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This website brings you the latest Australian country music news. News releases can be sent to news@countrymusicbulletin.com.au |
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New from Johnny K Nundle (NSW) based singer/songwriter John Krsulja (aka Johnny K) has released a new album, Burden Of The Fool… a follow-up to his debut release Travellin’ in 2015.
The first single, Black To Blue, is a tribute to Glen and also to the late Karl Broadie who produced Travellin’. Karl tragically lost his battle with cancer in 2016. “Karl and I often talked about the music industry and finding our place within the industry,” John said. “Karl would share his thoughts, trials and tribulations, that eventually led him to give the advice of ‘your music is art, and if you aim to please everyone, then it’s just not art’.” Burden Of The Fool is described as “a journey album of life, love and the world around us to be listened to, track by track, and not once or twice, but over and over to truly appreciate the depth behind the words”. “From the first notes of Black To Blue, it’s an honest look at events in John Krsulja’s life that we can all relate to. As well as the personal, there is a commentary throughout the songs on the state of the world," according to a spokesman for the artist. “The songs within Burden Of The Fool contain the journey faced by myself, my family, my friends and one and all, over the time in between,” John said. “These are our stories.” The album features co-writes with fellow artists Lachlan Bryan, Kelly Cork, Allison Forbes, Brendan Nawrocki and Jen Mize. John is no stranger to the industry, having played music for much of his life and picking up a Golden Guitar with Luke O’Shea in 2017. The singer/songwriter runs the The DAG Sheep Station at Nundle, just out of Tamworth, which is known especially for its regular songwriter retreats. Burden Of The Fool was released last week. Weblink – www.johnkrsulja.com.au. Troy re-signs to Sony Troy Cassar-Daley has re-signed to the Sony Music label with an exclusive worldwide recording deal, the label where he began his recording career.
In 2017, Troy was elevated to the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown, the 50th inductee. He has also had numerous gold and platinum albums and achieved 32 number one chart singles. Troy’s songs have been described as a soundtrack to the everyday triumphs, struggles and good times for Australians from small towns to the big cities. “The saying full circle gets used quite a bit in our lives but every now and then it rings true for us personally," Troy said. “For me, starting my professional recording career back in 1995 with my dear mate Denis Handlin and the Sony team, gave me the tools all those years ago that I still use to this very day when I make my music. “Well the circle has turned and I’m more than proud to be a Sony recording artist once again and I can’t wait to share my new music and new adventures with you all. “Denis said 'welcome back to the family' and that’s exactly how it feels!” “We are thrilled to have Troy back with the company and the team is excited to work with him as he continues his esteemed musical journey. I love Troy to bits and we cannot wait to help him take his new music to his far-reaching and ever-growing fan base.” Weblink – troycassardaley.com.au. Country acts on "The Voice"
The duo Bo'Ness, part of Kelly Rowland's team, won their "battle" last week to go to the next round. Identical twins Callum and Jackson McPartlane grew up with music as both parents worked in the Australian music industry. The duo name, in case anyone was wondering, comes from the hometown of their Scottish grandmother.
Emmagen Rain, a member of Delta Goodrem's team, is just 12 years old and the youngest ever artist on "The Voice". Busking from age 10, Emmagen has performed and gained recogition at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and recently returned from Las Vegas where she had success in a world karaoke competition. Emmagen will compete in The Voice "battles" round this coming week. A third competitor with a strong country connection is Jesse Teinaki. Although not a country act, he is the son of the very popular country entertainer Shane Teinaki who has been a regular at Tamworth and numerous other venues. It's the second time on "The Voice" for Jesse who competed in Season 8. Weblink – 9now.nine.com.au/the-voice. New from Travis Travis Collins will release a new album – Wreck Me – in August. It’s been two years since Travis’ most recent work – Brave & The Broken – hit the market, an album that stormed the charts, spawned a string of number one hits, and launched a sweeping national tour.
This followed three Golden Guitar wins the year before from the album Our Backyard recorded with Amber Lawrence which also followed three Golden Guitars in 2017 for his Hard Light release. Last year, Travis was also named Global Artist of the Year by the American CMA (Country Music Association). Speaking about the upcoming release of Wreck Me, Travis said: “For a while, we were messing with the idea of calling (the album) Reckless Abandon. We were just like, we’re going to find or write songs that we want to go out and play, and never get bored playing.” The album has so far seen two lead single releases, both of which have garnered substantial national airplay… Make Up and Weekend. The current single, Rainy Day. "Wreck Me... took its first steps before I even really knew I was making ‘an album’,” Travis said. “Session by session, I was just trying to record a bunch of songs that hit me right… songs that challenged me as a singer and songwriter. “It’s the widest footprint of styles and sounds that I’ve ever put together. Each song has its own moment, some dive deeper and more personal, and others soar into new places I haven’t been yet. I’m really proud of that. I feel it’s the truest reflection of me musically so far.” The album will be released on Friday August 7. Weblink – www.traviscollins.com.au. JW's Winding Back collection out today John Williamson’s JW 50 – Winding Back 1970-2020 collection – is released today.
