SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Hudson Rose

Tell us how it all started. What had you first interested in music?

I went to my very first concert when I was nine years old. We went to see Keith Urban. I loved his energy, how he interacted with the audience, the stories he told, everything about his performance was amazing! I remember looking up and y mum and telling her that’s what I wanted to do. 

The next few years I participated in local eisteddfods and performed with my sister at local markets and events. It wasn’t until Christmas of 2016 when I got my very own guitar, a mini Maton. 

I leant three songs to head to the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January 2017. I carried my guitar up and down Peel Street every day (just to make it looked like I was a professional musician). 

Ever since then, I’ve been hooked. I love the stories country music tells and the beautiful melodies to compliment that. 

I always wanted to release music in 2020 and am super happy and proud to now have two of my original songs out into the world…with many more to come. 

What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?

I want to release music that I’m proud of and that people can relate to. I love listening to songs that have this effect on me and asking myself ‘Why do I like this?’, ‘What makes this a great song?’.  I learn something every day on my music journey. 

It has always been important to me to have a few traditional country music instruments in my songs (mandolin, banjo, pedal steel). 

Today we are influenced by so many things with social media, television and the people around us that sometimes it’s hard to find ‘your own thing’. For me, these influences guide me with things that I like and don’t like, so I then include that in my own music. 

What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?

I would love to make a full time living out of music. I love being able to share my story and connect with people on a different level. I love to have a positive impact on people’s lives, making their days a little bit better when they listen to my music. 

One of my biggest dreams has always been to play on a stage in Nashville. I’d love to play on festivals like Stagecoach or CMA Fest. 

Success, what is the secret to it?

I think they’re so many different definitions and interpretations for ‘success’. We need to celebrate the little achievements just as much as the big ones. 

Working hard and believing in yourself, to me, is the first step. You can do anything if you put your mind to it. You just have to remember that. 

What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

In February of 2020 I performed my first headlining show in my hometown. The first show sold out, so we hosted a second that also sold out. It was important and meant so much to me to have the show in my hometown. 

Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?

I grew up listening to Shania Twain, Graeme Connors, Fleetwood Mac, Keith Urban and so many other incredible artists. I have always found them inspiring. 

I’ve discovered artists such Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood and Chase Rice. I love keeping an ear out for what these artists do next. 

Over the last few years, I have appreciated and been inspired by songwriters and artists such as Josh Kerr, Spencer Crandall, Julia Cole and HARDY. 

The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?

Five years from now I would love to have released an album, be playing on festivals around Australia and have completed my own tour. 

I would love to have visited Nashville (at least once) and be writing even better music. 

The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?

I have never quite been able to wrap my head around social media completely…but I’ll get there. I think it definitely helps artists reach a larger audience more quickly, although there is so much content on social media platforms that sometimes it can be overwhelming for viewers and therefore harder to connect with your desired audience. 

I am extremely proud of both of my tracks and am so grateful for the positive response I have been receiving for them. I am looking forward to plenty more to come. 

Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.

At the moment, I am loving Andrew Swift, Darlinghurst, Bec Lavelle and Brad Cox. 

What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?

Over the next few months, I am focusing on songwriting to work towards an EP. I am planning to have another song out towards the end of the year also. 

I do gigs most weekends up and down the Mid North Coast, but I would love to plan a ‘Country Pubs Tour’ in the future.

Tell us a bit about your latest single, how would you best describe your music?

A friend of mine described “One More Kiss’ as ‘the ultimate summer love story’, and I think that fits with the song beautifully. 

‘One More Kiss’ is my bucket list song. I have a very long bucket list, so not everything made it into the song but I do believe that sometimes the little things can be even more beautiful and special than the big things. Things like kissing in the rain or riding the Ferris Wheel can create some amazing memories and moments. 

Don’t get me wrong, things like skydiving and bungee jumping are definitely on the list too!

My genre is country pop. I’m loving the modern elements of new country music, although for me it is important to balance this with some of those traditional elements too.

Do you have any new projects in the pipeline?

There are always thing going on behind the scenes! We are working to have a new and exciting release happening towards the end of the year. 

Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today? 

