Mandy Magro
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Bestselling Australian Author
'Mandy writes great stories…sexy and uniquely Australian!'
ADAM BRAND - AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST
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Jasmine Rae, Country Music Artist.
| Posted on 13 February, 2013 at 17:27 |
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G'day! :) I'm thrilled to be announcing my guest today, the mighty-talented-great-things-come-in-small-packages country gal, Jasmine Rae. Jasmine was the 2012 CMC Oz Artist of the Year, as voted by country music fans across Australia and has earned the endorsement of some of the world's biggest country acts, having toured with the likes of Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Joe Nichols, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Adam Harvey and Lee Kernaghan. What a lucky woman...I'm more than a little jealous! So without further ado, here she is, Jasmine Rae...  What inspired you to become a country music artist? I started listening to Dolly Parton as a kid, but when I discovered Foxtel’s TV channel dedicated 24/7 to Country Music, I was hooked. I loved the depth in the lyrics, the instrumentation, the harmonies, and the soul!  Can you tell us a bit about your most recently released album, or song?Santa Man is the first single released from my Christmas EP, Santa’s Little Helper. I wrote it with a friend of mine, Robyn Payne, in my home town of Melbourne. Sometimes, especially at Christmas, money can get tight. This is a song about asking Santa for a job at the North Pole. What are you working on now? I’m now writing new songs for album number 3! Have you got a favourite song that you sing? If yes, what is it? It changes often - Hunky Country Boys or Sure Thing are two of my own songs I love to sing. My band’s live cover of The Rolling Stones classic, Honky Tonk Women, is pretty fun too! Swag or room service for a romantic date? Room service … while listening to country music. Holden, Ford ... or something else? Tour Bus.  Favourite Food? Chocolate. Favourite Movie? “Pretty Woman” Favourite Aussie saying? “She’s as rough as guts.” If you could have a kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one would you choose, and why? A kangaroo - it would be pretty interesting to take for a walk! Who would you like to trade places with for a day, alive or dead, and why? Julia Gillard - just to mix it up a bit. If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find? Nothing delicious, I just checked.  Craziest things you’ve ever done? I grew up in the suburbs of Melbourne and became a country music singer/songwriter.I eat Tim Tams for breakfast on a regular basis. I adopted a crazy border collie/kelpie cross - just because. I look back at my some of my ex-boyfriends and think, yes - I must have been out of my mind. If you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? Uluru. Four words that describe you ... Dreamer, thinker, lover, crazy. It been wonderful chatting with you today, Jasmine. Thanks for popping by. If you'd like to find out more about Jasmine please swing by her website... Next week I will be chatting to the lovely Amber Joy, looking forward to hearing all about her country singer lifestyle. Until then, keep smiling and dreaming, Mandy xoxo |
Clancy, Country Music Artist
| Posted on 6 February, 2013 at 23:09 |
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G'day! :) Today I'm thrilled to be chatting to Clancy about about his life as a country music artist. Clancy
is a relative newcomer to the country music scene, having recorded his debut
album “ Drive “ in Jan 2012. He has spent his life living and working in the
bush, his experience extensive, from a drover to an interstate truck driver and most things
in between, as well as a few short stints living and working in the city. This
wealth of experience soon shows when you listen to his music. “ Drive “ is a
top shelf production, and with musicians such as Charley Boyter, Lawrie Minson,
Hugh Curtis, Mark Rigney, Tony Wagner, Lindsay Waddington, Jamie Davis and
Clancy himself, as well as backing vocals from Tyson Coleman, this is one album
that will not disappoint! This is my personal favourite of Clancy's, A Walk in the Rain... I've always been a big music lover, all genres, but country music is the one that I can relate to the most, and i'm a born and bred bushy, so I've been surrounded by it. Watching the way people can connect through music, and the emotions it can evoke in people is a great thing, and the world would be a dull place without it! Being able to get up and sing and connect with people in this way is what inspired me. Am I rambling on already...? Can you tell us
a bit about your most recently released album, or song? My most recent album is my debut album, " Drive ". I penned 8 of the 11 tracks , it has a mix of traditional country, bush ballads, contemporary, love songs, something for everyone! What are you working on
now? Currently working on my next album. Have you got a favourite
song that you sing? If yes, what it is? Favourite song? That's way too hard! Depends on the audience I suppose. One of the favourite's with the more fair dinkum bush people seems to be my song " Old mates " , about the dogs I've seen come and go through my life. I've had alot of good working dogs, who were, and still are, my best mates. When I sing this song, it seems to really touch people. I've even seen some pretty hard men really get into it, and although they'd never admit it , I reckon they were choking back a few tears! Swag or room
