Gemma Louise Kirby
Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia | SELF
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Bunbury's Gemma Kirby is on her way to Tamworth next month and aiming for the stars after being accepted into the Australian Academy of Country Music. Dreaming of pursuing a career in country music since she was six years old, the 19-year-old singer and songwriter is elated to be realising her goal. ‘‘Looking at some of the past participants, I feel very fortunate,’’ Miss Kirby said. The leading program in the Australian music industry for developing country music talent, the Academy of Country Music’s senior course is held annually in Tamworth. The two-week course offers emerging artists the opportunity to broaden their horizons and hone skills under the guidance of some of the industry’s leading specialists. The rising star said she was honoured to be following in the footsteps of some of her idols such including Adam Brand and the Sunny Cowgirls. As handy on her guitar as she is with her voice, Miss Kirby said she looked forward to fine-tuning her skills and learning how to market herself better. In addition to her solo work, Miss Kirby is also a member of local band Gemstone Road and will be hosting a fund raising concert for her trip at the Eliot Street Bar on May 21. Hit and Run will also take to the stage during the event which starts at 7.30pm. - HAYDN TUIA, South Western Times
Jackie Coffin - South Western Times
Jackie Coffin - South Western Times
The seminal event that paved the way for the Golden Guitar Awards and the Tamworth Country Music Festival successfully concluded its 46th National Talent Quest and Jamboree Concert on Saturday January 28. - CCMA Committee
The Voice of Urban is an esteemed award for rising country music talent with previous winners including Katrina Burley, Claye Middleton, BRADE, Amanda Halloran and Jessica Holland. The winner of the talent search will enjoy the amazing opportunity of recording their own music, $2,500 cash, performances at the festival and their own promotional and advertising packages. - Urban Country Music Festival
The Voice of Urban is an esteemed award for rising country music talent with previous winners including Katrina Burley, Claye Middleton, BRADE, Amanda Halloran and Jessica Holland. The winner of the talent search will enjoy the amazing opportunity of recording their own music, $2,500 cash, performances at the festival and their own promotional and advertising packages. - Urban Country Music Festival
Discography
Gemma is currently recording her Debut Album with award wining producer, Matt Fell and is due for release in September 2012.
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Bio
The multi award winning Gemma Louise Kirby is back creating waves in the Australian Country Music industry after years of developing her craft and following her dream. This year you can catch Gemma wowing audiences in Mackay, QLD after relocating from Bunbury WA in May 2012. At the tender age of 21 years old, Gem is surprisingly a veteran of live music. By the time she was 16 years old, she had performed live to over 100,000 people at country music festivals around Australia. Since that time, Gemma has supported countless artists, devoted her time to writing countless songs and even graduated from the 2011 CMAA Academy of Country Music. Gem’s live performances are passionate and she is a high-class performer who never fails to impress. Her soaring vocals are able to tackle any genre note for note. From Katy Perry to ACDC, Christina Aguilera to Garth Brooks… anything is within her reach.
This amazing talent, teamed with her guitar skills, down to earth personality and her willingness to give almost any song a go (yes, even Lady Gaga) makes for an exciting & memorable concert every time! Gemma is currently recording her self-titled Album, due for release in September 2012, which is being created by award winning producer, Matt Fell. Matt Fell has produced many major-label and independently released albums and has recently been awarded the coveted Producer of the Year Award at the CMAA Awards (AKA The Golden Guitars) in Tamworth.
Some of Gemma’s career highlights include:
• Graduate of Tamworth Camerata 2005
• Graduate of the 2011 CMAA Academy of Country Music
• Performed on the popular morning television show, Sunrise
• Support act for many artists including Adam Brand, Melinda Schneider and Shannon Knoll
• Won many local talent quests including:
o Bunbury Country Club Talent Quest
o Boyup Brook County Music Club Talent Quest
o Telethon Talent Quest
• Her original song “Passed The Test” ranked 12 in the 2011 Coopers Song-writing Competition
• Heat contender for 2011 Telstra Road to Discovery in Dowerin
• 2012 CMAA Australian Senior Female Vocalist of the Year Runner Up
• 2012 CMAA Australian Duo of the Year Runner Up
• 2012 CMAA Australian Senior Songwriter of the Year Finalist
• 2012 Senior Urban Voice of the Year Runner Up
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