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This website dedicated to bringing you the latest Australian country music news |
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NEWS ARCHIVES NOVEMBER 2006 DATELINE : WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2006 New venue announced for Tamworth Festival A new venue has been announced for the giant Tamworth Country Music Festival this January.
As we go to press, almost all of the performance slots have been booked with the remaining expected to be taken up within the next few weeks. Jim Guider, a spokesman for the Country Music Bulletin, which is assisting Regent management in setting up the venue, said the theatre – to be billed as Regent Country Live during the festival – was shaping up to be one of the most exciting venues of the entire festival. "We're very happy with the way it's all coming together," he said, " with acts including Colin Buchanan, the Borderers, the Bushwackers, Steve Charles, the Davidson Brothers, Distance, Fiddlers' Feast, Nicki Gillis, Shane Hogan, Dave Prior, Sally-Anne Whitten and Those Gals." The venue will host a number of state-based shows including a Queensland Singer/Songwriter Showcase with Nik Phillips, Gemma Doyle, Shelley Evans and the Rachel Mak Trio, and several Victorian Showcases. And the 2007 Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards will be staged at the Regent on Thursday January 25 at 1.30pm. "The main attributes of the Regent Country Live is its strong focus on customer comfort," Jim said. "The Regent is fully air-conditioned and, of course, offers theatre style tiered seating which works so well for a performance venue. "We would be second only to the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre in providing this class and quality of venue," he said. Details of shows at the Regent Country Live this January can be obtained by visiting www.countrymusicbulletin.com.au/regent. Music rains on Tallangatta Australia Post is taking Troy Cassar-Daley and "a shower" of musicians to Tallangatta, just east of Wodonga in Victoria, in an effort to provide some relief from the crippling drought.
Festival organiser and Tourism Development Manager for Towong Shire Penny Jeffs has been overwhelmed by the response from musicians and sponsors alike. "The sponsors have been fantastic," she said. "It normally takes weeks or months to get this level of support, but the sponsors have recognised that the local farmers need help now. In the same way, musicians and bands have been lining up to participate on the day. They all just want to make a difference, and what a difference they’ll make!" Starting at 10am, the gates will be thrown open by Australian Idol Top 20 Korey Livy as the streets of Tallangatta are blocked off and a huge street party begins. Rotary will provide food and drinks in the central park, and they will be providing everything at cost. "Our aim is to give farming communities the opportunity to have a great day out with their families," said local Rotary spokesman Jock Cavanagh, "a day out that doesn’t put a strain on their already scarce resources. So we chose to not make any profit at all and to give everybody the chance to enjoy the whole day even more." Multi Golden Guitar and ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Award winner Troy Cassar-Daley will be joined by "enough musicians to sing up a storm," according to organisers, including Sam and Sarah Campbell, Gypsy-Rose Moon, Kate Grealy, Trevor Best, Rosie Hadden, Leoni & Jess Hodgkin, The Smokin’ Guns, the Celtic Larrikins and Melbourne folk band Milk. Born and raised in Grafton, Troy is no stranger to life on the land and the hard times faced by farmers in times of drought. In the tradition of the world’s great songwriters, Troy takes his inspiration from real life, and his songs will ring true with many in the audience at Tallangatta. The past months have seen local farmers face terrible decisions as the amount of feed and water dwindles and the price they get for their livestock falls to almost nothing. Hay is running out in the region and without decent rains before Christmas the future looks very bleak for many. "One simple way we could make a difference," Penny said, "was to make the entry to the concert free to residents of Towong Shire. Plus, Bushman’s Tanks have donated three water tanks and one lucky farmer will be going home with a Bushman’s tank full of water." Penny has also organised for 1,000 "Farmers Rewards" to be made available to local farmers on the day. "Masterfoods, Visy, Uncle Toby’s and others have all come together to help put something in the pantry of local farmers – a generous act that will make a significant difference," she said. But the Australia Post Drought Breaker Concert is not about focussing on the pain and hardship caused by the dry weather, rather it is about providing farmers with some cheer and showing them that Australians do care. "With more than six hours of music, Saturday December 9 in Tallangatta will be a great day out for the whole family – and for those who don’t want to drive, Martin’s Travel & Tours will be running coaches to and from the event. "Together we will make a difference by having a great day out and supporting our local farmers as they fight to survive this devastating drought." Weblink – www.droughtbreakerconcert.com. Alison wins "great" award Alison Hams was named winner of the SA Great Regional Award for the Arts at the Flinders/Outback Presentation Dinner last night (November 28) in her home town of Whyalla.
One of the biggest fields of nominations, the Arts award, sponsored by ETSA (South Australia's electricity distributor), recognised Alison's achievements both locally, interstate and overseas, while all the time being proudly South Australian. As part of her prize, Alison received a unique, hand-made "Pear" trophy and now holds the title of an SA Great winner for the next 12 months. Alison also performed a 30 minute set of her music at the presentation dinner. Weblink – www.alisonhams.com. Star Quest finalists 2007 The Australian Bush Balladeers Association (ABBA) has announced finalists for the 2007 Bush Balladeer Star Quest.
