1
The Australian Songwriter
Issue 111, December 2015
First published 1979
The Magazine of The Australian Songwriters Association Inc.
2
In This Edition:
On the Cover of the ASA: Johnny Young and Karen Guymer
Chairman’s Message
Editor’s Message
2015 National Songwriting Awards Photos
Johnny Young: 2015 Inductee into The Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame
Karen Guymer : 2015 APRA/ASA Songwriter of the Year
George Begbie: 2015 Winner of The Rudy Brandsma Award
2015 Rudy Brandsma Award Nominees
2015 Australian Songwriting Contest: Top 30 Category Winners
Rick Hart: A 2015 Retrospective
Wax Lyrical Roundup
2015 ASA Regional Co-Ordinators Conference
Interview: The Wayward Henrys
ASA Regional Co-Ordinator (TAS): Matt Sertori
2015 In Memoriam
Members News and Information
Sponsors Profiles
The Load Out
Official Sponsors of the Australian Songwriting Contest
About Us:
o Aims of the ASA
o History of the Association
o Contact Us
o Patron
o Life Members
o Directors
o Regional Co-Ordinators
o APRA/ASA Songwriter of the Year
o Rudy Brandsma Award Winner
o PPCA Live Performance Award Winner
o Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame
o Australian Songwriting Contest Winners
3
Chairman’s Message
To all our valued ASA Members, Wow! I am still recovering from the 2015 National
Songwriting Awards evening. Every year just seems to
get bigger and better, and this one is no exception.
Congratulations to the songwriters who are mentioned
in this e-Magazine, and to all who participated in the
Contest. Without doubt the quality of the songs
improves every year, and so many of our Members
contributed to make our 2015 Competition the best yet. More and more Members are also attending the
star studded Awards Night to join in the frivolities.
That’s fantastic.
I must thank all the Directors, Regional Coordinators
and Sponsors for their assistance in making 2015 a
stellar year for the ASA. Your Board is now taking a short break for Christmas,
before starting out on the daunting task to go one better in 2016. Rest assured that they will be back soon, and working hard to keep the ASA the greatest Songwriters
Association in Australia. In early 2016 they will be announcing initiatives discussed at
the recent Regional Coordinators Conference to give ASA Members more exposure
than ever before, so look forward to that.
In the meantime, Vice Chairman Alan Gilmour has put together a bumper e-
Magazine, featuring highlights from the Awards Night. That should keep you going
for some time. Have a wonderful Season, and remember if you are a songwriter,
you should belong to the ASA.
Denny Burgess
Chairman
Editor’s Message
The ASA Directors and staff are about to head off on well deserved breaks, so we
have packed the magazine with enough reading material to get you through the holiday season.
I would like to thank my fellow ASA Directors for their hard work and dedication
during the year to the important work of the ASA, to the ASA members and
contributors who have provided contributions for the ASA magazine, and particularly to Carole Beck, for her valuable assistance with the magazine, once again, this year.
The Australian Songwriter welcomes written contributions from ASA members and
readers of the magazine. If you have anything that you would like to say about yourself, other songwriters/musicians/artists/new releases or upcoming events,
simply send your contribution via email to the Editor at [email protected].
Alan Gilmour Editor and Vice Chairman
4
2015 National Songwriting Awards Photos
Thanks to everyone who has posted their Awards photos on the internet. We have
taken a selection of these photos for the magazine. The official photos will be available shortly, and will be featured in upcoming editions of the magazine.
8
Johnny Young: 2015 Inductee into The Australian Songwriters Hall of
Fame
Well known Australian entertainment personality,
Johnny Young, was inducted into The Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame by ASA Patron, Glenn A
Baker, at the 2015 National Songwriting Awards.
Johnny is well known as a singer and entertainer, and was also the producer and host of the long
running television show, Young Talent Time, in the
1970s.
Johnny’s songwriting credits include “The Real
Thing” and “The Girl That I Love” for Russell
Morris, “The Star” for Ross D Wylie, “Smilie” for
Ronnie Burns and “I Thank You” for Lionel Rose.
Karen Guymer: 2015 APRA/ASA Songwriter Of The Year
Karen Guymer from Melbourne, Victoria, is the
2015 APRA/ASA Songwriter of the Year.
Karen has been a regular category winner and place-getter in The Australian Songwriting Contest
over many years.
In 2010, she was the winner of the Rudy Brandsma Award. She is the only person to have
achieved the Songwriter of the Year/ Rudy
Brandsma Award double, since Steve Wade
achieved the double in the 1980s.
George Begbie: 2015 Winner of the Rudy Brandsma Award
George Begbie from Hobart, Tasmania, is the
2015 winner of The Rudy Brandsma Award for
Songwriting Excellence.
George has been a long time ASA member and a
regular entrant into The Australian Songwriting
Contest.
Congratulations, George, on your great win.
We’ll be publishing interviews with Johnny, Karen and George in upcoming editions of The Australian Songwriter.
9
2015 Rudy Brandsma Award Nominees
Frank Dixon: Melbourne VIC, “Hello World”; Ray Alferink: Canberra ACT, “Simple
Lines”; and Keri McInerney: Harvey Bay QLD, “Fool’s Game”.
Alex Tobin: Gwynneville NSW, “One More Night”; Michelle Hullett: Perth WA, “Don’t Care No More”; and Bill Murray: Cowra NSW, “Calvary”.
George Begbie: Hobart TAS, “Closing Time”; Andrea Clut: Green Valley NSW, “The
Last Candle”; and Kaylene Carruthers: Elanora QLD, “Believe In Yourself”.
10
2015 Top 30 Category Winners
AUSTRALIA CATEGORY
1. While Women Wait John Walsh & Imogen Clark (NSW)
2. Hippy Cowgirl Wendy Ford
3. Gun Shearer Kathy Coleman 4. Gypsy In My Heart John Williams
5. Murray River Dreaming Glen Naylor, Chris Wilson
6. Aunty Tiny Tony English
7. Country Footy Stewart Peters 8. Through The Eyes of a Boy Wendy Wood
9. Livin’ On Air Lynn Hazelton
10. Clarence River Valley Josey Billing
10. Woman Waiting Rob Imeson
Other Top 30 Placings in Alphabetical Order:
(It's Time That You) Came Home Mike Cardy
A Little Bit Long Way Stewart Peters Another One Down Clair Hayes, Peter Knight
Back Creek Road Kerrie Garside
Bouquets Of Love Lola Brinton, Shawn Lidster
Bow Legs Tony Murphy, Jennifer Matthews, Paul Harris Cabarita Morning Steve Montgomery
City Sounds Charlotte Abroms
Come On People Anica Karu
Fools and Angels Peter Bowen
Fool's Game Keri McInerney Great & Ancient Land Lloyd Clarke
Heart of the Valley Michael Waugh
His Name Was Henry Lola Brinton, Brad Cole
I Remember You Kayelene Carruthers I Wrote This One For You Becci Nethery
Made It To Tamworth Kerrie Garside
Melbourne Kinda Night Mitchell Power
Melita Station Lynn Hazelton, Bill Chambers Poppies Tylah Rose, Jennifer Matthews, Paul Harris
Sydney Morning Christopher Orchard
The Keepers of the Land Graham Howle
Today I Could Be Dead Lola Brinton, Sven Tydeman
11
BALLAD CATEGORY
1. See You Later, Ron Robert McIntosh (NSW) 2. I Lied Danielle Deckard
