By REBECCA BILLS
ALL things country are immersed in singer songwriter Bec Hance’s blood.
She grew up in Lang Lang and is the daughter of a fourth generation beef farmer so she grew up with the bush around her.
The performing country music artist of five years is the down to earth girl next door whose passion and love for Australia clearly emanates from her music.
“I’ve travelled all around Australia singing about the Australian way of life, really celebrating it,” she said.
From a young age Bec’s interest in music began when she learnt to play the piano and her musical talent grew from there.
“When I was about 21 I taught at a singing school teaching piano,” she said.
“I would just doodle and write silly songs, well I thought they were silly, but my boss told me to take my music further.
“And look where it’s taken me.”
The notable country music artist was nominated this year for the CMAA Golden Guitars Bush Ballad category for her commitment to producing beautiful Australian music and nostalgic prose.
“It was something I had always aspired to be nominated for,” she said.
“It made me think, ‘oh wow, I must be doing something right,’ and it’s also given me a lot more lease to pursue my career.
“It’s the playing field to mark up to.”
While she is influenced by the likes of Slim Dusty, Shirley Thoms and Loretta Lynn she said that staying unique and different is at the heart of her musical pursuit
“There are lots of changes in country music and keeping it modern can be a challenge,” she said.
“I’ve found with persistence, people are really liking my stuff.
“You really just have to believe in yourself and not let go of that belief.”
She said she was excited to be launching her fourth album in the same hall that she released her first album in.
“Growing up I used to go to old time dances in the hall with my parents and it has just got this great atmosphere,” she said.
“With my first album release we packed the hall out and I really did expect it at all.
“It was the best shows I ever did and with this new album, I’m really proud of it and excited to share the stories that have made it.”
Bec will start touring her new album, Proud of my Country, in August following its launch in her home town, Lang Lang on 10 August with a fundraiser for the Kooweerup-Lang Lang Rotary Club.
For more information on the event, call 5997 5272.