The winner will be announced at Wests Diggers in Tamworth on Tuesday, January 23 at 1pm. Guest artists on the Star Quest show will include Jay Messenger & Kimberly Cook, comperes will be Anita Ree and Peter Pratt and 2006 Star Quest winner Julie Perandes will make a special guest appearance. The Charley Boyter Band will provide backing. Previous Star Quest winners have been Dave McCallum (2001), Nathan Charlton (2002), Anita Ree (2003), Matt Manning (2004), Jeff Gibson (2005) and Julie Perandes. Photos (from left): Rachel Richards, John Parker, Debbie Beckett. Weblink – www.bushballadeers.com.au/finalists.htm. And Balladeers announce 2007 program Meanwhile, ABBA has announced its extensive program for the 2007 Tamworth Country Music Festival which, apart from Star Quest, will again be based at The Balladeers Homestead, the Salvation Army's Peace Hall on Goonoo Goonoo Road.
ABBA's Pickin' On Ballads, the Barry Thornton Bronze Bust Fundraiser and another Member's Showcase will feature on Wednesday the 24th. ABBA's annual meeting will be held at the Homestead on Thursday morning while the Slim, Bazza & Stan Tribute Show will be staged in the afternoon and another Member's Showcase in the evening. Friday the 26th features a Yodelling Spectacular in the morning, ABBA's Country Music Hall of Fame Fundraiser in the afternoon and another Member's Showcase in the evening. Highlights of Saturday the 27th include the ABBA Star Quest Winner's Showcase in the afternoon and the Royal Flying Doctor Service Fundraiser in the evening. Weblink – for a full listing go to www.bushballadeers.com.au/festival.htm. Photos: just some of the dozens of stars appearing at The Balladeers Homestead in 2007 (from left): Nathan Charlton, Anita Ree, Peter Coad and Tracy Coster. Queensland Champs winner Queensland has a new Country Music Champion of Champions.
It's the latest in a string of achievements for the Mackay based singer who also took out the Senior Female Vocal section of the Championships. Craig Phillips & Andrea Jackson (from Garden City and Redlands CM Clubs, respectively) were named joint winners of the 2006 Ellaways Music Queensland Junior Champion title while Rebecca Holdorf (Boonah CM Club) won the 2006 Ellaways Music Queensland Juvenile Champion title. The Senior Songwriters Award went to Noela Dillon for She Hasn’t Lived Life Yet” the Junior Songwriters Award went to Kodie Maree Trunks for Only One To Blame. The 2007 Camerata Scholarship was won by Mitchell King, the 2007 College of Country Music Scholarship to Jesse Davis. Weblink (including full results from the Championship) – www.qldchamps.com.au. Photo (from left): John Dillon, President of Queensland Champs, Daisy May and last year's Champion Ryan Sampson. Steve releases debut solo single Steve Eales, front man of popular vocal trio Sovereign, has released his first solo single, Girls On Horses.
Produced by Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool/Mondo Rock) and engineered by Reggie Bowman (Southern Sons), Girls On Horses is described as "a rockin’ tale of blokes checkin’ out the female riders at the local rodeo". "There’s a definite poetry in motion thing going on when a well matched girl and her horse race by," Steve said. "Barrel racing has always been a favorite of mine at the rodeos, they’re so aggressive and graceful all at the same time. "There was an incident at a rodeo a few years back where some mates and I were chased off the arena rail by an over-zealous rodeo clown. We knew better, of course, but this guy was so serious we couldn’t help but laugh. I hope this track epitomises the fun and spirit of our rodeo girls and the whole rodeo scene." A video clip for Girls On Horses features "a killer dance remix of the song" and has already been screened on the popular new television program "Cruisin’ The Country" and is expected to hit other country video shows in the coming weeks. Steve is currently finalising tracks for his solo album which is due mid next year. Weblink – www.steveeales.com.au. Jessie and Mistin win SA Song of the Year Down That Road written by Jessie Che (left) and Mistin Pugh (right), was named South Australian Song of the Year at the annual South Australia Showcase on Saturday Night.
