Country Music Capital News - April 2019 Volume 44 No 4

(INC.GST)

APRIL 2019 VOL. 44 NO.4

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SARA STORER

SOURCING INSPIRATION HARMONY JAMES

JAKE OWEN

TWISTS & TURNS

HONKYTONK & A HELPING HAND

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

TOMMY EMMANUEL KEEPING AN OPEN MIND

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years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

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Lindsay Waddington New Album

NullarboR Out Now!

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www.krosskutrecords.com.au

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years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

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FROM THE EDITOR

THE CHANGING SEASONS NOW THAT AUTUMN IS UPON US, IT BRINGS WELCOME RELIEF TO THE UNCONTROLLABLE FIRES AND FLOODS WE’VE SEEN SAVAGE OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE COUNTRY.

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o many of our friends have been affected and all we can do is reach out and hope that they are ok.

There’s not a better person to write about the land when it’s at its worst or best and Susan Jarvis discussed this in detail with Sara Storer in our cover story. Sara’s new album Raindance is the hope that many of us are seeking.

Following his recent Golden Guitar win it’s a treat to have our favourite “citizen of the world” Tommy Emmanuel back in the country this month and we caught up with him prior.

Resilience comes in many forms, and in this issue, Bec Belt

chatted with a true female warrior, 20-year-old Keely Johnson. Keely is determined not to be defined by her health battles, but for her talent and charity work. She’s quite remarkable.

With the recent tragedy in New Zealand I think the emphasis on our relationship with our cousins will be greater than ever as we respect the fallen on ANZAC Day. We’re also thrilled to catch up with Harmony James, and US artists Jake Owen and Ms Loretta Lynn who celebrates her 87th birthday on April 1 with a huge concert in her honour.

You can read the first diary from 2019 Toyota Star Maker winner Blake O’Connor and in our One To Watch series meet Star Maker grand finalist Matt James.

There’s been many new festivals added to the annual calendar and this can only be great right?

The industry plans their year around the festivals and, as fans, you no doubt make a careful decision as to which ones you’ll attend.

Of course, for the fan, this means that a festival might pop up closer to your hometown and for the artists, there are more opportunities.

However, for each festival it may have a detrimental affect, with the possibility of declining visitation.

One thing’s for sure the interest in country music is growing and I for one couldn’t be happier with that in mind.

Cheryl Byrnes Cheryl@tamworthcountrymusic.com.au

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years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

A P R I L FEATURES SARA STORER TOMMY EMMANUEL JAKE OWEN HARMONY JAMES ANZAC SPIRIT KEELY JOHNSON LORETTA LYNN THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

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EDITOR Cheryl Byrnes P: 0407 106 966 E: cheryl@tamworthcountrymusic.com.au ADVERTISING Joanne Maiden P: 0429 784 860 E: joanne@tamworthcountrymusic.com.au

REGULARS

SUBSCRIPTIONS Linda Bridges P: 02 6767 5555

NEWS

CONTRIBUTORS Allan Caswell, Anna Rose, Bob Kirchner, Bec Belt, CMA, CMAA, Dan Biddle, David Dawson, Jon Wolfe, Haley Craig, Lorraine Pfitzner, Peter Coad, Susan Jarvis, Tom Inglis, and our great mates in publicity and record companies nationally and internationally.

NASHVILLE NEWS TSM UPDATE LIVE CM SCENE

PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrew Pearson, Glen Hannah, Greg Sylvia, Donna Lowe and to our many suppliers.

HEAR & THERE ONE TO WATCH – MATT JAMES

TRC TEAM Jess Fitzsimmons, Karlee Cole, Eleanor Turnbull and Kyla Hill.

FESTIVALS

ART AND DESIGN Sam Woods

SOUND ADVICE

UPCOMING DEADLINES: MAY 2019: April 1, 2019 JUNE 2019: May 1, 2019

COUNTRY CHARTS BUSH BALLADS

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

We ran a story in the last issue about the Grammys with the heading “Australian-Owned Company” referring to Shure. Shure is in fact an American company, their products sold in the Australian market through Jands Australia as a distributor. We apologise for any confusion this may have caused.

DOWN MEMORY LANE WRITING GREAT SONGS COMING EVENTS

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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 2019 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 1975–2019

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NEWS

UK GETS FIRST NATIONAL RADIO STATION

GREATEST ALBUM OF 2018 THE PRESTIGIOUS AND HIGHLY-COVETED AUSTRALIAN MUSIC PRIZE HAS BEEN WON BY GURRUMUL, FOR HIS 2018 RELEASE DJARIMIRRI (CHILD OF THE RAINBOW).

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he UK will launch its first ever national country music radio station Country Hits Radio on April 5 aimed at listeners aged 25-44.

Baylen Leonard and Ty Bentli will be among the weekday presenters, while Saturdays’ singer Una Healy has been signed up to host a weekend show.

It’s the latest development in the growing popularity of country music in the UK. The announcement of Bauer’s Country Hits Radio comes just 10 days after the launch of Smooth Country, an online-only station from the company’s major competitor in the commercial sector, Global Radio.

It also follows the Country 2 Country music festival which is routinely covered by BBC Radio 2 and is the biggest festival of its kind outside of the US. “When you look at the success of artists such as The Shires and Ward Thomas as well as huge events like Country 2 Country, it’s clear there’s a real audience for country music in the UK,” said Healy.

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ising above a shortlist of eight other amazing Australian albums on the 2018 shortlist, the album was chosen by the panel of 21 judges that included artists, journalists, retailers, programmers and others, to be the most important album release of the year.

Gurrumul’s posthumous fourth LP took out four ARIA Awards, among countless other accolades in 2018.

It stands as the final masterpiece from one of Australia’s most important artists.

The album was over four years in the making and completed just weeks before his passing in 2017.

It’s an astounding achievement of music, presenting traditional songs and harmonised chants from his traditional Yolngu life with dynamic and hypnotic orchestral arrangements in a blend of the highest forms of both his culture and our European orchestral culture.

The Australian Music Prize awards the year’s best album $30,000 courtesy of its principal partner PPCA and is respected along with global contemporaries including the UK’s Mercury Prize and Canada’s Polaris Prize.

VALE

SAFE ARRIVAL

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risty Cox and Travis List have welcomed a new baby into their family. The baby, a brother for sister Adelaide was named Ryman honouring the original Grand Ole Opry venue that made country music famous. He was born on March 6 and weighed 9 pound 10 ounces. Kristy and Travis live in Nashville where they have fulfilling careers in the music business.

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KATE COOK

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ountry artist Kate Cook was found dead on Monday, March 4, near her home town, Lowood, in Queensland.

Friends said she was not in a good head space when she wandered off into the mountains off Lowood Hills Road on Sunday evening.

Sadly Kate’s body was found just 500m into the bush early next morning and there are no suspicious circumstances around her death.

Kate was a semi-finalist in the 2009 series of Australian Idol. Her mother’s suicide had a major impact on her life and over the past decade she also opened up about the difficulties following Idol, finding it difficult to continue with her career without the assistance of the show’s managers, publicists and others.

There has been an outpouring of tributes from the country music industry following her passing. years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

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years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

NASHVILLE NEWS

KELSEA BALLERINI TO JOIN THE OPRY

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PILGRIMAGE MUSIC LINEUP KEITH URBAN WILL HEADLINE THE 5TH PILGRIMAGE MUSIC & CULTURAL FESTIVAL TOGETHER WITH THE FOO FIGHTERS AND THE KILLERS.

by Leon Bridges, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Head and the Heart, +LIVE+, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Justin Townes Earle and many more The festival continues to drive tourism dollars to Williamson County and the Pilgrimage Foundation, the festival’s non-profit arm, donating a portion of each ticket sale to benefit the City of Franklin and Friends of Franklin Parks. In addition, a portion of ticket sales will also benefit MusiCares and other community charity partners BrightStone, GraceWorks Ministries, High Hopes Development Centre and Mercy Community Healthcare. For more information view the website PilgrimageFestival.com

SECOND INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR KACEY

K

acey Musgraves received the 2019 CMA International Artist Achievement Award on February 27 when she was surprised backstage prior to her performance at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.

Since her first visit to the UK in 2012, Kacey has developed an international touring base, headlining C2C: Country to Country festival in 2018 and becoming the first country artist to perform at Fuji Rocks Festival in Japan before launching her own international headline tour in Oslo last fall, which included a performance at London’s Wembley Arena. This marks the second time Musgraves has received the CMA International Artist Achievement Award, previously winning in 2016. years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

month.

The 25-year-old was invited during a performance with Little Big Town who cleverly disguised and changed the final lyrics to Girl Crush singing “Kelsea Ballerini, do you wanna join the Opry?”

Kelsea told the audience that she visited the Opry as a 13-year-old to watch her favourite country stars perform, dreaming one day of doing it herself. After the curtain dropped, Kelsea shared hugs, tears and photos with her mother and her husband, fellow country singer Australian Morgan Evans.

The two-time GRAMMY nominee is the only female artist in country music history, including female duos and groups, to claim #1 with her first three consecutive singles; PLATINUMcertified, #1 hits Love Me Like You Mean It, Dibs, and Peter Pan from a debut album GOLD-certified breakout The First Time.

PHOTO: CATHERINE POWELL

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he initial line-up was revealed for the festival to be held on September 21 to 22 at The Park at Harlinsdale in historic downtown Franklin, Tennessee.

The schedule includes two days of music, art and culture set against the natural amphitheatre’s picturesque backdrop with performances across six stages

elsea Ballerini will become the youngest current Opry member when she is formally inducted this

Kacey Musgraves with left to right Leslie Cohea, Sandbox Entertainment; Jason Owen, Sandbox Entertainment; Milly Olykan, CMA Vice President, International Relations and Development; Kacey; Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer; Samantha Borenstein, Sandbox Entertainment.

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BY SUE JARVIS

IT’S NOT HARD TO IMAGINE SARA STORER IN A DRY CREEK BED DOING A JOYFUL, ENTHUSIASTIC RAIN DANCE AND HOPING IT WILL CAUSE THE SKY TO DARKEN AND BUCKET DOWN RAIN.

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he may be a mother of four boys, but Sara’s never lost her youthful ability to see the world differently, to reimagine it in magical and delightful ways.

And her new single Raindance, the title track from her stunning new album from the same name, produced by Matt Fell, does just that.

“Times can get really tough – and for many people they’ve been like that for a long time now.

I really wanted to spark a little bit of hope with my music,” Sara said.

Raindance was inspired by a Facebook post showing a family doing a raindance in a dusty riverbed.

“I thought it was a fantastic thing to do – to see people having a laugh and making their kids happy. I thought it could be a way to lift the spirits of a whole community.

“So I decided to write a raindance for our farmers – it’s got an organic rhythm, kind of like a heartbeat. It might not bring rain, but you never know! And it captures that sense of pulling together to help one another.”

The drought is also very much at the heart of another song on Raindance, Ploughin’ It In, which was written with her talented brother Greg Storer. What should be a hard, sad song has somehow turned into a celebration of life.

“The boys decided to just

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plough in the crops last year and go fishing. Sometimes life’s just more important, and you have to accept the way things are and make the most of it,” Sara said.

“It’s a kind of resilience, I guess. Being worried all the time isn’t worth it in the end, because eventually things will change.”

Perhaps that attitude is why Sara loved Colin Hay’s song Next Year People so much when she first heard it. It’s a song about hope.

“I started performing it occasionally and then I had the idea of asking Colin to do a duet with me on the song for the album,” Sara said.

“I was so happy when he agreed, and then really thrilled when I heard the final result.”

“BECAUSE I TEACH SONGWRITING, I’VE WRITTEN HUNDREDS OF SONGS WITH OTHER PEOPLE, AND MY CONFIDENCE IN BEING ABLE TO EXPRESS MYSELF THROUGH SONGWRITING HAS GROWN ENORMOUSLY.” Resilience is in the DNA of rural Australians, and most recently has emerged in the form of the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners, who do amazing things to get hay to rural Australians suffering from drought, and sometimes even floods.

Sara wrote Hayrunner about this amazing group of people.

“Brendon Farrell, who started it all, posted on Facebook that one of the farmers he’d been delivering hay to had tragically taken his own life,” she said.

“It made me realise that this incredible organisation is about more than just delivering hay. Sometimes those selfless people who do this voluntary work are a real lifeline – they might be the only person a farmer can talk to in a week or more.”

Finding the time to craft songs as a busy mum of four active boys can be hard, but for Sara, her little clan and the rest of her close-knit family provide an endless source of inspiration.

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SOURCING INSPIRATION

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That’s very obvious in the heartfelt My Little Men, which succinctly captures the personalities of all four of Sara’s sons – the eldest, Harry, Tom – who Sara describes as being just like her, Billy and little Joe. “I’ve been wanting to write this song for a while, but it was quite difficult to sum each of them up in one verse. In the end, I just let it come naturally. It was actually a lot of fun,” Sara said.

“All four of them drive me insane at times, but without them I’d be completely lost. They give me so much joy and understanding.

Sara’s also drawn a musical picture of husband Dave’s relationship with their sons in Ever y Boy Needs A Bike.

“I saw it with my own father and brothers, and it’s there again with Dave.

Dads have a very different relationship with their boys than mums, and I’m incredibly proud of this song, because it’s done exactly what I wanted it to,” she said.

Amongst all these boys, her neighbour’s

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tiny daughter Natalie has inspired a song of the same name. It’s a sweet, poignant tribute to a little girl who had a tough start in life but is now thriving – a flash of pink in a sea of blue.

This is a mature, subtle and very personal album, and no more so than in the song that sets the tone for the entire recording, the beautiful Someday.

“It’s a song about Dave and me – about chasing our dreams, believing in what we’re trying to achieve even when things get tough. You have to take risks, and keep working towards the future together,” Sara said.

A very touching moment is provided by The Captain, a song about a close friend of Dave’s who passed away in a boating

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accident. It is Sara’s tribute to him, and she says it was very emotional and difficult to record.

But it’s the extraordinary How Sweet The Voice – a duet (and cowrite) between Sara and Greg – that really takes this album to new heights.

“I became part of a support organisation for victims of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, and I wanted this song to convey their message,” Sara said.

Basically it’s saying, ‘Don’t hide away, don’t feel ashamed – you have nothing to be afraid of. You have a right to justice.”

With three of her sons now at school, Sara’s ready to hit the road for an extensive tour of Australia to promote Raindance and sing its songs for her many fans.

She kicked off the tour in Tamworth in January, and in March and April will do shows in New South Wales and Victoria before heading to Queensland in May followed by the NSW South Coast.

“I’m really excited because I’ll be touring with Shanley Del and James Gillard, and I just love who they are and what they do,” she said.

“I also feel really good about this album, because it captures exactly who I am right at this moment, and I can’t wait to share that with people through my songs.”

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

RAINDANCE S.Storer & G.Storer 2018 – ABC Music Publishing It’s talk of the town It’s a bird on a wire There’s no rain about We’re doing this And we’re doing that Helping our farmers out But what about a good old ritual That’s been round since time knows when So grab your old felt hat A feather and a map And find your dancing ground CHORUS You could have that special move Oh you could be the one That puts the dust back in its place That covers up the sun Oh you could have that move inside So loosen up ya pants Don’t hold back

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

Let’s Raindance It’s talk of the town There’s no letting up So find your dancing ground It could be on the back of the Ute Or in the Main St in your home town Or it could be on top of Storer’s Hill With a couple under ya belt Or an old green swag Or a dry dam bed Just you or with someone else You could have that special move Oh you could be the one That puts the dust back in its place That covers up the sun Oh you could have that move inside So loosen up ya pants Don’t hold back Let’s Raindance

Let’s dance at the moon Let’s dance at the stars From Boulia to Broken Hill Shake and go from way down Tip the moon upside down as well Pull the clouds from the east and west Oh pull them from the north and south Hear the froggies croak As they dance and soak Let’s fill those rain tanks up You could have that special move Oh you could be the one That puts the dust back in its place That covers up the sun Oh you could have that move inside So loosen up ya pants Don’t hold back Let’s Raindance No don’t hold back Let’s Rain Dance No don’t hold back

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BY JON WOLFE

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ommy said “I was so thrilled when I found out. A lot of people from the audience on the night texted me and sent photos.

I was so excited – it means so much to me.

“There’s a lot more competition out there now.

There’s a lot more bluegrass, there’s a lot more bands, a lot more fiddle players, mandolin players, guitar players. It’s great and the music is just growing and growing.

“You know, I can remember being a young fella and being part of the very first Tamworth Country Music Festival in the town hall with my brothers Phil and Chris, and others, and we backed Doc Riley, Geoff Brown and so many other artists, and it was a whole different scene back then.

“I’m just so proud how it’s grown and how Australia has caught up with the rest of the world as far as country music goes.”

Tommy’s 2018 Accomplice One album, a 16-track collaborative album featuring guest artists such as Jason Isbell, Mark Knopfler, Rodney Crowell, Jerry Douglas and Amanda Shires has been one of his most successful releases.

“It’s still in the charts in America,” he said. “It’s been there for a whole year, it’s unbelievable.”

A track from the album featuring Rodney Crowell – Looking Forward To The Past – received plenty of airplay on Tamworth radio.

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AUSTRALIA’S INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED GUITARIST TOMMY EMMANUEL IS BACK IN THE COUNTRY THIS MONTH AND HE’S ARMED WITH HIS THIRD GOLDEN GUITAR FOR INSTRUMENTAL OF THE YEAR FOR WHEELIN’ AND DEALIN’.

“I’M JUST SO PROUD HOW IT’S GROWN AND HOW AUSTRAIA HAS CAUGHT UP WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD AS FAR AS COUNTRY MUSIC GOES.”

