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Bestselling Australian Author
'Mandy writes great stories…sexy and uniquely Australian!'
ADAM BRAND - AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST
My Blog
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Connie Kis Andersen, Country Music Artist.
| Posted on 8 May, 2013 at 22:40 |
comments (23696)
|
G'day :) Today I'm chatting to the very lovely Connie Kis, about her life as a very talented country music artist.  Welcome, Connie, let's get to it…. What inspired you to become a country music artist? No ‘inspiration’ really ... just no choice. Once you get a taste for creating music, it
becomes quite infectious and if there were a more positive analogy, I would use
it, but right now I can’t think of one and so all I can say, it’s like a virus,
once you’ve been infected, you will always carry the bug. My first instrument was a banjo -mandolin. My first gig of renown as a child was on the
stage with Slim Dusty. I guess my
initiation into country music couldn’t come better than that! Can you tell us a bit about your most recently released album,
or song? My current
album is a self-titled album called; CONNIE KIS. Except for
one song which is in public domain, I wrote or co-wrote all of the tracks. Even on this cover song, my producer, Doug
Wayne and I had a lot of creative input and gave it a complete new arrangement. I feel it is
my best release to date and I am thrilled with the way it came out. The album was awarded the 2011 WA Best
Independent Country Music Album and no less than four self-penned songs from it were awarded song-writing awards
from festivals across Australia with three of the singles released to
Australian Country Radio charting in the Australian Country Music Charts – two
of them (A
Man In Boots and Steamy Dreams) being Top
5 hits.
What are you working on now? I am
currently working on a concept called; ‘Showcase Australia’ which will showcase
Australia and all things Australian through the magic of music. Over the last
18 months I have laid the ground work through my weekly radio program by that
same name - promoting the music of
Australia’s Country Music artists to the world. The program
is broadcast weekly through Nashville Broadcasting Radio Network FM and
it’s world-wide affiliates, through Neon Productions Radio (USA),
through Country Music Radio Nashville where it is repeated 4 times per
week and through the Music Radio Network in Australia and includes 14
terrestrial stations throughout Australia from Qld to Victoria.
My next step
is to expand on the concept of showcasing Australia through the magic of music
... so stay tuned.
Have you got a favourite song that you sing? If yes, what is it? Actually ... I have TWO favourite songs that I sing and wish I had
written.The first is a song written by Hugh Prestwood for Trisha Yearwood
called; ‘The Song Remembers When’. As a songwriter, we live and breathe the song, and know how much a
song can take you to a place long forgotten when heard on the radio. My goal is to write such a song – one that will express my thoughts
and feelings in a way that will resonate with the listener and bring to them,
their own unique experience –a recollection.
And if that experience is long past
... my song will be the trigger that brings that memory to the fore ... The other
song that means so much to me and one that I love is ANYWAY; the song by
Martina McBride. She and
songwriters Brett Warren and his brother, Brad Warren wrote the very poignant
lyrics and music for ANYWAY. I think the
inspiration came from a quote from Mother Therese ... the lyrics go like this
... You can spend
your whole life building Something
from nothin' One storm can
come and blow it all away Build it
anyway You can chase
a dream, That seems so
out of reach And you know
it might not ever come your way Dream it
anyway God is great,
but sometimes life ain't good When I pray
it doesn't always turn out like I think it should But I do it
anyway I do it
anyway This world's
gone crazy And it's hard
to believe That tomorrow
will be better than today Believe it
anyway You can love
someone with all your heart For all the
right reasons In a moment
they can choose to walk away Love 'em
anyway God is great, but
sometimes life ain't good When I pray it
doesn't always turn out like I think it should But I do it anyway Yeah, I do it
anyway You can pour your
soul out singing A song you believe
in That tomorrow
they'll forget you ever sang Sing it anyway Yeah, sing it
anyway I sing I dream I love Anyway. When I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer in Jly 2011 - shortly after the release of my
new album; Connie Kis, I truly was heartbroken,
given the amount of blood sweat, tears and money I had invested in my
project. Instead of being able to tour and work my album, found myself
undergoing 9 months of treatment including several surgeries – one very major
one where I spent 5 ½ hours on the table ... followed by fortnightly
chemotherapy for 6 months and then further surgery after that ,... the
following 9 months (up until just recently) were almost just as challenging
given the adjustments I had to make to get used to my new inner workings. But the song ANYWAY inspired me and I too did it anyway ... I worked
my music hard online and kept my ordeal private and out of the public eye for
as long as and as much as I could ... I think I had to ‘fess up’ to the public
when I couldn’t get to Tamworth in 2012.  Swag or room
service for a romantic date? Room service PLEASE! Holden,
Ford...or something else? Anything that is reliable, fuel efficient, fast, and big enough to
carry a PA as well as my suitcases/clothes ... and it MUST have a good stereo. Favourite Food? My favourite food depends really on how hungry I am and what time of
day it is ... I must admit though, I am a sucker for a fruit smoothie that is
choc full of berries, yoghurt, cranberry juice and bananas! Cheese is another favourite snack food. Favourite Movie? Hmmm ... hard one.
Especially since I forget movies very easily and cannot recall them at
all. But the first one that has popped
into my head was ‘The Notebook’. I think
it might be a bit of a ‘chick flick’ but it’s a classic and no matter how many
times I see it, I still manage to shed a tear. Favourite Aussie
saying? “Onya mate …” If you could have a kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or
python as a pet which one would you choose, and why? A Kangaroo ... I had a female Joey as a kid (“Joanne”). She was the sweetest little thing. Would sleep in a bag on the door knob in my
bedroom at night and talk to me. I loved
her nature. I know kangaroos are
sensitive, intelligent creatures.