The backing band featured Trev Warner and Alison Hams, Kevin Bergen, Craig Stringer, Paul Orchard, Steven Sherrah and Anthony and Tracy Stewart. Celebrating "country music month" in South Australia, the South Australian Council for Country Music (SACCM) has released a compilation CD titled Let's Give It Back. Weblink – See www.saccm.com. Blanchetown Country Campout
This year, the event featuring traditional country, balladeer and country rock artists with the addition of "a couple of poets for good measure". Artists included Craig Giles (pictured), Dave Prior, John O’Dea, Freddy Bowen, Lee Brocky, Talia Wittmann, Creole CowboyZ, Compact Country, Limestone Country, Cross Country & many more. Twelve juniors featured in the program. A spokesman for the event said that although the crowd was slightly less than last year, the Royal Flying Doctor Blanchetown Support Group would be able to give a substantial amount of money to the RFDS. Planning is now underway for next year's event which will be held over three days, October 25 to 27. New time for TIARAs Organisers of the 10th annual Tamworth Independent Artits Recognition Awards (TIARAs) have announced a new time for the 2007 Awards presentation and showcase. They will now be held at 1pm on Tuesday, January 23, at Blazes Auditorium at West Tanmworth League Club. Awards will be presented in nine categories including male vocal, female vocal, group, bush ballad, instrumental, vocal collaboration, duo and songwriting. Tickets go on sale this Friday (December 1) together with other Wests, Wests Diggers shows. Weblink – www.wtlc.com.au. Australian Idol finalist Jessica Jessica Mauboy, Monday's other finalist in Australian Idol (the competition was won by Damien Leith) had her start in country music.
Jessica went on to release a cover of Cindy Lauper's Girls Just Want to Have Fun before becoming a household name this year as a finalist in the Network Ten reality TV series. "That development (in country music) has probably given her a much better shot at Australian Idol," said Adam Harvey who is Ambassador for the Road To Tamworth competition. While Jessica has mainly performed pop tunes throughout the Idol series, Adam believes the young singer will return to country. "She could sing anything she wants," he said. "I know she has a real passion for country music and, in her own way, she is going to be a great ambassador for country music too." – thewest.com.au Kasey brings a special guest to Tamworth Kasey Chambers "live free & in the park" at Tamworth 2007 will include special guest Missy Higgins. After five successful years Kasey's free park concert has now firmly established itself as one of the premier and integral events of the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival. So, on Australia Day 2007, Friday January 26 at Tamworth's Bicentennial Park, "live free & in the park" will be back for a sixth year.
"I’m looking forward to Tamworth again, as always," Kasey said, "...but a little extra excited this year because not only are we doing my favourite show in the park for our sixth year but I’m sharing the gig with Missy Higgins. "We shared the stage at Wave Aid a couple of years ago and I’d hoped to get the chance to do that again sometime. So looking forward to seeing you all there and hope you enjoy it as much as we do every year." Missy Higgins, who is currently in the United States working on her new album, said, "I’ve only been to the Tamworth Festival once before so I’m really looking forward to getting back there and being part of this show that I’ve heard so much about." In the five years that "kasey chambers live free & in the park" has been in existence, it has provided the perfect opportunity to help raise some much needed funds. Thanks to the generosity of the audiences, around $90,000 has been raised and donated to local Tamworth based charities so far. The Tamworth Volunteer Fire Brigade, Tamworth Salvation Army Drought Relief Fund, Tamworth Youth Care Organisation for the Prevention of Youth Suicide, Tamworth Base Hospital Nioka Ward (Palliative Care Unit) and Hope cottage have all received funds. In 2007, in a slight break from tradition and with regional Australia in the grip of the one of the longest droughts in history, the buckets will again be passed around for Tamworth Salvation Army Drought Relief. "Your donations to the Salvation Army's Drought Relief Appeal will help us meet the needs of farmers in the Tamworth region," said Captain Mark Everitt of the Tamworth Corps of the Salvation Army. Weblink – www.kaseychambers.com.au. Concert to benefit Queensland musicians Five Queensland "stars in the making" will benefit from a special fundraiser being staged at Beenleigh Historical Village, on Sunday, December 17.
With a highly competitive admissions process, the students – 8 Ball Aitken, Nellie Donovan, Gina Horswood, Lee Kirby and Sarah McMonagle – will be given insider education and specialised training by music industry professionals who will "assist them towards the road to stardom". Gina, Nellie, Sarah and 8 Ball will all appear at the fundraiser, together with Shelley Evans (pictured), Rose Carleo and members of the Northern Suburbs Country Music Club, Paul Wilson & Wild Ride, Lance Coassin and local Beenleigh favourites Kaylee & The Heroes. The show kicks off at 12 noon and runs through to 7pm. "With the Beenleigh Historical Village hosting the event, the music in this scenic setting will be a unique celebration of Queensland's cultural heritage," said a spokesman for the organisers. "The village's many charms include an architectural treasure-trove of 22 historic buildings, vintage machinery and a cuddly collection of real farm animals. A tasty sausage sizzle and an enticing array of refreshments will be available on the day." Admission is $10, with children under 12 free. The Beenleigh Historical Village is located at 205 Main Street, Beenleigh. Weblink – www.rootsbytheriver.com (click on "Tamworth" link).
