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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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Morgan wins 2021 Country APRA
Morgan was up against Casey Barnes' A Little More (written with Michael Delorenzis and Michael Paynter), Brad Cox's Give Me Tonight (written with Joseph Mungovan), Melanie Dyer's Memphis T-Shirt (written with Emma-Lee and Karen Kosowski) and The McClymonts' I Got This (written by Brooke, Mollie and Samantha with Andy Mak). A major part of the Awards, held in Sydney last night, was the recognition of Joy McKean with the prestigious Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Service to Australian Music (see full story here). Joy was recognised together with the 2020 recipient the late Helen Reddy. Joy's award was presented by her children Anne and David Kirkpatrick in a moving ceremony. Busby Marou (Thomas Busby and Jeremy Marou) were presented with the award for Most Performed Blues & Roots Work for Over Drinking Over You, a song about when fun habits stop being fun, written by the duo with co-writers Ivy Adara, Jon Hume and Lindsey Jackson. Weblink here. Tamworth Monopoly Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital, is to have its own version of the famous Monopoly board game. The local council has accepted a proposal from Winning Moves, manufacturers of the game under license from brand owners Hasbro.
Attractions like the Big Golden Guitar, Tamworth Town Hall, Childrens Adventure Playground, Marsupial Park and Nundle Woollen Mill could be among featured locations. There are also plans to include a special guitar piece in the game in addition to the locally themed squares and cards. The Tamworth-themed game is planned to be available later this year, in time for Christmas and for the 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival in January. It will be sold exclusively through venues featured on the board and at the Tamworth Visitor Information Centre. Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray says it was an “amazing opportunity” for the region to be featured with its very own board of this iconic game. “People will be able to take a piece of Tamworth home with them and battle it out over their favourite attraction or destination. It also provides a great opportunity to advertise our region in a significant and lasting way,” he said. Photo (Northern Daily Leader): Tamworth Mayor Col Murray. Lameroo coming up The 2021 Lameroo Country Music Festival runs over the weekend Friday April 30 to and including Sunday May 2.
The event all runs in the Lameroo Memorial Hall in the South Australian town of Lameroo two hours east of Adelaide. The venue features an impressive main hall with both tiered and ground seating. Launched by Big River Entertainment in 2010, the Lameroo festival has become one of the most successful and popular music festivals in South Australia. Country music enthusiasts travel from all over Australia to attend the event which is staged as one of Big River Entertainment’s "Awareness Of Rural Towns" projects. The Festival’s main event is on Saturday from 10am to 10pm. It is supported by the Southern Mallee District Council. Weblink – lameroocmf.com. Tamworth comes to town
Travis Collins, Graeme Connors and Adam Harvey will headline the event, with Roo Arcus, Lyn Bowtell, Liam Brew, Mike Carr, Brock Curtis, Ashley Dallas, Andrew Farriss, Judah Kelly, Amber Lawrence, Luke O'Shea, Jasmine Rae, Southbound, Andrew Swift, Jeremy Turner and The Viper Creek Band. The event is promoted as a package event including accommodation with Rydges World Square from May 28 to 30 in conjunction with rediscovertravel.com.au. Shannon to headline Scone Festival launch The 10 day 40th Scone Horse Festival kicks off in the historic town on Thursday May 6 following last year’s cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Scone is well known as the Horse Capital of Australia and 2021 marks 40 years for the Scone Horse Festival. The festival pays homage to all breeds of horses, Thoroughbreds, Australian Stock horses and draught horses, as well as the men and women who breed and work with them. Events throughout the festival include a charity rodeo, family concert, sheep dog trials, yarns night, polo, farrier’s competition a two-day race carnival featuring the Scone Cup, yearling sales and the grand finale fireworks family picnic event on Lake Glenbawn. “When this line up was announced last year, festival