My Blog

Connie Kis Andersen, Country Music Artist.

05/09/2013 12:40:00

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CONNIE KIS USA CD Launch Snippets.avi

Live from The Rutledge, Nashville ... May 10, 2011 on the Billy Block Show.Video filmed by The Billy Block Corp. Re-produced with kind permission by Billy Block. All songs performed by Connie Kis ...

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…

www.conniekisandersen.com.au

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

04/17/2013 08:03:00

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Miss You Much - Susan Lily (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Miss You MuchFrom the Album Butterfly out now on CDbaby and itunesVIDEO CREDITS:Dusk Music Video Production - http://www.duskvideo.net.auProduced, Directed, Filmed and Edited by James LopesC...

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

www.facebook.com/SusanLilyMusic

Susan Lily fanclub group FB

www.facebook.com/groups/118960858183483/

Susan Lily blog

http://susanlilymusic.blogspot.com.au/

Until next week, keep smiling and dreaming!

Mandy xoxo

The McClymonts, Country Music Artists

04/11/2013 08:08:00

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The McClymonts - Piece of Me

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

04/03/2013 09:04:00

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The Sunny Cowgirls - Green and Gold (Official Filmclip)

The new single from country sister act The Sunny Cowgirls - Green and Gold - is not only a taste of the duo's soon-to-be-released fifth album, but also a love- song to Australia.Green and Gold was...

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

03/28/2013 10:08:00

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Katrina Burgoyne "Ghost" Music Video

Katrina's spine tingling debut single "Ghost" has been tagged the first of many "drop everything and listen" songs off her debut album. Ghost was inspired by Katrina's fear of the unknown. After ...

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…

http://www.katrinaburgoyne.com

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

03/20/2013 17:14:00

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Troy Cassar-Daley - Home

Taken from his album 'Home'

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.

What are you working on now?I am working on a record with a mate as a special project for next year (top secret)

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

If you could have a kangaroo, koala, wombat, crocodile, galah or python as a pet which one would you choose, and why?

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…

www.troycassardaley.com.au

Until next week, keep smiling and dreaming

Mandy xoxo

Shea Fisher, Country Music Artist

03/14/2013 10:14:00

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Shea Fisher - Getaway Heart (Music Video)

Shea Fisher - Getaway Heart (Music Video) from the album "Shea" released through ABC Music/Universal Music Australia. Video Produced by ABC Music.

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...

http://www.sheafisher.com/

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

Jenn J McLeod, House for all Seasons.

03/12/2013 09:56:00

G'day! :)

Today I have a wonderfully talented author with me, and an all round lovely soul, Jenn J McLeod. Jenn's debut novel, House for all Seasons, has now hit the shelves and is flying off them as fast as they can be re-stocked! I must say how envious I am of her gorgeous-to-die-for-grip-your-gaze cover. It's divine!

Welcome, Jenn, it's so lovely to be chatting to you today...

Thanks for helping me promote my debut novel – House for all Seasons, Mandy.

Having grown up surrounded by music, I’ve enjoyed your country music blog theme a lot.

You might have seen in a recent interview with Good Reading Magazine, I talked about having been influenced by my dad – a multi-disciplined musician who filled our house with tunes from jazz and blues greats. As a kid I was the all-dancing, all-singing brat who, when not being pushed into impromptu performances, was hiding in my bedroom singing into a hairbrush. But later in life, rather than music I chose to write – the computer my keyboard of choice – leaving the old upright piano to languish in the living room and the daddy longlegs to weave their web around the piano’s soundboard and strings while I weave my stories.

On reflection, my earliest writing attempts were probably lyrics. I wrote poems that when combined with a tune (thanks to my bedroom mirror and trusty hairbrush) were like those ‘angsty’ country ballads that can tell an entire story of heartbreak and betrayal in a single song. (I’m sure you’ve heard the joke: if you play a country song backwards, the guy gets his girl and his job back, finds whatever he’s lost, quits crying and leaves the bar sober!)

Of course, you and I share another passion, Mandy – good Australian fiction. So while I’m here I might as well tell you about my debut release…

House for all Seasons

Four women,

Four lives unravelled.

The truth will bind them forever.

Bequeathed a century-old house, four estranged friends return to their New South Wales hometown, Calingarry Crossing, where each must stay a season at the Dandelion House to fulfil the wishes of their benefactor, Gypsy.

But coming home to the country stirs shameful memories of the past, including the tragic end-of-school muck up day accident twenty years earlier.

Poppy, a tough, ambitions journo still craving her father’s approval;

Sara, a breast cancer survivor afraid to fall in love;

Amber, a spoilt socialite addicted to painkillers and cosmetic procedures;

Caitlin, a third generation doctor frustrated by a controlling family and her flat-lining life.

At the Dandelion House, the women will discover something about themselves and a secret that ties all four to each other and to the house - forever.

Small towns can keep big secrets…

Thanks Mandy, and if any of your readers haven’t seen the fabulous Carli and Julie Kennedy - www.cjkennedy.com who helped launch House for all Seasons with their Small Town Stories video clip, they can come home to the country with me right now - www.jennjmcleod.com - and prepare to fall in love. Gorgeous song. Gorgeous scenery. Gorgeous girls.