The Topp Twins will be performing at Wests and Wests Diggers during the Tamworth Country Music Festival this January. Jools (pictured), who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has been undergoing therapy, has fought back and is up and about feeding horses and hanging out on the farm. "For a while there it looked as though she was not going to be well enough to travel to Tamworth. However, we have been lucky enough to book three shows, two at Wests and one at Diggers," the girls said. – Muster Update Alby on the road Alby Pool has just returned from touring in NSW, central and southern Queensland and the far north. "I’ve never toured in Queensland (before this)," he said. "I’d never been north of Caboolture!"
Released in time for his current touring, and Tamworth 2007, is Alby's latest album, You Can’t Walk This Road Alone. Co-produced with Rob Wilson, Alby says the album "has some of the best country you would want to hear. It’s dedicated to all the musicians and artists and the help they’ve given on previous albums and along the way." In addition to Rob, Alby paid tribute "to Anthony and Sarah Taylor for their friendship and awesome talent, Brad Bergen for his mateship, musical multi-talents and undying commitment to country music and Travis List for finding some of the songs for the project. Not to mention gratitude to session musos Mick Albeck Tomi Grasso and Yianni Moratidis." Alby's month-long tour started in Tamworth in October and headed north to Brisbane, Bribie Island, Maryborough, Charters Towers, Home Hill, Townsville, Ingham, Kurrimine, Cardwell, Clermont, Bundaberg and back through Maryborough, Bribie Island and Brisbane to Maitland and the Central Coast. Alby says it was unlike any experience he had encountered visiting some of the most beautiful areas of the tropics through Mission Beach and in the south around Bribie Island. Weblink – www.albypool.net. Chart update – Lee still at number one
Adam Harvey jumps another two places to three with Lady Lay Down while Brad Paisley jumps three places to number four with The World and Gretchen Wilson's California Girls rises from nine to five. Keith Urban's Once In A Lifetime is up to number six while Alan Jackson's Like Red On A Rose drops to seven, Troy Cassar-Daley's Walking Away moves into the top 10 at number eight and Travis Sinclair's The Boy In The Aerodyne drops to nine. Bullet performers this week include Jeanette Wormald's Opal Blue (29 to 26) and Arthur Blanch (pictured) with For A Song (30 to 27). The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au. CMC Countdown – Adam takes over at the top
Carrie Underwood rises to number two position with Before He Cheats while Trace Adkins' Swing drops to number three. Felicity Urquhart rises to four with Big Black Cloud, Paul Costa jumps to number five with The Way You Make Me Feel and Keith Urban's Once In A Lifetime drops to number six. Bullet performers this week include Nick Kingswell's Hope For Me Yet (debuting at 19), The Audreys' Oh Honey (34 to 30), Lianne Rose with Be Careful (debuting at 35), Casey Watt with I Don't Want To Work This Hard (39 to 36), Richie Scholl with Blacktop Junkie (50 to 37), Neville Anderson's Rambling Shoes (41 to 38) and Graeme Connors' It's All Good (debuting at 43). Other new entries to the Countdown this week include Gemma Doyle with Again (in at 47), Nik Phillips with Postcard (at 48) and Travis Collins with I Was Wrong (at 50). The Top 30 can be viewed at www.countrymusicchannel.com.au.
Faith Hill (pictured), Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood were among the winners at the American Music Awards announced November 21 in Hollywood. Among country artists, Faith won for favorite female artist, Toby won favorite male artist, Tim McGraw's Greatest Hits Vol. 2 won favorite country album and Carrie won breakthrough artist in all genres. Rascal Flatts won two awards – for favorite group among all genres and a fan-voted award. The Dixie Chicks also featured, as performers during the ceremony. Opry guitarist quits after 53 years Jimmy "Spider" Wilson, a guitarist who has worked on the Grand Ole Opry for 53 years, quit on Friday (November 24) after repeatedly being excluded from the televised portion of the show. Wilson, 71, told "The Tennessean" that the rest of the band would be allowed to perform regularly on TV but that emails from the management would specifically exclude him from that portion. Wilson, however, would regularly play during the non-televised portion of the show. Opry Manager Pete Fisher referred to Wilson's frequent omission as "a casting decision" and called Wilson "an exceptional musician and an exceptional person". – CMT.com DATELINE : WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2006 People's Choice Awards Top 10 announced The top 10 finalists in the 2007 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards have been announced. Most prominent on the list include Anita Ree (pictured, left) with six finalist positions, Graham Rodger (centre) with five, Cat Southern (right), Wildseed and the Wolverines with four each and Dale Duncan, Craig Giles and Simply Bushed with three each.
