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This website dedicated to bringing you the latest Australian country music news |
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NEWS ARCHIVES OCTOBER 2006 DATELINE : WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2006 Keith admits himself to rehab centre
Keith made the announcement on his website. His spokesman told media that his actress wife Nicole Kidman was standing by him. In his message, Keith apologised to Nicole and said he felt confident about recovering from his addictions. "I am so fortunate to have the support of my wife and family. I feel calm and optimistic about the future and with finally coming to terms with the reality of my condition." Keith's next album, Love, Pain And The Whole Crazy Thing (cover pictured), is due for release on November 7. Weblink – www.keithurban.net. ARIAs Sunday night Meanwhile, following the news above, despite the fact that no announcement has been made, Keith will not be appearing at this year's ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards on Sunday night.
Industry tickets to the ARIAs have sold out and, at last notice, general public tickets were selling faster than ever before for the event which will be held in the Sydney Superdome (Acer Arena) at Homebush Bay and telecast on the TEN Network. Adam Brand, Catherine Britt, Troy Cassar-Daley, Lee Kernaghan and Anne Kirkpatrick are vying for Best Country Album. Weblink – www.ariaawards.com.au. Bob and Katie win at Newcastle
Katie won the Country section in the Awards while Bob won the title of ABC Music Publishing & APRA Songwriters and Composers Recognition Award. It's the second year for the Recognition Award but the first time the winner also received a $1,000 cash prize (courtesy of APRA). Weblink – www.abc.net.au/newcastle/musicawards. Stagecoach to Sydney Following the success of her Stagecoach performance workshop in Brisbane in September, Co-ordinator and Tutor Deniese Morrison is staging a workshop in Sydney on November 11 and 12.
"At the Brisbane Workshop, 14-year-old Melanie experienced her first 'jam session'. She grabbed the opportunity with both hands singing backup vocals and joining in any way she could. "Student Liam said that after the workshop, he no longer felt alone in his music career. The Brisbane students are already working together as a team," Deniese said. Weblink – www.deniesemorrison.com. Gemma's new album Singer/songwriter Gemma Doyle is about to release her much anticipated new album – Nothing.
It has been four years since Gemma released her first album, Twists & Turns, which saw the then 16-year-old gain top 10 nominations in the Golden Guitar Awards and a top five nomination in the People's Choice Awards against the likes of Tania Kernaghan, Anne Kirkpatrick, Brian Letton and Sara Storer. Her first film clip off the album – Permission To Breathe – went as high as 21 on the CMC (Country Music Channel) playlist and has now been selected as a finalist in the Sunscreen awards. Weblink – www.gemmadoylemusic.com. GANGgajang return for Jimmy Christie Eliezer reports in his column this week at themusic.com.au that pop group GANGgajang are to do three shows in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in November to raise funds for the Jimmy Little Foundation.
"Despite rumours to the contrary, GANGgajang have not broken up or gone away," says bassist Chris Bailey. "We just don't do a lot of gigs locally or actively court media attention. "With members busy running publishing companies, working in other bands, preparing for art exhibitions, launching charity foundations and writing symphonies, it's just a rare and gratifying experience to perform together live." The DVD – The Complete GANGgajang" – was compiled by keyboardist and resident artist Geoff Stapleton. It features all 17 film clips including the iconic Sounds Of Then (This Is Australia), two live television specials, rare archival footage and interviews, early recording sessions, rehearsals and presentations, the seminal 1986 Quiksilver surf movie "Mad Wax" and the documentary of their first Brazil tour "Brazil '95". Formed in 1984, the GANGgajang (named after the sound of a guitar) self titled debut album sold 120,000. It launched the hit singles Gimme Some Lovin, House Of Cards, Giver Of Life, The Bigger They Are and Sounds Of Then, and went on to be named "World's Best Band" two years in a row by the World Pro Surfers' Association. Jimmy's statement Jimmy Little, meanwhile, issued a statement via his management last month...
"Jimmy's grandson, James Henry Little, will, where appropriate, fill his grandfather's shoes by performing at various venues around the country. "Jimmy thanks everyone for their kind wishes and looks forward to returning to full speed again in 2007. Jimmy is still passionately involved and committed to the Jimmy Little Foundation which he set up earlier this year to support kidney health issues in indigenous communities." Weblink – www.jlf.org.au. SA celebrates Country Music Month South Australia is celebrating Country Music Month in November. "The aim of the promotion is to widen our country music audience and create an appreciation of local artists performing new country music," said a spokesman for the South Australian Council for Country Music (SACCM).
Underpinning the promotion is a compilation CD, SACCM's first ever, which contains "20 radio-friendly original songs" by artists who are professional members of the Council." Applications for participants on the CD, titled Let's Give It Back, were judged by industry professionals. The CD launch will be held November 12 at Allington's Outpost on Main North Road. Allington's is major sponsor of the South Australian Country Music Showcase. SACCM will be distributing the CD to radio stations around South Australia to further promote the supporting artists. On November 19, a Country Bash will be held at the Birdwood Mill, with variety of entertainment from 10am to 6pm. Other activities throughout the month include the Jessie Ché Band appearing at the Brecknock Hotel on the evening of November 3 and a Music Workshop being conducted by Junior Country Crossover on November 18 at the Folk Federation, Thebarton. Many country music clubs throughout South Australia will also be holding events throughout the month of November. Weblink – www.saccm.com. ISC extends deadline
More than US$150,000 in cash and prizes will be distributed to 56 winners in the competition including the Overall Grand Prize of US$25,000 in cash, the largest cash grand prize of any songwriting competition in the world – and US$20,000 in prizes. The ISC is open to all levels of amateur and professional songwriters throughout the world and boasts the most prestigious panel of judges in any songwriting competition. Weblink – www.songwritingcompetition.com. Chart update – top five held by the girls The top five spots on the Country Tracks national Top 30 chart this week are held by Australian female country stars.
Melinda Schneider edges up one more place to take over at number three with Big World Small World while The McClymonts drop one place to four with Something That My Heart Does and SweeneyKilleen jump two more places to five with Along For The Ride. Graeme Connor's On A Roll jumps three places to number six while Cat Southern's Last First Kiss rises one place to seven as does Travis Sinclair's The Boy In The Aerodyne to number eight. Alan Jackson and Lee Kernaghan enter the top 10 at nine and 10, respectively, with Like Red On A Rose and Listen To The Radio. Bullet performers this week include The Sunny Cowgirls' Six Pack Short (15 to 12), Adam Harvey with Lady Lay Down (18 to 15), Tom Curtain's Born Out Here (23 to 19), Troy Cassar-Daley with Walking Away (26 to 22), Tania Kernaghan with 30 Something (27 to 23) and the Wolverines with Up And Done Died (28 to 25). New entries to the chart this week include Keith Urban's Once In A Lifetime, the first single from his upcoming new album (in with a bullet at 26), Dale Duncan & Gordon Parsons with Malabar Mansion (at 29) and Shaza Leigh with Fiddler's Creek (at 30). The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au. CMC Top 30 – Lee at number one
The Sunny Cowgirls are at number six with Six Pack Short and Travis Collins is at 11 with Full Tank. Other Australian acts in the chart are Matt Scullion & Lawrie Minson with Hard Earned Money (at 18), Melinda Schneider with Big World Small World (at 19), Felicity Urquhart with My Life (at 20), Catherine Britt's Swingin' Door (at 22), Kimber Spark with Taking The You Out Of Us (at 24) and Karl Broadie with Black Crow Calling (at 30). The full chart can be viewed at www.countrymusicchannel.com.au.
Bellamys support Schwarzenagger American country duo The Bellamy Brothers may be registered to vote in Florida, but they’ve offered to perform their classic 1976 country/pop hit Let Your Love Flow for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in response to its unauthorised use in television ads for Schwarzenegger’s opponent Phil Angelides.
The siblings are upset that Angelides, California’s Democratic nominee for Governor, is using an unauthorised, re-recorded version of the song in an ad that takes the state’s voters through the highlights of his life and career. "We don’t mind our song being used for political ads," says Howard. "We just wish it was by our own party’s candidate. A real winner would have used the original version." David adds: "We’re not California voters, but since we have been associated with the race with our song, we’d have to say we throw our support behind the Terminator." In response to Angelides’ commercial, The Bellamy Brothers emailed Governor Schwarzenegger’s office on Wednesday to inform him that the ad was a re-recorded version of Let Your Love Flow using different singers. They made clear that they do not endorse Angelides for Governor, and have offered to perform the song live for Schwarzenegger at any time during his campaign – "the original version by the original artist." Although The Bellamy Brothers song makes the TV ad shine, Angelides couldn't have picked a bigger supporter of President George W Bush to highlight his campaign. The band performed at multiple rallies for Bush in 2000 and 2004 and sang the National Anthem at the Liberty Ball during Bush's 2005 inaugural. The Republican Party of Florida honoured the band for supporting Bush in 2000 and 2004. In 2005, the duo released Angels & Outlaws, Vol 1, a recording that marked the initial release of The Bellamy Brothers’ two-disc retrospective celebrating the 30th anniversary of Let Your Love Flow, their first number one hit. To commemorate the occasion, Howard and David assembled a wide array of guest artists, including Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, George Jones and Tanya Tucker to add a new twist to several of their most recognisable hits. – AllAboutCountry.com DATELINE : WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2006 Musicoz finalists announced
The nominations are for Something Comin' On (Victoria), Ride (Carter & Carter), Our Love (Phil), A Fire In The Bar (Lee), Down That Road (Mistin), Listen To The Words (Luke), I Got New Strings (Lianne) Love Is Like A Chevy (Matt), The Flood (Felicity) and On The Inside (Sally-Anne). Matt Scullion and Simply Bushed are finalists in the Folk category with, respectively, Sleeping In Darwin and Find The Southern Land, Debra Byrne and Jonah's Road are finalists in Christian/Gospel with Happiness and Thank God, while Amber Lawrence is a finalist for Video with The Lonely Road. Finalists for the Awards were announced on Tuesday afternoon. Weblink – www.musicoz.org. 2006 Achiever Award winners Winners in the 2006 Australian Country Music Achiever Awards were announced in Sydney on Monday night.
