CRAIG STEWART

23rd June, 2008

Just came back from Norfolk Island a couple of weeks ago - tough gig, but someone has to do it I suppose! Thought I'd give you a few thoughts on the festival & some other news.

As expected, Ruth & I had a great time on 'the island'. We had some fantastic shows this year, with lots of people coming up who were either at the festival last year or who have caught up with us around the traps on the mainland. Thank you everyone who came along to the show.

Our hosts were again the Norfolk Island Leagues Club, and it was great to catch up with Tim & Jeannie Sheridan. Tim organises the shows over there for me, and again he didn't let us down in any shape or form - except we should now perhaps be entitled to shares in Berocca! The festival itself was a hoot. Acts appearing this year included The Flood, Stuie & Camille & Bill Chambers, so we had plenty of quality entertainment in our down time, which was great.

I received another award nomination for 'Comedy Song of the Year' with 'We're Real Aussies' in the NT Country Music Awards. Rita Schneider edged me out there with a song called 'The Boobs Song'. I'm not sure of Rita's age, and dare not speculate, but suffice to say I think I was up against some tough competition there having a lady of 'mature' years singing about breasts. I heard at bit of the song at the TSA Awards, where Rita also picked up a gong, and it sounds bloody funny. I honestly couldn't think of anyone I'd rather see win after seeing her antics at the TSA's - she is a true 'character' in every sense of the word!

I spent a few weeks up at Dad's place doing some painting with his lovely wife Ange, and we now have a HUUUUGE backdrop for the shows (9m long x 3m high) which looks fantastic. Thank you so much Ange for all your help, it really has made a massive difference to the show. On Norfolk there were all manner of people hopping up on stage not wanting to get a photo with me - rather with the bloody painting! If I'm in your area be sure to come & check it out.

Had a great show down at Cessnock in April. It was the first ticketed show I'd run, and it went fantastic. We had nearly 70 people come along and nearly half of them bought albums, so I thought that was a very good result. I'd like to publicly thank 2CHR FM down there for getting right behind me. They even did up some ads for me for nix, which was mind blowing! Cessnock is definitely one venue I will be returning to once I have the next album out.

On that note, every man & his dog has been saying 'when's the next one coming??' As a writer, it's a bit hard to say! I would love to have another album ready for release in Tamworth 2009 (January 09), so stay tuned.

Was thrilled to have the Mildura festival organisers ask me to come back for their 2008 festival, which I will be attending in late September. If you have never been to this festival I highly recommend it - great location and a good range of music, particularly among the balladeers. Can't wait for that one!

On a disappointing note, Onestop Country who I have always thanked for their support have dropped both the albums from distribution, so the only way they can be obtained now is through direct order from either the website, mail order or at live shows. The joys of being an independent musician eh! Never mind - we'll soldier on - and trust me, I WILL find a workaround!

On a VERY positive note, album sales at live shows are going fantastic, with literally hundreds of albums sold at both Mildura 07 & Tamworth 08. This tells me that once I can spread the word, the music is embraced, so please tell everyone you can about the music so we can afford to keep doing what we do! On an equally positive note, 'Caravan & Motorhome' magazine recently approached me about doing a feature article on my music, and it has just been released in the June issue. Do yourselves a favour & go grab a copy, as it's not a bad read - if I do say so myself! Thank you so much to C&M magazine & Kerry van der Jagt (who approached me & wrote the article) for your support - it is extremely appreciated. In support of this, we are for a limited time making copies of both albums available for the special price of $40.00 delivered. If you haven't got either of my albums yet, now is the time as I'll personally sign every copy that goes out!

Must be going now - thank you as always to everyone for your support - it is most appreciated - and I look forward to catching up with all of you at a future show somewhere 'around the traps'. Yours in Australian country music, Craig.

12th February, 2008

Well, Tamworth has come & gone, and I thought I'd better give you a little update as to how it was!

Firstly, the GREAT thing was that for as long as I can remember, IT WASN'T HOT! We had beautiful weather, no days over 40, heaps of shows and a good crowd - what more could you ask for in Tamworth!

