of the Year are Bombs Away, Hollow Coves and San Mei. Casey Barnes and Hussy Hicks are among finalists for Live Act of the Year and Song of the Year, with A Little More and Get Ready, respectively. Casey is also among finalists for Viseo of the Year (with A Little More). Musician of the Year finaists are Jackson Dunn, Leesa Gentz, Felicity Lawless, Julz Parker and Lindsay Waddington. Simply Bushed raise the glass again Award-winning country group Simply Bushed are throwing their support behind a new way of marking Anzac Day in these times of COVID-19 isolation and social distancing. The movement, started by Jay Scott, works to have Australians and New Zealanders commemorate the special day with their household members at the end of their driveways at dawn.
The group wanted the most appropriate song to play on Anzac Day morning, and Simply Bushed’s award-winning Raise Your Glass came out on top. The song has since had 800 shares from group members alone, racking up nearly 50,000 views on Youtube since its release in 2016. Raise Your Glass won Anzac Song of the Year at the Tamworth Songwriters’ Association Songwriter Salute Awards in 2017 and Song of the Year in the Ballad Section of the SongsAlive Competition in the same year. Frontmen Paul Grierson and Chris Rieger said they were honoured their song had been chosen by so many people to feature in Anzac Day commemorations.
“Simply Bushed is very much the people’s band, and this song in many ways has gone beyond the band and has been taken on by those very same wonderful people,” Paul said. “We are certainly proud to be connected to the song Raise Your Glass, but it is more a reflection of how important Anzac day is to us all, not even the most significant and impacting health threat for a while will stop us commemorating our brave historical and current serving Australians... “Nothing should ever come between Aussies, Kiwis and Anzac day and if Raise Your Glass is to be shared by Aussies and our Kiwi brothers in arms, then so be it, we could not be more proud to be part of the Facebook movement Aussies and Kiwis for ANZACs.” Chris said he knew the song was special as soon as Paul started telling him about it as they began to write it. “You could feel the energy as it was being written that the song was evolving into something that was going to evoke those feelings in people,” he said. “It stops people midstream in conversation in a pub because raising your glass is the colloquial sign of respect that we have in Australia; it’s not about alcohol, it’s a colloquial thing that is very Australian. I think that is what gets people in.” Brendan Nelson – Australian War Memorial Director at the time the song was released – described Raise Your Glass as “a beautifully evocative gift to the nation”. Aussies and Kiwis for ANZACs plans to have everyone in their driveways or on their porches at 5.55am to pay their respects and have Raise Your Glass playing. As a special tribute, Paul and Chris will stage an online concert on Anzac Day to pay their respects to the service personnel they have played for so many times, at 11am on their Facebook page. To join the Aussies and Kiwis for ANZACs group, go to: www.facebook.com/groups/ANZACday2020. Weblink: www.facebook.com/simplybushed. Mildura country music – "under new management" Some positive news amid the coronavirus pandemic is the announcement that the Victorian city of Mildura is set to continue having a major annual music festival building on the base established by the long running iconic country music festival.
Mildura Rural City Council has announced that experienced event manager and promoter ChandlerShaw Events will co-ordinate the event for the coming three years. Rumours had been circulating for some time the festival would not proceed in 2020. Renamed the Mildura Music Festival, the event, according to a release from the Council, will retain an emphasis on country music, especially the traditional form that has been so popular with patrons. “Independent artists will still be a hallmark of the revamped event, while offerings will be expanded to include bluegrass, folk, Americana, country rock, alt-country and much more.” More information regarding the 2020 Mildura Music Festival will be released at a later date. ChandlerShaw Events managing partners, Jeff Chandler and Greg Shaw, have extensive knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry. Greg has worked as a booking agent, promoter and artist manager, with artists including Keith Urban and Kenny Rogers while Jeff has managed artists including James Blundell, Troy Cassar-Daley, Tommy Emmanuel, Lee Kernaghan and Sara Storer. Greg has managed events including City Musters in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin and Perth and Caboolture’s Urban Country Music Festival. Jeff, who has significant event management experience as well as serving as Festival and Program Director for the Gympie Music Muster from 2012 to 2018, said their group was delighted to be selected as producers of a new music festival on behalf of Mildura Rural City Council. “The former Mildura Country Music festival has been an important event on the local calendar for more than 30 years, and it was decided that change was needed to ensure that it remained relevant and was part of a rapidly-evolving and expanded offering of music and cultural events in Australia,” he said. “We’re excited by this opportunity,and are looking forward to taking this hallmark event to new and exciting heights.” Mildura Councillor for Economic Development & Tourism Mark Eckel congratulated the new event organiser, which will take over the running of the Festival starting this year. “This is an exciting time for one of our region’s longest-running hallmark events,” he said. “To have an event manager and promoter the calibre of ChandlerShaw Events behind the Festival is a major boost and I look forward to hearing their plans.” Council would provide financial and facilitation support for the term of the agreement. He said the incoming event organiser represented a new era for the Festival, ensuring it would continue to play an important role in the region’s suite of tourism and visitor drawcards. There has been no announcement as to the future of the Australian Independent Country Music Awards which have been the centrepiece of the annual Mildura festival. Aussies excel with "covid covers" Artists world-wide – and especially Australian country artists – are finding interesting and novel ways to keep active during restrictions caused by the novel coronavirus.
One the most novel, however, and appropriately, is the "covid covers challenge" where artists record and upload a cover of one of their fellow artists songs who are then challenged to record and upload another of their fellow artists songs. The challenge appears to have been initiated by Caitlyn Shadbiolt as a way to support Australian artists during the current crisis. And so far, notable covers have been performerd by Adam Brand, Sinead Burgess, Travis Collins, Lee Kernaghan, Jasmine Rae and The Wolfe Brothers. Click the #covidcoverschallenge to search on facebook or click the image above to start with Caitlyn Shadbolt... APRA Awards go on-line The APRA Music Awards will be announced on-line this year. APRA has taken this step in lieu of cancelling or postponing the event because of coronavirus restructions.
More details will be announced in the coming weeks, but it can be confirmed that the format will feature presenters, winners and performances of the Song of the Year finalists. Jenny Morris, Chair of the APRA board, said it was important that the awards proceed. “This is an unprecedented time in all our lives, it’s not easy to make any sort of decision right now about the near future,” she said. “But everyone involved with the APRA Music Awards decided that going ahead with the awards was something we could and should do – albeit in a very different way, but one that brings the awards to music fans far and wide for the first time. “It’s important to celebrate and acknowledge the success and artistry of our songwriters whose work enriches our lives. They will be the ones who help us get through this time.” Nominees for the “reimagined” 2020 APRA Music Awards will be announced on April 7. APRA AMCOS has also introduced an award for the Most Performed Alternative Work. As with all the genre categories, the nominees and winners are determined by royalties earned from Australian performances of the song across broadcast, digital downloads, streaming services, and live performance. Weblink – www.apraamcos.com.au/awards. Sending out an SOS The public appeal for support to the music industry has expanded with the launch of a "sound of silence" website. www.thesoundofsilence.com.au has been set up by the Music Industry Taskforce – comprising numerous music industry organisations and entities – to focus on how members of the public can help "bring immediate relief" to the industry. "By working with Support Act and CrewCare and through a raft of targeted activity, we hope to alleviate the severe haemorrhaging of income that has come with widespread cancellations of festivals, concerts, shows and local gigs," the Taskforce said.
"Workers in our industry live from gig to gig. Shows are their lifeblood and it will take more than the containment of COVID-19 to return them to economic stability. The ramifications are far-reaching and seriously long-term." "The music industry has historically banded together to donate time and money to those in need, as seen recently with bushfire relief efforts – always there to lend a helping hand. "Now they need the Australian music-loving public to do the same. "As we all prepare for an indefinite period of social isolation and subsequent event postponements and cancellations, we’ve put together a guide of suggested ways to continue to support those within the live music and event communities." The Taskforce sais the list is by no means exhaustive and they welcome the sharing of additional suggestions of ways to support the live music industry and its members. It is also suggested that those in the industry, and fans, share this information as widely as possible to reach as wide an audience as possible. How to support live music over the next few months...
Infographic provided by Mushroom Music/Frontier Touring. Weblink – www.thesoundofsilence.com.au. Support Act announces emergency appeal Support Act – Australia's music industry charity and benevolent organisation – has announced an emergency appeal to raise funds to help those in the industry facing crisis in light of the COVID-19 emergency.
"People in the live music and entertainment industries are being severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic," Support Act said announcing the COVIND19 Emegency Appeal today. "Thousands of jobs have been lost in recent weeks as a result of the cancellation of concerts, festivals, tours and shows. Reported losses across the sector amount to well over $100 million and are rising daily. "While clearly necessary to protect the health of the nation, these cancellations have affected a huge array of music industry workers including artists, crew, management, promoters, agents, vendors, publicists, merchandisers, drivers, loaders, riggers and everyone else who relied on live events for their income,"Support Act said "The vast majority of these workers are independent contractors who do not have the luxury of sick leave or annual leave. Most live from tour to tour, or gig to gig and they have lost their ability to earn an income through no fault of their own." Support Act is already being inundated with requests for crisis relief from people who have gone from having seemingly secure income over the coming months to suddenly having no way to pay their bills. "Our Mental Health Helpline, which provides free counselling to those in need, is also reporting a surge in calls." Many of the people who find themselves in this position are the same artists, crew and music workers who donated their time and talent to support others by staging benefit shows following the bushfire crisis just a few months ago. "Support Act is committed to doing what it can to help those in need but our resources are limited. We urgently need to build our own war chest in order to provide even a modest level of crisis relief to people who have been impacted. "Today we have therefore launched the COVID-19 Emergency Appeal to accept donations from all sections of the Australian community. The target for the Appeal is $20million and Support Act has contributed $100,000 from its limited reserves to kickstart the campaign. "To donate, please visit our dedicated appeal page or follow the links from our website: supportact.org.au. "We ask music lovers across the country to support this appeal where possible, to help us raise the funds that will be needed to meet the expected demand. This could be through a direct donation or by directing proceeds from your own fundraising activities. "We also stand ready to work with all levels of Government. We hope they will recognise the special needs of this vulnerable section of the community and provide cash support to our campaign and to the broader entertainment sector. We also urge the Federal Government to expedite access to key government programs such as the Newstart Jobseeking Allowance. "Please help us to support our music workers through this difficult period and help them be in a position to bounce back louder and prouder than ever once the pandemic has passed." COVID-19 ... big impact on music industry The novel Coronavirus COVID-19 crisis is hitting the Australian music industry in a big way. On the country music side, in addition to Friday's announcement by CMC Rocks Qld, we have been notified that the Penrith Working Truck Show, Boggabri Drover's Campfire and Terara Country Music Campout (all NSW) and Yakka Park Country Music Festival (SA) will not go ahead this year.
