February Birthdays

Connie Kis Andersen News

Hello Friends in music ...

Well what a start to the year it has been for me!

I have just returned from a wonderful weekend away, performing in Western Australia at the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival and Awards Night

The 25th anniversary of the event was truly the best yet, putting W.A on the map with a stellar line-up of artists and capacity crowds from Thursday evening onwards.

It was such a thrill and honour to be awarded the; 2010 Western Australian Best Country Music Female Artist and I sincerely thank the Boyup Brook Country Music Club and their Judges for their consideration and decision.

My performances at the Festival were very well received, thanks to the fantastic house band; Access All Areas, lead by Kingsley Day. Their attention to my repertoire made it so much
easier for me.

And to top it all off, during our 'down time', I was fortunate enough to stay at Scott's Brook Winerywhere hosts Kerry and Brian Walker made us feel so welcome. They are a great sponsor of the festival; so if you are ever in the area and are looking for a fantastic B&B, please consider supporting them, as they have supported country music here in WA. If you do decide to stay there, you will be in for a treat!

Tamworth in reflection ...
Two weeks prior to the Boyup Brook Festival, I was still on the road, driving home across the Nullarbor, returning from Tamworth.

The Tamworth adventure started quite early in the new year for me with only one day recuperating after a special guest appearance at a great Country Music New Years' Eve bash held at Hall's Head Bowling Club and promoted by WA Country Music Promotions. By January 2nd,we were packed and already driving east.

Thanks to the kind hospitality of friends and family and after performing gigs along the way, we finally made it to Tamworth by the Saturday January 16, in time to appear at the RUM Showcase.

A daily showcase (or two ... or three...) followed. ..Friday was the only day where I had one single and personal commitment. I guess you could consider it my annual community service to Tamworth ... Performing at the McKay Nursing Home, where I usually have such a lot of fun!!

My Tamworth Media Meet and Greet ...
A great time was had by all at the media meet and greet that I presented. Held in the beautiful, old historic theatrette of the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, the afternoon was considered a huge success.
I would sincerely like to thank Drayton's Family Wines, for their continued support and sponsorship in providing the wonderful wines that we tasted and drank that afternoon. Thanks too, go to Karen Guider, our lovely RSA for making time to serve the wines. Another special thanks go to Robyn Fitzgerald, who made all the delicious finger food that folks enjoyed and to the staff at the ACMFfor all their help. Last but not least, to the media and guests who took time out to RSVP, to come along and say hello, catch up with me and meet my guests, Tamworth newcomers Vicki and Billy, as well as to listen to some of their songs and mine ... thank you!

Personally, I felt that this was my best Tamworth Festival ever. ..As one very loyal supporter pointed out, it was great to see that it was 'standing room only' in most of the rooms I played, and so I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Axiom Entertainment and RUM Entertainment for their support in securing bookings for my venues at the festival and in NSW.

Other thanks go to my distribution label; WJO Distribution for the opportunity to perform on their showcase and for the sterling effort they put in, in promoting not just my albums but the many other artists on their label.

Finally ... loving appreciation goes to my special 'Horizontal Cowboy' who accompanied me to Tamworth for the very first time and who unfortunately, did not get much time at all to live up to his namesake and get horizontal - simply because of all the running around he did for me!

Now to the future ...
I am looking forward to a few weeks 'down time' so I may catch my breath and finish writing the many songs that I have started. All going well, another tour to the USA in their spring is on the drawing board in order to follow up and capitalise on the many in-roads I have been forging there.

In June, if my application to The Bluewater Festival is successful, I plan to mount a mini tour of the East Coast.

And please everyone ... keep your fingers, legs, arms and toes crossed for me for successful applications to Mildura and Gympie Festivals!!

So until then ... make, play or request great music and remember to be kind to yourself and good to others!

Warmest wishes from

Connie Kis xx

This Weekend  February 24th, 2010

Gday!

Just thought I would let everybody know there are some exciting country music events on this weekend in both QLD and VIC.

Saturday 27th Feb I’m be involved in a show at the Oakey Cultural Centre in Oakey, QLD with some great artists including Tony Wagner, Emma Barlow, Edith Green and Late Harvest. Show starts at 7.30pm.

On Sunday 28th Feb its non stop country music all day from 10am to 6pm at the Bunyip Country music Festival in Bunyip, VIC. Again a great line up of artists including Jeff Brown, Sandra Humphries, Travis Sinclair, Simply Bushed, Blue Mountain Rain, Tim Farren, The Longhorns, Jasmine Rae and Jamie Lee.