3. A Hero In Us All Karen Guymer
3. Made For Loving You Donna Dyson, Damien Leith
3. Rolling Over Anirban Banerjee 6. Fly Katie Hardyman
7. Time For Change Dave Power
8. On My Side Elisa Kate
9. I’m Not Finished Yet Christopher Orchard 9. Little Tears Kathy Coleman
9. Love Dances in the Rain Karen Guymer
Other Top 30 Placings in Alphabetical Order:
Big Love Emma-Kate Stampton
February Sky Lloyd Clarke
Fly Away Lori Greco
For You Peter Salata He's Being Your Mum Deborah Robertson
I Feel Sorry For The Stars Tonight Susan Muranty
I'll Stay Here Anita Paul
I'm Sorry Is Just Not Enough Steve Montgomery
It Feels Right Karen Guymer Just Wanna Say Hello Katie Hardyman
Little Piece of Love Karen Guymer, Jacques Gentil
Luckiest Lovers Snez Dalceska
Nothing Short of a Miracle Karen Guymer, Jacques Gentil One More Night Alex Tobin
Roses in Springtime Marty Carmichael
Ruby's Song Kelly Cork
Shooting Star Rick Hart Something I Know Anirban Banerjee
Something to Think About George Begbie
Stronger Than Her Fate Magdalena Macdonald
The Chance Again Lori Greco
The Last Candle Andrea Clut The Little Things (Chloe's Song) Hannah May Bartle
The Wonder Of You Terry Plowman
Undecided Anirban Banerjee
Walls Julia Michaels Weighing On My Mind Rick Hart
What Have I Gotta Do Danny Hooper
What It's All About Jacques Gentil
Where the Willows Weep Glen Naylor, Chris Wilson While Women Wait John Walsh & Imogen Clark
12
CONTEMPORARY POP/ DANCE CATEGORY
1. Undecided Anirban Banerjee (ACT)
2. Give it Up David King, Tim Dutton, Blessie Pica, Anna
Chaplin
3. Taxi Driver Demi Louise
4. End Of The World Danielle Deckard 5. Hello World Frank Dixon
6. Is This Real Kaitlyn Thomas
7. It's Better If We Don't Demi Louise
8. Own Self Francesca de Valence 9. Wild Adventure Alex Tobin
10. Take The Time David Hinds, Lyn Hinds
Other Top 30 Placings in Alphabetical Order:
A Moment to See Karen Guymer
All That Glitters Jackie Ward
Beez In Space Matthew Sertori
Building Bridges Karen Guymer Burn James Hampton, Pat Pattison
Butterflies Andre Leong
I See You Everywhere Michelle Hullett
I Want To Be Out There Geoff Jones It's My Time Jacqui Morrison, Annemieke Morrison
Just Wanna Say Hello Katie Hardyman
Made For Loving You Donna Dyson, Damien Leith
Make Me Happy Emma-Kate Stampton, Kate Heart
My Stupidity Lola Brinton, Kerrie Garside Rear View Mirror Anirban Banerjee
Rolling Over Anirban Banerjee
Second Chance Skii Harvey
Smiling Through Your Sunscreen Brad Petryczkowycz Something I Know Anirban Banerjee
Tell Me I'm Wrong Amy Sugars
The New Bohemians Amanda Easton
Twenty Hannah May Bartle Unsung Hero Aislinn Sharp
Weapon Words George Begbie
Zensday Chris Fisher
13
COUNTRY CATEGORY
1. Silver and Gold Loren Steenkamp (SA)
1. The Midnight Train John Greenwood (VIC)
3. Coming For You Catherine Dobson
4. Cold As Dry Ice Lawrence Neilsen 5. You Ain’t Worth The Rain Natalie Howard, Matt Scullion
6. Made It To Tamworth Kerrie Garside
7. City Boys and Cowgirls Carmelo Cacciola, Jim Harding
8. Everybody (Piece of Gold) Alison Jeeves 9. The Devil's Garden Lola Brinton, Jasper Shelton Hollis
10. Livin’ on Air Lynn Hazelton
Other Top 30 Placings in Alphabetical Order:
1963 Alan Buchan
Beautiful Michael John Horneman, Cielle Monique Kinross
City Lights Rick Hart
Cold Comfort Kelly Cork Country Girls Don't Frock Up Vanessa Lea, Roger Faynes, David Rogerson
Foolishly Glen Naylor, Chris Wilson
Good Things Geoff Yelaska
He Went to Check the Water Graham Howle Home Sweet Home Renee Jonas
I Need You To Hold Me Kathy Coleman
I'd Like To Say Greg Williams
It's a Shame Kathy Coleman
Lately Marty Carmichael Levon Helm Rick Hart
Lonely Town Karen Craigie
Looking Through The Eyes Of A Child: Heath Watts
Many Things Chris Fisher My Heart's On Fire Melissa Robertson
Our First House Kathy Coleman
Springtime In My Heart Jan Wildolf
String Pie Simon Kinny-Lewis The Cowboy On His Horse Terry Plowman
The Dobro Song Geoffrey Williams
Watching The World Fade Away Doug Hendry
Wishing Keri McInerney
14
FOLK/ ACOUSTIC CATEGORY
1. Love My Ghost Julia Michaels & Sven Tydeman (NSW)
2. Enough Cam Nacson
3. You're Here I'm Now Amy Vee
4. Gone David Hyams 5. A Thousand Times Danielle Deckard,
Paul Dougherty
6. Maybe Hugh William Davies
7. Song For The Lonely Katrina Burgoyne 8. Gotta Be Sure Frankie Walsh
9. Poppies Tylah Rose Winyard
10. 24 Hours George Begbie
Other Top 30 Placings in Alphabetical Order:
A Hero in us All Karen Guymer A Song For The Lonely Katrina Burgoyne
All Of That And More Kerrie Garside
Blondie Chris Fisher
Break Free Jodie Boni Broken Bird Rick Hart
Carnivore Sharlene Rainford
Come For The Berries (If Not Quite For Me): Clare
Younis Dear Susan JJ Maclean
Doing Time Peter Bowen
Don't Blow Up the World Until I've Shown You Paris:
Tony King
Fly Too High Karen Guymer
Get That Woman Bronwyn Eather
Head Towards Wonderful Snez Dalceska, Stewart Peters
House on Four Wheels Snez Dalceska, Stewart Peters I Found You Nick Charles
I Wrote This One For You Becci Nethery
I'm Sorry Is Just Not Enough Steve Montgomery
Looking Through The Eyes Of A Child: Heath Watts Lost Control Alex Crook
Mafeking Hill Michael Waugh
Marmalade Jane Graham Howle
Mr Mouse and Me Snez Dalceska, Stewart Peters
Mumma's Little Girl Keri McInerney One More Song Stewart Peters
Santa I Can Explain! Steve Montgomery
Searching Donna Dyson, Damien Leith
The Boss is in Tonight Lynn Hazelton Tomorrow In Australia Andy Kidd
Years of Experience Wendy Ford
You Saved Me Ana Bogdanovic
You've Got Something Peny Bohan
15
INSTRUMENTAL CATEGORY
1. Riders Of The Kimberley Terry Bennetts (WA) 2. The Bridge Nick Charles
3. Watching Billy Play Nick Charles
4. Survive The Night Neville Kaye
5. The Long Haul Jim Ottaway 6. The Jig Is Up Brian Ralston
7. Out Of The Darkness Jim Ottaway
8. My Child's Child RL Clark
9. Fly Katie Hardyman 10. Rocker's Rave Joel Baligod
Other Top 30 Placings in Alphabetical Order:
Bilbo Baggins Bravada Joel Baligod
Chill Me Now Galliano Sommavilla
Dance Macabre Andy Mac Foreboding John Delaney
I Have The Power Philip Feinstein
In Harmony Jesse Marantz
In The Rough Toni Pollard Love Fruits on Life Tree (Violin) Manjia Luo
Mei Mana Michael Angliss
Pride Of the Anzacs March Marion McNamara
SIMplicity Jim Ottaway
Song For Sami Rebecca Achkar Spirit Jan Wildolf
The Trust Of Iron, The Truth Of Steel: Pete Hawkes
Touch Wood Jemma Donovan
Under Fire (Instrumental) Ramos Jakob, Jhay C Violet Cynthia Martin
Whales In Space Colin Billing
Wherever There's Love Rebecca Achkar
Young Australian Soldier Marion McNamara
16
INTERNATIONAL CATEGORY
1. Tell Me Coa Lopez (USA)
2. Waiting Out The Wanting Nitanee Paris 3. A Hero In Us All Karen Guymer
4. One More Night Alex Tobin
5. Guitar Players Get the Girls Debra Gussin
6. Enough Cam Nacson 7. Down The River Lola Brinton, Jasper Shelton Hollis
8. Summer's Gone J. Lucas Aravena
9. C'est Toi et Moi Natalie Jean, Guy R. Jean
10. Love Dances in the Rain Karen Guymer
Other Top 30 Placings in Alphabetical Order:
About the Flight Donna Dyson, Damien Leith
Black Dress Nic Nassuet Brothers Nick Urb
Crazy Angels Michael McGee
Don't React Debra Gussin
Door Okiya Ohkoshi End Of Time Keri McInerney
I Still Love You In Pieces Michael McGee, Luke Maness
I'd Like To Say Greg Williams