Thank you to everyone who came along to the shows, and especially all those people who got behind me and purchased a copy of the new album 'Bellbirds & Blackboys'. All the shows were absolutely fantastic, from the Longyard where we managed to pack out the Gonoo Gonoo room by the last show - thank you! - to the shows with my good mates Jetty Road at the Tamworth Services Club - thanks guys for putting your trust in me and thank you Katie Ballantyne for coming up for a sing - to the show with Craig Giles, the Maton Showcase (BIG SHOW - now in the TREC - around 2,500 people), and my regular appearances hosting and performing at Tamworth Shopping World (Thank you Mike Vee from Vee Promotions)

I also had a nomination in the Tamworth Songwriter Awards for 'Best New Songwriter' with 'Streets & Headstones' off the new album. Didn't win it, but Dianne Lindsay (Daughter of Reg Lindsay & Heather McKean) was a very worthy recipient. Congratulations to Dianne & all the other awards winners over the festival including my good mate Amos Morris who picked up his first Golden Guitar - well done son!

Upcoming news - I've been booked to appear again at Norfolk Island during the week 26th May to 2nd June - so if you're looking for a great holiday try & get in on this one. It is the Norfolk Island Country Music Festival, and I can confirm after also appearing there last year it is a FANTASTIC spot. Great music, wonderful people and for me, memories of a bygone era where you can leave your keys in the car, the wallet on the front seat and know they will be there when you come back - I'm not kidding! Norfolk is pure Utopia, something that I believe all Australians should experience. Where else could you go the museum, pick up a cannon ball from the HMS Sirius (Yes, the one from the First Fleet!), and check it out. Enough said.

The new album 'Bellbirds & Blackboys' has been going great guns! Sold a heap in Tamworth & Mildura, have a single 'The Great Divide' out to all the country radio stations - please request it if you'd like a listen - it is on NFS 118, which they all should have, and the new songs are going absolutely fantastic live. I couldn't be happier, the live shows are coming along so well, and I'll be trying to get out to a bit more of the country soon to do a few more shows, so keep your eyes & ears peeled. To that end, if anyone has a festival or show coming up you would like me to appear at, just give me a bell or send an email & I'll see what I can do.

One more thing - had a nomination for Victorian Country Music Awards (National Section) for 'Bush Ballad of the Year' with 'Only the Two of Us Here Tonight'. Again, didn't get up for the gong, but is wonderful to think that fellow members of the Australian country music industry are paying attention to what I'm doing - particularly given my status as a self funded independent singer/songwriter. Thanks very much to those who voted for me, whoever you may be!

OK - I've got to get going now - have a pressing matter with a motorbike & a mountain road - but stay tuned for more news, check the gig guide for what's coming up, and I look forward to catching up with more of you in the near future. Yours in Australian country music, Craig.

9th October, 2007

It's been a while since the last Stu's News - my apologies however I've simply been flat out getting the NEW ALBUM DONE!

Yep - it's official folks! The new album 'Bellbirds & Blackboys' was released at this year's Gympie Muster & is now available for purchase nationally. I've set up a paypal link via my new Myspace site www.myspace.com/craigstewartentertainment. You can also listen to audio samples on there, check out the latest gig guides, leave comments etc etc. The album has just been reviewed in Capital News, with the closing comment "this is a top album, full of genuine Aussie life".

I'm having a few difficulties updating some of the pages on the website, so I'll tell you about the album here - 11 tracks, all original except one. I tried to focus the album on taking a trip out west over 'The Great Divide' with stories covering a range of issues from the pioneering days through to a comedy track, a few toe tappers, and a Slim tribute song at the end that has been getting lots of positive feedback. As stated, go the the Myspace site above for more information.

On the festival front, since my last entry I've appeared at Norfolk Island, Gympie & Mildura. All great festivals in their own right, lots of new friends made all round, and plenty of sales for the new album. Thank you everyone who helped all these shows come together, from the festival organisers to my band members as well as, of course, you the fans for coming along to the shows and supporting my music.

