Sunburnt Country Music

Lisa De Angelis grew up in Sydney and now lives in Brisbane, where she makes cowboy music for city slickers. She is a multifaceted artist who seamlessly blends her talents as a songwriter, performer, and storyteller. She’s also a dream to interview, giving thoughtful, interesting and often funny answers, so I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it.The reason for the chat was the release of her new single, ‘Wildwood (Time to Grow Up), and De Angelis opens up about the lessons she learned from a long-distance relationship, and how that experience has shaped her growth and maturity as a person and an artist. She also talks about working with partner Paul Bain on the production (he also plays drums and production on the track) and with musicians Michael Moko (guitars, banjo, mandolin), Gabi Louise (fiddle) and Sonic Edwards (bass). One of the standout aspects of De Angelis’s artistry is her ability to craft stories that resonate deeply with her audience. Drawing inspiration from her time as a tour guide, where she mastered the art of engaging and captivating audiences, De Angelis brings the same level of energy and authenticity to her live shows. She speaks of the importance of creating an ‘experience’ for her audience, rather than simply performing a set of songs. As a songwriter De Angelis reveals that she often doesn't fully understand the meaning behind her own lyrics until the creative process is complete. This organic and intuitive approach allows her to tap into deeper emotional wells, resulting in poignant and relatable songs that explore the complexities of relationships, growth, and self-discovery. De Angelis’s journey as a performer has been marked by both personal and professional challenges, including a significant hearing loss in one ear. Rather than letting these obstacles deter her, however, she has embraced them as part of the tapestry of her creative expression, seamlessly weaving them into her live performances. In the interview De Angelis speaks of the magic that can be created in the live performance setting. She believes in the intrinsic connection between performer and audience, and her commitment to leaving her audience feeling uplifted and empowered is inspiring. As De Angelis prepares to release her upcoming album, fans can look forward to more captivating stories, heartfelt lyrics, and electrifying live performances. Listen to 'Wildwood (Time to Grow Up)' on Apple MusicListen to 'Wildwood (Time to Grow Up)' on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website 

Ella Powell has a habit of writing and recording truly lovely songs, including the singles ‘Along the Way’, ‘Country Love’ and ‘Paper Town’. She’s now collecting these singles in an EP, The End of the Beginning, to mark this creative part of her life. In this interview Powell shares insights into her artistic evolution, the joys and challenges of collaboration, and the lessons she's learned as an emerging independent artist. The Storytelling Essence of Ella Powell's MusicPowell’s songs have always been deeply personal, drawing from her own life experiences and emotions. ‘I love that all my songs, they do tell a story,’ she explains. ‘They're all from personal experiences, and I've sort of been able to draw on my early life in my teen years because all these songs were written in my teenage years.’This intimate connection with her music is evident in the way she approaches the songwriting process, always striving to capture the essence of her personal journey. The Journey of CollaborationWhile Powell initially found it challenging to collaborate, she has since embraced the joys of working with other artists. ‘I think it's just fun,’ she says. ‘You just throw ideas out and it's just with so many people, it's just, you know, non-judgmental. Throw it out there, see what sticks and just bouncing ideas off because the way someone else looks at it is totally different to the way you do.’ This collaborative spirit has allowed Powell to explore new creative avenues and push the boundaries of her songwriting. Navigating the Challenges of an Independent ArtistAs an independent artist, Powell has had to navigate the complexities of the music industry, from understanding the technical aspects of releasing music to the ever-evolving landscape of social media, emphasising the importance of maintaining a realistic perspective and staying true to her artistic vision. The End of the Beginning and the Road AheadWith the release of The End of the Beginning EP, Powell is marking a new phase in her creative journey. She explains that the songs on the EP reflect a personal and musical evolution, as she has grown both as an artist and as an individual. As she prepares to enter the studio and share new music, Powell’s excitement and passion for her craft are palpable, promising an even more captivating chapter in her artistic odyssey. Listen to The End of the Beginning on Apple MusicListen to The End of the Beginning on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website 