It's Christmas Tonight Michelle Hullett
Kaikoura Helen McCreary Let's Sail Away Robert McIntosh
Looking Through The Eyes Of A Child: Heath Watts
Ole! Lou DeAdder
Overcome Steve Krause Pills Cecilia Gault
Playing Possum Michael McGee
Satellites Rebekah Davis
Searching Fadi Awad Spring Lacey Younger
Steps on Water Lilit Bleyan
Superman Alex Tobin
What Am I Supposed To Do? Debra Gussin Wild Adventure Alex Tobin
Your Fire Grant Maloy Smith
Your Smile Roy Williams, Karen Gregory
17
LYRICS CATEGORY
1. I Am Here To Stay Denise Silk (NSW)
1. Memoirs of Vietnam Carmelo Cacciola (QLD)
3. High Country Hideaway Lloyd Clarke
4. Cabarita Morning Steve Montgomery 5. In the Arms of Home Sherilyn Page
6. This Is Where I Leave You Wendy Wood
7. Stop Time With A Kiss Susan Muranty
7. The Music of Summer Sherilyn Page 9. Levon Helm Rick Hart
9. The Boogey Man Magdalena MacDonald
9. Our Hearts Dance Paul Dillon
Other Top 30 Placings in Alphabetical Order:
American Badass Simon Berger
Bleeding Heart Mandi Gaston
Could I Be You? Dean Ramsay Down in the Boneyard Catherine Dobson
Dressing Gown Street Cill Van Der Velden
Further Down the Road Richard Midgley
Gas Lighting Karen Guymer Heart Stops Simon Grose
I Blame The Weather Robert Robert McIntosh
I Feel Sorry For The Stars Tonight Susan Muranty
In Too Deep Gaynor Ann Moran
It Feels Right Karen Guymer Let Me Be Lazy Niels Becker
Lost and Found George Begbie
Mud Over Blood Lloyd Clarke
Murray River Dreaming Glen Naylor Over There And Back (Billy’s War) Steve Montgomery
Sand George Begbie
She Was Born With A Broken Heart Susan Muranty
Stop The Merry-Go-Round Helen Mursell The Other Man Simon Berger
Things I've Learned John Walsh
When You Lose Someone You Love Steve Montgomery
While Women Wait John Walsh, Imogen Clark
18
OPEN CATEGORY TOP 30 2015
1. Building Bridges Karen Guymer (VIC)
2. Cold Comfort Kelly Cork
3. Empire Frank Dixon
4. Til Night Meets The Sun Loren Steenkamp 5. Let's Sail Away Robert McIntosh
6. This Girl John Greenwood,
Jason Greenwood
7. Fallen Jacques Gentile 8. Love Dances in the Rain Karen Guymer
9. Journey Of Ours Dave Power
9. Hot Air Balloon Snez Dalceska, Stewart Peters 10. Don't Walk Away Christopher Orchard
10. Don't Bother Me Skii Harvey
10. Our Little Secret Andrew Bertoia
10. Snowflake Katie Hardyman
Other Top 30 Placings in Alphabetical Order:
A Hero In Us All Karen Guymer
All In Love And War Jonothan Roland Broken Bird Rick Hart
Don't Blow Up the World Until I've Shown You Paris: Tony King
Heat Quentin Clark
House On Four Wheels Snez Dalceska, Stewart Peters
I Am Blessed (Song for Fathers) Andre Leong Is Anybody Home? Wendy Ford
It Feels Right Karen Guymer
I've Been Waitin' Celeste Kate Polson
Just Wanna Say Hello Katie Hardyman Let It Ride Chris Fisher
Lucky Red Coat Snez Dalceska, Stewart Peters
Made For Loving You Donna Dyson, Damien Leith
My Man in Red Renee Jonas, Elizabeth Usher Never Gonna Anirban Banerjee
One More Night Alex Tobin
One More Song Stewart Peters
One Woman Army Mark Crocker, Celeste Newman
Rolling Over Anirban Banerjee Santa I Can Explain! Steve Montgomery
Something I Know Anirban Banerjee
Stop Time With A Kiss (Let Me Love You): Susan Muranty, Sven Tydeman
The Night Train Michael Cafe Turn David King, Courtney Teixeira, Julia Michaels
Undecided Anirban Banerjee
What's the Price of Love Jacques Gentil
Why Would You Sadie Jones You Saved Me Ana Bogdanovic
You, Me & Depravity George Begbie
19
ROCK/ INDIE CATEGORY
1. Heat Quentin Clark (QLD) 2. Your Silence Ben Hobbs, Clint Johannes
3. Undecided Anirban Banerjee
4. Blood Moon Stephen Kermode
5. Deadly Storm Kaitlyn Thomas 6. In Numbulwar Now Stewart Peters
7. Be Someone Karen Lindsay, Greg
Byrne, Kevin Fouche, Mark Fouche, Alex Qasabian,
Billy Handley 8. Turn David King, Julia Michaels,
9. See The Signs Chris Fisher
10. Like This Time With Me Belinda Parsons
Other Top 30 Placings in Alphabetical Order:
A Kick In The Guts Brian Ralston, Gary Carciello,
Aftershock Abbey Slattery
American Guns Tony Murphy, Jennifer Matthews, Building Bridges Karen Guymer
Colour Blind Beck Fielding
Cyclone Nancy Rick Hart
Fallen Jacques Gentil Golden Road Justine Camilleri, Chris Gale
Hell Bent On Finding Heaven Kel Abbott, Anirban Jee
In the Afterglow George Begbie
Just Like I Want You To Michelle Hullett
Little Heartbreaker Karen Craigie Lock The Gate Stewart Peters, Hugh O'Brien
No Compromise John Kairn
One More Night Alex Tobin
One Woman Army Mark Crocker, Celeste Newman Only Love Can Hurt This Much Sam Vartuli
Only Waiting Lynette Smith
Raise It Up Emma-Kate Stampton, Kate Heart
Santa I Can Explain! Steve Montgomery Simple Lines Ray Alferink
So Confused Karen Guymer
Stand And Fight James Morrison
Summer Moon Susan Muranty, Sven Tydeman,
Take The Time David Hinds, Lyn Hinds The Night Train Michael Cafe
West London Boy in the Emerald Town: Tim Jones
Wild Adventure Alex Tobin
20
SONGS FOR CHILDREN CATEGORY
1. The Wombat Wobble Stan Lenz (QLD)
2. Jollyme The Kangaroo Adrian Penny
3. Hand Jive Sharon Miller, Eddy Saul, Michelle New
4. Amazing In Numbulwar Stewart Peters, Snez Dalceska, Numbulwar 5. Life On The Farm Sharon Miller, Eddy Saul, Michelle New
6. Livin’ On Air Lynn Hazelton
7. Late For School Blues Kayelene Carruthers
8. Mighty Girl Clare Younis 9. Monkey Fun Jason Greenwood, John Greenwood
10. Hungry Crocodile Chomp Caroline Simpson
Other Top 30 Placings in Alphabetical Order:
A little Bit Long Way Stewart Peters, Snez Dalceska, Numbulwar
School
Beautiful And True Donna Dyson
Believe in Yourself Kayelene Carruthers Better Get Some Sleep Kayelene Carruthers
Clarence the Cockatoo Carolyn Simpson
Daisy Chains Lloyd Clarke
Drifting Kayelene Carruthers Duggie Dingo Carolyn Simpson, Eddy Saul, Sharon Miller,
Michelle New
Flip Glen Naylor, Chris Wilson
Fruit Salad Jennifer Smith
Hope the Elephant Joel McInnes, Alan McInnes, Brian McInnes, Dean McInnes, Adam Giles
I Love Reading Dez Staunton, Vanessa Staunton
I See You There Sharon Miller, Eddy Saul, Michelle New
It's Enough To Make A Kookaburra Cry: Clair Hayes Looking Through The Eyes Of A Child: Heath Watts
Oh, The Places You'll Go Rob Imeson
Pick It Up Sharon Miller
Santa's Dream Flight Glen Naylor, Chris Wilson Step Outside Karanina Ray
Under the Bed Olivia Corish, Andrea Corish
Who I Am Willow Ryan-Fuller
21
SPIRITUAL CATEGORY
1. Horizon Jason Greenwood (VIC)
2. He Will Hear Lola Brinton, Shane Edwards, Sven Tydeman
3. Fallen (Rev 14:8) Jacques Gentil
4. Faith In Me John Walsh, Mike Carr
5. Don't Blow Up the World Until I've Shown You Paris: Tony King 6. A Million And One Ways To Die Jacques Gentil
7. Spirit World Chris Fisher
8. Gave It All Away Andre Leong
9. A Hero In Us All Karen Guymer 10. I Am Blessed (Song for Fathers): Andre Leong
10. That's How Heaven Works Jacques Gentil, Lloyd Clarke
Other Top 30 Placings in Alphabetical Order:
All Rise Chris James, Jenny James
Believe Again Donna Dyson, Damien Leith
Cast Your Nets John Littrich, Neil McCann, Paul McGee
Don't Stop Believing In Me Jonothan Roland Everything Is Alright Lori Greco
Fly Away Lori Greco
Follow Me Dominic Crea
He's Being Your Mum Deborah Robertson I Need you to Hold Me Kathy Coleman
It's His Blood (featuring Maybelle Galuvao): Alex Varlow
Lessons of Life Leah Briggs