Hope to see you somewhere around the traps!

Bec Hance

Clelia Adams At Pub With No Beer At Taylors Arm

Hi folks,

I will be performing at the Pub With No Beer at Taylors Arm on Sunday 7th March 1-5pm. The gorgeous Kathryn Jones will also be with me for this one. Please pass this information on to any country music fans in your area, and promotional print media as we'd love to have a big roll-up for the show there.

I would also be very happy to do radio promotional interviews, I'll have plenty to chat about, especially with the recent 2010 Hands of Fame induction.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if there's anything further I can do to promote this show. Thanks kindly,
Clelia

Clelia Adams
www.cleliaadams.com
clelia.adams@bigpond.com
0429 668 059
02 6684 3206

Pete Smith - Western Star

Pete Smith is the real deal … Pete has joined the LBS Group and is proud to present his 6th Album “Western Star”. Released in Tamworth 2010, the Album is already being hailed as his finest Album to date and is enjoying requested airplay across the country. The first single released from the Album “Where the Thomson River Flows” won Pete a Top 3 Nomination for NSW Bush Balladeer of the Year for The Gold Medallion Awards for 2010. Pete is a dynamic entertainer and Lindsay Butler has

captured the” Pete Smith Style” of Country Music. The Album includes a wonderful selection of our Australian Country Music Pioneers, as well as self penned songs, this Album is a must have for all Traditional Ballad Fans.  Keep an ear out for his new radio single “Western Star”

Pete Smith
PO Box 407 Marian Qld 4753
0418 780 029
petersmith00@hotmail.com

Anna Rose On Storyteller

An Album I haven’t been able to stop playing since I received it is John O’Dea’s newie, quite appropriately titled Storyteller. This extraordinarily gifted singer-songwriter from Orroroo, a little township not far from South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, has come up with an absolute gem for his third full album. This album, unlike his debut, If Stones Could Talk, and the follow-up, Old Rusty Ute, was recorded in Sydney with Stuie French, at Stuie’s Swingin’ Door Studios. Johno’s excellent choice

of producer and engineer has made a world of difference to the overall presentation of this new disc – and Stuie’s choice of session personnel was spot on – the crème de la crème.

Storyteller opens with a calypso-like tune, Streaky Bay, inspired by a visit to this picturesque bayside location. It’s a real surprise opening, as you don’t really know what you’re in for next. Then you’re hit right between the eyes with Stars and Rainbows, a beautiful ballad which in truth is Johno’s prayer for a friend, who is battling a serious illness. Haven’t all of us wished on a star at one point in our lives and hoped it would come true? This song is a wish with a difference.

Where The Outback Starts came from a few lines told to Johno by a friend in the outback – “when the handshake’s a little stronger, and where the smile lingers longer … that’s where the outback starts.” He’s crafted a delightful song around this and the musical backing on this track, in particular, is a killer. It jumps right off the CD at you, never once overpowering John’s vocals.

Rodney Vincent’s story of a homeless man on the streets of Melbourne comes to life on Two Dollars For A Blanket. Johno’s honest delivery of this song is one of the highlights on an album chock full of gems. River Murray Dreaming took me out of my loungeroom in Tamworth and onto a houseboat on the Murray River – with a glass of wine in hand and a fresh catch of the day in front of me.

I defy anyone to listen to Ram in the Dam and not laugh out loud. The first line got me going…. “That ram would shag a suitcase and he had an attitude…” Stuie and Camille’s two sons, Chet and Sonny, make a guest vocal appearance on this song – listen out for the kids on the school bus. The Saddle is the very first song Johno ever had recorded by another artist. Young Matt Manning did a great job of it on his album, Borderline, also recorded with Stuie. I’m thrilled Johno chose to record this song as it was always one of my favourites – and he adds something quite unique in the delivery that can only be achieved by the songwriter.

A poem given to Johno by Manfred Vijars was the inspiration for the haunting ballad, Play Clair de Lune, about a brief but unforgettable wartime encounter. It’s a sexy, romantic tune, adding to the variety on the disc. Ben Hall is the only song not from John O’Dea’s prolific pen. This one came from Rob Parkes and as most Aussies would know, is about one of our most colourful bushrangers.

Remarkable was written after the first Rock the Mount concert at Melrose, in the Flinders Ranges. I’ve never seen the mountain, but thanks to Johno’s beautiful word pictures, I now know just what to expect when I visit the place. Ride of Your Life comes from pearls of wisdom handed down by our grandparents. Let’s hope we all have the ride of our lives by the time our race is run. Cross at the Side of the Road was written with the utmost respect for the countless lives lost on our roads and asks questions of what might have become of these people.

