Category: Tamworth Country Radio Network

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