A special website – ilostmygig.net.au has been set up by the Australian Music Industry Network and the Australian Festival Association together with industry partners as an industry focal and support point. It follows the creation of ilostmygig.com in the US which was spurred by the recent cancellation of the Texas industry event SXSW. "We're working hard to find ways to support people and businesses who have been affected," said a spokesmen for the Australasian site. "Leave your details so we can connect with you in the future about funding opportunities and other support." ilostmygig.net.au is tallying the local impact and is looking for input. "Bushfires and Coronavirus have led to the cancellation or postponement of hundreds of concerts, conferences, events and festivals across Australia and the rest of the world with many more still vulnerable. "Many performers, businesses and contractors have lost vital income."
CMAA Statement The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) issued a statement today... "Whether you're a performer, musician, producer, sound tech, production crew, manager, booking agent or other worker, we encourage you to visit the ‘I Lost My Gig’ website and provide details of your gigs which have been cancelled or postponed due to the Coronavirus situation, as well as the recent bushfires. "The data collected by the website will be used to inform government of the economic impact and connect those at risk with help and ultimately rebuild to a stronger industry. "We know many of you are under severe stress due to this situation and it is important that our community work together to get through this and keep up communication. "If you need urgent help, please contact SUPPORT ACT on 1800 959 500 or LIFELINE on 13 11 14.
Impact so far Following the government ban of any non essential organised mass gathering of 500 people or more amid the on-going COVID-19 crisis, The Music Network today updated the "current" situation... The Australian music and arts community now faces an unprecedented challenge. Festivals and shows of all sizes have been cancelled, venues have closed their doors for the coming weeks, and already, as of 12pm today, $47 million in income has been lost. According to I Lost My Gig Australia, that's 190,000 jobs impacted; 20,000 events cancelled. It's artists, production crews, engineers, managers, agents, media, hospitality and more that are affected and that will be faced with the reality of not being able to pay their rent and buy their groceries. In an appeal to music fans, The Music Network said: "While gigs are suffering, there are a lot of other ways you can support the Australian music community right now. "We're asking you to #SupportTheBands – listen to their music, buy their merch, visit their websites, buy tickets to their virtual shows, make a donation to Support Act." Carter & Carter win 2020 Spur Award Carter & Carter have won this year's International Spur Award, presented by international star Frank Ifield at Sydney's Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club. David and Merelyn Carter (second and third from the left) were joined on the night by a number of previous winners of the award, as shown in our photo, from left, Karen Lynne (2007), Steve Passfield (last year) and Nicki Gillis (2009). That's Frank next to Nicki.
The Spur Award was launched in 1998 at the then annual Galston Country Music Festival, by the Rotary Club of Galston and presented by Festival Patron Frank. Initially an encouragement award, the accolade now focuses on the potential global appeal of the winner's recording, individual style and professionalism of performance both on and off the stage. Previous winners have included Kirsty Lee Akers (2008), Travis Collins (2006), Donna Fisk (2015), Stuie French & Camille Te Nahu (2014), Johanna Hemara (2010), Wayne Horsburgh (2000), Troy Kemp (2017), Neilly Rich (2016), Melinda Schneider (1999) and John Stephan (2011). CMC Rocks postponed CMC Rocks Qld has been postponed as a result of the Federal Government's advice that events of more than 500 people should not go ahead in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
"It is with deep regret that the CMC Rocks Qld team announces the postponement of the 2020 event," a statement on the event website reads. "As a result of the Australian Government’s announcement this afternoon, holding the festival is now infeasible and as such, the March festival cannot proceed as planned. "Ticketholders are advised to hold onto their tickets; we’re working to reschedule to October. Anyone who is unable to attend the new dates will be entitled to a full refund. "We thank the CMC Rocks community for their support and understanding during this unprecedented time." Weblink – www.cmcrocks.com. New from Adam Adam Brand will release his latest album – Speed Of Life – tomorrow.
“The whole experience of making this album was a vastly different experience to all the other albums I’ve done in the last 20 years," Adam said. "It was a calm and stress free process and I put that down to the place in life I’m at. I felt no pressure in putting this album together… no urgency to find that big hit song… to be honest I let my heart guide me this time, and my heart was full of the wonderful notion of my baby girl who was about to be born," he said. "I whole heartedly believe she gave me that calmness and clarity in knowing what I wanted to sing about this time around." The first single off the album will be Fly, a song Adam describes as a prayer you want to give someone you love. Weblink – www.adambrandmusic.com. Kristy scores another Billboard hit Australian bluegrass star Kristy Cox has scored a second Billboard hit with her new album No Headlights.
Kristy's Riccochet album debuted at number one on the same chart in 2018. No Headlights is Kristy’s sixth album and her second release with US label, Mountain Fever Records. Produced by Jerry Salley, No Headlights features a number of leading musicians and singers including Tommy Emmanuel who features on guitar on the track Finger Picking Good. Kristy picked up back to back Golden Guitar awards for Bluegrass Recording of the Year in 2019 for Ricochet (the title track to her most recent album) and this January for Yesterday’s Heartache (off the new album). Kristy will play shows in Europe in May before returning to Australia to perform at the Groundwater Country Music festival on the Qld Gold Coast in July. Weblink – www.kristycox.com. New from Fanny Fanny Lumsden will release her latest album – Fallow – this coming Friday. Billed as "an indelible collection of storytelling that features some of her most intimate songwriting to date," the album will be launched at a special fundraiser at Tooma, NSW, on Saturday.
"We were always planning to launch our new album in Tooma," Fanny said. "We just hadn't planned the fire part. "We have decided that we will donate all the proceeds to the Tooma Community Bushfire Recovery fund, which is raising money to help with the clean up, rebuild fences, sheds, feed for pets and stock, mental health resources and more." The new album represents something of a lyrical shift for Lumsden, a spokesman for her record label, Cooking Vinyl Australia, said, "for an artist who’s made her name writing songs packed with clever observations and witty asides, often about the quirks of small-town Australian life. "Her eye for detail is as sharp as ever, but this time the subject matter is more personal." “I wrote this album in amongst a season of change,” Fanny said of her third full-length record. "It was a time of re-evaluation." Over the past few years, the singer-songwriter has experienced some of life’s greatest joys, including the birth of her son. As she was pregnant, however, her husband and bandmate, Dan Stanley Freeman, lost his mother to cancer. As Fanny sings in the song This Too Shall Pass, “Some of this is magic/and some of this is pain." "With this album I was really trying to just write what I felt, rather than trying to be clever about observations," she said. "I felt like I learned to see not just the funny, witty stuff anymore. I want to say these things and sing these things because that’s what I’m feeling right now. I’m in this space, so why not celebrate it?” Weblink – www.fannylumsden.net. Catching up on Tamworth – CMAA election Meryl Davis and Rebecca Gracie have retained their positions on the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) board for a further three years following the Association's election in January.
Tim Holland and Peter Simpson have been re-appointed to the board for the current 12 months. Board members currently serving continuing terms are Lachlan Bryan, Roger Corbett and Tom Inglis. “I want to give a sincere thanks to our members for their ongoing support of the CMAA and special thanks to our board members, who give their time voluntarily,” Chair Dan Biddle said. “Together, we will continue to do our best to further the interests of Australian and New Zealand country music around the world. "Last year, President Dobe Newton completed a major report into the state of the Australian country music industry which found it to be in a strong position. The findings will continue to assist the CMAA and industry as a whole in working towards an even stronger future for the genre. "The CMAA is working to increase communication with the industry and we all welcome questions, comments or information from all members." CMAA board members each have an area of interest or expertise – Lachlan Bryan (Alt Country), Roger Corbett (Academy of Country Music), Meryl Davis (Traditional Country), Rebecca Gracie (Publicity, PR & Content), Tim Holland (Industry Liasison), Tom Inglis (Contemporary Country), Dobe Newton (Government Relations), Peter Simpson (Bush Ballads). Weblink – www.country.com.au. Groundwater festival wins gold The Queensland Gold Coast's Groundwater Country Music Festival has won gold at the Australian Tourism Awards. Annnounced in Canberra last night, the event won top honours in the Festivals & Events category from runner-up Tasmania's The Unconformity and NSW's Grazing Down The Lachlan in third place.