“Rodney’s such a great guy,’ Tommy said. “We met at a function that was a tribute to the great songwriter John D. Loudermilk and Rodney saw me play and rang me the next day and asked would I come and play on his 2017 Close Ties album and I played on the East Houston Blues track.

“We just hit it off like crazy and when I asked him about singing on Accomplice One he said ‘I’ve got a few songs I haven’t recorded yet, let me send them to you’ and I chose Looking Forward To The Past and we ended up doing that out at his studio and it came up nicely.”

The title Accomplice One promises the possibility of Accomplice Two. “Exactly!” said Tommy. “I already have some stuff for it in the can.

I’m just waiting to hear back from people like James Taylor and Stevie Wonder, but this year I’m concentrating on my next solo album of all original songs which I’ll record over June to August this year.”

Tommy’s latest release, Heart Songs, a duet album with fellow Certified Guitar Player John Knowles, was the focus of an American tour early this year.

Tommy’s Australian tour will take in most capital cities and a few regional shows, something that he tries to do whenever his busy schedules allow the time.

“I always like to do regional dates in Australia, because that’s where I come from,” Tommy said. “This year I’m playing Cairns, Mackay, Mandurah and the Byron Bay Bluesfest. You can’t do it every year, you can plan it every few years.”

The world-renowned musician and Dobro player Jerry Douglas will be accompanying Tommy on this tour.

“I’m so looking forward to Jerry coming out to Australia with me,” Tommy said. “He’s never been before, so this is going to be something really special.

“I met Jerry years ago at a function in Nashville and we got the chance to play together on a TV project and we just really hit it off.

“When I was making Accomplice, I rang him and he came over to the studio and we recorded two of my songs

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and we had a little time left and I asked him ‘Do you want to have a go at Purple Haze?’ and he just laughed and said ‘Sure!’

“So this Dobro player from Ohio who was brought up on bluegrass music has a go at a Jimi Hendrix song and he just nailed it.”

Tommy has also been known to stretch out and try something different.

“You’ve got to keep your mind open and be willing to have a go at anything,” He said.

“That’s how I was brought up and I’ve worked hard all my life, so in order to have work you’ve got to be diverse and be willing to have a go at all kinds of music.”

Country music radio has featured Tommy on the latest single from young singer Pheobe Jay, Free Air. “She contacted me about playing on the track,” Tommy said, “and I said I’d have a listen and if I thought I could add something nice to it, I’d do it for her. I did something, sent it back to her producer and he liked what I did. I never got a chance to meet Pheobe, but I certainly like her voice and I like what she’s doing and it’s been a good project to be involved with.”

Tommy and his brother Phil were elevated to the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown in 2011 and it is something that Tommy still holds as an important part of his and Phil’s careers.

“It meant a lot to me and Phil because in the early days we were really the only guys playing on everyone’s records,” Tommy said.

“Phil and I tried to do our best for every artist who came along and I think we were part of a good team of players who made a lot of good records in the early days. It was a great time and I think Australia was starting to grow as a music nation and Phil and I were really on the forefront of all that in those early days.

“Being on the Roll Of Renown meant a lot to Phil.”

It’s been less than a year since Phil passed away and Tommy and the family still miss him.

“I keep expecting him to call me,” Tommy said.

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KEEPING AN OPEN

MIND years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

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HONKYTONKS, MUSIC

& A HELPING HAND

BY HALEY SHERIDAN

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reetings from ….

Jake was released in March and coincides with the artist being welcomed into label, Big Loud.

In an industry where streaming is a big factor of success, Jake’s career is surging with more than 3.4 billion global career streams to date and counting.

His versatility has been pegged as a big contributor to his soaring fame and his unique style and delivery has earned him a string of number one hits and chart toppers including Barefoot Blue Jean Night, The One That Got Away and his latest chart climber, Down To The Honkytonk.

A fan favourite is his John Mellencamp inspired single, I Was Jack (You Were Diane) which was written by Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird and Shane McAnally.

It became the Florida-native’s fastest-rising career single to date, so it was only natural that Jake wanted to keep the momentum in his career going.

Jake’s latest release follows on from his American Love album that debuted at number

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IT’S HIS FIRST MAJOR RECORD RELEASE SINCE SIGNING WITH HIS NEW LABEL AND AMERICAN SINGERSONGWRITER JAKE OWEN IS DETERMINED TO MAKE IT ONE TO REMEMBER. “COUNTRY

one on Billboard’s country charts and number four on the all-genre chart.

MUSIC So he teamed up on the new album with his producer Joey TRULY Moi and the two got to work in the studio making the magic happen again.

SEEMS TO While country fans are loving Jake’s signature sound; word BE THE of his talent was recently cast nation-wide in the US when HEALING he performed Down To The Honkytonk on Jimmy Kimmel FACTOR IN Live to big audience reviews.

But it appears the smash hit song is also one of Jake’s A LOT OF favourites, telling Taste of Country magazine it was PEOPLE’S inspired by America’s love of the genre itself, especially in LIVES.” Nashville.

“I love going down to the Honkytonks in Nashville and around the country,” he told the publication.

“It’s all about a place to have beers with friends, a place to listen to good country music and catch up on great stories.

“The video was so much fun to make and why not have fun, right?”

And while everyone is talking about Jake’s next hits, it’s not all about chart toppers or breaking records for the country artist, now in his mid-30s.

In addition to dominating the music charts, Jake is using

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his fame to extend a helping hand to others who aren’t as fortunate.

In 2010 he set up the Jake Owen Foundation to offer financial support for children battling illnesses including cancer through St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee while also providing assistance to other youth organisations and charities in Florida.

His love for Florida is obvious in this new release, Jake also gives a subtle nod to his home state with the tropical-themed and eyecatching album artwork inspired by old-time post cards from his roots.

It’s a welcome invitation for fans to join him on this next chapter musically and in all areas of his life - music, film, golf, and at home.

And if fans can’t get enough of him, there’s always the television, in 2018 he also sat on a panel with Shania Twain and Travis Tritt to find the next emerging country music star on the television show, Real Country.

At the time of his announcement on the cast Jake said he wanted to help others experience his joy in the industry.

“Country music truly seems to be the healing factor in a lot of people’s lives,” he said.

“I will always be grateful for music, whether I’m performing or listening, and I want to encourage up-and-coming artists to tell their stories, find their audiences and make their mark in country music with the same guidance that artists have given to me throughout my journey.”

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

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BY SUSAN JARVIS

H

er fans went into a frenzy: after five years, and a decision to step away from the music industry, Harmony was back.

But this wasn’t some longterm strategic plan: it took Harmony pretty much by surprise as well.

“I saw – and in fact still see – myself as someone who used to be a singer,” said the Brisbanebased artist.

“My life’s moved on. I’ve finished a degree in psychological science, and I’m spending this year earning as much money as I can so I can do Honours full time next year and make a career out of psychology.

“But fate sometimes steps in when you really don’t expect it, and one day a Brisbane radio station called me up at the last minute to step in to do a live song for someone who’d cancelled out, and I said I’d do it.

“The interviewer grilled me on air about why I’d left and when I was coming back, which I guess started me thinking. Then I was contacted by several listeners who really wanted me to understand what my music meant to them.

“I just didn’t know that!

Because I’d been with a record label, I was a bit detached from my fans, and it bowled me over to realise that my songs could resonate so strongly with people.”

After firmly deciding she was done with music – and particularly the music industry – Harmony found a kernel of an

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THE BUZZ BEGAN IN MID-DECEMBER LAST YEAR, WHEN HARMONY JAMES BEGAN DROPPING CRYPTIC CLUES ON FACEBOOK THAT SHE MIGHT JUST BE ABOUT TO RELEASE A NEW ALBUM.

“IN A WAY, THIS SONG IS ALSO A TRIBUTE TO MY FANS. I’VE GOT A VERY BESPOKE TYPE OF AUDIENCE – I’VE BEEN REALLY FORTUNATE, AND NO ONE HAS EVER REACTED BADLY OR IN A NASTY WAY TO MY MUSIC. IT HAS BEEN REALLY HEARTWARMING.”

idea was starting to germinate inside her.

“It just ate at me. I thought, ‘Well, I do have the songs … do I really want to do this?’ she said.

“I got in touch with Glen Hannah, who I’d always thought would be great to record my music, and by then it was too late. He listened to the songs and said yes immediately. I committed money I don’t have to making a new, completely unexpected album.”

From nowhere, Harmony’s new album, Resignation, was born.

“I describe it as a stealth album. It just kind of crept up on me. But when I listened to what Glen had done with the songs, I was delighted. He captured what I was trying to say perfectly,” Harmony said.

The reaction to Resignation has been phenomenal. It is widely regarded by everyone who’s heard it as a masterpiece, with its collection of nuanced songs that combine the bleaker side of life with pervasive sense of hope and redemption.

The inspiration for the album’s title came from the extraordinary Anna O, based on a poem written by Bertha Pappenheim, an Austrian-Jewish feminist who advocated for women’s welfare, and who appears in the work of Sigmund Freud.

“I stumbled across this poem about 10 years ago. It was so raw, honest and tortured, and I knew these words needed a voice,” Harmony said.

Like many of the songs on the album, Anna O is bleak yet at the same time inspiring and with glimmers of pure hope. This message is conveyed just as powerfully in the heartfelt Grief.

“Many of the songs on this album are really personal, capturing what has happened to me over the past few years. This one hits pretty close to home for anyone who’s suffered a loss,” Harmony said.

Yet somehow the raw, unadulterated grief of the song is given a kind of lightness by the way Glen Hannah has produced it. It should be really traumatic, yet there’s a transcendence of sadness – like a ray of sunshine after a storm.

The first single, Change, seems an apt beginning to this album, which has emerged so suddenly and unexpectedly.

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“I guess it’s about looking outwards, about comparing something that’s failed with other parts of life and reflecting on it,” Harmony said.

In contrast, the delicate love song Can I Be That to You? is sweet and very honest.

“I think it’s the first love song I’ve written, and I’ve been able to write it because I do have love in my life at the moment. It makes me feel vulnerable, but I wanted to put it out there,” Harmony said.

“Strangely, I’m a very private person, but if you listen to my songs – particularly on this album – you know it all!”

Every track on this album is remarkable, so it’s hard to choose favourites, but there’s no doubt that The Life She Left is proving particularly popular.

“Just listen to someone playing the wise friend, but at the same time thinking, ‘What IS she doing?

– I’d kill to have the life she’s leaving’,” Harmony said.

The other song really connecting with fans is Little Kindnesses. It’s a philosophy that Harmony believes in passionately.

“I often look back over my life and remember times when kindnesses were so timely, and I’m so grateful to people who may never have known what their actions meant to me at the time,” she said.

“In a way, this song is also a tribute to my fans. I’ve got a very bespoke type of audience – I’ve been really fortunate, and no one has ever reacted badly or in a nasty way to my music. It has been really heart-warming.”

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

TURNS

The most “country” song on the album is the moving I Can Wait, and one of the most memorable is Concrete Shoes, about an inability to move on – no matter how much you might want to do so.”

The fabulous 8 Ball Aitken joined Harmony to write The Bed That You Made, a bluesy, swampy gem that adds a whole new dimension to the album.

“I’ve always had a fantasy of being a dirty rock chick – this was my chance,” Harmony said.

And this extraordinary, multilayered, complex album is set off exquisitely by the final track, the cryptic, metaphorical Bird In The Hand. Essentially, the message of the song is simple: sometimes anything’s possible, but you need to stop and look at what you actually have, and value that rather than endlessly chasing the next dream.

Perhaps this album has given Harmony a chance to do that: to stop and look at her very unique and precious musical talent without the trappings of record labels, industry hype and the need for promotion and touring.

“Since I checked out of the business a few years ago, I’ve swung between calling it a hiatus and retirement. But I really had abandoned the dream, and I don’t want to get back on the bandwagon.

“It’s an honour to know there are people out there who have come along with me for this ride, and who love my art. I just hope this album is worth something to them.”

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Destiny Band Oz

Lizzie Steadman and Brendan Nelson

ANZAC SONGWRITING

BY REBECCA BELT

THE SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND SOLDIERS CONTINUES TO INSPIRE SONGWRITERS, AND THIS YEAR’S ANZAC DAY BRINGS NEW FOLK AND COUNTRY RELEASES TO COMMEMORATE WITH.

F

rom the trenches of Gallipoli, campaigns of World War II and jungles of Vietnam to the peacekeeping missions and the dust of Uruzgan, Afghanistan, Fred Smith, Lizzie Steadman, Benny Allen, Lloyd

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Clarke and Destiny Band Oz are paying tribute to those who’ve served Australia and our allies in military conflicts for more than a century.

You won’t find anyone who knows more about what the Australian and allied troops experience in modern day peacekeeping and military duties than Australian diplomat Fred Smith, who also knows how to craft a song

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that will stop you in your tracks.

His new album, Warries, will be released on Anzac Day with the first radio single being his take on Henry Lawson’s poem, Scots Of The Riverina, which was first made into a song by Hugh McDonald and later recorded by John Schumann and Lee Kernaghan, on their respective albums.

“Scots is a remarkable piece of writing - a bitter struggle between father and son, a difficult marriage, the impact of a faraway war on a small town, the thin consolations of the Presbyterian Church, culminating in some meagre redemption, all in two minutes of verse,” Fred said.

The rest of the album takes listeners from Bougainville to Derapet and to war and peacekeeping zones in between, all from Fred’s pen as he writes from his personal experience serving alongside Australian troops.

Piano player and guitarist Benny Allen is releasing his track, We Will Remember, to radio on April 15. The song was written after a conversation with his son and daughter about why they had the day off school.

“I wrote We Will Remember on Anzac Day 2017

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

Lloyd Clarke

Fred Smith in Afghanistan with Baluchi tribal leader

Benny Allen

SPIRIT ALIVE AND WELL when my children were more interested in why they had the day off school than commemoration, but the song evolved from that conversation,” Benny said.

“We were having a conversation about Anzac Day being about remembrance and paying tribute to those sacrifices by other people to protect our country and the freedoms and liberty we get to enjoy here.”

Although not yet released as a single, Benny has already caught the ears of songwriting aficionados, with We Will Remember making the final five in the Anzac Song of the Year section in this year’s Tamworth Songwriters Association Awards.

We Will Remember was pipped at the post by Brothers In Arms from the pen of fellow CMAA Academy of Country Music graduate, Lizzie Steadman. As well as being a song of remembrance, Brothers In Arms

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

questions the futility of war.

“The song came from my old grandfather, Tony Burton, who was in World War II and I was thinking about him and all the others who have served, because my little brother was in the army for five years as well, and my mum and dad were both in the RAAF,” she said.

“Everyone has known someone who has gone to war and those words ‘running with guns from the enemy, all in the name of peace’ is me wondering what is the point of war.”

Destiny Band Oz will release their version of the classic tune, Danny Boy, this month. The song,

by English songwriter Frederic

Weatherly and set to the Irish tune Londonderry Air, tells the story of a parent farewelling their child as they leave for war. The husband and wife duo, Thomas and Tessa Libreri, are using their cover version of the song to pay their own tribute to the Anzacs and those who have served since, and all those loved ones who have and continue to farewell those who serve.

Although not released as yet, songwriter Lloyd Clarke has garnered his Anzac Day inspiration from World War I icons, Anzac biscuits. Written in January, Anzacs (Sweet biscuits from Home), follows a young Australian soldier called Jack and his time at Gallipoli and the thoughts of home that the sweet scent of the Anzac biscuits evoked.

The song follows Jack from leaving home with his brothers through to his latter years and his wife baking those same biscuits as he relived his wartime memories.

On Anzac Day, country artists will be paying their musical tributes across the nation. You can catch Fred Smith performing tracks off his new album live at the Australian War Memorial’s National Service at 11am.

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BY REBECCA BELT

KEELY JOHNSON IS A FIGHTER, SO IT’S ONLY FITTING THAT HER DEBUT ALBUM IS TITLED FIERCE.

F

ierce was launched at the North Queensland Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks home game last month. It comprises 10 tracks, most self-penned by the 20-year-old Queenslander.

The Burdekin singer-songwriter has battled plenty in the past decade, following a rare cancer diagnosis at 10 years old. The disease stunted her growth and she’s undergone countless surgeries and treatments since, even undergoing two brain surgeries last year and completing radiation treatment only a week before she recorded.

“I was tossing up what to call the album and went through all the songs and Fierce was really the one that was the title of the album,” she said.

“That was my story and that was me. As well as the cancer battles, I’m off a cane farm, and cane farmers like my dad are pretty fierce so it was appropriate.”

Much of the album was born a long way from her family’s cane farm, though.

“I was 18 and my parents sent me over to Nashville,” Keely said.

“I was so fortunate that they sent me over there and when I walked into the airport, I had tears in my eyes. I treasured every second there and one day I’ll go over and record album number two.

“That trip to Nashville was just before I got sick the last time, so it really was a momentous occasion.”

Fierce, therefore, is an apt title for her debut full-length offering, and written with Amanda Torp-Pedersen a barmaid in Nashville and produced by Chris Pelcer.

“We were sitting there talking and I was telling her about my story how I never wanted to relate the cancer card with my music career because I never wanted to be seen as using

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STRONG, BRAVE &

FIERCE the cancer to get anywhere,” Keely said.

“We decided to turn it around and we started writing the song on a piano and it just started pouring out.

“My mum had sent me a quote that day that read, ‘I’m stronger than I seem and braver than I believe’, and it made it into the song.

“I was thinking of farmers in drought, at the time my pop was in hospital, and, of course, the cancer thing too, but I wanted it to resonate with anyone who was going through a hard battle.”

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With Lee Kernaghan as her mentor, Keely pays tribute to him with her previously released single, The Man In The Hat. The song appears on Fierce re-recorded as an album version.