Right now I'm focussing on organising a film clip for CMC as well as booking a lot of radio interviews, so stay tuned to your favourite station and I'm sure you'll hear a bit of my music off the new album in no time. If not, don't forget to give them a ring & put in your request!

A big thank you to all of you out there who have purchased the album & continue to support my music. Thank you especially to Onestop Entertainment for once again throwing their support behind me & agreeing to distribute the album.

At the moment, I am trying to organise my shows for Tamworth 2008. At the moment, I will be hosting the Tamworth Shoppingworld shows each day, as well as appearing on the Craig Giles Showcase. I will keep you all posted as more shows come to hand. Please feel free to drop me a line about any matter, thank you once again to all the fans, radio presenters & members of the country music industry for your support, and I look forward to catching up at a show in the future. Yours in Australian country music, Craig.

4th April, 2007

Well, Tamworth has come and gone for another year, and a fine time was had by all! I'd like to thank all my band members (George Yonon, Gary Kealey, Warren Brown & Ange Wojcicki) for their continued support - we only had three band gigs this year & the rest were solo, so it was a big effort for them all to come over for the shows - particularly Ange who left the kids at home with hubby (thanks Mat!) & drove down from where she lives up on the Queensland border. A big thank you as well to Mike Vee for handling the bookings, Cheryl Byrnes for organising both the Buttercup & TREC shows, Maton Guitars for featuring me again on their annual showcase, Hank Sasaki for inviting me onto the Tamworth Train for an impromptu performance, as well as the venues who supported us again this year - the Central, Courthouse, & Locomotive Hotels, and of course a big thank you to my wife the lovely Miss Ruthie for her ongoing support, guidance, belief and understanding.

Lastly, but most importantly, thank you to all you mad country fans who came to the shows to experience my music, purchased the album and provided such tremendous feedback in relation to both the band and the songs! It is truly for you folks that we do this - trust me it's not for the money! - and to see my musical 'baby' slowly developing a loyal following at each and every festival is truly both rewarding and humbling. THANK YOU THANK YOU!

So where to now, I hear you ask?? Well, the big news I've received in the last few weeks is that WE'RE GOING TO NORFOLK ISLAND - YEEHAH! I'm really excited about this, in case you can't tell, because the only time I've ever been on a plane was when I flew to Sydney as a kid & they let me sit up in the cockpit. I don't suppose they'll let me do that these days, but trust me it won't stop me trying!! So, passport(s) are being organised - yes, I need two - do you really think Ruthie would let me go by myself - and shows coordinated. I will be performing at the Norfolk Island Leagues club throughout the festival doing a different show each day, so combined with writing for the new album I am flat out!

The other big news I've received is that Mildura has decided to book me for the first time, meaning I will have played the 'big 3' festivals (Mildura, Gympie & of course Tamworth) over the past twelve months, which is just fantastic. These shows (as well as Norfolk) will be solo performances, focussing on the stories behind my songs - just me, a harmonica & a stompbox for much of the show, which will be great fun. I've been doing this more and more over the past couple of years, and have found it to be a very intimate, rewarding experience. Thank you to John Arnold from Mildura for asking me to come on board this year - by then I'll have the new album out, so stay tuned for specific performance dates/times. (In case you don't known, Mildura is held in late September/Early October each year)

Oh yes - the new album. It is half written, and I truly couldn't be happier with the songs. I am continuing on with my theme developed as a result of 'The Spirit of Australia', in that each album will now focus on a particular region or aspect of Australian culture. The new motto is 'Craig Stewart - Get The Spirit' - as in get the Aussie spirit. As such, the next album will have more great Australian stories - this time focussing on taking a 'trip out west' - where I will introduce you to some of the characters, history and beliefs of the people out west of the Great Divide, primarily from the New England region of New South Wales from where my family were long time settlers. The album is going to have a strong acoustic flavour, and once recorded I am looking to start a bit of light touring to promote the album. Watch this space!

Thank you all once again for puchasing & believing in 'The Spirit of Australia'. Thank you especially to Onestop Entertainment for continuing to distribute the album nationally & for the fantastic display they organised for me in Tamworth.

