‘SWEET REBECCA’ is the brand new solo offering from Australian country’s leading lady, Beccy Cole, released on 10th April 2015 through ABC Music/Universal.

Produced by acclaimed producer/musician Shane Nicholson and recorded at Soundhole Studios on the NSW Central Coast, ‘Sweet Rebecca’ is Beccy’s tenth studio album.

For the first time, Beccy has written on every one of the album’s twelve tracks, co-writing only two tracks with Libby O’Donovan and sharing the microphone on the song ‘Precious Times’ with Sara Storer and Gina Jeffreys.

‘Sweet Rebecca’ is a mix of heart-on-sleeve acoustic ballads and memorable melodies, along with a dash of Beccy’s trademark humour. It’s Beccy’s most daring and genuine album to date.

“After writing my autobiography, ‘Poster Girl’, I was inspired to create an album that went hand in hand with my book,” says Beccy. “At the end of 2014 I took myself and my guitar to a beach in South Australia for a week and came back with twelve songs which have been given a heartbeat by producer, Shane Nicholson. Some of the songs are taken directly from chapters of my book, including ‘Sweet Rebecca’, ‘Tea for Three’ and ‘Precious Times’, which features my dear friends, Gina Jeffreys and Sara Storer. The songs on the ‘Sweet Rebecca’ album are as personal as the pages I have written in my book. I’ve always believed country music works best with the truth”.

Beccy Cole returns to ABC Music in 2015, with her entire catalogue now with the independent label. “We are thrilled to have Beccy back at the ABC Music family. Beccy is an exceptional talent and a real asset to our label. We are looking forward to working with her on this amazing new album” said Natalie Waller, GM ABC Music & Events.

A 9 x Golden Guitar winner, Beccy Cole has been at the forefront of the Australian country music landscape for the past twenty years. She has achieved three Gold records, 14 Australian Country Chart #1 singles, 7 Songwriting Awards, and claimed two Entertainer of the Year awards.

In 2012, Beccy earned an ARIA nomination for Best Country Album for her record ‘Songs And Pictures’.
Beccy has toured with Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Glenn Campbell and Don McLean. She has been a regular on Australian television, performed with The Wiggles and for Australian troops serving in the Middle East, which inspired her multi award winning song, ‘Poster Girl’.

Beccy Cole’s book and personal memoir ‘Poster Girl’ is the inspirational story of a strong woman who epitomises the authentic spirit of country music, and of Australia. It is released this April through Hachette Publishing.

Don’t miss Beccy’s energetic live show this Friday 23 January from 8:30pm at Blazes, West Tamworth Leagues Club, part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival!

Singer-songwriter, CATHERINE BRITT, has announced her brand new album BONESHAKER will be released Friday May 1st through the prestigious label LOST HIGHWAY AUSTRALIA (Universal Music). Since launching, Lost Highway has signed locally Shane Nicholson, Ruby Boots, Mustered Courageand internationally some of the biggest roots and country artists including Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, the late Johnny Cash and many others.

Anyone who has heard Catherine’s latest single, “Good To Bad”, will know the track marries a dark alt-country atmosphere to a confronting lyric about a desperate young farmer driven to drug-cropping to save his farm. It’s a bold departure for Catherine who recorded her fifth studio album BONESHAKER with Ryan Hadlock ( Strokes, Foo Fighters, Lumineers and Vance Joy) in Seattle and sends the first message that this is her most courageous recording ever made.

The alt-country artist will support her forthcoming release with BONESHAKER TOUR including a must see one show performance at the 2015 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

While Hadlock may have had a big influence on the sound of BONESHAKER what still remains is the same honest, earthy song writing that has won Britt a host of awards and accolades in the past.

Catherine Britt commenced her career in 1999 at the age of 14 and since then has been awardedCMAA Female of the year (2009, 2013), CMAA Single of the Year (2012), CMC Artist of the yearand APRA and ARIA Award nominations. In 2010, Catherine was presented with the CMA Global Artist of the Year award and still to this day remains the youngest Australian to have ever performed at the prestigious Grand Old Opry in Nashville.

Without question Catherine’s unique voice instantly gets your attention. An annual event at theTamworth Country Music Festival, Catherine will be returning to The Pub to perform new music from BONESHAKER as well her biggest hits like “Ramblin Girl”, “Can’t Change a Thing” and “Sweet Emmylou”. Expect to see a star studded stage with musical friends joining the multi-award winning singer-songwriter on stage.

