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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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FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019 CMA honours Rob The American Country Music Association (CMA) has announced an international exchange program – to provide recipients with international experience and connections in the country music industry – in honour of the late music industry promoter Rob Potts.
Applicants for the Rob Potts International Exchange Program must be either a full-time college/university student or emerging industry professional between the ages of 18 and 25. The US recipient’s program will take place in Australia, while the recipient from Australia/New Zealand will undertake the program in America. Both recipients will have a primary contact to guide them during the four weeks. Those selected will participate in a series of internships and networking opportunities in Australia or the US. CMA task force groups developed the comprehensive work experience program designed to expose individuals to various parts of the business, including the marketing/digital, media/public relations, booking agency, management, record labels, publishing/performance rights, live events/stage production, radio, video production and recording studio. The exchange program is not intended for an individual pursuing a career as an artist or songwriter. Applications for the program are open now and closes at 11:59 PM/CT (Central Time USA) on Sunday, June 30. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply at www.CMAworld.com/robpottsprogram. The two selected recipients will be notified later this year. "We are honoured to celebrate the legacy of Rob and his contribution to the country music industry through this exchange program and are looking forward to impacting the next generation of music industry professionals through this international program," said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "Even though his home was miles away in Australia, he was a regular fixture here in Nashville. I still expect to see him in the crowd at CMA Fest. Rob was a tireless advocate for Country Music and we are delighted to engage a new generation of the industry in his honour." THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2019 Vale – Glen Hannah Well respected Australian country musician and record producer Glen Hannah has died.
In January 2017, he was named Musician of the Year at the Golden Guitar Awards by the Country Music Association of Australia. Felicity and Glen married in 2009. Their eldest daughter Tia was born in 2011, Ellie in 2013. As well as his work as an in-demand musician and record producer, Glen also produced the ABC radio program "Saturday Night Country" hosted by Felicity. Hundreds of people paid tribute to the late maestro on social media. Kevin Bennett, leader of The Flood, one of Glen's more prominent bands, said: "This week we lost a brother, a friend and the best human we know, Glen 'Goonga' Hannah. "He also happened to be a genius musician/producer who derived the most pleasure, and made an art out of making others sound amazing." Australian country legend Chad Morgan said to Felicity in a Facebook tribute: "I feel for you my little mate I know what you are going through, it never goes away but it does get a little easier with time." "Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we mourn the loss of Glen Hannah, a husband, a father and a friend," said Nundle's DAG Sheepstation owner John Krsulja. "Our hearts ache for Felicity and her little girls, as we stand together to help carry Glen's family and friends into the future. We will miss Glen Hannah and all he contributed to our lives as an artist and a friend." "We love you beyond words Fliss. Sending you all our love..." Tamworth artist Aleyce Simmonds wrote. Amber Lawrence said her and her family would be praying for Felicity: "I'm heartbroken for you and your girls, and forever grateful for the magic Glen brought to us all in music and life." MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019 Mount Hunter Stampede 2019 The line-up for the 2019 Mount Hunter Country Music Stampede has been announced.
The Stampede is billed as "a celebration of country life and country music" – the brainchild of Mick Kearney, owner of the event site, the K Ranch Arena, and multi Golden Guitar winner Drew McAlister. This will be the third year of the Stampede which will be held on Saturday October 26. The venue is located on Monks Road, Mount Hunter west of Camden, NSW. On-site caravan and camping will be available from the day before. Weblink – www.countrymusicstampede.com. FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2019 Debut for Jessica Brisbane-based singer/songwriter Jessica Emily Odgers is set to release her debut EP – The Girl With Three Names – on Friday May 31. "The EP captures Jessica becoming who she is," according to a spokesman for the artist, "from teenager to adult, finding love, falling out of love and getting to know herself."