Besides, I already have Galahs … :) Who would you like to trade places with for a day, alive or
dead, and why?I have never thought of trading places with anyone ... I am quite
content in my own shoes. Thinking about
it though, maybe Patsy Cline ... just to get a feel of what it was REALLY like
in the old country music days ... as
opposed to now. If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find? Cranberry Juice, soft drinks, cheese, wine, cashew nuts, bananas,
mincemeat and salad vegies and wholemeal crumpets. .. oh ... did I say wine .. ? Craziest thing you’ve ever done? Riding across Australia on my 750 cc motorcycle. If you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? Phuket Four words that describe you… Sensitive, self-assured, honest and reliable Thanks for popping by for a chat, Connie. It's been wonderful mate! And, you truly are an inspiration. Good luck with everything! If you'd like to find out more about Connie please visit her website at… Only 2 more weeks and my third novel, Flame Tree HIll, will be hitting the shelves…exciting times! Until next time, keep smiling and dreaming, Mandy xoxo |
Susan Lily, Country Music Artist
| Posted on 16 April, 2013 at 18:03 |
comments (1679)
|
G'day :) Today I'm chatting to the very lovely, and hilarious!, Susan Lily, about her life as a country music artist.  Welcome Susan, let's get to it… What inspired you to become a country music artist?
I always wanted to sing but never really made it out of
the bathroom until I could do I could do it comfortably. So naturally, I took the comedic road as a
stepping stone to becoming a music artist and songwriter. It’s normal isn’t? I was a standup comic for about 4 years and
during that time I stumbled my way through song parodies and original comedy
songs. I’d be so nervous about playing
guitar that I made it part of my act to get my fingers caught in the strings on
the fretboard or drop my pick. I also
learned how to own a stage as big as any football field so the first time I
sang with a band my personal space felt invaded LOL!! Can you tell us a bit about your most recently released album, or song? “Miss You Much” is the third single from my debut album
BUTTERFLY (out on CD baby) and is a song about missing my childhood and my
home. I grew up (mainly cos I can’t get
any lower) in a little town called HAY in outback NSW. I used to escape down the river with my dog
(Snoopy), peanut butter sandwiches, a book, a drink and when I ran out of food
I’d go home. Being down there gave me a
sense of freedom and adventure. It’s
hard to do that when we are grown up (though my inner child is still very much
alive and kicking).
What are you
working on now? Yesterday my songwriting mojo jumped in front of me when I was walking
to the tram stop. It sidetracked me with
lyrics and melody which soon found themselves recorded to be worked on
later. So now I’ve got two new songs
that are shaping up really nicely.
I recently quit my day job, packed up an entire house, donated gear to
charities and friends, moved cities and, embarked on a beautiful new
relationship with a man I’ve adored for a long time (sort of stuff you’d find
in a romance novel *hint*). So, not
much really!!!!
My priorities are wide and varied.
I’m beginning to network for gigs, muso friends and, venues. I made my debut last night at The Governor
Hindmarsh Hotel and they almost needed a big hook to get me off stage. I’ve gone from being a very shy child to a
stage junkie haha.
I’m also busy with job applications, songwriting and arranging, plus
rehearsing for the other open mikes that I’m planning to play at. I’d love to say that I have time to smell the
roses but I can’t find any at the moment so I will just have to be happy with
dancing in a pink tutu on the back of a white rhino (lol).
 Have you got a
favourite song that you sing? If yes, what is it?
Believe it or not I love to sing my first single! It’s called “Got the
Monkey Off My Back” and was released in Dec 2006. I never tire of it and so many people know me
by it PLUS like or love the song. It’s
my most requested song and such a blessing to me as it’s given me a foot inside
the door of the country music community radio circuit.
It was one of those songs that literally wrote itself. I had been talking about how great I felt
about a burden that had gone from my life and a work mate said that phrase to
me. on the way home in the car it
suddenly popped into my head, lyrics and all.
I had nothing to record it with so sang it over and over til I got home,
ran up 17 steps, opened my double deadlocked front door, and found my cassette
recorder.
Six months later I began working with my producer (Paul Norton) on which
song to use as my debut single. I was so
embarrassed about what he’d think of the song that I nearly didn’t play it for
him. He surprised me by saying that it
was the best one to release and that was one of my first valuable lessons in
songwriting for commercial release. I’ve
felt great about it ever since and I’m not sure there has been a set where I’ve
not played the song. Swag or room service for a
romantic date? Does
room service come with a room or would we be parking or in the bushes? I’m a tomboy at heart so I do know my way
around a swag. I like comfort but that’s
why I replaced the standard mattress with a you beaut self-inflating insulated
one (plus it’s really great fun to try and deflate which can also lead to
romance....oops! am I giving away too
much? ;) ) Holden, Ford...or something else? My pride and joy was a beige brumby ute.
I know! People used to laugh at
me and say it was a “pretend ute” but I loved that beast. I’d had it for six weeks the day it became a
roo destroyer. $6245.10c later I had the
front end of it put back together and then went on countless adventures across
NSW and into Victoria. I used to make
jokes about having a beige “uterus” (cos all the boys out home would call their
utes that moniker) . I was a popular gal
for awhile. Then tragedy struck me when
I was t-boned by a truck flying out of a servo driveway. I’m very lucky to be alive but sadly Rufus
(his name) didn’t make it. I cried the
day the panel beater said he couldn’t repair him and asked if I could have a
few moments to say goodbye. I will admit
the scene of me splayed out on the bonnet crying must have looked a bit
strange. I wanted to give them all
something to tell their grandchildren.