"I don’t think eight years ago anyone would have linked Broadbeach with country music and now it’s a well-known annual pilgrimage for fans all over Australia. The team worked so hard to make this festival work and we couldn’t be happier." The 2018 Groundwater Country Music Festival (formerly Broadbeach Country Music Festival) took out gold in the Festivals & Events category at the Queensland Tourism Awards in November, automatically putting it in the running to win the national award at the Australian Tourism Awards. As the tourism industry’s peak accolades, the Australian Tourism Awards acknowledge and promote excellence in tourism each year across 25 categories ranging from cultural tourism to destination marketing. Held across Broadbeach’s streets, parks, and bars for three days every July, patrons travel from Australia and overseas to attend Groundwater each year to soak up the sun while listening to some of the best and most diverse country acts in the world. Many patrons turn the free festival experience into a long weekend, taking advantage of Broadbeach’s dining, beaches and accommodation. Featured acts at the festival over the last two years have included Adam Harvey, Lee Kernaghan, The McClymonts and The Wolfe Brothers. Organisers say "Groundwater 2020 is set to be a scorcher this July with the recently announced line-up to include Kasey Chambers, Gina Jeffreys, Shannon Noll and the Sunny Cowgirls among 110 live music performances from nearly 50 acts on 15 stages across the three festival days, Friday July 24 to Sunday July 26. Groundwater Country Music Festival saw more than 70,000 people attend the three-day event last year. Photo: a part of the crowd at Groundwater 2020. Weblink – groundwatercmf.com. Big line-up at Penrith Truck Show A big entertainment line-up is included on the program for the 33rd Penrith Working Truck Show to be staged at the Museum of Fire on Sunday, March 29.
Compere will be "the singing firey" Dan Murphy. The show is regarded as a "must see" by local residents and the entire national transport industry with exhibits on display from states across the country and crowds who travel from all over to experience the show each year. Hundreds of vehicles will be on display, from B Doubles to custom trucks, "plastered with chrome detailing and spectacular airbrushing," according to a spokesman for the organisers. All this, "together with the outstanding collection of fire engines of the Museum." In addition to the truck displays and live entertainment, the show will have a large show rides, fairy floss, face painting and other activities for children, all included in the entry fee. Weblink – pwts.com.au. Queensland Award winners
Oh Harlow (Tiana Dennis and Briannah Dennis, pictured) won the Country award with their song, Give It A Miss. Busby Marou were successful in the Blues/Roots category with Naba Norem (The Reef Song). Australian music industy legend, Denis Handlin – Chairman & CEO, Australia & New Zealand and President, Asia, for Sony Music Entertainment – was presented with the QMusic Honorary Award. Weblink – queenslandmusicawards.com.au. Vale – Ted Hintz Tamworth and the country music and equine worlds have lost another of their pioneers with the death on Saturday night (February 29) of renowned broadcaster and rodeo announcer Ted Hintz.
Over the years, he became an extremely respected radio personality. He was inducted into the Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2014. Ted was equally well known in the equine world both as an events presenter and expert writer and commentator. Among many accolades he received over the decades was membership of the prestigious Cutting Horse Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to this sector of the industry. Janine Miles, one of Ted's many friends, said: "Ted was a larger than life character whose prodigious memory, vast experience and huge circle of friends gave him a remarkable presence in both horse and music circles." Ted was 85. Friends and family are organising a celebration service of his life and achievements to be held in Tamworth in the next few weeks. – Max Ellis Queensland Awards
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The Awards will take place in Sydney on Monday May 25. Originally, they were to be staged about now but were postponed due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions.
Citing the COVID-19 crisis, the CMAA said it was a highly distressing time for the music industry, the CMAA and members and staff due to the ever-changing restrictions.
The July course was to run in conjunction with the 2020 Hats Off to Country Festival which at this stage is set to go ahead pending advice from Federal or State Government in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each program in the popular series, now in its 11th year, features a personality tracing their ancestry.
“These videos are available 24/7 and have already provided important support for people in the Australian entertainment industry which has been absolutely devastated by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Julia Edwards, Entertainment Assist General Manager.
The album was independently released on Friday and immediately hit number one on the Apple Music Country Albums Chart in Australia.
Tamworth Regional Council, now publishers of the magazine after puchasing the masthead from Rural Press Events, say the May and June 2020 issues will not be published.
"Tamworth is such a big event city by virtue of its location,” said Tamworth Mayor Col Murray, “it's natural we host some of the bigger regional events.
Artists will include Billy & Bec Bridge (pictured), Peta Cherae, Peter "Smokie" Dawson, Cathy Drummond, Adam Kilpatrick, The Long & Short Of It and The Missing Link.
Songwriter finalists in Most Performed Country Work are...
Busby Marou and Casey Barnes (pictured) are among top finalist nominations, together with the likes of blues and roots festival favourites Hussy Hicks and folk streaming sensation Hollow Coves.
“The music industry was one of the first to really feel the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic," said Awards director, Samantha Morris, "and we were hit hard here on the Gold Coast. Our economy is largely driven by events.
Jay started the Facebook group, Aussies and Kiwis for ANZACs, on March 17, and it already has more than 165,000 members.
They wrote the song in salute to defence personnel and others who have served Australia and New Zealand in armed conflicts and peacekeeping roles.
Subject in 2020, of course, to where pandemic-required restrictions may allow at the time.
"The music industry and those at its peripheries cannot survive without an alternative source of revenue that has disappeared along with live shows, a figure that has literally gone from 100 to 0 in under a week.
More cancellations are expected in the coming days.
Organisers are planning to reschedule the event, which was to be held next weekend at Willowbank, to October,
The new release has debuted at number two on this week’s Billboard Bluegrass album chart.
Fanny and her incredible band will launch the new album, Fallow, while raising much-needed funds for the community of Tooma, on March 14.
Meryl has also since been returned to her role of Secretary with Dobe Newton confirmed as President, Dan Biddle Chair, Natalie Waller Vice Chair and Ross Johnson Treasurer.
"This award is symbolic of the Gold Coast thinking outside the box," said Festival Director and Acting CEO of Broadbeach Alliance Mark Duckworth, who accepted the award.
In alphabetical order, stars of the day will be Brothers3, Blake O'Connor, Hype Band, Simply Bushed and The Wolfe Brothers (pictured).
Busby Marou and Oh Harlow have been named winners at this year's Queensland Music Awards.
Ted, who was already very well known for his activities at major rodeos and horse events around the nation, came to Tamworth in the late 1970s to work with the legendary John Minson on his "Hoedown" radio program on Radio 2TM.
Tamworth – Australia’s Country Music Capital – first coined the phrase and by so doing laid claim to the title back in the 1970s more as an extension of the Country Music Capital title than a title in itself (see image, a promotional sticker distributed widely in the 1970s).
As a member of the Queensland based Modern Country Music Association (MCMA), Ross had attended many concerts and talent quests around NSW and Southern Queensland run by the group.
Michael played fiddle for the Bushwackers through the late 1970s and early 80s, on the albums Beneath The Southern Cross, Bushfire, The Bushwackers Dance Album, Down There For Dancing, Faces In The Street and Warrigal Morning.
A tribute by the Country Music Association of Australia said: “Tabbi was a very attractive, flamboyant English dancer when she met and fell in love with Geoff in the early 1950s in England.
Tabbi was also a very active member of the showbusiness charity ALVA (Australian Ladies Variety Association) for many years.
King of the Ranges this weekend
Hunter Valley country duo Chloe & James (pictured) will entertain on the Saturday while the extensive festival program also includes The K Factor (King of the Ranges karaoke), Aussie "Whip Crack'n Kids" Tyler & Jada and Beef 'n' Bush Ballads with Carol Heuchan and celebrity bush cook Ranger Nick.
Since wandering into the Richmond (Vic) studios of GTV9 in 1970 with a guitar under his arm, little did the Mallee farmer realise he’d make a 50-year career out of singing and performing.
Jacinta Byrne and Tayla Clavarino have snared the annual Capital Country Music Association (CCMA) overall champion honours.
Lincoln won two awards in his own right, Karin and Helen each won one in their own right and shared one each.
ICMA is an informal group of industry people who organise and present the fan voted awards.
The Music Network reported David Albert, Alethea Beetson and Tom Larkin (pictured, from left) would join as music industry directors replacing Mark Callaghan, Cath Haridy, Keith Potger and Fifa Riccobono, who have retired following the completion of their terms.
Tamworth City Dance Academy were successful again as winners of the commercial category in the Country Music Cavalcade street parade on the last weekend of this year's January country music festival.
The collaboration is an album titled The Lost And The Found – reference to the relatonship between the two – set for release on Friday, February 28. 
Laura wins big at Bungendore
After combining elements of the historic Capital Country Music Association talent quest and the previously instigated Rural Press Events Battle of the Young Stars, Battle of the Bands and Battle of the Bluegrass, a substantial program of talent searches is now staged each January.
Even after he retired, Bill continued as a consultant and over the years was responsible for many compilations and re-issues of historic country music material.
The duo won for the remixed collaborative version of their God Only Knows song featuring Dolly Parton.
The announcement and presentation was a fitting climax to a week-long celebration of Joy’s 90th birthday which she reached last week and celebrated at a sell-out tribute concert in Country Music Capital’s biggest venue on Wednesday with dozens of artists performing in honour of Joy and the occasion.
Keith Urban has been presented with the second highest honour in today's Australia Day honours list, an AO (Officer in the Order of Australia).
Frozen Rabbit – the album produced by Felicity's late hisband Glen Hannah – was named Album and Traditional Album of the Year while the song Chain Of Joy – written by Felicity with US songwriter Kim Richey – won Song of the Year and Single of the Year.
Graham Rodger won the prestigious Best Male Vocal gong while newcomer Della Harris was voted Best Female Vocal, her first People's Choice Award.
The full winner's list is...
