Country Music Capital News - November 2017 Volume 42 No 11

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NOVEMBER 2017 VOL. 42 NO.11

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STEVE EARLE

ON TOUR

TOM PETTY

A LITTLE MORE TO LIFE

PADDY McHUGH

DELIVERS years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

KELSEA BALLERINI

WHY SHE DESERVES HER THRONE THE AMERICANA MUSIC FESTIVAL C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

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years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

OUT NOVEMBER 17

OUT NOVEMBER 3

The first Full Album of duets from the Superstar Husband and Wife duo. Features the Stunning Title Track ‘The Rest of Our Life’

The New Album from Country’s Brightest New Star! The 12 track release features the Chart Topping Single ‘Legends’ and more

OUT NOW

OUT NOVEMBER 3

Kenny Chesney performs his Greatest Hits with a Superstar Line-up of guests including Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band & Eric Church

Fast becoming one of Australia’s Favourite Country artists, Lee Brice returns with his new self-titled album

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FROM THE EDITOR

LAST MONTH, TICKETS WENT ON SALE FOR CMC ROCKS QLD 2018 AND, WITHIN HOURS, WERE COMPLETELY SOLD OUT OF 18,000 TICKETS, WITH A WAIT LIST OF THOUSANDS.

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en years ago the first CMC Rocks was held at Friday Flat, Thredbo in Australia’s Snowy Mountains. Three years later the event was relocated to the Hunter Valley and in 2015, found its current home at Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich Queensland where it will be held from March 15 to 18 in 2018.

I’m thrilled for the organisers of what has become Australia’s biggest country and roots festival of international artists. How did this happen, was it the success of the past nine years; was it the star power that includes US favourite Luke Bryan, and Darius Rucker, or our cover girl Kelsea Ballerini?

Whatever it was, what an anniversary celebration it will be, and what a dilemma to have – to choose a bigger venue for 2019. Congratulations once again to all involved.

SEE THE LATEST EPISODES

From the festival of international artists, to the biggest celebration of Australian artists.

Judging has taken place for the Golden Guitars and finalists will be announced for the 46th CMAA Country Music Awards Of Australia – the Golden Guitars at an invited guests only event in Sydney, on November 21. The awards will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the 46th Toyota Country Music Festival – Tamworth, NSW. There are a huge number of nominations in the new talent category which always indicates a healthy

future for Australian country music. I wish everyone all the very best.

Our writer Jeremy Dylan has been put to the test this month, writing a number of stories from his Nashville abode. They include our cover girl Kelsea Ballerini, US songwriter Jim Lauderdale and the Americana festival that he experienced first-hand.

We are also keeping you informed about some of the upcoming events of the 2000 plus that you’ll find if you attend the Tamworth festival. Please let your friends know so they too can experience what some consider a bucket-list event and remember to order your Official Guide To The Tamworth Country Music Festival.

If you’re reading Capital News for the first time and like what you see, please check our details on page 7 on how to subscribe.

We’d love to have you join us every month.

Thanks for reading.

Keep it country Cheryl Byrnes Cheryl@tamworthcountrymusic.com.au

BALCONYTV TAMWORTH Music with a view

Tune into BalconyTV Tamworth to check out the latest episodes from both touring and Tamworth artists

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years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

N OV E M B E R 2 017 FEATURES

EDITOR Cheryl Byrnes P: 0407 106 966 E: cheryl@tamworthcountrymusic.com.au SALES Joanne Maiden P: 0429 784 860 E: j.maiden@tamworth.nsw.gov.au CONTRIBUTORS Allan Caswell, Anna Rose, Bec Belt, Greg Champion Jon Wolfe, Lachlan Bryan, Lorraine Pfitzner, Peter Coad, Rachael Fahim, Susan Jarvis, Tom Inglis, Webster PR and our great mates in publicity and record companies nationally and internationally PHOTOGRAPHERS Brantley Guitierrez, Greg Sylvia for the photos of Deni and Mildura Festivals and our many other suppliers.

TRC TEAM Hayden Pannell, Jess Barnden, Karlee Cole, Linda Bridges.

ART AND DESIGN Sam Woods

KELSEA BALLERINI

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STEVE EARLE

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JIM LAUDERDALE

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PADDY McHUGH

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AMERICANAFEST

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TOM PETTY

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DOLLY PARTON

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GENE WATSON

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JEANNIE SEELY

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NAOMI JUDD

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REGULARS NEWS NASHVILLE NEWS TOYOTA STAR MAKER UPDATE ONE TO WATCH: MEGAN SIDWELL HEAR & THERE FESTIVALS SOUND ADVICE COUNTRY CHARTS BUSH BALLADS DOWN MEMORY LANE WRITING GREAT SONGS

PUBLISHER Tamworth Regional Council 437 Peel Street, Tamworth NSW 2340 P: 02 6767 5555

COMING EVENTS GIG GUIDE

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Country Music Capital News is compiled and published monthly by Tamworth Regional Council, 437 Peel Street, Tamworth NSW 2340. The views and opinions expressed in Capital News are not necessarily those of the publisher. Copyright 2017 Tamworth Regional Council, ABN 52631074450. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part by any manner or method whatsoever without the written permission is prohibited. All statements made in advertising are the sole responsibility of the advertiser in respect of legal and industrial relations. Printed by Fairfax Printing, 159 Bells Line of Road, North Richmond. 2754. ISSN 1440-995X years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

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NEWS

JASMINE RAE TO HOST NEW SERIES Kasey Chambers

ARIA NOMINEES

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he announcements of the nominees in all categories of this year’s ARIA Awards took place at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Winners will be revealed at The Star Event Centre, Sydney on Tuesday, November 28 and will be broadcast around Australia on the Nine Network.

Highlights included 1997 ARIA Hall of Fame inductee, Paul Kelly winning two Artisan ARIA Awards for Engineer Of The Year and Best Cover Art, along with receiving seven nominations.

His album Life Is Fine debuted at #1 on the ARIA charts, and has held its spot in the Top 10 for the last seven weeks.

Among the nominees are Gang Of Youths leading the nominations with eight, Jessica Mauboy with six, and one a piece All Our Exes Live In Texas, Archie Roach, Bernard Fanning, Buddy Goode, Busby Marou, Grigoryan Brothers, Kasey Chambers, Lee Kernaghan, O’Shea, The McClymonts and Shane Nicholson.

MULTI-AWARD WINNING SINGER SONGWRITER, ACTOR AND ENTERTAINER JASMINE RAE IS THE NEW HOST FOR A SERIES OF ‘LIVE ON THE LOT’ SPECIALS ON FLEDGLING AUSTRALIAN CULTUREORIENTATED VOD SERVICE, SKIPI TV.

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t is based at FOX Studios in Sydney and features original video content from the world of music, film, television, fashion, gaming, politics and sport.

‘The Right Note’, a music news and reviews show hosted by top entertainment journalists Rod Yates, Lindsay McDougall, Danielle McGrane and Bernard Zuel which has featured performances by some of the country’s best artists including Amy Shark and Phil Jamieson was launched in January 2017.

It has followed that with ‘#Unfiltered’, a weekly sports program hosted by Willie Mason, Reni Maitua and Iain Byrne, news program ‘The Third Rail’, gaming show ‘Invert Aim’ and movie and television focused show ‘Watch This’.

Jasmine’s first interviews on ‘Live On The Lot’ feature Australian rock-goddess Sarah McLeod, who also performs songs from her new album Rocky’s Diner, Kiwi soul sensation Tami Neilson and country artist Christie Lamb.

Jasmine Rae

CMC ROCKS QLD SOLD OUT

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ustralia’s premier country and roots festival CMC ROCKS QLD sold out within the first hour of going on public sale on Monday, 9 October.

Organisers revealed an epic artist line up for the 2018 event that returns to Willowbank, Ipswich Qld from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 March.

Following this year’s sell-out 10th Anniversary, organisers are again delivering the biggest and best local and international artists the genre has to offer.

It includes two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year

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and country music megastar Luke Bryan, multiple Grammy Award-winner, Darius Rucker, country’s hottest female artist Kelsea Ballerini, Rockhampton duo Busby Marou , Dustin Lynch (USA), Randy Houser (USA), Old Dominion (USA), Dan + Shay (USA), Dean Brody (CAN), Brett Young (USA), Brothers Osborne (USA), Luke Combs (USA), Gord Bamford (CAN), Steve Forde, Travis Collins, The Sunny Cowgirls, Russell Dickerson (USA), Ryan Follese (USA), Davisson Brothers Band

(USA) and High Valley (CAN).

Local favourites and rising stars join the fold, from Troy Kemp, Jody Direen (NZ), Christie Lamb, Kaylee Bell (NZ), Melanie Dyer, Missy Lancaster, Baylou, Mustered Courage, The Viper Creek Band, Jayne Denham, Casey Barnes, Route 33 and 2017 Toyota Star Maker Rachael Fahim. years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

NASHVILLE NEWS

HONOURING VICTIMS OF LAS VEGAS SHOOTING CMA HONOURED THOSE AFFECTED BY THE TRAGIC EVENTS THAT UNFOLDED DURING THE ROUTE 91 HARVEST FESTIVAL IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA.

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t least 59 people were killed and over 500 injured by a mass shooter during the Route 91 Harvest Festival,. The CMA joined with Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. last month to offer the Nashville community the opportunity to honour the victims.

Speakers included Mayor Barry; Sidney Cox, The Cox Family; Charles Esten, star of CMT’s “Nashville”; Amy Grant; and Sally Williams, senior vice president and general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, and CMA Board Chairman.

The candlelight vigil also included performances by Vince Gill (Go Rest High On That Mountain), Alison Krauss with Barry Bales, Ron Block, and Sidney and Suzanne Cox (Amazing Grace), and Keith Urban (Bridge Over Troubled Water).

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) set up the Music City Cares Fund, with 100 percent of donations going to help immediate and long-term needs of victims from the shooting.

Eric Church, Big & Rich, Lee Brice, Kane Brown, Josh Abbott Band, Sam Hunt, Brothers Osborne, Lauren Alaina, Brett Young, and Jake Owen where among the performing artists at the festival. Host Storme Warren was side of stage when Jason Aldean was singing and the first shots hit.

GRAMMY Award-winning singer songwriter Maren Morris had performed at the festival the night prior to the shooting and less than 24 hours after the tragedy

Keith Urban

she released Dear Hate featuring Vince Gill, a song co-written with Tom Douglas and David Hodges in 2015, two days after the church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. All proceeds will be donated to Las Vegas nonprofits for immediate and long-term needs of victims in the shooting via the Music City Cares fund.

Maren Morris will visit Australia for the first time in June 2018 as special guest on the Niall Horan Flicker World Tour and will perform at shows in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

CMA AWARDS LIVE: GREATEST MOMENTS 1968-2015

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n early 2018, Time Life in conjunction with the Country Music Association will release CMA Awards Live: Greatest Moments 1968-2015, an extensive 10-DVD set of many of country’s musical moments that have made history over the years. The set includes 127 performances from five decades of the nationally-televised ceremony, with performances from many of the premiere artists in the genre – Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Barbara Mandrell, Buck years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

Owens and Kenny Rogers – all of which helped define the sound that brought popular appeal to country music. It features unforgettable moments from artists who have nurtured the sound over the past decade and taken the music to new heights, like Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban and includes bonus features and interviews.

STREAMING GROWTH

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he Country Music Association has provided new research data demonstrating that the country music audience is primed for significant growth in the streaming space. Research was conducted to evaluate how streaming is changing consumers’ relationship with music, including country and other top genres. Over the past nine months, country music listeners were part of extensive research that included tracking music streaming behaviours on mobile devices, PCs, and laptops, in addition to extensive quantitative research describing their attitudes and perceptions about streaming experiences and providers.

Research data was collected among 2,800 US adults aged 18 to 54, including streamers and non-streamers, between March and June of 2017.

Proprietary research was commissioned by CMA and conducted by Magid Research Associates and LUTH Research, and is a benefit to CMA members.

Key areas included a) Streaming services are under-delivering on surfacing country; b) paid users stream much more often than free users – nearly twice as frequently compared to free users; c) streaming drives overall music industry spending; and d) non-streamers are confused about streaming platforms.

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K H A L E E S I

B A L L E R I N I :

WHY QUEEN KELSEA DESERVES HER THRONE

BY JEREMY DYLAN

“MY BODY HAS ADJUSTED TO JETLAG NOW. I THINK I JUST HAVE PERMANENT JET LAG”.

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elsea Ballerini is just back from the UK. She’ll be back there in March for the C2C festival, before shooting over to Oz for CMC Rocks.

The week after we talk she’s playing a oneoff show at her old high school, then her new album ‘Unapologetically’ comes out.

Somewhere in there she’s getting married. I thank her for doing the interview this early – most singers wouldn’t be awake yet. It’s fine, she was up prepping for a Spotify session she’s taping later in the day anyway.

The permanent jetlag she jokes about is one of the side-effects of being the Queen.

The early years of a monarch’s reign are normally the busiest. Between the first #1 single, training the dragons and/or corgis, the Grammy nomination, endless (but fun) touring, defeating the army of frozen zombies and making album #2, there’s a hyper-intelligent songwriter wielding her talents in service of her audience.

Some monarchs seize the throne and then protect it selfishly, rehashing the formula of their breakout hits ad nauseam until their audience moves on. Kelsea keeps her head in the game with a simple commitment to staying true to the woman she is - and continues to become. The

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unspoken underlying truth is that she’s taken care of the person behind the artist too. You don’t have to fake authenticity if you’ve got it for real.

“When I first got offered my record deal, I kind of made a deal with myself. I really wanted there to be a consistency, where if there was a little girl that followed me on Instagram and then saw me out at dinner, it would be the same person. I didn’t want there to be a false reality. So even stupid stuff, like I post about drinking wine, because I never want anyone to see me drink wine one night and be disappointed. I never wanted to disappoint anyone. I never do.”

Less than two years ago, Kelsea made her maiden voyage to Australian shores, playing head-turning mid-afternoon festival sets for an audience that was still in the process of falling in love with her debut album. When she returns in March, she’ll be one of the headliners for the soldout CMC Rocks QLD 2018 (“It’s insane.”).

Witnessing her raise the roof of Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena opening for Lady A recently, I was impressed by the remarkable but inevitable evolution of her stage show.

“I love live shows. I grew up studying tour DVDs. I’ve always just been obsessed

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with the whole atmosphere of a show - not just the songs they play, but how their setlist flows, how they build the hype before they come on stage and when they when they send the band off and it’s just them and the guitar… I’ve always just been obsessed with putting shows together.”

So much of what has made Kelsea successful is in evidence in our conversation – a granular attention to detail, sincere humility with no pretense of naiveté and a strong tether to the mindset of her fans. Many artists struggling with the balance between serving themselves and serving their audience. For Kelsea, there’s barely a distinction.

“When I was playing headline shows last year, I was really shocked that they were mostly my age. I thought they were going to be a lot younger. It made me think ok, I really can write a record about where I’m at in my life right now, because they’re going through the same things. They’re falling in love and they’re having their heart broken and they’re growing up and they’re insecure. I think seeing that really helped me kind of solidify being myself on this record.”

The old cliché is that you have your whole life to write your first album and then a couple of frantic years to write the second. The process paralyses some people, but Kelsea avoided the trap by not writing songs for the follow up to a wildly (record-breaking, history-making) successful debut album. She just kept writing from the minute her debut album was done.

One song was even penned while ‘The First Time’ was being mastered.

He’s still driving that 1970 hand-me-down truck And he’s still wearing that red and black jersey Waiting for the band to start up He’s still showing up twenty late, finding hearts and rules to break Why would he wanna change when every

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memory still bows to him?

The song in question is ‘High School’, written by Kelsea entirely solo (a rarity on a country album). It’s a new execution of a theme she took to #1 last year with ‘Peter Pan’, the best song on her debut – the arrested emotional development of men. Listening to this song, you can’t help but draw the contrast between the character depicted here and Kelsea herself. The message is implicit – just because you’re young doesn’t mean you can or should act like a kid.

He’s still calling that first love, first time, pretty-eyed blonde And she’s still letting it ring ‘cause his ring isn’t what she wants ‘Cause she traded in prom queen for a big city dream And a slate that’s clean, but Your heart just don’t get it and that’s why you can’t forget it ‘Cause you’re living like you’re seventeen I could’ve written an entire essay comparing ‘High School’ to Bruce Springsteen songs like ‘Thunder Road’ and ‘Glory Days’, where the desperation of emotionally stunted men whose lives peaked at the prom are rendered in gorgeous purple prose. Kelsea is not the kind of writer who goes in for character assassination (aside from the deft wordplay she deploys, she’s not going to get Elvis Costello comparisons anytime soon), but she finds nothing to celebrate in those people clinging to the glory of immature irresponsibility.

The mythic figures of music have legends built on their volatility and childishness. Fleetwood Mac sniped at each other passive-aggressively in the lyrics to their classic songs. The Who drummer Keith Moon dropped TVs into hotel swimming pools. Johnny Paycheck shot a guy.