If you're looking for a holiday in the next couple of months, the top of my suggestion list would be to book a ticket to Norfolk for the festival. Although I haven't been before, I really can't think of a better holiday than being on a remote tropical island with a bunch of quality country acts at my disposal. Come up & say g'day if you make it there - and if you can't I look forward to communicating with you in the future either through my music or direct at a live show. Until then, don't forget to 'Get the Spirit!' Yours in Australian country music, Craig.

8th January, 2007

Welcome to the first 'Stu's News' of 2007! It's been quite hectic as always over the Christmas/New Year period, but we're now settling down, taking it easy and doing nothing. As if! Tamworth is now just around the corner so naturally I'm getting ready with the band to sing up a storm!

I have full band gigs booked for the Central and Courthouse Hotels, solo gigs at the Locomotive Hotel, a daily appearance outside the 'Rivers' store stage, TREC appearance, Buttercup appearance, Maton appearance. It's going to be, as my kids are saying continually these days, 'totally hectic'. I have just counted up the shows performed or booked for the December/January period and I am up to 43 in 60 days! That's a lotta singing folks, but as usual we're all having a blast. Click on the gig guide to get a full rundown of the Tamworth program.

As usual, thanks to Mike Vee and all his team for organising bookings, as well as Maton and Rural Press Events for continuing to support my Starmaker appearances through bookings for TREC and Buttercup. No, I didn't enter Starmaker this year - I figured after two grand final appearances it was time to 'pass the baton', as the release of 'Spirit of Australia' has already opened many doors for me in the industry, so I will carry on as a 'proudly independent artist'.

As can be seen, those doors have included nominations for the Golden Saddle Award and the Mildura Rising Star Award, but I was also thrilled to learn just before Christmas that I had been nominated for the 'ICE Awards in the 'Male Vocalist of the Year' category, which was a thrill as you could not apply for this one. They take all the compilation/promotional CD's which have been put out over the year (NFS, LBS, etc), give them to a bunch of people from outside the country industry, and say 'who do you like the best??'. I made the final 5, and then just prior to the new year the winner was announced. No, I didn't win it, but I don't mind playing second fiddle to the bloke who did - a great mate of mine since we met at the country music college, John Stephan. Congratulations John - he is a deserved winner folks with an amazing voice - try and catch one of his Tamworth shows if you can.

Thanks to Deb Minter once again for providing yet another opportunity for independent artists to 'rise to the occasion' through facilitating the ICE Awards.

'The Spirit of Australia' was released nationally as a single via NFS in December, so keep a lookout for it on the radio, and if you don't hear it give your local station a bell and request it, as there is a fair chance they will have it somewhere! While you're there, you could remind them that 'From a Country Town is available for full, free download in the 'audio download' section.

Come and say g'day some time during the festival. I've already got a few new songs written for the next album, and am hoping the other 'Australian Stories' will come my way in the next few months so I can transform them into lyrics, songs and your next album. As usual, thank you everyone for your ongoing support - it really is a wonderful sensation to have so many people identifying with my lyrics, recordings and live shows. See you all in Tamworth! Yours in Australian country music, Craig.

1st September, 2006

Firstly, apologies for not posting a news item for some time. We still have some website 'technical difficulties' which we are trying to sort out. On this note, I have had to take down the guestbook, as it was getting all sorts of junk mail which was increasing at an exponential rate! In the meantime, I would love to hear your comments. Just send an email to craigsguestbook@craigstewart.com.au and I will put them up on the website as soon as I find a workaround!

There has been all sorts of good news since April. Firstly, the album is selling very well and the almost universal comment I have been receiving at shows is 'it's great that we can hear the lyrics and have stories back in songs'. The live shows I have been performing around the Hunter region with Bruce Howat & more recently Alby Pool have been very well received, and are proving invaluable in the feedback I have been getting from the growing fanbase. Thank you to everyone who has attended my shows, Bruce and Alby, and rest assured I am already writing for the next album - stay tuned!