Dave Kent is a singer-songwriter from the south-west of Western Australia who cut his musical teeth in punk and in Margaret River. He has released the singles ’80 Proof’ and ‘Country Music’ and his third single is ‘Honky Tonk Dreams’.The Beginnings of a Musical JourneyKent’s musical roots can be traced back to his childhood, where he was exposed to the The Beatles and classical music during family road trips. It was the discovery of the iconic British band Oasis, however, that truly ignited his love for music. As he grew older, Kent’s musical tastes evolved, and he found himself drawn to the soulful melodies of country music, particularly the works of artists like Zach Bryan and Alan Jackson. Navigating the Margaret River Music SceneGrowing up in the picturesque town of Margaret River, Kent has been a fixture in the local music scene, playing in a variety of bands across different genres, from punk rock to jazz. The town's vibrant live music venues, such as Settlers Tavern and Clancy's, have provided him with ample opportunities to hone his craft and connect with fellow musicians. The Honky Tonk Dream Takes ShapeKent’s music took a significant turn when he began to explore his passion for country music and songwriting. His latest single, ‘Honky Tonk Dreams’, showcases his ability to blend his unique perspective with the classic sounds of the genre, as he navigates the distance between his hometown and the country music mecca of Nashville. Collaborations and ConnectionsKent’s musical endeavours have led him to forge valuable connections within the Australian country music scene. His work with acclaimed producers and musicians such as James Neuhausen, Michel Rose, and Gabi Louise has helped to shape the polished and engaging sound of his singles ‘80 Proof’ and ‘Country Music’. Looking AheadAs Kent continues to explore his honky tonk dreams, he has his sights set on expanding his reach beyond the borders of Western Australia. With upcoming performances at the Ekka in Brisbane as well as plans to visit Tamworth in the new year, Kent is poised to share his unique brand of country music with audiences across the country. Listen to Dave Kent on Apple MusicListen to Dave Kent on Spotify

In this insightful interview, I talk with rising Sydney-based artist Braydin Good to discuss his musical journey, the inspiration behind his latest single ‘Honest’, and his experiences playing live in Sydney. Good’s love for music was ignited at a young age, with his father teaching him to sing and play guitar in early childhood, with Good recording his first song in his dad's friend's studio before he even reached the age of five - although he hopes that recording never sees the light of day! Growing up, he was immersed in a musical household, with his father playing local shows and Good soaking up influences like Matchbox Twenty and John Mayer. While Goood was passionate about music from a young age, he actually steered away from it a bit during his high school years, instead focussing on his basketball pursuits. However, when the pandemic hit and shut down his sporting activities, Good rediscovered his love for songwriting and guitar. He then began playing open mic nights in the town of Griffith, honing his craft and building up the confidence to perform his own original material. Good’s songwriting talents emerged with the release of his first single, ‘She Ain't You’, earlier this year. But it's his latest single, ‘Honest’ that really showcases his emotional depth as a lyricist. Written about the aftermath of a break-up (and produced by Alex Mather), Good poured his heart into the track, delivering a vocal performance that is both vulnerable and powerful. When discussing the recording process, Good reveals that it only took a few takes to capture the raw emotion he wanted to convey. As an artist, he finds it easy to reconnect with those feelings when performing the song live, knowing he's telling his own story rather than someone else's. We also talk about one of Good’s favourite venues to play: The Beer Shed in Sydney, which he praises for its supportive and attentive country music crowds, as the listening-room atmosphere allows the music to truly shine. As Good looks to the future, he's already hard at work on new music, with plans to release another single later this year. In the meantime, he’s playing regularly around Sydney so audiences will find him there.Listen to 'Honest' on Apple MusicListen to 'Honest' on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website 

Dean Weston, an artist hailing from the central coast of New South Wales, has had a remarkable musical journey that has spanned decades. His lifelong passion for music began in childhood, when he and his sister received their first guitars for Christmas. As a young musician, Weston found inspiration in the music of his parents' record collection, which included the likes of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and Neil Diamond. ‘There were always records playing in the house,’ he says, ‘and the story is that they told me that the records were playing when I was a baby.’Weston and his sister, along with a neighbour who played drums, formed their own little band as children, describing their homemade setup with biscuit tins and wooden spoons. The influence of iconic artists like Pink Floyd and Eric Clapton would later shape Weston's guitar playing and songwriting style. ‘When I think about being a guitarist, I think of David Gilmour and Eric Clapton,’ he shares. ‘I used to watch the videos as well, not just listening to the albums, you watch them play and there's some guitarists that you just go, “I like this. I just like the way he plays."’ Weston's songwriting prowess blossomed during his university years, when he admits he spent more time writing music than completing his assignments. After a brief hiatus from music, Weston found himself in a covers band, where he met a female vocalist who would become his creative partner. This became a fruitful collaboration, with Weston and his partner co-writing songs and performing together. It was during this time that Weston began to gravitate towards the country rock genre, finding it a better fit for his songwriting style. ‘It's a very song and guitar orientated genre,’ he explains, ‘whereas the rock side, the popular rock side doesn't seem to be filling that void.’ Weston's latest release, the EP Giving All I Have, features the single ‘It's Easy’, which has evolved from its Fleetwood Mac-inspired origins to its current upbeat, radio-friendly sound, is a testament to Weston's collaborative spirit and the guidance of his producer, Peter Stevenson. As Weston looks to the future, he is excited to continue his musical journey, with plans to record more original material and bring his live performances to larger stages. Listen to Dean Weston on Apple MusicListen to Dean Weston on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website 

Adele Oliver grew up in the wheatbelt of Western Australia and now lives in Broome. She grew up partly in the adrenaline-fuelled world of car racing and her favourite sport now is rodeo – and it led to the creation of her latest single, ‘Wiley Blue’. The song's origins lie in a chance encounter with a bull of the same name, which was ridden at a rodeo by her partner at the time. In the song Oliver weaves the narrative of the bull ride into a metaphor for a relationship, capturing the intensity and fleeting nature of both. ‘I wanted to capture that experience and the feeling of standing there on the other side of the rail watching him completely, heart stopped, time standing still … But then I also wanted to go a little bit further and to capture what that meant to him and what rodeo means for so many people that are in that world.’Oliver’s own musical journey has been a winding path, from her early days of harmonising in the back seat of the car to her discovery of the power of songwriting in high school. The influence of Australian artists like Missy Higgins, Kasey Chambers, and The Waifs can be heard in the development of her vocal style and storytelling abilities. ‘It has been a steady journey for me in that each year I do more and more and more, and I start to realise that this music is not just a passion and a fulfilling aspect of my life, but something that I have to do. Because I notice when it starts to get put to the side, I start to question a lot more about life around me.’During our interview Oliver talked about her unconventional entry into the music industry, as her health promotion degree led her to a job in Fitzroy Crossing that ultimately ignited her passion for music and its healing properties. This experience equipped her with invaluable skills, from sound engineering to running live events, which she now brings to her own musical endeavours. These are skills she now brings to her recorded and live music in the vibrant community she calls home.Listen to 'Wiley Blue' on Apple MusicListen to 'Wiley Blue' on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website 

Saralyn is a singer and songwriter from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales who released her first single last year in the wake of attending a songwriting retreat at Kasey Chambers’s Rabbit Hole Studio. Since then Saralyn has consistently released lovely singles, and consolidated her impact by just winning the 2024 Mother Tone Talent Search at the Gympie Music Muster.It was clear from speaking to Saralyn that she takes nothing for granted, in life and in music, and that she makes the most of any time she has to write and perform. This open-hearted joy in her art is infectious, and her songs are infused with it, making for rich listening experiences that are as musically satisfying as they are heartwarming.In this interview Saralyn’s passion for all aspects of her art shines through, as she shares her journey from early school talent shows to her current collaborations with her sister, Angela Rose, with whom she wrote her latest single ‘I Hope That You’ll Remember’. The sibling duo's creative partnership is a testament to the power of family support and the magic that can arise when two artistic minds come together. The bittersweet sentiment of watching her children grow up is beautifully woven into the lyrics for Saralyn’s song, capturing the universal longing to preserve those fleeting, precious moments. Listeners are sure to be enchanted by the warmth and authenticity that radiates from both the song and the accompanying music video, which was made by Jake Davey.As a mother of two young children, Saralyn has had to balance her music career with her family responsibilities. In this interview she also discusses the importance of carving out dedicated creative time, as well as allowing inspiration to strike spontaneously.Listen to Saralyn on Apple MusicListen to Saralyn on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website 

At 21 years of age Lucy Parle has already released an EP and several singles. She took out first place in the teen category of the International Songwriting Competition in 2020 and was named a standout performer in Triple J's Unearthed High in 2020 and 2021. In this interview, we delve into Parle’s beginnings in the EP course at Palm Studios to her recent successes, including her latest single, ‘Best of Me’.Parle’s love for country music has been a constant throughout her life, with influences ranging from Kasey Chambers to Taylor Swift. During the interview she reveals how her voice and artistry have naturally gravitated towards the country genre, where she feels most authentically herself. Country music star Gina Jeffreys and her Tuesday night songwriting group have been instrumental in Parle’s growth as a songwriter. Joining this community of seasoned professionals as a 14-year-old was a daunting yet transformative experience, pushing her to develop her craft and confidence in the collaborative environment fostered by Jeffreys and her husband, Rod McCormack. It’s also led to Parle’s single ‘Best of Me’, which she wrote with McCormack and Sam Gay. Parle also made a video for ‘Best of Me’ with Golden Guitar winning videographer (and artist) Duncan Toombs, shot on the bustling streets of Sydney and featuring Parle’s beloved dog, Charlie. We talk about the video and Parle’s passion for animal welfare.As Parle looks ahead, she reveals plans for a forthcoming album, set to be released in the middle of next year, while also performing live on the Central Coast of New South Wales, where she lives, with venues like the Avoca Beach Theatre among her favourite performance spaces. Parle has worked diligently to develop her craft alongside esteemed professionals, in turn becoming a songwriting teacher and approaching it all with humility and passion. There is no doubt that ‘Best of Me’ is just the start of her bringing her best to the world of country music. Listen to 'Best of Me' on Apple MusicListen to 'Best of Me' on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website 

Originally from Michigan in the USA, singer, songwriter and performer Sandee Facy now lives in Melbourne. Her musical journey is one of passion, perseverance, and profound personal experiences. Facy’s musical roots run deep, as I discovered during our recent interview, in which she recounts her early days training as a mezzo-soprano at the prestigious Interlochen School of Music in Michigan. This rigorous training laid the foundation for her powerful and emotive vocal delivery. Growing up in a household filled with diverse musical influences, from country legends like Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt to classic rock, Facy’s musical tastes were shaped by her older brother, whom she describes as a ‘rock star’. This eclectic upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for storytelling through song, a quality that has become a hallmark of her own songwriting. It wasn't until later in life that Facy discovered her true calling as a songwriter. Inspired by the loss of a dear friend's daughter, she penned her first original song, ‘Hummingbird’, which she shared with her friend’s family. Their overwhelmingly positive response encouraged Facy to embrace her newfound passion, and since then, she has released eleven original songs. Perhaps her most poignant creation is her latest single, ‘Next Heartbeat’, which was inspired by the love letters her father, a World War II airman, wrote to her mother during his training and service. As Facy recounts, her father would write her mother a letter every single day, signing each one with the promise, ‘Your next heartbeat is me’. Facy wrote ‘Next Heartbeat’ with her regular collaborator Michael Saleta.Looking ahead, Facy is excited about the prospect of showcasing her original songs live, both with her band Last Tram Home and in intimate acoustic settings. It was fascinating to talk to her about her live experiences, in particular, as she has such great insight into performance. Listen to Sandee Facy on Apple MusicListen to Sandee Facy on SpotifyFollow Sunburnt Country Music on InstagramFollow Sunburnt Country Music on Facebook Sunburnt Country Music website