My Faith in You Olivia Corish, Andrea Corish
My Father's House Peter Christie My Shepherd's Call Carmelo Cacciola
Nothing Short of a Miracle Karen Guymer, Jacques Gentil
People Need To Know Jacques Gentil
Simply Paul Somerville Sophia Anna Honeychurch
Stars Bel Thomson, Cody Norris
The Eternal in the Everyday Bel Thomson, Cody Norris
The Light Changes John Kairn Trying To Pray Lola Brinton, Jasper Shelton Hollis
We All Love You Lee Bullock
You Are My Home Lynn Hazelton
You Were There Doug Hendry
22
YOUTH CATEGORY
1. Why Kayla Borg (VIC)
2. Aftershock Abbey Slattery 3. Flames Kayla Borg
4. Is This Real Kaitlyn Thomas
5. Superhero Kayla Borg
6. Hello World Frank Dixon 7. Walk Through The Fire Kayla Borg
8. Deadly Storm Kaitlyn Thomas
9. If Love Was A Given Ciara Muscat
10. Wonderland Abbey Slattery
Other Top 30 Placings in Alphabetical Order:
Back to the Stars Frank Dixon
Best of The Best Sarah Grace Buckley, Molly Buckley Bleeding Lines Caitlin Gardner
Bones Of Steel Hannah Parrington
Empire Frank Dixon
Erick Mikhayla Trope FG Chic Jared Gibson
Get you to stay Willow Ryan-Fuller
He Doesn't Know Bridget O'Shannessy
Home Tamsin Cantwell
Just Wait and See Leea Nanos, Frank Dixon Narcissist Eleanor Gardner
New Summer Karanina Ray
Not Today Zoe Boot
Now I Know Georgia Knight, Ben Wilcox Safe Ground Caitlin Gardner
Solid Ground Anna Leathem
Take Her Taylor Pfeiffer
There For Me Sophia Chesworth This Is Our Time Kayla Borg
Tide Anna Leathem
Till The End Kayla Borg
USA Chelsea Berman
23
Rick Hart: A 2015 Retrospective
Rick Hart has now handed
over the title of 2014 APRA/ASA Songwriter of the
Year to Karen Guymer.
2015 has been a big year for
Rick, so we asked him to write a short retrospective of
his year as Songwriter of the
Year.
“When I went attended the ASA Awards in November
2014, I had hoped that my
current single at the time,
“Spiral”, may take out the Ballad Category in which it
had been nominated. Little
did I know, or expect, what
was to come. Not only did “Spiral” take out the Ballad
category, but at the end of
the night, I almost fell off my
chair when I heard my named called as the winner
of the ASA Songwriter of the
Year award ... the big one.
“To be recognised amongst so many talented songwriters, and so many entrants nationwide, was overwhelming, humbling and one of the greatest thrills I will ever
experience. To be recognised for the thing I love most (songwriting), among my
peers, and by such a well known and respected organization such as the ASA, was
even more rewarding.
“I love songwriting, the creation of a song, and its evolution to becoming something
you as a writer hold so dear.
Opening Doors
“The award has brought with it so many opportunities and helped open so many
doors. In fact, on the back of the award, 2015 has been a very busy but extremely
rewarding year, with many highlights.
“The prize money alone (thanks to the ASA and APRA), allowed me to complete the
recording and mastering tracks for my first album, due in the early part of 2016. I
was able to work on many more tracks with producer Michael Zammit, who also produced “Spiral” and “My Hesitation”, for which I won the Ballad category in 2012.
“I put a new band together to start playing live around my home town of Melbourne.
The Sweet Addictions have afforded me an avenue to take my music to live audiences. The members of the band reached out to me on the back of hearing my
24
“Spiral” EP, wanting to be a part of my musical journey. We continue to build a
presence, and will be aiming to play several summer festivals in 2015/2016. The
very mention of the award has also made venues more aware and interested.
“I released my new single, “City Lights”, in mid 2015, which spent 6 weeks in the
Country Tracks Top 40 charts. The song, and another track from its release, “Broken
Bird”, were also short-listed in their respective categories for the 2015 ASA awards.
“City Lights has received great airplay support and has now been picked up by some
international radio networks (USA and UK). Late 2016 will see promotion for the
single ramp up in the USA, especially.
“I have been invited by a host of radio programmers to perform live to air or partake
in interviews. One of the main talking points was always being the ASA Songwriter of
the Year award.
“I have been in or interviewed for several print publications, including the
international “Anglos In The Wind” magazine. This is the well known, Anglo Indian
(my heritage) publication, which tells the stories of Anglo Indians world wide and
their achievements. The magazine was seen by my family and friends in not only Australia, but India, USA, UK and Canada.
But perhaps, one of the most rewarding outcomes was being asked by a mother who
earlier this year lost her young son Daniel. As part of her grieving, she took to writing poetry. Upon hearing “Spiral”, she reached out to me to turn two of these
writings into songs, perform and record them. “No Time For Goodbyes” and “Fern
Trees” were the two collaborations and they are now available on iTunes and will be
part of a tribute CD she is putting together. To be asked by someone to be involved in something so personal to them was totally humbling.
This and the pride of my loved ones, family and friends and the ability to share my
joy with them has been something I will never be able to stop smiling about.
With the constraints of time and money, independent artists look to all opportunities
to open doors and create a name for themselves, and winning the ASA award helped
immensely on that front. It is a moniker that I tightly and proudly hold on to and
advertise. More than being a performer, first and foremost, I see myself as a songwriter and it is this aspect I love above all else.
That is why to be recognised for my writing, my ability to create music and songs
that other people enjoy and relate to is the biggest reward.
The Road Ahead
2016 promises to be even bigger and better. With my next single “Levon Helm” (also short-listed for the 2016 ASA awards) to be released by the end of 2015 and my first
album to follow around March 2016, there’s so much music still to come. Not to
mention the catalogue of songs I have yet to record and will start work on the next
album in early 2016.
The ASA has long been a great supporter of mine, and I will always owe a debt of
gratitude for that support and their recognition, friendship and putting on one hell of
a night.
36
2015 ASA Regional Co-Ordinators Conference
Photo: The 2015 ASA Regional Co-Ordinators Conference was held on
Saturday 5 December in Sydney. (L-R): Alan Gilmour (Vice Chairman), Melinda J Wells (Dalby & Toowoomba QLD), Denny Burgess (Chairman), Ben
Patis (Director), Mike Cardy (Perth WA), Clare Burgess (Director), Hugh
Brown (Brisbane QLD) and Wendy J Ford (NSW Northern Rivers).
Absent from Photo: Bob Grigoroff (WA), Trevor Shard (VIC), Angelo Pash
(Sydney and SA), Kerrie Garside (NSW Central Coast), Matt Sertori (TAS),
Chris Whitington (Newcastle NSW) and Kieran Roberts (ACT).
Many of the ASA’s Regional Co-Ordinators were in Sydney for the National
Songwriting Awards and the opportunity was taken to hold a Regional Co-Ordinators
Conference on the following day.