Votes were taken on-line for the first time although traditional "paper" votes were also accepted. The Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards were taken over by the "Country Music Bulletin" after the originators, the Australian Country Music Listener’s Association, announced it was not able to continue organising and staging the activity. "We’re delighted to be able to continue this most important of all Australian country music awards schemes," said the Bulletin’s Bob Kirchner. "Every Awards scheme has its place, of course, but we believe the People’s Choice Awards to be one of the most important as its determined by the public – 'people power' if you like – the people who are the major followers of Australian country music who go along and support artists at shows and festivals. "Organisers are very pleased with all aspects of the Awards. "We were particularly pleased with the response to our two new categories offering recognition to country music broadcasters, programs and radio stations," Bob said. "We had such a wide and diverse response we had to increase the number of finalists announced to 12 for DJs and 11 for programs/stations. "This means there is obviously a lot more country music being played on Australian radio than some people think. "The top five finalists in the 2007 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards will be announced on Friday, December 1. Winners will be announced at the gala Awards presentation at The Regent in Tamworth, Country Music Capital, at 1.30pm on Thursday, January 25, 2007. Tickets, at $23 each for earlybird buyers (prior to December 31) are available by telephoning The Regent on 02 6766 3162. Further information – including a full list of the announced finalists – is available at www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au. Keith's record sales skyrocket Keith Urban's critically hailed fourth studio album, Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing, has debuted at number one on Billboard's American Country Album Chart and at number three on the mainstream album chart.
In Australia, the album debuted at number one on the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Country Chart and at number five on the mainstream albums chart. "Fan support for Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing has been tremendous and these first week sales figures reflect that," said Bill Kennedy, Vice President Sales at Capitol Records Nashville. "This, along with Keith's third consecutive (Country Music Association, America) Male Vocalist of the Year Award and the number one position for the most downloaded album at iTunes, underscores Keith's very solid place in the country music world." Co-produced by Keith with Dann Huff, the new album has received wide critical praise. "So far, Keith Urban shows no signs of running out of exhilarating ways to declare life is grand, or finding dizzyingly uplifting guitar riffs that echo that sentiment," said The Associated Press. Billboard: "Few artists have the vision to see that country music isn't simply defined by fiddles and steel guitar (although this album has both), and even fewer have the talent to fulfill that vision. Urban does." The first single from Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing, Once In A Lifetime, made chart history by debuting at 17 on the Billboard Hot Country Song Chart. It marked the highest debuting single in the 62-year history of that chart. The album's second single, Stupid Boy, was released to radio this week. Gidgee Bush Ballad Award winners
Glenn Jones won the Male Vocal title with Down The Bucketts Road while Anita Ree was named top Female Vocal with Saltwater Creek Sliprails and Dean Perrett and Jeff Brown won the Vocal Collaboration gong with Two Old Mates. Nathan Charlton took out the Album award with Slim You've Done Us Proud, Glenn Jones and Ian Quinn won the Songwriter honours with Something Of A Privilege and Amos Morris won the New Talent award with The Last Goodbye. Charley Boyter was named winner of the Instrumental award for On The Nullabor and Matt Manning won the Encouragement Award. NSW Gold Medallion Award winners
They are... Male Vocalist of the Year – Brian Letton (gold), Drew McAlister and John Williamson (silver tie). Female Vocalist of the Year – Karen Lynne (pictured, gold), Beccy Cole (silver). New Talent of the Year – Sharnee Fenwick (gold), Dale Duncan (silver). Musician of the Year – Charley Boyter (gold), Lindsay Butler (silver). Bush Balladeer of the Year – Tom Maxwell (gold), Matt Manning (silver). Songwriter of the Year – Ernie Constance (gold), Rick Aitchison (silver). Touring Artist of the Year – Tom Maxwell (gold), Brian Letton (silver). On Sunday (November 19), 27 artists, backed by two bands, spent seven hours entertaining an enthusiastic crowd who came to support Guy and Letice Argaet whose daughter McKenzie is in Westmead Children’s’ Hospital awaiting a liver transplant.
Part of the fund raising on the day included an auction by noted Queanbeyan auctioneer John Osborne and a giant raffle with all items sold at the auction and used as prizes in the raffle donated by business houses and other benefactors. The Queanbeyan Kangaroos Club provided the auditorium free of charge. All the artists appearing at the Benefit performed without fee. They covered a cross section of country musicians from the Australian Capital Territory and southern NSW region. A strong contingent of radio presenters from QBN-FM, Yass FM and Goulburn FM were in the audience, as were members from a number of country music clubs. Guy and his sister Rae, together with their mum Carol, were there on the day and were overwhelmed by the support they received. Guy’s wife, Letice, could not be at the benefit, having to remain at Westmead with baby McKenzie. The principal behind the organising of the Benefit Concert was the recently married Di Masters, known to some as Di Flynn. Di has known the Argaet family for many years and has watched Guy and Rae grow up from babies. She was also involved in the development of their country music careers. When asked what she thought of the day, Di said: "I just can’t put into words how I felt. I just got overwhelmed with it. It was great organising it and I looked forward to helping the family. It was just a wonderful day – absolutely awesome." Artists who performed on the day were Peter Stapleton, Alan and Anne Gumm, Mal Osbourne, Rod Flynn, Joanne Fairall, Noel Cotter, Kath McCall, Kim Williams, Vicky Walsh, Sylvia Williams, Aaron Bolton, Dean Woodbridge, and Country Music Association of Canberra members Dianna Masters, Ernie Constance, Richard Hunter, Leon Andrews, Patty McKinnon, Kerry Summerfield, Leo Hill, Martin Bowland, Dave Meyers, Alan Neal, and Bev Stokes. There was also a comedy act, Sophisticated Jillaroos, as well as an on stage appearances by Guy Argaet and his sister Rae. The two backing bands were Caught In The Act and The Gurus comprising musicians Pam Byrne, Boots Meyers, Scotty Ingram, Rod Flynn and Allan Gumm. Comperes on the day were Dave Myers and Mike Crozier, with the Country Music Association of Canberra providing the sound equipment. Photo: Guy Argaet with Mike Crozier after performing on stage during the Benefit. Normie records new Don Walker song Normie Rowe, who has been dabbling in the country music scene over the last few years, will be the voice of a new Don Walker song titled Poor Boy.
