By Alana Mitchelson
TWO of Casey-Cardinia’s very own will compete against some of Australia’s best emerging country artists this summer for the Toyota Star Maker title.
The nationwide country music talent search has identified Pakenham’s Meg Doherty and Berwick’s Andrew Swift among 10 finalists due to compete at Tamworth in January.
Doherty, whose music took her to Nashville and New Orleans in July, recalled her first experience watching the music competition back in 2003.
“I felt incredibly small. I felt like the talent I saw was of such a high calibre that there was no way I could possibly enter, ever,” she said.
“So I decided to work. I worked hard; then harder again.
“I learnt from others. I listened. I was appreciative, and I started to dream bigger.
“I respect this competition more than any in the music industry. What it’s done for its winners and the support from Toyota, Cheryl Byrnes from Fairfax Media (Capitol News) and all the elves in Tamworth that make the festival run at such an incredible pace in general, has been second to none.”
Doherty said she was proud of her long time talented friend Andrew Swift also making the finals.
“It’s just amazing that two of the top 10 in Australia are from the Casey-Cardinia region. I believe that is what they call a lot of talent in a small town,” she said.
“I wish Andrew all the best and just can’t wait to see him on that big stage.”
The winner’s prize includes the release of three singles, three music videos, guaranteed performances at major festivals, a Maton guitar, return trip to Nashville and use of a Toyota car for 12 months.
Doherty and Swift will be up against national finalists Angus Gill, Brook Chivell, Cassidy Rae Gaiter, Jade Holland, Liam Kennedy-Clark, Megan Sidwell, Michelle Plozza and Rachael Fahim.
All 10 finalists will be judged and the winner will be announced at the end of the night.
Star Maker co-ordinator Cheryl Byrnes said the event was a great platform for emerging musicians to jumpstart their careers.
“Toyota Star Maker is a fabulous opportunity and it truly is getting harder to judge each year as entrants raise the bar,” Ms Byrnes said.
“For the winner, the title also brings exposure to invaluable contacts in the industry and a variety of exciting challenges.”
Previous winners include Lee Kernaghan, Keith Urban, Beccy Cole and James Blundell.
The Toyota Star Maker free concert begins at 7pm on Sunday 22 January at Toyota Park, Tamworth.
For more information, visit www.megdohertysongwriting.com, www.facebook.com/andrewswiftmusic or www.starmaker.com.au