“I am very lucky to have Lee as my mentor,” Keely said.

“He has been a huge part of the album.”

Officially, though, the first single off the album is Kiss Dirt, which she co-wrote in Nashville after a conversation about rodeo riders and the things they love to do most, and one of those is Kiss Dirt after they complete their eight-second ride.

Although Keely went to Nashville to write much of the album, the final versions of the songs were all recorded in Spencer Lee’s studio in Byron Bay. Keely is now on the road promoting the album with fellow singer, The Bush Kid, Amanda Faulkner, touring through Queensland spreading not only the word about

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

her music, but also working to raise spirits in drought and flood-affected areas.

One of the most special gigs of the tour is The Blue Heeler Hotel in Kynuna with Member for Gregory Lachlan Millar supporting Keely’s free show for the farmers by donating a pallet of beer.

“One of the songs on the album, Cowboys And Angels, was written with mum (Cathy) about the Blue Heeler Hotel,” Keely said.

“The poster for the show was on the bar and the Member for Gregory was impressed that it was free entertainment for the farmers and Drought Angels and aiding (Keely’s charity) Golden Octopus, so he’s sending out a pallet of beer, so there’s free beer for everyone and has personally invited every farmer of every grazing property in the area - about 300 properties - to that night.

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

“It’s going to be the biggest show at the smallest venue.”

Some of those farmers have lost 100% of their stock in the recent floods, so Keely said the shows were all about putting smiles on people’s faces.

The tour will cover 16 towns in three weeks with $2 from every sale of the album going to the Golden Octopus Foundation which assists families touched by childhood cancer. Keely has raised $950,000 for various childhood cancer charities including $300,000 since she began the Golden Octopus

Foundation in 2015. Amanda will be donating $2 from each of her albums sold on tour to Drought Angels.

Keely said she now wanted to celebrate the achievement of her long term album goal with her supporters.

“It took two years of saving up and I ran a Go Fund Me campaign,” she said.

“Now we’re finally there.

“I’d just love listeners to feel the emotions I put into each of the songs.”

Keely is now on the road travelling from Ingham to Airlie Beach and playing in towns including Mt Isa, Injune, Oakey, and Emerald along the way. Full tour details are on her website.

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HONOURING

A MUSIC ICON ON THE HEELS OF ONE OF THE MOST DEEPLY PERSONAL ALBUMS OF HER CAREER, WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT, THE 2019 GRAMMY NOMINEE CELEBRATES THIS YEAR’S BIRTHDAY BEING HONOURED BY HER FRIENDS.

A

lan Jackson, Brandy Clark, Darius Rucker, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Jack White, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Margo Price, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Pistol Annies and Trisha Yearwood are among the guests announced for “Loretta Lynn: An All-Star Birthday Celebration Concert” to be produced by AEG Presents and held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

Acclaimed music producer Dave Cobb will serve as musical director for the evening of celebration and song and net proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Opry Trust Fund and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum®.

“I am so excited to celebrate my 87th birthday with all my friends,” said Loretta. “This is the first time I’ve ever had a birthday party! My birthday wish has come true. The only other wish I have is that Keith Urban jumps out of my birthday cake!”

Garth Brooks was on hand at the press conference to surprise Loretta with a birthday cake to kick-off the celebration. In describing Loretta’s immense contribution to American music, Brooks said, “She’s the queen of

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THIS IS THE

country music, there’s not a level she hasn’t crushed, no matter how big this party is, it ain’t gonna be FIRST TIME big enough! This is going to be an I’VE EVER HAD honour and a blast!”

Sally Williams, SVP programming A BIRTHDAY & artist relations Opry Entertainment and general manager, Grand Ole PARTY! MY Opry added, “Loretta’s been warming BIRTHDAY WISH hearts and putting smiles on faces since she joined the Opry in 1962.

HAS COME There’s no one who deserves a big throwdown more than her.

TRUE. THE ONLY birthday And by generously including the Opry Trust Fund in the festivities, it OTHER WISH I will be the country music community HAVE IS THAT that will receive the gifts this year as she helps us fulfill the mission of KEITH URBAN helping those in our community who are in need.”

JUMPS OUT OF “Country Music Hall of Fame member Loretta Lynn is a beloved MY BIRTHDAY and important figure in American CAKE!” music,” said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Loretta’s gift helps assure the success of our ongoing education mission, as we relate her story and the stories of other vital music-makers to generations of listeners and learners. In our museum, Loretta will always be a precious presence, as the memories and artistry of a coal miner’s daughter continue to inspire.”

AEG Presents’ Ali Harnell serves as executive producer of the event noted the significance of the timing, “Producing this event is an absolute pride-filled highlight of my career. I have always looked to Loretta as an inspiration on so many fronts. She is a boundarypushing, trailblazing, surviving, undeniable superstar and I can’t wait to celebrate her and all her many achievements on April 1 at Bridgestone Arena.”

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Loretta Lynn has long been established as the undisputed Queen of Country Music, with more than 50 years of recording and touring to her name. A selftaught guitarist and songwriter, Loretta was one of the most distinctive performers in Nashville in the 1960s and 1970s. She shook up Nashville by writing her own songs, many of which tackled boundary-pushing topics drawn from her own life experiences as a wife and mother. Coal Miner ’s Daughter, Fist City and Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind) are just three of her 16 country #1 singles.

Loretta is also one of the most awarded musicians of all time. She has been inducted into more music Halls of Fame than any female recording artist, including The Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and was the first woman to be named the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year in 1972.

Loretta received Kennedy Centre Honours in 2003 and a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. In 2015, she was named recipient of Billboard’s inaugural Women in Music “Legend” Award. She has won four GRAMMY Awards (including a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010) and sold more than 45 million records.

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

PHOTO: DAVID MCCLISTER

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

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*GUEST OF ADAM ECKERSLEY & BROOKE MCCLYMONT HIGHWAY SKY TOUR FRIDAY 5 APRIL NARRANDERA NSW BOWLING & RECREATION CLUB SATURDAY 6 APRIL ORANGE NSW CITY BOWLING CLUB FRIDAY 12 APRIL WINDSOR NSW & DISTRICT RSL CLUB SATURDAY 13 APRIL RAYMOND TERRACE NSW BOWLING CLUB FRIDAY 26 APRIL MERIMBULA ACT CLUB SAPPHIRE FRIDAY 3 MAY SCONE NSW BELMORE HOTEL PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

ORGANISED BY

HAIR DESIGN & MAKE UP

STARMAKER.COM.AU 28

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|

BLAKEOCONNORMUSIC.COM.AU years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

TOYOTA STAR MAKER | BLAKE O’CONNOR

With the team from Ditto

SO, THIS IS PRETTY COOL! SINCE COMING HOME FROM THE TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL IN JANUARY I’VE HAD TIME TO LET THINGS SINK IN.

L

ooking back at what has happened since that first weekend of the festival being crowned the 2019 Toyota Star Maker, still blows me away.

I had never played at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC) before, so playing there twice in one day, part of the 40 years of Star Maker concert among all of the previous winners, and then opening the show for The McClymonts, was one pretty amazing moment!

As the winner, I was given a beautiful Maton and also invited to play on the Maton Guitar Showcase, which was surreal as I’m a huge fan of their guitars, and to be recognised as a Maton guitar player by Maton was awesome!

I walked the red carpet for the first time which was humbling, surreal and a very nerveracking experience (I was absolutely packing it because I had no idea what I was doing haha).

Presenting a Golden Guitar to The Wolfe Brothers for Toyota album of the year, together with Wayne Gabriel, senior national marketing manager of Toyota Australia, and last year’s

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

Star Maker winner Brad Cox, is one day I’ll never forget!

Since winning Star Maker, I’ve done countless media, news and radio interviews and even though it’s been hectic it’s been good fun!

I’ve been working on some new music for the most part of February, and recording my debut album, planned for a release mid-2019.

I’ve been lucky enough to have Adam Eckersley producing the record. I’ve been working a lot with Adam and his wife Brooke McClymont over the last few years touring, writing and recording a couple of tracks together, but to finally have him produce my whole project, I’m stoked!

We’ve decided to record the album a little differently than most by taking over his entire house for a couple of weeks.

We loaded in a bunch of music

gear and practically turned his house into a studio.

There were drums in a big open space in the dining room, bedrooms doubling as isolation booths for amplifiers and Leslie’s, and the kitchen kept empty in the middle of it all so we could whip up a quick chicken, lettuce and mayo wrap.

The songs on this album are a collection I’ve written since releasing my debut EP back in June last year.

I’ve just kicked off my first tour of the year as the opener for Adam Eckersley’s and Brooke McClymont’s Highway Sky Tour, where we play shows throughout NSW. This will be my third tour with Adam and Brooke, and it’s always a blast on the road with them – they’re absolute legends.

After the tour, I’ll be heading overseas for the first time to the United Kingdom to perform at the Buckle and Boots Festival in Manchester. I’m so excited to be the first Star Maker winner to play at the festival and experience the country music scene in the UK. A massive thank you to Toyota for the awesome Rav 4, I’ve barely left the car since I picked it up, it is one futuristic automobile. I love it.

Can’t wait to keep rockin’ and rollin’ throughout the rest of 2019!

Cheers Blake

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years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

LIVE MUSIC SCENE

LIFT OUT

Please note all show venues & times are correct at time of printing. Capital News recommends you check with the venue prior to attending.

BLAKE O’CONNOR

*Guest of Adam Eckersley & Brooke McClymont APRIL 5 Narrandera Bowling & Recreation Club NSW 6 Orange City BC NSW 12 Windsor & District RSL Club NSW 13 Raymond Terrace BC NSW 26 Club Sapphire, Merimbula ACT MAY 3 Belmore Hotel, Scone NSW

AUGUST 11 Central Coast CMF NSW 15 Mandurah PAC WA 16 Crown Theatre Perth WA 17 Bunbury Regional EC WA 22 Brolga Theatre, Maryborough Qld 23 Moncreiff EC, Bundaberg Qld 24 The Great Western Hotel, Rockhampton Qld 29 Cairns PAC Qld 30 Townsville EC Qld 31 Mackay EC Qld

CRAIG GILES

ADAM BRAND JUNE 1 Mullewa Recreation Grounds WA

ADAM HARVEY

APRIL 7 Geebung Bowls Club Qld 20&21 Monogorilby Hall Qld

BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN 1770 APRIL 28 Waru Community Gardens, Yeppoon Qld

*with guest 2019 Toyota Star Maker Blake O’Connor APRIL 5 Narrandera Bowling & Recreation Club NSW* 6 Orange City BC NSW* 12 Windsor & District RSL Club NSW* 13 Raymond Terrace BC NSW* 20 Roma’s Easter In The Country Qld 26 Club Sapphire, Merimbula ACT* MAY 3 Belmore Hotel, Scone NSW* 8 Maclean Showground NSW*

DALE HOOPER

MAY 4 Norths Leagues & SC, Kallangur Qld 5 Tewantin Noosa RSL Qld 10 Gateway Hotel, Corio Vic 11 York on Lilydale, Mount Evelyn Vic 17 Twin Towns Club and Resorts, Tweed Heads NSW 18 Wandilla Station, Eulo Qld JUNE 29 Carnarvon Civic Centre WA

ALICE BENFER

ADAM ECKERSLEY & BROOKE MCCLYMONT

APRIL 7 Yass Seniors Hall NSW 13 Orange City BC NSW JUNE 7 Bathurst RSL Club NSW 8 Macquarie Inn, Dubbo NSW

DANI YOUNG

BRETT ELDREDGE

APRIL 26 Way Out West Festival, Winton Qld 28 Brisbane Convention & Exhibtion Centre Qld 29 Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW 30 Tamworth Regional Ent Centre NSW MAY 2 The Forum, Melbourne Vic

CHRISTIE LAMB

APRIL 13 Colonial Hotel Werrington NSW 26 Way Out West Festival Winton Qld MAY 11 Big Country Festival Berry NSW 20 Norfolk Island Festival 30 Saraton Theatre Grafton NSW 31 Cex Club, Coffs Harbour NSW JUNE 1 Club Forster NSW 2 Glasshouse Theatre, Port Macquarie NSW 13 Horsham Town Hall Vic 14 Swan Hill Town Hall Vic 15 Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton Vic 20 Yoogali Club, Griffith NSW 21 Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre NSW 22 Albury EC NSW

APRIL 27 Warragamba Town Hall NSW MAY 17 Mantra Studio Kitchen and Bar, Yarraville Vic 19 The Fat Goat, Upwey Vic

DANIEL CHAMPAGNE

APRIL 2 Paragon Theatre, Queenstown Tas 3 Republic Bar & Cafe, Hobart Tas 4 Royal Oak, Launceston Tas 5 Mountain Mumma, Sheffield Tas 6 Red Velvet Lounge, Cygnet Tas 7 Marakoopa Cafe, Mayberry Tas 11 Arts Centre, Port Clinton SA 12 The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide SA 13 The Barn, Neales Flat SA 14 Cooee Arthouse, Aldinga SA 26 Workers Club, Geelong Vic 27 Palais, Hepburn Springs Vic 28 The Loft, Warrnambool Vic MAY 1 Red Room, Ararat Vic 2 Gods Kitchen, Mornington Vic 3 Fyrefly, St Kilda, Melbourne Vic 4 Town Hall, Yackandandah Vic 5 Phoenix Theatre, Cobden Vic 9 Sooki Lounge, Belgrave, Vic 10 Town Hall, Deans Marsh Vic 11 Baby Black, Bacchus Marsh Vic 12 Gasometer, Collingwood, Melbourne Vic 15 Jindy Sessions, Jindabyne NSW 16 Smokey Horse, Braidwood NSW 17 Smiths, Canberra ACT 18 Rhythm Hut, Gosford NSW 19 Live n Lounging, Camden NSW

39th REDLANDS MODERN COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2019 All weekend 3-5 May 2019

Amateur talent quest, sections from juvenile to golden oldies. For entry form and more information see www.redlandscountry.asn.au

ON SITE CAMPING A www.redlandscountry.asn.au FO INFO CONTACT DAWN 07 3206 4305 O 0438 050 249 O dawnfhealey@bigpond.com years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

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LIVE MUSIC SCENE 22 23 24 25 26 29 30 31

Smokey Dan’s, Tomakin NSW Lush Factory, Tilba NSW Dish and Spoon, Nowra NSW Mumbulla Hall, Bega NSW Nethercote Hall, Eden NSW Agrestic Grocer, Orange NSW The Mersh ~ Dubbo, NSW Conservatorium Chapel, Tamworth NSW

HILLBILLY GOATS

APRIL 7 Star Hotel, Yackandandah Vic 13 Dubbo RSL NSW 18 Macleay Island BC Qld 21 Kilkivan Bush Camp Qld MAY 3 Wintermoon Festival, Calen Qld 7 The Leap Hotel, Mackay, Qld 10 Palm Cove Surf Club Qld 11 Yungaburra Pub Qld 18 Wandilla Station, Eulo Qld 24 Toowoomba City GC Qld 25 Imperial Hotel, Eumundi Qld 31 Gympie RSL Qld JUNE 2 The Bearded Dragon, Tamborine Qld

17 Perth Concert Hall WA* 18 Hamer Hall, Arts Centre, Melbourne Vic* 21 Opera House Concert Hall, Sydney NSW*

JOHN WILLIAMSON

DARREN COGGAN

APRIL 5 Cessnock PAC NSW 6 Manning EC, Taree NSW MAY 10 Lizottes, Newcastle NSW 11 The Arthouse, Wyong NSW 17 Centro CBD, Wollongong NSW 18 Shoalhaven EC, Nowra NSW 31 Glen Street Theatre, Belrose NSW JUNE 6 Empire Church Theatre, Toowoomba Qld 7 The Events Centre, Caloundra Qld 8 Redland PAC, Cleveland Qld

DESTINY BAND OZ

APRIL 6 Flanagan’s Irish Bar, Royal Exchange Hotel, Traralgon Vic 13 Mirboo North Primary School Grounds Vic

DIANNE LINDSAY

APRIL 7 62 Rowe Rd, Terara NSW 13 Condobolin RSL NSW MAY 11 Capella Equestrian Centre Qld 24 Barham Services Club NSW

FELICITY URQUHART

APRIL 27 Brass Monkey, Cronulla NSW 28 Lizotte’s, Newcastle NSW MAY 3 The Chook Shed, Main Pavilion, Clare Showground SA 4 The Boatshed, Wallaroo SA 5 Corny Point Hall SA 19 Caravan Music Club, East Bentleigh Vic 25 The Music Lounge, Wollongong NSW 31 Hardys Bay Community Club NSW JUNE 1 The Masters Builders Club, Dee Why NSW 20 Corowa RSL NSW JULY 13 The Pub, Tamworth, NSW 19 Milton Theatre, Milton, NSW 32

JAMES BLUNDELL

APRIL 6 Callaghan Park Semi Trailer Stage, Temora NSW MAY 23 Norwood Hotel SA 24 Murray Bridge Community Club SA 25 Fleurieu Function Centre, Goolwa South SA JUNE 7 Hervey Bay RSL & Services Memorial Club Qld 8 Grand Hotel, Gayndah Qld 21 Toowoomba Showgrounds, Glenvale Qld JULY 13 Seagulls Club, Tweed Heads NSW 28 Laura CMF SA AUGUST 2 Mittagong RSL NSW 16 Dubbo RSL Club NSW 17 Condobolin RSL Club NSW 23 Amstel GC, Cranbourne Vic SEPTEMBER 14 Nanango RSL Qld 18 Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre NSW