Congratulations also to the Regional Co-Ordinators who took out placings in the 2015
Australian Songwriting Contest:
Wendy J Ford 2nd place, Australia Category
Mike Cardy Top 30, Australia Category
Matt Sertori, Top 30, Contemporary Pop/Dance Category
Kerrie Garside 6th place, Country Category Wendy J Ford Top 30, Folk/Acoustic Category
37
Interview: The Wayward Henrys
I was pleased to welcome Natalie and Brock Henry, a.k.a. The Wayward Henrys,
as my guests on the Thursday afternoon show, on radio TodaysCountry94one, on 22 October 2015, to sing, and play and talk about all things Wayward.
Alan: Welcome Natalie and Brock. Would you tell us something about The Wayward
Henrys?
Natalie: We’re just a three piece band at the moment. We have a bass player who
never turns up to interviews (laughs). We’ve been gigging and touring and
everything’s going really good and we’re just about to make an album, so that’s
really exciting.
Alan: How did you get the name, The Wayward Henrys?
Natalie: Our name is Henry, obviously, and when we had our bass player come along with us (he’s a little bit strange), I decided we’d have to change our name.
Now, he’s not a Henry, obviously, but that’s what we did.
Alan: I hope he’s not listening (laughter).
Natalie: I hope he is (more laughter).
Alan: You call yourselves an alternate country group. What do you men by alternate
country?
Brock: I suppose its roots based folk/country music. It’s such a broad spectrum.
Natalie: I’d say we’re on the folky side of country.
38
Alan: You were up at the Murwillumbah
Country Roots Festival just recently. How did go up there?
Natalie: It was just so amazing, it was
a beautiful festival. Our friend, Richo had Richo’s Roundup, a songwriters'
morning, every morning of the festival.
It was an amazing time and we made
some really good friends up there. Greta Ziller and Jen Mize have decided to
come down to Newcastle and do a tour
with us. We met Greta for the first time
in Murwillumbah, which is good.
Alan: And who else was playing up at Murwillumbah?
Brock and Natalie: Everybody. There was Bill Chambers, Kasey Chambers, Harry
Hookey, Lou Bradley, Lachlan Bryan, Kelly Cork, Jen Mize, The Button Collective. All really good stuff.
Alan: Well, you’ve brought your guitars in with you so we’re about to hear a song.
Would you like to introduce it?
Natalie: We actually have an argument about what this song is going to be called. I
call it Heather, but we’re gonna go with A Thousand Reasons. What’s it about Brock?
Brock: It’s just a good old love ballad. I suppose in all relationships, you have your
ups and downs. I suppose you just have to decide whether it’s worth sticking it out,
and if it is, you gotta do it.
Alan: Over to you, then.
(The Wayward Henrys perform A Thousand Reasons).
Alan: Great song. So guys, I understand that you were doing a bit of songwriting at the DAG station at Nundle with Lachlan Bryan, Tamara Stewart and Kevin Bennett.
Can you tell us a bit about that?
Natalie: Yeah, it was a fantastic time. I don’t know whether you’ve ever been to the
DAG sheep station, but it’s just the most beautiful place, and there’s so much
inspiration there. I wrote a beautiful song with Lachlan called Baby Don’t Cry.
Brock: Johnny K. has a great thing going on up there. It’s a really good environment
for songwriters. We met Karl Broadie and Allyce Simmons up there, and songwriters
from New Zealand, it was great. There was about thirty of us there.
Alan: And how long does it go for?
Natalie: Five days.
Alan: So you lived on the station?
39
Natalie: Yes, we stayed in the sheds.
The trek out to the showers at night was
a bit freezing, though. (Laughs). Apart
from that, it was awesome.
Alan: What time of year is it held?
Natalie: July (laughs). It was absolutely
freezing every day, icy! (laughs).
Alan: Do you get to write with a
songwriter of your choice, or do they
choose?
Selfie time: Alan Gilmour, Natalie Henry and Brock Henry.
Natalie: It’s usually picked out of a bucket. Each person gets one co-write, but if
you wanted to write another song…. I wrote another one with Kevin Bennett,
because I absolutely adore him and I asked him and he said yes. When you’ve got
people like Kevin Bennett and Allan Caswell who are prepared to give you all the
time in the world, it’s unreal.
Alan: And you’re heading down to Melbourne shortly to do some recording with
Lachlan, are you?
Natalie: We’ve actually been down there already and have done half the album, so
we’re just going down to do the other half. We had to do it in sections, because we
have three kids and, actually they’re listening today, they’re all at school. We’re
going down after Tamworth. As soon as we finish all the crazy gigging, we’re going
down to finish it off. It should be brought out, maybe February (2016).
Alan: And where can people buy your music?
Natalie: You can buy it directly from us on Facebook, or you can go to Bandcamp
and collect it there as well.
Alan: We have another song coming up. I’ll let you introduce that.
Natalie: Here’s Blue Moon.
(The Wayward Henrys perform Blue Moon).
Alan: Thanks guys for coming in.
Update: We have recently made our very first film clip to be aired on CMC in early
January called Early Grave. It’s an allegory of a murderer’s tale and how we, as the
human race, need to slow down, as we’re all heading to an early grave.
We’re super excited about Tamworth 2016 and have a heap of shows on, and hope
to see a few familiar faces. For more information, you can visit
www.facebook.com/thehenrysmusic.
Alan Gilmour
40
ASA Regional Co-Ordinator (TAS): Matt Sertori MATT SERTORI:
Crime fighter by day... original music saviour by
night.
Story: Jenna Cesar.
Photo: Sarah McGregor.
Original artwork: Matt
Sertori.
“The first time I met Matt
Sertori was at an
Australian Songwriter’s Association (ASA) event
at The Telegraph Hotel
around 12 years ago.
“He approached me from
the other side of the bar
and with no other
introduction asked if I enjoyed listening to the
music of David Bowie. My
reply: Affirmative - and
after this one qualifying question, he handed me
a business card, shouted
‘Call me’ and disappeared back around the bar.
“The card read ‘Matt Sertori – Regional Coordinator - Australian Songwriter’s Association’. I flipped it over and it said ‘Mathew Sertori – Parole Officer’. I wasn’t
sure quite what to make of him then, and not much has changed over the past
decade.
“Matt is a social justice lawyer who maintains an active presence in the local music
scene, and has done much to position local original live music where it is today.
“12 years ago when I first started doing it, there was no scene. You couldn’t get a
show as an original artist at any venue. I started Australian Songwriters Association
events monthly at the Telegraph Hotel. I rang everyone I know who was a musician,
and everyone said yes.”
“200 people attended opening night and 12 years later that residency is still going
strong. Matt claims it’s the longest residency in the history of the state.
“Everything steamrolled from there. The Brisbane, The Alley Cat, The Loft, The Lark
Distillery, Irish Murphy’s - all started doing live music. The Republic started doing
original music 7 days a week.”
41
“This stemmed from the
success The Telegraph was
having, getting up to 400 covers a night as well as local
press coverage of the events.
“Matt was approached by various venues to host music
events and realised he could
be in business, so he launched
events management company Loud Music with then-
girlfriend, Jennifer Cossins.
While working under this
banner, Matt organised 200 events a year, winning an
Amplified Music Award for best
contribution to the Tasmanian
music industry (2008) as well
as a life-time achievement award from the Australian
Songwriter’s Association.
Matt Sertori. Photo by Productions of Troy
“Today, in addition to being Regional Co-Ordinator for ASA (Tasmania), he is also
Vice President of Music Tasmania, and has formerly been a Chairman of the Arts
Tasmania funded record label, Big Fish Music, The Writer’s Centre of Tasmania and
The Fringe Festival (Additional background courtesy of musictasmania.org).
“Matt has worked with scores of prominent local talent – Lincoln le Fevre, Tony
Brennan, Sam Bester, Aria award winner Debra Manskey. He got Top 10 Aria Music
Charting artist Chris Coleman his first gig at age 14, and even housed him for a
while. In addition to Chris, Matt rates The Bedroom Philosopher among some of the most interesting musicians he’s worked with. Matt met him at a camp for troubled
youth, when the artist was just 15.