The boxed set also includes sleeved artworks for all 25 mini CDs designed by John himself, the images include acrylics depicting outback landscapes, humorous sketches based on song lyrics and Aussie minutiae. “Putting together this collection gave me a chance to take stock of what I’ve achieved during my career,” John says of the inspiration behind the new recording. “Like I say in the song, ‘There’s been laughter and there’s been tears’ – which I’m sure most people can relate to when reminiscing on their life’s journey.” Winding Back also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the release of Old Man Emu,celebrated by sharing a new lyric video with a time-lapse visual of John drawing the famous Old Man Emu sketch. The video can be viewed here. “It’s hard to believe it’s 50 years since the first time I heard Old Man Emu on the radio while feeding the pigs,” John said. “Winding Back is a summary of my career. It’s a pretty remarkable innings and I’m thankful for the support I’ve received since those early days.” Weblink – johnwilliamson.com.au. Andrew signs to ABC Music Golden Guitar winner Andrew Swift has signed to the ABC Music label and released the first single from a new, upcoming album.
He went on to release his album Call Out For The Cavalry which hit the number one spot on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart and went on to win him New Talent and Alt Country Album of the Year at the 2019 Golden Guitar Awards. Andrew recently started recording his third album which is slated for release on the ABC label early next year. The first single from the new work is Never Meant To Break Your Heart, co-written with Phil Barton. “I'm extremely excited to have signed and to be working with the team at ABC Music on my new album,” Andrew said. “I've often admired the way that ABC look after their artists like a family and I'm feeling very fortunate to be the newest sibling to some of the biggest names in Australian country music.” “It is great to have Andrew join us at ABC Music,” said Natalie Waller, Head of ABC Music. “We are excited to be part of this talented singer/ songwriter’s journey and new release.” Weblink – www.andrewswift.com.au. Involvement in Great Southern Nights invited Expressions of interest are invited for artists and venues to be involved in the Great Southern Nights music event in November. The event – a NSW Government initiative – aims to cover at least 1,000 COVID-safe gigs in Sydney and regional NSW… “giving Australian artists a welcome boost and turbocharging live music venues across the state”.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the gigs would be a welcome antidote to the challenges presented by COVID-19, bushfires and the prolonged drought. “This celebration of outstanding Australian artists and incredible live music venues across NSW gives us all something to look forward to, from event-goers to industry,” the Minister said. “We’ll be able to get out and see Sydney and regional NSW come to life with some of Australia’s top acts.” Headline acts will include Jimmy Barnes, Birds Of Tokyo, Missy Higgins, Paul Kelly, Amy Shark and The Veronicas. “We’re inviting venues across NSW, from the bush to the city, to nominate to be involved in this exciting new event,” Minister Ayres said. The event will be curated by ARIA and an industry advisory committee across a multitude of venues around NSW culminating with the 2020 ARIA Awards in Sydney. “We’re proud to create this opportunity for Australian musicians,” said ARIA Chief Executive Officer Dan Rosen, “and help bring back the live music scene right across NSW. “Live music events bring visitors, culture and excitement to communities. This initiative will provide an invaluable boost for the artists, crew, venues and music community that make gigs happen. All music events will be programmed in line with current Government health advice regarding physical distancing and venue capacity of public gatherings. Expressions of interest to be involved in Great Southern Nights can be made at www.greatsouthernnights.com.au. "Slim & I"
The documentary covers the amazing partnership of Slim Dusty and Joy McKean who, for more than 50 years, trail-blazed their way across Australia creating a musical legacy that to this day continues to entertain and inspire. "Slim & I" tells the story of the husband and wife partnership and especially Joy, who lived beside, rather than behind, the legend. Together, Slim and Joy wrote and and collected songs of the Australian bush and its people... a catalogue of plain speaking yet profoundly insightful music documenting the rural Australian experience. "Theirs is perhaps one of the greatest partnerships in Australian music history.," said a spokesman for the documentary producers. The trailer, released just one day before Slim's birthday (today, June 13) can be viewed here. "Slim & I" is expected to open in cinemas on August 20. Weblink – www.slimdusty.com.au. Music industry sends SOS to govt for urgent financial supportFrom The Music Network... A cross-section of the contemporary Australian music industry is sending a plea to the federal government to make a meaningful financial contribution and ensure the survival of the sector.