I have dreams you know, dreams of when I’m old and have bright pink or
purple hair. I’ll be an old crazy lady
on a pushbike. I’ll have bright pink
lipstick on my teeth and my skirt tucked into my pants... at the front....
yeah, dreams eh. Something to look forward to! Favourite Food? Yes! Haha. I am partial to savoury foods. Don’t leave an open packet of barbeque or
pizza shapes anywhere near me if you want one.
I’m also very in love with silverside and white sauce with mashed potato
plus I do enjoy bangers and mash. I’m
also known for my love for Sticky Date Pudding.
So well known in fact, that it’s no secret to anyone anymore. I even have people on FB commenting about it
whenever the chance arises.
 Favourite Movie? That’s a tough question: I’d have
to say that comedies are my favourite genre.
The Castle would have to be one of a number of “number one
favourites”. Thoroughly brilliant and
quintessential Aussie movie.
Favourite Aussie
saying? “tell ‘em they’re dreaming”
If you could have a
kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one would
you choose, and why? I’d have a galah as they are not as stupid as people make out. I’d train it to say silly left-of-centre things
during conversation
Who would you like to
trade places with for a day, alive or dead, and why?
Dolly Parton. I’d love to spend
the day at Dollyworld being in-charge If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find? A sad looking shelf where the chocolate used to be. Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
We had a bad taste party once and decided to get dressed up BEFORE we
went to the supermarket to get our food supplies. I had green eyebrows and all my hair was
plaited in various directions across my head.
I’d made a tutu and wore it over mismatched clothing and footwear (yeah,
odd socks and shoes). We danced around the aisles singing any ads we could
remember. Then at the checkout when the
girl asked “are youse guys having party?”
we replied “nah, we’re having a quiet night in front of the telly” If you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? I’d love to go to Texas, both for the music scene and the cowboys! Four words that describe you… Quirky, silly, fun, crazy
Thanks, Susan, it's been fun chatting! If you'd like to find out more about Susan Lily please stop by one of her pages… Facebook page Susan Lily fanclub group FB Susan Lily blog Until next week, keep smiling and dreaming! Mandy xoxo |
The McClymonts, Country Music Artists
| Posted on 10 April, 2013 at 18:08 |
comments (6299)
|
G'day! I'm thrilled to announce my lovely guests this week, The McClymonts! Today I'm having a one on one chat with Samantha McClymont.  Welcome, Samantha, let's get to it... What inspired you to become a country music artist?
We grew up
listening to so much country music that it was in our blood from little girls.
We love the stories it tells and the connection the music has with its
audience. Can you tell us a bit about your most recently
released album, or song?
We released ‘Two
Worlds Collide’ last May. It's a very open and honest album. There's certainly
a lot more growth musically and lyrically from the last records. We can hear
our sound really evolving on this last album. What are you
working on now?
We are currently
touring an acoustic show which has been a lot of fun. It's so nice to hear the
songs stripped back to how they were first written. Have you got
a favourite song that you sing? If yes, what is it?
Mine would be 'Piece
of Me'
 Swag or room service for a romantic date?
Swag under the
stars but I'm sure you can include some champagne in that too!  Holden, Ford...or something else?
Toyota of course! Favourite Food?
Sushi Favourite Movie?
I'm obsessed with
watching movies so this is hard. My girly fave is ‘Sliding Doors’ Favourite Aussie saying?
She'll be right If you could have a kangaroo, koala, wombat,
crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one would you choose, and why?
The one with the
least up keep. With all the travelling we do I don't think I would make a very
good pet owner at the moment. Who would you like to trade places with for a day,
alive or dead, and why? Taylor Swift.
Playing to those huge audiences night after night, hearing your songs on the
radio... and all those cute boys.  If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find?
I'm very much a day
to day shopper. Currently there's some fruit and vegies, eggs and two bottles
of white wine Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Don't know if you
would say this was crazy but I did fly from America to Australia to be the maid
of honour at my best friend’s wedding. I was in Oz for less than 48 hours, and then
flew straight back again. If you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it
be?
Would love to see
South America Three words that describe you… OCD, online,-shopper,
thoughtful Thanks for popping by today, Samantha! Next week I'll be chatting to the lovely Susan Lily. Until then, keep smiling and dreaming, Mandy xoxo |
Sunny Cowgirls, Country Music Artists
| Posted on 2 April, 2013 at 19:04 |
comments (6128)
|
G'day! I'm thrilled to announce that I'm talking with the Sunny Cowgirls today! Welcome, Celeste and Sophie, it's great to have you here. :)  I'll start with you first, Celeste... What
inspired you to become a country music artist? Growing up on a farm and being
surrounded by country music. Can you tell us a bit about
your most recently released album, or song? Our latest album is our most honest
and our most grown up I think! We put all we had into this album, writing the
songs and making an album we wanted to make. It’s called “What We Do” and that
title pretty much sums up our lives at the moment. We’ve grown into ourselves
and feel really comfortable with our music. What are you working on now? We are currently touring
all over the place!! Just been to NSW and VIC and in the next few months we’ll
be touring QLD, SA, WA and hopefully TAS.
Have you got a favourite song that you sing? If yes, what is it? I don’t have a
favourite at the moment – they’re all fun!!!