BONESHAKER TOUR

For further tour information: www.catherinebritt.com

Thursday Jan 22 – The Pub – Only 2015 Tamworth Country Music Festival appearance (NSW)
Friday March 6 – Port Fairy Folk Festival (with Band) (VIC)
Saturday March 7 – Port Fairy Folk Festival (with Band) (VIC)
Sunday March 8 – Port Fairy Folk Festival (Solo) (VIC)
Friday March 13 – CMC Rocks QLD – Ipswich (QLD)
Friday March 2 – Snowy Mountains Country Festival (NSW)
Thursday March 26 – The Hallam Hotel (VIC)
Friday March 27 – The Gateway Hotel – Geelong (VIC)
Saturday March 28 – Bairnsdale RSL Club (VIC)
Friday April 17 – Dubbo RSL Club (NSW)
Saturday April 18 – Lizottes Newcastle (NSW)
Sunday April 19 – Lizottes Kincumber (NSW)
Friday May 1 – Rooty Hill RSL Club (NSW)
Saturday May 2 – Kidgeeridge Music Festival (Milton – NSW)
Friday May 8 – Sawtell RSL Club (NSW)
Saturday May 9 – Casino RSM Club (QLD)
Sunday May 10 – Inverell RSM Club (NSW)
Friday May 15 – Club Old Bar (NSW)
Saturday May 16 – Grafton District Services Club (NSW)
Sunday May 17 – City Golf Club – Toowoomba (QLD)
Friday June 19 – Broadbeach Country Music Festival (QLD)
Saturday June 20 – Broadbeach Country Music Festival (QLD)
Wednesday June 24 – Capella Cultural Centre (QLD)
Thursday June 25 – Proserpine Entertainment Centre (QLD)
Friday June 26 – Burdekin Theatre – Ayr (QLD)
Saturday June 27 – The Dalrymple Hotel – Townsville (QLD)

Police are encouraging country music fans to plan ahead and travel safe as they make their way to this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Tens of thousands of revellers will descend on Tamworth for 10 days of non-stop music from Friday (16 January 2015).

A high-visibility police operation will be in place throughout the event, which is the largest music festival in the Southern Hemisphere.

Operation Commander, Superintendent Jim Stewart, said community safety is the top priority during Tamworth’s largest annual event.
“We see the city’s population almost double during the festival, and we will have plenty of additional police deployed to ensure the festival is safe and fun for everyone,” Supt Stewart said.

“The festival transforms Tamworth into a giant street party and there are a number of measures in place to keep the city family-friendly.

“Local Liquor Accord agreements, including the 12.30am lockout, will remain in place during the festival, as well as the alcohol-free zones, which are in place throughout the CBD.”

Information about these arrangements can be found at: www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au.

“Alcohol-Free Zones aim to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour to help create a safer event for every member of the community,” Supt Stewart said.

“Make no mistake, alcohol affects your ability to assess risks, make decisions and behave responsibly.

“We will also have additional Licensing Police in and around licensed venues to target intoxication, alcohol-related crime, anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking.”

Motorists are reminded to plan their trip to Tamworth ahead of time and expect delays.

“There will be a significant increase in traffic in the area and with a number of road closures in place for the duration of the festival, delays are expected in and around Tamworth,” Supt Stewart said.

“Some areas of the CBD will be restricted to vehicles with appropriate council authorisation, which must be displayed at all times.

“Where possible, we suggest people use the Festival Express bus service to get around Tamworth, particularly if you are planning to drink.

“Highway Patrol Command officers will be conducting random breath tests and anyone found to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be charged.

“In addition, marked and unmarked cars will be patrolling roads in and around Tamworth, and the main thoroughfares leading into town, targeting speeding and all dangerous driver behaviour.”

Visit www.livetraffic.com for all road and traffic conditions.

Supt Stewart said by taking a few simple precautions, festival campers can reduce the risk of crime at camping grounds.

“Camping is considered an important part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival experience and we remind festival campers to be mindful of their own safety and security,” Supt Stewart said.

“With thousands of people in some of these camping areas, we ask everyone to look out for themselves and each other and in an emergency, contact police immediately.”

Tips for campers:
• Plan your trip in advance and if possible, make a booking
• Get to know your surrounding campers
• Leave valuables at home – if you must take valuables with you, ensure they are secured and kept out of sight ie laptops, iPods, stereos, GPS
• Lock your caravan or campervan when unattended

• Where possible, use a lock to secure your tent
• Where possible, use a portable alarm in your tent or camper
• Plan for changes to weather conditions

• Ensure valuables are not left in unattended vehicles

• Report any suspicious behaviour to police

Visit the official festival website for more information: www.tcmf.com.au

2015 marks the 100th Anniversary of the ANZAC’s landing at Gallipoli. In honour of this landmark occasion, music icon and former Australian of the Year, Lee Kernaghan, teams up with a host of local artists and musicians to bring you ‘SPIRIT OF THE ANZACS’; released 27 February 2015.

