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This website dedicated to bringing you the latest Australian country music news |
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Last week's news MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2007 Kylie wins Trans Tasman Entertainer of the Year quest New Zealand's Kylie Austin has taken out the 2007 Trans Tasman Entertainer of the Year title.
Kylie main prize was $4,000 cash while the Most Promising award gives her $5,000 worth of recording time at the Peter Van Gent Studio. It's the third time the Trans Tasman Entertainer of the year award has been held by a New Zealander – the title has previously been won by Paul Sharplin of Christchurch and American James Ray, a New Zealand resident. Runner-up in the quest was Australia’s Penelope Sommerville from Mildura. Kylie is a long-standing member of the Eastern Districts Country Music Club in Auckland and is a 2005 graduate of the Australian College of Country Music. She has enjoyed success both in New Zealand and Australia winning the 2004 Toyota National Country Music Muster Talent Search, the 2006 Gold Guitar Awards in Gore as part of the North team versus the South and 2006 New Zealand Country Music Entertainer of the Year Overall Runner Up. 98.9 FM supports Brisbane’s Steel Guitar Convention Brisbane's 98.9 FM radio station has come on board to support the city's Steel Guitar Convention later this month.
"With the support of 98.9 FM, the Steel Guitar Convention is likely to become an annual gathering of Australia’s and some of overseas' finest steel players." General Manager of the radio station Tiga Bales will present awards during the 2007 Convention at Kedron Wavell Services Club on Saturday, June 24. Two of Australia’s steel guitar legends will be the first to be inducted into the newly created Queensland Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. Tipped to appear as a special guest at the Convention is Australia's own reigning Western Swing Female Vocalist of the Year Jean Stafford. The triple Golden Guitar winner is a dedicated fan insisting on pedal steel on all her albums. Jean said: "If you don’t have a steel guitar then it ain’t country." Inside goss says it'll be a great day with a few surprises for country music fans. Click here for weblink. Mackay radio relaunches country format Murri FM serving Mackay, Sarina and the Whitsundays in North Queensland, relaunches today as MY105, being promoted as "the hottest country and most singable classic songs of all time". "We have done the research and discovered what the community wanted most from its radio station," said Station Manager Stephan Kent. The station's format will be made up of "quad music breaks" – "four songs in a row". "We have been very selective in the songs we intend to play," Stephan said, "the playlist will be around 4,000 tracks giving a huge diversity to the music we play, and you won’t hear the same songs over and over on MY105. "Our listeners will be exposed to the very latest releases from across the country mixed with staples like Keith Urban, Lone Star, Gretchen Wilson, The Wilkinsons, Carrie Underwood, Tracy Lawrence and Friends, Adam Brand and so on." The station will also launch an interactive website which will have "lots of information about the music we play including the Top 30 and the current playlist." Overnight, the station plans to give listeners online and locally the ability to log in and select "the music" using a new interactive "request music" software developed by the station. "From midnight to 5am, anyone will be able to log in and see our entire playlist of music... then it's as easy as ticking the track they want to hear and it will be scheduled for the next music break," Stephan said. "This is real interactive radio."
The official program for the upcoming Hats Off to Country Festival in Tamworth has been finalised and is now available for downloading. Co-ordinated by Tourism Tamworth, the 2007 Hats Off to Country festival will run from Thursday July 5 to Sunday July 8 and already looks like it will be a resounding success with more than 80 artists taking part. "This equates to more than 60 shows and over 150 hours of entertainment," said a spokesman for the organisers. The main event is a special tribute concert titled The Golden Guitar Salute To The Songs of John Williamson starring Jeff Brown, Lindsay Butler, Beccy Cole, Tracy Coster, Gina Jeffreys, Sara Storer and Brendon Walmsley with compere Jim Haynes and John himself. It will be staged at 8pm on Saturday July 7 at the West Tamworth League Club. The official program can be downloaded here. Weblink – www.tourismtamworth.com.au. CMC Top 50 – Keith hits the top Keith Urban (pictured) has hit number one on the CMC (Country Music Channel) playlist this week with the clip of his latest hit I Told You So.