Swag
or room service for a romantic date? I’d say a swag underneath the stars  Holden, Ford...or something
else? Holden Favourite Food? Very difficult question!! Favourite Movie? Anything with Will Ferrell in it.
Anchorman is a fave! Favourite Aussie saying? Strewth!!!! If you could have a kangaroo,
koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one would you choose,
and why? A galah so I could teach it stupid
things to say Who would you like to trade
places with for a day, alive or dead, and why? A lawyer – because it’d be so
different!!!! If I looked in your fridge right
now what would I find? Fresh lamb, rocket, mangoes,
berries, parmesan, milk, yoghurt and olives. Craziest thing you’ve ever
done? I don’t really do crazy stuff! If you were going on holiday
tomorrow, where would it be? Italy Four words that describe you… Happy, relaxed, positive, easygoing.
 Okay, now it's your turn, Sophie... What inspired you to become a country music artist?
Our
family has always been very musical. Our
dad was in a band back in the day and also wrote songs. He taught me everything he knew when I was
big enough to hold a guitar. Growing up
on a farm in Victoria, surrounded by the country lifestyle and country music,
it was something that came very naturally to me. It’s been a passion of mine for as long as I
can remember. It’s in my blood and it’s
not going anywhere! Can
you tell us a bit about your most recently released album, or song?
“What
We Do” is our fifth studio album, and our most honest one to date. It tells a story of who we are and why we
love what we do. We recorded part of the
album with Sam Hawksley in Nashville, and finished it off back here in
Australia. The songs are all written by
myself and my sister and are very true to ourselves. What
are you working on now? Right
now we are in the middle of a national tour promoting our new album. So far, it’s taken us to NSW & VIC, with
QLD, SA & WA still to come. - A lot of travelling and a lot of dates! So far, the album has been well-received and
people seem to be loving the new tunes, which is always a good thing! The album tour will take us through to June
this year, after that, who knows???
Maybe a holiday! ;) Have
you got a favourite song that you sing? If yes, what is it? My
favourite song to play live changes all of the time! You can very easily get sick of a song when
you’re playing it every night. At the
moment, “Green & Gold” (our current single) is my fave. It brings a great energy to the stage and I
think all of the musicians have a lot of fun with it as well. The song is very patriotic and explains how
lucky we are to live in this beautiful country of ours. It always goes down well with those proud
Aussies out there!  Swag
or room service for a romantic date? Depends on who it is! Holden,
Ford...or something else? Holden Favourite
Food? Way too hard to
answer! Love my red meat though. Favourite
Movie? Anchorman Favourite
Aussie saying? “He’s a few head short in the top paddock” If
you could have a kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet
which one would you choose, and why? Crocodile, because it’s a bit different! Who
would you like to trade places with for a day, alive or dead, and why? Stevie Nicks back in the 70s, because I’m
currently reading a bio on Fleetwood Mac and would love to see what the music
scene was like back then! If
I looked in your fridge right now what would I find? Meat, lots of fruit and veggies yoghurt,
eggs, cheese, a bit of chocky and of course, beer! Craziest
thing you've ever done? I jumped on the back of an unbroken horse (bareback) when I was 12 as part of
a dare. The horse took off and threw me
into a fence. A few tears and stitches
that day! If
you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? Italy Four
words that describe you… Sociable,
ambitious, impulsive, loyal Cheers, Sophie and Celeste, for popping by. It's been fun! Next week I'll be yarning with The McClymonts. Until then, keep smiling and dreaming! Mandy xoxo |
Katrina Burgoyne, Country Music Artist
| Posted on 27 March, 2013 at 20:08 |
comments (6815)
|
G'day :) Today I'm chatting to the very beautiful and extremely gifted, Katrina Burgoyne. Katrina's spine tingling debut single "Ghost" has been tagged the first of many "drop everything and listen" songs off her debut album. Once you hear her voice, I know you'll be hooked.  Welcome, Katrina, let's get to it mate...What inspired you to become
a country music artist? I’ve always had a passion for music, I started writing my own
songs at eleven. Growing up in Gunnedah, NSW, the inspiration from the Country Music
Capital- Tamworth was just 45 minutes away. Can you tell us a bit about
your most recently released album, or song? I released my debut album in March 2011 “White Flag”. I was so
pleased to have 3 top 10 charting singles and 2 Golden Guitar Nominations. It
was a great year.
What are you
working on now? I am just about to release a brand new EP with four new tracks,
something a little different but something I’m definitely proud of. Have you got a favourite
song that you sing? If yes, what is it? I love singing “the carnival” coming off my new EP.
“Step Inside, step inside you want to feel the thrill of a carnival ride? Step inside, step inside but we’ll steal your soul if you close your eyes”  Swag or room service for a
romantic date? I’ve never been
a “country” girl. However recently I had the best date fishing in a tinny. I’m
not a “princess” so room service or a swag would make a great date… it’s all
about the company and if they can make me laugh. Holden, Ford...or something else? TOYOTA.. always been a Toyota girl.. I’ve only had 4 cars of my
own.. 3 were Toyotas… Just brought a brand new Rav… LOVE IT!
 Favourite Food? I love all things sweet…. Homemade is another one of my
favourites…. But I also love fruit.
Favourite Movie? Pride and Prejudice- I’m a sucker for the romantic movies.
Favourite Aussie
saying? “Mate” I use this way too much.
