A group of budding young country music stars from South Canterbury have shone at the recent New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards.
Held annually in Gore over King’s Birthday Weekend, the awards are one of New Zealand’s most prestigious country music events.
This year, among record entries, five music students from South Canterbury’s Starbound Studios competed across the junior and intermediate sections, most for the first time.
Mea Still was awarded a Highly Commended in the Intermediate Country Rock section, and Charlotte Ewen gained a Highly Commended in the Junior Country Rock section.
Molly Harrison, 17, who travels to Starbound weekly from Ashburton, gained a Highly Commended in the Intermediate New Country and was a finalist in the Intermediate Country Rock section.
Annabel Shearer gained a Highly Commended in the Junior Gospel section and was also picked to be one of three competitors in the final of the Junior Vocal Solo section of the Junior Intermediate finals.
Nicole Bradley, who was a finalist in the Intermediate Traditional section and also sang in the Junior/Intermediate finals, said getting to perform at the awards was a truly incredible experience.
“Especially for it being my first time ever and getting into the Junior/Intermediate finals.
“I found getting to know all the other performers from all over New Zealand and making new friends through music is something I will truly cherish and thank the Gold Guitars for.”
She said she felt nervous, but excited to sing to such a big audience.
“[It was] my biggest one yet, with over 1200 people. Everyone was super supportive at the awards, constantly encouraging and cheering each other on.
“I am looking forward to participating at future events like this, as it has really opened my eyes and inspired not just me but fellow students to carry on and pursue our passion and dreams.”
Starbound Studios founder and teacher Sheryl Bradley, who won the Senior Overall Gold Guitar title in 2001, said getting to see her students perform at one of New Zealand’s premier country music events was always rewarding.
“Seeing our students step on to that stage and perform in front of experienced judges and large audiences is fantastic.
“For many of them, it’s the culmination of months of hard work, and it’s exciting to watch them grow in confidence and gain experience at such a prestigious event.”
She said she was extremely proud of the results her students had achieved this year.
“While the placings and awards are wonderful, what makes us most proud is seeing our students challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zones, and perform to the best of their ability.
“The dedication they have shown throughout the year was reflected in their performances, and the results were a well-deserved reward for their hard work.”
Competitions like the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards were hugely important for giving young performers goals to work towards and experience in a professional environment, she said.
“They learn resilience, meet like-minded musicians, and become part of a supportive music community.
“The friendships, inspiration and confidence they gain often have a lasting impact on their musical journey and personal development.
“We are very lucky to have a platform like this for our young country music stars of the future.”
Mrs Bradley has also had great success in the past at the awards with former students Johanna Ford winning the Junior Overall title in 1999 and Kaylee Bell winning the Senior Overall title in 2007.
She said it had also been great getting to see Bell inducted into New Zealand country music’s Hands of Fame over King’s Birthday Weekend.
“Kaylee was one of our first students, she was 8 years old when she first came to Starbound Studios, travelling from Waimate for her weekly lessons.
“It was extra special that my current students got to see her be inducted into the Hands Of Fame this year at Gore, as she is such a great role model and it is great to see her be recognised for all her amazing achievements in the music industry.”