Carrie Underwood's number one from last week – Wasted – is down to four while Tania Kernaghan is up one place to five with Life Don't Get Much Better Than This. Gina Jeffreys' new single Stepped Right In enters the top 10 at nine while The Sunny Cowgirls' Cuttin' Up B&S Style is at 11, Paul Costa's A Lover's Question at 16, Markus Meier's Matilda Road at 18 and James Blundell's Higher Than Heaven is at 19. Bullet performers this week include Jayne Denham's Chick Ute (26 to 22), Dianna Corcoran's Stepping Stones (28 to 24), Amber Lawrence with The Things That Bring Me Down (32 to 29), Peter Denahy's The Bloke Who Serves The Beer (39 to 36), Tom Curtain's Chew Like Hell (40 to 37), Angie Whiteley's Brightest Light (41 to 38), Tony Morris' Small Town (42 to 39), The Greencards' Waiting On The Night (44 to 41), Kimber Sparks' Somewhere Between (45 to 42), Allan Caswell's A Little Bit Of Country In Us All (46 to 43), Steve Passfield's Goin' It Alone (47 to 44) and The BobKatz with Sweet Water (48 to 45). New entries to the playlist this week include Drew McAlister with Along For The Ride (in at 48) and The McClymonts with Something That My Heart Does (at 50). The full playlist can be viewed at www.countrymusicchannel.com.au. SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2007 One Stop Country signs the Wolves One Stop Country has announced the signing of the Wolverines to an exclusive distribution deal for their latest albums, Good Times, Making Tracks and Wolverines And Roses.
The Wolverines are well known for their work with charities and the trio – John Clinton, Chris Doyle and Darcy LeYear – are about to set off on their "Sail For Kids Tour" which starts at Rushcutters Bay in Sydney, snakes its way up the coast to end at Silkwood in Far North Queensland. In true Wolverines style, the tour will raise money for Kids In Need. The next month will be a busy time for the Wolverines with the preparation of their Sail For Kids Tour and their performance at the first ever Stampede Festival at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast on June 23. Weblink – www.wolverines.com.au. Chart update – top three unchanged The top three places remain unchanged on the Country Tracks National Top 30 Singles Chart this week... Tim McGraw at number one with Last Dollar (Fly Away), Carter & Carter at two with Run Away and Travis Sinclair at three with Rockin' The Rig.
John O'Dea's Old Rusty Ute is steady again at eight while John Williamson's Wildlife Warrors: It's Time falls to nine and Tania Kernaghan's Life Don't Get Much Better Than This zooms into the top 10 at 10. Bullet performers this week include Paul Costa's A Lover's Question (19 to 15), Jonah's Road with Counting Down The Days (28 to 25) and Gina Jeffreys' Stepped Right In It (debuting at 27). Other new entries this week include Harmony James (pictured) with Tailwind (in at 29) and Craig Giles' A Million Teardrops (at 30). The Top 30 Countdown goes to air Sunday night, on CMR (Country Music Radio) on the Super Radio Network. The full chart can be viewed at www.nfspublicity.com.au. FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2007 JW campaigns against Awards change Australian country star John Williamson is campaigning against a proposed change to the Golden Guitar Awards.
"I write as an individual, proud Aussie; not as President of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA). I am just one voice. "Members of the Association are about to be asked to vote on several Golden Guitar Award changes, including the APRA Song of the Year. It is this one that concerns me most. "Should an Australian receive a Golden Guitar for a song that is co-written, say 50 percent, with a foreigner? I say NO. "I don't say an Aussie shouldn't co-write with a foreigner, but that that song shouldn't be eligible for a Golden Guitar. Why? Because already there are Golden Guitars awarded to Aussies who record in Nashville studios, using American musos, American producers etc. The APRA Song of the Year is the last straw. "Surely the CMAA is there to support the AUSTRALIAN Country Music industry. It's up to the judges, but the trap is that I can see up-and-coming Aussie talent being discouraged to use our studios, our musos, our producers etc (who, I might add, are as good as any in the world, but refreshingly different) and also think they have to co-write with an American to make it. "Our songs should reflect our unique culture. "I can already hear the “Australianness” disappearing from our Country Music. We do have our own sound. We do have our own character that is unique and should be encouraged. Why? Because otherwise we might as well be just another branch of an American industry. This is not McDonalds. This about being proud of who we are. Our kids need that more than anything else. What message are we giving them? "Do you care? Or is it just about making it in 'The States'?" It is not known what specific changes are being proposed for the Goiden Guitar Awards except for those that were widely publicised last year. At that time, the CMAA suffered a widespread backlash from members and the broader country music industry, particularly for lack of consultation and for not giving sufficient notice for the changes. All of the major alterations to the Awards were reversed although several minor cosmetic changes were retained. The Association is circulating the now proposed changes – which have not been made public – to members for decision. The change highlighted above by John – probably the most controversial – relates to the allowance of songs co-written by non Australian writers to be nominated in the Awards. Riverland Festival starts today The South Australian Country Music Festival will be held throughout the SA Riverland from today until Monday, June 11.