If you could have a
kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one would
you choose, and why? Ewww… Python, Crocodile… NO WAY! I am scared of snakes, and crocks. I would say a Kangaroo because when I come home late a night I have about 15 sitting in my front yard. Who would you like to
trade places with for a day, alive or dead, and why? A great songwriter, I would love to get in their head. If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find? Chopped up watermelon, last nights road chock, pumpkin salad…
and the usual. However I just cleaned out my fridge… yesterday would have been
different. Craziest thing you’ve ever done? I may have skinny dipped in my local tourist fountain, it was
very dark. If you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? UK, I would love to take a holiday to the UK. Four words that describe you... Fun, Energetic, Adventurous
and Ambitious. If you'd like to find out more about Katrina, please swing by her website… Next time I will be chatting with the Sunny Cowgirls...should be fun! Until next week, keep smiling and dreaming Mandy xoxo |
Troy Cassar-Daley, Country Music Artist
| Posted on 20 March, 2013 at 3:14 |
comments (2201)
|
G'day :) I'm thrilled to be chatting to the one and only Troy Cassar-Daley ...hope you enjoy eavesdropping on the conversation. :)  Welcome, Troy, let's get to it...What inspired you to become a country music artist? I always loved to sing as a kid and once I had started playing guitar, my path became very clear. Can you tell us a bit about your most recently released album, or song? My album “Home” is a bucket list record for me to have made, the Nashville players I used were ones I have listened to on records since I was a teenager! The title track Home really describes the first ten year of my life and the house I was raised in. Have you got a favourite song that you sing? If yes, what i? At the moment I love playing a song called “Play” as a guitar fan and player it really explains my love affair with the six string devilwe all know as the guitar!!Swag or room service for a romantic date? I have slept on many a swag and I never found it romantic! It was always a place to crash out of necessity when drunk or on tour, I think the room service would be good at my age! Holden, Ford...or something else? My daily driver is a Hyundai Sant-Fe as we throw lots of crap in it at the farm and its always got a fishing rod in it or a Kayak on top, my weekend cruiser is our old EH Holden (Daphne is her name) of which I have owned 3 before this one, I can fix it and I love the smell of the vinyl and petrol, a great old family member Favourite Food? can’t beat a great Steak and veg I reckon (rare please)Favourite Movie? tender mercies Robert Duvall love it reminds me of Merle Haggard who I think it was based on.Favourite Aussie saying? Jingo’s I reckon a python as they only need a feed every now and then and don’t make too much noise! Who would you like to trade places with for a day, alive or dead, and why? God would be very interesting.. If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find? Left over roast chook, always a half used pasta sauce, good coffee,and somethings to build a salad with! Craziest thing you've ever done? Embark on a career in Music ( mad I know)!! If you were going on a holiday tomorrow, where would it be? FNQ!! Four words to describe you… Laid, Back, Country, Bloke :) If you'd like to pop by Troy's website, here it is… Until next week, keep smiling and dreaming Mandy xoxo |
Shea Fisher, Country Music Artist
| Posted on 13 March, 2013 at 20:14 |
comments (2458)
|
G'day :)  Today I'm chatting to the wonderfully talented, and very beautiful, Shea Fisher!Welcome, Shea, let's get to it... What inspired
you to become a country music artist? I grew up in a Rodeo family. My Dad is an
Australian Champion Bull Rider and Bareback Rider and my Mum is an Australian
Champion Barrel Racer. I spent a lot of time on the road driving with my
parents while listening to the radio. I still remember the first time Shania
Twain came on the radio, I was hooked. I would perform in front of the mirror
& would put on performances for my nana. I spent many hours watching Shania Twain's live
videos of her concerts and would try and mimic her every move. I knew at 9
years old I wanted to be a singer! Can you
tell us a bit about your most recently released album, or song? I have had two
albums out in Australia and four #1 songs. In the US I have released one song
called “Don’t chase me”. This song was a top 20 on CMT for me in 2009. My most recent album was self-titled “Shea”.
This album was very diverse; it had a lot of different style songs on it from
country to pop. This album is a lot of fun to perform live, 80% of the songs
are upbeat which I love.  What are you working on now? I am
currently in the studio working on some new music in Nashville. To me it is
very important to have the right song, I can be impatient at times but this new
music will be worth the wait... I promise. It is very fresh, very 2013! I'm
excited for everyone to hear it.  Have you got a favourite song that you
sing? If yes, what is it? That’s a hard question. I have so many songs I love
to perform and that are very personal to me, however I think my favourite song
to sing would still be my very first single I ever released in Australia when I
was 17. It was my first #1 song “Just the excuse”, this song started off this
whole crazy ride for me :) Holden,
Ford...or something else? Hmm that’s a tough one. In Australia I think I would
have to say I am a Holden girl but love the Dodge trucks in the US.  Favourite Food? Fruit!!!!! Grapes, Mangoes
and Watermelon….yummo! Favourite Movie? I loved the notebook &
Taken. Two very different movies I know... haha. Favourite Aussie saying? “No Worries” I say
this a lot. If you
could have a kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which
one would you choose, and why? A kangaroo for sure! My mum grew up with a pet kangaroo and said they are awesome pets. Imagine having a pet kangaroo on my
tour bus- cool right? Who would you like to trade places with
for a day, alive or dead, and why? Jenna Dewan-Tatum, so I could make out with Channing
Tatum for the day. Haha!! On a more
serious note probably Shania Twain in her prime. I would love to know how that
much success really feels- it would be a good way to prepare myself for
hopefully the level of success that will come for me one day.  If I
looked in your fridge right now what would I find? Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Craziest
thing you’ve ever done? Ridden a bull- many times. I was the first girl in
Australia to make the National Finals in the Junior Bull Riding in Australia. If you
were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? Ow... Bora Bora for sure!