Roxanne Brown (below right), formerly of One Stop Entertainment now with Compass Bros Records was named winner of the Rex Barry Award. The Award for Record Company of the Year, Major Distribution, went to Compass Bros Records for the second year running while Shock Records was named Record Company of the Year, Independent.
Media Achiever of the Year, Organisation, went to Country Music Capital News (also for the second year running) while Media Achiever of the Year, Individual, went to John Nutting (John also won the award in 2000). John Williamson and Nash Chambers were named joint winners of Producer of the Year (first time for John, fourth for Nash) while Jeff McCormack was named Engineer of the Year.
A number of new categories were introduced this year, and the winners were... Musician of the Year – Rod McCormack, Club or Association of the Year – the Capital Country Music Association, Entertainment Venue of the Year – The Pub, Tamworth. The Achiever Awards are organised and staged by the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA). In addition to the Achiever categories, the annual awards night also hosts the presentation of the PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia) Award for the Most Broadcast Country Artist in the preceding 12 months. The winner of this year’s Award was Kasey Chambers, her fourth consecutive win. New CMAA Board members The Country Music Association of Australia has four new Board members.
It was also revealed that John Nutting, who was elected to a three year term last year, had resigned from the Board meaning there were four positions to fill. The new Board members are Nick Erby, Lee Kernaghan and Deniese Morrison (pictured). Both Nick and Deniese were foundation Board members of the Association in 1992. It is Lee's first time as a Board member. The fourth position was filled by incumbent Graham Thompson, Managing Director of Compass Bros Records. Ted to stay on as NT Administrator
The country singer and former public servant was appointed in October 2003 and had his initial two-year contract extended last year. Ted says he could understand why the Federal Minister for Territories took almost six months to sign off on the latest one-year extension. He says security checks are getting more thorough and he has got a bit of a record! "I had a joke this year with the Commissioner of Police – I said: 'I'm sure I've got a security file with the old ASIO because I was involved in a few land rights demonstrations in the '60s,' and he's checking and I guess things like that would either go for you or against you." – ABC Online News Voting closes October 31 for People's Choice Awards Voting in the 2007 Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards closes on Tuesday, October 31.
Categories in the 2007 Awards are Best Female Vocal, Best Male Vocal, Best Group or Duo, Best Song, Best Bush Ballad, Best Heritage Song, Best Album and Most Promising Future Star. The Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards will be presented in the Regent Theatre, Tamworth, Country Music Capital, on Thursday, January 25, 2007. Artist line-up for the Awards will be announced soon. Tickets for the show go on sale on Wednesday, November 1, from the Regent on 02 6766 3162. Members of the public are encouraged to have their say in determining "the best" in Australian country music. Organisers this year are also inviting voters to nominate their favourite country music DJs and radio stations who will be recognised during the 2007 Awards. The Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards, originated by the Australian Country Music Listener's Association, are now being organised and staged by the Country Music Bulletin. Nick releases Telstra Road single Telstra Road to Tamworth winner 2006 Nick Kingswell has released his prize single on the SONY BMG Music Entertainment Australia label.
After an exhaustive search for songs, Nick found Hope For Me Yet and says: "I loved this track the minute I heard it. It stood out because it was different from a lot of songs I’d heard. It’s catchy, it’s flowing and a challenge to sing – it was just what we were looking for." Nick flew to Nashville to record the song as part of his prize for winning the Telstra Road To Tamworth in January. While in Nashville, he played to appreciative audiences at the Global Artist Showcase and the prestigious River Stage. Being asked to play with popular duo Montgomery Gentry was also a highlight. Telstra Country Wide is the founder of the Telstra Road to Tamworth competition which aims to "help uncover the next generation of country music talent". "Through this initiative, Telstra is supporting the future of the country music industry in Australia," said a spokesman for the company. Nick joins a growing country music roster at Sony BMG Australia which includes the recently signed, multi award winner, Adam Harvey. In addition to the expanding local roster, Sony BMG International is renowned for its impressive roster of artists which includes the Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Gretchen Wilson, Tim McGraw and LeAnn Rimes. Hope For Me Yet is at radio this week and will be in stores on October 28. TIARA entries close next Friday Entries in the Blue Dog True Blue Jeans 2007 TIARAs close next Friday, October 27.
"We struggled in the first few years on a shoestring budget and presented excellent shows every year," he said. "In the beginning, no-one looked after the independents. There wasn’t a showcase as such. TIARA set out to change that. It set out to recognise artists who paid their own way in the industry and to represent those who worked in the pubs and clubs playing country music all throughout the year and who paid to release their own albums. "We owe a debt of gratitude to Peter Schroeder. Peter gave a lot of support in the inaugural stages and without his help, the TIARAs wouldn’t have got off the ground. And it goes without saying that we would especially like to honour our Patron 'Gentleman' Geoff Brown and the loyal sponsors past and present." Planning for the 10th Awards is well underway according to Rob, including negotiations for a live webstream broadcast. "Audiences can look forward to a night of great entertainment," he said, "hosted by Kevin Anderson. "The night will celebrate the 'energy' of TIARAs and what it has become with special tributes throughout the showcase and performances by guest artists Wayne Horsburgh Tania Kernaghan and Graeme Connors backed by the Blue Dog Showband. The 2007 celebrations are geared for a memorable evening and a decade of nostalgia." Awards are presented in eight categories... Male Vocal, Female Vocal, Group, Bush Ballad, Barry Thornton Memorial Instrumental, Vocal Collaboration, Duo, the "Gentleman" Geoff Brown Memorial Award and the Michael Cowdroy Memorial Songwriting Award. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.tiara-awards.org. Topp Twin faces cancer challenge The Topp Twins' Jools Topp, the face behind many comic creations, is battling breast cancer.
Her twin sister Lynda and friends and family have been at her side since the surgery and have set up a support fund. "For me the big C is now my big challenge," she said. "Lynda and our manager Arani Cuthbert have been my rock through this and my partner, Mary, is my angel. It is important to stay positive and I am lucky to be surrounded by positive, supportive people. I will overcome this challenge and hopefully help other women face this with courage too." The Topp Twins, for more than 20 years two of New Zealand's most popular entertainers, have been involved in fundraising for breast cancer for the past few years through the Breast Cancer Foundation's fashion event, In the Pink. Arani Cuthbert said Jools credited their involvement as one reason her breast cancer was detected. There was no sign of cancer when she had a mammogram early this year, but after finding a lump herself she had a second check in July and was diagnosed with breast cancer. The surgery included removal of lymph nodes. "She will come through this. She has been very brave and upbeat, cracking jokes," Arani said. Lynda, at Jools' insistence, was now in the United States to complete filming for a new television series, "Ken's Hunting and Fishing Show", Arani said. The duo were to have performed at the fundraising show Comedy for Cancer 2 in Sydney next month, at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January and in New Zealand over summer. They had cancelled eight months of tours and other projects while Jools underwent treatment. "But we will be back stronger than ever later next year. Watch out for the Topp Twins' Recovery Tour," they say on their website. Vale – Freddy Fender Freddy Fender, one of the most significant voices in Mexican American musical history, passed away on Sunday at his home in Corpus Christi, Texas, surrounded by his family.
He migrated north with his parents in the late '40s to work as a farm labourer in the upper American Midwest. At 16, he dropped out of school to join the Marines. He began his music career in the '50s while still in his teens, billing himself as "El Be Bop Kid". By 1958, he was cutting sides in Spanish and finding success throughout Texas and Mexico. In 1959, Fender switched styles to a more rockabilly feel, becoming Freddy Fender and breaking the wider "gringo" market. His major breakthrough to international audiences came in 1974 when his recording of Before The Next Teardrop Falls topped both country and pop charts. He followed it with a gold record for Wasted Days And Wasted Nights. Between 1975 and 1977, he had nine songs in the top 10 on the country charts. Fender was named Most Promising Male Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music in 1975. The Country Music Association named Before The Next Teardrop Falls as Single of the Year the same year. Dot celebrates 100th birthday Country music great Smoky Dawson had only a pillow to hug instead of his "one and only Dottie" when she celebrated her 100th birthday last Wednesday. Sadly, his wife Dot, his partner of 63 years, is confined to a hospice after falling and breaking a hip a few months ago. And Smoky, who lives in the couple's Sydney home with a full-time carer, is missing her dreadfully.