It’s a real gift for a writer to be able to transport you to another place, another time and have you enjoy every second of that journey. John O’Dea has achieved this in spades on Storyteller. I’d always suspected there was more to this bloke than meets the eye and Storyteller confirms it. It’s packed with tales of everyday Australians and various situations in their lives – some sad, some funny, but all well worth a hearing.

This is an album you could listen to over and over and never tire of. It was lapped up last weekend at the Mildura Country Music Festival by fans keen to take home a little of what they saw and heard. With strong sales, it’s a good indication that Storyteller will see this insightful Australian songmaker truly make his mark.

Anna Rose

New Signs Show the Slim Dusty Centre Has Started

Slim Dusty Centre CEO Kathryn Yarnold, Kylie Morris and Tennille McEwan of Hot Graphics, new McDonald's Kempsey owners Katie and Sean Davis, and Slim Dusty Centre Executive Assistant Tracey Parker

Two billboards announcing the beginning of the construction phase of the Slim Dusty Centre have gone up next to the Pacific Hwy.

Placed at Kundabung South of Kempsey and just North of Frederickton, the billboards are notable for at least two reasons; the company that designed the poster and the new sponsor that is supporting them.

The poster has been designed by Port Macquarie based graphic design company Hot Graphics, which is owned and operated by former Kempsey sisters Kylie Morris and Tennille McEwan.

The signs are also proudly supported by the new owners of the Kempsey McDonald's franchise, Sean and Katie Davis. The Davis's will officially take over at McDonald's next month and are excited to be involved with the Slim Dusty Centre.

"Being new to the area it is a great way for us to contribute, McDonald's is such a community oriented company and to be associated with one of Australia's real icons is a privilege," Mr Davis said.

"Katie and I have big plans for McDonald's in Kempsey and we are thrilled to be getting off to such a good start."

Kylie and Tennille said it was good to give something back to Kempsey.

"Being local girls we are excited to be sharing the experience of the Slim Dusty Centre," Kylie said.

"We are very fortunate to have an attraction which will benefit the economy and to have something the locals can be proud to have in their home town."

Sydney based company Sports and Outdoor Media have also been supportive of the billboards and the Slim Dusty Centre Project with the construction of the billboards eight years ago.

Slim Dusty Centre CEO Kathryn Yarnold said that while the end of the road was in sight, it had been a long journey.

"I think back to 2001, when our first highway billboards went up - and The Macleay Argus took a phot of Slim standing in front of the sign which said 'Proposed Home of the Slim Dusty Centre'," she said.

"Now they say 'Construction Underway' - what a mammoth achievement from a small town with a big dream and with the help of such a united and strong community team!"

For information regarding the Slim Dusty Foundation and its aims, please contact Kathryn Yarnold, CEO on (02) 6562 6533, or
1800 18 SLIM, or visit the website at www.slimdustycentre.com.au

Help The Slim Dusty Foundation Uncover Lost Treasures

It was the dream of the late Slim Dusty to build a Centre where the memorabilia collected all over Australia during his long and illustrious career could be shown and where visitors would be involved in an interactive journey through the heart and soul of Australia.

With the Slim Dusty Centre now finally under construction and an anticipated opening of December 2010, the call for assistance from the Australian public now goes out to seek specific items for the museum that will help to complete some of the stories of Slim Dusty’s life.

It is evident that many Australians hold the memory of Slim Dusty and the ‘Country Music Family’ of his era close to their hearts and may have memorabilia hidden away in their homes, or more than likely, on display in their homes.

The curator for the Slim Dusty Centre, Linda Raymond would like to invite Slim Dusty fans and their families to consider donating items of memorabilia as a part of one of the many significant displays within the Slim Dusty Centre.

“Since starting work on this project I have come to appreciate the deep affection held by Australians and overseas country fans for Slim, Joy and the whole Kirkpatrick family. I want to ensure that those fans have a chance to be involved in this important new national cultural centre, and to see their personal memories become part of Slim’s story” commented Linda.

The ‘Dusty’ family members have contributed their significant collection for display at the Slim Dusty Centre, material which has been gathered from over 50 years of traveling the length and breadth of Australia. Missing pieces of memorabilia and stories and photographs of Slim with truckies and Aussie folk to complement these displays will be a priceless addition.

