RISING stars Stephanie Penrose and Lizzie Steadman will take on the competition on their own turf.
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The Tamworth girls are named among the ten finalists for country music star search competition Toyota Star Maker 2019.
Penrose’s grandfather Howie was in a country music band for more than 30 years and introduced her to the sound at a young age.
“I got into it, whether it was forced or not I still love it, country music has been a big part of my life and it’s been heavily used in my music,” she said.
“You’ve got The Voice and XFactor, but Star Maker is country music focused and it has the best interests of the artist at heart – it’s so hard to find that so being given an opportunity where people want to help you, it’s a good vibe.”
The competition is Australia’s longest running search for new country music talent, and this year it reaches a 40 year milestone.
Star Maker is credited with shooting country music greats Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan and Sam McClymont from The McClymonts into the limelight.
Moore Creek resident Lizzie Steadman said being in the top 10 is a huge platform for all the artists careers.
“If I won obviously there’s a lot of events and festivals coming up for 2019, so I’d grab that with both hands and hold on because it’d be one hell of a ride.”
“I think being a Tamworth girl all my life country music came naturally, and dad was a big country fan, playing music on the record player at home and that’s why I play a lot of older stuff.”
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The girls have two very different sounds, Penrose is rock country while Steadman sits comfortably in folksy, blues country, but both are excited to be cheered on by a homegrown crowd.
All contestants will perform in Toyota Park in the first weekend of the festival, and the winner receives a prize package that includes guaranteed performances at major festivals and events throughout Australia, as well as the use of a new Toyota car and a fuel card for 12 months.
The finalists have been chosen from all across the country and one will take the position of reigning Star Maker Brad Cox.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