service for a romantic date? Too easy, swag :)  Holden, Ford...or something else?I've owned just about every make of car, but I've always been a Holden man. To be quiet honest, I'd rather go back to horse and sulky! Favourite Food? Anything that comes out of a camp oven! Favourite Movie? The Castle Favourite Aussie saying? Struth!! If you could have a
kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one would
you choose, and why? When I was a kid, my Mum used to be one of those people who would rescue any sort of animal that needed it. So I would have to say the croc, cause I reckon that's about the only thing we haven't had! Who would you like to trade
places with for a day, alive or dead, and why? No one. I'd get them in too much trouble!  If I looked in your fridge
right now what would I find? Beer, and all sorts of different kinds of food. You never know what you might find in there really. Did I mention Beer? Craziest thing you’ve ever done? Ummm, yeah , might just leave that one... (A mysterious man...hmmmm...intriguing! :) If you were going on
holiday tomorrow, where would it be? Holiday tomorrow ? There's a thousand places I'd like to go, but Kakadu was the first thing that sprung to mind so I'll go with that. Four words that describe
you... Four words that describe me : I can't count. :) No matter
what walk of life you are from, there is a fair chance you'll be able to
relate to Clancy’s music, and there is no doubt the name “ Clancy” will be
heard throughout country music circles for many years to come! Good luck with everything, Clancy! You're a top bloke, and funny too!! If you'd like to connect with Clancy on Facebook here is the link... Next week I have the fabulous Jasmine Rae popping in for a chat. I'm looking forward to it! Hope you are too! :) Until then, keep smiling and dreaming Mandy xx |
Larry Cann, Australian Country Music Artist
| Posted on 23 January, 2013 at 20:04 |
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G'day! :) This week my guest is the multi-talented Larry Cann, award winning KIX Country radio DJ, country music singer, songwriter and former pro rodeo cowboy. Larry has a passion for country music which is fuelled by a life rich in
experiences, from the farm in Chinchilla, Qld to an international career as a
professional bull rider and bareback rider. Welcome, Larry, it's great to have you here today....  What inspired you to become
a country music artist? It was a
basic progression from growing up in the country and around the rodeos when my
parents competed. To sing and write about the life I have always lived just felt
right. Can you tell us a bit about
your most recently released album, or song? My
brand new 6 track release RODEO READY is an extension of the original RODEO ROAD which was
released back in 2009. These new songs are possibly more me as I have only
collaborated on one track and that’s a new recorded version of the classic
country song “Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” This is performed with, Gord Bamford, who was born here in Australia but grew up in Canada where he
resides. We are touring together in early 2013 all the way from Tamworth to Townsville.  What are you
working on now? Just
finalising the tour promotions and working through the
set list of both myself and Gord with the players.  Have you got a
favourite song that you sing? If yes, what it is? One of my new ones I’m really proud of and
would actually like to write a book based on the title. It's definitely a
statement a lot of us who have had a rough experience with relationships can
relate to..”Badly Bruised But Not Broken” Swag or room service for a
romantic date? Either, depends on the meeting place. Holden, Ford...or something else? A dream Dodge Ram pickup truck.  Favourite Food? Reef n Beef Favourite Movie? “TOMBSTONE” Favourite Aussie
saying? “Flat
out like a lizard drinkin’” If you could have a
kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one would
you choose, and why? Kangaroo
I guess ..I had a joey once but unfortunately we couldn’t keep him. Who would you like to
trade places with for a day, alive or dead, and why? George Strait the king of the cowboy singers! If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find? Cold drinks. Craziest thing you’ve ever done? Used to imagine I was a trick rider with
my pony when I was about 12 and try different tricks.  If you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? Nashville Tennessee USA as I would like to
network my music and song write a lot more. Four words that describe
you... Family,
Fun, Cowboy, Perform Thanks for swinging by today, Larry. It's been mighty interesting chatting with you. Good luck on the tour! If you'd like to catch up with Larry on Facebook here's the link... Next week I am changing pace and having author Venero Armanno chatting with me about his brilliant novel, Black Mountain. The following week I will be back to the Country Music Artists feature with plenty more fabulous country music singers popping in for a chat...including The Sunny Cowgirls, so stay tuned :) Until then, keep smiling and dreaming! Mandy xx |
Zoe Louisa, Australian Country Music Artist.