Winners of all sections will compete for the SA Award of Excellence at the SA Sunday Spectacular on Sunday, June 10 at the Riverland Field Day Site Exhibition Hall, Barmera. The South Australian Country Music Festival & Awards has, for the past 29 years, remained the biggest and the most prestigious of its kind in the state. Stars of the 2007 Festival include Billy Bridge, Doug Bruce, Bill Chambers, Andrew Clermont, Kristy Cox, The Davidson Brothers, Rorden Donohue, Laura Downing, Alison Hams, Danny Hooper, Kelly Hope (pictured), Graeme Hugo & Ironbark, Tom Maxwell, Rebecca Lee Nye, The Sherrahs, Mark Tempany, Darin Warner, Peter Warner and bush poet Bob Magor. Presentations will be made at the South Australian Awards Concert on Saturday, June 9 in Bonney Theatre, Barmera. Weblink – www.riverlandcountrymusic.com. Troy on "Better Homes & Gardens" tonight
Troy will show program host Johanna Griggs around and introduces her to his family. Multi Golden Guitar winner Troy's most recent foray in the spotlight was on the television singing program "It Takes Two". A number of major upcoming appearances will be at Leonora in Western Australia, The Dreaming Festival on the Woodford Folk Festival site and the Stampede at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast. Weblink – www.troycassardaley.com.au. WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2007 Lonnie Lee has released a new "country rockabilly" CD titled North West Mail.
"To sum up the album, it would be fair to say it was inspired as a retrospective which encapsulates the long and varied life of this music icon," said the release announcing the new CD. "The songs were written in an amazingly short time, perhaps giving some indication as to how much it came from the heart... all have a very personal reason for their being and they individually relate to many facets of his early years, the inspirations, the sadness, the isolation in the country as well as the incredible excitement of being one of the very first to bring this brand new and innovative music to Aussie teenagers." Meanwhile, Lonnie has also announced he will appear in Country Music Capital this July as part of the Hats Off To Country festival. Whilst his first shows in Tamworth go back nearly 50 years when he introduced rock 'n' roll to the city at the Tamworth Town Hall, this year will be the first time he has attended the Hats Off festival. Lonnie has an extensive run of tour dates available on his website. The Tamworth performance will be "intimate casual shows" Lonnie says at the North Tamworth Bowling Club and will feature many songs from his two latest self written albums, Light Of Love and the new release North West Mail. Weblink – www.lonnielee.com. A special tribute to the late Slim Dusty weekend has been set for Wooroolin in the South Burnett region of Kingaroy in South East Queensland on Friday and Saturday, June 29 and 30.
Live music will also be staged at the Boggy Creek Pub with artists including Col Allen, The BobKatz, Wayne Holly and Sheree, Les Lawson, Bobby Rickets and Jason Ryan. Camping will be available on site together with bar and food stalls. Busking will also be a feature. All funds raised during the weekend go to help the Wooroolin and Tinny schools and the Wooroolin Lions Club and local Scout group. Further information can be obtained from Steve Daly on 07 4164 2311 or email wsdaly@bigpond.com.au. The event is being organised by Fig Jam Music who are expecting a large influx of tourists to the region to support the event. "We are endeavoring to make this an annual fundraising festival type of event for the whole region," Steve said. Artists wanting to donate their time by performing during the weekend should contact Steve.
