Bathurst musician Tameka Kennedy made the most of her second appearance at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and has returned with a valuable wealth of experience.
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Ms Kennedy was part of the intake to attend a two-week workshop at the Country Music Association of Australia’s Academy of Country Music [The Academy].
The experience brought her into close quarters with Australian country superstars such as Kasey Chambers and Adam Brand.
“I made a lot of new friends and learnt a lot from the many different musicians that I came across,” Ms Kennedy said.
Ms Kennedy picked up a vital amount of knowledge about the music industry during her residency at The Academy, and for her, it was a sound word of advice from Adam Brand, a 12-time Golden Guitar award winner, that stood out for her.
“He [Adam Brand] said that 40 per cent is work ethic, 40 per cent is the people you surround yourself with and 20 per cent is talent,” she said.
“In short, he mentioned that a successful music career depends more on how much you apply yourself rather than raw talent.”
Another key highlight of Ms Kennedy’s time in Tamworth was winning the Coca-Cola Country Battle of the New Stars competition for performers 18 years and over.
“I didn't even think I was going to make it to the finals because there were so many people who entered the competition,” she said.
As a member of Cheviot Drive, Ms Kennedy was also a finalist in the Coca-Cola Country Battle of the Bands competition.
Cheviot Drive features Ms Kennedy and Ash Sproule on guitar and vocals, and for their Tamworth performance, they were joined by Sweet Revenge members Belle Whitwell on bass and Jenna Orpwood on drums.
Ms Kennedy has been involved with the Bathurst Academy of Music for the past two years as both a student and teacher, and manager Mickey Pye said her career progression has been a joy to watch.
“She’s been kicking goals with country music left, right and centre, and has been spotted by the likes of Travis Collins [six-time Golden Guitar winner] for her work-ethic and talent,” Mr Pye said.
“It’s really exciting for her.”
Having already made an impressive start to her music career, Ms Kennedy hopes to continue serving as a role model for young, up-and-coming musicians.
“As a musician, it’s important to work as hard as you can and always remember to believe in yourself,” she said.
“If you help people out every now and then, they’ll always return the favour.”