Always wanted to go there. Looks Magical! Four
words that describe you... Outgoing, Dedicated, Driven & Country Thanks for swinging by for a chat today, Shea. And all the very best for your continuing success, here and in the US! If you'd like to discover more about Shea, please drop by her website... Next week I'm thrilled to announce I have the one and only Troy Cassar-Daley dropping by. Should be fun! Until then, keep smiling and dreaming! Mandy :) xoxo |
Courtney Conway, Country Music Artist
| Posted on 6 March, 2013 at 21:00 |
comments (4194)
|
G'day! :) I'm thrilled to welcome my guest today, the very talented Courtney Conway!  Hi Courtney, let's get to it...What inspired you to be a country music artist?
When I was growing up my parents listened to a lot of country
music! Dad was one of those guys that would buy the box set off the TV
and get one free! He listened to a lot of the older more traditional
country music from America like Billie Jo Spears,
Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. Mum listened to more modern Australian
country like Lee Kernaghan and Gina Jeffreys. So together they had all
kinds of different country covered! Every year on boxing day our family
would drive from Bendigo to Adelaide for a holiday,
with Dad testing out his new 10 disc country box set on the 8 hour
drive!
My mum used to sing and play guitar on stage with her best friend
Jenny up in the Mallee. When she had us four kids she learnt the banjo
to play for us and encouraged us to sing along to nursery rimes. My
Nanna (Mum's Mum) was a music teacher and has always
had a really old pianola piano in her lounge room. Whenever Nan's
brother Bill would visit he'd sit down at the piano and play honky tonk
style. I just loved it! Ever since I was tall enough to reach the keys
on the piano I wanted to play.
Although I was classically trained I just loved the way a country
song would tell and story. I loved the sound, the twang guitar and the
fiddle. Country music artists are real people who will stop for a chat
and say G'day, always friendly and fun! I loved
every aspect of the industry the more I became a part of it. Shania
Twain was a big influence when I was growing up, I wanted to be just
like her. My first 3 albums I was ever given were Shania Twain, Dixie
Chicks and Keith Urban.
I guess my parents were my biggest influence with Mum being a
country singer earlier on and both parents loving country music. It's
funny because my next sister down grew up on the same music and she
plays the harp and sings classical!   Can you tell us a bit about your most recently released album or song?
I released my first EP two years ago now, I recorded it in Sydney
at Love Hz studios with Matt Fell and Sam Hawksley. I had the best time
recording that little EP! It was the first time I had ever made a song I
had co-written come to life. It's a really
really exciting thing to do! My first single released from the EP was
'Girly Girl' which I co-wrote with Mike Carr and Adam Brand. The song
was more successful than any of us had expected! I made a film clip with
the very talented Glenn Wilson who also played
drums on the EP. 'Girly Girl' reached the Top 30 on the Country Music
Channel chart which was amazing! Especially for my very first release! I
then released my second single called 'A Few Little Things' that was
written in Nashville by two artists I haven't
yet met. A Few Little Things reached the top 10 on the Country Music
Channel chart, the top 30 on the Country Music Radio chart and gave me
my first nomination for Best New Oz Artist of the Year in the Country
Music Channel Awards this year. In 2011 I won Best
New Talent at the National and Victorian Country Music Awards in
Whittlesea. I've been so amazed at how well this little EP has gone! It
won't be long before my new album will be complete which is exciting, it
will be released early in the new year some time.
 What
are you working on now? Right
now I am currently
recording my debut album with Sam Hawksley in Nashville! I recorded for
the first time in 2010 and released a 5 track EP so I'm well and truly
ready to get this album out there! As soon as I get home at the end of
March I'll be working on ways to promote the
album once it's released later on in the year, releasing singles, film
clips and hopefully playing lots of shows! Have you got a favourite song that you sing? If yes, what is it?  I have a long list of favourite songs and I'm constantly adding to
it because I'm constantly finding amazing new songs! I think at the
moment my favourite song to perform is called 'The House That Built Me'
by Miranda Lambert. I love the original recording
of it but I also like to break it down to just myself and the piano at
my own shows. I love the lyrics because it reminds me of the house I
grew up in at Bendigo with my parents, two younger sisters and younger
brother. I also love it because when I was in
Nashville in 2010 I went to visit the team at Warner Music Nashville
where Blake Shelton is signed. Scott Hendricks was telling me that he
found this incredible song and wanted Blake to record it. Blake took a
copy of the song for a listen and on a long drive
home he played the song to Miranda to see what she thought. Miranda
cried as she listened to the lyrics and Blake had to pull over! She was
so in love with the song she asked both Blake and Scott Hendricks if she
could record it. The song was a HUGE success
and I love that Blake Shelton and Scott Hendricks were happy for her to
have the song and all the success that followed.
Swag or room service for a romantic date? I like to mix it up with a bit of both! I've slept out under the
stars in a swag many times - It's the most beautiful thing! Sitting by
the nice warm, crackling fire with someone special, cooking marsh
mellows and damper, enjoying the piece and quiet knowing
that there's no one else around but yourself and your loved one. The
stars are absolutely incredible when there's no street lights in the
way! I reckon that is something everyone should do every now and then.
But it's also nice to be spoilt once in a while
with a beautiful meal cooked for you in a fancy room, 20 odd stories
high overlooking the bright lights of the busy city. Then curling up in
bed to watch a movie eating your favourite dessert!