“He was writing a lot and I said, ‘you’re really good with words, you should play
guitar and write songs’ and I encouraged him to write songs and got him his first gig, and he ended up getting in the Triple J hottest 100 – he got 3 songs in over a few
years”
“Matt spends a lot of time talking-up and helping out fellow musicians, but he is also an established artist in his own right. Matt’s duo Butterscotch Pony got 2 songs
(‘Bicycle’ and ‘Why do Bees Die in Space’) in the ASA top 30 song contest this year,
and played the Falls Festival on the Regrowth stage in 2014 and 2015. You can
check them out here: facebook.com/ButterscotchPony1
“As well as being a comedic musician Matt is also a visual artist. His iconic self-built
living space high in the hills of Fern Tree doubles as a personal art gallery, boasting
it’s own bar salvaged from a café, and indoor grass covered stage - complete with a
pink flamingo. Matt has named his house and venue The Mothership Connection
(presumably after US funk band Parliament’s first studio album) and the stage after close friend and occasional musical collaborator Deb Manskey.
42
“His latest venture? Touring artists open the Tassie leg of their national tours doing
invite only shows in what is essentially his lounge room. ASA award winning Brisbane
based artist Francesca de Valance headlined two Mothership Connection events before releasing her debut album Own Self which entered the Aussie iTunes charts at
No 9 (fdvmusic.com).
“Tassie musician George Begbie is another regular visitor to The Debra Manskey stage who’s enjoyed a successful run in the ASA awards this year, as well as radio
station Triple J’s unearthed competition (triplejunearthed.com/artist/george-begbie).
“I asked Matt what had inspired the shift from more traditional venues…
“Years ago when you’d do these shows you’d get big audiences and the irony is as
social media took off, giant TV’s and the Pokies came in and lots of venues got shut
down, and suddenly it was very hard, and even very talented established artists were really on struggle street. The pubs only cared about the sound of the cash
register, and audiences became less respectful, talked through sets...
“So I thought, my response to that was, now that the music industry is dead, no-one
buys CD’s, what can I do? And I thought, you’ve got to come up with a big idea, something spectacular, and I had this vision: Build a giant stage in my house with a
pink flamingo on it and a tombstone with the date of my death.”
“Matt had googled ‘date of my death’ sites and ordered a tomb stone from an online company. Unfortunately it never arrived.
“So I got a PA system, got a bar from Marmalade Café, and in a frenzy I just set it
up. Did I know people would come? If you make an intelligent product, you find an intelligent audience.”
But was it successful?
“Even though I’m 10 minutes out of town, for a lot of people that’s going to Mordor, in Lord of the Rings. But every event has been successful in that the quality of the
music and the response of the audiences has been phenomenal. I think for the artist
to go to an audience where every single person in that room is there for your music
and want to hear music, that is really special and the audiences are very enthusiastic and they’re often a lot of musicians. Everyone wants to play there. I get loads of
people calling me from other states who wanna play. It’s been a success, and I don’t
do it very often, but when I do it’s very special and I go all out.”
“Since Matt began this project there’s been an increased tendency towards home-
shows in other states.
“For me, home gigs, getting out of the bars, getting out of the venues, that’s my response to the music industry being dead. You get creative, you get imaginative,
you do something no-one else has done.”
“While writing this article I was fortunate enough to be invited to one of Matt’s
events at The Mothership Connection.
43
Pictured: Matt Sertori,
The Sign, Darcy le Froy,
Sara-Jane Neep. Photos: Productions of Troy, and
unknown. Original
artwork: Matt Sertori.
“After the show I
interviewed headliner
Sara-Jane Neep
(@sarajanesings) to see what she made of it all.
“Sara was down from
Melbourne promoting her new EP Let’s See How This
Plays. It was her first
official gig at The
Mothership Connection,
and first time playing with guitarist Brock Nadler in
over 2 years, but she plans
to play The Mothership
again in a couple of months when her tour is in
full swing. She described
the venue as ‘homely’ and
having a ‘really good vibe’.
“I asked her what
advantage she gained from
playing a home-show over
playing at a more traditional venue:
“It’s a bit more intimate,
and people are just here for the music. You go to a
bar and it’s half-assed.
“Some people are coming for the music, but a lot of
people are just coming to
have drinks with their
mates, so it’s a bit more of a concert setting, which is nice.”
“Also promoting new album C The Sign were local electro acoustic folk-rock duo The
Sign. I spoke to their better half Jo Volta who also cited ‘intimacy’ and ‘ease’ as
favourable factors in playing this kind of venue. She had this to say:
“For the musicians who tour, home style shows are their lifelines and I believe that
more musicians will flow naturally towards home shows. There are a few networks
set up in Australia - Australian House Concerts which is similar to the American
44
House concerts circuit. They are very well organised and booked sometimes 12
months in advance. A house concert may not suit every band but I think it is
definitely another avenue.”
“You can catch the duo throughout December at The Claremont Hotel, Homestead,
The Globe and The Republic, before they re-emerge next year with a full band and
international tour to launch their new album (Pre-order here: thesign.com). They’ll also be playing a couple of home-shows! Watch this space for upcoming events at
The Mothership Connection: facebook.com/matt.sertori
Matt Sertori: “I think home-shows might be the future, let’s see…”
Photo: Matt Sertori and The Mothership Connection. (Photo Productions of
Troy).
-0-
45
2015 In Memoriam
We would like to advise any readers who are from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
decent, that the following article contains images of deceased people.
Since last year’s National Songwriting Awards, there has been another batch of
writers who have left us…most at a premature age unfortunately. They include:
James Cruickshank: 1962 – October 2015 (53 years)
Most distinguished as a performer, James also
worked in songwriting collaborations, notably contributing to the sound track of the ABC
documentary Bombora. James was prolific in his
work. He completed a BA before joining and
finding great success with The Cruel Sea, playing guitar and keyboards, and touring with
Nick Cave.
In 2005 he collaborated with singer songwriter
Gyan and cartoonist Michael Leunig, resulting in the luminous record Billy The Rabbit. James
also worked on collaborations with Tex Perkins.
In 2010, James toured Europe with the Kill
Devil Hills, generating remarkable CD sales and invitations from several French festivals to
return.
In recent years James lived under an old church on the North Coast of NSW,
sometimes playing pipe organ to the local congregation. He died of cancer after a
brave fight, listing one of the gifts of the illness as having been able to feel so loved by the people around him. He was described as a man of fierce passion and
intelligence who had the best laugh ever heard.
Nathaniel O’Brien: 1996 – November 2015 (19 years)
Singer, songwriter and X Factor contestant, Nathanie passed away
recently after a performance in South
Australia, when the car he was driving (on
his own) hit a tree.
Nathaniel was a scholarship recipient of
the Country Music Association of Australia,
and had penned the song ‘Without You’
which he released last year. Music reviewers had described him as an
exciting young performer who was
changing the perception of Country music
in Australia.
Although still a teenager, Nathaniel had won many fans, and performed a lot,
including at Tamworth Country Music Festival. In fact, he was also a finalist in the
46
Australian Country Music People's Choice awards, which are due to be announced at
Tamworth in January.
Veteran country music broadcaster Wally Sparrow said Nathaniel’s voice was
spectacular and pitch-perfect. Mr Sparrow also praised him for his songwriting talent.
Daevid Allen: 1938 – March 2015 (77 years) Daevid Allen, also known as Divide Alien,
was an Australian poet, composer and
performer, who made a name for himself
as the founder of progressive rock groups Soft Machine and Gong. Traveling to
England in 1961, as was necessary for
many artists in those days, he ended up
spending many years there, as well as in France and Majorca.
As guitarist and singer with Gong, Daevid
helped forge a kaleidoscopic sonic palette
capable of expressing the most whimsical of imaginings, which would influence later
generations of rave and electronic musicians. Always the edgy non-conformist, he
enjoyed working in many different incarnations of Gong, was able to perform
alongside Sting and Stewart Copeland, and also, upon returning to Australia in 1981, gave serious attention to his poetry while also becoming involved in numerous
electronic and improvisatory musical projects.
He took a brave and philosophical approach to his diagnosis of cancer.
Doug Rowe: 1945 – July 2015 (70 years)
Actually born in New Zealand but establishig
his career in Australia, Doug formed The Flying Circus in 1968. He was the leader
and main songwriter of the band, and with
it, became one of the pioneers of Australian
country rock, after intial success with the bubblegum pop genre.