Thank you so much for your support! 

Just remember to appreciate the little things and the small achievements. I get up each day and make my bed. Even though its only something small, I have already achieved something today, it sets the tone for the rest of the day. 

Website: www.hudsonrosemusic.com.au

Facebook & Instagram: @hudsonrosemusic

SPECIAL INTERVIEW: Raechel Whitchurch

How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?

I grew up playing country music because of my parents! When I was 8 we started playing in a travelling country family band called ‘The Lees’, and by the time I was 12 we were living in a caravan on the road, playing at pubs and clubs on the weekends, and home-schooling on the weekdays.

Part of my schooling was to work on the business side of things with my dad, so I was really lucky to experience both sides of the music industry – performing and songwriting, along with the music business side too.

What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?

I always want to challenge myself to be a bit better than yesterday. I don’t really focus on what other people around me are doing as we are all different, plus comparison can get really toxic. I just focus on making music that I’m proud of and is authentic, and hope that other people can resonate with it!

What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?

My biggest goal would be to have a long-term, sustainable music career where I stay true to myself while continuing to push the boundaries of what I’m comfortable with musically. I also hope that I can bring my fans along with on the journey.

What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?

I’m about to go out on my first ever headline tour, promoting my brand-new album Finally Clear (out April 16). We’re plauing Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Parkes! I’m also on the road with Adam Harvey all year, opening up for his national ‘Highway One’ Tour! Super grateful to Adam for taking a chance on me and welcoming me out onto the road.

Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?

I’ve been waiting to release ‘Finally Clear’ since early 2020 and so to be finally putting it out into the world is just incredible. This album is all about the journey I took to reach the point of deciding to give music a real shot. It’s the story of insecurity and anxiety, but also the message of hope in overcoming all of that by being brave and taking a chance. I found a lot of healing in making this record and I hope it does the same thing for everyone who hears it.

Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?

Often I will go months and months without writing songs, but then I’ll sit down and write 10 in a week. I really need to be living life and processing it fully without the pressure of creating something, so that I can then return to it later and put it into song. I mostly like writing by myself as I find it to be a very personal process, but I’ve got two co-writes on the album with Colin Buchanan and also my husband Ben Whitchurch.

Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music? 

I wear my heart on my sleeve and I’m a real over-explainer. There’s even a line in my song ‘I Found Home’ that says “I always say just what I need to say” and so I think it’s safe to say that there aren’t many hidden messages in my lyrics.

Success, what is the secret to it?

Being content in all that you do.

What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

Making my album with Matt Fell, having a top 10 radio hit, hitting 200k streams on spotify with ‘My Father’, and going on tour with Adam Harvey!

Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?

I find Joy McKean really inspiring. Often people see her as the woman in the background to Slim, but she is such an incredible songwriter and wrote a lot of his biggest hits, while helping to grow his career. I find it inspiring to see a woman from that time who was leading the way as one of the best in the field in the Australian Country Music industry. 

The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?

Hopefully working on my second or third album and touring Australia!

What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?

My favourite part is playing live shows, and my least favourite part is being away from my kids while I’m playing live shows. Most things in life have a positive and a negative.

Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.

Fanny Lumsden, Colin Buchanan, Felicity Urquhart, Kasey Chambers, and Michael Waugh.

The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?

How do you plan on cracking the international market?

My focus is all on Australia right now, especially given the way the world has been for the last year. There is so much to explore right here and so many people who know nothing about my music yet. 

Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?

I’d love to collaborate with Ruston Kelly and Jason Isbell.

What advice do you give for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Make your own path, don’t follow in anyone else’s footsteps. Figure out what you want, what you won’t compromise on, and don’t be afraid!

A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your fans?

I love chatting with fans on Instagram, and of course at live shows.

Friday 20th August – NQ’s Rockin’ Country – Mackay, QLD

Thursday 26th August – The Gympie Muster – Amamoor, QLD

Friday 1st October – Savannah in the Round – Mareeba, QLD

Website: raechelwhitchurch.com

Facebook: facebook.com/raechelwhitchurchofficial

Twitter: twitter.com/raechelwhit

Instagram: Instagram.com/raechelwhitchurch