Recorded at Rancom Street Studio in Sydney with long-time producer and collaborator Garth Porter, ‘Spirit Of The Anzacs’ is a tribute to those that have given their lives, those who have served, and those that still today step bravely into the unknown to serve our country.

Lee and Garth were granted unique access to the Australian War Memorial archive, collecting letters penned by diggers to their loved ones at home and spanning World War I to the present day. Each song on the 16-track recording is inspired by one of these real letters.

“This is some of the most powerful material that I’ve ever had the privilege to record in my career”, said Lee. “The album takes you on a real journey, from the trenches of the Western Front to the bombing of Darwin, Kokoda, Long Tan, and the dust of Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan. It is a project that goes to the heart of who we are as a nation.”

“Every nation has its story. This is ours. From the bloody Gallipoli landing to the dusty deserts of Afghanistan, precious war letters held at the Australian War Memorial have inspired this moving tribute from one of Australia’s great story tellers, Lee Kernaghan. The spirit of the men and women who wrote them, their courage and sacrifice lives in these songs – and in us.” – Dr Brendan Nelson, Director, Australian War Memorial

“Throughout Lee Kernaghan’s career he has created albums that tell our Australian stories – from the struggles and hardship of life on the land, to the great and sometimes terrible beauty of our country, to the resilience, pride and good humour of our people. In this album he sets to music some of the most profound and moving stories, first-hand accounts of Australians touched by the horrors and tragedy of war. Lee Kernaghan is perhaps the only artist who can craft an album that will resonate equally with all Australians, from the cities to the bush, men and women, young and old. These are our stories and they continue to shape who we are.” – Robert Patterson, ABC Commercial

“I’m really looking forward to releasing ‘Spirit Of The Anzacs’ in February, in a special year when we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, and the birth of the ANZAC legend”, says Lee.

Much-loved country duo, McAlister Kemp, have this morning announced that they will take a break in 2015, posting a message to fans on their Facebook page. Comprising of Drew McAlister and Troy Kemp, the band released three studio albums across the past six years, topping the ARIA Country Albums chart and the Country Radio Airplay chart, taking out a CMC Music Award, earning a slew of Golden Guitar nominations, and performing to audiences of thousands both in Australia and in the US.

A McAlister Kemp Best Of compilation will be released through ABC Music in March 2015, featuring previously unreleased songs and new music, including the latest single ‘100 Years The ANZAC’.

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Hey Facebook Family, So here we are….. Six years down the road and what a ride it has been! We are so appreciative of the amazing journey we’ve had so far – for the incredible audiences that come to our shows, and the people who buy our albums, thank you so much!! Adam Brand, Linda Chamarette and our incredible record company, ABC Music, really took a chance signing us as a duo after considerable time developing our solo careers, a huge blessing which opened up unexpected and incredible new phase in our lives. Now it’s time for a change and a new chapter in both of our careers. We both want to explore some solo projects, so from March next year we will taking an indefinite break from MK. We still have some awesome shows ahead as McAlister Kemp and we really hope you can make it to those shows. As we make plans for 2015, we want to include you in both our journeys and share the tonnes of exciting things we are planning on different paths. So, we look forward to seeing you out on the road, don’t miss out, come say hi and enjoy the MK ride for the next little while and don’t worry, we’ll be there for Cruisin’ Country 2015 as promised (who’d want to miss that!!). And please know there is no bad blood here! We are two brothers that just need to scratch an itch creatively speaking. We don’t know what the future holds but you can be guaranteed that some great songs are coming your way from both of us… Finally to celebrate our 6 years, we are pulling together a Best Of Album which will include our new single ‘100 YEARS THE ANZAC’, plus previously unreleased tracks. We love you guys and maybe we haven’t expressed that as much as we should have but please know that the only reason we have had the last amazing 6 years is because of YOU!! Cheers Drew & Troy

The Slim Dusty Centre was the scene of the sixth annual Slim Dusty Community Mateship and Youth Awards, however, the first time the awards were presented at a gala dinner. More than 130 people attended and helped celebrate and acknowledge some of the key values supported by the Slim Dusty Foundation, in memory of Slim, including community, mateship, learning, fairness and family.