  Holden Ford... or something else? My very first car was a 1981 WB white Holden ute. I loved that
beast to pieces! Literally! When I get older I want to buy another one
and restore it. Because of my music I have a lot of travelling to do and
my ute was so old things were starting to wear
out and cause trouble. My Dad got so sick of fixing things on it every
time I came home that he sold it to a friend of his! I still really miss
that ute. I then got a 2004 model BA Falcon ute in bright red. She's
such a great reliable ute, she's been really
wonderful to me. I've always had utes to fit my full length keyboard in
the back until just recently... I still have the Ford and drive it
regularly but I also have a little Mini Cooper Chilli out in the
driveway. Boy can that thing GO!
So it's hard for me to pick! At the end of the day, Holden was my first love :)
Favourite food? Everyone
knows that when we go out to the pub for lunch I'll be ordering the
chicken parma with veggies! I'm a bit of a plain Jane when it comes to
food but I'm getting better and more adventurous as I get older! I'm a
really big fan of veggies, but my favourite
fast food is McDonald's and if I was allowed to I reckon I could live on
chocolate alone! In the last 18 months I've become a huge fan of these soup
dumplings! They're just like a regular dumpling only they have soup
inside them as well. There's a place right in the heart of Sydney that
makes them and my husband took me there when we first
met. He had to teach me how to use chopsticks but I'm pretty good at
them now! Every time we're in Sydney we make sure we go there as often
as we can!  Favourite movie? The
movie I've loved for the longest amount of time is Pretty Woman. Julia
Roberts is just stunning and who doesn't love Richard Gere! Total chick
flick! My favourite TV show would have to be the Big Bang Theory!
Doesn't matter how many times I've seen
the same episode it still makes me laugh out loud! Favourite Aussie saying? Crikeys! My friends tell me I say that a lot! If you could have a kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one would you choose and why? I
reckon the ones with fur are all pretty cute! I'm scared of crocodiles
and I don't like snakes. The horse show I toured with used to have a pet
Galah but he was pretty moody. One day he'd want to kiss you on the
cheek and the next he'd be trying to bite
your nose off! They can all be pretty vicious in the wild but I think it
would be fun to have a pet Kangaroo! I've known people that have looked
after little joey's and they're so gorgeous. I love how they hop around
behind you, following you just like a dog
would. I love the pet kangaroo Jayne Denham has in her latest film clip
"Shelter".  Who would you like to trade places with for a day, alive or dead and why? I'd like to swap places with Taylor Swift for a day! I'd be able to
experience what it'd be like to perform in front of those enormous
crowds she attracts at her shows! Her life would be flat out busy but I
like being busy. I could cruise around in her
fancy bus, suss out her songwriting techniques, say g'day to Keith Urban
and Ellen DeGeneres, plus I could hang out with her gorgeous little cat
for the day! I'd like to see how those major shows she puts on
operates. The list is endless! If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find? Haha
funny you should ask that - Not much! I've been flying between Western
Australia and Victoria almost every two weeks for the last 3 months! I
find it better to buy food as I go along when I'm traveling a lot so
nothing goes to waste. I landed in
Perth from Melbourne last night and this time my husband stayed in
Perth. When I got home I looked in the fridge and there's a half full
bottle of mayonnaise and 5 eggs. We don't even have any butter! I don't
know what he's been living on since I've been gone
but all the chocolate has disappeared!  Craziest thing you've ever done?Growing up I had always wanted to go to Nashville. I promised
myself that when I turned 21 I would go over to Nashville, because you
have to be 21 to go into all the honky tonk bars over there and I wanted
to see the music. When my 21st birthday finally
rolled around I really wanted to go to Nashville but wasn't sure I could
afford it. My parents said that when I was ready to go over to let them
know so they could book the flights as that was their 21st birthday
gift to me. I had always planned to go very
soon after my birthday but when it came time I wasn't sure it was going
to work. Four days after my birthday I decided that I was going to go
anyway! Mum booked my flights and 3 days later I was on a plane to
Nashville all by myself! I'd never been overseas
before and had no idea what I was doing. I stayed in Nashville for 3
weeks and had the absolute time of my life!
If you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? Nashville. Ask me any day of the year and that's where I'd want to be every single time. Four words that describe you? Friendly, fun, bling, country! Thanks for popping by for a chat, Courtney. It's been fun! If you'd like to find out more about this amazing woman you can visit her here... Next week I will have Shea Fisher calling in, make sure you swing on by for that one. Until then, keep smiling and dreaming, Mandy xoxo |
Adam Toms, Australian Country Music Artist
| Posted on 27 February, 2013 at 20:22 |
comments (1353)
|
G'day :) This week I'm thrilled to be chatting to the Australian country music artist, Adam Toms. Adam has been nominated in the CMC New Oz Artist of the Year Awards alongside 14 other great acts. He's honoured to be in the mix and would love everyone to pop over to the website following the link below and flick him a vote. You can vote daily up until the end of February (that's today!) and just by voting you go into the draw to win two tickets to CMC Rocks the Hunter in March with all travel expenses also paid for. Remember it's the 'New Oz Artist' section. http://musicawards.countrymusicchannel.com.au/vote/Welcome, Adam, let's get to it mate...  What inspired you to become
a country music artist? I’d
tried the rock/pop/blues thing and I guess I always had the ‘country’ vibe in
there. In the end once I stopped trying to be like other artists and focused on
who I was or who I wanted to be the rest came naturally. Can you tell us a bit about
your most recently released album, or song? The
single ‘Rich Man’ is all about a couple who struggles with all the normal
financial burdens that most of us do. But it’s their love for each other that
makes them feel like the happiest people on earth. What are you working on now? Completing
the album along with a reality documentary of the 9 month tour of Australia I
did with my wife and two young boys. ‘Are We There Yet’ will be packaged with
the new album as a bonus DVD. Have you got a favourite
song that you sing? If yes, what is it? A song that
I sing at nearly every gig is ‘Drift Away’. Originally sung by Dobie Gray but
since covered by many artists. I just love the song.  Swag or room service for a
romantic date? We have had our fair share of roughing it so
I think Mrs Tomsy would go for a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant
anytime!!! Holden, Ford...or something
else? Never really been a car person. However I’ll
never forget my HQ panel van I had when I was younger. Fun times!!!! Still
brings a tear to my eye!!!  Favourite Food? I have to say Pizza – but home made pizza
rocks!!! Favourite Movie? With an 18 month old and a 4 year old its
been a while since I watched a ‘grown up’ flick. Can I say Toy Story 1, 2 or
3??? Favourite Aussie saying? She’ll be right.