"I tell you what, I get into that queen-size bed and grab the bloody pillow and imagine it is Dot and hang on to it. It is pretty lonely in that bed on your own. I miss my Dottie." Smoky said Dot hadn't been well but he was hoping to tuck into a birthday cake with her. Dot has received congratulatory letters from Prime Minister John Howard and Governor-General Michael Jeffery. The couple were married in 1943. "It's been over 62 years now but don't forget there was a period before then when I had to prove I was worth an investment," he said. Smoky, born Herbert Henry in Melbourne in 1913, began his musical career in 1934 and became a household name in Victoria through a live radio show on 3UZ. He has recorded dozens of albums and, with Dot, the performer hosted the Smoky Dawson Radio Show from 1952. Smoky was elevated to the Country Music Roll of Renown in 1978 and in 1993 the Australian Country Music Foundation was created in Tamworth, citing him as a direct inspiration. His last album, Homestead Of Dreams, went double platinum, and the singer was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005. "Rolling back the years, we have come through the great depression, the wars, we have done everything," the World War II veteran said. Smoky's health has suffered, too, in recent months with the musician breaking his shoulder and spending time in hospital. "I am not so well myself," he said. "I have physio every day. I am back and forwards all the time." – Northern Daily Leader CMSOE band plays Tennessee A group from the Gympie High School Country Music School of Excellence (CMSOE) has visited and performed in Music City USA, Nashville, and Middle Tennessee.
"At Upperman High School in Putnam County, Tennessee, the CMSOE concert provided the best of education and entertainment. Upperman High School students not only heard Australian country music, but accompanying multimedia dealt with Australian history and geography," he said. "The overnight home visits of CMSOE students with Upperman students and their families provided both CMSOE and Upperman students an opportunity to communicate at a very personal level with persons from another continent. "At a rural, small town high school such as Upperman, this was an unprecedented experience," James said. "The performance at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville brought Australian country music to a collegiate audience who know virtually nothing of the genre with the exception of Keith Urban. "Conversely, playing on the South Patio of the Roaden University Center, was a venue which enhanced the professional and personal experience framework for CMSOE band members." At both Upperman High School and at Tennessee Technological University, knowledgeable people commented on the exceptional musicianship of CMSOE band members, James said. CMSOE activities also included a trip to Memphis to see Graceland and Beale Street ("home of the Blues") plus a recording session in Nashville and many visits to Nashville elementary, middle and high schools. "In short, the CMSOE visit to Nashville and Middle Tennessee provided a remarkable win-win experience on multiple levels for CMSOE and the Tennesseans fortunate enough to experience their personal and musical contributions," according to CMSOE teacher and leader Geoff Walden who developed and directed the trip. Photo: the CMSOE band playing at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville. Greg and Barry on Parkes Roll of Recognition At the Parkes Country Music Festival held over the October long weekend, the late Greg Gordon and Barry Williams were inducted on to the Parkes Roll of Recognition. Greg's honour was bestowed for his many years of judging the annual Parkes talent quest, and Barry's for his generosity donating his time for compering the whole weekend, also for numerous years. Greg was best known as the backbone for many years of the Bungendore Muster, Barry for his announcing on Radio Northern Beaches for 18 years as well as compering many Festivals. New tour dates announced for Graeme The "Simply Graeme Connors" tour continues with dates in Queensland, Tasmania and New South Wales announced last week.
The tour to support the new album will lead Graeme in Tamworth '07 and will include other accomplished musicians to the stage to share in the celebration of Graeme’s latest album and definitive collection of original, timeless songs. Graeme counts 12 Golden Guitars, one Platinum and three Gold albums, a "MO", APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association), ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) and PPCA awards among his many local and international accolades. Weblink – www.graemeconnors.com. SweeneyKilleen – riding high until the end
Due to family commitments in New Zealand, Nikki Sweeney is leaving the shores of Australia for her homeland. It’s an amicable split, with both Nikki and Tracy-Lee Killeen pursuing solo careers in the new year. Until then, the duo are still promoting their current single, Along For The Ride, which is currently at number seven on the national Country Tracks Top 30 chart and their finalist nomination on Monday night for Independent Entertainer of the Year. Weblink – www.sweeneykilleen.com. Dale's "back to the future" Dale Duncan officially launched his Gordon Parsons/Dave Duncan inspired recording and video clip of Malabar Mansion in Tamworth last week.
Dale, who signed to Aussie Independent Music this year, rejuventaed Malabar Mansion which was written by his father Dave (who attended the launch) and the late Gordon Parsons (who first recorded the song). The new recording follows on from the success of Dale's debut album, The Gordon Parsons/Dave Duncan/ Dale Duncan inspired two track EP and film clip follows the success of his trucker album A Trucker’s Life. Malabar Mansion was written more than 25 years ago, first recorded by Gordon and since covered by artists including Jeff Brown and Tamworth’s Roger Knox. The second track – Three Words Daddy – an original penned by Dale – expresses the importance of love between father and child. The Malabar Mansion video clip, shot by Ross Wood, also premiered during the launch. It will air shortly on CMC (Country Music Channel). All proceeds from the sale of the CD go towards establishment of Australia's new Country Music Hall of Fame. Wendy Bennett of The Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre announced that she would also donate all proceeds from Dale's new CD to the Hall of Fame. The launch devoted time to the origin of the song, writer Dave Duncan, original recording artist Gordon Parsons, Dale’s motivation and the strange path that followed from its original recording to its remake in 2006. The idea began life a few years ago when 2SER presenter Barbara Morrison asked Dale if he ever considered recording the song. Dale had been estranged from his father at that time and it wasn’t until the birth of his first child that Dale made the decision to make amends. It proved the inspiration to finish Three Words Daddy a song he began writing in his teens. Ironically Barbara, and then DJ Brian Howard, first aired Malabar Mansion on Sydney radio. Later in the evening, Brian described the era and public perception of jail and the conditions within the walls. When Dave Duncan was asked about the song he said laughingly: "I went to jail to pay some measly fines but the funny thing about it is I made enough money out of the song to pay them many times over." Publisher Rhonda Sinclair, on behalf of Aussie Independent Music and sub publishers Pegasus Music, presented Dale with a writer’s certificate to acknowledge his signing. She also announced that on Monday she had discussions regarding the release of A Trucker’s Life internationally through a Canadian recording label. Weblink – www.daleduncan.net.
Beccy Cole has changed her exclusive booking agency to Artist Network Australia. Beccy, Australia's reigning Country Music Entertainer of the Year, is one of the most popular artists in contemporary country music today with two gold albums and four Golden Guitars to her credit. Booking enquiries for Beccy can now be directed to Alex Sinclair on 02 9819 6411 or by email, alex@artistnetwork.com.au. Steve's new album After nearly two years, Steve Graham will release his new album – The River – this November.
Steve will treat Sydneysiders to an advance preview of the album at Blacktown RSL on October 27 with his six piece band. "I’m really excited about the new songs and how they have come together," Steve said. "The first single was getting downloads after two days and it made it to the finals for best contemporary song in this years Tasmania & New Zealand Awards." It’s already been a busy year for Steve with appearances at the Sydney Royal Easter show, with Tim Bailey on Channel 10, Ingleburn Alive and Galston Festivals and a quick trip to Far North Queensland to promote the new album. "I hope to be touring to promote the album early next year to Queensland and Victoria," Steve said, "as we seem to have run out of time for this year!" Steve describes the production of the album as "slick" with added touches by Donna Boyd on vocals and Mike Tyne on steel. Steve will also be visiting the ACT in November. Weblink – www.stevegraham.com.au. World Youth Day launches 2008 song comp Organisers of World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08) have launched a song for an anthem for the event.
Previous World Youth Day events have been distinguished by a memorable song; Sydney’s organisers are looking for Australia's own stirring anthem – one that symbolises the Australian context, the youth audience and the religious theme of the event. The composer of the winning song will win a trip for two to Rome where the song will be launched and performed publicly for the first time. "The competition will be a great way for young Australians to get involved in the spirit of World Youth Day," WYD08 Co-ordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher said. The song will incorporate the WYD08 theme of Jesus’ final words on Earth: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses." (Acts 1:8.) "There is already so much to stimulate creative young songwriters here, but the chance to write a vibrant and memorable song for the biggest event Australia has ever seen is a once in a lifetime opportunity," Bishop Fisher said. The competition is open to all Australian citizens. Entries close on November 30. Weblink – www.wyd2008.org. WYD08 will also mark the first visit by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia. Bobkatz new clip
The single, now playing on CMC (Country Music Channel) follows the duo's first single release – Welcome To Queensland – which spent two months in the CMC Top 30. Also due for release this month is the new Bobkatz album Sweet Water with 12 original tracks including both singles. Produced by Michael Flanders, the album was recorded, mixed and mastered at Organic Studios, Brisbane. Weblink – www.thebobkatz.com. Chart update – third week at the top for Kasey Kasey Chambers holds the top spot for the third week on the Country Tracks national Top 30 chart this week with her hit single Nothing At All.