MAY 9 Mildura Arts Centre Vic 10 Swan Hill Town Hall Vic 11 Eastbank Concert Hall, Shepparton Vic 30 Cessnock Leagues Club NSW 31 Wests Nelson Bay Diggers NSW JUNE 1 Belmont 16s NSW 8&9 John Williamson LIVE in the Hinterland Qld JULY 5 Shoalhaven EC, Nowra NSW 6 Sutherland EC NSW 7 Wenty LC, Wentworthville NSW SEPTEMBER 5 The Events Centre, Caloundra Qld 6 Brolga Theatre & Convention Centre, Maryborough Qld 7 Moncrieff Ent Centre, Bundaberg Qld NOVEMBER 21 Bairnsdale RSL Club Vic 22 West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul Vic 23 Frankston Arts Centre Vic

29 Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW 30 Tamworth Regional EC NSW MAY 2 The Forum, Melbourne Vic

KEELY JOHNSON

APRIL 1 Forest Beach Hotel, Ingham Qld 2 Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns Qld 3 The Atherton Hotel, Atherton, Qld 5 Normanton Football Grounds Qld 7 The Buffs Club, Mount Isa Qld 8 The Blue Heeler Pub, Kynuna Qld 9 The Wellshot Hotel, Ilfracombe Qld 10 Morven Town Hall Qld 12 InJune Town Hall Qld 14 Oakey Cultrual Centre Qld 15 Melbourne Hotel, Bundaberg Qld 17 Emerald Star Hotel Qld 18 Great Western Hotel, Rockhampton Qld 21 Airlie Beach Hotel Qld

JOHNNY GREENWOOD

APRIL 13&14 Gunnedah Showground NSW MAY 24-26 Barham & District SMClub NSW

KEL-ANNE BRANDT

APRIL 6 Showground, Corryong Vic

APRIL 4 Everglades Country Club, Woy Woy NSW MAY 16 Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi NSW JUNE 5 Bankstown SC NSW JULY 4 Camp Breakaway, San Remo NSW

JEMMA BEECH

KYLIE ADAMS-COLLIER

JASMINE RAE

APRIL 19 Karijini National Park WA

JERRY DOUGLAS

*W Tommy Emmanuel APRIL 12 Cairns PAC Qld* 13 Townsville Civic Theatre Qld* 14 Mackay EC Qld* 16 Mandurah PAC Qld *

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S A P R I L 2 0 1 9

JON PARDI

APRIL 26 Way Out West Festival, Winton Qld 28 Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Qld

MAY 19 Grafton Districts SC NSW 26 Masonic Hall, Morrisett NSW JULY 6 St George Showgrounds NSW

LACHLAN BRYAN & THE WILDES

With Ben Leece & Left Of The Dial Friends & Acquaintances Tour 2019 years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

LIFT OUT

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

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

APRIL 20 Tamworth Hotel NSW 21 Gunnedah Hotel NSW MAY 17 Junk Bar, Brisbane Qld 18 Junk Bar Golden Hour, Brisbane Qld*3pm 23 Sly Fox, Sydney NSW 24 Stag & Hunter, Newcastle NSW 25 Paddock Sessions, Wollombi NSW 26 Flow Bar, Old Bar NSW 30 Pistol Pete’s Food n Blues, Geelong Vic 31 Caravan Music Club, Melbourne Vic JUNE 1 Rezza House Concert, Melbourne Vic 2 Billyroy’s Grassroots Music Club, Allsaints Bendigo Vic

JULY 28 Groundwater CMF, Broadbeach Qld AUGUST 15 Mandurah PAC WA 16 Crown Theatre Perth WA 17 Bunbury Regional EC WA 22 Brolga Theatre Maryborough Qld 23 Moncrieff EC, Bundaberg Qld 24 The Great Western Hotel, Rockhampton Qld 29 Cairns PAC Qld 30 Townsville EC Qld 31 Mackay EC Qld SEPTEMBER 5 Kingaroy Town Hall Qld 6 Empire Theatre, Toowoomba Qld 7 Kedron-Wavell SC, Brisbane Qld 13 Rooty Hill RSL Club NSW

LEE KERNAGHAN

*Backroad Nation Tour* MAY 11 Berry Showgrounds NSW 30 Saraton Theatre, Grafton NSW 31 Cex Club, Coffs Harbour NSW JUNE 1 Club Forster NSW 2 The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie NSW 13 Horsham Town Hall Vic 14 Swan Hill Town Hall Vic 15 Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton Vic 20 Yoogali Club Griffith NSW 21 Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre NSW 22 Albury EC NSW

LINDSAY BUTLER & SHAZA LEIGH WITH THE BUTLER SHOWBAND APRIL 6 Tenterfield Golf Club NSW 7 Pittsworth Function Centre Qld 21 Dimboola Uniting Church Vic 22 Horsham Uniting Church Vic 24 Casterton Golf Club Vic 26 Warrnambool City Memorial BC Vic 28 Cobden Golf Club Vic

SPECIAL OFFER

MURPHY’S PIGS MAY 3 Glen Innes SC NSW 4&5 Standing Stones, Centennial Parklands, Glen Innes NSW

NEILLYRICH APRIL 5 Mollymook Golf Club NSW 13 Lake George Hotel, Bungendore NSW 25 Welcome Inn Hotel, Thirlmere

MAREN MORRIS

NSW

*Girl: The World Tour* AUGUST 19 Brisbane City Hall Qld 21 Forum Theatre, Melbourne Vic 22 Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW 23 UC Refectory, Canberra ACT

28 Bull and Bush Hotel, Baulkham

MERILYN STEELE

14 Toowoomba City GC Qld

Hills NSW

PETER CAMPBELL APRIL

APRIL 12 Liverpool RSL, Oatley NSW 13 Club Engadine RSL NSW 20 Paddington RSL NSW MAY 3 Club Ashfield NSW 5 Marrickville Organic Food Markets NSW 9 Double Bay Organic Food Markets NSW 11 Leichhardt Organic Food Markets, Orange Grove Public School, Leichhardt NSW

MAY

MICHAELA JENKE

APRIL

APRIL 27 Sporties Tavern, Port Pirie SA 28 The Gilbert Valley Hotel, Saddleworth SA MAY 11&12 Broken Hill Demo Club NSW 19 Birdwood Farm Day SA JULY 6 The Barn @ Wombat Flat, Neales Flat SA 7 Quorn Oval SA 8 North Blinman Hotel SA 10&11 William Creek Hotel SA

3 Gatton View Hotel Qld 11 Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads NSW JUNE 14 Gatton View Hotel Qld 21 Toowoomba Showgrounds Qld 30 Toowoomba City GC Qld

SAMI 12 Nelson Bay BC NSW MAY 3 Albion Hotel, Singleton NSW 10 Summerland Sporties, Summerland Point NSW 10 Settlers Tavern West Gosford NSW 17 Horse & Jockey Hotel, Singleton NSW 18 Shortland Hotel NSW 24 Summerland Sporties, Summerland Point NSW

MADCDS

Subscribe for 2 years and save $22 and receive the brand new CD from TSM winner BRAD COX Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, live music scene, new talent, coming events, bush balladeers, writing great songs, down memory lane.

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE www.capitalnews.com.au OR PHONE: 02 6767 5555 or E: info@capitalnews.com.au years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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LIVE MUSIC SCENE THE WESTERN DISTRIBUTORS

APRIL 7 The Gasoline Pony, Marrickville, Sydney NSW JUNE 16 Marrickville BC NSW 21 Ashfield RSL Club NSW

SARA STORER

With Special Guests Shanley Del & James Gillard and Greg Storer APRIL 10 The Publican Hotel, Mornington Vic 11 Alexandra Shire Hall Vic 12 Gateway Hotel, Geelong Vic 13 Commercial Club, Albury NSW 14 Commercial Club, Wagga Wagga NSW MAY 2 Laurieton United Services Club, NSW 3 Macksville Ex-Services Club, NSW 4 Casino RSM Club, NSW 10 Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane Qld 11 Caloundra RSL Club, Qld 16 Southern Cross Club, Canberra ACT 17 Milton Theatre NSW 18 Club Sapphire, Merimbula NSW

TAYLOR PFEIFFER

APRIL 7 Adelaide CMC, Dudley Park SA APRIL 5 Wanera Wine Bar & Restaurant, Angaston SA 19-22 National Folk Festival, Canberra ACT MAY 4 Arkaba Hotel, Fullarton SA

TOMMY EMMANUEL

THE WOLFE BROTHERS

APRIL 5 Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns Qld 6 Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville Qld 7 Mt Pleasant Tavern, Mackay Qld 12 The Saloon, Launceston Tas 13 Huntington Tavern, Kempton Tas 14 Longley International Hotel, Tas SOLD OUT MAY *Backroad Nation Tour* 11 Berry Showgrounds NSW 30 Saraton Theatre, Grafton NSW 31 Cex Club, Coffs Harbour NSW JUNE 1 Club Forster NSW 2 The Glasshouse Port Macquarie NSW 13 Horsham Town Hall VIC 14 Swan Hill Town Hall VIC 15 Riverlinks Eastbank Shepparton VIC 20 Yoogali Club Griffith NSW 21 Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre NSW 22 Albury EC NSW JULY 28 Groundwater CMF Broadbeach Qld AUGUST 3 Merry Curry Muster, Cloncurry Qld 15 Mandurah PAC WA 16 Crown Theatre Perth WA 17 Bunbury Regional EC WA 22 Brolga Theatre Maryborough Qld 23 Moncrieff EC, Bundaberg Qld 24 The Great Western Hotel, Rockhampton Qld 29 Cairns PAC Qld 30 Townsville EC Qld 31 Mackay EC Qld

*W Jerry Douglas APRIL 12 Cairns PAC Qld* 13 Townsville Civic Theatre Qld* 14 Mackay EC Qld* 16 Mandurah PAC Qld * 17 Perth Concert Hall WA* 18 Hamer Hall, Arts Centre, Melbourne Vic* 20 Byron Bay Bluesfest NSW 21 Opera House Concert Hall, Sydney NSW*

TRACY COSTER APRIL 5 Cooma BC NSW 6 Cathcart War Memorial Hall NSW 7 Wolumla Memorial Hall NSW 12 Nimmitabel Country BC NSW 14 Adaminaby BC NSW

TROY CASSAR-DALEY APRIL 4 Club Mudgee NSW 5 Bathurst RSL Club NSW 6 Dubbo RSL Club NSW 24 Southern Cross Club, Canberra NSW 26 Club Mulwala NSW 27 Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga NSW 28 Yackandandah Public Hall Vic MAY 9 Bairnsdale RSL Club Vic 10 Wonthaggi Workmens Club Vic 12 The Palms at Crown, Melbourne Vic JUNE 13 Lizotte’s Newcastle NSW 14 Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul NSW 15 Rooty Hill RSL NSW 16 Milton Theatre NSW 20 Mandurah PAC WA 21 Friend’s Restaurant, East Perth WA 22 Civic Centre Gardens, Port Hedland WA JULY 18 The Event Centre, Caloundra, Qld 19 Town Hall, Kingaroy, Qld 21 Civic Centre, Ipswich, Qld

WATLING & BATES

TRAVIS COLLINS APRIL 5 Corryong Recreation Reserve NSW MAY 11 Berry Showground NSW

APRIL 6 Fairymount Festival, Kyogle NSW 13 Grevillia Hall, Kyogle NSW 28 Lismore Workers NSW MAY 19 Dalby CMC Qld JUNE 11 New Farm Bowls Club, Brisbane Qld JULY 27 Camp Davey, Lismore NSW

Visiting Tamworth?

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

1979 34

THE LEGEND CONTINUES

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S A P R I L 2 0 1 9

2019 years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

SUBSCRIBE TODAY Save and receive a FREE gift SUBSCRIBE FOR TWO YEARS PAY $110 SAVE $22

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SUBSCRIBE ONLINE www.capitalnews.com.au OR PHONE: 02 6767 5555 or E: info@capitalnews.com.au years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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HEAR+THERE A PROPOSAL & NEW DIRECTION GOLDEN GUITAR AND THREE-TIME COUNTRY MUSIC CHANNEL (CMC) AWARD NOMINEE, JASON OWEN PROPOSED TO HIS LONG-TIME GIRLFRIEND, BECY HARVEY ON NATIONAL TELEVISION.

J

ason was a special guest performer on Network Ten’s ‘Studio Ten’ breakfast show on February 21 when he took the opportunity to pop the question.

Following the performance of his latest single The Power Of Love, Jason called Becy out from the studio audience and dropped to one knee to pop the question in front of a stunned audience and elated parents.

Jason recently announced a shift in musical direction and released his version of the Celine Dion classic ballad.

“I’ve always felt as an artist it’s good to

recreate yourself as it makes you stronger and shows your fans and people who enjoy your music that you can be diverse and not boxed into one particular genre.

This particular song is something new and fresh for me and was definitely a challenge.

“I’m definitely stepping out from my comfort zone, after a year of challenges I want people to see who I am. I have struggled with acceptance and felt I have never fitted into the

country music scene.”

In addition to the radio edit, Jason has partnered with Grammy-nominated, platinum selling UK based production and song writing team, Love to Infinity who have created an up-tempo club remix.

Jason performed the Australian national anthem in both English and Eora on top of the Harbour Bridge to mark the start of Australia Day as part of the WugulOra Ceremony.

Jason will perform on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12 at The Vanguard, Newtown (thevanguard.com.au and moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX [438 849]) for a lunchtime performance and at Lizotte’s, Newcastle for an evening performance (lizottes.com.au/live/ and 02 4956 2066).

DANIEL CHAMPAGNE RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA THIS MONTH FOR A MAMMOTH 60-PLUS DATE TOUR.

T New Zealand country star Kaylee Bell performed at the C2C Festival in London on March 9 alongside US, UK and Canadian country artists. Kaylee (pictured) is standing at a replica of the Grand Ole Opry for her meet & greet with Nashville-based, Aussie-expats, producer Lindsay Rimes (The McClymonts) and songwriter Phil Barton. The three co-wrote Kaylee’s current single Keith including lyrics from songs recorded by the famous NZ-born, Australian-grown, made in the USA world-superstar Keith Urban. Keith went to #1 on the official NZ music charts all genres and also #1 on iTunes country chart. Kaylee is currently spending time in the US writing new music.

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he Australian-born artist played some 300 dates in 2018 and 2019 is proving well on the way to repeating those numbers with an incredible year of global touring which may well be one of the longest continuous run of tour performances by an artist in this part of the world.

Touring for this extremely talented and versatile guitarist and singer has no doubt positively impacted his ever-growing fan base. His live shows are captivating with emotional and powerful guitar playing coupled with some superb songs and charming between-song banter.

To see Daniel in concert is to be mesmerised by the complexity of his performance – something he makes seem all too simple – and the whole presence and immediacy of what he does. If you think this is just a guy sitting on a chair playing a few chords that you can’t play, then think again. Daniel’s tour dates are listed in the Live Music Scene pages. years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

H+T DOUBLE DOSE OF SWEET & RAGGEDY EXPECT A DOUBLE DOSE OF SWEET AND RAGGEDY ALTCOUNTRY TUNES WHEN LACHLAN BRYAN & THE WILDES TEAM UP WITH RISING UP-AND-COMER BEN LEECE (& LEFT OF THE DIAL) ON THEIR FRIENDS & ACQUAINTANCES TOUR.

T

hey’ve a string of awards, countless Aus/ International shows and four critically acclaimed albums under their belts, including 2018’s pearler Some Girls (Quite) Like Country Music.

Following an East Coast tour with acclaimed American

singer-songwriter Hannah Aldridge and a USA tour last month in support of Nashville icon Amelia White, the band will unveil new single Take It Out On Me to coincide with the tour before heading to Europe for more shows.

Newcastle-based Americana singer-

songwriter Ben Leece released his highly praised debut album, No Wonder The World is Exhausted (produced by Shane Nicholson) in 2018. His rich voice and emotive songwriting has received rave reviews and airplay and picked up the best alt country single award at the global 2018 Independent Music Awards for Trace (feat. Tori Forsyth). His new single is Nothing (Not Anymore).

Tour dates are listed in the Live Music Scene pages.

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37

HEAR+THERE DENIM, LACE & OTHER GOOD THINGS

A

ustralian pop singer-songwriter Marty Rhone has been making hits since 1966 and will soon release his first country album.

Marty’s career has seen him perform with some of the most famous artists in history including the Rolling Stones, the Bee Gees, John Denver, and Peter Allen.

His single Denim & Lace was a hit in 1975 and was followed up with the 1977 hit Mean Pair Of Jeans.

In 2017, his first country crossover Graceland On The Line hit #1 in the US on the Indie Country chart.

It was released to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the passing of Elvis Presley that attracted producer/engineer David J Holman at Cactus Studios in Los Angeles ( Gwen Stefani, No Doubt, Xanadu, Bush, Olivia Newton-John).

He’s now teamed up with Australia’s most successful, prolific country songwriter Garth Porter for his second single We Had A Good Thing Goin’.

From the moment the banjo intro starts, and the drums kick in, to the catchy chorus, it will challenge you to keep your feet from tappin’ to the rhythm.

It’s a “feel good” song that makes you feel great to be alive.

The video clip has been picked up by Heartland and Americana & Roots’ Ditty TV in the US, as well as a Los Angeles TV station.

The upcoming album contains songs written by both Australian and US country writers and is set for release later this year.

38

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S A P R I L 2 0 1 9

THESE WORDS COULD SAVE SOMEONE SINGER-SONGWRITER DARREN COLSTON TOOK TIME OUT FROM THE MUSIC INDUSTRY DURING THE PAST DECADE, BUT DURING THAT TIME HE’S BEEN GATHERING MATERIAL.

T

his troubadour has written and recorded several charting singles including the top 5 hit duet with Victoria Baillie, Will You Stay and the Golden Guitar nominated song The Boundary Rider.

He’s an exceptional vocalist and fine guitarist whose songs “reflect love and life in Australia”. After navigating some hurdles, Darren has found his voice again and is back with a new song, I Saw You Smile Today.