During this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival, Keely, one of Australian country music’s fastest rising young stars, is running a daily “Emerging Artist Showcase” from 10am at the Fanzone stage promoting awareness of the Foundation which has as its key objective to improve oncology facilities in all regional areas, including the implementation of childhood cancer nurses in children’s local communities.
Hillston, NSW, local and Australian Academy of Country Music graduate Harriet Kelly has won the prestigious Wests Aristcrat Entertainer of the Year quest.
Sammy wins Star Maker
A significant case in point being local shopping centres.
Raising funds for Ronald McDonald House, the eighth annual star-studded line up of music acts this year features Roo Arcus, Jasmine Atkins, Chelsea Berman, Catherine Britt, Lachlan Bryan & The Wildes, Darren Coggan, Jayne Denham, Luke Dickens, Hayley Jensen, Jetty Road, Heath Milner, Amy Nelson, Taylor Moss and Matt Ward with a number of surprise guests.
Lee Kernaghan has equalled the late Slim Dusty's record tally of 38 Golden Guitars with the announcement that his album Backroad Nation will be acknowledged at the upcoming Country Music Awards of Australia as the top selling album of the year for 2019.
| 1 | Backroad Nation | Lee Kernaghan |
| 2 | Things That We Drink To | Morgan Evans |
| 3 | Graffiti U | Keith Urban |
| 4 | The Very Best Of Slim Dusty | Slim Dusty |
| 5 | Ripcord | Keith Urban |
| 6 | The Winners 2019 | Various Artists |
| 7 | The Story So Far | Keith Urban |
| 8 | Greatest Hits | Troy Cassar-Daley |
| 9 | Beaute Ute Anthems 2019 | Various Artists |
| 10 | Greatest Hits: 18 Kids | Keith Urban |
| 11 | His Favourite Collection | John Williamson |
Weblink – www.ariacharts.com.au.
People's Choice announce second round of artists and bushfire fundraiser
Organisers of the Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards have announced the second, and final, round of performers at this year's Awards and a bushfire victims fundraiser.
The new arists announced to appear on the People's Choice 2020 stage are Della HArris, Gayle O'Neil, Anita Ree, The Silverline and Souly Us – all finalists this year – together with special guest Brendan Smoother and compere Steve Passfield.
They join previously announced Benny Allen, Brothers3, Ian Burns, Peter Dawson, Destiny Band Oz, Laura Downing, Mason Hope, Emma Jene, Shaza Leigh, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson, The Long & Short Of It, John O'Dea and Graham Rodger.
In announcing the final round of artists, spokesman for the organisers Bob Kirchner said the decision had been made to dedicate 25 percent of total net ticket sales to go to assist victims of the bushfires currently ravaging parts of Australia.
"Funding arrangements for the People's Choice Awards are basically to cover costs," Bob said, "but we thought it was only right that we put our bit in to help where we could.
"Thousands of the voters who help decide our award winners come from areas which have been devastated by the fires."
The People's Choice Awards will be staged in the newly built North West Church Auditorium (to be known as "The Chapel") on Thursday evening January 23 at 7:30pm. The new auitorium is the former 10 pin bowling alley in Anne Street, Tamworth, located next to the original church. The new space has been purpose-converted into a modern, air-conditioned performance venue.
As well as the performances in the gala concert, 10 awards will be presented for Best Female and Best Male Vocal, Best Group, Best Album, Best Song, Best Bush Ballad, Best Video and Most Promising Future Star, together with two broadcast awards... Most Popular Country Music DJ and Most Popular Country Music Program or Radio Station.
Tickets can be purchased via the Awards website peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
TSA finalists
Finalists for the 2020 Tamworth Songwriters’ Association Songwriter Salute Awards have been announced.
They are…
For Alt Country… Blake Dantier with I’d Do It Again, Lucy Parle with You’ll Never Win, Derani Sanders with This Is Me, Brian Stitt with It’s Not Quite A Ghost Town and Chloe Styler, Jenny Mitchell & George Goodfellow with Patient Heart.
For Anzac Song of the Year… Peter Campbell, Brendon Walmsley with The Lost Soldier, Lloyd Clarke with Anzac’s (Biscuits From Home), Diana Davis with The Horses That Died, Ben Mawdsley & Kate Appleyard with My Soldier and John O’Dea with Another Sunrise.
For Bluegrass Song of the Year… Ian Burns with The River, Allan Caswell & Damian Cafarella with Bad Politics, Peter Christie & Roger Corbett with Born Again, Virginia Hermel with What I Did and John Littrich & Neil McCann with Point Of No Return.
For Bush Ballad Song of The Year… Terry Bennetts, Ray Rose & Tom Maxwell with Dust Of Australia, Allan Caswell & Manfred Vijars with Country Copper, John O’Dea with Back In Birdsville, Anita Ree with Sweet Sugar Cane and Brian Stitt with The Euco Cutter.
For Comedy Novelty Song… Eric Read, Merle Shelly Jones & Lester Treuer with Wouldn’t Be Dead For Quids, David Reeve & Bruce Spiers with It’s Good To Be Alive Today, Matt Scullion with Slanguage and Paul Whittaker with A Poor Man’s Violin.
For Country Ballad Song of the Year… Allan Caswell & Michael Waugh with Train To Godforsaken, Virginia Hermel with Won’t Be Here Again, Tony Kennelly with Leave The Gate Open, John O’Dea & Stuart French with Like my Old Man and Matt Scullion & Paul Grierson with Aussie As.
For Country Blues Song of the Year… Geoffrey Bates & Kym Watling with In The Dead Of Night, Dave Diprose with Old School Blues, Aly Cook, Kay Bidstrup & Buzz Bidstrup with We Hold up Half the Sky, Virginia Hermel with Country In My Veins and Andrew Wrigglesworth, Laura Coates & Lachlan Bryan with Devil’s Road.
For Country Rock Song of the Year… Aly Cook, Buzz Bidstrup & Kay Bidstrup with Red Dirt Road Trip, Blake Dantier with Hard Habit To Kick, Damien Hosken with Dancing With You, Renee Jonas with Hook Line And Sinker and Aaron Jurd with Hard To Breathe.
For Gospel Spiritual Song… Peter Christie with Across The Jordan Wide, Patricia Cruzado & Paul Bonner-Jones with Talking To The Lord, Jason Greenwood with Horizon, Damien Hosken with Promised Land and Susan Muranty & Renee Jonas with Glorious Failures.
For Lyrics Only… Lloyd Clarke with Edward Street, Dave Diprose with In My Fathers Time, Michelle Morgan with Winter’s Almost Here, Kevin Pye with The Moon Is Sending Kisses and John Walsh with The Poets Curse.
For the New Songwriter of the Year Award… Aaron Jurd with Changed, Patrick Kenny with Watch It All Come Down, Tessa Libreri & Thomas Libreri with My Family And Me, Andy Penkow with This Old House and Kim Wright with Home.
For Novice Songwriting… Felicity Dowd with Wouldn’t Change A Thing, Kelsey Giarola with Bonnie Road, Garry Jones with Kalgoolie Dreaming, Annalise McHugh with River Run Dry and Derani Sanders with Drive South.
For Traditional Country Song of the Year… Lloyd Back with Everyone Has A Story, Laura Downing with The Guardian, Virginia Hermel with Red Flowers, Justin Landers with A Campfire Waltz and Anita Ree with Webb Brothers.
For Youth Songwriting… Felicity Dowd with Wouldn’t Change A Thing, Mackenzie Lee Hall with These Old Boots, Grace Mae with Doesn’t Matter Anyway, Lucy Parle with You’ll Never Win and Trinity Woodhouse with The Real You.
Weblink – www.tsaonline.com.au.
Big line-up for The Atrium
Country Music Capital's The Atrium Shopping Centre is gearing up for another big January festival announcing the current line-up today.
The Atrium Festival Stage will feature a number of established and rising stars, including Glenn Bidmead, Aaron D'Arcy, Blake Dantier, Peter Dawson, D Genry Fenton, Rick Ferrett, Sally Jane, Mariah Jayne Band, Tony Kennelly, Tom Maxwell, Renee McAlpine, Kora Naughton, Becci Nethery, Gayle O'Neil, Rory Phillips, Ben Ransom, Cush Ryder, Brendan Smoother, Georgie Taylor and Trinity Woodhouse.
The major feature act this year – with six performances – is the very popular String Loaded Celtic Fiddle Band (pictured).
A number of special showcases with finalists in this year's Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards will run daily at 1pm. Finalists booked in so far are Ian Burns, Della Harris, Emma Jene and Dianne Lindsay.
The Pub Group offering for Tamworth Festival
Another major venue group in Country Music Capital is The Pub Group and again, for 2020, the four hotels have a substantial line-up of artists and special shows.
Leading the group is the iconic Longyard Hotel on the Sydney Road which will be featuring artists like 4 Highwaymen, Roo Arcus, Catherine Britt, The Buckleys, The Bushwackers, Travis Collins, Cruisin’ Deuces, Pete Cullen & The Hurt, Eight Second Ride, Eric Grothe & The Gurus, Haystack Mountain Hermits, Hurricane Fall, Katie Jayne, Mick Lindsay, Fanny Lumsden, Chris Mathews Band, McAlister Kemp, Outlaw Avenue, The Pigs, Tony Q Band, Redneck Gentlemen, Colt Seavers, Sunny Cowgirls, Jarred Taylor, Mike Vee, Viper Creek Band, The Water Runners, Wolverine and The Wolfe Brothers.
A number of special events will also be held at The Longyard including a daily bush poet's breakfast, songwriter sessions and the gala TSA (Tamworth Songwriters' Association) Awards on the Wednesday night.