Melinda Schneider's Big World Small World jumps another two places to number four while Adam Brand's former number one Open Ended Heartache falls to five and Donna Boyd's while Catherine Britt rises another two places to four with Swingin' DoorA Good Day slips one place to number six. SweeneyKilleen and Cat Southern (pictured) rise two places each with, respectively, Along For The Ride and Last First Kiss at seven and eight while Graeme Connors and Travis Sinclair enter the top 10 at nine and 10 with On A Roll and The Boy In The Aerodyne. Bullet performers this week include Alan Jackson's Like Red On A Rose (15 to 12), Lee Kernaghan's Listen To The Radio (17 to 13), The Sunny Cowgirls' Six Pack Short (19 to 15), Adam Harvey with Lady Lay Down (23 to 18), Luke O'Shea & Medicine Wheel with Making Memories (22 to 19), Tom Curtain with Born Out Here (27 to 23), Troy Cassar-Daley with Walking Away (29 to 26) and Tania Kernaghan with 30 Something (30 to 27). New entries to the chart this week include the Wolverines with Up And Done Died (in at 28), Travis Collins with Full Tank (29) and Karen Lynne with We Should Only Have Time For Love (30). The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au. CMC Top 50 – Rascal Flatts at number one
Bullet performers this week include Kimber Sparks' Taking The You Out Of Us (at 18 from 24), Felicity Urquhart with Big Black Cloud (debuting at 21), Karl Broadie's Black Crow Calling (30 to 24), Paul Costa with The Way You Make Me Feel (debuting at 33) and The Yeehaa Boys' Can Ya Feel It (44 to 40). DATELINE : WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2006 Hall of Fame to salute The McKean Sisters The Australian Country Music Hall of Fame has announced that the 2007 Hall of Fame Tribute Dinner will salute the pioneering McKean Sisters. T Joy and Heather McKean grew up in a musical family which nurtured their talent in such a way that the girls were performing on stage and radio by the ages of 10 and eight respectively. In 1949, they began presenting their own country music radio show from 2KY in Sydney and, by 1951, were recording for the now legendary Rodeo Records. The McKean Sisters gave us country classics like The Gymkhana Yodel, Yodel Down The Valley and The Morning Mail. In 1953, Joy and Heather started pursuing solo careers, and also became two of Australia's most successful managers, working closely with their respective spouses Slim Dusty and Reg Lindsay. In 1983, The McKean Sisters became the eighth pioneering Australian country music act to be elevated to the Country Music Roll of Renown. The tribute dinner to Joy and Heather will be held at Gregory’s Function Centre at the All Settlers Motor Inn in Tamworth, Country Music Capital, on Friday night, January 26. Industry invitations are in the process of being prepared and distributed. Anyone requiring further information in the meantime can contact the Hall of Fame on 02 6766 9696. All proceeds from the dinner – including a silent auction which will run through the evening – will go towards establishment of Australia’s new Country Music Hall of Fame building. Further information also available from www.countrymusichalloffame.com.au. James' whirlwind trip to Nashville James Blundell has just returned from a whirlwind trip to Nashville that saw him re-uniting with many of the people who worked on his highly successful This Road and Touch Of Water albums.
In Nashville, he was part of a contingent of Australian acts to play the 10th Australian Festival in mid-September. Joining James on stage as the headline act on the Friday evening of the Festival were long-time Wilco drummer Ken Coomer (Uncle Tupelo, Steve Earle), bass player James Haggarty (Josh Rouse) and guitarist Tom Mason (Paul Westerberg, Chris Cagle). Over the course of the weekend James also had the opportunity to perform with fellow Australians Pru Clearwater, Diana Corcoran, Jedd Hughes, Megan Laurie and Luke O’Shea. In addition to the Festival and a handful of writing sessions, the trip saw James fulfil a lifelong dream to perform at the legendary Bluebird Café. Never one to shirk hard work, James’ journey to the Bluebird was a long one – back home, he played Katherine (Thursday), Darwin (Friday and Saturday), Kalgoorlie (Sunday and Monday), caught a charter flight to Perth and the Red Eye flight home (Monday evening) which arrived at 6am Tuesday morning. After departing Sydney at 10am that morning, he arrived in Nashville at 5.30pm Tuesday afternoon and was on stage at the Bluebird by 6:30pm! And features on KIDS single Meanwhile, James has also featured on the charity single titled Take These Hands.
All profits from the single will go to the KIDS Foundation (www.k-i-d-s.org.au) a registered charity dedicated to childhood injury prevention and recovery. The Foundation provides practical and emotional support to rehabilitating burns survivors and children injured in accidents while also aiming to increase children’s quality of life while in hospital and during recovery. Take These Hands is on sale now through Pumpkin Patch and CUE stores across Australia; for download at iTunes and other providers. Or, an order form can be obtained via www.musicshop.com.au or the song can also be purchased through the project website at www.soundremedy.com.au. Gina's new single due this month Gina Jeffreys long awaited new album Walks Of Life will be released in January during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, but the first single from the new work – Live It – is being released this month.
Visitors to Gina's website (www.ginajeffreys.com.au) are being offered the opportunity to order a limited edition pre-Christmas copy of the new album exclusively from the website and receive a bonus copy of Gina's Christmas album Christmas Wish for free with $5 from every sale going to the Leukaemia Foundation. On Sunday, October 29, Gina is running her annual charity concert – the Gina & Friends Benefit – at Club Macquarie, Newcastle, with proceeds to the Leukaemia Foundation. On Wednesday, December 13, she will be special guest at Wagga Wagga Christmas Carols and on Wednesday, January 24, Gina's Album Launch Show will be staged in the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre. Tickets for the album launch show are on sale now via www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au. Bush Laureate nominations close this Friday The final date for receipt of nominations in the four judged categories of the 2007 Australian Bush Laureate Awards is this Friday, October 13.
The four judged categories are Book of the Year, Original Verse Book of the Year, Album of the Year and Single Recorded Performance of the Year. The voted category is for Bush Poetry Performer of the Year. Voting can be done online or a voting form can be requested from the organisers. Voting for this award closes later in the year. The final category is the Judith Hosier Heritage Award (named after the Awards founder) and is determined by the Club and presented to the winner for services to bush poetry. Objectives of the Australian Bush Laureate Awards are to recognise excellence in Australian bush verse and to encourage and promote the publishing, recording and performing of traditional Australian rhymed verse. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the website, www.bushlaureate.com.au. Finalists in the Awards are released in December with winners announced at the gala presentation concert in the famous Tamworth Town Hall on Tuesday January 23 during the annual country music festival. Online ticket sales for the Awards are now open. Visit www.visitamworth.org.au Tiffney wins at Parkes Sixteen-year-old Tiffney Stroh from Mt Barker in South Australia took out the Australian Country Talent Seekers Quest at Parkes, NSW, on the long weekend.
"To have my name engraved on a trophy with such names as Dianna Corcoran, Travis Collins and... Felicity Urquhart is an amazing privilege and so inspiring," Tiffney said. The prize package included trophies and cash and recording time with Grant Luhrs at Flying Fox Studios in Wagga Wagga, appearances at the Bungendore Festival and the Parkes Spectacular in 2007 Tiffney, a 2005 and 2006 graduate of Tamworth Camerata, adds this award to the many from 2006 including Overall Senior at both the Blue Lake & Northern Country Music Festivals, Overall Junior at the Western Plains Championships (Dubbo, NSW) and the Capital Country Music Association Winter Talent Quest held in Tamworth in July. The Parkes win also included a scholarship courtesy of the Tamworth Regional Council which will see her return to Camerata in 2007. The "Parkes Champion Post" reported that the Festival Committee was more than happy with the audience attendance at the three main night time concerts, and the talent quest sections run during the two days saw record audience numbers. The Gospel Service held for the first time in the Sunset Boulevarde Room of the Services Club was also reportedly a great success. The number of contestants competing in the Central West Country Music Awards was once again over the 200 mark with the talent described as exceptionally high standard. Weblink – www.tiffney.com.au. Country stars in early practice for charity match Country music stars throughout Australia are already in practice mode for the fifth annual Country Music Celebrity Charity Cricket Match at Tamworth on Thursday January 25, 2007. Match organiser, Tamworth North Rotary Club’s John Bamford, said proceeds from last year’s match have funded a scholarship at the 2007 Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) Australian College of Country Music.
The public will have the opportunity to participate in this increasingly popular event by naming the urn containing the "sacred ashes". "For the past four years we have presented the winning side with the urn. We thought it might be helpful to have a name for our trophy and are calling on suggestions from the community, he said. All people need to do is provide their name, contact details and a suggested name for the ashes to the CMAA at info@country.com.au or PO Box 298, Tamworth NSW 2340, by telephone (02) 6766 1577 or fax (02) 6766 7314. The winner will receive a cricket bat signed by country music stars. The match has been won four years in a row by the country music stars’ team who always compete with the Tamworth Mayor’s team. "While the celebrities have always won, word is out that the Mayor’s team has a few tricks up its sleeve," John said. "Celebs team captain Dobe Newton is more than a little concerned." The limited-over match will be held at No. 1 Oval, Kable Avenue, Tamworth, from 10am to 1pm on January 25. Photo: Brett Clarke, with the trophy to be named. ABC Music adds PIM
Founded by businessman/musician Robert Mackay with producer/songwriter Michael Flanders (pictured), PIM will be active in sourcing new songs and songwriters, recording artists and demos while also producing albums for various US and Australian acts. "We have had a great relationship with Mike Flanders over the years," said Eloise Nolan, Head of ABC Music Publishing. "He first came to our attention through his work as a producer on the Josh Arnold albums which saw that performer and songwriter grow from using a more narrow musical palette to one that was rich in the very many musical styles that Flanders knows and appreciates in such depth including roots, bluegrass and rock," she said.