Kelsea turned 21 a week before her first single entered the charts, and is releasing her second album two months after her 24th birthday. Yet underneath the undeniably contemporary production and youthful vibrancy, she wields an emotional intelligence beyond her years. When many kings and queens ascend to the throne, ‘their brain gets smart and their heart gets dumb’ (to misquote Smash Mouth). The songs on ‘Unapologetically’ are the product of smart brain and a wise heart.

While I doubt Kelsea sits on a throne made from all the different magazines she’s been on the cover of in the last three years, it’s definitely an option for her now. While the Khaleesi of Game of Thrones relies on her eccentric drunk counselor to check her hubris

[SIDE NOTE: I was going to push this Mother of Dragons analogy a lot harder, until I found out Kelsea doesn’t watch the show. Her fiancée will appreciate it though], there seems to be little danger of Kelsea’s litany of accomplishments going to her head.

“I’m still new. You know I’m very aware of the fact that I could stop being on the radio tomorrow. They could decide that someone else was better in my spot. I know that every day I need to not and never take it for granted.

I think that I think honestly the biggest thing I’ve learned is that talent obviously is important, but work ethic to outweigh the talent is really what’s important. I think that’s that’s really what we’ve tried to do. I’m a young female on an independent label. It’s not easy and and I think that I’ve just learned that I need to make the best record I can make that I can hang my hat on, whether it is the biggest success or the biggest failure in country music this year. But more than that, I need to outwork everyone else. And that’s what we try to do.”

Long may she reign.

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LEGENDS ON TOUR

BY JON WOLFE

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n the heels of a new album – So You Wanna Be An Outlaw – Steve has been touring Australia on a regular basic since the early 1990s.

“We didn’t come until the fourth album,” Steve said.

“The first album people there really paid attention to was

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AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC FANS WILL SEE TWO SONGWRITING LEGENDS IN ACTION WHEN STEVE EARLE JOINS PAUL KELLY FOR WHAT PROMISES TO BE A TRULY UNIQUE SERIES OF CONCERTS THIS MONTH. Copperhead Road and we came on the tour after that.

“The first solo tour was in 1996 or 1997 and I did Byron (Bay) for the first time and I’ve done Byron five or six times - most of the tours have been anchored to Byron.”

Steve said the November tour has come about because he has personally known Paul for a long time.

“I met Paul one of the first times he came to the States … in ’86, just after Guitar Town came out,” Steve said, “and he sort of sought me out in Nashville and we just got together and had coffee.

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“I took him to Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge at two or three in the afternoon because he wanted to go there and I think we both sat in and sang a song or two actually.

“I would see him when I came out to Australia and I’d run into him at folk festivals all over the world and other festivals. I remember the Edmonton festival when we played one right after the other there. The last time I saw him was over coffee in St Kilda a couple of tours back.”

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“I’ll play some songs from the new record,” he said, “but it’s more or less a retrospective for Paul, so I think it will be for me also, so a little bit of everything.”

One of the first songs that Australian country music fans heard from Steve Earle was Hillbilly Highway, and it’s been a long journey down the road of song for the Virginia native who grew up in Texas.

“I’ve had a long, long trip….I’ve been lucky, I still have a career,” Steve said. “People are still interested in what I do, and I get to come out to Australia.”

Are there any detours or turns he might have changed on that trip?

“Oh, I don’t know. What I kinda do to stop ending up in trouble again sort of dictates that I stay pretty much in the ‘now’.” he said. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes, and I’ve missed some opportunities – not too much point in dwelling on that, but there isn’t much you can do about that.

“I just kinda try to show up for the show, and do the best job that I can do, give the people their money’s worth, write good songs, that’s what I do. You don’t have to go out and make trouble to write songs, songwriters write about what does happen.”

As a renowned songwriter, playwright and author Steve has been quoted on a number of different subjects over the year, some just plain down home truths, some controversial, but probably none as more commented on

that was his way of saying he knew what I said about the coffee table.”

Steve’s music has covered a lot of genres over the years – folk, traditional, blues, country rock, bluegrass, but he is very comfortable being called a country artist.

“I think that whatever I do ends up pretty country ’cause I talk like this, it’s a big part of what I do. I was initially uncomfortable playing bluegrass, and that’s why I did it and I’m pretty comfortable with it now. My G-run’s gotten pretty smooth – I can get up there and play with a bluegrass band.

“I can rock pretty hard, but it’s all just music to me.”

The new album explores Steve’s songwriting roots in an homage to outlaw music and he unapologetically admits to ‘channelling’ the late Waylon Jennings.

“IT’S ALL ABOUT SONGS. WE BOTH GREW UP LISTENING TO MORE OR LESS THE SAME STUFF AND IT’S ALL ABOUT WHETHER THE SONG STACKS UP. IT WILL BE FUN; I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SHOWS.”

The concerts promise to showcase the pair at their best, doing what they do well.

“Paul and I do the same kind of thing,” Steve said. “It’s all about songs. We both grew up listening to more or less the same stuff and it’s all about whether the song stacks up. It will be fun; I’m looking forward to the shows.”

Steve said he would be on stage by himself this time around, with just a guitar or mandolin.

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as: ‘Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world, and I’ll stand on Bob Dylan’s coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that.’

“I’d never believed that Townes was a better songwriter than Bob Dylan, nobody is a better songwriter than Bob Dylan – I think he’s an alien!

“I’d reached that point in my life, I think it was between my first and second marriage or the second and third, when people cared about what I said and I was asked for a quote by Townes’ record company to go on a sticker on an album.

“There’s a downside to being quotable. I thinks if writers can write they can kinda talk in quotes, too. Sometimes it gets me trouble.

“Trust me, Bob Dylan has always known who Townes Van Zandt was. I toured with Dylan in the late ’80s for a whole summer, that tour that is yet to end, and he played (Townes’) Pancho And Lefty one night – I think

“That was intentional, but there’s nothing ‘retro’ about the record. I’m just acknowledging where I’m coming from. I been listening to Honky Tonk Heroes a lot, which I do every two years. It’s kinda the Exile On Main Street of country records - it’s a record you can go back to over and over and over again.”

The tour will see Steve performing at the concert in Tamworth on November 14 for the first time.

“I’ve never played there or been there for any of the events, but I’ve been there in a car passing through!”

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JIM LAUDERDALE:

THE HARDEST WORKING MAN IN AMERICANA

BY JEREMY DYLAN

FOR JIM LAUDERDALE, THE DAYS LEADING UP TO THE AMERICANA MUSIC FESTIVAL IN NASHVILLE ARE LESS OF A ‘CALM BEFORE THE STORM’ THAN A ‘STORM BEFORE THE STORM’.

“I WAS AT ROYAL STUDIOS IN MEMPHIS THE SUNDAY BEFORE, WORKING ON A NEW RECORD, WHICH WAS REALLY INTENSE. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY YEAR I’M PRETTY CRAZED ‘TIL THE TUESDAY OF REHEARSAL. THAT’S JUST THE WAY THE AMERICANA BUSINESS GOES.”

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he Grammy winning singer songwriter spent the ‘90s and ‘00s as a consistent source of idiosyncratic hits for country’s A-list hitmakers, but these days he’s best known as the prolific pioneer of the Americana genre, often releasing multiple albums in a year in amongst constant touring.

Even by Lauderdale’s standards, the week of the Americana Music Festival is packed – multiple hosting gigs, panels, guest spots and a headline show. I sat down with Jim to get an insight on how he handles his relentless AmericanaFest schedule.

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TUESDAY 12.09 2.00pm Americana Honors and Awards, host script rehearsal 6.00pm Rehearsal for performance At the first ever Americana Honors and Awards in 2002, Jim took out the artist and song of the year trophies.

Soon after, the organisers asked him to take over hosting the show, a whole new kind of responsibility.

“The first time I hosted, there were a lot of technical kinks to work out. One year, the teleprompter went on the fritz and I had to improvise.

“The first or second year, the Dixie Chicks were nominated for something and I said ‘Now this band has head some controversy over the last few years. There might be split emotions in the audience, but I want to tell you all exactly how I feel.’ And then I pretended my mic had stopped working and I just went on and on mouthing like I was talking. I just remember looking over and Kris Kristofferson was laughing so hard, that

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made me really feel like I was getting it right.”

WEDNESDAY 13.09 2.00pm Americana Honors and Awards call time 3:30pm Wardrobe and makeup 4:00pm Walk red carpet 4:30pm Shoot pre-tape for show 6:15pm Kick-off awards show with performance with the McCrary Sisters 6:30pm Host duties 10:30pm Shoot show throw-backs and intros One of the most iconic parts of Jim’s presence as awards host are his custom western suits, designed by the legendary Manuel, who has designed outfits for clients from George Jones to Jack White.

“I think these last two years Manuel has made some of his best stuff for me. Like a fine wine, he’s getting better with age.

There’s been times I haven’t been sure about an outfit, but then when I’ve worn them at the show, those are the ones I’ve had the most compliments about. So I’ve learned his instincts are always right.”

Jim’s love affair with Manuel goes back over thirty years, to when Jim and Manuel were both based in Los Angeles.

“I would say I’ve bought at least 30 suits from him over the years. If I’d kept all the money I’d spent there, I could’ve probably been a major shareholder in this restaurant we’re sitting in or started my own chain of ‘Jim’s Pancake House’.”

THURSDAY 14.09 11.00am AmericanaFest Conference Panel: Royal Studios Panelists: Luther Dickinson - North Mississippi Allstars, Rev. Charles Hodges Hi Rhythm Section, LeRoy “Flick” Hodges - Hi Rhythm Section, Steve Jordan - Jazz Foundation of America, Jim Lauderdale Artist, Boo Mitchell - Royal Studios, Archie “Hubbie” Turner - Hi Rhythm Section For most people, the day after hosting a major awards show would be a time for kicking around the house in your pajamas, comfort eating and watching Netflix. For Jim, this is when things really get busy.

“The morning after the awards, that was the only panel I did, because I had to rush

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over to the Country Music Hall of Fame.”

1:15pm Rehearsal w/house band and Mandy Barnett 2-5pm Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus Series Premier and Musical Tribute (performed Near You with Mandy Barnett as tribute to George Jones and Tammy Wynette) “[Beavis and Butthead creator] Mike Judge was having a lot of country artists sing George Jones and Johnny Paycheck songs, after he showed two episodes of an animated series he’s got called ‘Tales from the Tour Bus’. They showed the episode about Johnny Paycheck and part one of the George and Tammy episode, and it’s really good. I was thrilled to get to meet Mike, and I got to sing ‘Near You’ with Mandy Barnett, who’s one of my favorite singers. I love performing in that theatre. I always feel like it’s a sacred space in there, kind of like a church, because of the history of the music held in that building.”

Watching Jim sing a George Jones is quite an experience. More than any other artist, Jim seems to have immersed himself totally in the Possum’s music, to the extent that at moments it feels like the late country legend is singing through Jim. “It’s always a meaningful experience for me, because I’ve listened to him for so much of my life. I got to work with him a bit and having him record one of my songs You Don’t Seem to Miss Me, with Patty Loveless, was a real career high point for me. I also got to portray him in a play about Tammy Wynette.

One year at the Grand Ole Opr y, they were having a birthday celebration for him and I got to sing my song that I wrote as a tribute to him and Gram Parsons, The King of Broken Hearts, with him watching from the front row. I remember feeling like if I could get through that, nothing in life would be an obstacle.”

5:30pm Music City Roots Call Time 7-9pm Host, Music City Roots 10.00pm Performed 2 songs for Lee Ann Womack & Friends Music City Roots is sometimes referred to as ‘the Americana Grand Ole Opry’. The weekly radio show features a multi-artist bill of eclectic roots performers, with Jim as the smooth and amiable master of ceremonies, trading banter with

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announcer Keith Bilbrey and ‘interview guy’, journalist Craig Havighurst. Aside from a handful of episodes, Jim has hosted the show since it’s inception in 2010.

“There’s so much talent out there, and there’s so many young bands and singer/songwriters that deserve to be heard who fall under what is called Americana.”

The artist lineups mix legends and emerging artists, and you’ll usually find Jim perched side of stage, discovering the new talents along with the audience.

(Jeremy Dylan, Jim Lauderdale and All Our Exes Live in Texas at Music City Roots)

FRIDAY 15.09 10.00am Taped Buddy & Jim Show w/Larry & Teresa Campbell 12.00pm Band rehearsal 2-3pm Radio interviews 9.00pm AmericanaFest show @3rd & Lindsley “I get pretty tired, but with this festival, there’s a certain amount of adrenaline that kicks in and helps me get through it. It seems like the past several years, my official showcase has been on the Friday night, so it’s challenging to still be able to deliver.”

Lauderdale left any signs of fatigue off-stage this year, ripping through a vibrant set heavy with songs from his new London Southern album. Blending country shuffle grooves with an R&B horn section, it was emblematic of the music blend that defines both Jim’s music and Americana in genre.

Jim Lauderdale and Mandy Barnett perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame

SATURDAY 16.09 2.00pm Performance for MerleFest-AmericanaFest show @Station Inn For Jim, a single guest performance slot counted as a light day, so naturally he spent the rest of it jetting around

town catching other great performances at various gigs.

“I really enjoyed the Aussie BBQ over at the 5 Spot. I got to catch some of Kasey Chambers’ set and she was great. I spent most of my evening at the Mercy Lounge and was moving between there and the High Watt and the Cannery Ballroom.”

SUNDAY 17.09 1-6pm

Taping with Bob Harris “I had a meeting in the morning, then I went and taped a thing with Bob Harris for the BBC. Then the next week was busy and I had gigs the next weekend.

I’m getting ready to go to the UK at the end of next week for two weeks, then when I come back I’ve got studio time here for two weeks – but I haven’t finished writing any songs for that yet.”

Does he have any days off coming up amongst his relentless schedule?

“Christmas Eve,” Jim responded, with a chuckle.

“Oh wait,” he said, thinking for a moment. “I think I’m playing the Grand Ole Opry on Christmas Eve.”

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PADDY DELIVERS

BY ANNA ROSE

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ne was attending a Frenzal Rhomb concert at age 12; the next was forming a punkrock band in his late teens; and thirdly, a chance meeting in a bar with a top bloke called Brendo.

All of these things occurred in Paddy’s hometown of Tamworth, where he grew up around music and believing everyone played some type of instrument or another.

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THREE DEFINING MOMENTS HAVE HELPED SHAPE PADDY MCHUGH’S CAREER IN AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC. It wasn’t until he moved to the Big Smoke in his late teens that he discovered this wasn’t the case. Not everyone was musically inclined.

Growing up in Tamworth, Paddy absorbed a lot of country music, going out during each year’s festival, watching bands with his dad Michael and his siblings.

As a youngster, he couldn’t wait to get out of Tamworth, but now he sees his hometown quite differently.

“Over the past three or four years I’ve noticed a real spring of enthusiasm at the Tamworth festival,” Paddy said.

“There seems to be a lot of new talent, new

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gigs happening – a lot of DIY stuff where young people are out there putting on their own shows in cafes and halls, particularly young people.

“I think that’s very encouraging and means there’s a bright future for this festival. If you’re in a band of any kind, I would strongly encourage you to come up to Tamworth because there is a revolution happening.

“No industry can afford to be complacent. The music is ever-changing, evolving … and having Tamworth more receptive to people coming in, booking new and unknown acts and moving forward is a really healthy thing.”

Growing up in the Country Music Capital Paddy pointed to a healthy dose of sibling rivalry with his older brother Leo that started him on a musical path.

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“It was that competitive streak between Leo and I growing up that really got me into music,” Paddy said.

“He’d show me a new lick and I’d go away and have to better it, and then bring something back to show him to see if I could outdo him.”

Paddy, Leo and their two younger siblings grew up on a solid diet of rock courtesy of their dad’s Led Zeppelin and Beatles vinyl collection.

But it was seeing that punk band from Sydney at the Tamworth Town Hall as a kid that was the turning point for Paddy.

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“I remember going down after school to this Frenzal Rhomb allages gig,” Paddy said.

“They played loud, fast rock’n’roll and you could tell they were just doing it for themselves.

It taught me back then that music doesn’t have to be about sticking to a formula – or about making money.

“It’s a medium where you can say and do what you like. That was a pivotal moment for me.”

In his mid-teens, Paddy teamed with a few mates from school and formed Sydney City Trash – a punk rock band.

Although the music he is producing today is poles apart from that of his teenage days, it does have some similarities – and his band members today were all Sydney City Trash boys.

“Sydney City Trash were youthful, disruptive, irreverent and liked to stir the pot a bit,” Paddy said.

“I’d like to think I’ve retained some of those things in my new work, where I tend to agitate and get people to think in a less offensive way than we used to approach it.

“I think I’ve found that middle ground, where I’m not trying to alienate anyone, but make them think a little differently.”