Next up is The Pub (the first venue established by the Group on the Gunnedah Road) with artists including Kevin Bennett & The Flood, James Ellis & The Swinging Guys, The Family Circle, Charlie Fittler Band, Stuie French, Hillbilly Goats, John Krsulja, Brendan Nawrocki, Shane Nicholson and Lucky Oceans.
Special events at The Pub will include the Slim Dusty tribute show Travellin' Still and activitis like the Bill Chambers Sessions like The Pub Songs & Stories and a fundraiser for farmers.
Prior to the Festival's official start, The Pub will host a special concert for participants at the 2020 Australian Academy of Country Music currently underway. The concert is on tomorrow night (January 10) at 8pm.
The third venue in the group is The Family Hotel in Bridge Street which will highlight acts like James Blundell, Liam Brew, Piper Butcher, Melanie Dyer, Jayne Denham, Eight Second Ride, Ella & Sienna, Fredbear, Homegrown, Katie Jayne, Hayley Jensen, Jake & Jackson, Kaylens Rain, Felicity Kircher, Mr Cowboy, Norm Price, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Trappa John and Michael Waugh.
Special events at The Family include Remembering Reg Lindsay on the Monday afternoon.
And finally, there is the Southgate Inn with an artist roster including Blues Bombers, Cruisin' Deuces, Eight Second Ride, Eric Grothe & The Gurus, Katie Jayne, Tyson Lucas, Chris Matthews Band, Redneck Gentlemen, Eddie Rawk & The Racketeers, Colt Seavers Band, Sky Valley, The Sweet Jelly Rolls Zac & George, Jarred Taylor and The Water Runners.
Southgate also wiill have a number of special sessions including a Junior Academy Showcase, Country Young Guns and Songs & Stories.
Weblink – www.thepub.com.au.
Early arrivals for Tamworth Festival
As is the case every year, a small number of visitors to the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival have already taken up residence in the northern NSW city.
Both regulars and first-timers are among those who have settled in for the duration with many more expected to roll in in the next couple of weeks.
Eventually, when the special caravan/camping areas open, parts of the city will resemble a huge gathing of temporary and mobile homes.
These will ultimately be joined by the many thousands who stay in local hotel, motel and Air BNB accommodation and the tens of thousands of day visitors from the broader regions.
And, of the course, the many who call on the hospitality of friends and family.
Many will have visited before – indeed, records of 10, 20, 30 and even 40 years are claimed.
And just as many will have taken the opportunity to experience arguably the world's biggest country music festival – Nashville is substantial but not as varied or as concentrated over a longer period of time.
Visitors come for the music, the friendship, the partying but mostly, the experience which cannot be obtained anywhere else in the world.
And when it comes to the music, visitors experience some of the best in the world... bar none.
From old-style and traditional ballads and "hillbilly" to the more modern, more contemporary country through to the still more rocky style.
This year is the 48th Tamworth Country Music Festival which began in 1978 as a three day activity over the then January long weekend.
Today, an aggregate of more than 300,000 people visit the city across the 10 days which features more than 700 artists and 2800 shows at dozens of venues throughout the city and nearby towns.
Photo: from a previous year, just one of the many caravan/camping areas in Tamworth during the annual country music festival.
Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au.
Ownership of iconic Big Golden Guitar passes to Tamworth Council
Tamworth Regional Council – co-ordinators of the annual January festival in Country Music Capital – are now owners of the iconic tourism icon the Big Golden Guitar.
At its last meeting of the year, the Council voted unanimously to accept the city's big golden guitar as a donation through the cultural gift program.
The New England Highway landmark adds to the council's growing portfolio of country music assets.
Council took over the associated visitor centre, cafe and wax museum earlier this year which is expected to reopen shortly after an extended period of renovation which will include a national guitar museum.
The centre incorporates the city's visitor information centre.
"The (Big Golden Guitar) is seen as an Australian icon and is one of the most visited and photographed sites in Australia," said Bridget Guthrie, Council's Regional Gallery & Museums Director.
"Many tourists and country music fans who pass through Tamworth stop to have their photo taken in front of the Big Golden Guitar.
The monument was build by former Tamworth Mayor Warwick Bennett and Festival founder Max Ellis. It was unveiled in 1988, Australia's Bicentennial Year, by Slim Dusty.
The fibreglass structure stands 12 metres tall and weighs half a ton.
First artists announced for People's Choice Awards
Organisers of the Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards have announced the first line-up of artists who will appear at the 2020 presentation in January.
In alphabetical order, they are Benny Allen, Brothers3, Ian Burns, Peter Dawson, Destiny Band Oz, Laura Downing, Mason Hope, Emma Jene, Shaza Leigh, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson, The Long & Short Of It, John O'Dea and Graham Rodger.
The 2020 Awards – compered by Steve Passfield – will be staged at the North West Church Auditorium in Anne Street at 7:30pm Thursday January 23.
Awards will be presented in 10 categories... Best Female and Best Male Vocal, Best Group, Best Album, Best Song, Best Bush Ballad, Best Video and Most Promising Future Star, together with the two broadcast awards, Most Popular Country Music DJ and Most Popular Country Music Program or Radio Station.
Tickets for the Awards can be purchased here, or by clicking the link at the website www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au.
Pictured – top (from left): Benny Allen, Brothers3, Ian Burns; middle – Peter Dawson, Destiny Band Oz, Laura Downing, Mason Hope, Emma Jene; bottom – Shaza Leigh, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson, The Long & Short Of It, John O'Dea, Graham Rodger.
Wests line-up for Tamworth 2020
In the first of a series looking at major Tamworth Country Music Festival venues, we cover one of the biggest, the Wests Entertainment Group.
Wests comprises three venues – the original West Tamworth League Club in Phillip Street, Wests Diggers (formerly Tamworth RSL Club) in Kable Avenue and The Courts @ East (formerly the Tamworth Tennis Club),
The original Wests venue in Phillip Street has the biggest line-up, closely followed by Wests Diggers. As a much smaller venue, The Courts doesn't usually have entertainment during the Festival.
Headline acts at Wests this coming January will include Bennett, Bowtell & Urquhart, Brothers3, Brad Butcher, Darren Carr, Kasey Chambers (pictured), Beccy Cole (pictured), Ashleigh Dallas, Pete Denahy, Adam Harvey (pictured), Wayne Horsburgh, Gina Jeffreys, Amber Lawrence, John O'Dea, Jasmine Rae, Aleyce Simmonds and Felicity Urquhart.
Major events at Wests for January 2020 include the annual Academy of Country Music Graduation Concert, the Country Turns Pink fundraiser concert, the annual Maton Showcase, Music For Mates 2020 in Support of R U OK and the Tomkins Guitar Showcase.
A special event at Wests this January will be Friends Of Goonga's Girls, a concert for Tia and Ellie Hannah and tribute to their Dad Glen Hannah.
At Diggers, headline acts include Cornell & Carr, Laura Downing, Buddy Goode, The Gunbarrel Highwaymen (Owen Blundell, Terry Gordon & Reg Poole), The Sherrahs and Rodney Vincent.
A major event at Diggers is the annual Aristocrat Entertainer of the Year Quest while Wests will host the annual Mount Franklin Junior Talent Quest.
Both Wests and Diggers will have daily breakfast shows... Peter Denahy at Wests and Darren Carr at Diggers.
Across both venues, dozens of rising stars and established acts will appear in free and paid shows, including Luke Austen, Catherine Britt, Pete Cullen & The Hurt, Will Day, Jayne Denham, Luke Dickens, Royden Donohue, Libby O'Donovan, Stuie French, The Gottani Sisters, Errol Gray, Johanna Hemara, The Hillbilly Goats, Marie Hodson, Homegrown, Dale Hooper, Travis List, Michelle Little, Finn MacCool, Montgomery Church, Dan Murphy, Gayle O'Neil, Linc Phelps, Wendy Phypers, Dave Prior, Ben Ransom, Sally-Anne & The Rumour Mill, Jerry Salley, Saltbushsix, Lucky Starr, John Stephan, Anthony Taylor, Jonny Taylor, Kaitlyn Thomas, Gina Timms, The Toe Sucking Cowgirls and Tornado Alley Cats.
Off country, Wests Scully Park ground will play host to Cold Chisel as part of the band's Blood Moon Tour with special guests Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers, Charlie Collins and Paul Kelly.
Jimmy Barnes has a strong country connection sharing the Vocal Collabroration Golden Guitar win in 2006 with Troy for Bird On A Wire and band member Don Walker is renowned in Australian country music for his songwriting, especially for the late Slim Dusty, most notably Charleville and Looking Forward Looking Back.
Full details of Wests program, event timing and ticket sales can be obtained from the website wtlc.com.au.
Pictured (from left): Kasey Chambers, Beccy Cole and Adam Harvey.
Tamworth 2020 – definitely happening
Tamworth Regional Council – co-ordinators of the annual Toyota Country Music Festival – have answered media queries as to whether the 2020 festival will go ahead with a resounding "yes".
As is usual in times of natural disasters like drought, floods and bushfires, pundits often query whether events will take place.
Following a number of inquiries to Council, a spokesman said it was a fair concern that had come about due to the current drought conditions and especially water restrictions around the country including in Tamworth.
Like many other areas, Tamworth is experiencing drought but Council has taken steps to ensure that not only is the Tamworth water supply safe for the medium term, extra consumption at festival time would not increase beyond a manageable level.
Indeed, Council was at pains to point out that, like many other communities now relying on tourism, not having the festival would create great risk to the local economy.
In regard to the water situation, "everyone will be reminded to use water wisely while enjoying activities and events at the festival".
Meanwhile, Council has also announced an earlier availability of the 2020 Festival Guide, one week earlier than the previous two years.
