FROM Southend to the big stage, a local country music icon is continuing to make her mark on the industry.
Kasey Chambers alongside her band The Fireside Disciples have announced the upcoming release of the 12th studio album, Campfire.
These are Brandon Dodd, Alan Pigram and fellow musician and her dad Bill Chambers, who has been her biggest musical influence.
Kasey explained her special inspiration for the album.
“I grew up in the remote outback of Australia living a unique lifestyle isolated from civilisation,” she said.
“The campfire was the heart of our existence for survival, creativity, inspiration.
“We hunted all our own food and then cooked it on the fire.
“My brother and I did all our schooling via correspondence around the campfire.
“We used the campfire for warmth and light.
“We gathered around the campfire at night to play songs together as a family.
“Our connection to music and the land has developed through and around the campfire since I was born, so it has always stayed with me as a special part of my life.”
The first taste of what fans can expect from Campfire comes from the aptly titled The Campfire Song.
Having grown up listening to the music of Emmylou Harris, Kasey is thrilled the esteemed American country star appears on Campfire track The Harvest and The Seed.
“It is an absolute dream come true that I actually have Emmylou Harris singing a duet with me on Campfire,” Kasey said.
“She ended up being an ‘honorary’ fireside disciple for the album.”
Campfire is an album that Kasey has wanted to make her whole life.
The album represents the connection she has had to different lands and cultures throughout her life and drawing from the regions that have influenced her the most – Australia, Africa, Norfolk Island and
America.
“These four places have had a significant impact on shaping who I am both musically and personally,” she said.
Following the release of Campfire, Kasey will embarke on an Australian tour consisting of almost 40 dates in May, June, July and August.
Her itinerary brings her to Mount Gambier for one concert.
The Rendelsham Primary School and Millicent High School former scholar will perform at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre on August 4.