You’ll do plenty of that when you press play on Paddy’s new solo album, City Bound Trains, released on the ABC/Universal label and produced by Brendan Gallagher (Karma County).

Paddy had long been a fan of Brendan Gallagher’s work – dragging his dad along to a concert at Tamworth Services Club when he was just 12 or 13.

He loved what Brendan did on Jimmy Little’s Messenger album, and on Armidale-based Gomeroi singer LJ Hill’s Namoi Mud album.

“I was aware he had produced them and was thinking he’d be the person I’d like to produce a record

but I didn’t have a clue how to get in touch with him.

“Some time later I was at a soiree in Tamworth at the Powerhouse when I bumped into him.

“I didn’t know it was him at first as he was just some nice bloke at the bar I’d been talking to called Brendo. After about half an hour I realised I was talking to the guy I was trying to get in touch with.

“When I broached the subject of him producing my album, he took a chance on me and not long after that, we started working on it.

“The whole process was very easy and we got there in the end.”

The result speaks for itself. It’s a rough, raw, honest outing that does exactly what Paddy set out to do – it makes people think.

Paddy took the album to ABC/Universal and they liked it, signing him to the label. It’s no Cinderella story but actually came out of a structured plan on Paddy’s part.

“It involved a fair bit of hard work, a bit of luck, some dogged determination and being persistent,” he said.

“After doing some research I decided ABC/Universal was the label I wanted to be with, so I took every opportunity to see and meet bands on their label.

“I’d make myself available and after a few years, and some lucky breaks and conversations, I was able to get on board.

“After making the record I wanted to make, I brought it to them and fortunately for me, they liked it. They’re a very dedicated team that love music and I’m very lucky to be part of the stable.”

The rocking title track came out of living in Sydney – catching the trains – and realising how impersonal city living can be.

“You can have your troubles, your problems, but no one seems to care and the city just keeps moving on around you,” Paddy said.

What follows is something quite extraordinary.

First-world and First Nations’ issues collide on Meanwhile in Wilcannia.

Take a rollicking road trip over the Great Dividing Range or ride the riff as you drive Down To Sydney for a bash at the Big Smoke.

With the most unlikely title, Held Back Your Hair is one of my favourite tracks – and the most surprisingly beautiful love story on this disc.

Hear the sad, gentle rocking story of Rita, and feel that fierce, Irish pride beating in the chest of Sean McDonough.

With its wild guitar work and all-male chorus, Happy Man could well become a new anthem for the same-sex marriage debate.

In Loneliness, the line that totally got me in was “I’d rather rise up and fall than feel nothing at all” … this is a writer with passion and depth.

Paddy, the storyteller, wraps up the set of 10 by saluting the Old Men of the Railway Hotel.

It’s raw, it’s honest – it’s Paddy McHugh at his finest.

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AMERICANAFEST HIGHLIGHTS ACCORDING TO OUR FINEST

BY JEREMY DYLAN

THE AMERICANA MUSIC FESTIVAL AND CONFERENCE HAS BECOME ONE OF THE TRUE WONDERS OF THE ANNUAL MUSIC CALENDER.

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or a week in September, the leading lights of roots music descend on Nashville and fill up every club and theatre with incredible music. For a stunningly low price, you could see dozens of your favorite performers in settings far more intimate than their usual tour dates – and discover the next generation of great Americana performers.

Unlike some genres, where the fans demand the artists unwavering loyalty – and will show their displeasure if a performer decides to dip into a different sound for a record or two – the Americana audience is happy to welcome artists in and out of the fold. Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant famously joined the community with his Grammy winning album with Alison Krauss, ‘Raising Sand’

album and followed it up by collaborating with Americana pioneers Buddy Miller and Patty Griffin on ‘Band of Joy’. Now he’s back making rock-leaning but kind of undefinable records with his band the Sensational Space Shifters, but I don’t think anyone would object to him dropping back into Nashville next September.

There’s also an opportunity to discover the great singer-songwriters of tomorrow. You never know when the young lady playing in the afternoon at the Station Inn might be the Jason Isbell or Emmylou Harris of tomorrow.

Australia has had an increasingly impressive presence at the festival over the last few years, and this year’s contingent

of performers was one of the strongest. Despite some confusion over terminology, we have bred our own roots stars who can now call their heroes peers. Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson were the first to make their mark (they got all the way to the Americana Honors and Awards ceremony), and they were both on the bill this year. I decided to get in touch with some of the performing Aussies and find out which other performers caught their eyes.

SHANE NICHOLSON My AmericanaFest highlight was standing in a dark bar with Jeremy Dylan, watching a crowd of honky tonk dancers, as Jim Lauderdale lead us through a wrinkle in the universe, back to a time filled with heartbroken songs, steel guitar and sharp suits. I possibly witnessed two new relationships form on the dance floor that night, while Jim effortlessly strolled through his set. The songs, the band, the old-time dancing, and the beer - it was the most “Americana” thing I’ve ever seen.

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Jeremy Dylan, Elana Stone and Dobe Newton

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ELANA STONE (ALL OUR EXES LIVE IN TEXAS) Americana fest was easily my favorite part of the Exes tour. I was deeply ignorant of many of the acts on the program which meant I was in for lots of wonderful surprises. The last gig we saw was The Texas Gentlemen which I think a lot of people would name check as a favorite. They were energetic, masculine and deeply musical. The Band meets Stevie Wonder in a honky tonk - would be my description.

RUBY BOOTS

JEFF DUFFICY (GRIZZLEE TRAIN) “Experiencing Americanafest as both performers and as fans was a real eye-opener. As proud as we are of the Aussie industry and the artists we produce, witnessing and performing with artists from all over the globe at such a special event really showed us how much incredible talent is out there. All Our Exes Live In Texas are a Sydney band who are really flying the flag for Australian artists, so seeing them was really inspiring. We were also lucky enough to share the stage with Charlie Parr for our own showcase, he’s a real legend of the game.”

CAITLIN HARNETT (ANDY GOLLEDGE BAND)

KASEY CHAMBERS “Once again the Americana festival was one of the highlights of my year! The audiences and performers were as good as ever but my highlight performer for the festival in Nashville actually ended up being someone who is from just down the road from me back in Australia!!

Andy Golledge from Sydney stole my heart and ears this year with his beautiful classic but original sound and songs. He made me feel such a sense of pride to be a part of the Australian Americana representatives on the other side of the world.”

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Best show I saw at Americana Fest, and it may be a little biased, as I toured with this band for a month a couple of years ago... is a band from Charleston called Susto. Justin’s songwriting has always inspired me and seeing them play again after two years, just reminded me of how solid they are. The lyrics are meaningful, the songs are catchy as f**k (am I allowed to swear?) and they have the best time on stage together. If you haven’t listened to them, then do it now.

Also, Colin Hay - the singer from Men At Work. What a beautiful voice and what an honest songwriter - I was caught off guard by his natural comic banter between songs. We later had the pleasure of visiting him at his home in Tepanga and meeting his family. He regaled us with stories of meeting various members of The Beatles...

I wanna mention Yola Carter - a powerful soul singer from Bristol who gave me heart palpitations.

Linda Ortega’s trio performance at 3rd and Lindsley was a beautiful showcase of her Dolly-esque vocal in almost a

Jonathan Tyler was the best thing I saw this year, he was also the best thing I saw in 2015 ... the hooks, the songs, the punch, they still can’t be beat! Bring on the new album, hurry up!

ANDY GOLLEDGE (ANDY GOLLEDGE BAND) SUSTO! Susto is real, cosmic country is alive and well..

jazz setting. Her guitarist blew my mind. Her drummer was also incredible and the lack of bass gave every musician space to play. It made me fall in love with music again.

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PHOTO BY BRANTLEY GUTIERREZ

BY JEREMY DYLAN

“SOME DAYS ARE DIAMONDS SOME DAYS ARE ROCKS” – TOM PETTY, WALLS.

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ctober 2 was wretched. I woke to the horrific news of the shootings in Las Vegas and by the time the sun went down, we’d lost the icon of enduring rock’n’roll – Tom Petty – an act of expansive evil followed by the end of a life that brought joy to millions.

It’s an odd thing, the grief we feel for artists, for heroes we never knew, never met. I never even got to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in concert. Yet the rush of sadness, shock, tears and sudden absence cuts as deep as for a real friend. Of course, this is really an artificial line to draw. How many friends or loved ones do we have, who have been with us for as many intimate moments as Tom Petty?

Blasting Even The Losers Get Lucky Sometimes after a teenage first kiss, psyching yourself up for a life changing act of rebellion with Won’t Back Down, a tipsy wedding dance and singalong to Free Fallin’, celebrating triumphs with your best friends to a shambolic singalong of Handle With Care, drinking away the sorrow of a lost friend with Walls. The irony is that if anyone wrote the perfect songs to listen to cope with losing Tom Petty, it was Tom Petty.

Petty kept his own counsel, a far more private man than most rock stars. He never built his own personal mythology, outside of whatever mythology you might infer from his lyrics. I often suspect the girl in Free Fallin’ is partly him – for all his rock’n’roll swagger, he was much more like the ‘good girl’ than the ‘bad boy’. And he did love Elvis.

When you know so little about an artist’s personal life, you might assume all his songs are about him – even American Girl. Actually, that one is about me. It’s also probably about him – the dirt poor Florida kid with an abusive dad who knew that the electrified dreams coming out of the radio could be his ticket to somewhere else, where there was a little more to life.

That somewhere else turned out to be Los Angeles, where he and his band Mudcrutch relocated after landing a record deal in the mid-70s. While the group soon faltered and disbanded, two of the members returned to Petty’s orbit almost immediately. Keyboardist Benmont Tench lucked into some free studio time, and took the opportunity to lay down some original songs with some Florida pals. A studio virgin as a vocalist, he invited Petty down to teach him mic technique. Knocked out by the chemistry and spirit in the room, Petty soon recruited the band to back him on his new solo record, and the Heartbreakers were born.

From their first self-titled record – featuring songs like

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Breakdown and American Girl – they were almost subversive in their straightforwardness. The Byrds and Dylan were obvious influences on Petty’s vocal and the guitar interplay, but overall it was like they had inhaled the history of American (and British) rock’n’roll and a good deal of country and R&B. They managed to produce a sound that resonated all around the world, but was the archetypal definition of American music. They were Southerners who didn’t make ‘Southern rock’, but Petty never tried to shake his accent. They matured and evolved, but no-one would be surprised that the men who made Wildflowers had made Damn The Torpedoes. There is no Their Satanic Majesty’s Request or Self-Portrait in their catalogue.

From 1975 on, they followed true north, and to quote Benmont ‘they counted four and played loud’.

While Petty stepped outside the band for a few records, he was never comfortable standing totally on his own. While Bruce Springsteen’s first step away from the E Street Band was his solo acoustic Nebraska record, Petty’s first move outside his gang of Florida pals was to start a band with his heroes. The Traveling Wilburys united two-and-a-bit generations of rock royalty, from Roy Orbison to Bob Dylan and George Harrison to Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne. Petty happily slid back into his old Mudcrutch role of bassist on their first single Handle With Care.

His first “solo” album Full Moon Fever still featured Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell and was built in close collaboration with fellow Wilbury Jeff Lynne. When

it came time to tour the album, there was no question that it would be back with the Heartbreakers again.

“Songwriting is work. It’s hard work. Most people don’t want to put that kind of work into it” – Tom Petty, to Paul Zollo.

If Petty had driven a different road out of Gainesville on his way to seek his musical dream, maybe he would’ve ended up in Nashville and ended up falling in with the likes of Guy Clark and Rodney Crowell. The unvarnished, intimate directness of their best work has a lot in common with Petty’s.

Today, songwriters sit in publishing offices all over Music City, trying to write the next song that will capture a universal sentiment and nail it down with specific phrasing and unforgettable melody. I’d bet good money that most of them have, at one time or another, say down and said something like “Let’s try and write our Won’t Back Down” – or American Girl, Free Fallin’, You Don’t Know How It Feels, You Wreck Me, etc. The list of Petty songs that could be templates for much of country music from the last 25 years is deep.

For his part, Petty himself saw a lot of modern country as “bad rock groups with a fiddle” (or so he told journalist Paul Zollo). His taste in country tilted to an earlier era, and one of the proudest moments of his career was when he and the Heartbreakers were invited to back up Johnny Cash on his 1996 album Unchained. Freed from any pressure to cut hit rock songs or live up to their own formidable catalogue, they were just basking in the glow of the Abe Lincoln of country, and played with a subtlety and sympathy that was the perfect vehicle for Cash’s scorched baritone. Cash tipped his hat to Petty on his next record, when he cut a version of Won’t Back Down that equaled the original (Petty would probably say it surpassed it).

Within days of Petty’s passing, impromptu tribute shows sprang up in venues around America. Normally these events take weeks or months to put together, as bands and singers set about delving into a fallen artist’s

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A LITTLE MORE TO LIFE

TOM PETTY (1950 – 2017)

catalogue and learning the songs. But try finding a band whose career began after 1980 who haven’t been covering Tom Petty songs for most of their career. If you walked into any bar with a cover band and stood in the corner for an hour, you would hear at least one. In these fractured times, those songs are the one thing men and women from all walks of life can agree on. Normally being an artist who everyone likes means you’re stuck in the middle of the road – for Petty, it just meant he was that damn good. His songs came straight from his heart, but left plenty of room in there for your own.

I recently watched a speech Petty gave earlier this year,

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accepting an honour from the MusiCares Foundation. He looked surprisingly frail, in a way I hadn’t perceived when watching video of him performing over the last few months, on what turned out to be his tour. Holding a Rickenbacker guitar, standing front of that brilliant band, those immortal songs filled him with strength and vitality. You could so easily forget that the man wasn’t himself immortal.

The songs Tom Petty wrote were sculpted from stone. They have already outlived him, but they will likely outlive us all. As long as

there are guitars, bars, love and heartbreak in the world, we will always turn to the songs of Tom Petty, in a world made duller by the loss of the twinkle in his eye.

“And some things are over Some things go on And part of me you carry Part of me is gone” Even walls fall down.

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years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

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FOR THE CHILDREN DOLLY PARTON HAS JOINED FORCES WITH PLEDGEMUSIC TO LAUNCH A PRE-ORDER CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF HER FIRST-EVER CHILDREN’S ALBUM, I BELIEVE IN YOU. years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

he album is filled with original tunes penned by Dolly, including a reading of her famed Coat Of Many Colours.

Inspired by her passion for fostering a love of reading amongst children and their families, as well as her beloved organisation Imagination Library, I Believe In You is the star’s first album written specifically for kids and those young at heart. This year marks 50 years since Dolly released her first album, and 20 years since Imagination Library was established; making the forthcoming album a special contribution to the singer songwriter’s legendary career and the cause so close to her heart.

Since its inception in 1996, the Imagination Library, established to honour her father who didn’t have a chance to learn to read or write, has expanded into four countries serving more than one-million children by providing a brand new, ageappropriate book each month.

With her PledgeMusic campaign, Dolly is inviting fans to join her in her dedication to promoting literacy and joy through music throughout America’s promising youth.

Fans who pre-order the album via PledgeMusic will get the AccessPass, which will give them special access to exclusive items straight from Dolly.

Songs on the CD are I Believe in You, Coat of Many Colours (new recording), Together Forever, I Am a Rainbow, I’m Here, A Friend Like You, Imagination, You Can Do It, Responsibility, You Gotta Be, Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny, Chemo Hero, Brave Little Soldier, and a bonus track spoken audio Coat of Many Colours (book read by Dolly Parton).

PledgeMusic allows artists to get more personal with their fans, offering pledgers behind-the-scenes content and items not available anywhere else.

Pre-order the album in digital and CD form on Dolly’s campaign page www.pledgemusic.com/projects/ dollyparton.

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THE SINGER’S SINGER GENE WATSON CONTINUES TO STAY TRUE TO HIS TRADITIONAL COUNTRY STYLE WITH THE RELEASE OF HIS NEW RECORD WITH NEW DAY CHRISTIAN DISTRIBUTION, MY GOSPEL ROOTS.

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t the recent R.O.P.E. Awards, Gene celebrated his win for the 2017 Entertainer of the Year, an honour he shared with one of his best friends in the music business, Jeannie Seely.

“New Day Christian has a storied legacy of distributing quality Christian products,” said Dottie Leonard Miller, president New Day Christian. “We’re excited to add Gene Watson to that list. Gene’s voice is synonymous with country music, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with him as he returns to his ‘roots.’”

Over the years, Gene has proved that he is one of the great traditional country artists of his generation, and is defiantly proud to release a Gospel album that stands out in the wave of today’s popular music. He is even prouder to dedicate his new album to his parents, Ted and Thelma Watson, who he credits for raising him in the church and sharing their love for Gospel music.

The 13-track record brings the pure, organic country

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sound that Gene is famous for to gospel songs that he grew up with.

“This record really goes back to my roots of being in that little church and singin’ hymns. We had nothing but love, family and prayer back then, so I wanted to honour those traditions with this album,” Gene said.