At the same time, Adam Harvey's five year association with ABC Music Publishing has come to an end. It will continue to represent his current repertoire. The relationship covered three gold albums including his recent Can't Settle For Less. Jeanette features in "SA Life" magazine Northern Mallee based singer/songwriter Jeanette Wormald is featured in this month's up-market glossy magazine, "SA Life".
Titled "Messenger From The Bush", the magazine feature traces Jeanette's love of story telling from her former career as a newspaper journalist to life as a mallee wheat farmer and singer, songwriter and recording artist. In other news, Jeanette, who has just returned from a very successful Mildura Country Music Festival, has been named a winner in the Australian Country Recording Awards National Female Album of the Year Award for her album Opal Blue (see below). Jeanette's latest single – Opal Blue – which was released to radio last month, is already following in the footsteps of her number four hit Boundary Rider's Daughter, receiving strong radio support across Australia. Her next festival appearance is at the Tooleybuc Murray Muster from October 20 to 22. Crankin' Country
Bands include Deadwood 76 (pictured), "combining the best of alternate country, cow punk and delta blues"... Fat Dusty, "...a honkytonk truckin’ disaster, with a spaghetti western overlay!"... The Ride Ons, with a history in bands such as The Sleepy Jackson, Don Walker, The Monarchs, The Chevrons and more... And Dandelion (aka – Daniel, The Dolly Rocker Movement). Dave records Merle Dave Prior's latest album – Silver Wings And Haggard Things – is the result of something he’s wanted to do for years – record an album of Merle Haggard songs.
A passionate conversation between producer Stuie French and Dave resulted in the new concept album, both being massive Haggard fans, or "Haggophiles" as Dave calls them. "We wanted to catch the essence and feel of the songs without trying to do a Hag impersonation," Dave said. "We tried to capture the depth and feel of his music without the assistance of illegal substances!" The first single from the album – I'm Always On A Mountain When I Fall – has been released to radio on NfS 108 and features, in addition to Dave’s vocals, the talents of musicians Stuie, Michel Rose, Claire O’Meara, Geoff Simpson, Brad Bergen, Mick Albeck and Camille Te Nahu. Dave is currently featured in the current issue of "Country Music Capital News" while the single has already been added to a number of key playlists. Weblink – www.daveprior.com. Another sell-out for Tamworth Train The 2007 Country Music Express to Tamworth has sold out with people already booking berths on the 2008 train.
Director of Cross Country Express, which runs the annual train from Melbourne to Tamworth, Arthur Smith, said he was delighted with the response. "Demand is so great that we could easily run a bigger train," he said. "The popularity of the train is increasing each year because it offers comfortable accommodation, a unique holiday experience and the chance to be at Australia's biggest country music festival at an affordable price." The Country Music Express Train to Tamworth is the only train journey of its type in Australia. Passengers enjoy 10 days of country music on board the historic Southern Aurora and it becomes their motel while stabled in Tamworth with 24 hour air-conditioning. In January 2007, Australian Outback icon Ted Egan (pictured) is star host on board the Country Music Express, fresh out of his stint as Administrator ("governor") of the Northern Territory. The popular music identity, singer, songwriter and folklorist has released 28 albums since 1969 and is currently the official patron of the Year of the Outback. Other artists include Golden Guitar finalists The Sunny Cowgirls, Achiever Awards finalist for Independent Entertainer of the Year Jeanette Wormald, western balladeer Peter Pratt, "the Cowboy from Japan" Hank Sasaki and regular hosts Grant Luhrs, J R Williams and Ian Muir. The train will be carrying 160 passengers plus staff and entertainers to the 2007 Tamworth Country Music Festival, the seventh annual tour. Jude D'Lasselle releases second single
The southern Indian immigrated to Australia in the '90s with his wife and children. His Anglo-Indian community shared a love of country music and Jude was influenced to a greater degree by Americans Merle Haggard, George Jones, Lefty Frizzell, Willie Nelson and Marty Robbins. Jude’s EP was recorded entirely at Swingin’ Door Studios in Sydney under the hand of Stuie French. The new single is a follow-up to the first release, Don’t Turn Your Back On The Working Man which received favourable reviews from country music publications radio stations and live interviews. In August, the singer/songwiter and recording artist placed in the top 10 of the Tamworth Songwriters' Association South East Queensland Songwriters Awards. ACRA winners Winners of the 2006 Australian Country Recording Awards were announced during the second annual Manilla (NSW) Music Festival during the October long weekend.
Collaboration Album of The Year was won by Camille Te Nahu & Stuie French. Bush Ballad Album of The Year went to Dean Perrett while Artist of the Year on Tour was won by Craig Giles. The Luke Newland New Talent of The Year award went to Fiona Heywood while Charley Boyter took out Instrumental of The Year. Wagga Wagga Country Music Club was named winner of Australian Country Music Club (CMC) of the Year while QBN FM Queanbeyan won Australian Country Radio Station of the Year. The Carter Edwards Encouragement Award went to Trent Holder while Country Music Club Magazine of the Year went to Mike Crozier of the Canberra CMC. The Marketing Award of the Year was won by Bob Howe while the Independent Country Music Bulletin was named winner of the Industry Award. Photo: Patti McKinnon with her shared Female Album of the Year, Ben Kelly (left) and husband Tony. Kevin Parsons 500th show CHR-FM Country Collection presenter Kevin Parsons will broadcast his 500th country program on Sunday November 5. He has been on air with community based CHR-FM 96.5 since their first broadcast in June 1991. Kevin, whose program goes to air each Sunday morning from 9 till Noon, is inviting any artists who may be in the area to visit and help him celebrate "this milestone" in his career. CHR-FM broadcasts to the local government areas of Cessnock and Maitland in NSW. Anyone wanting to take up Kevin's invitation should contact Kevin at kfpars@networksmm.com.au. Australian radio may offer music downloads Consumers in Australia may be able to download music tracks from radio stations as they hear them via a new technology being investigated as part of the launch of digital radio in the country in 2009.
Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said the technology was being trialled in the United Kingdom and was proving to be very successful. Findings of the trial will be presented at the Australian Radio Conference in Sydney this week. "Radio is the first place people usually hear new music, so combining radio with the convenience of being able to download your favourite tracks instantly could have a lot of appeal for consumers," she said. "It’s a very exciting development." She added that 83 percent of those involved in the UK trial said they were keen to use the handsets in the future. In the trial, 100 listeners purchased an average of seven tracks per week at a price of £1.25. Tracks were downloaded and purchased on impulse as the songs were broadcast on digital radio. Digital radio music downloading differs from 3G mobile music download services as it offers the ability to interact directly with radio broadcasts, rather than having to search and download tracks proactively. Chart update – Kasey still at number one Kasey Chambers and Adam Brand retain the top two spots on the Country Tracks national Top 30 chart this week with, respectively, Nothing At All and Open Ended Heartache.
Melinda Schneider's Big World Small World jumps four places to number six, whileCarter & Carter drop to seven with Ride and The Road Hammers fall one place to eight with East Bound And Down. SweeneyKilleen (pictured) and Cat Southern enter the top 10 this week with, respectively, Along For The Ride (at nine) and Last First Kiss (at 10). Bullet performers this week include Graeme Connors' On A Roll (15 to 12), Travis Sinclair's The Boy In The Aerodyne (18 to 14), Alan Jackson's Like Red On A Rose (20 to 15), Lee Kernaghan's Listen To The Radio (21 to 17), The Sunny Cowgirls' Six Pack Short (23 to 19), Luke O'Shea & Medicine Wheel with Making Memories (26 to 22), Adam Harvey with Lady Lay Down (27 to 23) and Tom Curtain with Born Out Here (30 to 27). New entries to the chart this week include Troy Cassar-Daley with Walking Away (in at 29) and Tania Kernaghan with 30 Something (in at 30). The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au.
Lee Kernaghan holds on to the number one spot this week on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 playlist with his clip of Listen To The Radio. Bullet performers this week include Matt Scullion with Hard Earned Money (18 to 15), Kimber Sparks' Taking The You Out Of Us (30 to 24), Karl Broadie's Black Crow Calling (33 to 30), Shelley Evans' Forever Is Goodbye (49 to 32), Ronni Rae Rivers' Janine – Care Of The Stars (37 to 33), Neville Anderson's Rambling Shoes (50 to 42) and Sally-Anne Whitten's On The Inside (46 to 43). New entries this week include Sam Hawksley with his clip of Only Cryin' (in at 50).
Charley Pride film on the way "Hustle & Flow" Director Craig Brewer says he and Terrence Howard are working on a movie biography of country singer Charley Pride.