Performing with her band, Casey will perform on Saturday June 9 for the major event which continues on the 10th and 11th. The Saturday will feature aircraft activity all day with Casey performing from about 6:30pm. "It will be a great night out for all ages," Casey said, "with children’s amusements, food stalls, market stalls, war birds, light aircraft, liquor booth and much more." Proceeds from the event will aid the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service. Weblink – www.caseywatt.com. Christie Eliezer reports in his weekly column at themusic.com.au that Festivals Australia provides funding assistance to Australian regional and community festivals for the presentation of quality projects. Funding is available to add a new or special sort of cultural activity that has never been included in the festival before and could not otherwise be afforded. The funding round closes on July 16 for projects beginning after January 1, 2008. Festivals Australia Regional Residencies provides assistance to regional and remote communities that wish to "tell a local story or express a local theme", at a local festival or major community celebration. Funding is available to engage an artist in residence to work with community participants to help them develop an arts project on a local or regional theme and present it publicly at the festival or celebration. Further information from Lois Wishart Lindsay on 02 6271 1922, program officers Jane Fleming or Juliet Sera on 02 6271 1661 or 02 6271 1931, or email festivals.australia@dcita.gov.au. TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2007 A big time for country music in NZ New Zealand's Gold Guitar festivities continue this week in Gore following a big launch at the weekend. Adam Harvey and Pixie Jenkins starred in the Australian Country Road Show on Friday night while the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards Walk-up Concert was set for last night at the Longford Function Centre.
Tomorrow's activities include a songwriting seminar with writers Don McGlashan and Mike Moroney and music industry representatives Ant Healey, Director of NZ Operations APRA, Petrina George, Manager – Member Services, APRA, and Cath Andersen – General Manager, NZ Music Industry Commission. The night time feature is a concert at the Longford Function Centre. A busking competition gets underway on Thursday in Gore's main shopping area from 12 noon while the MLT (Mataura Licensing Trust) sponsored Songwriting Awards will be held in the evening. Busking is a feature again from 12noon Friday as things "hot up" for another big weekend. Awards will be presented on Friday night for the RIANZ (Recording Industry Association of NZ) Best NZ Country Music Album (or Tui Award) and APRA Best NZ Country Music Song. Special guests will include Michael King and Camille Te Nahu & Stuie French from Australia. Saturday afternoon sees the conducting of the Transport Repairs & MLT Longford Tavern Truck Parade while the busking competition finals get underway at 12noon with a "Dusk Busk Off" set down for 4.30pm. Senior sections in the Awards run Sunday with the 40 Plus Finals on Sunday night featuring 2007 finalists and last year's winner Sharon Williams and the Santa Rosa Showcase to follow. The Southland Times New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards Newslink Senior Finals follow with guest Artist 2006 Senior Gold Guitar Awards winners North v South (Kylie Austin, Leanne Cryer) and backing by Tightazz. Weblink – www.goldguitars.co.nz. First ever Cessnock Festival a huge success By Anna Rose Following a hugely successful weekend, the inaugural O’Neills Tyres Cessnock City Country Music Festival is now firmly established on the Australian country calendar. "The event that was the dream of Hunter Valley music enthusiast Rhonda Astill became a sparkling reality over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 25-27, with hundreds turning out to enjoy the quality music on offer. From Friday’s official opening by Cessnock Mayor John Clarence, featuring the award-winning Wolverines, through to the first major concert that night – it was quality all the way.
They were back bright and early Saturday morning for the free concerts, beginning at 10.30am with Hunter-based singer-songwriter Rob Wilson backed by a fine band of musicians – Brad Bergen (lead guitar), Peter Figures (drums), Simon Johnson (bass) and Chad Plane on keyboards. Paxton entertainer Kellie Cain proved her worth on the agenda, stepping up to the microphone, with her guitar and stompbox, completing a six-song set, joined for her final two numbers by the band.