An example of the items of interest to the Curator would include Western or ‘Tex Morton’ style clothing, young girl’s cowgirl outfits, jodhpurs, boots, belts, neckerchiefs or pipes etc from the 1940’s or 50’s. From this era Ms Raymond also has an interest in an EZ guitar tutor or any other guitar methods or, something every young boy would have possessed at the time, Tex Morton or Smoky Dawson comics.

Undoubtedly, any posters, tickets, programs or advertising material collected from Agricultural shows, rodeos or sideshows in which Slim and Joy are mentioned would be cherished as an exciting part of the museum displays.

During his lifetime, Slim Dusty developed a great affiliation with our ‘Truckies’ and to compliment the ‘Truckies Tribute to Slim’ Paver Program in the courtyard of the Slim Dusty Centre, the Curator is also calling on the many truckies who have memories, photos or memorabilia relating to Slim.

Ms Raymond will also welcome any pieces of dashboard decoration and truck artwork or relevant photographs that members of the public may be kind enough to donate to the Slim Dusty Centre.

If you have any items of interest that may be donated to the Slim Dusty Centre please email your contact details and stories with photographs attached to slimdustycentre@midcoast.com.au who will contact you for further detail.

Alternatively, please call (02) 6562 6533 or 1800 18 SLIM.

G'Day All,

The Slim Dusty Foundation's Major Annual Fundraiser - The Slim Dusty Country Ball will be held at the Westin in Sydney on the 31st March, and will be a fantastic event, with the Slim Dusty Family, Ray Hadley as the Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer, and special guest Dick Smith (Patron of the Foundation).

With entertainment on the night such as Troy Cassar-Daley, the Sunny Cowgirls, Adam Harvey and the Bushwackers, it stands to be a night not to be missed!!

As such, your support for this fundraiser is incredibly important to us and we hope to see you there!!

Cheers,
The Slim Dusty Team

The Slim Dusty Foundation Ltd
T (02) 6562 6533
F (02) 6562 1849
PO Box 70 Kempsey  NSW 2440

Karen Lynne & Bluegrass Band
In Concert In Bendigo, for One Night Only

Karen Lynne & Bluegrass Band - consisting of multi award winning musicians Martin Louis (banjo), Nigel Lever (Mandolin) & Daniel Watkins (Guitar) are performing in February, in Bendigo for One Night only. They are a traditional Bluegrass band and influences include Flat & Scruggs, the Osborne Bros, Rhonda vincent, Claire Lynch and Louvin Bros. Karen Lynne is Australia's foremost female contemporary Bluegrass artist, Karen Lynne, who’s latest bluegrass album "Changes" has been hailed a ‘truly international album in the class of Alison Krauss & Rhonda Vincent’, the first 3 singles reaching the Top 5 on the Australian Country Chart. A few years ago Karen, Martin & nigel from the band completed a UK/Europe tour which included a support to top US Bluegrass act "Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder". Most recently, in late 2009, her 'Changes' Album has been repackaged and re-released under the title "Wishing Well" by ABC Music's new 'Heartland' Label, this

is a first for a Female Bluegrass artist in Australia.

This show is a Fundraiser for Local Bendigo Radio station Pheonix FM and they will be performing in a 4 piece format only in this Acoustic concert.

Date: Saturday, 27th February, 2010
Place: White Horse Hotel, Eaglehawk Road, California Gully
Time: 8pm
Tickets $10
Concert includes Guest spots from Local artists:-
Floreena Forbes & Peter Williams
Peter Sheahan & The Angels

* Karen & Full Band (with guest Fiddler Lachie Davidson) appearing at the Bunyip Country Music Festival
on Sunday 28th February 2010

For Info, Tickets & Bookings please
ring Peter on 0407 059480

Karen Lynne

Doug Mcintyre 2010 Capital News ‘Male Rising Star’
Australian Independent Country Music Awards
www.dougmcintyrecountrymusic.com.au

Doug had a ball at Tamworth 2010 performing along-side Guy Sebastian and Gina Jeffries at the grand old Town Hall.

He’s looking forward to performing at the Central Coast Country Festival along-side Stuie French & Camille Te Nahu next month, and at Hartwood Country Festival (Tambar Springs) along-side Carter & Carter, in April.

Doug now has a distributor in WJO Distribution. He’s having a ball writing and performing songs for his second album, and is currently writing the title track “Australian Son”- a personal and patriotic expression of what it means to be a born in this great country of ours.

Thanks to all the radio DJ’s for playing the album, and all who come to the shows and buy the album.

And thank’s for YOUR continued support of Doug’s Australian Country!