Pride, who was born poor in Sledge, Mississippi, played baseball for the Memphis Red Socks of the Negro American League before beginning his career as a country singer in Nashville in the 1960s. Many of his number one hits, including Kiss An Angel Good Morning, are considered country music classics. Brewer said he has been discussing the movie project with Pride for several months. Howard, a guitar player and country music fan, came up with the idea. "Everybody's been speculating as to what my and Terrence's next project would be, and I'm ecstatic that this came out of Terrence's passion," Brewer said. "Charley Pride is a character, man." Weblink – www.charleypride.com. Google goes video In a number of announcements yesterday, Internet giant Google has become a major player in the online video stakes.
In addition, under this agreement, UMG broadly embraces the power and creativity of user-generated content, allowing users to incorporate music from UMG's recorded music catalog into the videos they create and upload onto YouTube. UMG and its artists will be compensated not just for UMG produced videos but also for the unique, user-created content that incorporates UMG music. In addition to this major move, it has also been reported (www.allaboutcountry.com) that Google and Warner Music Group and Google and Sony/BMG have also announced agreements which will give Google users the ability to stream on-demand Warner and Sony/BMG's extensive music video collections for free, through an ad-supported revenue sharing agreement, or to purchase videos online for download. Weblink – www.google.com. DATELINE : WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2006 Felicity wins Awards trifecta
Felicity won APRA/AMCOS Independent Single of the Year, Female Vocalist with The Flood and One Stop Entertainment Independent Album of the Year with My Life. Reflecting their number one chart successes in the last year, Travis Sinclair took out Male Vocalist with A Heavenly Body and Camille Te Nahu & Stuie French won Independent Duo of the Year with their chart-topper Wives Don’t Like Old Girlfriends. First time winners at the Independent Awards included Dean Perrett in Heritage Track of the Year for Would Clancy Be Welcome? and Rising Star award winners Lee Forster with The Way He Rolls His Swag and Victoria Baillie with Lord Don’t Take Me Yet. Victorian singer/songwriter and recording artist Paul Costa was named Independent Artist of the Year, an award judged on the artist’s full range of activities during the year including recording, performing, promotion and profile. Since releasing his Walkin’ In These Shoes album in 2005, Paul has achieved major success including top 10 chart singles and a Golden Guitar finalist nomination. His new album – Restoration (produced by Rod McCormack and released in August) – is already attracting major attention. Well known artist Olive Bice received the Barry Thornton Service Award for her "tireless efforts". Olive has been at the last 18 Mildura Country Music Festivals and hosts the daily showcase at the Mildura City Mall. The Australian Independent Country Music Awards are staged annually as a climax to the huge Mildura Country Music Festival which this year celebrated its 20th year with attendance reported at 13,000. It is estimated the 10-day event injected about $8 million into the local economy. Festival Co-ordinator John Arnold says accommodation has already been booked for next year's event and the economic benefits of the latest festival would be felt for some time yet. Weblink – www.milduracountrymusic.com.au.
Last week in Dallas, Australia’s Jean Stafford won Female Vocalist of the Year at the 11th annual Academy of Western Swing Music Awards. Jean won the award with her song Steelin’ The 2 Step. She was also a finalist in the Awards for Western Swing Song of the Year with the same track. Tamworth tickets on sale early Tourism Tamworth is gearing up for the 2007 Tamworth Country Music Festival with a special internet only pre-sale of tickets for a range of shows on sale from yesterday (Tuesday October 3). Almost 40 shows are now on sale online at www.visittamworth.com including many favourites such as the Australian Country Music Foundation Roll of Renown Concert, Australian Bush Laureate Awards, Toyota Star Maker Final & Grand Final, John Williamson, Melinda Schneider, Adam Brand, Troy Cassar-Daley, the ABCRA 2006 National Finals Rodeo, Col Joye & Judy Stone, Sara Storer, Telstra Road to Tamworth Final & Grand Final and many more. "This is the first time Tourism Tamworth will be offering internet pre-sales in the long history of selling tickets for the Festival," said Tourism Tamworth General Manager Rebel Thomson. "This initiative has received a very positive response from promoters with most major shows signing on to the new online ticket release date.
"The internet is fast becoming a 'way of life' due to its ease-of-use and the ability to get online at any time and any place including the comfort of your own home. "Tourism Tamworth has experienced a great reception to internet ticket sales since first going online two years ago and is sure this will continue through both the local and wider country music community with the implementation of this new plan. "We are already achieving strong bookings over the internet however with the release of tickets solely online for almost a month longer than usual, Tourism Tamworth hopes to increase this to around 15 to 20 percent of total bookings received for the Festival," she said. The traditional Tourism Tamworth ticket on-sale date of November 1 will still apply for ticket bookings over the counter at the Visitor Information Centre and on the phone. "however, customers are encouraged to get in early with the internet presales rather than waiting for phone and counter sales to avoid disappointment," Rebel said. People's Choice Awards at The Regent Organisers of the Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards have announced that the 2007 gala awards presentation will be staged in the new Country Music Capital venue The Regent Theatre.
Voting is now well underway (online here) to determine winners in eight categories at the 2007 Awards – Best Album, Best Male and Female Vocal, Best Group or Duo, Best Song, Best Heritage Song, Best Bush Ballad and Most Promising Future Star. The 2007 Awards will be staged at 1.30pm on Thursday January 25. Organisers will announce top 10 selections soon after voting closes on October 31 and the top five finalists at the end of November. Tickets for the Awards, at $25 each including all booking fees and charges, go on sale on Wednesday, November 1, direct from the organisers at www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au, telephone 0267 622 993. Pre orders can be requested by emailing info@peopleschoiceawards.com.au. Organisers are currently finalising the artist line-up for the gala Awards presentation which will include a mixture of reigning winners and finalists for 2007 together with special guest performers and presenters. Doors open for Klancie The Townsville Bulletin reported on the exit from "Australian Idol" of country hopeful Klancie Keough... The dream may be over for Klancie Keough but her family and friends believe we haven't seen the last of her yet.
This, paired with a nationally broadcast performance at the AFL grand final on Saturday, has led Klancie's sister Leigh Pickering to believe her little sister will be staying in the city longer than she had planned. "I don't think she's going to be coming home just yet," Leigh said. "She's got to stay there, that's where it all happens. We don't have Shania's guitar player and things like that in Richmond." Klancie had been in touch with her family while fulfilling media commitments such as appearing on "Rove Live". A Townsville radio station, meanwhile, lead a charge against an alleged voting scandal the night Klancie was voted off. Broadcasts of "Australian Idol" were advanced an hour due to the Brownlow Medal coverage, "robbing northern audiences of 45 minutes of voting time". Leigh Pickering said she had heard from a constant stream of people who apologised for voting too late. "It seems Townsville is just as devastated about that as us," she said. Klancie's best friend Katrina Kapitzke believed her departure was premature. "I think she did a very good job," she said. "Just to get into the top 10 – that's amazing. But I think the further along the path she got, the more we were expecting." Katrina said "Australian Idol" had been a "massive learning experience" for Klancie. "Every week there was more learning and more growing," she said. Australian Music Prize invites entries Entries are now being invited for the Australian Music Prize (AMP) 2006 which aims to encourage, reward and promote Australian music of excellence.
Prize Director Scott Murphy said: "The across the board industry support for the AMP has been phenomenal – from our partner, PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia), from the range of industry sponsors, the patrons, the spread of judges and, of course, the artists." PPCA Chairman and EMI Managing Director John O Donnell said: "PPCA is committed to supporting and promoting Australian recording artists and that is also clearly the key objective of the AMP. As such, PPCA and the AMP make a great fit. "Our partnership with the AMP provides a great platform for us to alert Australian recording artists to the benefits of being registered with PPCA. Half the net licence fees distributed by PPCA in relation to Australian recordings are available for direct payment to recording artists, provided that they have registered with us," he said. The AMP 2006 judging panel will consist of 100 judges, selected for their known ability to expertly review music. Most of the judges from The Amp 2005 will return for 2006, augmented by a batch of new judges, still only pooled from retail, critics and established musicians. Weblink www.australianmusicprize.com.au. A shortlist of finalists will be announced on January 31, the winner on March 7. Shaza's new album
Shaza says she has selected work by Australian writer Brenda Lee Heathcote and New Zealander Ginny Peters to add to her own to record a contemporary collection of "heartfelt inspirations that singularly reflect" her own views on life. "Lindsay Butler should be congratulated for presenting these songs with the emotion and the integrity that they deserve," Shaza said. "I’m very happy with the brilliant production that Lindsay achieved and the musicianship of some of Australia’s best session players. Each of them has captured the true essence of the songs." The second single from the album – Fiddlers Creek – is receiving widespread airplay hot on the heels of last year’s hit single Old Calare. It meant solid radio interviews for Shaza in the last couple of weeks and the general opinion seems to be that this is by far her best album. Radio announcer Jeff Dunn said in a recent interview: "I don’t usually rave about albums but this one is special." Songwriter's festival
The national Australian songwriters festival, the Bangalow Pacific Songwriters Festival, will be staged on Saturday October 28. The one day event will be held in four venues in Bangalow (10 minutes from Byron Bay). Rob Hirst and Tex Perkins (pictured) will be doing question and answer sessions, and will be joined by local writers Diana Anaid, Sarah McGregor, Leigh James, Gabi Bliss, Matt Hanley and Festival founders and folk legends Brendan "Mook" Hanley and Julie "Shanto" Oliver. Sessions will include songwriting in comedy, protest, environment, "women in song", and a section will be devoted to hip hop and dance. Philip Mortlock of Origin Music will give a session on music publishing, financier Vincent Selleck on wealth creation for songwriters and MusicOz Co-ordinator Cheynne Murphy will cover music business and marketing. A regional songwriting quest will also be conducted. Weblink – www.songwritersfestival.com.au. Brisbane Stagecoach success The first Brisbane Stagecoach Workshop was held at the Redlands Country Music Clubrooms late last month and has been described as "an amazing success" by Co-ordinator and Tutor Deniese Morrison. "We had such a great time together," Deniese said, "worked extremely hard and achieved so much!" The Stagecoach schedule was "full on" from Friday evening at the "Getting to Know You" chat and mini concert through to "emotional goodbyes" on Sunday night. The Brisbane "Class of 2006" comprised Sinead Burgess, Lance Coassin, Jeanie Cuskelly, Tracey Davis, Nicole Marsh, Deanna Samin, Kimber Sparks, Melanie Taylor and Liam Wayne.
