By Rama Gaind
There’s nothing like a tragedy to galvanise the community into helping those in need.
Like so many great people and organisations across Australia, the Country Music community has been immediate in creating ways to raise money for flood victims.
ABC Music’s country music artists have come together to create a 13-track digital album, Country Music Supports Flood Victims, to help raise money for the many thousands of people affected by the floods. The proceeds from the sale of the album will go to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal.
All of ABC Music’s local country roster – Lee Kernaghan, Sara Storer, Catherine Britt, Steve Forde, Jasmine Rae, McAlister Kemp, Shea Fisher, Warren H Williams, Peter McWhirter and new artist Corey Colum, have donated tracks for the $10 digital album.
Sara Storer has conveyed the thoughts of all the artists:
“Watching the television coverage of the Queensland floods tragedy unfold from my home in Darwin, it has been hard to comprehend the enormity of the devastation. Queensland has always been one of my favourite places to tour and I have made friends with a lot of people throughout the state during the past ten years, many of whom have been directly affected by the recent events. My heart goes out to all those who have lost relatives and friends as well as those whose homes and property have been damaged or destroyed. I pray that recovery comes as quickly as possible”.
Adam Brand, from Compass Bros Records, has also contributed to this release, with his appearance on ‘Spirit of the Bush’ with Lee Kernaghan and Steve Forde. Kev Carmody also appears on ‘Children Of The Gurindji’ with Sara Storer.
ABC Music’s international artists have also been immediate in supporting Country Music Supports Flood Victims. Among them are Canadian artists Doc Walker, who performed shows at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Brisbane and Sydney. In March last year, Doc Walker performed shows in both Toowoomba and Brisbane and they were keen to contribute anything they can to help victims of the floods when they get here.
Chris Thorsteinson from Doc Walker said: “We have been shocked and saddened by the reports we’ve heard and seen through the media on the floods in Queensland and throughout Australia. It is a shame that the beautiful area we were able to tour last year is being affected with such a disaster. We extend our prayers and wish for everyone’s safety and a quick conclusion to this unfortunate event in Australia”.
While ABC Music’s other international artists Emerson Drive and Dean Brody, both of whom who will perform in Australia for the very first time at the CMC Rocks The Hunter festival in March, have also donated tracks.
Multi-ARIA winning designers Debaser have donated their graphic design expertise for the album cover and all label and publishing royalties have been waived for this release.
Country Music Supports Flood Victims is released exclusively through Bigpond Music, who have also agreed to waive their royalties and pass them onto the flood appeal.
ABC Music has thanked the artists, publishers, managers, Debaser, Universal Music, Bigpond Music and everyone else who donated their talent, time and expertise for the production and promotion of this unique digital album.
Country Music Supports Flood Victims can be purchased at www.bigpondmusic.com
Track list shows notable compilations which will be sure to please. Enjoy!
1. Spirit Of The Bush – Lee Kernaghan, Adam Brand & Steve Forde
2. Children Of The Gurindji – Sara Storer (featuring Kev Carmody)
3. Country Singer – Jasmine Rae
4. All Kinds Of Tough – McAlister Kemp
5. Sleepy Town – Catherine Britt
6. From Here – Doc Walker
7. Humm – Peter McWhirter
8. Something Beautiful – Steve Forde
9. Family – Warren H Williams
10. That Was Us – Emerson Drive
11. West Australian Woman – Corey Colum
12. Roll That Barrel Out – Dean Brody
13. Cowgirl In My Jeans – Shea Fisher