Don, the legendary songwriter and keyboard player from Cold Chisel, has written for numerous artists over the years including country music star Slim Dusty. "He is a hell of a writer," says Normie. "He has a handle on Australian urban subjects and their delivery". Normie will release the song on his next album in 2007. He is also adding another unreleased Don Walker song – Long Black Limousine – into his live set. Meanwhile, Normie has just released a newly recorded version of his 1965 hit single Que Sera Sera. "I got a call from Mike Brady and Billy Pinnell from their radio show," Normie said. "Billy found the original version which had a slight Latin feel. I thought let's re-record it. ABC put it out via iTunes. Then we decided to do the whole digital mix with a radio mix and a dance mix". Normie launched the single in Melbourne at the Toorak Lion. His band was young Melbourne act Level 6 with special guest Sam See on guitar. – undercover.com.au Beattie gives the gift of Aussie music
The premier took copies of CDs from Queensland artists Troy Cassar-Daley (pictured), Graeme Connors, Kate Miller-Heidke, Andrew Morris, Katie and Maggie Noonan, The Ten Tenors and The Veronicas as gifts for diplomats and dignitaries on his two week mission to the Middle East and Europe. Australia's Ambassador to France Penny Wensley was one proud recipient of a copy of The Veronicas' CD while Queensland House in London received CDs from Troy, Andrew and The Ten Tenors for use at functions. Other CDs have been given to dignitaries met throughout the trip which came to an end at the weekend when Mr Beattie returned home. – thewest.com.au New album from Ian Ian Quinn has just released his fifth album containing 12 new self penned songs. Titled River Or The Road, the collection of songs offers a fresh approach to what Quinny refers to as "my style of Australiana," according to a release promoting the album.
Recorded at Roger Corbett’s Valley studio in the NSW Blue Mountains, River Or The Road "showcases Ian’s award winning song writing and performing skills and has elevated him to a new stage in his recording career," the release said. "The result of a 12 month song writing period which included songs recorded by other artists, the final 12 songs for the new album signals Ian Quinn’s emergence as a contemporary singer/songwriter." The first single from the album – You Can’t Cut Gidgee – resulted from a conversation with an electrical linesman who revealed that stands of gidgee trees are now protected to the point that they have satellite surveillance. Ian is currently touring with singer/songwriter Anita Ree to promote the album. Weblink – here. Andy's "welcome back to Tamworth" Melbourne country roots music man Andy Baylor is heading for Country Music Capital this January for a "welcome back to Tamworth" show.
He kicked off 2005 off with a new highly acclaimed CD release – Hometown Stomp – described as "a rockin’ double CD mix of blues, boogie woogie and Cajun soul and a celebration of his country roots". National touring followed with The Baylor Brothers and The Cajun Combo, followed by a tour of South East Asia with Lucky Oceans' Western-swing All–Stars. Later that same year, Andy received a grant from the Australian Arts Council and journeyed to Southwest Louisiana with his fiddle "to deepen his knowledge of Cajun and Creole music... he says he jammed with the who’s who of Louisiana music and narrowly escaped being caught up in Hurricane Katrina! In September 2005, he performed at benefit concerts in Melbourne aimed at helping New Orleans musicians. The second of these concerts found him playing guitar for legendary soul singer Betty Harris in what he describes as "a sensational show". A week later, disaster struck when Andy found himself diagnosed with Lymphoma, subsequently spending six months undergoing a gruelling regime of chemotherapy which saw him miss his engagements at the Tamworth Festival this year. Andy says he is now making a full recovery and is looking forward to playing for his fans in Tamworth this coming January. Andy and his "swingin' band" will be joined by special guests for the concert which will be staged at Southgate Inn on Monday, January 22. Weblink – Hot western swing, fiddle specialties, swingin’ twin guitars ,old-style country ballads, boogie woogie and hillbilly jazz….not to be missed…..www.baylormusic.com. APRA annual meeting At the APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) AGM last week, Mike Perjanik (pictured) and Chris Neal were re-elected as Writer Directors.