Though it was not one he wrote, no doubt
Doug would have enjoyed us mentioning that the band’s first hit ‘Hayride’ was
actually banned in New Zealand at the time
(1969) for its suggestive lyric ‘making love in the hay’!
In 1971, The Flying Circus went to Canada where it achieved significant success.
Doug set up his own studio there, and stayed until 1982. When he returned to
Australia, he continued to play in bands, including Pig Iron Bob and country rock
band, Grand Junction, which went on to win a Golden Guitar at the Tamworth
Country Music Festival.
Doug’s sudden death earlier this year was a sad loss to the Australian music scene,
as well as his extensive and loving family.
47
Audrey Auld: 1964 – August 2015 (51 years)
Another great songwriter sadly lost to cancer, Audrey was a Country music singer songwriter, born in
Tasmania. She recorded with numerous musicians
including Bill Chambers, Kieran Kane, Fred
Eaglesmith, Mary Gauthier, Dale Watson, Kasey Chambers, and Carrie Rodriguez. Texas country singer
Sunny Sweeney had success with her song "Next Big
Nothing”. Audrey also had songs placed on the FX TV
shows "Justified", "Longmire", "NCIS: New Orleans" and "The Good Guys" and she won an ARIA nomination for
Best Country album.
In 2003 Audrey moved to California, and then to East Nashville, where she quickly became a beloved part of
Music City. Always one to give something back, she
hosted songwriting workshops for inmates in San
Quentin Prison from 2007 till 2013.
Audrey was described as ‘really loud, funny and honest, but incredibly spiritual as
well’.
Bob Randall: 1934 – May 2015 (81 years)
An Australian Aboriginal elder and
community leader, Bob had great success
as a singer and storyteller. At about the age of seven, he had been taken away
from his mother and station owner father,
under the government policy which
forcibly removed thousands of half-caste
children from their families. He spent many years questioning the system,
educating himself and searching for his
family.
Eventually, he had a major impact on the awareness of the Stolen Generation with
his song ‘My Brown Skin Baby, They Take ‘Im Away’. This song opened the doors for
indeginous songwriters throughout Australia. Prior to the recognition of this song,
Bob led a country music band that played around regional Aboriginal communities. He continued to write songs, perform and be involved in written publications and
documentaries.
His lifelong efforts to retain Aboriginal culture and restore equal rights for all living were recognised in 1999 when he was named NAIDOC's "Person of the Year", and in
2004, he was inducted into the NT Indigenous Music Hall of Fame, recognising the
historical significance of his classic story songs.
48
Jack Grimsley: 1925 – June 2015 (89 years)
An Australian musical director and composer, Jack
worked as the MD at Network Ten between 1966 and 1988. He also worked on many compilation albums
involving various styles of music,
including jazz and swing music.
Jack was responsible for the creating the theme music of Wheel of Fortune and Sale of the Century in
Australia. Other shows he worked on included Blankety
Blanks, Benny Hill Down Under, and The Price is Right
(Ian Turpie era). His orchestra provided the score for the musical Say It With Music.
Working with many famous musicians, including John
Williamson, Jack played piano on his albums Road Thru
The Heart and Boomerang Café. His other instrument was the trombone.
Margot Moir: 1959 – January 2015 (56 years)
Born in Scotland, but growing up in Melbourne, Margot was the middle sister of The Moir Sisters,
who had the 1974 hit ‘Good Morning How Are You’
after winning the New Faces contest. All the sisters
were songwriters and credited their material collectively. After a number of releases with the
band, Margot pursued a solo career.
Margot’s unique voice and stunning high harmony was recognised by her being hand picked for the
inaugural Whispering Jack tour by John Farnham
himself.
Still beautiful, Margot died from complications of diabetes.
Allan Browne: 1944 – June 2015 (almost 71 years)
Allan was an inspiration in the jazz world,
composing and recording prolifically. He was
the original drummer of The Red Onion Jazz
Band in the 1960s, from which The Loved
Ones formed. In the 1980s, he established
quartet Onaje, which was invited to perform
at the Festival International de Jazz de
Montreal in 1993.
49
In 2013, for service to music as a jazz musician, and to the community, Allan was
awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM).
He died unexpectedly from after being admitted to hospital with an infection. His
death was described as a "double trauma" for the Melbourne jazz community, with
the famous venue Bennetts Lane Jazz Club closing its doors and Allan actually having
been booked to perform on its closing night.
Jazz pianist Paul Grabowsky said ‘Allan Browne was in my view the single most
important jazz musician that Melbourne has ever produced. He rose up through the
traditional jazz world and was able to share the knowledge and experience he gained
with generations of young people. Allan represented the very ideal jazz musicians
aspire to which is integrity, honesty and the determination for self-improvement at
all times.’
Peter Anson: Circa 1944 – August 2015
A dynamic lead guitarist emerging in the 60’s, Peter’s
band was once billed as the 'The Great Unwash' at 'Surf City', where they were not appreciated by rockers or
sharpies. The 'surfies', however, detected something
grand. Peter, with his long unkempt hair, rigged out in a
motley collection of corduroy and denim and guitar in tote, was a sight to behold. The band went on to
become the Missing Links.
Peter ended up playing in a variety of other band,
including Jeff St John and the Id, Foreday Riders, Roger Janes, Wild Oats, Syndicate and Chincogen. His
songwriting developed in the '90s, showcasing a
Hawaiian style.
Sadly, Peter became another legend to fall to the
tyranny of cancer this year.
Allan Fryer: 1955 – 2015 (60 years)
Allan was the frontman for the Australian
band Heaven, and co-wrote with the
guitarist. He famously auditioned for AC/DC following the death of Bon
Scott but narrowly lost out to Brian Johnson
Formed in 1980 in Sydney,
Australia, HEAVEN recorded three albums —
"Twilight Of Mischief" (1982), "Where Angels Fear To Tread" (1983) and "Knockin'
On Heaven's Door" (1985) — and toured
throughout the United States during the
1980s. The group's original style was similar to that of AC/DC but in later years went in a more commercial heavy metal direction along the lines of JUDAS PRIEST.
Allan passed away after a long battle with cancer.
50
Members News and Information
1. Songwriters Meeting Point
Perth WA lyricist, Patrick McMurray, is
looking to pursue musical collaboration
with like minded composers
ASA member, Henry Hamad, is a
lyricist who is looking for someone who
would like to add music to his lyrics. If
you can help Henry, please contact him
Looking for somebody? Contact us on
2. ASA Member Francesca de Valence’s New Album
'Own Self' by the exotically named
Francesca de Valence is a mature and
uplifting collection of songs by an
accomplished and self-assured artist.
Listening to this album for the first time, I can't help but ask the rhetorical
question, what will it take for this gifted
songwriter and beautiful vocalist to
become a household name?
From the eye catching album art to the
pop sensibilities to the stunning
production values, she leaves me with a genuine sense that I have experienced
the greatest debut of any Australian
artist this side of the millennium. How
often is it said these days, that literally every song could be a single or feature
in an iconic scene from an art-house
European film?
The diversity of depth and quality material is truly breathtaking and humbling. If at times the listener is left with an unbearable weight of sadness, Lions and Tigers and
Bears, other moments, most notably the joyous title track, the pop perfection of
Blind Spots, and dance orientated, Yellow, are truly magnificent affairs of the heart.
Concluding with a country lament, Roadside, is a charming diamond in the rough, a
lovely stripped back number composed for voice and acoustic guitar. 'Own Self' is
pure joy.
Thanks to ASA TAS Regional Co-Ordinator, Matt Sertori, for this review.
51
3. Katie and Debra Go To Hollywood
ASA member, Katie Hardyman,
attended the Hollywood Music In Media
Awards on 11 November 2015, where
her song, Fly, was nominated in the
Adult Contemporary section of the
contest. Katie is the holder of the ASA’s
Rudy Brandsma Award for 2011.
While at the awards, Katie met up with
US songwriter, Debra Gussin, who was
the 2012 winner of the ASA
International Category.
Photo: Debra Gussin (Left) and
Katie Hardyman (Right).
4. Who’s So Vain?
After keeping quiet for more than 40
years, Carly Simon has admitted that
her song, You're So Vain, is about
Warren Beatty, but only one verse of it.
