Wow what a week we had in Tamworth!

It never ceases to amaze me what talent you can uncover.  During the 'Storytellers' shows I presented I was consistently amazed by some of the talent I'd not heard live before!

Beautiful songs from the likes of Telstra Road to Discovery finalist Gretta Ziller, and Haelwen-Sian (also a published author, illustrator and woman of many other talents I am sure). