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The Australian Songwriter

Issue 111, December 2015

First published 1979

The Magazine of The Australian Songwriters Association Inc.

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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

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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 alang@asai.org.au.

Alan Gilmour Editor and Vice Chairman

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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.

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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.

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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”.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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“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.

25

Wax Lyrical Roundup

Perth WA 6 October 2015, Elephant and Wheelbarrow.

26

27

Central Coast NSW 12 October 2015, Settlers Tavern.

28

Brisbane QLD 11 October 2015, Retro Bar.

29

Central Coast NSW 9 November 2015, Settlers Tavern.

30

Toowoomba QLD 19 November 2015, Ground Up Espresso Bar.

31

32

Brisbane QLD 8 November 2015, The Retro Bar.

33

Dalby QLD 27 November 2015, Melinda J Wells Music Studio.

34

Sydney NSW Christmas Wax Lyrical, 5 December 2015, Concord Bowling

Club.

35

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.

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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.

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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

Patrick@patrickmcmurray.com.

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

on henry.hamad@gmail.com.

Looking for somebody? Contact us on

alang@asai.org.au.

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.

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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

alang@asai.org.au or admin@todayscountry94one.com.

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.

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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.

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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………….

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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.

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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: asanationaloffice@asai.org.au

Website: www.asai.org.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/asamusicians

www.facebook.com/australiansongwritersassociation

Youtube: www.youtube.com/austsongwriters

Patron: Glenn A Baker

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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 trevors@asai.org.au

Matt Sertori Hobart TAS matts@asai.org.au

Angelo Pash Sydney NSW angelop@asai.org.au

Chris Whitington Newcastle NSW chrisw@asai.org.au

Kerrie Garside Central Coast NSW kerrieg@asai.org.au

Wendy J Ford Northern Rivers NSW wendyjf@asai.org.au

Mike Cardy Perth WA mikec@asai.org.au

Melinda J Wells Dalby & Toowoomba QLD melindajw@asai.org.au

Hugh Brown Brisbane QLD hughb@asai.org.au

Johnny Dee Bribie Island QLD johnnyd@asai.org.au

Angelo Pash Adelaide SA angelop@asai.org.au

Kieran Roberts Canberra ACT kieranr@asai.org.au

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)

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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.