“Australian music is a proud national asset that entertains, comforts, and uplifts our communities,” states the letter, published today. “It helps to define who we are as a nation, is a central pillar of our health and well-being and is a key driver of learning in schools. Our artists and industry are always there to come to the aid of our nation during a crisis. Now it is time for the nation to come to our aid. “While much of the economy starts to re-open, the ongoing restrictions on large gatherings means our industry will continue to be held back from returning to work.” Among those to have lent their names to the cause are decorated legends Archie Roach, Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, Lee Kernaghan, Regurgitator, and Savage Garden. Joining them are contemporary stars Guy Sebastian, Stella Donnelly, Jessica Mauboy, Thelma Plum, Montaigne, San Cisco, Gotye, The Teskey Brothers and Alex Lahey. And country stars including Kevin Bennett, Casey Barnes, Troy Cassar-Daley, Allan Caswell, Michael Fix, Fanny Lumsden, Drew McAlister, Dobe Newton, Luke O'Shea, John Schumann and Sara Storer. The undersigned also includes leading venues, labels, management companies, touring companies, and peak industry bodies like APRA, AMPAL and AIR, plus many more. “Without immediate government intervention, the Australian music sector will be hit twice as hard as the rest of the economy and thousands of jobs will be lost within months,” says the letter. The letter asks for five key areas of intervention including the expansion of JobSeeker to reach excluded artists and individuals and an extension of the scheme until the end of 2020. There is also a call for business grants to ensure the survival of music businesses and venues, a financial boost to Australia Council funding and tax offsets and red-tape reduction for the sector. The letter addresses that the music industry will likely have a more prolonged restart as coronavirus restrictions are lifted. “The long-term cost to Treasury, the economy and the damage to our cultural infrastructure will be immense and long-lasting. Most of the four thousand plus venues that present live music across Australia are closed with no certainty as to when a restart is likely or viable.” The letter calls for a $40 million Australian Music Recovery fund, in addition to a plan by Live Performance Australia for a $345 million industry reboot. The federal government has been consistently quiet on the subject of a rescue package for the music industry, despite Labor calling for urgent action on multiple occasions. “They can’t continue to do nothing in this area,” Labor MP Tony Burke told RN Breakfast. “All the different people… they all work gig to gig. They were the first industry to shut down and they’ll be one of the last to come out of this.” The latest tally on I Lost My Gig Australia puts lost income by workers in the sector at $340 million. “Our industry is resilient, innovative and creative. We fight to stand on our own two feet and in normal circumstances we are self-sufficient. Yet these are not normal times, and we need the support of the Australian Government to help us get to the other side of this crisis.” The full open letter can be read here. Deni announces all Australian line-up Organisers of the Deni Ute Muster have announced an all Australian line-up of artists for the 2020 event in October with the hope it will be able to go ahead. The line-up includes Busby Marou, Troy Cassar-Daley, Darlinghurst, Hurricane Fall, McAlister Kemp, The McClymonts, Shane Nicholson, Shannon Noll, Sara Storer, John Williamson and Felicity Urquhart.
Pictured (from left): Troy, Shane, Shannon, Sara, John and Felicity. It is understood the Muster, which attracts 20,000 fans annually, currently has the approval of the NSW Government with the disclaimer that plans could change without notice with a final decision expected to be made on July 31. Music industry sources say the event, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday October 2 and 3, would be a litmus test for the industry with a number of other major events planned for October. Muster organisers say, in a statement, it is possible that plans could change. “The Deni Ute Muster team continue to plan with hopes and dreams of the 22nd Deni Ute Muster going ahead in 2020," the statement said. "Monitoring the situation, we will be guided by and act on advice given by the Government with the safety of patrons, artists, volunteers, contractors, vendors, competitors, staff and the community our number one priority. "Despite the restrictions around COVID-19 beginning to ease, it is still not clear at this time as to what social distancing measures and restrictions will be in place for festivals in October 2020.” Tickets for the Muster are still available which, together with paid camping purchased for this year’s event, organisers say, will automatically be valid for the 2021 Deni Ute Muster or a refund will be issued if COVID-19 prevents the 2020 Muster from going ahead. Muster organisers have also announced a new Muster HQ and Deni Ute Muster Museum will be located on the Festival site with the build planned for completion in September. Weblink – www.deniutemuster.com.au. An OAM for Keith Australian bush balladeer Keith “Jammo” Jamieson is to receive an Order of Australia Medal for services to country music and the community.