Posted yesterday to people who pre-ordered, The Guide will be in newsagents and other outlets (hotels, motels, music stores, tourism centres) who have expressed interest in selling the pubication early this week.
The official Festival app is now also available for download from the App Store and Googleplay.
Tamworth 2020 runs officially from Friday, January 17 to Sunday, January 26 although Country Music Capital has plenty of other activity in January, especially in the week leading up to the main festival event.
Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au.
People’s Choice finalists
After a slight delay due to increased voter numbers, finalists have been announced for the 2020 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards.
Perennial favourites Brothers3 and Graham Rodger maintain their dominance of finalist numbers with three and four placings each, respectively.
Several new or relatively new acts – Ian Burns, Destiny Band Oz, Della Harris and Gayle O’Neil – also feature with three finalist placings each.
This year’s Best Female Vocal winner Dianne Lindsay features in three finalist placings, one in her own right for Best Female Vocal and two with husband Peter Simpson, for Best Bush Ballad and Most Popular Country Music DJs.
Shaza Leigh has scored two finalist placings, for Best Female Vocal and Best Album.
Emerging acts Benny Allen, Peter Dawson, Aaron Jurd and Souly Us have each scored two finalist places.
See full listing below.
The 2020 People’s Choice Awards will be staged in its regular timeslot during the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival, Thursday evening of the main festival week (January 23 in 2020) from 7pm.
This year, the Awards will be held in a “newish” venue… the Northwest Church Auditorium in Anne Street, South Tamworth.
“Although we have been at this venue several times before,” said Bob Kirchner, a spokesman for the organisers, “the church has built a new auditorium on the block next to the original building.
“It’s bigger and much nicer so we’re really looking forward to the 2020 presentations.”
Tickets to the Gala Awards presentation can be obtained by visiting the website peopleschoiceawards.com.au
The Awards Show regularly has performances by many of the year’s awards finalists and is often touted as one of the best events of the entire 10 days.
Here’s the full listing of finalists…
For Best Female Vocal… Laura Downing, Della Harris, Shaza Leigh, Dianne Lindsay and Gayle O’Neil.
For Best Male Vocal… Benny Allen, Ian Burns, Peter Dawson, Aaron Jurd and Graham Rodger.
For Best Group or Duo… Brothers3, Destiny Band Oz, The Long & Short Of It, The Silverline and Souly Us.
For Best Album… Brand New Day by Brothers3, Changes by Destiny Band Oz, Ringers In The Sky by Graham Rodger, Two Sides Of Me by Ian Burns and Where Our Heart Lives.
For Best Song… Another Day by Brothers3 (written by Makirum Fahey-Leigh & Shardyn Fahey-Leigh), Love Don’t Live Here by Ian Burns (written by Ian Burns), Open Arms by Gayle O’Neil (written by Gayle O’Neil & M Cashin), Roll Of A Dice by Della Harris (written by Della Harris & C Oung) and Sunrise On The Katherine by Graham Rodger (written by Graham Rodger & B Jacobs).
For Best Bush Ballad… The Drover’s Friend by John O’Dea (written by John O’Dea) Out There by Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson (written by Peter Simpson), Stanley & Slim by Peter Dawson (written by Peter Dawson), Sweet Sugar Cane by Anita Ree (written by Anita Ree) and Where The Three Rivers Flow by Graham Rodger (written by Graham Rodger).
For Best Video… Alive by Souly Us, Never Knew I Was Country by Benny Allen, Open Arms by Gayle O’Neil, Peace Of Mind by Destiny Band Oz and Southern by Mark Fitzsummoms.
For Most Promising Future Star… Charlie Fittler, Della Harris, Mason Hope, Emma Jene and Aaron Jurd.
For Most Popular Country Music DJ… Rhonda Francis (2SSR Sydney, NSW), Alan Gilmour (Today’s Country 94 One, Central Coast, NSW), Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson (Australian Bush Ballad Show), Sandy Sweeney (2ARM FM Armidale, NSW) and Pam Taylor (KLFM Bendigo, Vic).
For Most Popular Country Music Radio Station or Program… Australian Country Songwriters Show (Today’s Country 94 One), Good Morning Country (CBAA), KIX FM, My Kinda Country (2SSR Sydney) and Today’s Country 94 One.
Country stars at Carols
As Christmas draws closer, numerous carols by candelight (and similar) events are held around the nation, and many regularly feature well known and some lesser known country acts.
Last night, Adam Harvey headlined an event in Lismore (NSW) while, on Saturday night, Brothers3 (pictured) were special guests at Carols on the Gold Coast.
Saturday night also saw Amber Lawrence and Shannon Noll appear at Adelaide Carols by Candlelight.
Thursday, December 19, Shannon will join Travis Collins, Andy and Deb Saunders and the NSW State of Origin Team in Taree for Carols in the Park to support bushfire victims.
Two of the biggest events coming up are Sydney's Carols in the Domain, set for Saturday December 21, and Melbourne's Carols by Candlelight which always run on Christmas Eve.
Adam Brand and Shannon Noll will be among guest artists in Sydney while Travis Collins and Amber Lawrence are on the line-up in Melbourne.
Weblinks – www.carolsinthedomain.com • carols.visionaustralia.org.
TSA Semi Finalists 2020
Semi finalists have been announced for the Tamworth Songwriter Association 2020 awards and competitions.
Judging is currently underway to narrow the large number of competitors to a smaller number of finalists.
Categories are Novice Songwriting (now named after the late Garry Koehler), Youth Songwriting (the John P Toomey Commemorative Award), Lyrics Only, Gospel Spiritual, Bluegrass, Country Blues, Comedy/Novelty (the Geoff Mack Commemorative Award), Country Rock, Alt Country, Country Ballad, Traditional Country (the Bev Daniel Commemorative Award), Bush Ballad, New Songwriter and Anzac Song of the Year.
Weblink (for full listing) – www.tsaonline.com.au.
Live Music Award winners
Last night, at eight simultaneous events around Australia, the winners of the 2019 National Live Music Awards were announced.
For the first time in the Awards histry, the Country honour was tied with Kasey Chambers and The Waifs annunced as joiny winners.
Deborah Conway was inducted as into the Awards “Live Legend” hall of fame.
Leanne de Souza, an artist manager for more than 25 years and head of the Association of Artist Managers for three years, was presented with the night's biggest industry award.
Awards Board Member Damian Cunningham said: “Yet again through the nominees and winners tonight we have seen the overwhelming talent that Australia has to offer!"
Weblink – www.nlmas.com.au.
Tamworth Festival Cavalcade alert
Tamworth Regional Council – co-ordinators of the annual January country music festival – have issued an alert to visiting artists, in particular, relating to entries in the 2020 Cavalcade.
Due to a new security timeframe instituted by NSW Police for earlier submission of Cavalcade drivers licences, applications now have to close on Thursday, January 2.
"The online application portal has been 'live' for several months now but very few applications have been received," according to a Council spokesman.
"It isn't unusual to have a flood of late applications but it will not be possible now to accept any after January 2."
Weblink – tcmf.com.au/cavalcade.
Special video for Emma's The Drovers
Emma Dykes has unveiled the video for her latest single The Drovers, a song inspired by a 4,500km fundraising adventure named The Drovers Run which Emma was asked to take part in as both a musician and Rural Emergency Nurse.
The off-road 4WD journey raised money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Emma, along with co-writer Matt O’Leary, asked participants to write down what the chopper meant to them and The Drovers was born.
The video was put together by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter team and Sam Davison at Two Digital Media.
“I’m very grateful,” Emma said, “because I wanted the clip to show a day in the life of the rescue staff. To show the important tasks they complete and just how emotionally invested they are. In a broader sense, both the song and the video are about the emergency services in general. They’re from all walks of life and do an incredible job. I also noticed they included a quick shot of me!”
The Drovers marks the intersection of Emma's two professional passions: music and nursing. Golden Guitar winner Luke O’Shea commented that Emma's empathy and strength (essential to being a registered nurse) “transcends through her voice and into her beautiful songs”, while The Reviewers Inkpot noted that “her beautiful debut album Pay It Forward is nothing short of passionate, emotional, inspiring and honest”.
The single Pay It Forward also placed fifth in the Country category of the Australian Songwriters Competition. It won Song of the Year at the Oz Country Downunder Blue Diamond Awards too, at which Emma earned a nod for Female Vocalist of the Year.
With more than 4,500 kilometres behind her, Emma is set to continue her musical and nursing journey by land and air, "resuscitating people with her songwriting talent and unforgettable voice".
Emma is currently on tour with a series of dates culminating during the upcoming Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Weblink – www.emmadykes.com.
Morgan wins 2019 Country ARIA
Morgan Evans has won the 2019 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Award for Best Country Album with his hit release Things That We Drink To.
He snatched the honour from fellow finalists Lee Kernaghan (with Backroad Nation), Felicity Urquhart (Frozen Rabbit), Sara Storer (Raindance) and Charlie Collins (Snowpine).
Things That We Drink to currently sits at number one on the all Austraian Country Albums Chart and number five on the ARIA Country Albums Chart after 58 weeks in.
Paul Kelly won Best Adult Contemporary Album with Nature.
The Awards were held in Sydney.
Weblink – ariaawards.com.au.
Gidgee winners
Jeff Brown has taken top honours at this year's Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad Awards held at Pittsworth, Qld, winning or sharing in three award categories.
He won the album award for More Times Than I Remember, the title track also winning him the male vocal title and he shared songwriter accolades with Kelly & Marion Dixon for After January Rains.
Laura Downing was announced as winner of the female vocal award for Home Is Waiting Here.
Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson won in group or duo/collaboration for their song Out There.
The instrumental award went to Lindsay Hammond with Big Gulf Rivers and Comedy/Novelty was won by Ashley Cook with Two Day Course.
Gidgee Coal Awards "legend: status was conferred on Kev Groves and Bud Thomson & Lynne Bennett.
Visit the Awards facebook page for more information.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019
Country Spirit for bushfire victims
Two major fund-raising concerts to benefit those on the frontline of the devastating bushfires sweeping NSW and Queensland will be staged in Gosford and Tamworth in coming weeks.
Driven by Tamworth's Chris Watson and presented by Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth, the concerts will run under Country 4 Our Country banner.
Tickets are on sale now for both shows, with the first to be held at the West Tamworth League Club on Friday November 29, the second at the Central Coast Leagues Club on Sunday December 1.
Dozens of artists and organisations have come on board to support the concerts which will raise funds for The Salvation Army Disaster Appeal.
Motivated by the plight of Australians facing unprecedented drought conditions prior to the outbreak of bushfires across the country, Chris Watson was determined to make a difference to affected communities.
“I’m very proud to be a part of this appeal. The drought has already tested the resilience of many, and now to see communities face the threat of these intense bushfires is gut wrenching,” he said.
“Losing lives, homes and our beautiful wildlife certainly makes you realise we have a lot of healing ahead. We are so thankful to those working on the frontline including firefighters and it’s times like these that the Aussie country spirit is needed more than ever.”
The first artist to put his hand up in support and join the line up was multi-award winning star Travis Collins (pictured).
“What I love most about being Australian is that we all chip in and help our mates, neighbours, or even strangers when they're having a rough time… it’s who we are,” he said.
“These latest bushfires have cost many Aussies their homes, their livelihoods and sadly for some, their loved ones. So whilst our brave emergency services and volunteers continue to work to bring these fires under control, we’ll be rolling up our sleeves and doing what we know, helping through music. I hope that everyone can get behind us, as we all get behind those who need us right now.”
Travis will be joined in Tamworth by Catherine Britt (pictured), Ashleigh Dallas (pictured), Rex Dallas, Brooke Lambert, Dan Murphy, Aleyce Simmonds and special guests.
At Gosford, he’ll be joined by stars including Catherine Britt, Mike Carr, Darren Coggan, Ashleigh Dallas, Buddy Goode, the Viper Creek Band and special guests.
Country 4 Our Country is supported by Chris Watson Travel, Australian Community Media, Thrifty, West Tamworth League Club, Central Coast Leagues Club, Today’s Country 94.1 and 2TM/92.9FM.
Tickets can be purchased via the venue websites in Tamworth, www.wtlc.com.au and Gosford, www.cclc.com.au.
Star Maker 2020 finalists
Finalists have been announced for the 2020 Toyota Star Maker Quest.
They are (from left below)... El Cosgrove (from Dalby, Qld), Hannah May (Mount Cotton, Qld), Zoey Mills (Mackay, Qld), Leigha Moore (Sunshine Coast, Qld), Juliet Oliver (McLaren Vale, SA); and (from left at bottom)... Taylor Pfeiffer (Adelaide, SA), Clancy Pye (Orange, NSW), Chloe Styler (Gold Coast, Qld), Jarred Taylor (Tamworth, NSW) and Sammy White (Townsville, Qld).
The 10 will come together to vie for Australia's most significant country music talent search in January during the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Next year will be the 41st staging of the event which has been responsible for launching the careers of numerous Australian country stars including Kirsty Lee Akers, Lyn Bowtell, James Blundell, Darren Coggan, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins, Gina Jeffreys, Lee Kernaghan and Keith Urban.
The competition grand final will be held at Country Music Capital's Bicentennial Park on Sunday January 18.
Weblink – www.starmaker.com.au.
Andrew named Ambassador for the Dog on the Tuckerbox
Country star Andrew Swift has been named the official Ambassador for the iconic Dog on the Tuckerbox at Gundagai (NSW).
The Dog was recently restored after being vandalised earlier this year.
“I’m truly honoured and absolutely stoked with the (Cootamundra Gundagai Regional) Council’s decision to make me ambassador for Gundagai’s beloved dog,” Andrew said.
“It is definitely a title I will wear with pride… it means a lot to me and I hope that I can make the locals proud with my representation for their Dog on the Tuckerbox in all my travels both nationally and abroad.
“I once made a sweeping statement that I’m pretty sure it’s illegal to not stop and get a photo with the Dog on the Tuckerbox.”
The Dog on the Tuckerbox concept came from the poem ‘Bullocky Bill’ published anonymously in the mid 1800s under the nom de plume "Bowyang Yorke"...
The poem became the inspiration for the 1937 song Where The Dog Sits On The Tuckerbox by Jack O’Hagan. O’Hagan also wrote On The Road To Gundagai in 1922.
Among popular covers of the song was a version by the Howie brothers band 1901 which won them the Vocal Group of the Year Golden Guitar in 1980.
Weblink – www.andrewswift.com.au.
Golden Guitar finalists 2020
Finalists in the 2020 Toyota Golden Guitars were announced in Sydney today.
Lee Kernaghan, Sara Storer and Felicity Urquhart lead the finalist nomination count, Lee and Felicity with eight each, Sara with seven.
The full list is...
For Album of the Year... Morgan Evans with Things That We Drink To (producer Chris De Stefano), Lee Kernaghan with Backroad Nation (Lindsay Rimes), Amber Lawrence with Spark (Stuart Stuart), Sara Storer with Raindance (Matt Fell) and Felicity Urquhart with Frozen Rabbit (Glen Hannah).
For Alt-Country Album of the Year... Kevin Bennett & The Flood with Blood Red Ties (producer Glen Hannah), Brad Butcher with Travelling Salesman (Matt Fell), Hayley Marsten with Spetacular Heartbreak (Matt Fell), Jenny Mitchell with Wildfires (Matt Fell) and Michael Waugh with The Weir (Shane Nicholson).
For Contemporary Album of the Year... Busby Marou with The Great Divide (producer Oscar Dawson), Cornell and Carr with We Go Way Back (Matt Fell), Morgan Evans with Things That We Drink To (Chris De Stefano), Amber Lawrence with Spark (Stuart Stuart) and Lee Kernaghan with Backroad Nation (Lindsay Rimes).
For Traditional Album of the Year... Ashleigh Dallas with Reflection (producer Brett Dallas), Angus Gill with Welcome To My Heart (Angus Gill), Gina Jeffreys with Beautiful Tangle (Rod McCormack), Sara Storer with Raindance (Matt Fell) and Felicity Urquhart with Frozen Rabbit (Glen Hannah).
For Male Artist of the Year... Brad Butcher, Morgan Evans, Lee Kernaghan, Blake O'Connor and and Michael Waugh.
For Female Artist of the Year... Ashleigh Dallas, Gina Jeffreys, Amber Lawrence, Sara Storer and Felicity Urquhart.
For Group or Duo of the Year... Kevin Bennett & The Flood, Busby Marou, Cornell & Carr, Jetty Road and The Viper Creek Band,
For Song of the Year... Backroad Nation by Lee Kernaghan (writers Lee Kernaghan, Colin Buchanan, Garth Porter, Lindsay Rimes, Phil Barton), Chain Of Joy by Felicity Urquhart (Felicity Urquhart & Kim Richey), Raindance by Sara Storer (Sara Storer, Greg Storer), Rusty Strings by Brad Cox (Brad Cox/Jackson Besley) and Sing Me A Story by Luke O'Shea & Lyn Bowtell (Luke O'Shea, Felicity Urquhart).
For Vocal Collaboration of the Year... Next Year People by Sara Storer and Colin Hay, Second Hand by Andrew Swift and Gretta Ziller, Sing Me A Story by Luke O'Shea and Lyn Bowtell, Slow It Down by Felicity Urquhart featuring Karl Broadie and Till It Ends by Lee Kernaghan with The Wolfe Brother.
For Bush Ballad of the Year... Country Copper by Allan Caswell (written by Allan Caswell & Manfred Vijars), The Drovers Friend by John O’Dea (John O'Dea), His Last Cattle Drive by Dean Perrett (Carmelo Cacciola), Knights Of The Saddle by Graham Rodger (Graham Rodger) and More Times Than I Remember by Jeff Brown (Jeff Brown & Kelly & Marian Dixon).
For Heritage Song of the Year... Freshwater Lady by Brad Butcher (written by Brad Butcher & Vaughan Jones), Hayrunner by Sara Storer (Sara Storer), Sing Me A Story by Luke O'Shea & Lyn Bowtell (Luke O'Shea, Felicity Urquhart), The Trucks Came Through by Lee Kernaghan (Lee Kernaghan, Colin Buchanan, Garth Porter) and Where The Fruit Hangs Low by Felicity Urquhart with Shanley Del (Felicity Urquhart, Mick Thomas).
For Instrumental of the Year... The Balcony Bunch by Michael Fix, Bridle Track by Mickey Pye, Death Mountain Run by Mustered Courage, Gallaghers Lane by Phil Emmanuel with Jacob Funnell and Timeless Traveller by Rod McCormack.
For Bluegrass Recording of the Year... Bad Politics by Allan Caswell, Bled Me Dry by The Hillbilly Goats, Home Of Lost Lovers (The Ballad Of Glen Turner) by Mustered Courage, Shimmers by Rod McCormack and Yesterday's Heartache by Kristy Cox.
For New Talent of the Year... Casey Barnes, The Buckleys, Sinead Burgess, Blake O'Connor and Seaforth.