If you could have a
kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile,
galah or python as a pet which one would you choose, and why? Wombat – Mrs Tomsy might
say they remind her of me. Who would you like to trade
places with for a day, alive or dead, and why?
Elvis - Who wouldn’t want to be the KING? If I looked in your fridge right now what would I find? Pickles, ham, Cheese, Chocolate,
Coke Zero (for Mrs Tomsy) & Home Brew beer (for me) Nothing
else needed really!!!! Craziest thing you’ve ever done? Become a recording
artist!!!! If you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? Hawaii….. or Bright in Vic – beautiful place. Four words that describe you... Random, silly, funny,
direct Cheers for popping by, Adam, and good luck with everything! :) If you'd like to find out more about Adam please swing by his website... Next week I will be chatting to the wonderful Courtney Conway so make sure you stay tuned for that. Until next week, keep smiling and dreaming. Mandy xoxo |
Amber Joy Poulton, Country Music Artist
| Posted on 20 February, 2013 at 18:27 |
comments (1889)
|
G'day :) Today I have the wonderful Amber Joy Poulton popping by to have a natter with me about her exciting life as a country music artist. Amber Joy's debut original album, Taking Goodbye, is full of traditional Australian country music and has launched her career & reputation as a serious singer & song-writer. Since its release, the album has received two song-writing awards for Best Traditional Song, four songs have entered the Top 30 of the Australian Country Music Charts and Amber Joy has just landed herself a TIARA Award in 2012 for Best Vocal Collaboration for duet, Close Enough, with Doug Bruce. She has spent over 40 weeks in the charts with the album & her biggest hit yet, Break Even, spent over 18 weeks in the charts & made it all the way to Number 5 nation-wide! She is now appearing on Foxtels CMC channel with her new film clip, Show Me. Welcome, Amber, lets get to it...  What inspired you to become a country music artist? Is there any other
kind? Just joking. It's the music. The songs. The
stories. There's so much more to country music than other genres.
You can connect and get more involved with the songs. I did dabble
in other genres in the past in various corporate cover bands but just didn't
enjoy it. I quit a few times and it wasn't till I returned to country
music that I realised where I belonged. From there it was just a natural
progression. Can you tell us a bit about your most
recently released album, or song? I've been promoting my debut original
album, Taking Goodbye for 4 years and it's been such a hit with some chart
success and a few songwriting awards and now it's time for a new album.
Most of the songs have been written and developed now I'm hoping to get
overseas in the new year to record them. I have one more song off the
Taking Goodbye album to release and that will also have a film clip. What are you
working on now? Even though I have
enough songs for the new album, I am still writing. Once you push the
button, it's hard to turn it off. So by the time 2013 comes around I'll
be able to choose my favourite songs. Other than that, I'm gearing up for
Tamworth, a few trips to VIC next year, Norfolk Island and a NSW trip. Busy
times.  Have you got
a favourite song that you sing? If yes, what it is? My "favourite
song" changes all the time. Patsy Cline's Why Can't He Be You was a
favourite for about a year but it's been replaced recently with Tanya Tuckers -
Dancing The Night Away. Swag or room
service for a romantic date? Gosh, have we met?
Room service all the way. Holden, Ford...or
something else? I'm not really a
car fanatic but if I like my Subaru. Favourite Food? Indian Favourite
Movie? I'm terrible.
I love ALL movies. The first one that comes to mind is Australia
with Hugh Jackman and that other woman........what was her name? All I
remember is Hugh. Favourite
Aussie saying? seeeeyalayda  If you could
have a kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one
would you choose, and why? Probably a Koala
cause they're cute and they can feed themselves. Who would you
like to trade places with for a day, alive or dead, and why? Wow, great
question. Ummmm, Dusty Springfield just so I could sing like her for 24
hours. If I looked in your
fridge right now what would I find? Chocolate,
Bacardi.....well that's all I see anyway. Craziest thing
you’ve ever done? Entering the Toyota
Starmaker in 2009 was pretty crazy. A good crazy, just a bit out of
character for me to enter a competition. If you were going on holiday tomorrow, where would it be? Oh take me to Bali
any day. Four words that
describe you... Eccentric, mad,
determined & hungry :) It's been great chatting with you today, Amber! Thanks for popping by. If you'd like to find out more about Amber please swing by her website... Next week I am interviewing the one and only Adam Toms. Make sure you stop by for that one! Until then, keep smiling and dreaming! Mandy xoxo |