Fans got a taste of what to expect from the new record with the release of his Help Me rendition on his 2016 album, Real.Country.Music. Originally penned by Larry Gatlin and recorded by Elvis Presley, Help Me, captivated audiences and rose to No. 1 in Christian

Servant Magazine, Christian Voice Magazine and on Cashbox. My Gospel Roots includes Help Me, but also features Gene’s own renditions of many other classic Christian songs.

Gene includes songs from all different generations on his new record, and proves that he hasn’t lost a note in his incredible multi-octave range. One particular standout is Old Roman Soldier, the first single releasing to Christian radio stations.

“I’d never heard a Gospel song written from the point of view of the Roman soldier who placed Jesus on the cross,” said Watson. “This song is true Country Gospel in the way it delivers a strong Christian message with such a visual story type setting.”

Despite a busy few months in the studio, Gene, who is often known as “The Singer’s Singer”, shows no sign of slowing down his touring schedule. Fans can expect to hear his powerhouse vocals on classics like Love in the Hot Afternoon, Farewell Party and Fourteen Carat Mind, alongside Watson’s gospel renditions.

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years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

F

ifty years later, to the day, she performed her Grammy®-winning classic Don’t Touch Me and other favourites before being joined on stage by fellow Opry member Bill Anderson and Opry general manager Sally Williams to mark the occasion with gifts and presentations.

Jeannie became the sixth woman in country music history to reach the milestone, joining Minnie Pearl, Jean Shepard, Wilma Lee Cooper, Loretta Lynn and Connie Smith with that distinction.

“Jeannie Seely lives and breathes the Grand Ole Opry,” Sally Williams said. “It is an honour for all of us to celebrate such a talented, dedicated, trailblazing member of our Opry family. Watching her perform tonight, I think we can all agree she’s just getting started.”

“The Opry has been my life for more than 50 years,” said Seely. “I feel so blessed to be a part of this Opry family, tonight was just the icing on the cake.”

The Pennsylvania-native first saw success with her hit single, Don’t Touch Me, which won a Grammy Award for “Best Country Vocal Performance by a Female” in 1966.

When Jeannie first moved to LA she met many songwriters including Dottie West who ultimately encouraged her to move to Nashville. It was then Porter Wagoner hired her as the female singer for his road and television series.

She subsequently became the first female to regularly host segments of the weekly Opry shows plus she’s also credited for changing the image of female country performers by being the first to wear a miniskirt on the Opry stage.

Along with dozens of

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

MISS COUNTRY SOUL ON SEPTEMBER 16, 1967, JEANNIE SEELY WAS INDUCTED INTO THE GRAND OL’ OPRY.

accolades, including awards from Billboard, Cashbox and Record World, Jeannie has achieved No. 1 songs as a solo artist, as a duet partner and as a songwriter.

A BMI-awarded songwriter, Jeannie’s songs have been recorded by Country Music Hall of Fame members Faron Young, Merle Haggard, Connie Smith, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Ernest Tubb and Little Jimmy Dickens, as well as by many other artists including Doyle Lawson, Dottie West, Lorrie Morgan and Irma Thomas.

Most recently she released Written In Song, a collection

of 14 tracks all co-written or self penned by the star. Distributed by Smith Music Group, Written In Song brings back the traditional country sound that fans have been longing for. Standout tracks include Leavin’ & Sayin’ Goodbye featuring special guests Kenny and Tess Sears, Senses with guest Connie Smith and Marty Stuart and We’re Still Hangin’ In There Ain’t We Jessi with Jan Howard and Jessi Colter.

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MESSAGE

OF HOPE GRAMMY-WINNING COUNTRY ICON, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, ACTRESS, AND IN-DEMAND SPEAKER, NAOMI JUDD IS SET TO RELEASE THE PAPERBACK VERSION OF HER NEW BOOK, RIVER OF TIME: MY DESCENT INTO DEPRESSION AND HOW I EMERGED WITH HOPE, NEXT MONTH. years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

amoi shares her harrowing personal experience with the severe depression that almost killed her.

She first captured the attention of the entire world as half of The Judds, which she formed with her daughter Wynonna.

The Judds sold 20 million records, scored 15 No. 1 hits, and received more than 60 industry awards, including six GRAMMY® awards and seven consecutive CMA Vocal Group of the Year trophies.

That ride came to a screeching halt when Naomi was diagnosed with Hepatitis C––and given only three years to live. Instead of accepting her fate, the former registered nurse educated herself and pursued healing. Today, Naomi is Hep C-free––a medically documented miracle.

Written with Marcia Wilkie, “River of Time” picks back up with Judd in 2010.

From there, she dives into her three-and-ahalf years of nightmares, hospitalisations, psychiatric wards, drug poisoning and addiction, electroconvulsive shock treatments, suicidal thoughts, and more.

Raw and unflinchingly candid, the book serves beautifully not as a voyeuristic joyride, but as a generous confession and clarion call for others to fight on and reach out.

“I wrote it with the sincere hope of offering encouragement to the 40 million Americans who suffer from depression and anxiety every minute of every day and night,” Judd said. “I want them to know that I understand, and I’m here to help.”

The book explores the effects of Naomi’s traumatic childhood filled with abuse and generations of mental illness. She also opens up about the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments that would ultimately bring her some long-sought relief, the strain that her illness brought her relationships with daughter Wynonna and husband Larry Strickland, the wisdom she received from friends and what others can do when suffering.

Her tale is gripping, and while she offers it with the deft skill of a naturalborn storyteller, what matters most is her message – it could be a life-saving one.

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R A C H A E L F A H I M Confetti is the hit single from the self-titled EP Rachael Fahim Available now on iTunes

rachaelfahim.com NOVEMBER Guest of Lee Kernaghan Tour 10 Civic Theatre, Newcastle NSW 11 The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie NSW 12 Cex, Coffs Harbour NSW

JANUARY 2018 19 Opening Concert, Toyota Park, Tamworth NSW 21 Toyota Star Maker Grand Final, Toyota Park, Tamworth NSW

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Toyota Stars Under The Stars, Toyota Park, Tamworth NSW

P R OU D L Y S U P P OR T E D B Y

OR G A N I S E D B Y

HAIR DESIGN & MAKE UP

e: info@starmaker.com.au | w: starmaker.com.au 32

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

TOYOTA STAR MAKER UPDATE

BACK IN THE STUDIO DURING THE LAST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER AND BEGINNING OF OCTOBER I ATTENDED A NUMBER OF EVENTS AND FESTIVALS INCLUDING THE HENTY FIELD DAY AND TOYOTA FAMILY DAY, DENILIQUIN UTE MUSTER, MILDURA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL, AND MCHAPPY DAY.

T

he Toyota Family Day event was the so amazing to be a part of as it was the end of an era with many past and present employees of Toyota gathering to say goodbye to the Caringbah plant in Sydney.

There was an area for a car to skid and slide around and people could jump in and have a ride; rides and exhibitions and free food, let’s be real here – I had two ice creams for the price of NONE and I wasn’t ashamed...

No judgement here please!

The Deniliquin Ute Muster came and went so fast, my guitarist, Michael Horneman, and I did the drive to Deni, finished the gig with my band on the 29th, and then left to start the journey to the Mildura Country Music Festival.

Being my first time at both of these festivals I really wanted to enjoy myself and see other artists play, which I did so that’s a big tick next to both of those for this year.

Through all of the travelling, I also had lots of down-

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

time whether it was in the car or just sitting in my hotel room, especially in Mildura.

All the artists do two to three gigs each day, each a short set of between 20 and 30 minutes, which gives lots of time in between to go out and meet people, and have some time to yourself. I love my own company so, between gigs, I went for many walks around town and met some of the locals. I also wrote a few songs and watched a few episodes of Gossip Girl… and by a few, I mean enough to use up all of my mobile data on Netflix, probably a few too many!

All in all, Mildura is a beautiful town and I really enjoyed my time there.

Thank you John Arnold and all your team for looking after everything so very well.

October is also the month where I hopped up with the Viper Creek Band at their gig in East Cessnock – I always love gigging with these boys – they really know how to put a good gig together, and they’re just really awesome, lovely guys.

I’m still working with my team on getting the next single out for you all, everything is in motion and I am SO excited just thinking about it being shared and released with the musicworld. It’s such a special song for me, and I can’t wait to tell you more about it soon.

Facebook and Instagram is where you can stay tuned.

Lots of love, Rach xx

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

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D R OVE R MUS IC PRE S E N TS

Melissa THE

BAJRIC

SHOW TAMWORTH EDITION

WITH THE

LINDSAY WADDINGTON SHOW BAND

Capitol Theatre Tamworth 10am, Tuesday 23rd January 2018 Special Guests: Lindsay Waddington, Lloyd Back, Bob Easter, Sharnee Fenwick, Donnie Soper and Runaway Dixie Tickets $25 | Phone 02 6766 2028 Online: www.capitoltheatretamworth.com.au In Person Capitol Theatre Tamworth, The Big Golden Guitar or Ray Walsh House www.melissabajric.com

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C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

O N E T O WAT C H

MEGAN SIDWELL

BY BEC BELT

FORMER NEW ZEALANDER, MEGAN SIDWELL, HAS NOT ONLY TAKEN THE LEAP ACROSS THE DITCH TO AUSTRALIA TO CHASE HER MUSICAL GOALS, BUT, MORE RECENTLY, ALSO ACROSS THE PACIFIC TO NASHVILLE.

A

fter being a grand finalist in Toyota Star Maker this year, Megan said it highlighted what she needed to do to take the next step in her musical career.

“I have spent a lot of time working on my branding, my sound, as well as writing for my next album release due out next year,” she said.

When it came to recording the album, Megan packed up her songs and guitar in September and headed to Nashville to record with Aussie ex-pat, Sam Hawksley in the production seat. The young singer songwriter and musician said it was inspiring working

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

with the musicians of Music City on her seven-track album.

“It was my first time in the USA, so it was great having someone who was able to show me around as well as help me with the recording process,” she said.

“We had incredible musicians play on this record. It was very inspiring, especially for my guitar playing, to see how dedicated they were to their craft.”

This follows the release of her debut EP, Forever On A Sunday,

in 2013, which she recorded with Ben King while studying her Bachelor of Music at the University of Auckland.

Megan names her major musical influences as varied as Bonnie Raitt, Pat Benatar, Hayley Williams and Dave Grohl, to Taylor Swift and Katy Perry. She said she was also currently listening to Lady Antebellum’s album, Heart Break, which she said she was “really obsessed” with, along with The Iain Archibald Band’s newly released “killer” selftitled album. Just like those who have inspired her musical career thus far, she aims to make her art, her full-time job.

“My ultimate goal is to make a living solely within the music industry,” the Melbourne artist said. “Whether that is touring, writing, performing my own material or doing session work.”

Megan knows as well as any other musician how hard the music industry can be, but is determined to put her heart and soul into making her goals a reality. For those entering Toyota Star Maker this year, she advised entrants to always be true to themselves “Be unapologetically you,” Megan said. “There can only be one winner at the end of the day, but as long as you’re honest in your writing and how you present yourself, people will find a connection. As a songwriter or performer, connecting with an audience of potential fans is the most important and rewarding thing we can do.”

Megan continues to connect with audiences at each of her shows and is now looking forward to the release of her album in 2018.

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

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HEAR+THERE

HOT + FRESH WHEN TWO OF THE HOTTEST YOUNG ARTISTS IN MUSIC RIGHT NOW GET TOGETHER FOR A RUN OF SHOWS IT’S GUARANTEED TO BE ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHT TOURS OF THE YEAR.

Caitlyn Shadbolt and Melanie Dyer

T

wo of the hottest young female country artists Caitlyn Shadbolt and Melanie Dyer have teamed up for their ‘Fresh From Our Sleeve’ tour, following the release of number one charting singles for both girls – Caitlyn’s My Break Up Anthem from her debut album Songs From My Sleeve and Melanie’s first offering Fresh from her upcoming album of the same name.

Caitlyn and Melanie were both born and raised in the country – Caitlyn in the SE Queensland township of Gympie and Melanie in the small town of Mount Russell, near Inverell in New South Wales.

Both girls were immersed in music from a young age and have some shared experiences along the way including music competitions such as The Voice and X Factor.

They’ve already been to a few towns but you can see them at the Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane Qld on Friday, 17 November, and The Dag Pub, D’Aguilar Qld on Saturday, 18 November.

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S SMOKY MOKY B BARS. ARS. THE ALWAYS TOUGH, ALWAYS CLEAR, ALWAYS GOT-YOUR-BACK SM57 AND SM58. &ORTY LONG YEARS ON THE ROAD #OUNTLESS LONG NIGHTS ON STAGE 2AUCOUS CROWDS AND UNRULY FANS 4HE 3- AND 3- HAVE SEEN IT ALL AND STILL THEY PERFORM WITH A TRUE INDUSTRY DElNING SOUND )F YOU RE A MUSICIAN AND PLAN TO STAY THAT WAY GO TO WWW SHURE COM AU TO LEARN MORE

For more info:

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S 36 60 B B&0&1B+DOI3DJHB3ULQW$G LQGG

N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

40 Kent Rd. Mascot NSW 2020 Ph:(02) 9582 0909 • Fax:(02) 9582 0999 www.jands.com.au

years of bringing you DP the music 1975–2017

H+T HOLD ON TO YOUR SPURS

MICHAEL COLE, JARED ADLAM, REECE BAINES, ZACHARY MILLER AND KARLEE COLE HAVE PLAYED FOR MANY LEADING AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY ARTISTS AND BEEN A BACKING BAND AT A NUMBER OF FESTIVALS.

E

arlier this year, they began composing original material and in doing so created a new band, The Spurs. They’re a hot new band made up of mostly session musicians from NSW and Qld. The first single from their first album is Stampede

and it’s a collaboration with APRA Award winner and 6 x Golden Guitar nominated Aleyce Simmonds. Stampede highlights the musicians’ diverse musical influences,

ranging from Brad Paisley to John Mayer.

The Spurs are currently on tour with Aleyce Simmonds and Tori Forsyth and prepare for a busy Tamworth Country Music Festival and jam-packed year touring in 2018.

JOHN HOWIE Mu s i c Tou r s NEW ZEALAND Western Australia TO

with Craig Giles, the Hillbilly Goats, The Toombs Brothers and John Howie

Join us as we cruise on the luxury Sun Princess, listen to fantastic music and see the highlights of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Cruise includes sightseeing tours in Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland & Bay of Islands as well as 6 exclusive music concerts. Also, 3 on-shore concerts, featuring outstanding NZ acts, including the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band.

19 Feb - 4 Mar, 2018

TOP END & KIMBERLEY Music Tour with Pete Denahy

6 - 20 Jun, 2018

Discover the beauty of the ‘Top End’, visiting Darwin & Kakadu National Park.

In Katherine, travel by boat through spectacular Katherine Gorge. Near Kununurra, visit El Questro cattle station and take a flight over the Kimberley coast (optional). Enjoy a fabulous cruise on Lake Argyle. Travel to the Bungle Bungles and Fitzroy Crossing before arriving in exotic Broome. Also, heaps of great Aussie music & bush poetry.

Music Tour with John Howie

Tour the beautiful South-West region of W.A. and enjoy a feast of great Aussie music & bush poetry. Visit Perth, Rottnest Island, Margaret River, Pemberton, Albany, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Wave Rock, & The Pinnacles. Great local music, incl. Bluegrass Parkway, The Lost Quays (a sea shanty group), and The Pepperjacks.

Music Tour of

Ireland & Scotland

Belfast, Londonderry, Donegal, Westport, Galway, Dublin, Liverpool, Glasgow, Mull of Kintyre Oban, Isle of Skye, Ullapool, Orkney Islands, Inverness and Edinburgh

Plus optional AMSTERDAM extension tour, including ANDRE RIEU concert in Maastricht!

1800 033 436 years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

16 - 30 Oct, 2017

with

Beccy Cole Experience fabulous scenery and fantastic music (incl. Edinburgh Military Tattoo). John Howie (tour leader) has been leading music tours to Ireland & Scotland for 23 years!

16 Jul - 7 Aug, 2018

sales@travelrite.com.au www.travelrite.com.au C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

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H+T GERMAN APPEAL

BY REBECCA BELT

RORY ELLIS’ AMERICANA AND BLUESINSPIRED TUNES EXTENDS FAR BEYOND AUSTRALIAN SHORES, AS EVIDENCED BY THE SUCCESS OF HIS RECENT GERMAN TOUR.

T

he singer songwriter wrapped up his third tour of Germany in September, which saw him playing to audiences across the country, following the release of his latest album, One Skin.

Playing to audience members whose first language is not

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English does come with challenges, though.

“The challenge is relaying stories in English to people who speak German,” Rory said.

His German fans are so dedicated that one 86-year-old couple who saw him five years ago at The Woodstore in Coppenbrugge drove 100km to see him play the venue again this year.