Lead single from the release is Fall Back, co-written by Jessica with Nashville writers Hannah May Allison and John Millar and is described as "a fun, storytelling love song that kicks off and introduces the distinctive sound and style of the upcoming EP. “I went into the co-write knowing I wanted to write something fun and uplifting," Jessica said, "but with a different sound to my previous single Candy. Hannah told us she had this title 'Fall Back' in her head for a while and didn’t know what to do with it. "We started playing with lyric ideas and melodies and then we figured out it would be a love song and the idea for falling for someone and hoping they would feel the same way in return, the fall back." Brisbane born and bred, 20-year-old Jessica grew up absorbed in music. Observing her idols and their songwriting skills, she developed a passion for the craft and has been working hard to develop her own style while learning via co-writing with Fanny Lumsden, Amber Lawrence, Katrina Burgoyne, Kaylee Bell and the aforementioned Nashville staff writers. "As a songwriter, I love to write about truth, whether it might be my truth or someone else’s. I write about everyday life experiences that I know people can relate to. I write from my experiences and other peoples experiences because other people have been through things that I haven’t, and I think their stories deserved to be heard as well." Jessica’s passion for country music and performance shines bright. She is still pushing people to invite her on stage. In late 2016 with a nudge and a home-made sign from her Mum, Keith Urban invited Jessica on stage at his Brisbane show on the Ripcord Tour for a special performance of his hit Somewhere In My Car. In 2018, Jess attended the Country Music Association of Australia Academy of Country music, and released her debut single Candy hitting number 3 on the country iTunes charts and No. 16 on the KIX Radio Hottest 20. WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2019 Origin signs Angus Origin Music Publishing has signed a global deal with NSW Mid North Coast singer/songwriter and Star Maker finalist Angus Gill.
According to Origin, Angus’s latest trip to Nashville saw him work with music legends Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle and Bernie Taupin, and collaborate with Music Row hitmakers who worked with the likes of Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban. "It’s a privilege to join the Origin Music family," Angus said. "I’ve got an exciting schedule ahead of me for the next 18 months, with new music on the way." In a post to fans, Angus noted that Origin represents Gotye, Lior, James Morrison and Megan Washington as well as friends Michael Carpenter and Lawrie Minson. Angus's debut album Nomad, which he produced, saw him collaborate with major country names including Kevin Bennett, Adam Harvey, Gina Jeffreys and Luke O’Shea. Its themes of journeys made it a popular companion for on-the-road trips, and won him an Australian Independent Country Music Award last year. Photo: Angus with Philip Mortlock, Creative Director of the Origin Music Group. Weblink – angusgill.com.au. MONDAY, MAY 20, 2019 Applications open for APRA PDAs Applications have opened for the biennial APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Professional Development Awards (PDAs) for emerging songwriters and composers.
Designed as a career-boosting initiative, the PDAs have helped further the success stories of artists including Morgan Evans, Gotye and Fanny Lumsden. In 2019, the awards prize pool continues to grow, offering nine individual winners $15,000 each and a number of products and services. A "Smugglers of Light" initiative returns this year with an award providing a promising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music or media practitioner with a grant of $12,000. The Smugglers of Light Foundation was set up in memory of aspiring hip hop performer Eli Westlake aged 21, who was killed in Sydney in 2008 in a street assault. Weblink – www.apraamcos.com.au. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019 Shane signs with Cooking Vinyl Cooking Vinyl Publishing Australia has signed a worldwide deal with ARIA award-winning writer, artist and producer Shane Nicholson, The Music Network has reported. "Cooking Vinyl Publishing Australia are delighted to be working with Shane. He has been on my radar for many years as a writer/artist/producer," said Managing Director Matthew Donlevy.