Gympie Muster - Wow - WHAT A SHOW! The Gympie organisers, in particular Marylou and Liz, have been so supportive of my music that I really can't thank them enough. Suffice to say, that to be offered a main stage gig at the Muster in my first appearance as a feature artist was both humbling and rewarding. Again, sales of the album were sensational, with the Muster store informing me on Friday that at that stage I was the second highest selling artist of the Muster. Considering I haven't had the finances to even release a single yet, the credit for this must be shared with my fantastic band members (Warren Brown, George Yonon, Gary Kealey & And Wojcicki) who have rehearsed hard over the past couple of years to ensure our live show is first class. To everyone who came up to us and provided the wonderful feedback, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! We increased our mailing list by almost 400 people at the muster, and sold almost 50 albums at the first show alone. This was a fantastic response, and tells me as a writer and performer that I am connecting with you, my audience. Rest assured the next album will be full of more great Australian stories in the style of my musical heroes, Graeme Connors & John Williamson. On that note, I have just received the latest One Stop Entertainment 'Top 50' and 'The Spirit of Australia' has raced up to number 34 on the album sales chart. Considering I haven't even released a single to radio yet, I am obviously thrilled that all the hard work is paying off, and it should be noted that this position does not reflect Gympie sales, so fingers crossed for next month!

Thank you so much to Katania Young from One Stop Entertainment, Ted Middleton from Maton guitars, my beautiful wife Ruth for your tireless running around and support, and all the wonderful Gympie Muster volunteers who make the whole thing happen year after year.

Unfortunately I won't be able to appear at Mildura this year, but was thrilled to receive a nomination for the 'Rising Star' award in the 'Australian Independent Country Music Awards.' Thank you to those who nominated me and to John Arnold for continuing to support Australian country.

Deborah Minter gave me a wonderful full page writeup recently in Capital News. While I won't enclose a full copy of the writeup here, suffice to say Deb started the article with "Craig Stewart's new album highlights his powerful and compelling songwriting skills" and ends with "it is certain that Craig Stewart has a great future in country music". Again, to have others support me in that way just for doing what I do is most humbling, and I thank you Deb from the bottom of my heart for the way in which you have supported not only me, but all country artists. Stay tuned for an nfs release. Unfortunately as a completely self funded artist the resources have been a bit tight lately, and I apologise to Mike Smith for running him around a bit, but CD sales at Gympie should allow me to finally get a single out to radio land! On that note I also had the Muster film crew take some shots of the band performing 'Mustering Time' on the main stage. Apparently they missed some of the audio, but hopefully once I get hold of the tracks with the help of some 'studio magic' you'll soon be seeing a clip on CMC. The Courier Mail featured 'Mustering Time' as its sound track to a video feature it put up on the web, which was great exposure. Thank you T-Bone from The Pigs for letting me know!

Check the 'gig guide' for all my upcoming appearances, and I am currently looking to book as many festival appearances as possible, so festival organisers please get in touch! I still haven't taken any bookings as yet for Tamworth 2007, and am looking to do a combination of solo showcase appearances coupled with some full band appearances in the pubs and clubs.

22nd April, 2006

Well, it's all starting to happen! The response since the release of my CD 'The Spirit of Australia' has been fantastic. I've just found out that I have been nominated by the Country Music Industry for the Galston Country Music Festival's Golden Saddle award. I have also had a fantastic CD review put in Country Music Capital News (thank you Deborah Minter) and will have a full page feature article in the May edition of the Capital News. The band has been booked for the Gympie Muster (thank you Liz & Mary-Lou in the 'Muster' office for your support and guidance) as well as Hats off To Country in Tamworth during July. (Thank you Gary & Belinda Burgess from the Central Hotel for your ongoing support)

Helen Kay had me as the featured artist on her show which is broadcast nationally. This was a fantastic experience, during which Helen spent a full hour talking about and playing my music. Thank you Helen for the invitation - it was most appreciated.

In addition, I have been appearing alongside other artists in Bruce Howat's 'Hey Hey It's Country' throughout the Hunter/Newcastle region. Thank you Bruce for the opportunity, and I look forward to working with you in the future.