ticket sales immediately spiked. Then Covid-19 hit and we issued full refunds,” said Festival President David Gatwood. “We would do the same again this year if circumstances change. We’re guided by strict conditions but it’s all a step in the right direction and at least we can go ahead this time around. “Given the fact that we have this beautiful & unique venue, we’re able to quite easily implement Covic-safe protocols that are in line with Federal and State government directives,” he said. “With the amount of people that haven’t had the chance to go to a festival in the past year, there are thousands champing at the bit to get to something. Weblink – sconehorsefestival.com.au. Junior Academy returns The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) Academy of Country Music is again throwing open the doors of the junior Academy to up-and-coming music artists in Tamworth in June 2021. Last year's intensive residential Academy course was cancelled amid COVID-19 restrictions, but is returning this year. Artists aged under 18 years will join Australian country music mentors in Tamworth from June 26 to July 3. Seven-time Golden Guitar winner Lyn Bowtell leads the Academy as Director with fellow Golden Guitar winner and Bushwackers member Roger Corbett as General Manager. Leading student groups will be Ashleigh Dallas, Jayne Denham and Mickey Pye with Catherine Britt as guest songwriter and Gabi Blissett and Liam Kennedy-Clark as musicians in residence. Guest songwriters and industry leaders will also visit the Academy for songwriting and music business-related topics which they will present to the students and their parents. “We are excited to welcome another talented batch of students back to our residential course,” Lyn said. “A major highlight for me is seeing the growth that the students undergo through the intensive course and helping parents navigate the music industry to support their talented child’s career.” The Academy junior course runs for a week ahead of Tamworth's Hats Off to Country Festival. Applications are now open at academycountrymusic.com.au/apply. Joy to receive Ted Albert Award Country music trailblazer Joy McKean is to receive the 2022 Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music. The honour will be presented by APRA (the Australasian Performing Right Association) AMCOS (Australian Music Copyright Owners Association) at this year’s APRA Music Awards in Sydney on Wednesday April 28.
She became famous performing, recording and broadcasting with her sister Heather in the 1940s and ‘50s and, through her musical partnership with husband Slim Dusty, went on to compose some of country music’s most celebrated songs including The Biggest Disappointment, Ringer From The Top End, Indian Pacific and Walk A Country Mile. Joy was making her mark, composing hit country songs and touring regional and remote Australia at a time when the perceived the role of women was that of home maker. Her songwriting and recordings have earned her seven Golden Guitar awards along with the prestigious Industry Achiever Award presented by the Country Music Association of Australia, the organisation she co-founded in 1992. Joy received the first ever Golden Guitar award at the inaugural Australasian Country Music Awards in 1973 for writing Lights On The Hill, a hit for Slim that has been re-recorded numerous times. Inducted twice into the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown – once with Heather as the McKean Sisters and then in 2020 for her solo achievements, Joy’s contribution to Australian country music as a pioneering songwriter, bush balladeer, touring performer and artist manager is unparalleled. “I am honoured indeed to be chosen as the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Ted Albert Award,” Joy said. “It was most unexpected, and I thank those who must have nominated me for such consideration by APRA. After what has been a lifetime of working in the music industry, and loving just about every minute of it, I find it fascinating to reflect on the changes that have taken place. “I’ve seen a lot of them, and no doubt there will be many more than I will ever see. One thing I do look for is that Awards such as this will continue to honour and support Australians in our music industry the way Ted Albert always did.” Oracles winners Tenterfield's Oracles of the Bush Festival was held last month after being cancelled last year due to Covid 19, and the festival's competition winners are...