At the AMCOS (Australian Mechanical Copyright Owners Association) AGM, Matthew Donlevy (Managing Director Peermusic), Ian James, Norm Lurie (Managing Director, Music Sales Australia) and Phillip Walker (Managing Director Origin Music), were re-elected to the board. A consolidated APRA|AMCOS revenue of $168.2 million was reported setting a new high, said APRA Chief Executive Brett Cottle, who said, "(The) APRA|AMCOS' final figure for net distributable accorded almost exactly with budget forecasts, owing to solid growth in some licensing areas and continued restraint in expenditure." APRA's total revenue for the 2005-06 year was $127.2 million, marking a growth of 2.9 percent over the previous financial year while the AMCOS revenue was $41 million, an increase of 8.8 percent. With the lowest ever expense to revenue ratio (12.8 percent of gross revenue) APRA was able to distribute a total of $110.3 million during the year, a 6.3 percent increase on the previous year, and AMCOS distributed a total of $35 million, an increase of 25 percent. The rise in revenue was attributed to a 12.5 percent increase in licence fees from pay television; a 158.3 percent increase in APRA online revenue (principally webcasting and ringtone transmissions); and a 45.5 percent increase in AMCOS online revenue with the October 2005 arrival of the Apple iTunes service. Copyright law changes attacked Meanwhile, Christie Eliezer reports in his weekly column at themusic.com.au that the Copyright Amendment Bill 2006 – passed by the House of Representatives and the subject of a Senate Committee – has been attacked by some music and new technology executives.
At the APRA/AMCOS AGMs last week in Sydney, CEO Brett Cottle (pictured) said that the amendments were confusing and complicated, did not protect the economic interests of Australian music creators and failed to meet Australia's international treaty obligations. "Given the complexity of this area of law and the wide range of changes being made, we also regard the process of consultation and policy debate on the issues as having been thoroughly inadequate – the public had only six working days in which to provide submissions to the Committee," he said. The Internet Industry Association (IIA) warned that the changes risked making criminals out of everyday Australians. IIA chief Peter Coroneos said the law endangered the Internet industry with new criminal offence provisions in areas like distribution, potentially exposing ISPs (internet service providers), content hosts, search engines and "anyone with a network" to penalties. "In addition, we have identified quite a few breaches that will occur through the use of 3G phones, not to mention the possession of devices for digital copying – including, wait for it, computers..." he said. In other words, fans using mobile phones to film a concert will now have committed a criminal offence and could be fined up to $6,600. He or she could also be facing jail if (s)he loads that footage up on YouTube, as has happened during tours by U2 and Pearl Jam, according to legal advice given to the association. But the IIA's concerns were dismissed as "a beat-up" and "scare mongering" by Gilbert and Tobin partner Michael Williams who has acted in various cases for the music industry in anti-piracy cases. Williams told "The Australian" that it had long been illegal for fans to film or tape concerts and that using a mobile phone was equally forbidden. But it was accepted that under the provisions allowing users to format-shift to iPods and other MP3 players, an Australian music fan would break the law as (s)he would create an extra copy of the music when (s)he sent it to his or her computer. "The Australian" also made the point that of concern was the introduction of "strict liability", where people can be fined even if they genuinely didn't know they broke the law. WA artists to benefit from skills development program Country music artists in Western Australia are set to benefit from a new innovative skills development program set for February 2007. The Boyup Brook Country Music Club, in association with the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) and sponsor Smarter Than Smoking, is undertaking the initiative to "sharpen the skills of West Australian country music artists". The Smarter than Smoking Skills Development Program is a two-day course designed by the CMAA especially for the Boyup Brook Club. The course is derived from the very successful Australian College of Country Music course conducted in Tamworth each January. The program will include sessions on songwriting, career management, recording and music business. Tutors for the program will include successful independent artist Merelyn Carter from the duo Carter & Carter, songwriter, bush poet and "larrikin" Jim Haynes and current Director of the College Peter Winkler. The program will run from February 13 to 15 in the lead up to the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival. Weblink – www.country.com.au. Musicoz '07 on TV
They will also be shown on the Aurora channel through December. Felicity Urquhart was named winner of the Country Musioz when the awards were announced last week. Chart update – Lee holds on to number one Lee Kernaghan holds on to the number one spot on the Country Tracks National Top 30 singles chart this week with Listen To The Radio.