A few months ago, the small community Darren works in, experienced a tragedy, with the loss of a much-loved friend.

The recovery has proved slow with some still doing it tough.

“One particular kid gave a brief smile after I said something to them, several months after the initial tragedy, but the smile was all too brief. That smile inspired me to write this,” said Darren.

Whilst this event inspired the song, it is for anybody who is recovering from, or supporting

Darren Colston

others through, tragedy, trauma and health issues.

A portion of the sale of the single will be donated to Headspace, an Australian nonprofit organisation for youth mental health, established by the Australian government in 2006.

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

H+T DUKES OF HAZZARD TURNS 40 ON APRIL 13, THE MUSCLEKINGZ CAR SHOW & CONCERT SERIES WILL SEE THE REUNITING OF LUKE DUKE, DAISY DUKE, ‘CRAZY’ COOTER DAVENPORT, COY DUKE, COUSIN JEB DUKE, DEPUTY ENOS STRATE, AND DEPUTY CLETUS HOGG.

Doug and Brad DeBerti with the General Lee

T

he event combines a concert together with hundreds of custom high performance classic and modern American muscle cars, lifted and lowered trucks in a family-friendly festival with games and activities throughout the day.

Previous shows have been headlined by Dan+Shay, Rodney Atkins, 38 Special, Night Ranger, and more.

The Bakersfield event will

celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Dukes of Hazzard featuring Hazzard County’s famous stars as well as one of the legendary 1969 Dodge Chargers - “General Lee� - owned by Chrome Cars and used in the original filming of the Dukes of Hazzard TV series.

The concert will be hosted by Brad DeBerti (NASCAR’s State Rookie of the Year), who was born and raised in Bakersfield, and co-hosted by his father Doug DeBerti who together entertain fans on their Discovery Channel TV show ‘Twin Turbos’.

For more information on the car show and concert to be held at Kern County Raceway go to musclekingz.com and deberti.com

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years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

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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 A P R I L 2 0 1 9

SP

39

COBB & CO GRAMMY® WINNING, COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND GRAND OLE OPRY MEMBERS THE OAK RIDGE BOYS ARE SHOWING NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN AS THEY MOVE INTO THE SPRING AND SUMMER CONCERT TOURING SEASONS.

P

erforming songs from their latest album, 17th Avenue Revival, along with their classics Elvira, Thank God For Kids, American Made and countless others, The Oak Ridge Boys continue to take their show to the road for their loyal fan-base, and capturing new ones along the way.

While on tour, The Oak Ridge Boys have just announced two follow up projects to 17th Avenue Revival that will again be produced by one of Nashville’s hottest producers, Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, John Prine, Jason Isbell). The first album, which will be released at the end of this year, will be The Oak Ridge Boys first Christmas album in four years.

It will be followed next year by a

40

concept album with a “front porch” feel.

It’s 10 years since the release of The Boys Are Back, when the group first collaborated with Cobb in 2009.

“I remember, as if it were yesterday, when we first signed with a major record label and our career exploded decades ago. The Oak Ridge Boys became a household name. Now, after signing with Thirty Tigers and Lightning Rod Records—with Dave Cobb as our producer—we are experiencing that surge again,” said Oaks lead singer Duane Allen.

“Dave Cobb has the unique ability to record in a raw, honest, almost retro way that sounds fresh. Part of our last album 17th Avenue Revival with Dave was recorded around one microphone with Dave playing acoustic guitar about six feet away. He told us that he wanted us to sing “together,” and listen to, and watch, each other. The result was pure magic, and we wound up recording the entire album with that same attitude.

“Now, we are thrilled to announce that we will be recording two new projects with Dave’s production, Logan Rogers’ label direction, and David Macias’ mass marketing. The first is a new Christmas album, which will be released in time for our Christmas tour. A few

C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S A P R I L 2 0 1 9

months later, we will release a classics and standards album with the attitude of singing together on the front porch.”

“Partnering with the Oak Ridge Boys and Dave Cobb for last year’s 17th Avenue Revival has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my career - both critically and commercially,” said Logan Rogers of Lightning Rod Records.

“The Oaks and their team are total pros, and it’s obvious why they have been successful for so long. I’m excited to see what kind of studio magic the Oaks and Cobb create this time around.”

The group—Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban—are best known for their iconic and multi-platinum hit Elvira along with other chart-toppers like Bobbie Sue, Thank God For Kids, Y’All Come Back Saloon and American Made.

The Oak Ridge Boys have achieved a decorated career, winning five GRAMMY® Awards and multiple CMA, ACM and Dove Awards for their crossover brand of pop, country and gospel music that spans multiple generations. The Oak Ridge Boys became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 2011 and achieved arguably country music’s highest honour in October 2015 when they were inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame.

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

O N E T O WAT C H

T

he son of South Australian songstress Sandra Humphreys, the talented 25-year-old grew up thinking that everyone’s family made a living from singing, songwriting and playing guitar. But it also taught him the realities of life in the music business.

“I’m not sure whether growing up in a musical family has made it seem easier or harder. It certainly always felt very normal to be travelling around playing music, but I also know the struggles involved and all the work it takes behind the scenes,” Matt said.

Yet Matt had no doubts that he wanted to establish a musical career – and as he matured, he gravitated back to the music he’d grown up with: country.

Now based in his home town of Mt Gambier in South Australia, after a stint in Adelaide while he completed his university studies, Matt combines teaching music with songwriting and performing around his local area and at festivals.

And there’s quite a buzz around this charismatic and talented newcomer.

Matt was selected as a grand finalist in the 2019 Toyota Star Maker competition, and was a firm audience favourite with his catchy, melodic, meaningful songs.

He says when he writes a song, it has to be based on something real, or it simply won’t connect with the audience.

“People relate to a song because you relate to it – it has to be authentic. So I draw on my own experiences and what I see around me when I write,” he said.

“Being a newcomer, there’s nothing more special than having someone come up to you after a show and tell you that one of your songs really resonated with them and what they’re going through.”

For that reason, Matt’s determined to stay firmly in touch with his roots and his fan base as his career develops.

“I think it’s who you are as a person that matters – an artist isn’t a product, and it’s really important to be relatable, to go out and talk to your fans, hear their stories, find out what your music means to them.”

Since he began performing, Matt’s hit the stage with the likes of Lee Kernaghan, The Wolfe Brothers and more recently Aleyce Simmonds and Brad Butcher.

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

MAKING A CONNECTION

BY SUSAN JARVIS

MATT JAMES CAN’T REMEMBER A TIME WHEN MUSIC WASN’T PART OF HIS LIFE.

He recently headed to Brisbane to record two tracks with Andrew Cochrane at Red Engine Recording, and plans to travel back there in the next couple of months to complete several more songs for an EP to be released later in 2019.

His first single, Miss This, was released in November, at the same time as the list of grand finalists for Toyota Star Maker was announced.

“It was a big month, and it made me feel that things were really starting to come together,” Matt said.

The single is a highly appealing, summery, up-beat song, accompanied by a delightful video, and is sure to

attract plenty of new fans to Matt’s music.

His performances at Star Maker also enabled Matt to make his mark on Tamworth, and he says the quest was a wonderful opportunity to perform before a huge crowd of country fans, as well as to gain invaluable experience.

“Star Maker really gave me a chance to meet people in the industry, show them what I could do and most importantly, learn so much,” Matt said.

As well as recording over the next few months, Matt is keen to spend some time in Nashville over the next 12 months, where he hopes to do plenty of songwriting.

“I really love writing songs, but sometimes I struggle to find time. It would be fantastic to dedicate a stretch of time to writing, and also do a lot more cowriting,” he said.

Meanwhile, Matt is making the most of the exposure he’s gained through his new single and clip, and his Star Maker performance.

“It’s been the most fantastic way to reach people, and to get my music out there. I can’t wait for the next step in the journey,” he said.

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FESTIVALS

Sue Duchesne, Allan Caswell, Brad Butcher

TCMF19

Steve and Roxanne Kiely

Dr Nelson with TSA Finalists

Rory Phillips

Blake Dantier

FESTIVAL FORCE DR BRENDAN NELSON AO, DIRECTOR OF THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL, MET WITH FINALISTS AND WINNERS, FROM THE PAST FOUR YEARS, OF THE TSA ANZAC SONG OF THE YEAR CATEGORY, WHEN HE WAS AT THE TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL.

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r Nelson’s visit was a highlight for the songwriters as he took the time to congratulate them personally for their songs that reflect some of the qualities of our service men and women, and their families who help create this nation’s identity.

More than 100 members participated in opportunities produced by the TSA at the Tamworth Country Music Festival including at showcases, an awards concert and the newly formed talent quest.

“This year we had the busiest program yet,” said Duncan Hill, TSA president.

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“One of the benefits of being a member of the TSA is being included in TSA events around the country, particularly at Tamworth,” he said.

TSA members performed throughout the week at songwriting events at The Square Man Inn, Tamworth City Bowling Club, Southgate Inn, Post Office Hotel, The Imperial Hotel and The Longyard Hotel.

Seventeen awards were presented at the annual awards and concert night, where 10 artists, five of whom were TSA members, performed their originals.

The winning songs at this year’s TSA Awards are as follows:Novice – Whiskey Is My Woman – Blake Dantier Youth – I Used To Love You – Lucy Parle Lyrics Only – Big Bill Jones – Glenn Jones Gospel/Spiritural – Part of Our Father ’s Plan – Shaza Leigh & Jean Darnell Bluegrass – Hillbilly Radio – David Diprose Country Blues – Behind The Seen – Brendan Smoother Comedy/Novelty – Mr Vanity – Kiara Rodrigues Country Rock – White Side Of The Fence – Paul Grierson/Chris Rieger/Matt Scullion Alt Country – When Your Light Burns – Chloe Styler/Fanny Lumsden Country Ballad – The Roses Fall – Andrew Wrigglesworth/Allan Caswell Traditional and/or Bush Ballad – Station

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FESTIVALS

TCMF19

Souly Us

Tony Kenelly

Benny Allen

Lorraine Pfitzner and Barry Harley

Scarlett Road

Peter Coad, Terry Bennetts and Jeff Brown

Sue Duchesne, (Songcentral), Lizzie Steadman (ANZAC Song of the Year), Jane McCarthy (RSL sub-branch) and Amber Joy Poulton

Marcus Greene

Minderoo – Terry Bennetts/Keith Lethbridge APRA/AMCOS/TSA New Songwriter Of The Year – Meant To Be – Ben Mawdsley/Kate Appleyard ANZAC Song of the Year – Brothers In Arms – Lizzie Steadman TSA Country Song Of The Year – Station Minderoo – Terry Bennetts/Keith Lethbridge Tex Morton Award – Barry Harley TSA Songmaker Award – Barry Forester Members who performed at the festival included Aaron D’Arcy, Alice Benfer, Aly Hawkins, Angela Eason, Anita Ree, Arlene Stapleman, Arna Georgia, Becci Nethery, Benny Allen, Born in October, Bowen & Clare, Brendan Smoother, Brittany-Elise, Bryce Sainty, Cathy Dobson, Chloe Styler, Clint Wilson, Col Gentles, Dan Higgins, Dave Drummond & Some Blonde Chick, Della Harris, Dunc ‘n’ Sons, Elyssa Faith, Emma Dykes, Emma Jene, Felicity Dowd, Gareth Leach, Garry Jones, Gayle O’Neil, Geoff Williams, Georgie Taylor, Grazy’s Country, Heath Watts, Ian Burns, Ian Wilkinson, Jasmine Atkins, Jason Carruthers, Jemma Beech, Justin Standley, Katie Bates, Katie King, Kay Armstrong, Kelly Winning, Kerrie

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

Aleyce Simmonds

Garside, Kevin Sullivan, Kristina Best, Kylie Adams-Collier, Kylie Castle, Larissa Uebergang, Lawry Bucholz, LeAnne King, Lizzie Steadman, Lucy Parle, Maddi Lyn, Marcus Greene, Mark Shay, Matthew Munro, Melissa Robertson, Michelle Walker, Mikayla J, Paul Crowder, Paula Standing, Peter Campbell, Peter Salata, Phil Johnson, Rachel Laing, Rachel Summerall, Renee Jonas, Riley Catherall, Rory Phillips, Rusty Strings, Sally Jane, Sandy Rasmussen, Sarah Hamze, Scarlett Road, Sean & Miss Bow, Shelly Jones Band, Smokie Pete Dawson, Sophie Volp, Souly Us, Stephen Kiely, Steve Sparrow, The Floyd Black Band, Tony Kennelly, Trinity Woodhouse, Tyson Lucas, Vanessa Delaine, Wendy Wood, Zoey Mills.

Fifty songwriters entered the inaugural TSA talent quest performing over four heats. The male winner was Heath Watts, Lara Nakhle was the female winner and Felicity Kircher won the youth category.

The TSA entered a float in the Toyota Cavalcade and had a huge response as it rolled along Peel Street with the consistent message to Keep It Country a song written and performed by TSA members Roxanne Kiely and Stephen Kiely who were joined by the Floyd Black Band and other TSA members.

The TSA will return to Tamworth for the 20th Hats Off To Country Festival from July 11 to 14 with songwriter rounds at the Tamworth City Bowling Club, Post Office Hotel and The Longyard Hotel.

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FESTIVALS

PHOTOS: DONNA LOWE

TCMF19

Sally-Anne Whitten

Tracy and The Big D

Brendan Smoother

Alwyn Aurisch

Adam Toms

INDIES REWARDED WINNERS WERE ANNOUNCED AND PRESENTED WITH PLAQUES AT THIS YEAR’S 10TH ICMA SHOWCASE DURING THE TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL.

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hroughout the awards presentation, featured artists including Renee McAlpin, Brendan Smoother, Whiskey Business, Felicity Kircher, Rory Phillips, Adam Toms and Ben Ransom performed.

ICMA is a not-for-profit organisation, led by investor Donna Lowe, and is funded by way of merchandise sales, and sponsors.

The first events were held and supported by the Tamworth Services Club, followed by the Family Hotel for the three years and since 2014 the South Tamworth Bowling Club has been home.

The event was live streamed by Farm Gate Productions and has been viewed more than 5000 times.

The ICMA acknowledged artists and industry in13 categories as follows: Sally-Anne Whitten – most popular 44

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Australian independent female artist and winner of independent Australian album for Burgundy Street; Casey Barnes was awarded the trifecta receiving most popular Australian independent male artist, independent Australian single and video with The Way We Ride; Whiskey Business – most popular Australian independent band; Rory Phillips – Patti McKinnon encouragement award; Positive Attitude by Whiskey Business – most popular independent Australian EP; Brendan Smoother

– most popular independent Australian balladeer for Burrumbuttock Hay Runners; most popular Australian community radio announcers – Tracy and The Big D on Sunshine FM 104.9 (Qld); the Al Slade memorial award for photography – Kat Blackwell Photography and Graphic Design; most popular independent Australian duo – The Long & The Short Of It; most popular independent Australian producer – Alwyn Aurisch for Burgundy Street by Sally-Anne Whitten; best New Zealand supporter – Aly Cook; and Lifetime Membership and ambassadorship for ongoing support – Col and Nellie Finley.

Country superstar Troy Cassar-Daley was acknowledged for his support to the next generation of country artists.

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FESTIVALS

WHYALLA SCHOLARSHIP

TEEN SONGWRITERS LAUNCH SINGLES

Shakira Lea

Liberty Tuohy

Jaylee Daniels

THREE TEENAGE EYRE PENINSULA SONGWRITERS SAW THEIR MUSICAL DREAMS COME TRUE WHEN THEY EACH LAUNCHED THEIR ORIGINAL DEBUT SINGLES TO THE WORLD THROUGH A WHYALLA RECORDING SCHOLARSHIP.

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ineteen-year-old Shakira Lea Fauser, from Whyalla SA, and Liberty Tuohy, 18, from Port Neill were both named winners of the Whyalla Recording Scholarship (WRS) together with 15-year-old runner-up Jaylee Daniels and all three are receiving mentoring from Stormfront’s Mark Tempany and Alison Hams.

The inaugural scholarship was launched in August 2016

by Whyalla’s one-stop music shop Stormfront Productions.

It was won by Breeze Millard who became the 2017 winner.

The scholarship provides the opportunity and resources years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

for regionally-based musicians aged 12 to 21 to audition with the prospect of winning a professional recording studio package valued at over $10,000.

Mark said; “In 25 years of studio recording, I’ve never seen three young people achieve such amazing results on their first venture, and I just can’t wait for the world to hear these kids and

fall in love with their original songs.”

Mark and Alison sourced a who’s who of musicians who feature on the songs including Grammy Award-winner Andrew Synowiec, Jim Riley from Platinum-selling group Rascal Flatts and mastering in New York by Randy Merrill who is most recently acclaimed for the A Star Is Born soundtrack.

Shakira Lea’s power ballad I Miss You is for anyone who’s experienced loss, and found a way to heal. Jaylee Daniels pays tribute to her late grandfather and his love of family and country music with a toe-tapping bluegrass number called Papa’s Song and Liberty Tuohy’s speaks to her generation with Time Stays The Same about her own life.

For more information visit shakiraleamusic.com whyallarecording.com jayleedaniels.com libertytuohymusic.com

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CMA FEST

Runaway June

Lindsay Ells

48TH CMA FEST

TAKES OVER

NASHVILLE JUNE 6-9 THE INITIAL ARTIST LINE-UP FOR THIS YEAR’S CMA FEST FEATURES HUNDREDS OF COUNTRY MUSIC ARTISTS PERFORMING ON MULTIPLE STAGES THROUGHOUT DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, JUNE 6-9.