She told People magazine: "I have
confirmed that the second verse is
Warren", but she said the other verses
refer to two other men.
The 70-year-old star, who is releasing
her autobiography, said she doubts she will ever name the other men. "I don't
think so, at least until they know it's
about them." Asked if Beatty knew
about his role in the song, she said
"Warren thinks the whole thing is about him!"
The song, about a self assured man who has women falling at his feet, was a hit
around the world when it was released in 1972. The lyrics in the chorus accuse him of being "so vain I bet you think this song is about you". But the mystery of who the
man the song was based on has been the subject of speculation ever since. They
included Simon's first husband James Taylor, or one of her ex-boyfriends, such as
Warren Beatty, Cat Stevens or Kris Kristofferson.
She has denied speculation that it was about record company boss David Geffen or
about Mick Jagger.
Story courtesy of BBC News.
52
5. The Australian Country Songwriters Show
The Australian Country Songwriters Show provides an opportunity for ASA
members and friends, who write and record in the country and country crossover
genres, to receive air play for their songs.
The show airs on TodaysCountry94one on Monday nights at 9.00 pm. The show is
available over the air waves to the NSW Central Coast and lower Hunter Valley, and
over the internet to Australia and the world.
The show’s playlist currently includes music from the following ASA members and
friends: Karen Guymer, Rick Hart, Kathy Coleman, Alex Tobin, Ali Jeeves, Jason
Greenwood, Magdalena MacDonald, Lori Greco, Tylah-Rose, Dean Ramsay, Terry
Bennetts, John Greenwood, Abbie Cardwell, Kerrie Garside, Lola Brinton & Jasper
Hollis, Lloyd Clarke, John Kairn, Justin Standley, Becci Nethery, Alicia Mills, Natalie
Howard, Michael Waugh, Rob Imeson, Kate Lush, John Walsh & Imogen Clark, Mike
Cardy, Melanie Gray, Donna Pinkney, Kelly Cork, Steve McNaughton, Rebekah
MacKay, Robert Cini, Graeme Hobson and Samantha Mooney.
If you’d like your songs considered for airplay, please contact Alan Gilmour on
[email protected] or [email protected].
And in breaking news…. The Australian Country
Songwriters Show has been announced as a finalist in
the 2016 People’s Choice Awards.
The awards ceremony will be held in Tamworth on 21
January 2016, in conjunction with the Tamworth
Country Music Festival.
Fingers crossed for a great result.
53
Sponsors Profiles:
1. Shen Yun
2. Ashton Musical Instruments and Accessories.
The Ashton brand was born in Sydney, Australia in 1997. Our local design team features some of
Australia’s most revered craftsmen, engineers,
product specialists and musicians who oversee their
creations from concept right through to the factory
floor. It is the talent, knowledge and commitment of our team that allows us to deliver on our philosophy
– to offer musicians everywhere the highest quality
instruments and equipment at very affordable
prices. So, whether you’re after a guitar, bass, violin, drum kit, keyboard, amplifier, PA system or
accessories to match, you can be sure that we can
provide you with the best tools to support your
musical journey.
54
The Load Out:
The Directors and Staff of the ASA would like to wish everyone a safe and happy
festive season. We look forward to catching up with you all again in the New Year.
In the meantime, we’ll leave you with this Golden Oldie………….
55
Official Sponsors of the Australian Songwriting Contest
The ASA would like to acknowledge the assistance of all of its sponsors for
supporting us in our activities throughout the year. The ASA is a not-for-profit association and could not undertake its activities without the assistance of its valued
sponsors.
We would encourage ASA Members to use the services of our sponsors wherever
possible.
56
About Us
The Australian Songwriters Association Inc. is a national, not-for-profit,
member organization, dedicated to the support of songwriters and their
art, by providing avenues for encouragement and education of developing
Australian songwriters, and recognition and promotion of our accomplished members.
Aims of the Association
To celebrate the art of songwriting;
To assist and encourage developing Australian songwriters;
To provide information and general advice to members;
To create performance opportunities for members;
To aid the professional development of members;
To enable members to meet and/or exchange ideas and information
To facilitate member transition into the established music industry;
To facilitate delivery of member services at a National, State and Regional
level;
To salute our best songwriters at major industry events such as our National
Songwriting Awards Night.
History of the ASA
The Association was founded in Melbourne VIC in August 1979 by the late Tom Louch
(1932-2009) and the late Rudy Brandsma (1944-1983), who saw the need for an
organisation that would bring Australian songwriters together.
Today the Association has a vibrant membership Australia-wide and enjoys an
established and respected role within the music industry.
The ASA’s membership is diverse and embraces and explores all genres of music.
Contact Us
Mail: Locked Bag 18/178 Newtown NSW 2042 Australia
Phone/Fax: (02) 9516 4960
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.asai.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/asamusicians
www.facebook.com/australiansongwritersassociation
Youtube: www.youtube.com/austsongwriters
Patron: Glenn A Baker
57
Life Members: Tom Louch, Rudy Brandsma, Russell Zimmer, Dominic Crea,
Marie Murphy, Colleen Zulian, Alex Bialocki, Brian Henderson
Ward and Kieran Roberts.
Directors:
Denny Burgess Chairman
Alan Gilmour Vice Chairman, Public Officer, Financial Officer, Online Content Manager and Editor of The Australian Songwriter Magazine
Clare Burgess Director and Secretary
Ben Patis Director and Manager of Regional Co-Ordinators
Regional Co-Ordinators
Trevor Shard Melbourne VIC [email protected]
Matt Sertori Hobart TAS [email protected]
Angelo Pash Sydney NSW [email protected]
Chris Whitington Newcastle NSW [email protected]
Kerrie Garside Central Coast NSW [email protected]
Wendy J Ford Northern Rivers NSW [email protected]
Mike Cardy Perth WA [email protected]
Melinda J Wells Dalby & Toowoomba QLD [email protected]
Hugh Brown Brisbane QLD [email protected]
Johnny Dee Bribie Island QLD [email protected]
Angelo Pash Adelaide SA [email protected]
Kieran Roberts Canberra ACT [email protected]
Webmaster:
Dean Mackin, F1 Internet Services
APRA/ASA Australian Songwriter of the Year 2015:
Karen Guymer (VIC)
Rudy Brandsma Award Winner 2015:
George Begbie (TAS)
PPCA Live Performance Award Winners 2015:
Terry Bennetts (WA) and Imogen Clark (NSW)
58
Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame:
2015: Johnny Young
2014: Kate Ceberano
2013: Garth Porter (Sherbet)
2012: Don Walker (Cold Chisel)
2011: Steve Kilbey (The Church)
2010: Richard Clapton
2009: Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool, Mondo Rock)
2008: Doc Neeson, John Brewster & Rick Brewster (The Angels)
2007: Brian Cadd
2006: Glenn Shorrock, Beeb Birtles & Graeham Goble (LRB)
2005: Russell Morris
2004: Harry Vanda, George Young & Stevie Wright (The Easybeats)
Australian Songwriting Contest Award Winners 2015:
John Walsh and Imogen Clark (NSW) (Australia Category)
Robert McIntosh (NSW) (Ballad Category)
Anirban Banerjee (ACT) (Contemporary Pop/Dance Category)
Loren Steenkamp (SA) (Country Category- Joint)
John Greenwood (VIC) (Country Category- Joint)
Julia Michaels and Sven Tydeman (NSW) (Folk/Acoustic Category)
Terry Bennetts (WA) (Instrumental Category)
Coa Lopez (USA) (International Category)
Denise Silk (NSW) (Lyrics Category- Joint)
Charlie Cacciola (QLD) (Lyrics Category- Joint)
Karen Guymer (VIC) (Open Category)
Quentin Clark (QLD) (Rock/Indie Category)
Jason Greenwood (VIC) (Spiritual Category)
Stan Lenz (QLD) (Songs For Children Category)
Kayla Borg (VIC) (Youth Category)
This publication is © 2015 by The Australian Songwriters Association Inc.,
ABN 12 140 838 710, and may not be re-used without permission. The
views expressed in this magazine are the views of the writers and may not
necessarily reflect the views of the ASA. The ASA acknowledges and thanks all sources from which information for this magazine was obtained.