Doug McIntyre

Amber Lawrence Wins
“Female Vocalist Of The Year Award”
at the Victorian National Country Music Awards 14th Feb 10

Amber Lawrence

Hot off the back of winning the inaugural “Telstra Horizon Award” at Tamworth’s night of nights, the CMAA Golden Guitars, Amber scoops the coveted “Female Vocalist of the Year Award” at the Victorian National Country Music Awards held in Whittlesea on the weekend.  It’s been another great week for Amber with her 2nd single “Wrecking Ball” moving up to #3 on the CMC Chart and #5 on the Country Tracks Top 30.  Amber will also be appearing on Ch 9’s “Getaway” program on the 11th March, showing the crew around the South Coast of NSW.

Karen-Lee Goody

New Single New Clip For Sydney’s Jason Lee

Album produced & engineered by Simon Johnson at the Sound Hole, mixed and mastered by Ted Howard at Rancom Studios in Sydney

Trent Simonson - Drums/Percussion |  Simon Johnson - Bass Guitar  |  Glen Hannah - Acoustic/Electric Guitars  |  Kym Warner – Mandolin  |  Lynda Barnes - BV's  |  Mike Carr - BV's
Music video produced & directed by Ross Wood 171 Entertainment

New artist Jason Lee is proposing a release of his debut album at this year’s Gympie Muster. The advance single pre-album release, distributed through NfS to radio last week, will soon be followed by an outstanding cinematic video new to CMC in the coming weeks.

The self-penned sentimental track ‘A Memory’ is an Aussie-fit for radio.  An easy compliment for the rest of the album, and the more than one vocal collaboration track, is likely to appeal positively to Jason’s newly amassed audiences.

‘These days it’s not all that easy putting out an album of your own material! You need the songs, the time and the finances which some people don’t have. Luckily for a couple of great fortunes, I have the opportunity to record the long anticipated record’ Jason said, just prior to recording at Sound Hole with Simon Johnson.

Commenting on the NfS release, he added ‘The first single release from the forth-coming album ‘Better late than never’ is a song I co-wrote with my fiancée Lynda. It’s taken nearly 14years to write this track in dedication to my dad who passed when I was 18year old.’

‘It’s not easy losing someone who is the reason you’re an entertainer and although I still struggle to let go, writing this song has given me closure.’

Rhonda Sinclair

Camerata And College Applications Close February 28!

Hi everyone

The closing date for both Camerata and College is February 28, by completing the Academy of Country Music application form at the link on CMAA website:
http://www.country.com.au/index.cfm?page_id=1048

Now that that Camerata and College have joined together as The Australian Academy of Country Music, it’s important that suitably qualified applicants apply for Camerata and College 2010 now.

The Academy Camerata course is the first big step for young performers in a Country Music career, and College course is the next obvious step forward as they mature, and if you or someone you know are serious about a career in Music, they shouldn’t waste any time, apply now!

Regards
Greg Williams
(Co-ordinator CMAA Australian Academy of Country Music)

News From Door 2 Door

The Bushwackers -
The Kings Of The Roaring Days

The Bushwackers kicked off 2010 in a big way, a Golden Guitar Award, sell-out shows at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the release of their long awaited DVD, The Chardonnay Show, Live and Loud At The Longyard.

All this follows the success of Australian Songbook II. It produced that 2010 Bush Ballad Golden Guitar, a finals nominations in the Group or Duo and in Instrumental categories, the highly successful top 30 chart hit, The Good Old Days, and the popular The Road To Thargomindah, which has gained widespread national airplay.

The latest single, Kings Of The Roaring Days, continues to ride the wave. Written especially for Australian Songbook II by Roger Corbett and Dobe Newton, Kings Of The Roaring Days is a salute to the hundreds of traditional songs that The Bushwackers have performed and been inspired by over almost four decades.

Who were the ’ryebuck shearers‘, the ’overlanders‘, the ’battlers‘, the ’miners‘, and those who stood under the Southern Cross? In most cases we don‘t know their names, only their stories. Kings Of The Roaring Days celebrates their contribution to our nation, and this is their song -
 “your names were never known, but lives are not forgotten”.
The Lees - 'It Ain't Me Babe'

First timers, The Lees.

Australian country, folk/roots band, The Lees have marked their first ever appearance on the Australian Country Tracks Top 30 chart debuting at number 28 this week with a bullet.

Australian radio play lists are turning up the volume on
It Ain‘t Me Babe, the first single from the recently released album Welcome Road, and the Lees say it‘s a welcome change, a glimmer of success on what has been a long and tough road.