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MA Fest is a one-of-a-kind festival with artists donating their time to perform so ticket proceeds can directly benefit highquality music programs across the country through the CMA Foundation.

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Named the “gold standard” and topping Billboard’s list of the 10 Best Country Music Festivals, CMA Fest is the longest-running country music

Le Ann Womack

festival in the world (Tamworth, Australia just months behind) with last year’s event drawing capacity crowds and the largest engagement by country music fans in the event’s history, with visitors from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and 36 international countries flocking to downtown Nashville.

Taking the nightly Nissan Stadium stage this year are country music superstars Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Old Dominion,

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FESTIVALS

CMA FEST

Luke Combs

Keith Urban

Jon Pardi

Pistol Annies, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.

The line-up on the Chevy Riverfront Stage includes A Thousand Horses, Lauren Alaina, Jimmie Allen, Danielle Bradbery, Lee Brice, Easton Corbin, Jordan Davis, Devin Dawson, Jessie James Decker, Gavin DeGraw, Russell Dickerson, Eli Young Band, Lindsay Ell, Tyler Farr, Gone West, Riley Green, Hunter Hayes, Walker Hayes, High Valley, Home Free, Ryan Hurd, LOCASH, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Eric Paslay, Carly Pearce, Cassadee Pope, RaeLynn, Mason Ramsey, Michael Ray, Tyler Rich, Runaway June, Dylan Scott, Granger Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny, Morgan Wallen and Aaron Watson.

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Kane Brown

Little Big Town

Returning for a third year, the Budweiser Forever Country Stage will feature artists from recent decades, including Keith Anderson, Deana Carter, John Carter Cash, Joe Diffie, George Ducas, Charles Esten, Andy Griggs, Halfway to Hazard, Ty Herndon, Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence, Little Texas, Lonestar, The Marshall Tucker Band, Kendell Marvel, Neal McCoy, Montgomery Gentry, Lorrie Morgan, The Nelsons, Jerrod Niemann, Jamie O’Neal, The Road Hammers, Ray Scott, Shenandoah, Sister Hazel, Ricky Skaggs, Kiefer Sutherland, Thompson Square,

Uncle Kracker, Mark Wills, Rita Wilson and Darryl Worley.

Outdoor daytime stages including Chevy Riverfront and Budweiser Forever Country are free and open to the public.

All artist line-ups are subject to change.

Additional stage line-ups, Fan Fair X activities, are still to be announced.

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FESTIVALS

BOYUP BROOK WA

Showcase at Harvey Dicksons

Committee and artists

The Buckleys

STARS SHONE IN WA WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL SAW THE STARS COME OUT FOR THE 34TH ANNUAL EVENT.

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he festival was held from February 15 to 17 in Boyup Brook and saw the small town burst at the seams with a star-studded line-up including the incomparable Beccy Cole, classic country music of Travellin’ Still – the Songs of Slim Dusty and the exciting sounds from family band The Buckleys.

“The first time we were here I noticed the enthusiastic crowd and that hasn’t changed – you know they are listening,” said country music veteran Pete Denahy. Pete compered main stage introducing Golden Guitar winner Darren Coggan, Kate Link, Red Ochre, before Jo Hales Pearce took over and introduced Band of Mates, and Pete Denahy’s comedy show, followed by Desert Road, and Amber Joy Poulton & the Holy Men, Rohan Powell and Acoustic Juice.

Like many festivals it prides itself as 48

a launch pad for new talent and Friday nights West Australian Country Music Awards saw many young artists emerge.

John Bennett was the big winner of the night being announced West Australian Country Music Male Artist of the Year and being awarded for his album Country Is Calling produced by David Hyams as West Australian Country Music Independent EP/Album of the Year.

Sally Jane Pottinger – West Australian Country Music Junior Vocalist of the Year, Sarah Gamble – West Australian Country Music Emerging Artist of the Year, Julie Kember – West Australian Country Music Open Songwriter of the Year Sponsored by APRA AMCOS, for her song Go Baby Go, Unclouded Day – West Australian Country Music Independent Single of the Year by Connie Kis Andersen, West Australian Country Music Video Clip of the Year was produced by Brock Daubert for My Heart, My Land by Bradley Hall, and Delilah Rose & the Gunslingers are this year’s West Australian Country Music Group of the Year.

Unfortunately, based on the conditions of entry, there were not enough female entries to judge in this category.

Through the years, the festival has continued to expand and now includes new fringe events celebrating the music and culture of the area like the Boyup Brook Art Awards and Exhibition; the morning showcase held at Harvey Dickson’s Country Music Centre, a bush poets breakfast, and music industry workshops.

Saturday’s market stalls in the main street saw locals sell their produce and products while listening to a variety of buskers and the Boyup Brook Ute and Truck Muster transformed the usually tranquil town with its wide tree-

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lined main street a cacophony of horns and sirens, as utes, trucks, vintage cars and tractors cruised through offering a genuine celebration of Aussie culture and vehicle appreciation.

Cowboy Roger Lawson started busking at the festival four years ago. This year he was proud to open the Ute and Truck Muster Stage and says he’s passionate about the event; “The setting is fantastic, top-notch facilities, working with great professionals and playing to an appreciative audience is what makes it so memorable as a performer,” he said.

Festival music director, Sharon Winter said; “The ongoing success of the festival is thanks to our committed volunteers, our fantastic sponsors and the strong community spirit of Boyup Brook and the surrounds. We have already started thinking about the next event and we have even bigger plans for our 35th year.”

Start packing your bags and mark your calendar for the 35th anniversary to be held from February 13 to 16, 2020. years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

FESTIVALS

GOLD COAST

Casey Barnes

MUSIC FOR MILES ALONG THE GOLD COAST SHORELINE FROM MAY 2 TO 5, THE 5TH ANNUAL SURFERS PARADISE LIVE AND 3RD GOLD COAST AWARDS WILL TAKE PLACE...AND IT’S FREE.

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he awards will see local rising stars celebrated across eight categories in a beachside ceremony and live concert that will take place in Surfers Paradise on Thursday, May 2.

Golden Guitar finalist and Gold Coast local, Casey Barnes will take to the stage for a free, all-ages show on the main stage in Surfers Paradise on Thursday night to kick off the festival and play again on Saturday.

He’ll be fresh from touring the USA with shows in Kansas City, Missouri and Sioux Falls in South Dakota years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

with the PBR and will no doubt be excited to be performing to a home town crowd.

In June 2017, Casey’s single The Way We Ride was nominated for a Golden Guitar.

His latest release, Better Days, is the fourth single from his album The Good Life, released last March. Produced by Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis (MSquared

Productions), The Good Life has already produced three singles, Ain’t Coming Home, Be Mine, and Set Sail.

Casey will be joined by emerging Gold Coast artists San Mei and Peach Fur. For the rest of Surfers Paradise LIVE, Aussie rock superstars will descend on the Gold Coast. The Living End, Reece Mastin and Jebediah headline on Friday night, Thirsty Merc, Daryl Braithwaite and the Hoodoo Gurus on Saturday and Boom Crash Opera, Chocolate Starfish, Bachelor Girl appear on Sunday night.

The 2019 Gold Coast Music Awards categories are artist, breakout artist, live act, new in 2019 musician (instrumentalist / vocalist), release (album / EP), song, venue and video of the year.

Find out more at surfersparadise. com and gcmusicawards.com

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NEWS

STEVE GOES GLOBAL PHOTO: PHIL COLE

STEVE PASSFIELD HAS BEEN PRESENTED WITH THIS YEAR’S FRANK IFIELD INTERNATIONAL SPUR AWARD.

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he announcement was made, and award presented, during the Spur Award Winners Show at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club in Sydney.

Steve joins a long list of previous winners since the Frank Ifield Award (as it was known then) was established in 1998 by the Rotary Club of Galston.

Since 1998, winners have been Colin Greatorix, 1999 Melinda Schneider and Michael Carr, 2000 Wayne Horsburgh (the once only special Millennium Award), 2001 Karen O’Shea, 2002 Wayne Law, 2003 Donna Boyd, 2004 Graham G Toole, 2005 Stacey Morris, 2006 Travis Collins, 2007 Karen Lynne, 2008 Kirsty Lee Akers, 2009 Nicki Gillis, 2010 Johanna Hemara, 2011 John Stephan, 2012 Emma Hannah, 2013 Stephanie Jansen, 2014 Stuie French & Camille Te Nahu, 2015 Donna Fisk, 2016 Neilly Rich, 2017Troy Kemp and

Frank Ifield and Richard Young (from the Rotary Club of Galston) present Steve Passfield with the 2019 Frank Ifield International Spur Award, in association with the Rotary Club of Galston and CanterburyHurlstone Park RSL Club.

2018 Baylou.

The original criterion for selection was based simply on the strength of a recording to be of a high standard and indicating further potential. It later changed the focus to be centred on the potential global appeal of the

recording, the artist’s individual style and professionalism of performance both on and off the stage.

This international appeal became critical, as a significant component of the award is the release to international airplay (particularly the UK and Europe) on Frank’s recommendation and the further use of his expertise and experience to assist in promoting Australian talent overseas.

POPULAR QLD TALENT QUEST RETURNS

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Georgie Taylor 50

veryone is welcome at the annual Redlands Modern Country Music Club’s 39Th Talent Quest.

The competition for amateur country music artists will be held over the weekend May 3 to 5 at the club’s headquarters, located at Pinklands Sports Reserve, Cleveland Redlands Bay Road in Thornlands Qld. There are many categories so anyone can enter including juniors, seniors, golden oldies,

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groups, duets as well as instrumentalists.

A highlight of the Redlands quest is always the popular “Anything Goes” section held on Sunday afternoon with a spectacular variety of music from the entrants. The main backing band is the Redlands Modern Country Music Club Band with visiting bands often performing.

Organisers expect a big turnout from Brisbane and regional areas who will be attending to compete for trophies and prizes and welcome all who are interested.

At the completion of the competition, last year’s overall winner, Georgie Taylor will return for a special performance.

Catering is provided on site both days and includes a BBQ lunch, a coffee and cake stall, and licensed bar.

More information is available at the website redlandscountry.asn.au or phoning Dawn on 07 3206 4305. years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

FESTIVALS

DENI UTE MUSTER

Adam Harvey

John Williamson

Tim McGraw

PARTY ON THE PLAIN FOLLOWING THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR TIM McGRAW IS PLAYING AT THE 21ST DENI UTE MUSTER MORE ARTISTS HAVE NOW BEEN ADDED.

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ee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Beccy Cole, Ross Wilson, Travis Collins, Adam Harvey, Sunny Cowgirls, Ben Ransom, Aleyce Simmonds, Round Mountain Girls and Mustered Courage with the day stage artists still to be announced.

The iconic muster celebrates a major milestone with its 21st birthday, full of music, mateship and all things Australian over the weekend October 4 and 5.

Deni Ute Muster general manager Vicky Lowry said; “Our main stage line up to support Tim McGraw includes many artists who have returned to help celebrate our 21st celebrations. Patrons will not be disappointed in the amazing program that has been put together for our 21st year.”

Tickets and reserved camping for the 2019 Deni Ute years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

Aleyce Simmonds

Muster have been selling well with Edward River Flat, Wheat Fields, Rice Paddy and Peppin Paddock campsites SOLD OUT. The muster is one of the top ‘bucket list’ events in Australia and annually attracts close to 20,000 people of all ages to celebrate all things Australian and, of course, the iconic ‘ute’.

The amazing community support sees more than 1,000 volunteers helping put on the event which donates close to $100,000 back to community groups.

Travis Collins

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FESTIVALS

CANADA

Hunter Brothers

Jake Owen

COUNTRY THUNDER SET TO

BOOM COUNTRY THUNDER IS A MUSIC FESTIVAL BRAND THAT HOSTS ANNUAL CONCERTS IN ARIZONA, FLORIDA, WISCONSIN, SASKATCHEWAN AND CALGARY.

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ollowing last month’s event in Kissimmee, Florida and this month’s thunder in Florence, Arizona, is the thunder in Saskatchewan, Canada from July 11 to 14, Wisconsin, USA from July 18 to 21 and Alberta, Canada from August 16 to 18.

In 2016, Craven Country Jamboree, founded in 1983, was re-launched as Country Thunder Saskatchewan.

This year’s line-up is full of superstars including Canada’s Dallas Smith, and US artists Tim McGraw, Jake Owen,

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and Chris Stapleton for his only Western Canadian performance in 2019.

“Saskatchewan is home and this is the one we get most excited about,” says Country Thunder Music Festivals CEO, Troy Vollhoffer. “Chris Stapleton is the biggest artist in country music and fans here have been excited

Meghan Patrick

since we announced him at last year’s festival.

Dallas Smith continues to defy logic with each new release and he returns as, not only a first-time headliner, but now as Canada’s mostplayed country radio artist ever.

As if the big-four weren’t enough, organisers also announced roots, country and Americana legend, Steve Earle and the Dukes, the original line-up of Lonestar, ‘90s country star, Travis Tritt and Canadian country hall-offamer, Terri Clark.

Gord Bamford, Shawn Austin, The Reklaws, Meghan Patrick, Madeline Merlo, The Road Hammers, JoJo Mason, Jimmie Allen and the return of Saskatchewan’s own Hunter Brothers complete what many are already calling the greatest line-up ever assembled in the Craven Valley.

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FESTIVALS

USA

Miranda Lambert

Jason Aldean

Lauren Alaina

From July 18 to 21, Country Thunder Wisconsin heads back to Twin Lakes which will feature emerging stars and superstars, Michael Ray, Ashley McBryde, High Valley, Lindsay Ell and LOCASH, country legends Trace Adkins, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives and the original line-up of Lonestar, red-hot up-and-comers the James Barker Band, Hunter Brothers, Jimmie Allen, Jameson Rodgers and Jillian Jacqueline, Brandon Lay, Calee Hammack, Travis Denning, Jake Owen, Tim McGraw, Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton.

The Country Thunder Music Festivals organisation has a 15-year history, launching Alberta’s Country Thunder, in 2016.

Canadian Music Hall of Fame member Terri Clark and Entertainment Tonight Canada revealed the star-studded roster to be held at the Prairie Winds Park in August will include Jason Aldean, Jake Owen, Miranda Lambert with The Pistol Annies, Lauren Alaina, Roots & Boots featuring

years of of bringing bringing you you the the music music 1975–2019 1975–2019 years

Terri Clark

Leaving Thomas

Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye, red-hot up-andcomers Shawn Austin, Meghan Patrick, Jimmie Allen, Jordan Davis, Leaving Thomas and the return of the Hunter Brothers, Terri Clark and more to come.

“Alberta has embraced this festival since-day one, and Calgary has become a special city for us,” said Troy Vollhoffer. “Prairie Winds Park is a magical place that creates an incredible vibe. The artists love to look out to see the fans packed all the way to the top of the hill.

We’re thrilled to return with this line-up for these amazing country music supporters.”

Jordan Davis

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FESTIVALS

AIRLIE BEACH

Mason Rack Band

SMOKIE TO LIGHT UP

AIRLIE BEACH Karin Page

8 Ball Aitken

UK CHART-TOPPERS SMOKIE WILL BE PLAYING AT THE 7TH AIRLIE BEACH FESTIVAL OF MUSIC THIS NOVEMBER.

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ith sold-out tours around the world, and platinum selling albums since the ‘70s, Smokie, is one of the first headline acts to be announced for this year’s festival.

“A lot of hit record songs and sore throats the

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next day from all the singing,” is what Smokie’s founding member Terry Uttley is promising fans in Airlie Beach.

“We only get to come to Australia once every three years because of our commitments to most of the rest of the world, so join us live for this performance in paradise,” he said.

True blue Australian icon John Williamson has also been revealed to perform as well as the fabulous Mason Rack Band and 8 Ball Aitken.

Divine singer-songwriter Karin Page, the 2016 Toyota Star Maker, will deliver her enchanting show and Melbourne’s Lily & King, a wild and rootsy, two-piece musical circus will play everything from junkyard blues to Dixieland stomp to dirty cabaret sleaze.

Music fans will be able to cheer on last year’s winners of the years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

FESTIVALS

LIFTING THE OUTBACK Smokie

THE NORTH QUEENSLAND ELITE RODEO IS HOLDING A CONCERT EVENT TO RAISE MONEY AND LIFT THE SPIRITS OF ALL WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THE TOWNSVILLE FLOOD DISASTER.

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‘Passport to Airlie’ competition, Kayso Grande, returning with their blues-fused rock from sonic heaven to earth.

The festival is the only place where you’ll be able to see 74 bands alongside 74 islands throughout 18 venues, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a party like no other with jaw-dropping sea views from the main tent at the Whitsunday Sailing Club and there’s no need to bring camping chairs because everything is easy to get to and fully equipped.

The festival will be held from November 8 to10 with Early Bird tickets at $240 for a three-day pass, $130 for a single day ticket and $1000 for a VIP pass.

For more information go to the website airliebeachfestivalofmusic. com.au or call 0408 062 816. years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

ifting the Outback – NQ Elite Rodeos’ Emergency Flood Relief Country Music Benefit Concert will be held at the Hervey Range Rodeo Grounds in Hervey Range, on Saturday May 25 from 12:30pm through until midnight.

Proceeds from the event will go directly to the Queensland Country Women’s Association’s Public Rural Crisis Fund who will distribute to property owners who are in desperate need of financial support it.

It is hoped that financial and counselling support will help those affected in some small way. The event was created by NQ Elite Rodeo organiser Quentin Kersh and his wife Sandy (pictured) who donated $20,000 and wanted to do more. Quentin grew up in the cattle country of Richmond and said most people he knows between Townsville and Mount Isa have been impacted.