| Posted on 15 January, 2013 at 20:42 |
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G'day! :) Hope you've all had a wonderful week so far. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you that have voted for me in the Australia's Favourtie Novelist feature on Booktopia. I have made it to the finals and am amongst such fabulous talent....the voting for the finals is open until midday Sunday so please pop on over if you haven't placed your vote already.... www.blog.booktopia.com.au  This week I'm thrilled to welcome Zoe Louisa as my guest. She is a gorgeous and highly gifted woman, and with the voice of an country angel how could you not love her songs? You will find yourself addicted to her voice from the second you listen to her...And, I reckon she looks a lot like Taylor Swift, too, don't you? Welcome, Zoe, let's get to it... What inspired you to become a country music
artist? Country Music found me. I’ll give it a go to explain. I have
always loved music and have wanted to sing and perform since I overcame my
shyness as a small child. I’ve searched to find “MY” Music. I’ve learned
classically, experimented with many genres...opera, musical theatre, jazz, pop,
contemporary and more. I’ve loved them all but there was always something
missing until I started songwriting. My songs told my stories and shared part
of me. The sound behind my stories was always “Country”.  Can you tell us a bit about your most recently
released album, or song? My most recently released song is called “Coffee Boy” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoVQwhP_1-A&feature=plcp). It is such a fun song, just
like the special moment the idea came to me. I was down in Tamworth at the
Australian Academy of Country Music and wandered into town one morning to get a
coffee. So picture this....I have
ordered my coffee and turn around to wait and there he was..... my “Coffee
Boy”. He was next in line, he ordered, stood next to me and started talking and
asking me about myself. His voice was beautifully Australian and his face was
fresh, open and honest. He was the inspiration for the song! What are you
working on now? I am
currently working on the concept for the music video to accompany “Coffee Boy”.
It is such an exciting project. I’m working with an amazing, creative crew.
It’s really different to my last clip which I loved, but am enjoying the
diversity. I can't wait to get into the
studio and start filming. Have you got
a favourite song that you sing? If yes, what it is? I
love all my songs and many that others have written but my all time favourite song
to sing and share from all my originals is “I Promise” . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wln8rM0NR84&feature=plcp. It is a song I wrote for my
family so the message is very special and I believe it fits my voice perfectly.
If I had to choose a song I didn't write, then it would probably be Kerry
Picklers song “Red High Heels”. It’s such a upbeat, fun song and I love
performing it.  Swag or room
service for a romantic date? Room Service :)
Holden, Ford...or something else? Hmmm
Both :) Is that an option?
Favourite
Food? Bad
food- Chocolate (Hello, My name is Zoe and I am a chocoholic...)
Good
food- pumpkin/potato
Favourite
Movie? That’s
a very hard one... I love so many movies. I absolutely loved “The Help” the
acting was incredible and it was just an overall amazing movie. I also loved
“Country Strong’. Both of these movies
had strong messages within them. Favourite
Aussie saying? Probably
“Don’t get your knickers in a knot”. I’m very calm by nature and think people
in general should learn how to stay calm and relaxed.
(If
your not Australian “Don’t get your knickers in a knot” means chill out and
don’t get agitated/annoyed) If you could
have a kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one
would you choose, and why? Definitely
a Koala. They are such beautiful animals, cute and cuddly and such an
Australian icon. Who would
you like to trade places with for a day, alive or dead, and why? Dolly
Parton.... I love her music, her energy, her humour. It would be amazing to see
how she writes/performs, learn some of her business savvy etc..
If I looked
in your fridge right now what would I find? *goes
and checks fridge... Veggies.....loads of variety, fruits like mango, kiwi
fruit, pineapple, yoghurt.......yum. Oh and chocolate (of course)
Craziest thing you’ve ever done? I’m a
pretty safe person by nature, so crazy is not a regular thing for me, however,
I canoed and snorkelled over a ship wreck and coral reef in a remote area of
Papua New Guinea. Amazing but absolutely crazy....very deep water. If you were
going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? So
many places.....Top 3 destinations would be....England to see one set of my
grandparents... back to Papua New Guinea, where I spent some of my childhood
years and catch up with family and friends.... and finally, Tamworth in
January, to catch up with music friends and be immersed in Music and surrounded
by inspiration. Four words that describe you... I
asked a few people to answer this question for me.
