Gerringong’s Kevin Sullivan, 54, has been selected to take part in the Country Music Association of Australia’s 2018 Senior Academy of Country Music for aspiring singers, songwriters and musicians.
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Sullivan, 54, is a singer/songwriter with more than 25-years experience playing throughout Australia.
He has performed as the headline act at the famous Birdsville and Innamincka races.
“I've been a member of the Country Music Association of Australia for a few years,” he said.
“The CMAA has played an important part in changing the country music industry in Australia and with Tamworth coming up, I saw the Senior Academy Course advertised on the CMAA website and I jumped at the opportunity to learn and network with some of the best artists in the country and the other talented musicians undertaking the course.”
A natural storyteller and family man, Sullivan's forthcoming album 'Belonging' is inspired by the people and places of his life and travels.
The songs explore his own connectedness to his history as well as the stories of every day Australians, often capturing love, tragedy and hope in the lyrics.
“My music has always been a reflection of my own journey and experiences so it's really important for me to keep talking to new people, listening to their stories and sharing mine,” Sullivan said.
“I want to absorb everything I can about songwriting, performing and ultimately to grow as an artist myself.
“I have just finished my second album, ‘Belonging’ which I will be releasing in early 2018, so I am keen to learn more about the business side of music as well as how best to promote and market my songs.”
Sullivan said he draws inspiration from the likes of Slim Dusty, Casey Chambers and in particular Keith Urban.
“Four years ago I was in Nashville and Keith Urban was the main act, amongst a crowd of over 20,000 – It’s inspiring that he has become the number one selling country music artist in America,” he said.
Artists ranging in age from 16 to 54, will attend the academy in Tamworth for two-weeks in January.
The 29 students are coming from all over Australia and even India – a first for this event.
“Welcoming a student from as far away as India brings a real international flavour to the academy and we are sure Sharon Russel will learn plenty about the Australian country music industry and his fellow students will learn plenty from him,” academy general manager Roger Corbett said.
Academy director Lyn Bowtell said the the students will undertake the world-class intensive music and business course under the guidance of some of the best artists in the country.
“They can expect to work hard, but grow as artists and people over those two weeks and the changes we see in them is incredible,” she said.
“The course gives them the chance to learn all they can about the music industry and form lifelong bonds with other aspiring singers and songwriters and award-winning artists.”
Tutors include Ashleigh Dallas, Kevin Bennett, Lachlan Bryan, Simon Johnson, and assistant Liam Kennedy-Clark who will be joined by special guests to speak to the students about the business side of music, songwriting, media, and other vital aspects of the modern music industry.
The course began in 1997 and has seen the likes of Lyn Bowtell, Brooke McClymont, Adam Eckersley, Travis Collins, Ashleigh Dallas, and Judah Kelly graduate.
The students will celebrate the completion of the course with their graduation concert at West Tamworth League Club on January 19.
You can catch Kevin Sullivan live on Wednesday, December 20 at the Kiama Farmers’ Market and then on New Year’s Eve in Hindmarsh Park, Kiama.
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