"One of the great joys of teaching is that as I teach I learn so much from my students and to be in the company of these special young Australians was indeed a privilege. "They are working as a team already! Sinead and Lance are helping Kimber with her charts for her shows in Broken Hill this weekend. "When Liam sent me a thank you note last week, he said he no longer feels alone in his music career. He now has all of us in his support team he can call on anytime he needs some advice or help, or even if he just wants to chat to a friend. Liam is a great guitarist and writer and he now knows what a terrific voice he has too. "Jeanie is going to add some of her original songs to her repertoire, sitting on a stool playing guitar and singing with her beautiful 'folk' voice. We all wait with bated breath to hear how the audience reacts to them. I know her audiences will love them as they finally get to see the real Jeanie on stage. "She’s also going to call Paul and Lance to see if she can do some shows with the 'Wild Ride Band'." Melanie has returned to Clermont to organise some regular jam sessions. She had never been involved in a "jam" until the workshop, "and she grabbed the opportunity with both hands," said Deniese, "singing backup vocals and joining in anyway she could." As the bass player/vocalist with the Bushfire Band, it took a lot of courage for Tracey to put her instrument down and take centre stage just with a microphone in her hand. "We discovered that behind that bass was a fabulous looking lady with a fabulous voice – and a great songwriter to boot! "Lance not only brought to the workshop his incredible talent as a singer, guitarist and drummer but his wonderful personality and sense of humour (and unique perception on life) for which we are all eternally grateful. He and Sinead sang duets together for the first time and the combination of their voices is very special indeed! Thanks to Kimber’s encouragement, Lance made great progress in his performance of love songs. We eagerly await our next journey to the 'Planet Lance'… "What an amazing girl is 'our' Kimber! The story of her journey across the world with her two babies from the American South to Australia is an inspiration to us all. She is one hell of a singer and one hell of a lady who deserves every success we can help her to achieve. "I first saw Sinead perform at Queensland Champion of Champions last year. Very occasionally, a talent appears that is so special it sends a shiver down your spine. Sinead has a unique talent. She sings like an angel, plays guitar and piano and writes songs. She is also an extremely nice person who worked very hard all weekend not only on her performance skills but was there to help everyone else in anyway she could." Deniese thanked Paul Wilson who worked "so hard" from "the Queensland end" to make the workshop happen. "And he was my 'world class' personal assistant for the weekend." Deniese said. "Lucy and Walter Coassin did a wonderful job of catering and generally looking after us all. Thank you both so very much and thank you for welcoming me so warmly into your home. The 'Coassin Motel' is the best I’ve ever stayed in! Also, thanks to Walter for his fantastic bass playing in our jam sessions. "What a terrific team we are! I’m so grateful to be able to welcome all these new members to the Stagecoach family. I know I’ll have many opportunities to be a very proud 'Auntie Dee' as I follow the progress of these gifted young performers in the future. Now I’m looking forward to our Sydney Workshop on November 11 and 12. Weblink – www.deniesemorrison.com. Photo (from left): Paul Wilson, Sinead Burgess, Melanie Taylor, Liam Wayne, Nicole Marsh, Lance Coassin, Kimber Sparks, Lucy Coassin, Walter Coassin, Jeanie Cuskelly, Deanna Samin, Deniese, Tracey Davis.
Anita Ree has released a new single – Ten Buck Of Fuel – on the latest NfS (108). Anita says: "Thanks to all presenters for your continued support. It's much appreciated." Following appearances at the just-concluded Mildura Country Music Festival, Anita heads off for a series of shows through South Australia and Victoria before heading back to Queensland via more performances in NSW. Weblink – www.bushballadeers.com.au/anita.htm. Boyup Brook gains funding The Country Music Club of Boyup Brook has been successful in attracting funding from EventsCorp (a division of Tourism WA). The funding will assist the Club to promote the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival and the Boyup Ute & Truck Muster more widely, especially to encourage intrastate, interstate and overseas visitors to the region.
Boyup Brook festivities will take place next February (15 to 18) and will coincide with the opening celebrations of the new Music Park. "In true festival style," Sharon said, "the benchmark has been raised and organisers have gone over the line to present an unforgettable and truly spectacular tribute to country Australia with John Williamson (pictured), Jean Stafford, Travis Sinclair, Jim Haynes, the Australian Army Band and the Topp Twins from New Zealand, plus many West Australian performers. "The river and towering gums make a perfect setting for the thousands of people who will flock to Boyup Brook for the festival and soak up the phenomenal atmosphere," Sharon said. "Boyup Brook is renowned for showcasing Western Australia’s finest entertainment and creates a festival experience in a small country town that is as much about camaraderie and good times as great music." Ticket and accommodation information can be obtained by telephoning 08 9765 1169. Chart update – Kasey hits the top Kasey Chambers (pictured) takes over the number one spot on the Country Tracks national Top 30 chart this week with Nothing At All, the first single from her new album Carnival, pushing Adam Brand's Open Ended Heartache back to number two.
Catherine Britt rises three places to six with Swingin' Door, The Road Hammers edge up one place to seven with East Bound And Down while Lee Forster's A Fire In The Bar drops to number eight. George Strait's Seashores Of Old Mexico falls to nine while Melinda Schneider bounds into the top 10 at 10 with Big World Small World. Bullet performers this week include SweeneyKilleen with Along For The Ride (16 to 11), Cat Southern's Last First Kiss (17 to 13), Graeme Connors' On A Roll (20 to 15), Travis Sinclair's The Boy In The Aerodyne (21 to 18), Lee Kernaghan's Listen To The Radio (25 to 21), The Sunny Cowgirls' Six Pack Short (26 to 23), Luke O'Shea & Medicine Wheel with Making Memories (30 to 26) and Adam Harvey with Lady Lay Down (new at 27). Other new entries to the chart this week include Tom Curtain with Born Out Here (in at 30). The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au.
Lee Kernaghan (pictured) hits number one this week on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 playlist with his clip of Listen To The Radio. The Sunny Cowgirls drop to number two with Six Pack Short while America's Rascal Flatts jump to number three with Me And My Gang. Bullet performers this week include Jetty Road with Run To You (27 to 24), Karl Broadie's Black Crow Calling (48 to 33) and Ronni Rae Rivers' Janine – Care Of The Stars (42 to 37). New entries this week include Shelley Evans' Forever Is Goodbye (in at 49) and Neville Anderson's Rambling Shoes (at 50).
Bluegrass Award winners The Grascals continue to ride a wave of success taking home the coveted Entertainer of the Year at the 17th annual International Bluegrass Music Awards last Thursday at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Winning in the Male Vocalist category was Tim O’Brien who also took the honour in 1993. Tim was also recognised for Song of the Year with Look Down That Lonesome Road, a cut from the Fiddler’s Green disc. Rhonda Vincent carried home the Female Vocalist award for the seventh consecutive year, breaking her own record of six set with her win last year. For a sixth year in the Vocal Group of the Year category, the winner was Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Doyle was another multiple winner of the evening, taking the Gospel Recorded Performance trophy for He Lives In Me. Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder continued wearing the crown of Instrumental Group of the Year for the eighth consecutive year. Ricky was not only a winner as a performer, but as a label chief: Skaggs Family Records released the Album of the Year winner, Celebration of Life: Musicians Against Childhood Cancers. The Album features a virtual who’s who of the bluegrass world. Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper were honoured in the Instrumental Album of the Year for, Let ‘Er Go Boys. Michael, who won the prize in 2004 for Live At The Raged Edge, was also named 2006 Fiddle Player of the Year, a fourth trophy to add to his collection. The Steep Canyon Rangers won the coveted Emerging Artist of the Year on the strength of their latest release, One Dime At A Time. Individual achievements were also recognised in the Instrumental Performer categories. Rob Ickes of Blue Highway was named Dobro Player of the Year for the eighth time, Jim Mills was named Banjo Player of the Year following his 2005 win in the same category. It is his sixth time receiving the honour. Missy Raines, who tours with the Claire Lynch Band, once again took home the Bass Player of the Year award. She, too, has taken the award six times. Rounding out the Instrumental Performers were Bryan Sutton, taking his fifth trophy for Guitar Player of the year and Adam Steffey, of Mountain Heart, doing his fifth turn at Mandolin Player of the Year. The 2006 Hall of Honor inductees were the late Sydney Nathan and The Lewis Family. Both considered pioneers in their respective fields in bluegrass, record shop owner Sydney founded King Records in Cincinnati during November 1943 and would create one of the most significant repositories ad distributors of classic bluegrass recordings. The Lewis Family has played a highly significant role in popularising the bluegrass gospel genre and bringing it to prominence since the all-family group’s formation in 1951. For more information on the International Bluegrass Music Association, visit www.ibma.org. Argentinian festival
The event featured 50 country, folk, bluegrass and rockabilly artists plus neo-swing dancers and gospel shows. Its purpose was to promote country music in an adequate setting for people to enjoy, under tree groves and near the river. The San Pedro Country Music Festival was sponsored by the American CMA (Country Music Association). Artists featured included King Bee, Rebeca Caldera (pictured), The Cromados, Perro Negro, John McInerny, Far West, El Coyote, Vanesa Harbek, Hot Pickin Brothers La Rockabilera del Sur and Alberto Bonfante (just to name a few). – voymusic.com © Copyright 2006, ICMB Publishing
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Keith Urban has admitted himself into a rehabilitation centre in America to be treated, it is understood, for an addiction to alcohol.