Artists performing will include the best of the regions local country music artists, as well as interstate country music acts from Sydney, Newcastle and Mackay including the official Sounds Of Summer singers Rockhampton-duo Busby Marou, Amber Lawrence, Hurricane Fall, Brad Cox – 2018 Toyota Star Maker winner, Homegrown, Chelsea Berman, Angus Milne, Eight Second Ride, Tammy Moxon, Tyson Lucas and many others.

If you wish to donate contact 0417 005 930, like the Facebook page North Queensland Elite Rodeo or go online to buy tickets at townsvilletickets.com.au C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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SOUNDADVICE AFTER THE RAIN LUKE DICKENS INDEPENDENT Young singer-songwriter-shearer Luke Dickens covers more than just country staples on his third album.

Dickens may have written songs about serial killers, cyber trolls, reptilian women and wolverine stalkers but this is pure roots country. He sandwiches his nine originals between Bonnie Bishop-Al Anderson bad girl-made good entrée Bad Seed and producer Sam Hawksley’s finale The Right Guy. Nothing On You, a romantic paean to his fiancé, segues into One Small Town that builds from a cyber bully core to a futility of war anthem. He follows revamped Travis Meadows-Trent Summar love hand brake warning Let It Burn to his duet with Nyssa Ray on secret love tragedy What If. Vocal teaming with former Geelong truckie Adam Harvey on drinking to forget bar burner Hung Up On You exploits wry word play. He pairs eerie The Big Bad Wolf and outback serial killer saga Radio Man mid-disc before joyous After The Rain and paternal paean Forever Road. Snake Woman and The Right Guy - vintage tale of young lovers survival despite their opposite sides of tracks embryo - are vast contrasts as a Biblical bookend. Fertile fleece.

INDIE TMW004 DAVID DAWSON

KEEPING SECRETS

LONG TIME COMING

INDEPENDENT

INDEPENDENT

I knew very little about Ryan Daykin when I put this album in the CD player, but it took about two seconds to become an instant and passionate fan. This incredibly talented young man has it all: the kind of songwriting talent that many artists can only dream about, and a sweet, soulful voice that you just can’t tear your ears away from. Ryan’s second album, this one features just seven gems.

Four of them are original co-writes and they’re all killer songs. Like Wildfire was written with Hayley Marsten, and is performed as a duet; Arm’s Length, penned with Aleyce Simmonds, is another duet. Ryan also co-wrote Waited Long Enough and Pressure. The album’s other three tracks are just as exquisite, and have been perfectly chosen: War Fair, the fabulous Aint’ Gonna Miss Me and The Way She Loved Me. Produced deftly by Brad Bergen, this collection is breathtakingly good, and I have no hesitation in predicting that Ryan will soon be a huge star. Meanwhile, I just need to go and have another listen.

Victorian country roots quartet Black Kites expand on their toils on the Yarra Valley farmer’s markets circuit and way beyond with their organic debut album.

They chose Three Monks studio in inner northern Melbourne suburb Northcote for a disc that mixes country classics with four originals by lead singer Ange Foresio. The Bob Dylan-Old Crow Medicine Crow classic Wagon Wheel is an accessible entrée for Foresio’s title track Long Time Coming - a blueslaced love lament that exploits weather metaphors. Equally memorable is If It Ain’t One Thing where morose memories of romantic challenges recur long after the flame has been doused.

John Hiatt’s Feels Like Rain is a vast contrast to vibrant Foresio summer psalm It Really Don’t Matter that name checks the Yarra Valley. They enjoy salient sequencing - feisty Foresio original It Ain’t Like The Blues segue into joyous band finale Up On Cripple Creek. These kites sting with more strings than their raptor namesakes.

INDIE RD002 SUSAN JARVIS

INDEPENDENT DAVID DAWSON

RYAN DAYKIN

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BLACK KITES

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BOOMERANG GUITARS

ANTHONY BAXTER AND LINDSAY BUTLER

THE LBS COUNTRY COLLECTION VOLUME 23

VARIOUS ARTISTS

LBS MUSIC

LBS MUSIC

I first became aware of Anthony Baxter about two years ago when I first heard him picking out bush ballads and thought then, this bloke is good. Over the last two years, he has picked up lots of fans, been a finalist and won several Gold Medallion Media Awards, this year at the Bungendore Country Music Muster he won the Stan Coster Memorial Award for the second year in a row, the Barry Thornton Achievement Award and was a finalist in the Songwriter of the Year for Huntah’s Melody which appears on this album.

Anthony won a scholarship to the CMAA Academy of CM, Australia’s premier music program for emerging, talented singer/ songwriters/performers and instrumentalists. He then played 20 gigs at the Tamworth Festival and to add icing to the cake released this duet CD with his idol, maestro Aussie guitar picker Lindsay Butler. A mixture of old classics and newies, if you love bush ballad guitar this is a must for your collection.

For 23 years, the LBS Country Collection has played an important role for Australian CM assisting many artists to launch their careers, both bush ballad and contemporary.

There are 21 artists featured on Vol 23, giving the opportunity to catch up with the latest from old friends like Tom Maxwell, Lindsay Butler, Shaza Leigh, Ashley Cook, Rachel Jillett, Lynette Guest, Greg Bain and Peggy Gilchrist. There are also fine examples of the work of other artists; John Lecner, Anthony Baxter, Rachel Summerell, Lorena Quinlivan, Graham Pearson, Michelle Russell, Emma Jene, Kimberley Gold, Jean Darnell, Ken Coverdale, Ann Penman, Bill Murray and Mike Neboraczek. The album is a showcase of these individual artists so I don’t want to pick out personal favourites, everyone will have their own choices. Suffice to say there are some excellent songs plus the polished production of Lindsay Butler overseeing the project. The album is a great way to find out what artists who love their country music are currently doing.

INDEPENDENT LBS177CD GARRY COXHEAD

LBS Music/LBS176CD www.lbsmusic.com.au GARRY COXHEAD years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

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 FACE THE WIND RUNAWAY DIXIE INDEPENDENT This family band, comprising Jim and Virginia Hermel (Coad) and Lynette Coad, has been kicking plenty of musical goals over the past few years with its sizzling picking, vocal harmonies and great bluegrass sensibility.

Runaway Dixie has been Golden Guitar finalists for three years in a row, showing that they’ve cut through to be regarded as one of the finest bluegrass, gospel and traditional country bands in the industry. This album is packed with examples of why that’s so, including six original tracks written by the talented Virginia and a number of superb arrangements of traditional pieces. Standouts include their 2019 Golden Guitars nomination, Virginia’s composition Tele Rambler, and her compelling Meant To Be, along with fabulous versions of Long Black Veil, Muleskinner Blues and Wayfarin’ Stranger. Virginia also penned Face the Wind, Red Flowers, Walk Beside Me and What I Did, and the trio do a great job on all of them. This is a wonderful album, with well-chosen, wellperformed tracks that work seamlessly together, fabulous playing and some superb vocal harmonies.

INDIE DR017 SUSAN JARVIS

A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

CRAIG GILES INDEPENDENT

Craig Giles has brought together a raft of mates to create this album, which exudes warmth, friendship and a passion for music. Craig is one of the hardest-working and best loved performers in the business, and this album will delight his many fans. The bumper collection of 16 tracks features some absolute corkers, including two duets with Wayne Horsburgh, on the gorgeous Pokareekare Ana and Tiny Bubbles and two with regular musical collaborator Kinta on Friends and I Can’t Dance. Craig’s joined by Lee Forster for a great rendition of Streets of Bakersfield, by Tony Martin for I’ve Got The Blues and by Grant Luhrs for Cunnamulla Fella.

Other duets are performed with Justin Standley, Sandie Dodd, Roland Storm, Grant and Carol Manson, Ian B. Macleod, and Corinna Cordwell.

The album covers a wide array of musical styles, but every track is performed with love, style and care, resulting in an album that will warm your heart and remind you of what country music, and the big family that makes it up, are all about.

INDEPENDENT/BRE 126CD SUSAN JARVIS

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REPLAY

FIRST CUT

TRAVELLING WITH YOU

INDEPENDENT

INDEPENDENT

This is a collection of songs relatable to everyone who’s been young and in love. Sophia’s latest EP shows her versatility in the five tracks from her country vibes in the title track Replay, she shows how she can manage up-tempo links with the bass and guitar riffs in the first single Crushed and then there’s the country rock appeal in the track One Way Ticket. Meantime, in track three of this journey, you are shown the teenager’s level of maturity with Navigate, a co-write with Melanie Dyer; it is clear from these tracks that this is serious business for the young star. Sophia is forging her own path with this release and showing the world that even a girl from the Sydney suburbs can make country music her own.

Written by Sophia and produced by one of Australian country music’s top producers, Matt Fell this is one to slip into your CD player or stream on your smart phone and enjoy the emerging talent of the industry.

I was very interested in this release when I read the track list as one of my fav Paul Kelly songs – Sydney From A 747 – topped the list and Lucinda William’s Big Red Sun Blues closed the eight song release. In between there are a couple more covers and four originals, three written by band members Leanne Barrett and one by Scott Hoy. The songs are a mixture of folk, country and blues with the unique sounding vocals handled by Kathy Aquilina.

Highlights are Happy Hour, Car Outside The Bar, Dance Dance Dance, the aforementioned Sydney From A 747 and the accordion on Big Red Sun Blues was the icing on the cake. There’s a catchy mix of guitar, ukulele, mandolin, accordion banjo, bass, harmonica and Dobro that makes for a lot of foot-tappin’, dare I say olde-time licks that reached deep into the roots of my love of country music. Grab a copy and listen to six souls in tune into something timeless and magical.

INDEPENDENT HALEY SHERIDAN

Facebook.com/the grasscuttersband JON WOLFE

KROSS KUT RECORDS It seems slightly unfair that this recording has garnered more attention overseas than here in Australia - the award for “Real Country CD of the Year”, for the album by the National Traditional Country Music Association of America and a great review by Country Music News International magazine – because this a fine example of what real Aussie country music should be. Lloyd has written eight of the 11 tracks and his sense of what makes a good song is spot on with tracks like Travelling With You, One Phone Call Every Year, Dads and Daughters and the fun Tracky Dacks And Sandshoes Blues. He does justice to Joy McKean’s The Biggest Disappointment, Peter Allen’s Tenterfield Saddler and Williamson’s True Blue. There’s an inviting tone to the vocals that are beautifully complemented by the backing and the respectful production by Lindsay Waddington. In the hands of Lloyd and Waddo, traditional country music is alive and well in this 21st century .. and I for one appreciate it more and more every day.

SOPHIA CHESWORTH

THE GRASSCUTTERS

LLOYD BACK

KKR204CD JON WOLFE

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COUNTRYCHARTS ARIA TOP 20 AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY ALBUMS Week Commencing 18 March 2019 TW

LW

TI

HP ARTIST

TITLE

LABEL

1 2 46 1 KEITH URBAN 2 3 22 1 3 4

1048 1

4 5 149 1 5 17 6 2 6 6

588 1

7 7

357 1

8 9 134 1 9 8 21 1 10 13 29 1 11 12 35 1 12 15 263 2 13 18 381 1 14 10 48 1 15 R/E 480 1 16 19 275 2 17 R/E 139 10 18 11 15 1 19 20 237 1 20 14 282 1

Graffiti U Things That We Drink To MORGAN EVANS The Very Best Of Slim Dusty SLIM DUSTY Ripcord KEITH URBAN Silver City BRIAN CADD Greatest Hits: 18 Kids KEITH URBAN The Story So Far KEITH URBAN His Favourite Collection JOHN WILLIAMSON Greatest Hits TROY CASSAR-DALEY Butcherbird JOHN WILLIAMSON Milestones...20 Years ADAM BRAND Anthems - A Celebration Of Australia JOHN WILLIAMSON Ultimate Hits LEE KERNAGHAN Country Heart THE WOLFE BROTHERS Big Ones Greatest Hits LEE KERNAGHAN A Hell Of A Career!

JOHN WILLIAMSON 4 Album Box Set: The Captain/ KASEY CHAMBERS Barricades & Brickwalls/Wayward Angel/Carnival Born To Fight KARISE EDEN Fuse KEITH URBAN TROY CASSAR-DALEY & ADAM HARVEY The Great Country Songbook

CAP/EMI WAR EMI CAP/EMI AMB/SME CAP/EMI CAP/EMI WAR BDL/UMA WAR ABC/UMA WAR ABC/UMA ABC/UMA ABC/UMA WAR EMI ISL/UMA CAP/EMI SME

COUNTRY SONGS Week ending 23 March 2019. This chart is published by Campfire Publishing and updated weekly at countrytrackschart.com.au POS LW

TI

HP

TRACK TITLE

ARTIST

1 1 4 1(4) My Family And Me

DESTINY BAND OZ

2 6 5 2(2) Hot Hot Kiss

CHRISTIE LAMB

3 0 1 3(1) Wendy

HAYLEY MARSTEN

4 2 4 2(1) Better Days

CASEY BARNES

5 7 2 5(1) Outrageous

AMBER LAWRENCE

6 4 3 4(1) Keith

KAYLEE BELL

7 14 2 7(1) Let It Burn

LUKE DICKENS

8 5 3 5(1) Honky Tonk Bar In The City

THE TONY Q BAND

9 0 1 9(1) Wheels

LEE KERNAGHAN

10 0 1 10(1) Hillbilly Cider

JED ZARB

11 19 6 8(1) Mexico

ALLAN CASWELL

12 3 17 1(1) Country Heart

THE WOLFE BROTHERS

13 10 4 10(1) It’s A Cowboy Thing

ANDERSON LANE

14 17 8 6(1) Raindance

SARA STORER

15 12 5 9(1) Meant To Be

RUNAWAY DIXIE

16 8 10 1(4) Merle

SHELLY JONES BAND

17 0 1 17(1) Magnetic

INGRID MAE

18 9 8 2(2) I Wonder What You Kiss Like

NATALIE PEARSON & BROOK CHIVELL

19 13 3 13(1) Ain’t Gonna Miss Me

RYAN DAYKIN

20 18 19 1(1) Only In Australia

BENN GUNN

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OFFICIAL AUSTRALIAN AIRPLAY COUNTRY TOP 20 Week ending 23 March 2019 POS LW

TI

HP

TRACK TITLE

ARTIST

1 1 7 1 Girl

MAREN MORRIS

COL/SME

2 2 9 2 Beautiful Crazy

LUKE COMBS

COL/SME

3 3 12 3 Country Heart

THE WOLFE BROTHERS

4 4 11 4 Miss Me More

KELSEA BALLERINI

SME

5 12 5 5 Feels Like A Party

LOCASH

BMG

6 5 12 1 Good Girl

DUSTIN LYNCH

7 6 10 6 Sixteen

THOMAS RHETT

8 18 3 8 Outrageous

AMBER LAWRENCE

9 9 9 9 Down To The Honkytonk

JAKE OWEN

10 13 7 10 Chain Of Joy

FELICITY URQUHART

11 10 13 5 Real Men Don’t Cry (War On Pride)

FANNY LUMSDEN

12 7 17 2 Best Shot

JIMMIE ALLEN

ABC/UMA

BMG BIG/UMA ABC/UMA BIG/UMA ABC/UMA IND SCR/BMG

13 8 18 4 Somebody’s Daughter

TENILLE TOWNES

COL/SME

14 15 15 13 This Is It

SCOTTY MCCREERY

TRIP/SME

15 14 42 3 Tequila

DAN + SHAY

WB/WMA

16 11 6 11 Because We Can

JETTY ROAD

SFR/UMA

17 17 8 12 Girl Like You

JASON ALDEAN

18 44 2 18 Look What God Gave Her

THOMAS RHETT

BIG/UMA

19 29 12 10 Fire & Ice

ANDREW SWIFT FT. CATHERINE BRITT

SFR/UMA

20 30 10 20 What Makes You Country

LUKE BRYAN

SME

CAP/EMI

CMC TOP 50 Week Commencing 23 March. This chart is updated weekly at countrymusicchannel.com.au or tune into CMC. TW TITLE 1 Good Girl 1 Fire & Ice 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

ARTIST LABEL DUSTIN LYNCH BROKEN BOW/BMG ANDREW SWIFT FT. CATHERINE BRITT SOCIAL FAMILY Real Men Don’t Cry (War On Pride) FANNY LUMSDEN RED DIRT RECORDS Feels Like A Party LOCASH WHEELHOUSE/BMG If Heaven Has A Soundtrack ADAM BRAND ABC Night Shift JON PARDI EMI Rejected ALEYCE SIMMONDS CHECKED LABEL Country Heart THE WOLFE BROTHERS ABC Make It Sweet OLD DOMINION SONY Beautiful Crazy LUKE COMBS SONY Whiskey Glasses MORGAN WALLEN BIG LOUD Miss Me More KELSEA BALLERINI SONY Love Someone BRETT ELDREDGE WARNER Chain Of Joy FELICITY URQUHART ABC MUSIC Road Warriors TRAVIS COLLINS ABC Eyes On You CHASE RICE BROKEN BOW/BMG Rumor LEE BRICE CURB/SONY Redemption TORI FORSYTH LOST HIGHWAY The One That Got Away MICHAEL RAY WARNER What Makes You Country LUKE BRYAN EMI Because We Can JETTY ROAD SOCIAL FAMILY RECORDS Hot Hot Kiss CHRISTIE LAMB ABC Girl MAREN MORRIS SONY What Whiskey Does RANDY HOUSER STONEY CREEK/BMG Outrageous AMBER LAWRENCE ABC Wheels LEE KERNAGHAN ABC I Don’t Remember Me BROTHERS OSBORNE EMI

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TW TITLE ARTIST LABEL 27 Friends Don’t MADDIE & TAE UMA 28 Caught Up In The Country RODNEY ATKINS CURB/SONY 29 Rainbow KACEY MUSGRAVES UMA 30 Talk You Out Of It FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE BIG MACHNE 31 On My Way To You CODY JOHNSON WARNER 32 What Happens In A Small Town BRANTLEY GILBERT & LINDSAY ELL UMA 33 Stepping Stones DANI YOUNG INDIE 34 Mountain Of Pain BENNETT, BOWTELL & URQUHART CHECKED LABEL SERVICES 35 Red Light BRAD COX INDIE 36 Keith KAYLEE BELL INDIE 37 Somebody’s Daughter TENILLE TOWNES SONY 38 Kiss Me Like You Miss Me CHELSEA BERMAN INDIE 39 I Don’t Wanna Hate You BROOKE LAMBERT INDIE 40 Apple And Pride NATALIE HENRY INDIE 41 Kimberly Frontier GRAEME CONNORS ABC 42 Found JUDAH KELLY UMA 43 Skeletons KIRSTY LEE AKERS SOCIAL FAMILY RECORDS 44 Good As You KANE BROWN SONY 45 No Filter WARD THOMAS SONY 46 I Wonder What You Kiss Like BROOK CHIVEL W/ NATALIE PEARSON INDIE 47 Got My Name Changed Back PISTOL ANNIES SONY 48 Hung Up On You TROY KEMP AND JAYNE DENHAM CHECKED LABEL SERVICES 49 When Willie’s Gone ADAM HARVEY SONY 50 Late Night Girl IMOGEN CLARK LOST HIGHWAY C O U N T RY M U S I C C A P I TA L N E W S A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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BUSH BALLADS

MATESHIP, MUSTERS AND MUSIC

BY PETER COAD OAM WWW.BUSHBALLADEERS.COM.AU

AUSTRALIA CAN PUT ON QUITE A SHOW DURING THE AUTUMN MONTHS, AND ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO TAKE IT IN IS TO PACK THE CAR AND HIT THE ROAD, OR JOIN GRAHAM RODGER’S TAG-A-LONG SHOW OR ATTEND A FESTIVAL OR TWO. Tag along show. Show locations will be from Carroll NSW through to Queensland ending in Birdsville with a wine and cheese celebration at the foot of Big Red. Graham has been running these tours for many years now, bringing country music to isolated areas and helping bring funds into towns through the large tour groups.