Mum:
Astonishing, talented, loving, true.
Best
friend: Caring, creative, inspiring, giving.
If you would like to find out more about Zoe these are the links... Youtube channel
www.youtube.com/ZoeGiddingsJones1 Twitter
www.twitter.com/zoelouisamusic Facebook
www.facebook.com/zoelouisamusic Website
www.zoelouisamusic.com
Thanks for popping in for a chat today, Zoe. It's been wonderful learning all about your exciting life. You're a truly beautiful soul! Next week my Country Music guest is the very Australian and very talented Larry Cann. I'm looking forward to chatting with him. Until next week, keep smiling and dreaming Mandy xx |
Harmony James, Country Music Artist.
| Posted on 9 January, 2013 at 18:55 |
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G'day! Welcome to this year's first blog, one of many over the coming months devoted to Aussie Country Music Artists and Awesome Aussie Authors. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years...are you sticking to you New Years Resolutions? My genuine pledge to stay away from peanut M&Ms for the entire year of 2013 lasted all of 2 days. :) Oh well, maybe next year? :) Yesterday I was voted number 1 in the 3rd heat of Australia's Favourite Novelist, and OMG I am over the moon!!! Thank you to all that voted for me :) You all rock, country style! xx  Right, onto this week's country music blog and I'm very excited to announce my lovely and very talented guest, Harmony James. If you haven't heard Harmony sing, do yourself a favour and listen to her video clip that I have attached above. She has got the most amazing voice! Welcome, Harmony... What inspired you to become a country music artist? My love of western novels, music and writing had me on that path from a young age, but I really went country when I first heard some cassette tapes from the US with the Judds and Randy Travis.  Can you tell us a bit about your most recently released album, or song?Emmylou’s Guitar - the current single, was inspired after I moved to the city and there were all these buskers being ignored by the busy people in a hurry to get somewhere. It’s really about seeing people out there having a go, and finding yourself identifying with them, wondering what their stories are, and really feeling like you want them to succeed. What are you working on now? I’ve just wound up the bulk of the years touring and right now I am back to songwriting and sleeping in my own bed a while. Have you got a favourite song that you sing? If yes, what is it? I really enjoyed doing the duet ‘Reach for You’ with Shane Nicholson, but on my own ‘Tailwind’ never gets old for me. I still enjoy singing that song every time.  Holden, Ford...or something else? Holden, or if I was super rich it would be a big old Chevy pick up! Favourite Food? Roast lamb for a real special occasion Favourite Movie? Cool Hand Luke Favourite Aussie saying? Tell him he’s dreamin Who would you like to trade places with for a day, alive or dead, and why? Aretha Franklin performing Natural Woman live. That would be fun. If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find? Loads of boiled eggs Craziest thing you’ve ever done? Changed my name when I was 14 If you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? Mexico Four words that describe you... Honest, daring, motivated, cheeky Thanks for popping by, Harmony. It's been wonderful chatting with you today. If you would like to learn more about Harmony James please swing by her website... Next week I have the gorgeous and very gifted Zoe Jones visiting. I look forward to hearing what she has to say about her exciting life as a country music artist. Until then, keep smiling and dreaming! Mandy xxx |
Ben Ransom, Country Music Artist.