ARIA has announced a number of new guest presenters and performers including Kasey Chambers who will appear with Bernard Fanning.
Bob Pigott and Katie Brianna (pictured) have taken out gongs at the ABC Newcastle (NSW) Music Awards.
The workshop is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills ("and tricks") to enhance their performance on stage and their overall professionalism as entertainers and covers all aspects of stagecraft in a structured and practical curriculum which encourages students to "get involved and find themselves," Deniese says.
Gemma will release the album in a performance with Shelley Evans at The Pioneer Village Country Music Club (Brisbane's "home of country music") at North Pine Country Park, Dayboro Road, Petrie, on Sunday November 5.
The band will preview its new DVD at the shows.
"As part of his on-going health management regime following his kidney transplant in 2004 and, under advice from his medical team, Jimmy is currently unable to travel interstate and will, for a time, have to limit his performance and media commitments.
The month starts on Saturday, November 4, with a concert in the heart of the Adelaide on Rundle Street.
Due to an overwhelming number of requests, the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is extending the 2006 entry deadline until November 17.
Kasey Chambers is at number one for the fourth week with Nothing At All while Catherine Britt (pictured) is at number two for the second week with Swingin' Door.
Lee Kernaghan (pictured) is at number one on the CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 30 chart this week with his clip of Listen To The Radio.
David and Howard Bellamy are lifelong Republicans who performed the song for President Bush in support of his campaigns in 2000 and 2004 and at other times for Vice President Dick Cheney and Florida Governor Jeb Bush.
Troy Cassar-Daley (right) was named Entertainer of the Year (a title he also held in 1987, 1988 and 2000) while Felicity Urquhart (below left) won the title of Independent Entertainer of the Year for the second year in a row.
Publishing Company of the Year was won again by ABC Music Publishing (they have held the title since 2001).
Cover Art of the Year went to Glen Hannah for Felicity Urquhart's My Life (Glen also won this award last year) while St Mary's Sound Centre was named Retailer of the Year.
In the election result declared at Monday's Annual General Meeting in Sydney, it was revealed that Clive Hodson, who had recently left the ABC, had withdrawn from the election as Treasurer which meant that Marius Els was elected to the position unopposed.
Northern Territory Administrator Ted Egan is to stay on in the job for another year.
Hope For Me Yet is described as an up-tempo country pop track produced by Mark Moffatt at Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville.
The TIARAs (Tamworth Independent Artist Recognition Awards) stage their 10th annual Awards presentation in January. 
Jools, 48, is recovering at her home in Helensville, West Auckland, after a mastectomy two weeks ago and will undergo "aggressive chemotherapy" in the next two to three weeks, according to a report on 
Born Baldemar G Huerta on June 4, 1937, in the Mexican slums of San Benito, Texas, Fender’s music took him on a "rags to riches" journey from the Rio Grande Valley. Overcoming career and cultural challenges, Fender’s music has left a musical imprint on more than six decades.
"She is my one and only," Smoky, himself 93 and counting, said. "The only thing I can buy for Dot is flowers – she loves flowers... and just to give her my love is the greatest thing of all.
"Simply Graeme Connors" presents more than two hours of hits from Graeme's immense back catalogue, the likes of A Little Further North, Cyclone Season, Let The Cane Fields Burn and Sicilian Born and previews his 13th album It’s All Good, in an intimate and informal setting.
Nikki and Tracy-Lee are preparing themselves for life without each other as the end draws near on one of the most endearing duo’s country music has seen.
The single is included on a two track CD produced by Lindsay Butler.
Beccy signs with ANA
The first single from the album, the title track, has recently been released to radio through Oz Country Radio Singles and is available to download at 
Australian songwriters have been invited to compose an inspirational tune for WYD08, which will see as many as 500,000 young people gather in Sydney in July 2008.
The Bobkatz have released a video clip for their new single Little River Town.
Catherine Britt rises another two places to take over second place with Swingin' Door while The McClymonts are steady at three with Something That My Heart Does.
American trio Rascal Flatts (pictured) take over the number one position on this week's CMC (Country Music Channel) Top 50 playlist with their clip of Me And My Gang pushing Lee Kernaghan's Listen To The Radio to number four.
he McKean Sisters – Joy and Heather – are more well known these days for their individual careers in the music industry, in Joy’s case, as one of Australia’s leading and award-winning songwriters, and, in Heather’s case, a singer and award-winning recording artist.
James, whose new album is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2007, is planning a return to the style that made him a household name in the 1990s.
The project sees some of Australia’s best known musicians join together on a single for the KIDS Foundation – Jimmy Barnes, Iva Davies (Icehouse), Jimmy Little, Diesel, Renee Geyer, Jimmy Little, Wendy Matthews, Gary Pinto (CDB, now with Guy Sebastian), Jon Stevens, Katie Underwood, Mark Callaghan (Gangajang), TV presenter Nick Hardcastle, Buzz Bidstrup (The Angels), Grace Knight, Jade Macrae, Martin Plaza and newcomer Amali Ward.
Walks Of Life is Gina's first album for some time and has been described as her "finest album yet, full of inspiring songs set to beautiful music".
There are six categories in the Awards, one of the additional two is voted on, the sixth determined by the organisers from nominations received.
Tiffney also won the Junior Overall Winner prize at the quest which was staged over four days from Thursday, September 28.
"The scholarship recipient for 2007 is Tamworth local Brett Clarke," John said.
Christie Eliezer reports in his column this week at 
But loses Adam
The magazine, which showcases the best that South Australia has to offer, chose to profile Jeanette following her finalist nomination for the Country Music Association of Australia's Achiever Awards for Independent Entertainer of the Year.
A number of country rock bands will star in a "a revved up night of country rock 'n' roll" under the banner "Crankin' Country" at the Empire Hotel, Annandale (Sydney) on Saturday, October 21.
The album is the follow-up to his first three albums of original material.
Melburnian Jude D’Lasselle has released a second single – You’re The Hub In My Life’s Wheel – from his EP launched earlier this year.
Male Album of the Year went to Reg Poole, Female Album of The Year was a tied result between Patti McKinnon and Jeanette Wormald.
The digital music download service would allow consumers to buy tracks in real time over special mobile phone handsets.
The McClymonts edge up one more place to number three with Something That My Heart Does while Catherine Britt rises another two places to four with Swingin' Door and Donna Boyd is steady at five with A Good Day.
CMC Top 50 – And Lee...
Howard got an Oscar nomination for his work in Brewer's Hustle & Flow, portraying a pimp who longs to be a rap artist. He will portray Pride in the new movie, Brewer told "The Commercial Appeal" of Memphis.
The company acquired the consumer media company YouTube which announced an agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG) to offer YouTube and its users access to UMG's extensive roster of artists covering every genre of music.
Felicity Urquhart was the big winner at the Telstra Country Wide Southern Stars – the 10th annual Australian Independent Country Music Awards – in Mildura on Saturday night.
Jean wins American award
"With a steadily increasing percentage of customers booking tickets online, the October 3 internet presales provides country music enthusiasts with an ideal opportunity to get in early and book for their favourite shows," Rebel said.
Watching Klancie perform Shania Twain's I'm Outta Here on Sunday night was Shania's guitarist Randall Waller. He was so taken by Klancie's performance, according to her family, that he asked the 23-year-old jillaroo from Richmond (Qld) to help write and perform some of his music.
Entries, open to Australian recording artists, close on Friday December 1, with a $25,000 prize going to the winner.
Shaza Leigh has released her new album, Strength Within. 
In his weekly column at 
New single for Anita
Club secretary Sharon Tuckett said: "This is a very exciting step for the Club and will allow us to incorporate new advertising targets. Funding like this helps to keep our spirits alive and the enthusiasm of small groups active."
Carter & Carter hold steady at three with Ride while The McClymonts jump two places to number four with Something That My Heart Does as does Donna Boyd with A Good Day to number five.
Their honours come only one year after the group took home the Emerging Artist of the Year trophy in 2005.
One of the most important country music festivals of Latin America, the fourth San Pedro Country Music Festival, took place at the weekend in San Pedro, a city located in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina.