By Mitchell Clarke
Sporting a famous country music surname, Andrew Swift is Berwick’s answer to the growing genre of music.
The former Beaconsfield Primary School student used to sing the national anthem in the Monday assembly. Some 30 years later, he’s back and performing his very own music in front of the current staff and students.
Fresh from winning two golden guitar awards at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Berwick local proudly proclaimed his ‘golden ware.’
“It’s great to be back at my old primary school,” Mr Swift said.
“I’ve got such fond memories of being here and singing in our school choir, singing the national anthem every Monday at assembly.
“I’m really glad the school has been following my journey.”
The singer, who grew up in Beaconsfield and now lives in Berwick, was nominated for four golden guitar awards.
He collected the Qantas New Talent of the Year for his single ‘Runaway Train’ and Alt Country Album of the year for ‘Call out for the Cavalry.’
Beaconsfield Primary School’s current Principal Gary Methven still remembers a young Andrew and was pleased to welcome him back.
“It’s really exciting, we’re just so excited he’s one of ours,” Mr Methven said.
“I just remember Andrew being a great kid, always joining in and enjoying his music.”
Being taken on a tour of his old stomping ground, Andrew noted many changes in the 30 years since he attended – including an increase in the number of students, from 250 to 715.
“Everyone has a path or passion, and it’s just great when someone finds that passion and does so well with it,” Mr Methven said.
“I wouldn’t have been able to predict this. It’s nice to see him doing so well.”
Andrew claims that it’s only really in the last five years that his career has started to take off despite originally not wanting anything to do with country music.
“About five years ago, I sort of really involved myself on what country music was and did my research about the different genres,” Mr Swift said.
“I know now it’s where I belong, it’s a great community and it’s has accepted me with open arms.”
Andrew is set to jet off to the States next month, visiting his mum in California before heading to Nashville next month to co-write with some of the best in the country music business.