The Australian festival and touring circuit where first introduced to The Lees when mum and dad, Steve and Tracey decided to take their 4 young kids, Raechel, Faith, Jarod and Savannah around Australia to play music. Ten years on, the kids are grown up it‘s the mixture of personalities and life‘s experiences as a family of six, growing up on the road, homeschooled, living out of a bus, and playing music in Australian cities and towns that gives this band it‘s own voice.

With a film clip on CMC to support the single, The Lees are making very sure everything is on the right track for the Welcome Road journey, It Ain‘t Me Babe is a great starting point.

The Lees are planning take the bus on the road in May for a promotional tour, we will keep you posted on where and when you can catch up with them along the road.
“it‘s an organic, raw and incredibly appealing collection of songs... hillbilly-flavoured vocal style, but they are distinctively their own, and the harmonies are an absolute delight” Susan Jarvis Capital News

Fiona Fields - 'DIRT'
A Valley Studio Indie Release 11th February 2010

Self confessed ’girl next door with big dreams‘, Fiona Fields is making inroads into Austalian country music with Good To Go.

Her debut album of up-beat tunes and playful lyrics was released at the 2010 Tamworth Country Music Festival, where she signed up a tribe of loyal FF fans with album sales.

A 2010 Toyota Starmaker Finalist, Fiona has a firm grasp on contemporary country music, writing and co-writing 12 of the original album tracks. Her stock and trade is having spent the last 5 years fronting country rock band, 5 Hour Drive, playing the Tamworth festival pub scene, Western Sydney gigs, towns in between and a dose of Nashville recording experience.

Fiona Fields alias identity is a high school teacher of English and Drama in Western Sydney. Raised in the Western suburbs, a child of singing and dancing, and her father‘s country music collection, it comes as no surprise that Fiona has not only taken charge of her country music career, she also heads up her school‘s vocal and dance group.

In 2009, Fiona took a break from fronting the band, concentrating her efforts into the Good To Go recording project with Roger Corbett at The Valley Studio. “Every step I take makes me hungrier to write more, record more, and perform more. I‘ve had the pleasure of working with some of the leading country musicians in Australia and I can‘t wait to take it on the road” says Fiona.

Likening her music style to female ’Brad Paisley-ish‘, Good To Go is no doubt a highly contemporary, country rock, album with a healthy dose of self effacing charm and wit from a very likable new face in country.

’Ive got to get me some dirt‘...Dirt, the first single from the album is a tongue- in-check song about what it takes to be a celebrity or make it big in entertainment. Convinced her notoriety needs attention, FF presents us with the ways and means of achieving it. With a cracking film clip to support the single, Dirt is a great first single for this country music newcomer.

Amanda O‘Bryan

New Discovery

Hi Joy,

I've just stumbled upon your website, and I think it's great. I've been painstakingly going through radio station sites to try and upgrade my list of presenters, and your site has helped me heaps. I
don't think I've contacted you before which is a shame. I am the singer/songwriter with The Bobkatz, and we're always trying to promote our music further. We've had a great 12 months, with 3 singles off our current album making the national top 30 [2xtop 5's] and also receiving our first Golden Guitar nomination. I'm hoping you may be familiar with some of our songs [if nothing else, maybe "The Man In The Picture", which just happened to be played at Stuie McInnes' funeral last week.]
             
I'm currently promoting our single "The Writer" and hope to keep in regular contact with you. I'd love to send you a copy of our current album, if you can forward me a mailing address.

"The Writer" is the last single from our current album of the same name [presently working on the
next one], released on _/*Nfs 138*/_. The song did well at the recent TSA awards in Tamworth, winning _Contemporary Song Of The Year and Country Song Of The Year._ It's great to know that other people see merit in a song that you   feel passionate about.

We think it sums up the album pretty well, and really is a story about the power of a song. We hope you've had the chance to listen to, and maybe play the song in your show,and that your listeners may enjoy it too. If you'd like a copy of the album "The Writer" let me know.

Thanks again for your support of our music, and if you have an interview section on your show, I’m always keen to have a chat, anytime it suits.