COAD SISTERS THE JOURNEY Graham Rodger

BRINGING MUSIC TO THE BUSH Graham Rodger will be heading out on the road at the end of April with his Country Music

The Coad Sisters released a new album The Journey in mid-March. This is the first duo album for sisters Virginia and Lynette since their Endless Highway release in 2012. The sisters have been fulltime in entertainment since around 1990 and the fourteen track album features their own musicianship and a majority of their own writings, several co-writes with Shirrelle Jackman, and another with Jim Hermel, along with two

classic cover tracks. There is a strong Australiana ballad thread throughout the album with stories of places, and characters, along with some up-tempo tracks, yodelling and an instrumental.

PAT BROWN DEBUT ALBUM Pat Brown Jr is one of the young upcoming talents in the Bush Ballad world and hails from the Woolgoolga area of NSW. Pat has just released his first album titled Get Along featuring songs of Australia with ballads from legendary songwriters. Pat is planning tours to promote the new album.

CAMPFIRES AND COUNTRY MUSIC Hartwood Festival ‘Campfires and Country Music’ will be held from April 19 to 21. This year’s event will feature a Friday afternoon concert by Peter Coad & The Coad Sisters and Runaway Dixie followed by a full weekend of artists including Col Hardy, Jeff Brown, Royden Donohue, Marie Hodson, Jess Holland, Craig Giles, Murray Hartin, Tom Maxwell, Amos Morris, Sharon Benjamin, and Gary Fogarty.

WEETHALLE COUNTRY MUSIC MUSTER 2019 Weethalle in western NSW, will stage their inaugural festival from May 2 to 5 at Weethalle Showground. Artists are Ged and Trudy Hintz, Tom Maxwell, Reg Poole, Errol Gray, Grant Luhrs, Sharon Benjamin, The Byrnes Sisters, Owen Blundell and bush poet Col Driscoll.

THE BOULDY BUSH BALLAD BASH 2019 The annual Bouldercombe Bouldy Bush Ballad Bash will be held from May 13 to 19. Artists appearing are John & Christine Smith, Gunbarrel Highwaymen, Bruce Lavender, Brian Letton, Caitlyn Jamieson, Ged and Trudy Hintz, Ray Essery, Jeff Brown, Sharon Heaslip, Gary Fogarty, Alisha Smith, and Keith Jamieson.

COAD COUNTRY MUSTER Phil and Chris Coad will present their annual festival ‘Phil & Chris Coad’s Country Muster’ at Wyper Park, Bundaberg from May 21 to 26. Artists include Sharon Heaslip, Kalesti Butler, Kate Hindle, Anita Ree, Laura Downing, Ashley Cook, Gottani Sisters, Dean Perrett, Ged & Trudy Hintz, Greg Bain, Barry K. & Lin Chandler, and Phil & Chris Coad.

REVIEW BAND OF MATES SONS OF AUSTRALIA The Band of Mates is Terry Bennetts, Evan Platschinda, and Ginger Cox, and they open with the title song Sons Of Australia to tell their own story in song. The boys work well together and their selection of songs for this album is good. They are doing their own thing musically as well as interacting together. Terry recorded some of his songs and instrumentals Trainee Ringer and Ghanara Sunset.

Evan features his own songs including Luckiest Man Alive and Ginger sings Terry’s song Hear Them Gumbarks Ring. Ginger and Terry share the lead guitar on this very enjoyable album of bush ballad songs. For more details contact Terry 0413 462 109, Ginger 0497 833 265 and Evan 0412 513 590.

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

BRIAN LETTON RECORDS LIVE DVD

BY LORRAINE PFITZNER OAM

BRIAN LETTON HAS A BRAND NEW RELEASE – AND IT’S NOT A CD – IT’S A DVD.

T

he project has been in the planning stages for several years and now it’s a reality.

It was recorded live, last February, at the Barham Services Club in front of a full house, who enjoyed being a part of the show.

Brian chose his most popular songs and opened with My Kinda Country and continued with I’m Aussie All Over, When We First Fell In Love, Footprints, G’Day From WA, just a few of the great songs from his musical career.

Half way through, Brian’s son Matt, a professional dancer, enters the stage and performs a duet with his dad on When You’re Smiling. The DVD finishes with Brian singing Graeme Connors’ song We’ve Done Us Proud.

Brian Letton Live At The Barham Services Club was produced and engineered by Steve Newton. As well as being the musical producer, Kingsley Day played piano and keyboard, Rob Breese played lead guitar,

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

Geoff Clapson played bass and Trevor Letton was on drums.

Brian was born in Port Lincoln SA, and raised on his parents farming property near Ravensthorpe in WA. The land was often a harsh environment which Brian said taught him to appreciate the true values of life.

After leaving school Brian worked on the land for a few years then decided to try his skills working as a builder, welder, farrier, horse breaker and trainer. This directed him into the harness racing industry in which he’s still involved in today as a trainer and a reinsman.

His other love is AFL (Australian Rules Football) having been a very good footballer and it’s a sport he continues to have a keen interest in today.

In 1989, Brian commenced work as a professional entertainer after 10 years of working part-time as musician in various local bands. During this time a cassette was released by the band Highway One in which Brian was the lead vocalist. (I have a copy of this and it is one of my favourite early recordings by Brian and shows how great his vocal work then and still is today).

He decided to move his family from WA to Tamworth and record with Lindsay Butler’s LBS label. His first release was a vinyl LP The Man From WA. Over the years anther 19 albums were released through LBS. Brian is a great songwriter and writes and sings about his love for his country and the Australian people and their way of life.

In 2003, Brian fulfilled the ambition to record an album of songs with orchestral backing under the guidance

of the maestro Tommy Tycho. The album Any Dream Will Do was release #21 and released on his own The Brian Letton label in September 2014 with album no 3 Western Australia Is Calling Me Home released in 2017 a great bush ballad CD which enhances Brian’s melodic vocals and enduring talents.

Brian has received several awards over the years including for best male talent, best song and a duo with Owen Blundell at Bungendore Country Muster.

In 1993, Brian was inducted into the Rocky Page Hall of Fame and the Avenue of Honour at Barmera SA. He has been a finalist in the Country Music Awards of Australia on no less than 16 occasions and was proudly inducted into the Hands of Fame in Tamworth in 1996.

In 2008, Brian received the Peel Valley Lions Club of Tamworth Australian Country Music Services Award “for his support to many organisations around Australia including work from Aboriginal workshops and the Royal Flying Doctors Service in the western states to the Blue Nurses and Westpac Rescue Service in the eastern states”.

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WRIT ING GRE AT SONGS

SOME SIMPLE WAYS TO RUIN YOUR SONG

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

MY PET HATE IS NOT BAD SONGS … IT IS SONG IDEAS THAT WERE POTENTIALLY GREAT SONGS BUT WERE WRECKED BY BAD FINISHING OR SIMPLE FAULTS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN FIXED DURING THE WRITING OR EDITING PROCESS. SOME OF THESE FAULTS ARE OBVIOUS BUT SEEM TO MANAGE TO SNEAK THROUGH. THE TITLE I get that this is art but “arty” decisions like calling the song something other than what the song is telling you that it is called is fraught with danger. Paul Simon’s 59th Street Bridge Song (which most people hear as Feeling Groovy) or Bob Dylan’s Rainy-Day Women (which mentions neither rain nor women) are exceptions but unless you are a Simon or Dylan probably best avoided. Let the listener into the secret or else how can he or she request, stream or buy your song. As a general rule, you don’t pick the title … the song does.

Oh, and here’s a question … why would anyone write a song with the same title as a song that was a big hit or was in the charts a month ago? Songs can always be reworked, so why show ignorance of other people’s songs?

THE HOOK Yes, the hook is essential but there is something worse than a song without a hook

(although that is a real song killer) … a song with two hooks is way worse because the two hooks will pull against each other and make the song confusing. My advice? Pick one and build your song around it. No idea is wasted … two hooks equal two songs … simple.

THE CLICHÉ Nothing says boring and uninteresting better than a song littered with little “me too” “heard it all before” lines. Surely after hundreds of years of songwriting, all the “bridges have been burned” by now. Does every album need to have a song with summer or summertime in the title? (true TV likes clips with beach bodies in them … but really?).

While we’re at it … there are words that rhyme with “change” other than “rearrange” or “brain” and “insane”.

Originality is not saying something that no one has said before … it’s saying something people say every day but finding a NEW way to say it.

RHYME Rhyme can be your best friend … it makes your lyric sing, sparkle and sound musical. It can also be your worst enemy … the worst song killer is often ugly little inconsequential lines that are only in the song because they rhyme. Every badly chosen word weakens your song … one bad line can destroy it. If you are struggling with finding a rhyme, look at the line you are rhyming with. If you change it to something that means the same but is easier to rhyme you can often fix the problem and save the song.

EDIT IT “You can edit a song too much, you know.” No you can’t.

Keep singing the song as you write it and as you edit it.

Singing the song lets the song tell you where it wants to go … let it! It also lets you know when it is finished … listen to it! My advice is to type up the lyric, record a rough demo and save it to your computer as soon as it is finished and before your voice gets tired and you screw up the melody.

I then put it away for a week or so and come back to the song fresh. Flaws in your song tend to be more obvious after the excitement and adrenalin has subsided.

If you stumble over a line, it is usually because you are a beat or two short or long in your line. Whatever happens in verse one has to happen exactly the same in verse two. It’s not my rule … it’s a rule of nature.

See you next month … maybe.

If you have questions regarding participating or hosting upcoming songwriting workshops around Australia, my “one on one” private songwriting coaching service (based in the Blue Mountains), or my book Contact me on 0419218988 or at allan@allancaswell.com

ALLAN CASWELL SONGWRITING SCHOOL For information about future workshops: 0419 218 988, allan@allancaswell.com

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years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

COMINGEVENTS APRIL 2019 4-7 The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival | Cooryong | Vic | Contact: Festival coordinator Jennifer Boardman |T: 02 6076 1992 | E: admin@bushfestival.com.au | W: bushfestival.com.au 5-7 Terara CM Campout | 146 Millbank Road | Terara (Nowra) | NSW | Contact: Tracey M: 0419 985 799 | E: traceycotterill76@gmail.com 9-14 Phil & Chris Coad’s Condobolin Country Muster | Various artists | Condobolin RSL Club | NSW | Contact: Phil & Chris Coad | M: 0458 728 464 or 0419 603 371 | W: philandchriscoadmusters.com 11-14 Sunshine Coast Ukulele Festival | Kenilworth Showgrounds | Qld | W: sunshinecoastukulelefest.com 13 Waikato CM Awards | Baptist Church | 56 Moorhouse St | Morrinsville NI | NZ 18-22 Easter Long Weekend | 30th Annual Byron Bay BluesFest | Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm | Byron Bay | NSW | Featuring …. and so many more | W: bluesfest.com.au 18-22 53rd National Folk Festival | Exhibition Park | Canberra | ACT | E: info@folkfestival.org.au | W: folkfestival.org.au 18-22 42nd Roma’s Easter In The Country | Roma | Qld | Various | E: info@easterinthecountryroma.com.au | W: easterinthecountryroma.com.au 19-21 Hartwood Campfires & CM | Featuring Col Hardy, Craig Giles, Sharon Benjamin, Amos Morris, Jess Holland, Royden Donohoe, Jeff Brown, Marie Hodson, Tom Maxwell, Peter Coad & The Coad Sisters, Runaway Dixie & the Hartwood Festival Backing Band | Poets Murray Hartin & Gary Fogarty | Contact: Tom Maxwell | M: 0456 780 824 | E: info@hartwoodfestival.com.au | W: hartwoodfestival.com.au 23-28 Historic Boondooma Homestead The Original ‘Spirit of the Bush’ – Traditional Balladeers & Heritage Muster | Various artists | General Inquiries: 07 4168 0159 | W: boondoomahomestead.org.au 25-28 Winton’s Way Out West Festival | Supporting Outback Communities | E: info@wintonswayoutwestfest.com.au | T: 1300 MATILDA | W: wintonswayoutwestfest.com.au 28 Country Bash | Forcett Hall (on the east coast just ten minutes south of Sorell) | Tasmania | Featuring musicians and singers from local country bands, walk-ups welcome | $5 entry includes generous afternoon tea and endless cuppas 30 APRA Music Awards | Melbourne Town Hall | Vic | W: apraamcos.com.au MAY 2019 2 Gold Coast Music Awards | Surfers Paradise | Qld | gcmusicawards.com.au 2-5 Surfers Paradise LIVE | Qld | surfersparadise.com/whats-on/annual-events/surfers-paradise-live-2019 2-5 Mayworth | Australian Country Dance Festival | West Tamworth League Club | NSW 2-5 Australian Celtic Festival | Glen Innes | NSW | T: 02 6730 2404 2-5 Weethalle Country Music Muster 2019 | Weethalle Showground, Teamster Drive | Weethalle | NSW | Contact: Gayle Clark | M: 0428 757337 or Allan Clark 0428 695573 | E: allangayleclark@bigpond.com | Facebook: fb.me/weethallecmmuster 3-5 39th Annual Redlands CMF & TQ | Redlands Bay | Qld | M: 0438 050 249 | Contact Allen | M: 0413 877 756 | W: redlandscountry.asn.au 10-12 NZ Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival | NZ | Contact Shirley May | T: 027 235 0106 E: maysplace@actrix.co.nz W: country-rock.co.nz 14-20 Bouldy Bush Ballad | Bash Bouldercombe Rec Complex Qld | Walkups Mon to Fri, and Tony McKenna guest artists and poets | Sat and Sun Chad Morgan, Alisha Smith, Chad Morgan, Reg Poole, Peter Simpson, Gary Fogarty, Ray Essery, Jeff Brown, Dianne Lindsay, Jammo, Col Edmonds and Sharon Heaslip | Facilities include camping, showers, toilets, water | Contact Keith Jamieson | M: 0427 731 088 17-20 Music In The Mulga | “Wandilla Station” | 1508 Pitherity Road | Eulo | Qld | Featuring daily concerts from 10am, nightly entertainment, bush dance, Sunday breakfast, charity auction and yabby races | Contact: David and Carmel Meurant | T: 07 4655 4065 | W: musicinthemulga.com.au 20-25 25th Norfolk Island CMF | E: nicma@norfolk.net.nf | W: norfolkislandcountrymusic.com 21-26 Phil and Christine Coad’s Annual Country Muster | Wyper Park | Bundaberg | Qld | M: 0458 728 464 or 0419 603 371 | philandchriscoadmusters.com 24-26 Buckle & Boots Country Festival | Manchester | UK | Facebook.com/Buckleandboots/ 24-27 Barham Balladeers & CMF | W: clubarham.com.au 25 Paddock Sessions | Featuring Imogen Clark, Tori Forsyth, This Way North, Piper Butcher | Time: 1pm-10pm | Gates open: 11am | Taer Angwidd Farm | Wollombi | Hunter Valley | NSW | W: incywincycyder.wixsite.com/paddocksessions | 1pm-9:30pm gates open at 11am 25-June 2 46th NZ Gold Guitar Awards | Gore | NZ | goldguitars.co.nz 26 Country Bash | Forcett Hall (on the east coast just ten minutes south of Sorell) | Tasmania | Featuring musicians and singers from local country bands, walk-ups welcome | $5 entry includes generous afternoon tea and endless cuppas 31-June 10 41st SA CMF & New Talent Awards | Barmera | SA | T: 08 8588 2289 | E: vic@barmeratourism.com.au | riverlandcountrymusic.com years of bringing you the music 1975–2019

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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 A P R I L 2 0 1 9

years of bringing you the music 1975–2019