Last year's Golden Saddle Award winner Amber Lawrence made lots of friends during her action-packed performance and traditional bluegrass with Karen Lynne and Acoustic Shock was a fitting finale to that day’s free entertainment enjoyed by some 400 to 500 people. John Wilson set up in the bar to entertain patrons from around 5.30 before that evening’s big show with the Wolverines, which started at 8pm. Four hundred paying customers streamed through the auditorium doors and didn’t stop rocking til the last note was played by country’s favourite party band composed of Chris Doyle, Darcy LeYear and John Clinton. Sunday’s agenda of Lisa White, Makaylie Foodey, Sharnee Fenwick, Slim Newton, Bruce McCumstie, Karen Lynne and Acoustic Shock and Camille Te Nahu & Stuie French gave patrons a great dose of country. Event organiser Rhonda Astill was absolutely delighted with the outcome of her first festival, and said plans were already well underway for next year’s event. "So many people there were talking about 'next year' – I don’t think there’s any way I will get out of putting another festival together," she said. "I’m just so thrilled with the support of the local business houses and, in particular, our wonderful host venue for their unstinting support. They all had faith in the project and what it could do for Cessnock and I believe that faith was well founded, with the results we achieved this first time round. Marlene Hartog from the East Cessnock Bowling Club was also delighted with the weekend of music and is very keen to continue that association in the years to come. "The club was buzzing with people all weekend and they were a very happy crowd to have around," she said. "We would be more than pleased to see them all back again next year – and they’re more than welcome to bring plenty of their friends too." Photos by Anna Rose (top): The McClymonts – Brooke, Mollie and Samantha; below: Rhonda with Karl Broadie and Rhonda Astill. Country music fans put on their cowboy boots and mustered up support for local community radio station 2REM in Albury at the weekend according to Sarah Dean at "The Border Mail". Boot-scootin’ and line-dancing were the order of the day for the eight-hour fundraising concert at Thurgoona’s Kinross Wool Shed.
"Because we play a lot of country music, we thought what better way to raise money than to hold a country music concert," she said. "We have invited all the local country music artists to perform to show the community the talent we have here on the Border." The money raised would be used to purchase new equipment for the station, Lyn said. Albury’s Bob Dearing was the first to purchase a ticket to the event last week. "I have come with a few friends to enjoy an afternoon and night of singing and dancing," he said yesterday. "The Kinross Woolshed is such a great venue for country music as the acoustics are great." Former Australian Idol finalist and country singer Korey Livy (pictured) was compere and also performed. "In an effort to keep the station afloat, all the local country music performers have donated their time to perform today," he said. "The station has been a great ambassador for country music for years." Korey said country music had been growing in popularity for years now. "Some people still have the perception that country music is country and western style, but country music has evolved a lot and is more of a raw sound," he said. Other performers on the bill included Katie Baldock, Kelly Hope, Richard Perso, Karen Ritchen, Texas Rose and Kristell Taylor. MONDAY, MAY 28, 2007 Lee announces Grenfell line-up Lee Kernaghan has announced artists for the second Spirit of the Bush Concert to be held at Grenfell in the NSW Central West on Saturday June 30.
"I am thrilled that Jimmy Barnes can join us in Grenfell for this concert," Lee said. "Jimmy put his hand up for the last event in Horsham but was unable to appear due to his recent surgery. I am so pleased he is back fighting fit and can help us make June 30 a day that will be remembered for many years to come by the thousands of families that will join us in Grenfell. "There is something for everyone here," Lee said, "and it is a lineup that will probably never be repeated. I want to thank the artists for their support and generous donation of their time and talent." The first Spirit of the Bush Concert that at Horsham in the Victorian Wimmera in March saw a turn-out of 20,000 people who enjoyed a day of music as a community and put aside the pressures created by drought for what was a very special day celebrating the Spirit of the Bush. The concert idea was born during the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January as Lee and NSW Premier Morris Iemma led the Toyota Country Music Cavalcade. "I was telling the Premier about the Victorian concert," Lee said. "He was fast to express his interest in helping us produce an event for NSW. Within a couple of weeks his staff called us and said the Premier will fund a drought relief event for NSW. "The organisation and infrastructure for these events is huge and I want to acknowledge the other sponsors who help us deliver the services, infrastructure and security required for a safe event of this magnitude... Woolworths, Smorgon Steel Great Scrap Round Up and Rex Airlines. Our media sponsors are also a vital part of the organisation and I also want to thank them… Rural Press, WIN TV, Country Music Channel and the Caralis Radio Network." The Spirit of the Bush concert is a free event. Admission is by way of a wristband that will be available at multiple outlets around the Central West region of NSW. The distribution points will be announced in local media during the first week of June. A limit of 10 wristbands per person will be allowed. Event organisers are working closely with the Grenfell Mayor and Council on the event. Local Service clubs have been approached to supply all the catering for the event in an effort to keep the funds in the local community. Although the event is not a fund-raiser, Lee will "pass the hat around" to assist Aussie Helpers, a grass roots organisation that helps families deal with the effects of drought. A website for the event opens today at www.spiritofthebush.com. CMC Top 50 – Carrie at number one Carrie Underwood (pictured) has taken over the number one spot on the CMC (Country Music Channel) playlist this week with the clip of her hit Wasted.