From his early days in Pretty Violet Stain to more recent solo outings on Universal Music Austraia-owned label Lost Highway, Shane has earned a reputation as a leading proponent of alt-country and Americana. He has also produced records for some of Australia’s best, including Beccy Cole, Tori Forsyth, Alex Lloyd and Jenny Queen, according to The Music Network report. Shane has won three ARIA Awards, most recently for his solo album Hell Breaks Loose(2015), and also for his critically acclaimed collaborations with Kasey Chambers, Rattlin’ Bones (2008) and Wreck & Ruin (2013). During his career, Shane has won or shared in 10 Golden Guitar Awards, including Male Artist of the Year, two APRA Music Awards and received multiple nominations in the Americana Music Awards. Many Australian and overseas acts have covered his songs too, the legendary Bob Seeger among them. "I am excited to have a new publishing home," Shane told The Music Network, "and am keen to start working with Matt and the crew at Cooking Vinyl. He rode a motorbike to our first meeting and paid for the beer, so I have a good feeling about this." Cooking Vinyl Australia is a Melbourne-based music company that launched in 2013 as a partnership between Leigh Gruppetta, Stu Harvey and Martin Goldschmidt. Shane is currently appearing on the ABC TV series "The Recording Studio". Pictured (from left): Matthew Donlevy, Shane and Graham Thompson. Weblink – shanenicholson.com. WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
Morgan Evans has launched a "world tour" including a number of dates in Australia in October. The tour comes on the back of a "sold out" East Coast tour last year and a year of more successes both in Australia and overseas. Tour dates include Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on Friday October 18, Perth’s Astor Theatre on Sunday October 20, Adelaide’s The Gov on Monday October 21, Melbourne’s Forum on Tuesday October 22, Brisbane’s Eatons Hill Hotel on Saturday October 26, and Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre on Sunday October 27. Weblink – www.morganevansmusic.com. MONDAY, MAY 13, 2019 More acts announced for Groundwater
Added names are Casey Barnes, Graeme Connors (pictured), Davvison Brothers Band, Angus Gill, Benn Gunn, Haystack Mountain Hermits, Freya Josephine Hollick, Hayley Jensen, Brooke Lambert, Drew McAlister, NeillyRich, Open Season, Tex Perkins and the Tennessee Four with Rachel Tidd, Amber Joy Poulton, Tony Q Band, Chloe Styler and The Viper reek Band. The newly announced artists will join Beccy Cole, Peter Cullen & The Hurt, Adam Eckersley Band, Tori Forsyth, Shane Howard, Lee Kernaghan, Fanny Lumsden, Montgomery Church, Mustererd Courage, Blake O'Connor, Round Mountain Girls, John Schumann, Andrew Swift, Felicity Urquhart, The Wolfe Brothers and Gretta Ziller. Billed as a "family-friendly event" the Festival will run throughout Broadbeach from July 26 to 28. Weblink – groundwatercmf.com. THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2019 Junior Academy students announced The Country Music Association of Australia has announced the first confirmed students in the Australian Academy of Country Music 2019 junior course.
Instrumental students are Freddie Bailey-Cook (Tamworth NSW(, Josh Beveridge (Wyongah NSW), Isabell Fulton (Bathurst NSW), Jenna Orpwood (Bathurst NSW) and Belle Whitwell (Bathurst NSW). More students are yet to be announced. The 2019 Junior Academy course runs for a week ahead of the Hats Off To Country Festival in July. Weblink – www.country.com.au. MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019 Pixie wins Celtic award
The Awards were staged as part of the Celtic Festival staged in the northern NSW town every year in May. Pixie was up against Mick McHugh and Stu Tyrrell in the Male Artist category and was also a finalist for Album of the Year. A number of other established country acts also featured among the Awards finalists including The Borderers, Michael Fix, Rachel Jillett and Norma O'Hara Murphy. Weblink – celticmusicawards.com • pixiejenkins.com. SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2019 NZ Awards finalists announced Finalists in the 2019 New Zealand Country Music Awards have been announced. They are...
For Best Album – Jamie McDell with Extraordinary Girl, Jenny Mitchell with Wildfires and Tami Neilson with Sassafrass! In the MLT (Mataura Licensing Trust) Songwriting Awards, finalists are... Kaylee Bell with Used To Getting Over You, Kendall Elise with Slippery Creek, Kerryn Fields with Mamma and Until You, Jenny Mitchell with Lucy and Tug Of War, Ron Mitchell with I’ll Be Country, Tami Neilson with Queenie and Used To Getting Over You, Olivia Sutherland with Don’t and Miller Yule with Tangled Up. Winners will be announced during the NZ Country Music Festival in Gore on Thursday May 30. The awards are open to the public, and tickets are available through iticket.co.nz. FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019 New from Brad Brad Butcher has released an advance single from his new album Travelling Salesman which is set for release in July.
