McAlister and Kemp Country Music Chat with Gary Turner
A HUMBLE Troy Kemp chatted over the weekend from his home outsides Newcastle after a very hectic week. Drew McAlister was born in Narrabri and raised in Moree and Troy was born and raised in Kempsey.
The duo met when both were cast to performinAussie Walk the Line – Tribute to Johnny Cash. The pair found that not only did they gel as songwriters but their voices blended effortlessly as a duo.
“The duo thing has exceeded my expectations and working with a guy like Drew has made it all worthwhile,” Troy said.
“We’re just blownawaywith how the albumis being received, to have a company like ABC Music behind us who really believe in what direction we’re taking is just amazing, we are very grateful,” Drew said. Their debut album All Kinds of Tough (ABC/Universal) has had a bumper first week on the shop shelves.
The album debuted at number 8 on the ARIA Country Sales Charts and number 18 on the ARIA Australian Albums Charts.
In fact, it was the fifth highest selling Australian country album of the Tamworth Country Music festival sales week. ABC music man Tim Holland said, “Drew and Troy are really connecting with audienceswherever they go. Their songs are so relatable and relevant for current times and their chemistry on stage is really fantastic.
“They both worked very hard together to get to this point and it’s wonderful that things have started so well for them.” McAlister Kemp will visit most parts of Australia throughout 2010 in support of their debut album.
This will include tour supports slots with one of their biggest supporters, Adam Brand. McAlister Kemp is certain to make a big impact on the Golden Guitars in 2011.
♦Mystery surrounds the actual release of the new Catherine Britt album due for release this year. Catherine sought the services of the master Bill Chambers and Shane Nicholson to record the album. We hope to see a new album for the people of Norfolk Island when Catherine appears at the Norfolk Island Country Music FestivalMay 16-23.
♦The delightful Sara Storer will return to ABC Music and release a greatest hits album. Calling Me Home is the first single from the upcoming albumof the same name Calling Me Home – The Best of Sara Storer to be released in April in time for her appearance at the Homebush Easter Country Muster, April 3 and 4. Country music icon John Williamson said, “Sara has a unique way seeing and expressing her observations of love and life in the bush.
“So she is a songwriter who will be remembered beyond her life.” Sara will appear at the Homebush Easter Muster alongside Adam Harvey, Paul Costa, Jayne Denham, Jetty Road, Carmen Fraser and other artists including yours truly as MC.