Cheers,
Garry Koehler

Artist Up Dates

Jetty Road
A brand new single from the Golden Guitar winners hit radio last week. Road To Nowhere is the fourth single from the album Life At A Million Miles. In true bluegrass style, this highly infectious track is all about living life – footloose and fancy free !
 Winners of three Independent Country Music Awards – Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Group or Duo of the Year at the Southern Stars Awards.
 Winners of three awards at the 2010 Whittlesea Victorian and National Country Music Awards – Group of the Year (National), Album of the Year (Victorian) and Entertainer of the Year (Victorian).
 Winners of two People’s Choice Awards – Best Group and Best Song
 Winners of the 38th CMAA Country Music Award of Australia – Best Group / Duo
The video clip for their previous single, World Keeps Turning moves into the #1 position on CMC next week !!!! (Foxtel’s Country Music Channel).
**** Finalists for the CMC Oz Artist of the Year (winner announced at the CMC
Rocks The Snowys Festival)
Jetty Road – Road To Nowhere
NfS 138
Track 1

Victoria Baillie
The fresh face and sound of Australian country music, Victoria Baillie has quickly captured the attention of a whole new generation of country fans, and the country music industry.
Winner of the Golden Guitar for Maton New Talent.
Mr Yesterday, follows in the in steps of the success of the previous singles released from her debut album, Start Brand New. The first single taken from the album, Melt, was followed by Make Me, presenting Victoria with her first national chart success by reaching #3 on the Country Tracks Top 30 chart, and #2 on the CMC Top 30 chart. This was quickly followed by Stupid which reached #14 on the Country Tracks Top 30 chart. Victoria will be appearing at CMC Rocks The Snowys alongside Phil Vassar, Lee
Kernaghan and Guy Sebastian.
Victoria Baillie – Mr Yesterday
NfS 138
Track 4

Paul Cotsa
The triple Golden Guitar finalist had a busy Tamworth country music festival, with appearances at Wests Diggers, The Big Golden Guitar and Big W. In addition to this, Paul was also seen on TV nationally on ABC news being interviewed about the festival and the awards.
Male Artist of the Year finalists, Troy Cassar-Daley, Paul Costa and James Blundell

Megan Cooper
The darker side of life shines through on the new single from Megan Cooper. She Travels North is currently being to radio nationally and has jumped into the chart on the Hot Country Top 20 chart on the Kix Country Radio network. Taken from the debut EP by Megan, the track shows Megan’s roots and blues influences, whilst still being a true country track at heart.
Megan Cooper – She Travels North
NfS 135
Track 5

Sarah Kay
Newcomer, Sarah Kay, previewed her debut album Dawn Of A New Day at The Pub during the Tamworth Country Music Festival 2010.
The first single taken from the forthcoming album, Feel The Rain, was released via NfS 136, and Sarah is already doing a multitude of interviews with radio stations nationally. The track even went to #1 of the Hot Country Top 20 chart of the Kix Country Radio network.
The video clip for the track can be seen on CMC.
Sarah Kay – Feel The Rain
NfS 136
Track 19

Katania Lee

Nicki Gillis #1 On Uk Hotdisc Country Chart

Nicki Gillis’ self-penned track “Be A Star” from her album Lucy’s Daughter (European Edition) has hit the #1 spot on the UK Hotdisc Country Chart. After being released to UK radio and entering the chart at #2, “Be A Star” has taken out the top spot in one short week.

No stranger to this international chart Nicki has had top 10 successes with "Remember Me", "Leaving You For Myself and “It Doesn't Matter Anymore”. Also her cover of REM's "Chasing Cars", from the Collaboration album with Bob Howe, reached #3 late last year.

Following the news of Nicki taking out the 2009 Frank Ifield International Spur Award she toured the UK for five weeks last June-July to capacity crowds and will this year return for three-month tour. The highlight of this tour will see Nicki grace the main-stage at the 2010 Americana International Festival – Celebrating 30 Years Of Real Americana in Europe.

Nicki is currently working on "Collaboration II" and her third solo studio album.

Kris Katsanis

2010 APRA Awards - Brad Cole Calling For Support From Fellow Independent Country Music Writers

Brad has Two songs in APRA's voting list containing Australia's most prominent songs in 2009

APRA have released a list containing 2009's most prominent songs in all genres for APRA member/writer voting consideration for the 2010 APRA awards. APRA state that this list is based on combined ARIA and

Australian radio airplay reports. Brad is thrilled to have 2 songs in this list of prominent Australian songs. Songs that receive the most member votes will be considered for inclusion in APRA's short list containing 20 songs for awards contention.

In 2009 Independent contemporary country singer/songwriter Brad Cole had significant success with his two single releases Come Home & Hold Me In Your Arms Tonight. Brad's tracks had to compete for commercial and community airplay inclusion amongst the world’s best contemporary country songs and artists who had songs out at the same time. With this in mind, Come Home debuted in The Australian Music Network - Hot Country Charts at #2 behind Taylor Swift - Love Story and Hold Me In Your Arms Tonight debuted at #5 moving up to #3 again competing with the likes of Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. The Music Network publishes Australia's most recognised radio charts within the music industry. The organisation collects airplay data directly from all commercial and community radio stations who report what they are playing.