The McClymonts and Tania Kernaghan jump two places each with, respectively, Baby's Gone Home and Life Don't Get Much Better Than This while Alison Krauss' Missing You drops to seven. Rounding out the top 10, Martina McBride rises to eight with Anyway, Rascal Flatts is at nine with Stand while Sugarland is at 10 with Settlin'. Bullet performers this week include The Sunny Cowgirls, debuting at 15 with Cuttin' Up B&S Style, Markus Meier's Matilda Road (23 to 20), Dianna Corcoran's Stepping Stones (31 to 28), Amber Lawrence with The Things That Bring Me Down (36 to 32), Steve Eales' Girls On Horses (39 to 35), The Audreys' Banjo & Violin (40 to 36), Peter Denahy's The Bloke Who Serves The Beer (43 to 39), Tom Curtain's Chew Like Hell (46 to 40), Angie Whiteley's Brightest Light (44 to 41), Tony Morris' Small Town (45 to 42), The Greencards (new at 44) with Waiting On The Night, Kimber Sparks' Somewhere Between (debuting at 45), Allan Caswell's A Little Bit Of Country In Us All (new at 46) and Steve Passfield's Goin' It Alone (new at 47). The full playlist can be viewed at www.countrymusicchannel.com.au. | ||||||||||
Auckland-based Kylie won the 13th annual quest at Norfolk Island on Thursday night and also took out the award for Most Promising Artist.
"This year’s event is expected to be something special," organisers say.
Hats Off official program released
Australians dominate the top three spots this week... Adam Brand edging up one place to number two with Can't Live Without Your Love while The McClymonts are up two more places to three with Baby's Gone Home.
"We are very excited about working with the Wolverines," said One Stop Country Manager Katania Young. "The band has such an amazing ability to bond with their audience. Their tongue in cheek humour and dedication to make music fun really connects them to their fan base. They are constantly on tour and with One Stop Country’s reach to retail stores in regional Australia, we feel that this will be a great union. Getting their music to their fans."
Keith Urban's I Told You So jumps three places to number four, James Blundell is steady at five with Higher Than Heaven while Tom Curtain's Chew Like Hell drops back to six and Karen Lynne jumps to seven with Roses In The Snow.
The album is described as "an autobiographical journey into Lonnie's past" and has already spawned a single, My Rockabilly Band which is reportedly already getting great reviews and airplay.
Titled the Boggy Creek Slim Dusty Tribute Weekend, the event will include Friday and Saturday matinee shows, a Friday night campfire concert with walk-up artists and two shows on Saturday night, one in the Town Hall and another campfire concert at the sports ground.
Rising country star Casey Watt will headline entertainment at the 15th annual Old Station Fly-In and Air Show at "The Old Station" at Raglan, Queensland.
The Hands of Fame Induction Show is tonight's main event with guest Artists Bob Mason & Apache and inductees Jim Lange from Kaiapoi and Brian Ringrose (pictured) from Christchurch.
The Country Music Spectacular featured 12 country music artists from around the region. Speaking for Radio 2REM, Lyn Klippel said, as community radio, the station needed all the support it could receive with fundraising.
Jimmy Barnes, Adam Brand, Diesel, Steve Forde & The Flange, Tania Kernaghan, Leo Sayer and The McClymonts will all join Lee on the concert bill.
Keith Urban is at two with I Told You So, Adam Brand jumps two places to three with Can't Live Without Your Love while Gretchen Wilson's number one from last week – Come To Bed – drops to four.