Thanks for sharing your love of music and the the written word with us, Jenn. It's been wonderful chatting! I cannot wait to start reading your gorgeous novel, and I'm sure it's going to be one that keeps me up into the wee hours of the morning.

Keep smiling and dreaming!

Mandy xoxo

Courtney Conway, Country Music Artist

03/07/2013 12:00:00

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Courtney Conway - "Girly Girl" HD

Music Video

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...

http://courtneyconway.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/courtneyconwaymusic

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

Fiona Palmer, The Sunburnt Country

03/05/2013 09:48:00

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Book trailer for The Sunburnt Country. Release day 27th February 2013. 4th book by bestselling author Fiona Palmer. http://www.penguin.com.au/products/9781921901294/sunburnt-country http://www.fiona...

G'day :)

Today I have the wonderful Fiona Palmer with us and she is talking about the inspiration behind her newest novel, The Sunburnt Country.

Hi Mandy,

Thanks so much for having me on your blog today. I’m really excited to be talking about my new book, The Sunburnt Country.

Here is the blurb: Jonelle Baxter is a young woman in a man's world – a tough, hardworking motor mechanic from an idyllic country family. But lately things in her perfect life have been changing, and her workshop isn't the only local business that's struggling. Daniel Tyler is new in town, posted from the city to manage the community bank. As he tries to rein in the spiraling debts of Bundara, he uncovers all sorts of personal dramas and challenges. The last thing Jonny and Dan need is an unwanted attraction to each other. She has enough problems just keeping her livelihood going and he's fighting pressures that stretch all the way to Perth. It's going to take more than a good drop of rain to break the drought and bring change in love and in life. A moving and heartwarming story about the beauty that's found in the bush, especially in the most trying of times.

The Sunburnt Country covers some really important issues on depression and suicide in the rural community. Statistically the rates of depression/suicide are much higher in rural men than their urban counterparts. It is a really sad fact. So I’ve tried to delve into the mind of a man on the land, the issues he’s dealing with, the pressures from a drought and the bank, along with the emotions associated with his connection to the land and the feeling of hopelessness.

But it’s not all doom and gloom as I wanted to show there is a way out. That there is help out there and nobody is alone. At the moment I’m finding there is a lot of talk around my area on farming and what kind of future it has. So many farms are up for sale, it seems like a new one every month. Already farms have been up for sale for years and no one is buying them. (Except maybe the Chinese…but that’s another topic for later.)

There is not much of a margin gain in farming so when you break even or have too many bad years it sends them backwards. We are witnessing shrinking communities, schools closing, businesses closing and people moving away from the country for an easier life. Even things like our kids having to go away to high school in year seven are affecting our communities. Wives are heading to the cities with their young kids, as it’s a scary prospect sending them to boarding school so young. This leaves the Husband at home, alone on the farm with his confidant miles away. It is something that worries me, as I love this way of life and it scares me to see it all fading away.

Farmers are preferring their kids do trades instead of coming back to the farm. It is joked that by giving your children the farm you are inadvertently giving them a jail sentence. But for some, this joke is almost a reality. It is a great way of life but it’s becoming so much harder to live. Less volunteers around for all the community events and associations puts more of a strain on others and it also means the collapse of clubs. Our tennis and cricket clubs are no more even though we have great facilities. We are struggling to keep our golf club with numbers dwindling. We have to drive so far just to get our kids to tennis lessons or sporting events and a few are asking themselves what it will be like in another 5 to 10 years. Will we want this kinds of future for our kids?

These are scary and sad thoughts. Of which I hope stay just thoughts. I can’t imagine ever moving. I don’t want to trade my life of freedom, space, security and inspiring landscapes for a bigger town. I’m just thankful my kids are still able to enjoy this lifestyle while they are still young and carefree. I know this post may sound a bit sad and gloomy, that was never my intention but I wanted to share what’s been on my mind a bit lately. I find with the release of The Sunburnt Country and the talks that I’m going to, it’s becoming a very strong topic of conversation, the state of our agriculture.

Just remember, without farmers, who will feed us? In the meantime, I will continue to bring stories from the heart of the country, which celebrate the joyous but sometimes heartbreaking lifestyle mixed with all the weird and wonderful characters you’ve all grown to love.

Cheers,

Fiona x

Thanks Fiona, for this deeply moving insight into real issues that are affecting our beautiful rural communities all across Australia. I, too, hold onto the hope that we will never lose our core...our farming communities.

If you'd like to purchase The Sunburnt Country you can get it here...

Kobo...

http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Sunburnt-Country/book-Kr2hkcShSUijDYlpj5dOnA/page1.html

Amazon...

http://www.amazon.com/The-Sunburnt-Country-ebook/dp/B00B11YZOE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362111580&sr=1-1&keywords=fiona+palmer

Booktopia...

http://www.booktopia.com.au/the-sunburnt-country-fiona-palmer/prod9781921901294.html

And if you'd like to find out more about Fiona and her books you can visit her here...

https://www.facebook.com/FionaPalmerRuralAuthor?ref=hl

www.fionapalmer.com

On Thursday I have the fabulous country music singer, Courtney Conway, popping by for a chat. Should be fun!

Until then, keep smiling and dreaming!

Mandy xoxo