Two awards were presented on the night and they were awarded to two very worthwhile people. The recipient of the Community Mateship Award was David James from the Northern Territory. Keenly community minded, David is often called upon to help out family, neighbours and the broader community. He is a great believer in learning from the past and applying that knowledge to the future. Renowned for supporting the underdog, David has assisted many a needy mate into work opportunities, improving their lives. “I was absolutely stumped out for words. It was the last thing that I would have expected,” he said. David, 74, was unable to travel to the gala dinner due to bushfires threatening his and neighbouring stations. “Some of our country has paddocks that are 20km in and no road access. You just have to wait for the fire to come out. We have just sacrificed our paddock to save our neighbours’ paddock. It is what you do.”

David waited on the telephone and heard the announcement live that he was the Mateship winner. As he responded, his voice was clearly heard throughout the gallery and it was obvious to everyone in the crowd how moved he was. Following his win, David spoke of his admiration of Slim Dusty “If you asked someone on the street who the Prime Minister was, say eight years ago, or 30 years ago, most wouldn’t know. But if you asked who the King was, every Aussie knows that would be Slim Dusty. “He was the King when I was a boy, and he’s still King today.”

Melbourne’s Khurram Jahangir Khan won the Community Youth Award. Khurram, at 19 years of age, is largely involved in volunteering his time for the community, including helping senior citizens, young refugees and people with disabilities. He sees his community work as a tool to assist him when he obtains his goal of becoming a Doctor of Medicine. “I am highly pleased to say that it was an immense honour to arrive at Kempsey, and meet such beautiful, loving and generous people,” Khurram said. “I can never ever explain my excitement and heartfelt honour due to the award I have received. Also, at last, I got to know the song of Slim Dusty my grandma loves and it is ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and I love this song too. I am highly grateful for all things the Slim Dusty Foundation mates have done for me.” Khurram is completing a Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne. His acceptance speech at the gala dinner inspired all those who attended.

Kempsey man, Brian Irvine, who was one of the Finalists on the night added “Having events like this highlights the importance of the Slim Dusty Centre to our community and beyond. Last Friday night was a great success and the entertainment, food and presentation was very classy.”

Master of Ceremonies, Tania Kernaghan, entertained the crowd and shared the microphone with Anne Kirkpatrick, local talents Tommy Kennedy, Amos Morris and Slim’s own Travelling Country Band. “I was absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Awards on Friday night and it was particularly fitting that they were held at the superb Slim Dusty Centre. After having the opportunity to meet with the finalists and to chat with them about all they had achieved so far, each and every one of them, I believe are winners in their own right. I encourage everyone to support these Awards in the future, they are a reminder of how proud it makes you feel to be an Australian”.

Keynote speaker for Mates, Keith Thompson, from Thompson’s Transport, cleverly engaged the crowd with his humour and reflection on the famous trucking journey across the Nullarbor with Slim Dusty at the wheel. Representing Youth, keynote speaker Tom Burton, Director of Communications for the North Coast Institute of TAFE, was a positive advocate for improved futures for youth through education, and reinforced the progress being made under the MOU between TAFE and the Slim Dusty Centre as a workplace training facility.

Organisers would like to sincerely thank all the sponsors who supported the gala dinner and congratulate everyone that was nominated for an award.

Country rockers The Wolfe Brothers are thrilled to announce a very special guest for their show at the 2015 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Aussie rock legend and Rose Tattoo front man Angry Anderson will be joining them for their only Tamworth Festival show. After an impromptu performance together at a charity event earlier in 2014, Angry and the boys resolved to join forces again and the festival proved the perfect place for that wish to come to fruition.

In recent months, Nashville heavyweights have been collaborating with their rock n roll counterparts to create an incredible partnership of country-roots-rock. One recent example is former Nirvana drummer and now head Foo Fighter Dave Grohl teaming up with the Zac Brown Band for several memorable performances. Modern country and rock genres seem to effortlessly combine, giving a new vibe to some classic hits. It was only a matter of time before this unique collaboration of rock and country made its way to Australian shores. With The Wolfe Brothers live shows well reputed for their high energy performances, the upcoming Tamworth concert with a bona fide rock legend is guaranteed to be high voltage and unforgettable.

“It’s no secret that we like to rock our country and we’re very excited to have the original bad boy and Aussie rock legend joining us on this one,” says Nick Wolfe. “I think it’ll push some boundaries and challenge some traditional ideals, but hey, that’s just what we do”. With their new album Nothin’ But Trouble riding high in the charts, fans can expect a new re-energised show. “We’ll aim to push our usual 110% energy levels to 120% and make this special event with Angry a night to remember – for us and the audience.”