All this while consistently performing two to three shows per week all over the place. Phew!

Thank you also to One Stop Entertainment for agreeing to distribute my album and Mike Smith for showing interest in having one of my tracks included on an upcoming nfs release.

Check the 'gig guide' for all my upcoming appearances, and for your reading pleasure I have put below a copy of the CD review written by Deborah Minter for 'Capital News'.

CD REVIEW - 'The Spirit of Australia' - Craig Stewart (Independent)

Craig Stewart impressed all that heard him at this year's Star Maker. His rich mellow vocals are remarkably mesmerising: one of the most listenable singers to emerge since the turn of the century. His new CD The Spirit of Australia is an accomplished showcase of his talents. His songwriting abilities are equally superb: without resorting to cliches he takes us to the things that matter. Taking Her Chances tells of a woman breaking the chains. From a Country Town, Now Worries, The River and Livin' Out In The Country are songs straight from Craig's country heart. Hilary & The Star Hotel is an amazingly rollicking high energy track. The Woman On The Land is dedicated to his grandmother, an inspirational tribute. The Spirit of Australia is an anthem that honours the lucky country we live in. Thirteen high quality tracks leave you wanting to hear more and more of this great performer.

Deborah Minter - Country Music Capital News - March 2006

12th February, 2006

TAMWORTH 2006

I had a fantastic time at Tamworth this year. This was the first time I've managed to take the full band over to do our own shows as a featured artist of the festival, and it was mind blowing. Thank you to the Central Hotel and Vee Promotions for your support. The Central gigs were certainly a highlight. Some pics have been placed in the photo gallery. I've also noticed Helen from the Tamworth Rage Page has put some pictures up of the band in the Central - thank you Helen. Toyota Starmaker and the Maton showcase were other highlights. I had the honour of performing in the showcase with Angie Wojcicki from my band alongside Lee Kernaghan, Adam Brand, Adam Harvey, Jake Nickolai and a heap of other artists, which was a hoot!

Thank you so much to all those people who voiced their support for my music and purchased CD's during the festival. I hope you are enjoying the music.

Since Tamworth I have been flat out putting in applications for other festivals, sending out the CD to broadcasters and doing a heap of radio interviews. Thank you again to all those radio presenters who have been so supportive.

Lastly, I would like to thank Cheryl Byrnes, Barry Harley and Kate Nugent from Rural Press Events, as well as Liz from the Gympie Muster office, Deborah Minter, Ted Middleton from Maton guitars and everyone else I met associated with the country music industry over the festival for the support and encouragement they have all offered. Combined with the positive feedback I have been receiving from the country music fans, it has reassured me no end that I am on the right path with my music, and I look forward to seeing you all at a heap of future festivals.

9th January, 2006

Well, this is officially the first posting of Stu's News on the web. The past month has been extremely hectic. CD's to get manufactured, new posters to produce, getting the website finalised and gigging extensively throughout the festive season.

On 7th January I took the band over to Tamworth to play our first gig at the Central Hotel, which was a hoot! After communicating with the owners Gary and Belinda extensively in recent months via the phone, it was lovely to finally meet them and put on a good show for their venue. Thanks guys - THE CENTRAL ROCKS!

We are still rehearsing every week in preparation for the gigs we have in Tamworth at both the Central Hotel and Fitzroy Tavern, and I would like to thank Mike Vee and his team at Vee Promotions for their assistance in getting me my first look in as a feature act at what is regarded as the biggest country music festival in Australia - Tamworth! For a full list of our gig dates and times, check the gig guide. There may be a change to the start time on Friday 27th January pending, so check with the hotel if you're intending on getting to this one.

I'd just like to also take this opportunity to thank both my band members for persevering with me through what has been difficult times getting this venture up an rolling, as well as all those fans who have either been to see my shows or purchased my CD and given me wonderful feedback. It is for you that we do this, and you can be assured that I will be trying harder than ever to keep bringing you Australian country music that is both written and performed from the heart. I will be posting an update as soon as the festival is over, so watch this space!

Yours in music, Craig Stewart.