Adam Harvey jumps another two places to five with Lady Lay Down, Travis Sinclair is steady again at six with The Boy In The Aerodyne while Brad Paisley edges up one place to seven with The World. Keith Urban's Once In A Lifetime enters the top 10 at 10 while Troy Cassar-Daley moves up one place to 11. Bullet performers this week include Shaza Leigh (pictured) with Fiddler's Creek (22 to 19), Casey Watt's I Don't Want To Work This Hard (24 to 20), Sharnee Fenwick's How 'Bout Never (25 to 21), Paul Costa & Aleyce Simmonds with The Way You Make Me Feel (26 to 22) and Felicity Urquhart with Big Black Cloud (30 to 27). New entries to the chart this week include Jeanette Wormald with Opal Blue (in at 29) and Arthur Blanch with For A Song (at 30). The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au. CMC Countdown – Keith still at the top
Trace Adkins edges up one more place to number two with Swing while Adam Brand's Cigarettes & Whiskey bounds up to number three. Felicity Urquhart drops back to number five with Big Black Cloud while Paul Costa enters the top 10 at number nine with The Way You Make Me Feel. Bullet performers this week | ||||||||||
On Saturday December 9, Tallangatta will host a giant fund-raising concert with all proceeds going towards relieving some of the hardships caused by the current drought.
The SA Great Regional Awards "recognise individuals and organisations making a real and major contribution to the growth and identity of the state of South Australia".
They are... Greg Bain (from NSW), Debbie Beckett (WA), Ann Leuba (WA), John Parker (NSW), Rachel Richards (Qld) and Chris Strohfeld (Qld).
Gospel & Ballads will feature on Sunday January 21 while ABBA's Hillbilly Hit Parade, the Coad Country Concert and ABBA's Balladeer Member's Showcase will feature on Monday the 22nd with another Member's Showcase set down for Tuesday the 23rd.
Daisy May Wegener was announced the winner at the Champion of Champions event held in Brisbane earlier this month.
Affectionately known in country music circles as Ealesy, Steve says he is taking a step in a new direction for his solo career, "combining country, rock and hip hop elements made famous by US superstars Big & Rich with Australian stories and values".
The Showcase featured Toyota Star Maker 2006 Cat Southern, Rocky Page College of Country Music Scholarship winner Vanessa Shirley, Junior SA Champion of Champion Kristal Collins, Junior Country Crossover Co-ordinator Candy Latham, Dave Prior, John O'Dea, Genevieve Spalding and The Rustlers and compere Noel Kneebone.
The third annual Blanchetown Country Music Campout – an event which gives South Australian artists the opportunity to promote themselves and their music – was successfully staged last month.
The 17-year-old from the Northern Territory won the first Telstra Road To Tamworth talent competition in 2004, an event held as part of the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival.
And joining Kasey as her special guest will be Missy Higgins.
Under the banner "Queenland goes to Tamworth" the fundraiser will assist the five Queensland attendees at the 2007 Australian College of Country Music course in the lead-up to the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Topp news
It’s not as if Alby is a stranger to distance and travelling. He’s worked a lot of venues and done a lot of kilometres between Maitland and the rest of NSW since his move across the Nullabor from West Australia in the ‘90s.
Lee Kernaghan holds on to the number one spot on the Country Tracks National Top 30 singles chart this week with Listen To The Radio, as do The Sunny Cowgirls at number two with Six Pack Short.
Adam Brand (pictured) has taken over the number one spot on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 Countdown this week with his clip of Cigarettes & Whiskey.
American Music Awards honour country stars
Around 3,000 people voted in the 10 categories of the Awards, "an excellent result," according to organisers.
It's Keith's second consecutive album to debut at number one after sales reached 267,227 copies, according to Soundscan, the organisation which tracks album sales in America.
Winners from the 2006 Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad Awards were announced on Sunday (November 19) at the Pittsworth (Qld) Town Hall in front of a capacity audience.
Winners in the 2006 NSW Gold Medallion Awards were announced at Hexham on Friday.
Organised by "the friends of the Argaet Family" with help from the Lions Club of Queanbeyan, $10,130 was raised.
"It is a series of songs Don gave me the demos for," Normie told Undercover News (
"With an ability to relate life experiences to verse and song, Ian has created an album inspired by subjects as diverse as the tourist driven NSW coastal town of Nelson Bay to a pumpkin festival in Queensland and cricketing legend Doug Walters at the SCG in Sydney."
Andy says it's been an eventful time for him over the last couple of years.
Ian James (Managing Director of Mushroom Music) and Damian Trotter (Managing Director, Sony/ATV Music Publishing) were re-elected as Publisher Directors.
The changes go through mid- December and take effect on January 1.
The 2007 Musicoz Awards will go to air on pay television, on Channel V, this coming Monday November 27, at 10.30pm and on Sunday December 3 at 3pm.
The Sunny Cowgirls' Six Pack Short edges up another place to two, Melinda Schneider's Big World Small World drops to number three while Alan Jackson's Like Red On A Rose moves up one place to four.
Keith Urban is still at number one on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 Countdown this week with his clip of Once In A Lifetime.