For Video Clip of the Year... Backroad Nation by Lee Kernaghan (director Jay Seeney), Chain Of Joy by Felicity Urquhart (Glen Hannah), Hey Brother by The Wolfe Brothers (Jay Seeney), Raindance by Sara Storer (Duncan Toombs) and Real Men Don’t Cry (War on Pride) by Fanny Lumsden (Dan Stanley Freeman & Fanny Lumsden).
For Single of the Year... Backroad Nation by Lee Kernaghan, Chain Of Joy by Felicity Urquhart, Hey Brother by The Wolfe Brothers, Rusty Strings by Brad Cox and Young Again by Morgan Evans.
Golden Guitar winners will be determined, in most categories, by a vote of Country Music Association of Australia Professional Members and will be announced in Tamworth on Saturday, January 25.
In addition to the judged and voted categories, an award is also presented to the top selling Australian country music album for 2019.
Weblink – country.com.au.
New from Genni
Multi award-winning singer/songwriter Genni Kane – ex Flying Emus, The Kanes and The Trio – has released a new album titled Songs From The Kitchen Table.
Released in September, the album has "12 tracks of family, friends, Genni’s beloved village of Millthorpe, and acquaintances she’s met along the way," according to a spokesman.
“The album is a trip through all the stuff you do at your kitchen table – at a surface level, it’s friends and family and the music we play around our table, but it’s also those conversations, the meal you have with someone where you find out what’s important to them or share funny stories,” Genni said.
“Each of the songs are physically talking about that situation and, in a sense, they’re all linked by the fact they were written here (at the table) and talked about and discovered here as well.”
Even after decades of writing and recording songs as a solo artist and an integral member of bands, Genni said it was a thrill when a listener felt her songs were also their stories.
“They are not just my stories, but other people’s stories, too,” she said.
“It’s really lovely when someone comes up and says they feel a song is about them.”
Produced by her brother John Kane and mastered by Jeff McCormack, the album features the musicianship of Genni, John, Genni’s husband Jon Wilby, Christian Prusiak, Syd Green, and harmonies and a duet with Smith & Jones.
“As a body of work, I’m quite proud of these songs because I feel a real connection to all the stories,” Genni said.
Genni's previous album Selfies was dedicated to her friend Naomi whom she lost prior to the release of the album. Songs From The Kitchen Table is dedicated to her late father-in-law, James, who is immortalised in the final song on the album, The Captain Of The Ship.
“Jim was a big part of our lives and the loss of him is still very raw,” Genni said.
“His was a different experience of war than what we normally hear about in Australia where we are very much focused on the Anzac story, as we should be. But there are other stories from other cultures we should know, too. By writing the song, I was just trying to express my love for him, but also give a vehicle for his story to be told.”
As an artist, Genni said her greatest goal was to be happy with the music she was producing, and this album ticked the boxes for her.
“It’s the songwriting part of it that I love the most. When you get to that point and the song is done. You can hold it, and know that it’s ready and you can gently put it down and let it out into the world,” she said.
Weblink – gennikane.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2019
Golden Guitar finalist announcement
Finalists for the 2020 Golden Guitar Awards will be announced in Sydney on Tuesday (November 19).
The announcement will combine with the official launch of the 48th Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The event will be live-streamed via the Festival facebook page here.
Details for Tamworth 2020 are being released progressively. One of the latest items is the artist roster for the Festival Official Opening Concert on Friday evening, January 17.
Stars of the show will include Lyn Bowtell, Adam Brand, Ashleigh Dallas, Buddy Knox, The Long & Short Of It, Blake O'Connor and Andrew Swift.
Reigning Tamworth Busking Champion Rhys Crimmin will also appear, together with students and tutors from the 2020 Academy of Country Music.
Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au.
New from Tom
Golden Guitar winner Tom Curtain will release his latest album –We’re Still Here – on Friday (November 15).
The album follows the release of the title track in September which “sings up” the lifestyle of country people.
Tom’s 2018/2019 tours inspired more songs that appear on We’re Still Here, a spokesman said, including the title track, a co-write with his award-winning producer Garth Porter.
“We were travelling through Central Queensland on the Speak Up Tour and everything was in drought,” Tom said.
“It was terrible. And then, weeks later coming back through, it was heartbreaking to see how the floods had decimated the land, the animals and affected the communities.
“I was very passionate about it and felt I had to get the message out there – these farmers and communities are facing all these hardships including droughts, floods and fires, and it is so soul-destroying, but they are supporting each other and bouncing back, one foot in front of the other.”
Tom mixed deeper tracks and story songs on the new work “with rocking numbers that will have fans taking to the dance floor” according to a spokesman. But “the theme of celebrating Australia and our unique way of life flows throughout.”
“Overall, I wanted to bring a smile to people listening to certain songs and inspire people out there battling to hold on and speak up in times of hardship,” Tom said. “I love storytelling and there’s a few good yarns in there as well.”
The singer-songwriter said he wanted to inspire and uplift his listeners through the songs about his life, his journey and the “great people who make up this amazing country out here”.
“We’re Still Here is definitely one of my favourites as it depicts the struggles the people and communities face living in rural Australia,” Tom said.
Moving through the tracks, Tom’s songs take listeners from the Kimberley to his home state of the Northern Territory through to Central Queensland and back again with something for his fans of all ages.
“Raised Up Right and his 2018 hit Speak Up contain positive messages we can all learn from, while Hitchhiker tells the story of how Tom met his wife, Annabel, when he was at his lowest point, and Mannuem Falls reflects on childhood memories of adventures had with his brothers growing up near Kumbia, Queensland.”
One of the highlights of the album is She Gave Us The Song, a tribute to Joy McKean which sees Tom joined by Lee Kernaghan and Sara Storer on the recording. The song was written by Garth Porter and Kelly Dixon.
After the release of his 2017 hit album Territory Time, Tom, Annabel, their horses, dogs (“and a few ducks”) and their team toured from the Territory through Western Australia and followed this with an extensive tour from the Territory through Western and Central Queensland, NSW and Victoria in 2018/2019.
The team will be joined by Tom and Annabel’s first born Harry Hugo on his 2019/2020 tour which will take in some of the most remote parts of Australia to the coast.
Tom’s shows comprise an hour of horse and working dog demonstrations followed by an hour of live music with special guests.
“It’s an enormous buzz to see the people coming together and I love seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when they see the dogs,” Tom said.
“People love the interaction with the animals and feel like they get extra value from the training tips we share. It’s a very hands-on experience for the kids but also an important opportunity to bring the community together and check-in on one another.”
Weblink – www.tomcurtain.com.au.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019
The Sheik now officially iconic
Chad Morgan's I'm The Sheik Of Scrubby Creek is among 10 works announced today as additions to the National Film & Sound Archive's register of culturally and historically important sound recordings that have helped shape the nation's culture.
Known as Sounds of Australia, the register now numbers almost 150 and includes songs, in chronological order, like Wrap Me Up In My Stockwhip & Blanket by Tex Morton, The Adventure Of The Singing Bullet by Smoky Dawson, A Pub With No Beer by Slim Dusty, I Remember You by Frank Ifield, I’ve Been Everywhere by Lucky Starr, Royal Telephone by Jimmy Little, And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda by Eric Bogle, I Was Only 19 by Redgum, From Little Things (Big Things Grow) by Paul Kelly & Kev Carmody and Not Pretty Enough by Kasey Chambers.
The new titles added today include The Man From Snowy River by Leonard Teale (1956), You're The One That I Want by Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta, written by Australian musician John Farrar (1978), Up There, Cazaly by The Two-Man Band (1979) and You're The Voice by John Farnham (1986).
Chad was discovered on Australia’s Amateur Hour, a radio talent contest, where he sang The Sheik (his original song) and was named a finalist. He subsequently released the song through Regal Zonophone Records (a subsidiary of EMI) in 1952.
It was a hit and became his signature song.
Chad toured Australia in the 1950s with the Slim Dusty Show and the All Star Western
Show before creating his own travelling Chad Morgan Show.
He has since released more than 20 albums and, at the age of 86, is still performing and touring around Australia. He was inducted into the Tamworth Hands of Fame in 1979, the Roll of Renown in 1987 and received the Kempsey Living Legend Award in 2002, the Order of Australia Medal in 2004 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Guitar Awards
in 2010.
Sounds of Australia additions are taken from nominations by members of the public.
Weblink – www.nfsa.gov.au/about/our-mission/sounds-australia.
Matt promotes mental health awareness
Rising Australian country star Matt Ward is raising awareness of rural mental wellbeing with his new single Better Man.
For the South Australian artist, songwriting is all about connecting with and moving people, and nowhere is this more evident than Better Man.
The single tells the true story of a farmer Matt heard interviewed on the radio in 2012, telling his story of hardship during the Millennium drought.
“He tried to make things work on his farm… however as things got harder and harder his wife and kids ended up leaving and moving to Melbourne. He dug his heels and unfortunately eventually lost the farm, his family, everything” Matt said.
“He was clearly very upset and was saying he had, had suicidal thoughts, so I wrote the song from that story.”
Better Man is released on Matt’s number one album Heartland.
“It’s an appropriate time to release the song and I hope to use the release to raise awareness for mental wellbeing, particularly in regional areas,” he said.
“The video expresses that sentiment, too, and all album sales through October and November and all streams will be donated to the Black Dog Institute.”
The Black Dog Institute has endorsed the song and Matt wants to help destigmatise mental health issues by talking about the story of Better Man and mental health awareness in itself.
“Talking about it may just encourage people to think about checking in on each other.”
The song already evokes plenty of emotions at live shows, with plenty of listeners being able to relate to it," Matt said.
“The story behind it is connecting with people and that’s exactly what I want out of my music.
Weblink – www.mattwardmusic.com.