The Woodstore has inspired Rory so much that he wrote a song about it that featured on his Twisted Willow album.

His music has been embraced so warmly

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Rory Ellis

by German audiences that there is another visit already in the wings for next year and he is currently finalising a record label deal with Valve Records in the country.

Back in Australia, Rory has released his new single, Another Woman Down, dealing with tragedy of domestic violence. “I’d like the listeners to take away from this song the unnecessary grief and damage that domestic violence causes,” he said.

“Not only the victim in this case being the mum, but the children also.”

The singer-songwriter plays the NSW South Coast before hitting the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival this month then the Thredbo Blues Festival and Tamworth Country Music Festival in January.

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

H+T CHALKIE’S JOURNEY “THE PAST IS NOW GONE, IT’S A NEW DAY‌â€?

B

eing diagnosed with lymphoma is nothing to celebrate, but singer songwriter Chalkie White turned it into an opportunity to pay tribute to what matters most.

Chalkie’s new single, New Day, is a reminder of our one chance at life, and to grab it and make the most of every moment. “Turn the page and never look back‌â€? – Chalkie White The single and accompanying video clip were written, recorded and shot while he was undergoing five months of treatment early this year.

Combining footage of Chalkie with his wife and children prior to, and during, treatment, the video shows the affects that cancer and chemotherapy had on him and the physical changes he went through in the process, reinforcing the message of the song.

The cancer treatment has been mostly successful, with ongoing treatment and tests as part of being on the spectrum, but the diagnosis meant Chalkie was faced

Chalkie White

with his own mortality, fuelling him to chase his musical dreams even harder. “I’ve been at this (music) thing for a long time, so I thought, ‘if I died tomorrow, what would I have liked to have achieved?’� he said.

Chalkie has shared his cancer journey with followers throughout treatment, including recording videos and songs at home when he was unable to leave his house due to the effects of treatment on his immune system.

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C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

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SUBSCRIBE

FESTIVALS

TCMF2018

FOR ONE YEAR

FOR $60 AND NEVER MISS YOUR COPY!

REF SF8368

Great artist profiles, album reviews, festivals, charts, gigs and much much more, delivered every month.

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SUBSCRIBE ONLINE www.capitalnews.com.au OR PHONE: 02 6767 5555 or E: info@capitalnews.com.au C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

years of bringing you the music 1975â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2017

H+T CELEBRATING

80 YEARS THE PARTY IS PLANNED AND YOU’RE INVITED TO THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF LEGENDARY ENTERTAINER FRANK IFIELD OAM.

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here are two parts to this event which will be held on Friday, November 10 at Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, Sydney NSW, from 7pm.

You can choose a platinum/VIP or a bronze package. The bronze package for $59 allows you to experience a “This Is Your Life” variety style show highlighting Frank’s fabulous life with many of his peers paying tribute in person or via video.

It also includes two and a half hours of non-stop live performances and memories. The platinum/VIP package for $130 includes all that’s available in the bronze package plus an intimate

Frank Ifield

after party in the Heritage Room following the show and will include a complimentary drink, canapes and two hours of mingling with the birthday boy and his guests.

Frank will cut his birthday cake, there’ll be speeches and maybe some impromptu performances. Tickets are available by phoning 1300 551 804.

Rick Hart

HART OF

COUNTRY A lt-country troubadour Rick Hart is celebrating the release of his debut album, Let Me In, following the success of three singles from the offering.

On Let Me In, Hart delivers 11 songs that showcase his ability to weave through country, soul, folk and rock ‘n’ roll, combining melodies with heartfelt imagery and honesty.

“I want listeners to be drawn into the stories and be able to relate to the songs,” Hart said. “I want them to feel a familiarity with the songs, coming from the honesty of the lyrics and the melodies those stories are painted on.”

Hart was awarded the Australian Songwriters Association Songwriter of the Year award for his 2014 debut EP Spiral and continues to build his presence in the Australian country and Americana scene.

After a string of shows through 2017 supporting the likes of country icon Bill Chambers and Things Of Stone And Wood, Hart will be touring to promote Let Me In.

DAVIDSON BROTHERS’ SCHOLARSHIP

G

Thomas Kendall years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

uitar and mandolin player Thomas Kendall has received the 2017 Australian Bluegrass Scholarship.

The scholarship was established in 2011 by Hamish and Lachlan Davidson, with the vision of encouraging singers and musicians who demonstrate talent, dedication and leadership in the field of bluegrass music.

Tom grew up in Essendon, Victoria, cultivating his passion for the music of the mountains in the suburbs before

venturing into regional touring with his band-mates The Knott Family Band.

Most recently, Tom has spent time recording with his band and attending festivals in the United States to hone his craft. He strives to bring the old traditions to modern audiences with all the gusto he can muster. He particularly admires the music of Doc Watson, Julian Lage and Tony Rice.

Tom will receive a $1,500 cash grant, a beautiful trophy to commemorate his achievement and ongoing mentoring by Hamish and Lachlan.

Find out more including previous winners at bluegrassscholarship.com.

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

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FESTIVALS

DENILIQUIN

DOIN’ IT AT

DENI MORE THAN 15,000 PEOPLE TURNED UP FOR THE 19TH DENI UTE MUSTER ENJOYING TWO DAYS OF FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AND UTE FOCUSED ACTIVITIES AND AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC.

T

Lee Kernaghan

Sunny Cowgirls

he artist line-up was varied and all Australian featuring Lee Kernaghan, James Blundell and Brewn, Beccy Cole, The McClymonts, Sara Storer, Adam Eckersley Band, Davidson Brothers, Jetty Road, Hurricane Fall, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Drew McAlister, Shannon Noll, The Wolfe Brothers. This year’s Tradie Challenge was won by Melbourne’s Brad Rossetto and Paul Riley taking out first prize and a cool, $1,000 cash for their clock and the Ute Count was back this year with 6,313 utes confirmed on site. The world record blue singlet attempt fell short, but still impressive, with 1,941 musterers of all ages gathered for the count.

Rodeo Time!

James Blundell

Sara Storer

Adam Eckersley

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C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Jetty Road

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

FESTIVALS

DENILIQUIN

Shannon Noll

Michael Muchow and Seleen McAlister

Davidson Brothers

The McClymonts

years of bringing you the music 1975â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2017

Greg Storer

Beccy Cole

Caitlyn Shadbolt

ALL PHOTOS BY GREG SYLVIA

2017 Toyota Star Maker Rachael Fahim

Wolfe Brothers

Drew McAlister

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

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FESTIVALS

MILDURA CMF

21ST SOUTHERN STARS WINNERS THE 21ST SOUTHERN STARS AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS WERE HELD AT A SPECIAL EVENT DURING THE MILDURA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL LAST MONTH.

M

ost awarded was Darren Coggan who received the Capital News Australian Independent Male Vocalist of the Year, QANTASLINK Australian Independent Country Music Single of the Year and Australian Independent Album of the Year for The Wide Horizon.

Tamworth’s Aleyce Simmonds received the overall

Australian Independent Artist of the Year award and the Capital News Australian Independent Female Vocalist of the Year for her song Defeated.

Carter & Carter received the award for Australian Independent Group/Duo of the

Front: Aleyce Simmonds, Darren Coggan’s parents, and Kora Naughton. Back: Pat Drummond.

Angus Gill

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Becci Nethery

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Year with Stand Tall,Pat Drummond’s In Like Flynn was awarded Australian Independent Heritage Track of the Year, the CRS Australian Independent Rising Star Male was Will Day with Seasons and CRS Australian Independent Rising Star Female was Kora Naughton with Wrong and the Barry Thornton Memorial Award was presented to Craig Muir.

Andrew Clermont with David Baird

Andrew Clermont with Pat Drummond

Bryen Willems

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

FESTIVALS

MILDURA CMF

Aleyce Simmonds

Allan Caswell

Neilly Rich

2017 Toyota Star Maker Rachael Fahim

years of bringing you the music 1975â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2017

Bec Hance

Stephen R Cheney

Reg Poole

ALL PHOTOS BY GREG SYLVIA

Taylor Pfeiffer

Hayley Marsten

Jeff Gibson

Karlee Cole

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FESTIVALS

TCMF2018

FRIENDS GATHER TO REMEMBER OUR REG OF ALL THE STARS IN HILLBILLY HEAVEN, ONE WILL SHINE THAT MUCH BRIGHTER ON MONDAY, JANUARY 22 ABOVE THE FAMILY HOTEL IN TAMWORTH.

F

rom 3pm to 5.30pm a group of friends and fans will gather to salute a mate upstairs at

TOYOTA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL TAMWORTH 2018 – FRIDAY 19 JANUARY TO SUNDAY 28 JANUARY 2018.

WWW.TCMF.COM.AU

the Remember Reg Lindsay tribute show.

Reg’s friends at this year’s staging include Chad Morgan, James Blundell, Col Finley, Allan Caswell, Greg Champion, Alan Bowles, Bruce McCumstie, Pete Denahy, Eddie Fisher, Jodie Crosby, Mark Shay, Mason Hope, Ross McGregor, Anthony Baxter, Todd & Sami Haywood and 2017 talent quest winner Finnian Johnson.

All artists will deliver a Reg Lindsay favourite and share their memories of Australia’s country music superstar who, like the true trailblazer he was, paved the way for so many others to follow.

A host of Reg Lindsay merchandise will be on sale along with CDs from participating acts as well as the usual raffles and lucky door prizes.

Tickets at $20 are available from the venue on the corner of Belmore and Bridge streets, West Tamworth.

This event is proudly presented during the 2018 Tamworth Country Music Festival by East Cessnock

Chad Morgan will pay tribute to his mate the late Reg Lindsay

Bowling Club, the home of Reg Lindsay’s bronze statue, Standing Tall – a must-see for all country fans.

This is sure to be a grand afternoon celebrating a true legend of the entertainment industry – “our Reg”.

The Rhymer’s Roundup Graeme Johnson presents Australian Award Winning Bush Poets & Musos

Gregory North, The Rhymer from Ryde, Rhonda Tallnash, John Peel, Noel Bull & Special Guest: Pat Drummond At the NORTH TAMWORTH BOWLING CLUB SHOW DATES: FRI 19th - SUN 28th January 2018 POET’S BRUNCH: All shows 10.30 am – 12.30 pm TICKETS $10.00: AT THE DOOR (Meals available)

10 BIG DAYS!

(N.B. Not all artists all days)

DETAILS 46

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TCMF2018

Lee Kernaghan began competing in the CCMA Talent Quest as a youngster.

FESTIVALS

Coca Cola favourites Murphy’s Pigs will perform on Friday, 26 January 2018.

FESTIVAL GIANTS UNITE TWO SIGNIFICANT EVENTS OF THE FESTIVAL HAVE COMBINED TO BECOME ONE: THE FAMOUS COCACOLA CONCERTS, RECOGNISED AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE TAMWORTH FESTIVAL, HAS JOINED FORCES WITH THE CAPITAL COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION’S (CCMA) NATIONAL TALENT QUEST.

T

hroughout the festival, an eight-day schedule of opportunities for artists of all ages to perform and compete has been created – in the luxury of the famous Tamworth Town Hall where it all began for

country music.

For more than 50 years, the CCMA has been providing the opportunity for artists of all ages to compete in categories from juniors through to ‘golden oldies’ and, for 40 years in 2018, Coca Cola will celebrate four decades of building a strong foundation with the famous walk-ups and, more recently, the introduction of the Battles … of the YoungStars, the Bluegrass and the very popular Battle of the Bands.

“With changes in society and technology that have been challenging traditional talent quests all over Australia, it just seemed a natural blend to include the CCMA’s junior and senior January talent quest into the battles with the introduction of a new event, the Battle of the New Stars,” said CCMA president Steve Newton.

“Not only will this build the prestige of a win in these categories, contestants will get to perform in the iconic years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

Tamworth Town Hall, where it all began back in 1966.”

Tamworth Regional Council country music manager Barry Harley said he’s excited about the decision to combine these two giants in festival history, and looks forward to a complete schedule of competitions running virtually every day throughout the city’s biggest annual party.

“This will better cater for more artists to take part, whether they are in town early or later in the week – they won’t miss out,” he said.

All grand finals from Young Stars, New Stars, Bluegrass and Bands will be held after the Toyota Cavalcade from 10am and winners will receive trophies and cash prizes with some offering a paid gig as part of the prize.

Coca Cola Country will now offer the following categories: Battle of the Young Stars – Junior Under 10, Intermediate – 10 to Under 14, Senior – 14 to under 18.

Battle of the New Stars – 18 and over.

Battle of the Bluegrass – all ages Battle of the Bands – all ages Plus the famous Walk Up & Sing opportunities daily.

To register your interest in participating in Coca Cola Country 2018 visit tcmf.com.au Following the finals of each battle, the legendary CCMA Jamboree will run, also in the Town Hall, where all solo winners from the week’s activity will be invited to compete at the Jamboree for the titles of Overall Junior and Senior Champions.

TOYOTA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL TAMWORTH 2018 – FRIDAY 19 JANUARY TO SUNDAY 28 JANUARY 2018.

WWW.TCMF.COM.AU

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FESTIVALS

TCMF2018

MELISSA BAJRIC AND SO MUCH MORE THE MELISSA BAJRIC SHOW AT THE CAPITOL THEATRE, TAMWORTH IS NOT JUST ANY OLD CONCERT – IT’S COUNTRY VARIETY AND A WHOLE LOT MORE!

E

ach year, the event presented by the Drover Music Group entices fans in to the cool, airconditioned comfort of the CBD theatre for a fabulous morning of country music entertainment.

Melissa will be accompanied by seven-time Queensland Musician of the Year Lindsay Waddington and his show band, along with an all-star cast of special guests including Lloyd Back, Donnie Soper, Bob Easter, Sharnee Fenwick and Runaway Dixie.

The Melissa Bajric Show will provide you with an

Melissa Bajric

unforgettable morning of country music entertainment.

For the past five years Melissa has entertained patrons at the Capitol Theatre with this variety-packed concert, featuring top-class musicians and artists.

Tickets are available from the website, www.tcmf.com.au

TOYOTA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL TAMWORTH 2018 – FRIDAY 19 JANUARY TO SUNDAY 28 JANUARY 2018.

WWW.TCMF.COM.AU

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View our product range at 19-45 Charles Street, Moonbi, NSW 2353, call us on 02 6760 3773, or visit our website at www.andromedaindustries.com.au

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

FESTIVALS

TCMF2018

TRAILBLAZERS INSPIRE A RAFT OF MEMORIES DIANNE LINDSAY’S MEMORIES TRAIL CONCERT EACH YEAR AT THE BALLADEERS HOMESTEAD HAS PROVED A BIG SUCCESS, WITH THE 2018 CONCERT SHAPING UP TO BE ANOTHER SELLOUT.

A

F

amily is pretty special to Dianne, so it was only natural when Rick Carey passed away this year a special salute was arranged in his honour as part of their annual event.

The Careys, Lindsays and Dustys were about as close as family could get in the pioneering days of Australian touring and variety shows. Dianne and husband, Peter Simpson always include a Rick and Thel song or two in their repertoire.

To honour that precious

TOYOTA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL TAMWORTH 2018 – FRIDAY 19 JANUARY TO SUNDAY 28 JANUARY 2018.

WWW.TCMF.COM.AU

Dianne Lindsay

memory, Rick and Thel’s daughter Lynne Carey, their grandson Brad Wrightson and other family members will perform on the show as Dianne’s very special guests.

Along with screening some historical footage of the couple revered as “Mr and Mrs Country Music”, there will be many memories relived on the concert of Rick and Thel, and other pioneers who have passed on.

This wonderful evening’s entertainment features Australian bush ballads and traditional/heritage-style country music and many well-known artists all supported by a top quality band.

Other special guests include Johnny Greenwood, Peter Simpson, Steve Sparrow, Lloyd Back, Col Edmonds and more. It’s at 7pm on Saturday, January 20 at 328 Goonoo Goonoo Rd, Tamworth.

Camping during TCMF2018?

Have we got a spot for you...

Riverside Camping Make it easy and pay now.

Set up and relax. years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

POETS DO THEIR DARNEDEST FOR GOLDEN DAMPER little church hall in South Tamworth has become a venue where budding and established poets can meet and mingle, learn tricks of the trade and compete for prestigious prizes.

From Tuesday to Friday, January 23 to 26, heats will be conducted at 10.30am at St Edwards Parish Hall in Hillvue Rd in the Golden Damper competition and awards.

The Golden Damper finals will be decided at that same time and venue on Saturday, January 27.

An added bonus for poets, visitors and locals are workshops presented by some of Australia’s best writers and performers.

Tom McIlveen and Bill Kearns will deliver a writers’ workshop from 10.30am on Monday, January 22, while Jack Drake and Rhonda Tallnash show how it’s done in a performance workshop from 4pm that same day.

Walk-ups will be held over the week, to honour the late Frank Daniel, a great performance poet who died in 2008.

