AN ARTIST is always one scroll away from inspiration.
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Ask Sara Storer, moved by a video of the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners, a convoy of kind people who donate their time and trucks to deliver hay to drought-stricken farmers.
"I was moved and feeling emotional about the job they do," Storer said.
"Not only physically driving their trucks for days to get hay to regions of Australia that are desperate for feed, but there's a mental toll it takes on them.
"They become mates with these farmers and check on them, sometimes the news isn't always so good."
Storer was born on the family farm at Mallee in country Victoria.
Growing up she wasn't cognisant of the tough times or droughts, the years where it rained too heavily or the farm failed to yield crops.
Now her brothers run a family farm in Warren and as a singer songwriter, Storer is inspired by the everyday Australian experience.
"It's only now I've grown up that I hear conversations with my family and you realise how hard it is," she said.
"I guess I've got a soft spot for our farmers and people off the land.
"I've lived in remote Australia for many years and it's natural for me to write about my personal stuff."
A staple at Tamworth Country Music Festival, Storer is excited to bring her new album Raindance back to Town Hall. Crowds can expect to find her watching on at Gina Jeffreys' and Beccy Cole's show.
As the drought wears on, Storer said she thinks the crowd at the festival will change, with some unable to get off the farm and others needing a lift.
"At the moment the drought has saturated everyone's conversation because it's so savage and severe," Storer said.
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"There will be people who love country music and go anyway, but I think it's at a point where people can't afford to be away from their property.
"Here's hoping that the rain comes soon so that sheds some light on the future for everyone and turns things around.
"It would be really hard to be motivated when things are eating you up inside so I understand all that."
Storer is booked to play at Tamworth Town Hall on January 23 from 1pm and plans to showcase her newest album. Tickets are on sale now.
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.