"The instrumentation is raw and exactly how it was captured in the studio with ARIA and Golden Guitar winning producer Matt Fell," according to a spokesman for the artist. The single is "filled with images of wrecking balls and raging fires in a song that isn’t afraid to show some anger about what we’re doing to the world." "It’s frustration," Brad said. "Now I believe in some pretty out-there stuff but I think there’s more that we can be doing as a human race to be smarter about technology and about everything moving forward. The song is a global idea but I also tried to humanise it so there’s this couple who are the narrative of the song and that was one way for people to understand this relationship (between humanity and the environment). "From the get go I’ve been trying to make this album," Brad said looking over the new album. It may sound surprising for a man releasing his fourth long-player, having already won a Golden Guitar for New Talent Of The Year at Tamworth, and Country Song Of The Year in the 2018 Queensland Music Awards. "But Travelling Salesman is a landmark for the former Mackay boy whose hallmark is sometimes brutal honesty," the spokesman said. "In the past, because I wasn’t confident enough with my musicality, I let the producer take control," Brad said. "But this time around, after learning three previous times, and working with (producer) Matt Fell again, I was relaxed and confident and I walked into the room knowing exactly where the songs wanted to go." The confidence extended into his songwriting where "in the past I would still send them away to co-writers and stuff, to get that little finishing touch put on there. But this time around, I trusted myself and my gut a little more." The album focuses on Brad's mix of country, folk and blues, brings some different "toughness" to the sound and highlights his ability to write about families, the natural world, and something close to his heart, mental health. "It’s coming from experience," he said. "I worked in a few different areas where I’ve seen the effect it had on people and families. You see it everywhere, and I’ve been deeply affected by it so I feel like as much as the expression (of it) helps other people, it helps me too." Weblink – bradbutcher.com. WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2019
Morgan Evans has won the 2019 APRA Award for Country Work of the Year with his hit song Day Drunk, co-written with Chris DeStefano and Lindy Robbins. Lindsay Rimes, now Nashville based, was presented with the 2019 Overseas Recognition Award. Lee Kernaghan delivered a touching tribute at the Awards to the late Rob Potts who was posthumously honoured with the Ted Albert award for outstanding services to Australian music. Sarah Aarons took home four trophies from the night, including the prestigious Songwriter of the Year. Amy Shark took out the peer-voted APRA Song of the Year accolade for I Said Hi, which also won Pop Work of the Year. A full rundown of the Awards can be found here. Photo: Lindsay with his award. Weblink – morganevans.com.au.
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Two recipients will be selected to take part in the four-week industry-focused program, one from Australia/New Zealand and one from the United States.
The husband of country star Felicity Urquhart, Glen worked with hundreds of artists in the industry and helped craft some of the best albums in country music.
Country stars Cornell & Carr, Adam Eckersley Band, Buddy Goode, Missy Lancaster, The Pigs, Melinda Schneider and Simply Bushed will be augmented by augmented by '80s pop band Choirboys.
"When planning my EP... I wanted a body of work that best introduced me and my music into the world," Jessica said.
Angus is prepping the release of his second album, which he recorded in Nashville.
The deadline is Thursday, June 27.
"In fact, he wrote and performed on one of my all-time favourite albums, Rattlin’ Bones. I am honoured to be working with Shane and am particularly keen to help expand his international profile."
Home tour for Morgan
The Gold Coast's Groundwater Country Music Festival has announced more acts for its 2019 event.
Singer/songwriter students are Grace Amos (Cobbity NSW, Mount Hunter Country Music Stampede Scholarship), Lucy Beveridge (Wyongah NSW), Jacinta Byrne (Thargomindah Qld, Ekka Scholarship), Jorja Dalton (Hilston NSW, Capital Country Music Association Scholarship, Allegra Dunning (Katoomba NSW), Tommy Drury (Miles Qld), Jess Ferris (Bywong NSW), Asra Ginders (Hawarden NZ, Buller CM Club Scholarship), Sarah Hamze, (Chapel Hill, Qld), Homestead Country Music Club Scholarship), Georgia Hudson (Wingham NSW), Sophee Jean Kerslake (Heatherbrae NSW), Callum McPartlane (Frankston Vic), Jackson McPartlane (Frankston Vic), Elaine Miller (Birdwood SA, Graham Allingham Junior Scholarship), Grace Gladwin Paffett (Figtree NSW), Lily Peters (Burleigh Heads Qld), Emmagen Rain (Murwillumbah NSW), Mitch Rolfe (Emerald Qld), Jolene Ross, (Mareeba Qld, Walkamin Country Music Club Scholarship) and Zac Spalding(Albury NSW). 
For Best Song – Manitoba Sunrise At Motel 6 by Tami Neilson, Paint On A Sign by Jamie McDell and Slow Train Creek by Holly Arrowsmith.
Natures Course is the new single from Queensland-based Brad.