In the Looming Legend category, Claire Reynolds (pictured) was the winner with "The Green Tomato Chutney" and Mary O'Brien was runner-up with "The Handshake". In Previously Published, Paddy O’Brien (pictured) was first with "Delhi" and Marion Dreyer was second with "Jelly Melons". In the Written Poetry section, David Judge of Bendigo won Poem With Humorous Theme with "The Outback Sailor" while in Poem Celebrating Then & Now, Irene Dalgety Timpone from Atherton was the winner with "Judgement At Jindabill". In the Novice section Debby Berryman took home tne honours with "A Patch of Green". This year was the 25th year of Oracles of the Bush. Weblink – www.oraclesofthebush.com. Bronze statue of JW proposed A lifesize bronze statue of Australian icon and country star John Williamson is being proposed for Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital.
It would join statues already in place of country pioneers Smoky Dawson, Slim Dusty and Joy McKean in the city’s central business district. Tamworth Regional Council has agreed to underwrite costs of the statue while the public fundraising campaign is underway. Renowned sculptor Tanya Bartlett, who also supplied the Smoky and Slim and Joy statues will also provide the new work. Tanya has just completed the spectacular “larger than life” bronze statue of champion racehorse Winx and her jockey Hugh Bowman at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney and follows earlier works including the Don Bradman "final salute" statue at the Bradman Museum in Bowral. The cost of John's statue is predicted to be $99,000. In his career to date, John has accumulated almost 30 Golden Guitars and numerous other accolades. In 2020, he celebrated 50 years as a songwriter, recording artist and entertainer since he first came to prominence with his now classic Old Man Emu. He became entrenched as a household name in the 1980s when his song True Blue was recorded and ultimately became an unofficial Australian anthem. In total, to date, John has released more than 50 albums, 10 videos, five DVDs and two lyric books and has sold more than four million albums in Australia. In considering the proposal for Council under-writing, Mayor Col Murray said, "As well as signalling our resurgence as a festival, the honouring of one of Australia's most famous and well-loved singer/songwriters will signify to the general public the importance Tamworth places on acknowledging Australian country music.” It is expected the fundraiser will be officially launched in June. Patron of the statue project is Joy McKean. A website – johnwilliamsonbronzestatue.com – is in the process of being established with information about how members of the public can support the fundraising campaign. Queensland Awards finalists An eclectic mix of finalists have been announced for the Country category of the 2021 Queensland Music Awards. They are, Ruby Gilbert with No Vacancy, Melody Moko with Like Hank Would, Vixens Of Fall with The Long Game and Karl S Williams with Columbus Ohio.
Awards organisers have also announced a series of highly commended nominees for this year’s awards. In the country category, these are HaydenGoSeek with Old Friend and Jessica Emily Odgers with This Ain’t Over. Winners will be announced at The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane on Wednesday May 5. Pictured (from left): Melody, Vixens Of Fall, Jessica. Weblink – www.queenslandmusicawards.com.au. New from Jason Australian country singer, songwriter and musician Jason McDaniel releases his new solo album, Honky Tonk Life, today.
Charley’s connection with Slim Dusty saw Montana play at Slim’s birthday party three years in a row. Over time, the band changed its name to Bushfire, showcasing a more Australian feel, then to the Charley Boyter band, band members also changed a few times with the final line up including Brian K Kelly’s son Ben Kelly and well known drummer Tony Macklin. Jason says 2021 is a new beginning for him, most notably with his new album release. Honky Tonk Life is described as a work with “13 rowdy songs” – all written by Jason “about living life and having a good time” drawing on his influences of blues and rock mixed with country or, as Jason puts it, “country with drive”. The first single from the album is Pier Pressure Breakdown. Weblink – www.jasonmcdaniel.com.au. Roady4Roadies Special guest performers have been announced for this Sunday’s Roady4Roadies events being staged around the country by CrewCare. CrewCare is a membership based, not-for-profit charity whose mission is to effect change for the better in music industry crew welfare, personally, financially and professionally. Roady4Roadies also “celebrates the unsung heroes of every music event you’ve ever been to”, according to a spokesman for the organisers… “a day for crew, and the musicians who work with them, to reconnect with their colleagues, friends and family, providing each other with the support of their peers and acknowledging their resilience throughout such trying times.”