Like the true champions of country music that they are, The Wolfe Brothers always look forward to catching up with music-lovers at the festival each year. “Tamworth is a special place for all in the Australian country scene,” says Nick. “I think it brings out the best in artists, to see the dedication of fans who’ve travelled country-wide and often return year after year, makes us want to pull a bit extra out of the tank and give them all we can.”

The Wolfe Brothers have experienced an incredible year in 2014. With the release of their second long-player Nothin’ But Trouble their music has been searing up the charts and winning them the hearts of a whole new legion of fans. The album burst onto the ARIA Country Chart at #2 and entered the ARIA mainstream chart at #16. The first single from the new release – That Kinda Night – smashed into #1 position on both country radio and the CMC video charts. It’s no surprise that their latest album was so warmly received by Australian audiences, after all, their debut It’s On rocketed through the charts, firmly cementing the band as one to watch.

The band are the first to point out that they couldn’t have achieved so much if not for the backing of the Australian public. “This past year has been a dream,” says Nick. “From recording and releasing the new album to the countless shows right across the country, we’ve been blessed with the support of our very loyal and dedicated fans. To see our new music being embraced the way it has is astounding, and it only makes us want to work harder and be better at what we do.”

Tamworth Country Music Festival is the start of another big year for The Wolfe Brothers. It kicks off the start of a huge national tour that will take them to all corners of Australia. “We’re gonna play as many places as we can, write the best music we can and keep being ourselves cos that’s what has got us this far,” says Nick.

The Wolfe Brothers have also received two nominations at the 2015 Golden Guitar awards; Group or Duo of the Year and Single of the Year. Don’t miss your chance to be part of country rock history as The Wolfe Brothers and special guest Angry Anderson rock Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2015. Tickets on sale now.

YOU are invited to the inaugural Slim Dusty Community Mateship and Youth Awards Gala Dinner Event.

It is the sixth year the awards have been staged, but the first time they will be announced at a special function.

The gala dinner will be held at the Slim Dusty Centre on Friday, November 28.

Popular Australian Country Music Singer Tania Kernaghan will be the MC for the evening.

“I am thrilled to be the MC for the Slim Dusty Mateship and Youth Awards this year,” Tania said.

“I love that these Awards celebrate life values, like fairness, mateship, family, community and life-long learning.”

Tania has hosted the Tamworth Songwriters Awards numerous times, co-hosted the CMA’s prestigious Golden Guitar Awards and emceed a wide range of gala events for the highly regarded Outback Trailblazers Angel Flight Charity. She has also presented and been an integral part of various Outback Queensland Tourism Awards and Events.

Dress will be semi-formal and entertainment for this special evening will be Anne Kirkpatrick and Slim’s own Travelling Country Band.

A lucky door prize will be available for one lucky guest – a Gold Coast Accommodation Package will be given away courtesy of The Macleay Argus. The package includes four nights accommodation for two people at a resort on the Gold Coast.

Tickets to the prestigious dinner are $85 per person or a table of 10 is only $75 per person.

Members of the Slim Dusty Centre, the ‘Mates of Slim Dusty,” will receive a 10 percent discount off their ticket price.

Amber Lawrence has been nominated in two different categories for the 2015 CMAA Golden Guitar Awards, including Toyota Heritage Song of the Year for “The Lifesaver”, and Female Artist of the Year for her album, ‘Superheroes’, released in September through Social Family Records.

When Amber wrote “The Lifesaver”, she wrote it with the love of her late father, a well known Maroubra Beach surf lifesaver, in her mind and heart. She knew it was a special song from the moment it started to come together, and it’s now apparent that the rest of Australia agrees with her, with her nomination for Toyota Heritage Song of the Year.

“I cried when they read out The Lifesaver. This song means everything to me – I am so happy! And Female Artist of the Year is super cool, too!” said Amber Lawrence, following the exciting news.

Always the hard worker not afraid to get out there and just do it, Amber contributes her love of music and life to her mother and father, and is grateful for every opportunity that comes her way, including previous nominations for what has so far been an elusive Golden Guitar for the popular country singer. With the strength of her new album, ‘Superheroes’, and touching tribute to her father with “The Lifesaver”, 2015 could well be Amber Lawrence’s year to shine and take home her first gong.

The CMAA Golden Guitar Nominations Ceremony, hosted by Catherine Britt and Morgan Evans, also saw Amber perform the first single, “Superhero”, from her new album, ‘Superheroes’.

The Tamworth Country Music Festival takes place from January 16th to 25th, 2015, with Amber performing at Blazes on Friday, January 23rd. The Country Music Awards of Australia (The Golden Guitars) will be held at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre on January 24th.