Aspiring writers can perform their work, allowing the audience to judge their efforts from Saturday, January 20 at 2pm through to the finals on Thursday, January 25.

The Australian Bush Poets’ Association AGM will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, January 24, also at St Ed’s hall.

The Riverside Camping Grounds are a central camping location next to the Peel River and just minutes walk from the musical hype and action in the Tamworth CBD. Head to

tcmf.com.au and pay for your camping today.

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FESTIVALS

TCMF2018

RIB-TICKLING START TO YOUR DAY THE RHYMER FROM RYDE, GRAEME JOHNSON, WILL BE A LITTLE BUSIER THAN USUAL THIS FESTIVAL.

I

nstead of six mornings of The Rhymerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roundup at North Tamworth Bowlo, this year itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10 morningsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; straight â&#x20AC;Ś starting at the very respectable hour of 10.30am.

Graeme will present a swag of award-winning bush poets including three-times Australian champion Greg â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Man of Many Hatsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; North, Rhonda Tallnash (prior winner of the Australian, Victorian, NSW and QLD titles), John Peel (runner-up Australian champion) Noel Bull and The Rhymer himself (both winners of Tamworthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golden

showcases the madcap larrikin antics of this motley crew of versifiers.

Comedy, comedy and more comedy is the order of the day with a smattering of traditional rhyming verse thrown in for good measure.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss The Rhymerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roundup every day at North Tamworth Bowlo in Bligh St. Damper performance award).

As if that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough entertainment, Graemeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special musical guest over his sixth year of shows is 2016 TSA Lifetime Achievement Award winner Pat Drummond.

Pat will be on hand to drop in a liberal amount of his quirky and insightful singalong songs as the days go by.

Prepare yourself for a gut-busting, rib-tickling buffet of Australiana at its best that

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years of bringing you the music 1975â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2017

TCMF2018

FESTIVALS

AT THE LISTENING ROOM IT’S FAMILY CENTRAL AS FAR AS FAMILY SHOWS GO AT THE TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL, IN OUR BLOOD WILL TAKE SOME TOPPING.

A

t 7pm on Thursday, January 25, the Frog and Toad Listening Room will become “family central” as no less than three sets of siblings will take the stage to entertain patrons.

Brother and sister Glen and Kaylee Harrison (Kaylens Rain) will be joined by fellow bro-sis outfit Alex and Bec Crook and the Dennis Sisters from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast on the siblings-only selection.

As such, they have come up with a family-friendly ticketing structure, with single tickets priced at $15 (plus bf), and a family ticket just $30 (plus bf).

The concept concert’s name is also the title of Kaylee and Glen Harrison’s second and most recent album, produced by Andrew Cochrane.

To create the songs for the disc, the Harrisons collaborated with Drew McAlister, Morgan Evans, Jared Porter, Kaylee Bell, Jay Sommerville Collie and Jay Collie.

Siblings Alex and Bec Brook released their debut EP, in March 2017 and have been making new friends and fans wherever they perform.

The Dennis Sisters have come through the talent quest ranks, blitzing all in their path on their musical quest. Book through OzTix.

TOYOTA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL TAMWORTH 2018 – FRIDAY 19 JANUARY TO SUNDAY 28 JANUARY 2018.

WWW.TCMF.COM.AU

10 DAYS 700 ARTISTS MORE THANTS 2800 EVEN

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

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SOUNDADVICE RAGGED DREAMS EMISUNSHINE INDEPENDENT Aged just 13, and this is the fourth release from this powerhouse who has taken the US music scene by storm – with her original songs garnering placement in movies, TV and even books. Hailing from East Tennessee, EmiSunshine (all one word) is a headline act with more than a dozen appearances on The Grand Ol’ Opry stage, the Ryman Auditorium and MerleFest. This album addresses mature subject matter touching on closeto-home tragedies (the Gatlinburg fires and Virginia floods) and imaginative, homespun stories portraying murder (Tennessee Killin’ Song), deceit, vengeful spirits and incarceration and the track Ninety Miles is a personal perspective on Autism. She’s either written or co-written all 15 tracks and produced this collection that highlights a talent that belongs to someone far beyond her youth – so imagine what she will come up with in the future. There’s a darkness that is kind of spooky coming from such a young girl but it all works. The best tracks are Sinner’s Serenade, Little Blackbird and Ninety Miles – but the rest will also get under your skin too!

DIGITAL DELIVERY SERVICES. JON WOLFE

ALL MY ROWDY FRIENDS ARE COMING OVER: GREAT TAILGATE SONGS

HANK WILLIAMS JR CURB

Hank Williams Jr. is an American icon, a five-times CMA Entertainer of the Year Award winner, a fourtimes Emmy Award winner, has 10 #1 singles, 13 #1 Albums, 20 Gold albums and six Platinum albums.

Put simply, he’s one of country music’s all-time legends. This is a collection of his best tracks and includes the classic tunes Family Tradition and All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight.

Other tracks include All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over For Monday Night Football, Born To Boogie, Dixie On My Mind, Keep Your Hands To Yourself, Whiskey Bent And Hell Bound, A Country Boy Can Survive, If Heaven Ain’t A Lot Like Dixie, and Texas Women.

SONY MUSIC AUSTRALIA 88985482372 MIKE LEADS

HILL AND RANGE MUSIC

THE MOONEE VALLEY DRIFTERS INDEPENDENT

I remember enjoying the band’s 1992 album Juke Joint Johnny and the self-titled follow-up, but I lost track, so it came as a pleasant surprise when this album crossed my desk – and it is as if they never left the CD player! With just six albums in three decades, it has been a case of a long haul between drinks but this mix of originals and covers has not disappointed. An eclectic mix of Western Swing, Cajun stomp, honky tonk and boogie that will get feet tapping, this is the real deal … not that you’d expect anything less coming out of the alt-country (read: real country) headquarters of Melbourne. Highlights include Tom Forsell’s originals You’re Leaving and Let’s Go Down To Rowville, the accordion- and steel-driven Sitting’ On My La La, Waitin’ For My Ya Ya and Hauling Freight On The Interstate, written by the band’s steeler Nick Summers. An added bonus for me is hearing the great work by James Black and Ed Bates … two of the hottest pickers in the country.

MVD@2017 mooneyvalleydrifters.com JON WOLFE

WALK INTO A STORM

SLOWHEART

MASTERWORKS

MCA NASHVILLE

Zach Williams (lead singer/ guitarist), Kanene Donehey Pipkin (singer/mandolinist/keyboardist) and Brian Elmquist (singer/ guitarist), The Lone Bellow, are a group of displaced Southerners based in Brooklyn who deliver a passionate, soulful, acoustic-based brand of Americana. Their third studio album, Walk Into A Storm was produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell) and recorded in Nashville, TN. It’s been three years since the release of their successful Then Came The Morning. This album was produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner and nominated for an Americana Music Award.

The Lone Bellow has appeared on Kimmel, Letterman, Conan, CBS This Morning, in support of the album. In the years since the release the band left their home of Brooklyn and moved to Nashville, TN. Tracks include Deeper in the Water, Is It Ever Gonna Be Easy, May You Be Well, Come Break My Heart Again, Feather, Walk Into a Storm, Time’s Always Leaving, Can’t Be Happy for Long, Between the Lines, and Long Way To Go.

Slowheart sees a somewhat softer side to Kip Moore. With writing credits on 11 of the 13 tracks, we learn a little more about what makes the singer tick – it’s a diversion from writing every track on his albums, but the tracks fit him like a glove. Kip approached this album more organically than his two previous albums, letting the music take its own course and it shows. This is an album for those who love their country music unashamedly American and contemporary, walking a fine line between pop and country, although the songs are laden with country themes and imagery.

Standout tracks include More Girls Like You, The Bull, Try Again and Blonde – the story of those who let fame get to their head and live to show off their lives on social media. All tracks on Slowheart flow seamlessly through love, heartache and wanting to be a better man before the final track, Guitar Man, farewells the album beautifully on a slower, almost six-minute, note.

THE LONE BELLOW

KIP MOORE

MCA/UMA 5770517 REBECCA BELT

MASTERWORKS/SME 0889854524920 MIKE LEADS 52

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

SOUND ADVICE - album reviews are the reviewers’ own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the view of Capital News or the publisher. Sound Advice will accept unsolicited albums for consideration, but cannot guarantee published reviews. Sound Advice does not review singles. Send 2 CDs together with biography or media release to Capital News, PO Box 555, Tamworth NSW 2340 and email a jpg of the cover to c.byrnes@tamworth.nsw.gov.au THOMAS RHETT LIFE CHANGES

THE VALORY MUSIC CO

The title track sets the scene for this personal album from Thomas Rhett. Life Changes, the song, documents his life from college to now, including his marriage to Lauren, adopting their first baby to then giving birth and having two children under two. Listeners know Thomas is being honest because he’s laying it all out in front of them and saying, ‘this is who I am’. Opening the album is his duet with Maren Morris, Craving You, which has been a massive hit and draws the listener in to leave them wanting more. Marry Me is a track that has listeners believing it’s about one thing, but don’t judge this one from the title. For lovers of contemporary country who can’t get enough love songs, mixed with a little heartbreak, this is going to be your go-to album. Get it into your CD player because I can’t stop listening to it.

BIG MACHINE LABEL GROUP 00843930032327 REBECCA BELT

MAMMA DIDN’T RAISE A QUITTER

NATURE’S BEAUTY

LBS COUNTRY COLLECTION

LBS

LBS MUSIC

KELLY BROUHAHA

This release brought back great memories of my time spent in WA and in particular the wonderful musicianship of the many Indigenous pickers who have come from that great part of the country.

The songs ring out with true bush ballad guitar and it is appropriate that this was recorded live in Tamworth under the guiding hand of Lindsay Butler. The passion and the enthusiasm that shines through the recording is testament to Kimberley Gold’s dedication to the genre that is undeniably country.

Lead guitarist William Johnston has come with some great original instrumentals – Johnston’s Melody and Calwyn’s Theme – and the band’s covers of Haggard’s Sing Me Back Home and The Mavericks All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down are exceptional. The band has been augmented by Lawrie Minson on steel, dobro and harp, Hugh Curtis on fiddle and mando and LBS alumni Lindsay Butler (who duets on the instrumental Snowbird), Shaza Leigh, Peggy Gilchrist and Lynette Guest (harmonies). Producer Lindsay has captured a tight band doing what it does best.

Golden Guitar winner Lindsay Butler, together with wife Shaza Leigh, has put together another selection of artists they work with, including themselves, on this 20-track CD. An outstanding effort for the Tamworth-based couple who have now produced 22 in the series. In addition to both Lindsay’s and Shaza’s session input on guitars and bass, other session musicians include Tamworth locals Brett Dallas (guitars), Greg Williams (drums), Peggy Gilchrist (piano/keyboard), and Lawrie Minson (harp/Dobro/steel) plus Hughie Curtis on fiddle and mandolin. Harmonies have been delivered by Lynette Guest and Greg Williams with the Lady Marguerite Ensemble adding flute, strings and cello to the mix. The variety of artists is a great indication of the strength of the product. The blokes are Greg Bain, Tom Maxwell, Ashley Cook, John Lecner, Wayne Pascoe, Bill Murray, Graham Pearson and the ladies are Rachel Jillett, Emma Jene, Ann Penman, Peggy Gilchrist, Brenda Thurtell, Rachel Summerell, and Michelle Russell plus the terrific band Kimberley Gold, and Anthony Baxter joins Lindsay on an instrumental.

INDEPENDENT

LBS 171CD lbsmusic.com.au JON WOLFE

LBS MUSIC LBS170CD CHERYL BYRNES

KIMBERLEY GOLD

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

VOLUME 22

Hailing from South Australia, singer songwriter Kelly Brouhaha is a true-blue travelling troubadour, travelling in her trusty campervan, taking every opportunity to showcase her music to anyone who wants to listen. This fourtrack EP Mamma Didn’t Raise A Quitter, is a joint venture between Arts South Australia and the Brouhaha tribe. Produced by Marty Brown, co-produced by Crafty and mastered by Neville Clark, it’s a fresh mix of rhythmic country sounds, haunting blues vocals and smooth jazz riffs with some great lead and acoustic guitar work from Emily A Smith, Crafty & Kelly Brouhaha. Jenna Bonavita holds it all together with some pulsating bass, whilst Ali Foster smokes it on drums, including a drum solo to die for on Oh Mama. Tania Savelli and Mel Watts put the icing on the cake with some strong vocal harmonies.

Songs include bluesy Audrey’s Song, As Long As There’s A Smile, Whichever Way The Winds Blows and Oh Mama.

COMING YOUR WAY

DREW MCALISTER ABC MUSIC | UNIVERSAL

Drew McAlister’s latest, Coming Your Way, starts on a high note, quite literally, and doesn’t let the listener down until the final note is played on track 10. Highlights for me are the opening song and title track Coming Your Way, Kissing A Girl Goodnight one of only two tracks that Drew didn’t have a hand in writing, and Time. We’ve known for many years that there is more to Drew’s songwriting and performances than party songs, but Coming Your Way cements his place as one of Australian country’s most versatile songwriters. I believe Drew’s strengths lie in the more serious songs and that is where he shines on Coming Your Way, but the album offers something for those fans of his party songs, too. This is an album you can slip into the CD player and want to listen to over and over, no matter what mood you’re in. So, my recommendation is to get listening.

ABC MUSIC/UMA 5792637 REBECCA BELT

INDEPENDENT RAY McCOY

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COUNTRYCHARTS ARIA TOP 20 AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY ALBUMS Week Commencing 16 October 2017 TW

LW

TI

HP

TITLE

ARTIST

1 1 75 1 Ripcord

KEITH URBAN

2 5 974 1 The Very Best Of Slim Dusty

SLIM DUSTY

3 7

283 1

4 12 514 1 5 3 29 1 6 6 11 1 7 10 209 1 8 11 60 1 9 8 315 1 10 New 1

10

11 13 24 1 12 2 2 2 13 15 38 1 14 14 39 1 15 New 1

15

16 20 131 1 17 R/E 9 3 18 R/E 210 2 19 R/E 13 2 20 R/E 175 1

The Story So Far Greatest Hits: 18 Kids The 25th Anniversary Album Count On Me The Great Country Songbook His Favourite Collection Ultimate Hits Requested Favourites The Great Country Songbook Vol. Ii Coming Your Way Dragonfly Endless Nomad Spirit Of The Anzacs Odds And Sods A Hell Of A Career!

Jason Owen Sings John Denver: The 20th Anniversary Fuse

LABEL

CAP/EMI EMI

KEITH URBAN

CAP/EMI

KEITH URBAN

CAP/EMI

LEE KERNAGHAN

ABC/UMA

JUDAH KELLY

UMA

TROY CASSAR-DALEY & ADAM HARVEY

SME

JOHN WILLIAMSON

WAR

LEE KERNAGHAN

ABC/UMA

THE LONG & SHORT OF IT

KOB

ADAM HARVEY & BECCY COLE

SME

DREW MCALISTER

ABC/UMA

KASEY CHAMBERS

WAR

THE MCCLYMONTS

ISL/UMA

ANGUS GILL LEE KERNAGHAN SLIM DUSTY JOHN WILLIAMSON

KOB ABC/UMA EMI WAR

JASON OWEN

SFR/UMA

KEITH URBAN

CAP/EMI

OFFICIAL AUSTRALIAN AIRPLAY COUNTRY TOP 20 Week commencing 19 October, 2017.