The Godfathers of Funk will be appearing at the Townsville event which will run on Friday April 23. Roady4Roadies 2021 is supported by organisations including Chugg Entertainment, Frontier Touring, Live Nation Asia-Pacific and TEG Dainty and Frontier Touring by donating tickets to the event for any crew member and family members who have found themselves unable to purchase tickets for any reason. Crew member in this situation can register at roady4roadies.com/tickets. This Sunday’s events kick off with a Roady4Roadies Walk culminating in a variety of family activities and performances at well-known entertainment precincts. All walk participants receive a free t-shirt and face mask with sunscreen and bottled water available along the route. Tickets for all Roady4Roadies events are $30 plus booking fee, including t-shirt and face mask, and can be bought from moshtix.com.au/roady4roadies. Roady4Roadies Ambassadors this year are The Badloves, Catherine Britt, Vika & Linda Bull, Paul Dempsey (Something for Kate), Missy Higgins, Icehouse, King Canyon and Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes/MONA). Anyone not able to attend on the day but who would like to support the events can do so by making a donation by buying virtual tickets. All funds raised will directly assist crew in crisis. For info on all events and Roady4Roadies Walk details, go to roady4roadies.com.au. Capital Country Radio announces Australian Top 50 Capital Country Radio has announced a search for the Top 50 Australian Country Songs of All Time.
"In my opinion, and many others, Australian country music can hold its own against any music from anywhere in the world... sometimes better... it just doesn't get the exposure it deserves. "Our aim with the Top 50 is to highlight 50 of the best recordings," Bob said, "in a way like JJJ does with the pop genre with their top 100 although our initial listing will be from songs stretching back to the beginnings of country music in Australia... but I suspect many that make the list will be from the more contemporary era." Anyone can vote for their favourite but will be limited to only one vote. "Here at the Country Music Bulletin Group, which Capital Country Radio is a part of, we run the Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards where we annually receive tens of thousands of votes to determine our winners. "We'd like to see that sort of response with our Top 50... millions of people in Australia are fans of country music and Australian country music and artists. We encourage them to get on-line and help us get our Top 50," Bob said. "And this will become an annual event." Votes can be cast on the dedicated voting form at www.capitalcountryradio.com. Voting will close on Friday April 30 with the Top 50 to be broadcast over the first weekend of May, Saturday and Sunday May 1 and 2. Voters are also able to enter for the chance to win one of a number of cash vouchers. Bec leads Sydney Show music team In January, Bec Lavelle was approached by the organisers of the Sydney Royal Easter show to help create a special piece of music to accompany the main arena showcase of 24 horses pulling a wool wagon at this year’s event. It’s the first time the Show has showcased working horses in this way with two families – the Bandys from Barellan and Johnsons from Lake Cargelligo – pulling a traditional wool wagon and traditional camp wagon built by Steve Johnson.
To help flesh out the music piece, she called on her friend Angus Gill who took the reins and not only co-wrote the piece but came on board as a singer, musician, producer and mixer. The creative team expanded with the help of Manfred Vijars, Lindsay Waddington and the iconic James Blundell. It also features some of the most respected musicians and people behind the scenes “weaving their magic”. "It was a privilege to be asked to help write and produce this piece for the Sydney Royal Easter Show,” said Angus, “the first piece of music they have commissioned specifically for the Show. “It was quite a pointed brief – 10 minutes in duration, to accompany two horse teams pulling traditional wool wagons. “I’m very proud of what we achieved as a team, we really ‘pulled together’ to make it happen in time and it was a lot of fun to be part of.” “The artistic team that have come together, with all of their talents, have made me incredibly proud, and we hope to truly represent the hard working families and horse teams with this show piece,” said Bec. An EP of the production has also been released, comprising Teams Are A-Coming (written by Angus and Manfred Vijars, performed by Angus, Musterin’ Season (vocal and instrumental versions written by Angus and Lindsay, performed by James Blundell [vocal] Angus and Lindsay [instrumental]) and Pull Together (written by Angus, Bec and Manfred, performed by Bec and James). The EP is available across digital platforms. The Show spectacle runs twice daily up to and including Monday April 12.Adam announced as Gympie Ambassador Country star Adam Brand has been announced as the 2021 Gympie Music Muster Ambassador.