Keith has been a country singer/songwriter for 40 years and has been involved directly or indirectly in numerous events and industry activities including as organiser and promoter of the Bouldy Bush Ballad Bash, Cunnamulla Bush Poetry & Country Music Festival, Gidgee Coal Bush Ballad Awards, One Tree Plain Festival and Yellow Belly Country Music Festival. He has worked as a radio presenter on 92.7FM Blackwater, 98.5FM Rockhampton and 4DDB Toowoomba. Keith has won a number of awards including from the Tamworth Songwriters Association and a Golden Guitar as the writer of I Love Australia which won Bush Ballad of the Year for Jeff Brown in 2014. He was inducted into the Australian Country Music Hands of Fame in 2005. weblink – www.deniutemuster.com.au. State of Play Casey Barnes, Brad Cox, Little Quirks and The McClymonts (pictured) will be among artists to perform on-line tonight in the final episode of the State Of Play series of live-streamed concerts.
Other artists will include The Cat Empire, Frente and Alice Skye on the series promoted by the Victorian State Government under the banner Victoria United By Music. Shows were curated, filmed and recorded by Mushroom with viewers able to interact live with each show’s performers, submitting questions for artists to answer via a moderated livestream. The show gets underway at 7:30pm and can be viewed live on Facebook, YouTube and here. Previous episodes have included acts like The Angels, Birds of Tokyo, Vika and Linda Bull, Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, Kate Ceberano, Diesel, Tim Freedman, Ash Grunwald, Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus, Ella Hooper, Paul Kelly, Kate Miller-Heidke, Tim Minchin, Archie Roach and The Teskey Brothers. Vale – David Woodward Country music manager and industry executive David Woodward has died from a heart attack. He turned 40 in January.
David became involved with country music when he joined Tourism Tamworth in the mid 2000s, moving into artist managemen when he left that organisation. Among the acts he managed over the years were Beccy Cole, Shannon Noll and John Williamson. David’s family has published a statement on Facebook saying they plan to share more details for a celebration of his life at a later date. “It’s with broken hearts that the Woodward family grieve the sudden loss of their son, brother, uncle and friend, David Woodward. Thank you for the messages, thoughts and prayers.” John Williamson also shared a tribute to David on his social media on Monday night. “Tamworth and the music industry has lost a great man today,” John said. “My manager David aka ‘Woody’ passed away this morning from a heart attack. “He was a vibrant and positive young soul of 40 years. We will miss his encouragement but most of all his company. My thoughts and love go out to his dear family and many, many friends.” |
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Having begun with the late Glen Hannah in the producer’s chair, the album took on a new meaning when Glen took his life during the recording process with Matt Fell stepping in to complete the project.
In his career to date, Troy has released 10 studio albums and won numerous accolades including 37 Golden Guitars, four ARIA Awards, three APRA Song of the Year Awards, nine Deadlys (Australian Indigenous Artist Awards), four CMAA Entertainer of the Year Awards and two NIMAs (National Indigenous Music Awards).
As contestants, coaches and fans await the second round of "battles" in the TV talent quest "The Voice", two country acts remain in contention.
Both boys recently graduated from the Country Music Association of Australia Academy of Country Music in Tamworth, and are studying music in year 10 where they perform regularly in productions and concerts and volunteering at nursing homes.
In January 2019, Travis was named Male Artist of the Year at the Golden Guitar Awards for Brave & The Broken.
The limited edition and ornately packaged box set features inclusions from award-winning albums including 1987’s Mallee Boy, 1989’s Boomerang Cafe, 2012’s The Big Red and 2018’s Butcherbird and features the new single Those Fifty Years.
Andrew has gone from strength to strength since making his dive into the Australian country music scene as a Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist in 2017.
Great Southern Nights is being co-ordinated and promoted by Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) to support the recovery of the live music, entertainment and hospitality industries.
The music industry adds $16 billion to the economy each year, and now over 1,000 artists as well music businesses and industry workers, have signed an open SOS, calling for urgent intervention.
The news was revealed last night with the release of this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours.
The Music Network reported it was understood he died at home yesterday (June 1).