TW

LW

TI

HP

ARTIST

TITLE

LABEL

1 1 23 1 SAM HUNT

Body Like A Back Road

2 2 6 2 MORGAN EVANS

Kiss Somebody

3 6 7 3 FANNY LUMSDEN

Roll On

4 3 8 3 MELANIE DYER

Save My Cents

5 17 5 5 BRAD BUTCHER

Well Dressed Man

6 8 9 6 TRAVIS COLLINS & AMBER LAWRENCE

Our Backyard

ABC/UMA

7 15 12 7 THE VIPER CREEK BAND

Firework

WJO/UMA

8 7 5 3 DIERKS BENTLEY

What The Hell Did I Say

9 10 7 8 CHRISTIE LAMB

Judgement Day

10 NEW 1

10 CAITLYN SHADBOLT

Bad

MCA/UMA WMA IND UMA IND

CAP/EMI ABC/UMA ABC/UMA

11 19 5 11 KAYLENS RAIN

Do You Wake Up

DWM/UMA

12 18 3 12 DREW MCALISTER

Coming Your Way

ABC/UMA

13 32 5 13 SHANNON NOLL

Southern Sky

14 5 10 1 KELSEA BALLERINI

Legends

SME

15 43 3 15 RODNEY CROWELL

Storm WMAning

IND

16 48 7 16 SHANIA TWAIN

Life’s About To Get Good

17 NEW 1

17 IMOGEN CLARK

Collide

18 49 2 18 DARIUS RUCKER

For The First Time

19 39 4 19 COLTER WALL

Sleeping On The Blacktop

20 NEW 1 54

20 GLEN CAMPBELL

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Adios

WMA

UNI/UMA UMA EMI IND CAP/EMI years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

COUNTRY TRACKS Week commencing 21 October 2017. This chart is published by Country Music Services and updated weekly at countrytrackschart.com.au POS LW

TI

HP

TRACK TITLE

ARTIST

1 2 6 1(4) World Full Of Angels

CARTER & CARTER

2 11 4 2(1) Only On My Terms

ALEYCE SIMMONDS

3 3 5 2(1) Just Down The Hall

KALESTI BUTLER

4 10 3 4(1) Whisper In The Crowd

PAUL COSTA

5 5 6 2(1) Somewhere In The Middle

CLELIA ADAMS

6 8 8 1(1) Keep Me Coming Back

CASEY BARNES

7 1 6 1(1) Just One Moon

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

8 4 6 4(1) Can’t Just Kiss You

BECCI NETHERY

9 7 5 6(1) He’s A Writer Of Songs

MELISSA ROBERTSON

10 13 5 9(1) In Like Flynn

PAT DRUMMOND

11 18 10 11(1) Never Never Land

TOM CURTAIN

12 25 3 12(1) It’s Only Midnight

MATT CORNELL

13 9 4 9(1) Miss You And Goodnight

DANNY STAIN

14 23 4 14(1) Not Counting The Days Go By

SCOTT DOUGLAS

15 14 5 5(1) All You Need Is Music

DAVIDSON BROTHERS

16 17 4 16(1) Henbury Blues

DEAN PERRETT

17 19 4 9(1) Rev It Up

SUNNY COWGIRLS

18 20 4 13(1) Onto Something

TANIA KERNAGHAN

19 27 2 19(1) Free As A Bird

GAYLE O’NEIL

20 35 2 20(1) Hurtin’ Over You

VANESSA BOURNE

CMC CHART W/c 21 October 2017. This chart is updated weekly at countrymusicchannel.com.au or tune into CMC. # TITLE

ARTIST

1 Legends

KELSEA BALLERINI

2 Fix A Drink

CHRIS JANSON

3 Roll On

FANNY LUMSDEN

BLACK RIVER/SONY WARNER RED DIRT RECORDS

4 When It Rains It Pours LUKE COMBS

SONY

5 Judgement Day

CHRISTIE LAMB

6 Small Town Boy

DUSTIN LYNCH

7 Drinkin’ Problem

MIDLAND

8 Tin Roof

GORD BAMFORD

ABC

9 Coming Your Way

DREW MCALISTER

ABC

10 Bad

CAITLYN SHADBOLT

ABC BBR/BMG BIG MACHINE/UMA

ABC/UMA

11 Heartache On The Dancefloor JON PARDI 12 Only On My Terms

ALEYCE SIMMONDS

13 Boy

LEE BRICE

14 Every Little Thing

CARLY PEARCE

15 Basics Of Love

LACHLAN BRYAN &

EMI CHECKED SONY BIG MACHINE/UMA

THE WILDES /SHANLEY DEL 16 Collide

IMOGEN CLARK

17 Rev It Up

SUNNY COWGIRLS

18 I’Ll Name The Dogs

BLAKE SHELTON

19 Closing This Memory Down

BAYLOU

ABC

LOST HIGHWAY ABC WARNER INDEPENDENT

# TITLE

ARTIST

26 They Don’t Know

JASON ALDEAN

27 Take Me Back

KIRSTY LEE AKERS

28 Yours

RUSSELL DICKERSON

BBR/SONY

29 Grave Robber ’s Daughter TORI FORSYTH

INDEPENDENT TRIPLE TIGERS LOST HIGHWAY/UMA

30 Forget

MISSY LANCASTER

31 I Don’t Dance

SHANE NICHOLSON LOST HIGHWAY/UMA

32 The Wreckage

MELODY MOKO

33 Happens Like That

GRANGER SMITH

34 Fight

JODY DIREEN

35 Save My Cents

MELANIE DYER

36 Stacks

JAYNE DENHAM CHECKED LABEL SERVICES

37 Losing Sleep

CHRIS YOUNG

38 Midnight Carousel

ARNA GEORGIA

39 City Bound Train

PADDY MCHUGH

40 Queen Of Boomtown

GRETTA ZILLER

41 Next Somebody

KAYLEE BELL

42 It’s Only Midnight

MATT CORNELL

SONY

INDEPENDENT BBR/BMG ABC UMA

SONY INDEPENDENT ABC SOCIAL FAMILY RECORDS INDEPENDENT CHECKED LABEL SERVICES

43 Take Me Home Country Roads JASON OWEN SOCIAL FAMILY RECORDS 44 Do You Wake Up

KAYLENS RAIN

45 Slide Over

TIM HICKS

INDEPENDENT ABC/OPEN ROAD

20 Bush Party

DEAN BRODY

21 What Ifs

KANE BROWN

46 Ring On Every Finger LOCASH

SONY

FEAT. LAUREN ALAINA

47 Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed SHANIA TWAIN

UMA

RGK/ABC

SONY

48 Our Backyard

TRAVIS COLLINS/

22 Five More Minutes

SCOTTY MCCREERY

23 All The Pretty Girls

KENNY CHESNEY

AMBER LAWRENCE

ABC

24 Well Dressed Man

BRAD BUTCHER

INDEPENDENT

49 Safe

SHANE NICHOLSON

LOST HIGHWAY

25 You Need To Run

JETTY ROAD

INDEPENDENT

50 Firework

VIPER CREEK BAND

INDEPENDENT

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

TRIPLE TIGERS SONY

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

55

BUSH BALLADS

TAKE YOUR PICK

BY PETER COAD OAM WWW.BUSHBALLADEERS.COM.AU

HERE’S JUST A SMALL SELECTION OF MANY NEW ALBUMS

BY YOUR FAVOURITE BALLADEERS. GED & TRUDY RECORD

NEW ALBUM FOR DIANNE LINDSAY Dianne Lindsay, daughter of the late country music icon Reg Lindsay is about to commence recording a new album project. Dianne says the album will include many of the old gospel favourites as well as a couple of new songs especially written for the album.

BUSH PICKER’S COLLECTION Bush Ballad guitar picker Peter Simpson has a brand new album Bush Picker ’s Collection which features twelve tracks, mostly instrumentals.

Alisha Smith joined Peter on The Bushman’s Song and there are two tracks recorded ‘live’ Tex Morton Runs and Bush Ballad Medley.

Popular duo Ged and Trudy Hintz have released a new 15-track self-titled album. Ged has included six songs that he has written or co-written. Matilda The Boxing Kangaroo is about the famous animal and what she stands for; Mountains To The Sky is about the mighty Murray River; 37 Pairs Of Boots co-written with Sel Munt from Ipswich, depicting the anniversary of 100 years of the Light Horse Charge of Beersheba; the controversial You’re Not A Dinkum Aussie If You Want To Change Our Flag; Music Box Rock is a new twist on the old music box dancer song; and Battered Old Quarts Ged wrote about his brother Ted Hintz’s old quart pot. Trudy has added a country twist to some classic songs, and her bush ballad selection includes a new song Mother Nature penned by Keith Jamieson, Saddle Up & Ride, a wonderful old ballad written by Ernie Constance. They’ve included The Verandah, written by Fiona Kernaghan, the Les Wilson classic Silver Wings and an Isla

Grant gospel song, An Angels Wings. Ged and Trudy duet on only one song, I Wouldn’t Change You If I Could made famous by Ricky Skaggs. Their album was recorded at Redbak Studios in Leeton with the marvellous team of Sharon Benjamin, Mark Hillier and Marcus Hooper. The album is anticipated to be launched at Leeton Country Music Roundup on November 4.

COAD SISTERS RECORD It has been around six years since the Coad Sisters released their last duo album, but with a wealth of songs, sisters Virginia and Lynette went been back into the studio in September and put down a new album. There will be many new original songs written by the sisters included on the project. The release is anticipated in mid-2018.

GIDGEE COAL BUSH BALLAD AWARDS The Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad Awards will be announced as part of the entertainment week at the Pittsworth Town Hall over the 13th to 19th of November. Artists appearing at the event include Dianne Lindsay, Peter Simpson, Bruce Lavender, John & Christine Smith, Gray Fogarty, Kev Groves, Sharon Heaslip, Keith and Caitlyn Jamieson, Alisha Smith, Ray Essery and Jim Strofield.

ALBUM REVIEW PETE SMITH - HILLBILLY BLUES Pete Smith’s new release Hillbilly Blues was recorded and produced by Cameron Mason at Wave Rider Studios. This album features a selection of classic songs and new compositions, many of which tribute the early hillbilly artist Jimmie Rodgers, showcasing Pete’s love of this style of country music. A wide array of other noted writers’ material are included as well as some of Pete’s own, from ballads to gospel. Pete’s vocals are in fine form and the album is well produced with complimentary musical arrangements. Over all this is a new album from Pete and one that is sure to be enjoyed by his many fans.

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years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

D O W N M E M O RY L A N E

CHAMPS IS BACK WITH LORRAINE PFITZNER

SINGER, SONGWRITER GREG CHAMPION HAS A NEW ‘BEST OF’ TWO-TRACK CD THAT INCLUDES SONGS RELEASED FROM 1975 TO 2015.

I

ncluded in the 21 songs of his popular recordings are I Made A Hundred In The Backyard At Mum’s and May Your Fridge Be Full Of Coldies and the duet with Jane Saunders – Further Up The Mountain.

The highlight of this two-track CD set is the 13 new songs under the banner of Happy Travels (2017), which includes the duo with Johnny Chester on Keep This Old Tr uck Tickin’ which is currently charting in the country radio top 30.

“Chess” as he’s affectionately known, sure shows his cheeky sense of humour as the pair sing about the extra work required, in senior years, to keep their ‘trucks’ ticking along okay.

Prior to this song Champ’s song Droppin’ Off The Perch also reached the Country Tracks top 10. The lyrics take a familiar path with Champs as he chuckles about death ‘All over Australia’, the song triumphantly trumpets, ‘we are all, quite gaily, dropping off that perch’.

Twenty-seven years after his first Tamworth festival, Champs will return in 2018.

His journey to country began at Adelaide University Folk club in 1972. There he formed a duet and the pair played ‘try-out’ night at The Catacombs Coffee Lounge – when coffee lounges still presented acoustic music. On their second shot they procured a paid Saturday night gig slot.

At Adelaide Uni, Greg was majoring in English and Australian Literature. It was the exposure to Aussie writers, such as CJ Dennis and Dallas George “Dal” Stivens, that got 17-year-old Greg thinking, “why can’t I write songs with Australian subject matter instead of all the American country themes you hear on the radio?”. years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

From there, his lifelong mission took shape.

Three years later, he was playing in a country rock band singing original songs and Eagles tunes. Not long afterwards, he followed the footsteps of many Adelaide musicians in moving to Melbourne, to be part of the bigger music scene. Things instantly worked out well. In six months he was in one of Melbourne’s most popular bands, The Fabulaires.

Still new to Melbourne, in the early ‘80s, Champs fell in with a fledgling AFL-themed community radio show, The Coodabeen Champions. The Coodabeens, and Greg, are currently celebrating their 37th straight year on radio. For 20 of those years they’ve been on the ABC with a 10-year-spell on commercial radio in there also.

When Champs came up with the tune I Made A Hundred In The Backyard At Mum’s in 1985, it was Macca on Australia All Over who gave the song its break. A little later he made his first solo country album and, on the advice of John Williamson’s long time manager Phil Matthews, Champs tucked his new vinyl album under his arm and headed for Tamworth.

The Longyard, then under June Smyth’s powerful management, hooked Champs up with Colin Buchanan, Jane Saunders, Jim Haynes, Grant

Luhrs, Ted Egan, Michael Fix, John Williamson and the Bushies. They were happy times and Champs enjoyed 18 straight years at the Longyard.

TSA awards and a Golden Guitar followed in the 90’s. One Champs truckin’ song, Boomaroo Flyer, was recorded by Slim Dusty. Greg has now made over 30 albums, half of which are country and Australianthemed. The other half are about AFL, cricket and humour – and Christmas.

His collaboration in the ‘90s with Colin Buchanan on Aussie Christmas with Bucko & Champs, has outsold his other 30 albums put together – by double. This larrikin look at Christmas by those two loonies passed 150,000 sales some time back, and they’ve now lost count.

After attending 22 Tamworth festivals straight, and a four-year break, Champs is delighted to return to The Longyard in 2018 – this time, almost daily, on the breakfast shows.

He reckons the Tamworth festival “gets in your DNA”, and once hooked, you’re smitten for life. I think we all know what he means and how that feels.

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

57

WRIT ING GRE AT SONGS

TAKING THE CREDIT

BY A L L A N CA S W E L L

THE MOST OFTEN ASKED QUESTION IN MY WORKSHOPS IS “HOW DO I GET MY SONGS CUT?” THERE ARE A NUMBER OF METHODS BUT IT REALLY IT BOILS DOWN TO TWO THINGS … WRITE GREAT SONGS AND LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT YOU WRITE GREAT SONGS. THIS MONTH’S COLUMN IS DEVOTED TO THE LATTER.

T

here is no doubt that you need to build a profile so that artists want to hear your songs and people want to write with you. Nick Erby once said of Allan Caswell “If anyone records a Caswell song, he makes sure everyone knows about it” … hard but true. I once “talked my way onto a Slim Dusty album”. Slim had recorded my song Red Roo Roadhouse and I was so excited that I sent out a press release and talked it up everywhere (this was pre Facebook). Unknown to me my song had missed the cut for the album but my little burst of self promotion led Slim to say that they were getting so much publicity for the song, they should put it on the album.

Every song you get cut becomes part of your CV and a tool you can use to open doors for your future songs.

BUILDING A PROFILE You won’t automatically get mentioned when a song is successful. Don’t take this necessarily as a slight when a song is referred to as “a song I wrote” by an artist in a magazine article … it could be that his or her publicist or the journalist in question didn’t think it was important. You have a legal right to have your writing credits on an album cover but virtually none in the media. I have taken the stance of “Don’t worry about telling people you wrote the song with me … I’ll tell them for you”.

Spotify are under pressure to include writer credits on their streaming service. This is long overdue.

I am pretty lucky with the artists who cut my songs … most of them credit me wherever possible. Kevin Bennett once said, “The most overused phrase in Tamworth is … here’s a song I wrote with Allan Caswell.”.

I have sat in concerts and heard interviews and listened to artists referring to our songs as… “When I wrote this song …” I usually let it slide a couple of times. If you are an artist, it can get really boring crediting your co writers before every song in your set but NEVER refer to these songs as … a song I wrote … make it we … or say nothing.

If it keeps happening, I don’t confront the artist … I just stop writing with them. I once ended a really successful long running songwriting partnership with an artist who became a habitual whole credit taker.

Don’t get psychotic or depressed about any of this … if a song is cut by a major artist it will be routinely referred to as one of their songs because people always connect the song to the artist who had the hit with it (sometimes even with the artists that cover the original hit). It is rare for a song’s writer to be referred to … unless you’re a Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan or Paul Kelly. Just feel entitled to use the success of a song to promote your songwriting career …you deserve it.

YOU DON’T GET FAMOUS AS A SONGWRITER This is pretty true but for your future as a songwriter you still need to promote yourself, if you want people to notice what you are writing. You can get a website or a Facebook page up … let people know what you are achieving. You’ll be surprised how interested people can be. When I went from being an unknown writer to the bloke who wrote the Prisoner theme … five-year-old songs started getting cut … that’s how it works. Your first big song is often a lucky break … the rest of your career is pure hard work.

See you next month … maybe.

If you have questions regarding participating or hosting upcoming songwriting workshops, my “one on one” private songwriting coaching service (based in the Blue Mountains), my book or my “how to” DVD contact me on 0419 218 988 or at allan@allancaswell.com

1966 - 2016 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS SINCE ARRIVING IN AUSTRALIA ALLAN CASWELL’S BRILLIANT NEW ALBUM

50 Years in OZ

58

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

2

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

COMINGEVENTS

TELL THEM YOU READ IT IN

NOVEMBER 3-5

Ballina CMF | Various venues | T: 02 6686 9255 | W: ballinacountrymusic.com

9-12

6th Kyabram RV CM Corral | Kyabram Showgrounds | Vic | T: 03 5853 2933 | E: ky47347@bigpond.net.au | W: kyrvcountry.com.au

13-19

Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad Awards | Pittsworth Showground and Bottletree Hall | QLD | Bush ballads, bush poets, walkups, food, damper | M: 0427 731 088 OR 0427 578 264

10-12

Burra CMF & TQ | Burra Showgrounds | SA | Camping, Food, Licensed Bar, Workshop, Bush Poetry | Contact: Secretary | M: 0428 922 614 | E: burracmf@gmail.com | W: burracountrymusicfestival.com

JANUARY 2018 12-18

Countdown to the 46th Toyota Country Music Festival | Tamworth | NSW

13

Gwandalan CMF | NSW

19-28

Toyota 46th Country Music Festival | Tamworth | NSW | W: tcmf.com.au

23-27

Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft & Rodeo Association’s Ironman 4x4 ABCRA National Finals | T: 02 6766 5863 | www.abcra.com.au

PERFORMING AT THE TCMF? PROMOTE YOUR SHOWS IN THE

OFFICIAL GUIDE

For further information contact TAMWORTH REGIONAL COUNCIL PO Box 555, Tamworth NSW 2340 | M: 0429 784 860 | E. info@officialguide.com.au www.tcmf.com.au DEADLINE: Wednesday, November 8, 2017 years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

59

GIGGUIDE 4 HIGHWAYMEN

17 Coast Hotel, Budgewoi NSW 31 Bottletree Hotel, Glamorgan Vale Qld

JANUARY 2018 22 Longyard Hotel, Tamworth NSW 27 Longyard Hotel, Tamworth NSW

8 BALL AITKEN

ALI S

NOVEMBER 17-19 Cully Fest, Toowoomba Showgrounds Qld

NOVEMBER 01 Prince of Wales, Merewether NSW 03 Tannun Sands Hotel Qld 04 Mackay RSL Memorial BC Qld 05 Sorrento’s, Airlie Beach Qld 09-12 Airlie Beach Festival of Music Qld 17 Nebo Hotel Qld 19 Bucca Hotel Qld 22 Republic Bar, Hobart Tas 23 The Otis Room, Burnie Tas 24 Mountain Mumma, Sheffield Tas 25 Lower Wilmot Hall Tas 30 Paynesville Wine Bar Vic DECEMBER 2017 01 Dave Matthews House Concert, Geelong Vic 02 Retreat Hotel, Brunswick Vic 03 Prince Of Wales (Elwood Blues Club), St Kilda Vic 05 Kensington Flemington BC Vic 06 Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East Vic 07 Hume Blues Club, Coburg Vic 08 Celia Rosser Gallery, Fish Creek Vic 09 Shirley House Concert, Sale Vic 10 Jenny Keck House Concert Vic 14 Old Bank Restaurant, Dubbo NSW 15 Australian Hotel, Young NSW

ALICE BENFER

NOVEMBER 04–05 Murgon Music Muster Qld 11 Lockyer Valley CMF, Laidley Qld

ALEYCE SIMMONDS

JANUARY 21 Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth NSW

AMBER LAWRENCE

Our Backyard Tour with Travis Collins *Amber Only NOVEMBER 03 Young Services Club NSW 04 Braidwood Serviceman’s Club NSW* 05 The Oaks Hotel, Illawarra NSW 24 Windsor RSL NSW

ANDREW SWIFT

NOVEMBER 03 Australian Music Week, Cronulla NSW 12 Northcote Social Club Vic 18 Gippy BnS Ball, Tooradin Vic 24 Yard Bird Balcony, Bendigo Vic 26 Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide SA

Please note all show venues & times are correct at time of printing.

Capital News recommends you check with the venue prior to attending.

DECEMBER 02 House Concert, Carrum Downs Vic 08 Bunjil Place Theatre, Narre Warren Vic 09 Next Level Ceres, Echuca Vic 10 Moama Recreation Reserve NSW JANUARY 2018 19-28 Tamworth CMF NSW

ANGELA EASSON NOVEMBER 10 Clare Holiday Park SA 12 Sevenhill Hotel SA JANUARY 2018 19-28 Tamworth CMF NSW FEBRUARY 201 17 Lake Charlegark SA

BEN RANSOM

NOVEMBER 10-12 Airlie Beach MF Qld 18 The Loaded Dog, Tarago NSW 25 The Royal Hotel, Woodstock NSW JANUARY 2018 23-27 Tamworth CMF NSW

BENNETT, BOWTELL & URQUHART

JANUARY 24 West Tamworth League Club NSW

BILLY BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 03-05 Ballina NSW 11 Gamekeepers Secret Inn, Rockbank Vic 12 Café Zoo, Drysdale Vic JANUARY 2018 20-25 Tamworth CMF NSW

BLAKE O’CONNOR JANUARY 2018 20-25 Tamworth CMF NSW

BOBBY HOWSON

DECEMBER 30 Green Valley Farm Fun Park, Tingha NSW JANUARY 2018 20-25 Tamworth CMF NSW

BRAD BUTCHER

JANUARY 2018 20 Capitol Theatre, Tamworth NSW 21 Tudor Hotel, Tamworth NSW 22 Toyota Park (Bicentennial Park), Tamworth NSW 23 Southgate Inn, Tamworth NSW 24 The Albert Hotel - Marquee, Tamworth NSW 25 Tamworth Services Club NSW 25 TRECC, Tamworth NSW 26 The DAG Sheep Station, Nundle NSW 27 Fanzone Stage, Tamworth NSW

BRETT CLARKE

JANUARY 23 Capitol Theatre, Tamworth NSW

BRIAN LETTON JANUARY 2018 20-24 Kootingal BC NSW 27 Kootingal BC NSW

CAITLYN SHADBOLT NOVEMBER 17 Black Bear Lodge, Fortitude Valley Qld 18 The Dag Pub, D’Aguilar Qld

S O N GW R I T E R S J O I N T SA MEMBERS BENEFITS

• Informative quarterly newsletters • Reduced fees for TSA National Songwriting Contest Re • Reduced fees for TSA Sponsored So Songwriting Workhops • $69 Annual Single Membership includes 12mths Country Music Capital News Co • $35 Annual Single Membership excludes Country Music Capital News Co • Options Op for Junior and Household memberships • Pe Performances opportunities 60

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

JOIN online or complete d e t a i l s b e l ow

and send to Tamworth Songwriters'Association Inc PO Box 618 Tamworth NSW 2340 Please send me a TSA Membership Application form Name: ..........................................................................

Address: ....................................................................... ....................................................................................... www.tsaonline.com.au years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

Please note all show venues & times are correct at time of printing.

Capital News recommends you check with the venue prior to attending.

JANUARY 2018 23â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24 Tamworth CMF NSW

CARTER & CARTER NOVEMBER 04 Gravity Discovery Centre & Observatory, Yeal WA 05 Connections Counselling Centre, Mundaring WA 11 Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Booragoon WA DECEMBER 10 Carter & Carterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kinglake Farm Vic

CHRIS MATTHEWS JANUARY 19 Longyard Hotel, Tamworth NSW 20 Southgate Inn, Tamworth NSW 21â&#x20AC;&#x201C;22 Longyard Hotel, Tamworth NSW 23 Toyota FanZone, Tamworth NSW 23 The Pub, Tamworth NSW 24 Longyard Hotel, Tamworth NSW 24 Tamworth Hotel NSW 25 Longyard Hotel, Tamworth NSW 26 Southgate Inn, Tamworth NSW 27 Longyard Hotel, Tamworth NSW

CHRISTIE LAMB

NOVEMBER 01 Prince of Wales Hotel, Merewether NSW 11 Narellan Town Centre NSW 12 The Catho Pub Catherine Hill Bay NSW 18 Kiama LC NSW

24 Young SC NSW 25 The Rock BNS NSW DECEMBER 01 Murrumbateman Country Inn NSW 02 Alpine Hotel, Cooma NSW 03 The Royal Hotel Bungendore NSW 16 Rooty Hill RSL NSW 31 Top Paddock Festival, Lake Hawea NZ JANUARY 2018 01 Gin and Raspberry Boutique Bar, Wanaka NZ 25 The Albert Hotel, Tamworth NSW

CRAIG GILES

NOVEMBER 03 Wagga Aussie Rules Club NSW 10 Wagga Aussie Rules Club NSW

DALE HOOPER

NOVEMBER 05 The Australian Hotel, McGrathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hill NSW 11 Johnny Cash CMF, Stanthorpe Qld 18 Dubbo RSL Club Resort NSW DECEMBER 01 Queanbeyan Tigers Club, Karabar (Queanbeyan) NSW FEBRUARY 2018 11 Bathurst RSL NSW

DANA HASSALL

NOVEMBER 03 The Basement, Canberra ACT DECEMBER 06 Smiths Alternative, Canberra ACT

MADCDS

GIGGUIDE JAMES BLUNDELL

DAVIDSON BROTHERS

JANUARY 2018 20 Toyota FanZone, Tamworth NSW 25 West Tamworth League Club NSW 26 Tamworth Shoppingworld NSW 26 Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre, NSW

JANUARY 25 The Pub, Tamworth NSW

DEAN PERRETT

NOVEMBER 03-05 Murgon Showgrounds Qld

DIANNE LINDSAY NOVEMBER 11 Cooma Ex-Services Club NSW 12 Queanbeyan Football Club ACT 18 Gidgee Coal Awards, Pittsworth Qld 26 Pittwater RSL Club NSW

JETT WILLIAMS (USA) & THE DRIFTING COWBOYS (AUS)

NOVEMBER 04 Rumours International, Toowoomba Qld 2pm 05 Caloundra Events Centre Qld 3pm

FINN MACCOOL

JANUARY 19-27 Honky Tonk Bar, Family Hotel, Tamworth NSW

GEORGIA FALL

NOVEMBER 25 Palmwoods Hotel Qld

GRETTA ZILLER

NOVEMBER 09 The Hideaway Bar, Enmore NSW

HILLBILLY GOATS

NOVEMBER 03 Mooloolaba Yacht Club Qld 04 Gympie RSL Qld 11 Airlie Beach Festival Qld DECEMBER 02 Lismore Workers Club NSW 03 Fishermans Wharf, Gold Coast Qld 08 Imperial Hotel, Eumundi Qld

KALESTI BUTLER

NOVEMBER 05 Geebung BC Qld 10&11 The Irish Village, Emerald Qld 17 Emerald Golf Club Qld 19 The Irish Village, Emerald Qld 24 Blackwater Country Club Qld

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C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

61

GIGGUIDE DECEMBER 01 Emerald Golf Club Qld 08-09 The Irish Village, Emerald Qld 15 Blackwater Country Club Qld 17 The Irish Village, Emerald Qld 22 The Irish Village, Emerald Qld 23 The Irish Village, Emerald Qld

KORA NAUGHTON

DECEMBER 02 Seaforth BC NSW

KIRSTY LEE AKERS

22 Merrylands BC NSW 30 Maroubra Seals Club NSW 31 Guildford BC NSW

NOVEMBER 05 Albion Park Hotel NSW

PAUL COSTA

DECEMBER 07 Euston Club Resort NSW 09 Bourke BC NSW

PAUL KELLY

LEE KERNAGHAN

KEL-ANNE BRANDT

Please note all show venues & times are correct at time of printing.

Capital News recommends you check with the venue prior to attending.

*Guest 2017 Toyota Star Maker Rachael Fahim ### Guests The Wolfe Brothers & Tania Kernaghan NOVEMBER 10 Civic Theatre, Newcastle NSW* 11 The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie NSW* 12 Cex, Coffs Harbour NSW* 15 Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat Vic ### 16 Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo Vic ### 17&18 The Palms at Crown, Melbourne Vic ***

HAVE YOUR GIGS SEEN IN

NOVEMBER 17 Lithgow Workers Club NSW 18 Hawkesbury Hotel NSW 19 East Cessnock BC NSW

LINDSAY BUTLER & SHAZA LEIGH WITH THE BUTLER SHOWBAND

NOVEMBER 03 Theodore Qld 04 St Mary’s Hall, Rockhampton Qld 05 Bororen Community Hall Qld 25 Oakey Community Centre Qld DECEMBER 15 West Tamworth LC NSW

LONNIE LEE

NOVEMBER 24 St Georges Basin, Sanctuary Point NSW

LYN BOWTELL

NOVEMBER 04 Upper Hunter Conservatorium Of Music, Muswellbrook NSW 09 Bayview Country Art Club, Bittern Vic 19 Heritage Hotel, Bulli NSW

MERILYN STEELE NOVEMBER 02 Riverwood SC NSW 07 Merrylands BC NSW DECEMBER 09 Mascot Memorial Park NSW

#W Steve Earle & Middle Kids *W Busby Marou **W Sahara Beck @WThe Eastern & Busby Marou NOVEMBER 04 Entertainment Centre, Darwin, NT* 07 Convention Centre Great Hall, Cairns, Qld* 08 Entertainment Centre, Townsville, Qld* 09 Great Western Hotel, Rockhampton, Qld* 11 Riverstage, Brisbane, Qld# 12 Regional Botanic Gardens, Coffs Harbour, NSW# 14 Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre, Tamworth, NSW# 15 Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, NSW# 17 Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Vic# 18 MONA Mainstage & Lawns, Hobart, Tas# 19 Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney, NSW# 22 Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide, SA# 25 Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, Perth, WA# 29 Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch, NZ@ 30 Wellington Opera House, Wellington, NZ@ DECEMBER 01 Civic Theatre, Auckland, NZ@

Want to busk at #TCMF2018?

Registrations open NOW at tcmf.com.au 62

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

Please note all show venues & times are correct at time of printing.

Capital News recommends you check with the venue prior to attending.

PETER CAMPBELL

GIGGUIDE TSA SONGWRITER SESSIONS

21 Toyota Star Maker Grand Final, Toyota Park, Tamworth NSW 26 Toyota Stars Under The Stars, Toyota Park, Tamworth NSW

NOVEMBER 09 Irish Club Hotel, Toowoomba Qld DECEMBER 10 Twin Towns SC, Tweed Heads NSW

NOVEMBER 29 Cattleman Steakhouse, Tamworth NSW

RISING SOUTH

PETER COAD & THE COAD SISTERS

TRAVIS COLLINS

DECEMBER 23 The Peppertree Bar & Cafe, Aldinga SA

*W/ Runaway Dixie NOVEMBER 10 Lockington Town Hall Vic 11 Kyabram RV Festival Vic 25 Littlehampton Peace Memorial Hall SA DECEMBER 2 Dubbo RSL Club NSW 10 Morwell Club Vic 31 Ilford Town Hall NSW

RODNEY VINCENT

NOVEMBER 04 Leeton CMF NSW 07 Dubbo RSL Club NSW 08 Batemans Bay Soldiers Club NSW 25 Darlington Sports Club NSW 30 Morwell Bc Vic DECEMBER 02 Balranald RSL Club NSW 04 Barooga Sports Club NSW 07 Mulwala Water Ski Club NSW 12 Wonthaggi Workers Club Vic 14 Commercial Club Albury NSW

TAYLOR PFEIFFER ‘THE BANJO GIRL’

RORY PHILLIPS

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

NOVEMBER 25 Royal Hotel Woodstock NSW

ROUND MOUNTAIN GIRLS NOVEMBER 04&05 Ballina CMF NSW 25 South Tweed Sports Club NSW DECEMBER 16 Cabarita Sports Club, Cabarita Beach NSW

RACHAEL FAHIM

*Guest of Lee Kernaghan NOVEMBER 10 Civic Theatre, Newcastle NSW* 11 The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie NSW* 12 Cex, Coffs Harbour NSW* JANUARY 2018 Tamworth CMF NSW Opening Concert, Toyota Park, Tamworth NSW

RUNAWAY DIXIE

NOVEMBER 10 Lockington Town Hall Vic 11 Kyabram RV Festival Vic 25 Littlehampton Peace Memorial Hall SA DECEMBER 10 Morwell Club Vic 31 Ilford Town Hall NSW

NOVEMBER 05 Rundle Mall Stage, Adelaide SA 10 Tanunda Town Hall SA 11 Kooralbyn Ramada Resort Qld

TEX PERKINS

NOVEMBER 03–04 Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne Vic

NOVEMBER 04 Cherry Street SC, Marquee Stage, Ballina NSW 04 Shaws Bay Hotel, Ballina NSW 05 Westower Tavern, Ballina NSW 10 Manilla RSL NSW 11 South Tamworth BC NSW

THE SHERRAHS

NOVEMBER 04 Eudunda Institute SA 12 Clovelly Park Memorial CC SA 19 The Marion Church of Christ, Mitchell Park SA

Our Backyard Tour with Amber Lawrence NOVEMBER 03 Young Services Club NSW 04 Ballina CMF NSW 05 The Oaks Hotel, Illawarra NSW 24 Windsor RSL NSW

TWO GALS NOVEMBER 17 West Tamworth LC NSW DECEMBER 23 West Tamworth LC NSW 31 Tamworth SC NSW

VIPER CREEK BAND NOVEMBER 04&05 Ballina CMF NSW 11 Bungendore B&S Ball NSW 17 Muswellbrook RSL NSW 18 Narrabri RSL NSW DECEMBER 16 Rooty Hill RSL NSW 23 Cardiff RSL (Wests) NSW 30 Dungog Muster NSW

THE VOICE OF COUNTRY MUSIC

Visiting Tamworth?

See Star Maker’s amazing journey at the Star Maker Café at Diggers, Kable Ave, Tamworth

1979

THE LEGEND CONTINUES

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017

2017

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

63

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C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

years of bringing you the music 1975–2017