| Posted on 12 December, 2012 at 17:58 |
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G'day :) I hope you are all having a fabulous day! Today I have an incredibly talented country music singer in my company, Ben Ransom. He has a voice so well suited to country music, husky, twangy and powerful. I reckon he's going to make it, big time! In kicking off 2012, Ben was successful in becoming a finalist in the
coveted Toyota Star Maker competition and in July 2012, became a Graduate of the
CMAA Academy of Country Music. Welcome, Ben, it's so great to have you here today. So let's get to it... 1. What inspired you to become a country music artist? To be honest I wasn’t inspired to become a ‘country’ music
artist as such, rather...I got categorised in that genre because of the way I
write, look, perform and act. I was inspired to become a singer/performer from
the feelings and emotions that music can evoke and the energy that it
generates... There’s nothing like the buzz you get from performing! 2. Can you tell us about your most recently released album or song? My most recently released song was two weeks ago...called
“Truck Stop Honey”. It is the first single from the forth coming album ‘Slow
Burn’ which will be released in January (2013) at Tamworth. It’s an up-beat
rollicking song about love and life on the road. Inspired in part by actual
events... I was travelling back from Canberra to Sydney and pulled into a truck stop for petrol and a drink; when I got a laugh out of a truckie trying his
best to pick up/impress the girl behind the service counter. He he...classic!  3. What are you working on now? I am currently working on getting the album together,
ready for release in January. Also getting the show together for the festival.  4. What is your favourite song to perform?My favourite song I like to sing changes all the time with
my mood. One song that always makes me get a shiver up my spine when I sing it
live is a cover of Cold Chisels’ Flame Trees’. 5. Swag or room service for a romantic date? Definitely room service for a romantic date! I rough it
all the time and there is less space to get your moves going in a swag. 6. Holden, Ford...or something else? I have a ford at the moment and it’s a piece of shit. But
it has been an extremely reliable piece of shit that continues to perform even
though its owner should be arrested for neglect! (I'm still chuckling at this, Ben!) 7. Favourite food? Spaghetti Bolognaise 8. Favourite Movie? Too many to list... I love escapism though and Star Wars
always takes me away. 9. Favourite Aussie saying? She’ll be right! 10. If you could have a kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah
or python as a pet which one would you choose, and why? Crocodile... closest living relative to the dinosaurs and
I loved dinosaurs as a kid. 11. Who would you like to trade places with for a day, alive or
dead, and why? Hmmmm.... Elvis! It’s good to be the king! 12. What would I find in your fridge right now? Beer and meat! (Have to admit there is some salad tucked
away in the crisper...the wife looks after me! 13. Craziest thing you've ever done? Skydiving! Who in their right mind would jump out of a
perfectly good plane? Amazing ride down though. 14. If you were going on a holiday tomorrow where would it be? Tour through South America... I haven’t been there yet. 15. Four words to describe yourself, Ben? Hard Working, Loyal, Fun, Loving. Thanks for popping by, Ben. It's been wonderful chatting with you! If you'd like to find out more about Ben please swing by his website... Next time I have the very gifted Harmony James chatting to me. Her voice is absolutely amazing and her country songs are so beautiful. Make sure you pop on by to learn all about her in the new year. I won't be back blogging until January the 10th as I'm taking a few weeks off to enjoy time with loved ones over the festive season. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for believing in me as an author and supporting me by buying Rosalee Station and Jacaranda. Massive hugs to you all! I feel truly blessed to be where I am today in my career and I couldn't have done it without each and every one of you beautiful people. Cheers! May you all have a wonderful Christmas filled with love, laughter and memorable moments! Catch you next year! :) Until next 2013, keep smiling and dreaming! Mandy xx |
Adam Brand, Country Music Artist.
| Posted on 5 December, 2012 at 16:26 |
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Hello my lovelies! Have I got some fun for you today! Gee whizz, I'm that excited I'm finding it hard to sit still as I type!!! But I promise to focus, or at least give it my best shot to try and focus :) My wonderful guest today is a man that has a heart bigger than the Aussie outback, a smile so cheeky it will make you wish you knew what was going on inside his creative mind and a voice so addictive and seductively husky it makes women go weak at the knees . He can dance like a superstar, drive a race car like a pro and when the tough gets going he is more than happy to lend a hand, like he is doing right now with the Salvation Army. Ohhh, swoon, what a man! Yes, it is the one and only, Adam Brand!  Welcome, Adam, it's wonderful to have you with me today. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule for a chat. So, let's get to it... 1. What inspired you to become a country music artist? First of all music was deep in my heart and then the stories, honesty and realness of country music resonated with me. 2. Can you tell us a bit about your most recently released album, or song? "There will be Love" is my most recent album and I would say it is the album closest to my heart. It's a collection of songs that I hope take you on a journey of love and hope.... not a fairytale look at love, but an honest account of love, from the good to the sad parts. What are you working on now? Probably not the answer you'd expect but what I'm working on at the moment is renovating an old fibro beach shack :)  Have you got a favourite song that you sing? If yes, what it is? My favourite song changes all the time.... at the moment I love singing I Was Here Swag or room service for a romantic date? 1st night swag......second night check into the hotel. Romance can't be contained to just one night! Holden, Ford...or something else? Ford....  Favourite Food?I'm a foody so that's a hard question! I love pasta, fresh fish, spicy foods..... Favourite Movie? Happy Feet! Favourite Aussie saying? Dunno...no flamin idea...fair dinkum...stumped me on that question.... I'll get back to you! If you could have a kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one would you choose, and why? I recently found out that galahs only mate with 1 partner for life.... that's pretty amazing I reckon, so gimme a couple of galahs :) Who would you like to trade places with for a day, alive or dead, and why? Actually wouldn't want to trade with anyone... sorry boring answer!  If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find? Juice, veges, eggs, olives....... Craziest thing you’ve ever done? Jumped over 5 cars in a monster truck.... does that count? (...I'd reckon so Adam! :)) If you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? I'm on tour all the time... so I'm gonna say home.... my own bed, coffee in the morning after a walk along the beach, then paint some window frames or something :)  Four words to describe yourself? Hopeful, loving, persistant, durable It's been so wonderful having you here today, Adam. Please make sure you share some photos of your beach shack when it's all done. I'm sure we'd all love to see it! If you'd like to find out more about Adam you can visit his website... Or his facebook page... Next week I have the fabulous country music artist, Ben Ransom, visiting for a catch up . If you haven't heard his music yet, why not??!! He's brilliant! And if you have, you'll know what I'm on about :) Until then, keep smiling and dreaming! Mandy xx |
Amber Lawrence,Country Music Artist
| Posted on 28 November, 2012 at 20:07 |
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G'day! :)  Welcome to my second Country Music feature. I'm really excited to announce my guest for today, the lovely and mighty talented Amber has been nominated as a top 5 finalist for the 2013 Country Music Awards of Australia for FEMALE ARTIST of the YEAR. This is a huge honour and a prestigious category to be nominated in. Congratulations Amber! Hi Amber, it's so great to have you with us. Let's get to it.. Swag or room service for a romantic date? A swag is always romantic! Holden, Ford...or something else? Well I drive a Ssangyong Korando, and they’ve been kind enough to sponsor me for 2 years, so I’d say Ssangyong!!  Favourite Food? Donuts Favourite Movie? Dirty Rotten Scoundrals Favourite Aussie saying? Bloody Oath If you could have a kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one would you choose, and why? Galah – my nan used to have a Galah, called Pete, and they are a lot of fun! Who would you like to trade places with for a day, alive or dead, and why? I’d love to be Shania Twain at the height of her career just for one day! That would be fun! If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find? Very few items...I am away a lot, so I usually buy as I go. So you’d be safe to say there’d be some butter, and maybe some olives...and not much else! Craziest thing you’ve ever done? Quit a stable job as an accountant to become a full time country singer!! If you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? Whitsundays or Port Douglas Four words that describe you... Focussed, fun, cheeky, driven Thanks for popping by, Amber. It's been wonderful chatting with you! If you'd like to know more about Amber you can go to her website... Well, my lovlies, next week we have...wait for it...I'm swooning already as I wriggle on the spot in excitement.....Adam Brand!!!! Only 7 more sleeps until you can find out some interesting facts about this wonderfully big-hearted man. Until next week, keep smiling and dreaming Mandy xx |
Steve Eales, Country Music Artist
| Posted on 21 November, 2012 at 20:11 |
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G'day! Today I have the very talented country music singer, Steve Eales, joining me for a candid chat. I 'm really excited to have him here! So here we go... Hi Steve, and welcome... What inspired you to become a country music artist?  Mum and Dad were big country music fans when I was growing up so I guess I owe them a lot for that early influence. But just around the time I was getting really serious about recording my own songs I was living in a rural town in Victoria and I spent most of my time either riding horses or motorbikes in the bush. I was driving a timber truck and doing rural fencing, I guess country was what I was all about... and still is. Can you tell us a bit about your most recently released album, or song? Last year I wrote a song called "love it when it rocks", I'd met the vivacious Chris E Thomas earlier that year and she'd asked about doing a song with me so I included her in on the writing process and we recorded it together... a brilliant move because the song really took off on radio. I've just released a brand new song " The Long Way Here". It's a bit of a diversion from my typical country theme, it's a bit more autobiographical. What are you working on now? Right now I'm working on a new track, in fact it's almost ready to record. This time I've flicked the switch back again, back to the same recipe of songwriting that gave me so many award winning songs... With every song I write I try to make it the best song I've ever written. I want to pour out my heart and really connect with people.  