IN every room of the hospital there's a story, and Tamworth country music artist Lizzie Steadman knows that more than most.
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The Toyota Star Maker grand-finalist won Anzac Song of the Year for her song Brothers In Arms, and she's in the midst of recording her first EP.
"I nursed a lot of World War II veterans when I was working at the hospital and my pop was a WWII veteran as well," Steadman said.
I listened to the stories of what happened over there, most wouldn't tell me too much because I think it was too traumatic but what they did tell me I put into that song.
- Lizzie Steadman
"I listened to the stories of what happened over there, most wouldn't tell me too much because I think it was too traumatic but what they did tell me I put into that song.
"They lived on tin cans of food and didn't know when the next feed was coming, they missed home, mum and family but they got through it because they were brothers in arms."
Steadman's little brother served in the army for five years and both of her parents were in the Royal Australian Air Force.
"It is a tribute to them and to all our diggers and the women who went over and to those who never came home," she said.
An Aboriginal woman, Steadman has lived in Tamworth her entire life.
Storytelling is an innate part of her culture, and it's that sharing of the past that influences her songwriting.
"Especially our old people telling us stories and giving us the stories of the dreamtime," she said.
"This is my way of telling the next generation of kids our stories in a sense, our culture is very musical and artistic and it's something that's embedded in me whether I try to or not."
Every January she'd watch country music artists, hopefuls and fans roll into town in their hundreds for Tamworth Country Music Festival.
It was just a matter of time until she started making her own music.
The EP she's recording now has a bluegrass, bluesy feel with a touch of traditional country.
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Her place in the final top 10 of Toyota Star Maker gave Steadman the kick start her music career needed, she said.
"I made some really cool connections," she said.
Steadman's first single, Here We Go Again, was written at Nundle's own DAG Sheepstation songwriter's retreat with the help of legendary producer Shane Nicholson and it's had a good response from the public.
Next, Steadman plans to release a single from her new EP on June 27 and play a couple of festivals like Bluewater Country Music Festival and another down on the Central Coast.
Steadman will also be around for Hats Off to Country in July.
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.