Any writer will understand that receiving significant airplay and radio support for your works is no mean feat let alone having a song achieve a high level of radio chart success. Given the nature of the music business, it is much more challenging for any independent singer/songwriter to compete for commercial radio inclusion then established artists or those backed by major record labels. Brad's level of Australian country radio chart success reflects a large volume of commercial and community radio stations that reported playing Brad's releases in 2009. We feel the reason that a broad number of radio stations added and played these two songs is due to the strength, quality and individuality of his songs. Brad has worked hard to present only quality written songs to radio in order to build up a level of credibility and reliability with radio MD's / PD's regarding his works.

If you are an APRA writer member we would really appreciate your vote which gives Brad's works a chance to be recognised for his accomplishments in 2009 by progressing to the final voting round.

Music Video - Hold Me In Your Arms Tonight:   www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRnzGYC_KO0

Regards,
Bonnie Toussaint

Miranda Lambert
White Liar

RADIO DATE: 23 October 2009
Album Title: Revolution in stores now!

The Truth Is "White Liar" Becomes Miranda Lambert's 1st #1 Song

Her albums all debuted at #1, have been certified Platinum and Gold, she’s won ACM Awards and been nominated for CMA and Grammys, and now, singer songwriter Miranda Lambert can add a # 1 single to her resume with “White Liar,” one of 11 songs she wrote or co-wrote on her current album, Revolution.

With songs like, “Gunpowder & Lead, “Famous In A Small Town” and “Kerosene,” Lambert’s songs have already become part of the fabric of country music. Bob Kingsley, the authoritative voice and Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Famer sums up Lambert’s talent with, “Miranda Lambert is one of the most complete artists of her generation. She has proven herself to be one of our best singers and entertainers, but it is as a songwriter that she is moving into elite territory. She is on record as being an admirer of Haggard, and there is nothing idle about the claim. Like Merle, she knows the ways of the adult human heart, and with each album she is growing in her ability to express them. With Revolution, Miranda brings the spirit of her musical idols to bear on state-of-the-art country. Both her listeners and the future of the genre are in good hands.”

With Revolution, Lambert received rare perfect reviews from countless publications including 4 stars from Rolling Stone and USA Today, an ‘A’ from Entertainment Weekly and exuberant praise from SPIN, NY Times, Washington Post and more. Many claimed Revolution the “Best Album of the Year” in any genre. In 2008, she won the coveted ACM Album of the Year and in 2007, ACM’s Best New Female Award. She is currently touring with Brad Paisley on his “American Saturday Night” Tour.

Sony

Country Cruising On The Murray

Join guest hosts Noel & Marie Parlane for your ultimate Murray River cruise experience!   A deposit of $500.00 by 30 November is required to secure your seat – Tickets selling fast!
Country Cruising on the Murray departs Brisbane 4 March 2010
6 Days / 5 Nights

$1825.00 per person twin share
$390.00 single supplement

Trade Travel Sunshine Coast
Rhonda Sinclair

A Night Of Coutry With The Stars

One Tree Pub, with our host Sally Smith  38 klm north of Hay towards Ivanhoe on 20/21st March Saturday nite and Sunday morning, tickets at Hay Tourism or at the Gate, free camping but you must go to both shows. With Reg Poole, Dianne Lindsay, Peter Simpson, Cousin Dipstick, Allan Luscombe, Ted Thompson, Alisha Smith, Caitlyn Jane and me (Jammo),  also a bush poet Sunday morning.

Bring water, chair and own generator, parking for Motorhomes, caravans, campers, aeroplanes? and motorbikes also cars and tractors and swags … hope to see yas there.

Jammo
0427731088 or 0749340950

Selling Fast, Get In Early To Avoid Disappointment.

Oz Country Music Festival
Be part of
Fiji’s First Country Music Festival

Featuring
John Williamson, Bill Chambers, Felicity Urquhart & Glen Hannah, Jonah’s Road, Ashleigh Dallas Band and more to be announced.

August 1st – 7th 2010
Cost from $2299.00 per person

Twin Share includes:
Return Airfares from Sydney
Return transfers, 7 nights at a 4 Star Resort in Fiji
All Meals, Country Music Festival Tickets
Nightly entertainment, Firewalking Show
Welcome cocktail party
Canapes every afternoon during happy hour
Free Scuba Lesson, Free Snorkel Hire and more.

For more details call Country Music Holidays 1300 799 987

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