Have you got a favourite song that you sing? If yes, what it is? I get the most crowd reaction out of "Girls on Horses" so that would have to be my favorite song to perform, it's all about how you can make people "feel" your music and that one moves people the most. Swag or room service for aromantic date? I love swagging under a billion stars and campfire light to sleep by don't get me wrong but for a romantic night I'm a real spoiler. I treat my girl to five stars and candle light, I'm not a dancer either but I can twirl her around a dance floor. Romance is all about beinga giver, a spoiler. Holden, Ford...or something else? I've had some pretty dodgy Holdens and Fords, I think I've had about seven utes all up and I enjoyed them all. Probably liked my F100 the most out of all of them, it caught on fire one day after work. I worked on it all night and I was driving again the next day.  Favourite Food? I could eat barbecue steak and salad for dinner every night...love it. Favourite Movie? I enjoy movies that you can laugh about for days and months afterwards so I think Anchor Man would top that list. Favourite Aussie saying? All the really good Aussie sayings aren't printable... But because I do a lot of overseas traveling I always give the classic a good workout... "G'day Mate!" Much to the delight of Americans and Europeans, oh yeah and especially the Asians. If you could have a kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one would you choose, and why? I've had a Galah as a pet once before... I was pretty sad when he died. We just had a koala at home because he was injured, they say that if a koala is hurt he makes his way to within arms reach of a human and that's exactly what this little guy did. So right now I reckon a koala is on top of my list. Who would you like to trade places with for a day, alive or dead, and why? I would like to be Steve Irwin for a day and experience his bold enthusiasm and passion for life. More specifically I'd like to be him the day before he passed away and convincemyself not to go swimming for a few days. I miss that bloke. If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find? In my fridge you'd find a bunch of girlie food right now. I'm doing a detox so it's full of yoghurt, fruit and salad. I'm getting ready for summer and the next photoshoot...sad huh? Craziest thing you’ve ever done? On the way back from Tamworth in our tour bus one year our driver got lost down some dirt road and he wouldn't stop for a toilet break. We were relaxing in the back after 10 straight days of playing (there was a tiny bit of alcohol involved in the relaxing part). So after a while I was about to burst. I climbed out of the bus and surfed on the roof at 60ks an hour and let rip, the band was hanging out the window yelling to get back in but our trusty driver kept on going, and so did I. If you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? I just got back from a fantastic holiday in Hawaii and man I really wish I was back there right now. Four words that describe you, Steve... Positive, creative, inspiring, caring... (I had to get help with this answer) If you'd like to find out more about Steve Eales, pop by his webite or facebook page... Thanks for the chat today, Steve. I really enjoyed hearing all about your life as a country music artist. Good luck with everything! Next week we have Amber Lawrence joining us, so stay tuned. :-) Until then, keep smiling and dreaming! Mandy xx |
Support Australian Country Music Artists
| Posted on 17 October, 2011 at 17:57 |
comments (9)
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G’day! :)  It has been sweltering days of close to 40 degrees up here in Dimbulah and I must admit I’m missing the winter weather immensely. Even after living in Tropical North Queensland for all of my life I’ve never gotten used to the heat. Fingers crossed that we get some decent rain soon so it greens up our dehydrated countryside. We have only had a few inches since April! I really wanted to touch base today on a subject very close to my heart, Country Music. Australian Country Music to be exact! We have so many talented artists in this wonderful country of ours and I would like to mention a few of them so you can check them out for yourselves, that is, if you haven’t already. So here goes, in Alphabetical order…. Adam Tom, Adam Brand, Adam Harvey, Brad Cole, Connie Kis Andersen, Gina Jefferies, Jasmine Rae, Jason Lee, John Williamson, Katrina Burgoyne, Kasey Chambers, Keith Urban, Larry Cann, Lee Kernaghan, Melinda Schneider, Rob Wilson, Sara Storer, Shea Fisher, Slim Dusty, Shandell Tosoni, Steve Eales, Steve Forde, The Sunny Cowgirls, Tania Kernaghan, Troy Cassar-Daley and The McClymonts.  I don’t think I have forgotten anyone but if I have please let me know. I would also love to know your favourite Aussie Country Music artist, or artists. Please feel free to leave a comment below telling me who you think is the best and why. Lets join together to promote our fellow Australians!Thought for this week “A house without books is like a room without windows” I am off to Bali in a few days time for a much needed holiday. Only 2 sleeps top go…but who is counting…ME! I cannot wait to be immersed in their culture, swim all day long and eat copious amounts of yummy food. I will be back to chat with you all in about 3 weeks time. And to share my holidays shots of course! Until then, keep smiling and dreaming Mandy :) |