"I remember being totally new, hardly anybody knew who I was," Adam said, "and the joint was absolutely jumping," when he first performed at the Muster on the Crow Bar stage. This year will be his first performance at The Crow Bar since that first gig 23 years ago. “It’s been all those years since - I can’t wait.” he said. “I’m always excited to play the Muster, but this has just got something different about it. It feels like a full, complete circle.” After 13 Muster appearances, the "festival in the forest" holds a special place for Adam He said being announced as the official Muster Ambassador in its 40th year was a huge honour. “It means a lot, it has always held such a high place in my mind and my career,” he said. “Once I started playing at the Muster it was like, now I get it. It’s a piece of Australia. The 2021 Gympie Music Muster runs over four days from Thursday to Sunday August 26 to 29 inclusive. Weblink – www.muster.com.au. |
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Morgan Evans has won the 2021 APRA Award for Most Performed Country Work for Diamonds, written with Evan Bogart and Chris de Stefano.
Locally themed squares will replace regular squares on the board and will also include customised Community Chest and Chance cards.
Stars of the weekend will include The Austins, Company Of Two, Craig Giles (pictured), Heartland, Graeme Hugo, Kerran Keats, Kinta, Grant Luhrs, Jamie Nielson, John. Ramke and the Sherrahs Trio (pictured).
A major concert event, Tamworth Comes To Town, will be staged in Sydney in May.
Local lad “made good” Shannon Noll will headline a family launch concert on day one at the NSW town’s White Park Arena. He will be joined by pop band Dragon.
Finding a talent for writing songs as a young child, Joy has had a stellar career as a performer, songwriter and manager spanning more than 70 years.
Oracles of the Bush Written Poetry Prize Recipients...
A fund-raising committee has been formed with the aim of unveiling the statue during the 50th Tamworth Country Music Festival this coming January.
Previously known for his 1995 debut album Man In The Black Hat, Jason joined the band Montanta alongside Charley Boyter, Greg Fisher and Allan James touring the east coast working their own shows and also as a backing band.
Roady4Roadies 2021 will be held in 10 major cities with special guest performances from an array of talent including Missy Higgins and Mark Seymour in Melbourne, Ben Ransom, John Kennedy’s 68 Comeback Special and Mark Callaghan + Buzz Bidstrup (GANGgajang) in Sydney, Spy V Spy in Newcastle, Monique Brumby and Brian Ritchie Trio in Hobart, Eric Weideman (1927) in Perth, Pigsy and Uncle Gilbert in Adelaide, Bec Lavelle and Hussy Hicks in Brisbane, Lillye with Virginia Lillye and Welter on the NSW Central Coast, Serina Pech, Caiti Baker and DJ Kuya James in Darwin
As a dedicated 24 hour a day radio service streaming nothing but Australian country music, the station is continually impressed by the massive amount of "brilliant Australian country music that hardly sees the light of day", according to Station Manager Bob Kirchner.
“I’ve enjoyed a long and incredible history with the Sydney Royal Easter Show over the last 15 years,” Bec said, “so to be commissioned to write this piece was such an honour.”
“I am honoured to be the Gympie Music Muster Ambassador this year, and to celebrate it, I’m going back to where I started in 1998….The Mighty Crow Bar!!! I’m doing the curtain closing party with my brothers Cornell & Carr… the very last note, the very last drum beat, the very last Hurrah for the 40th birthday of the one and only Gympie Muster! Sunday night…LOUD, PROUD & LAST!
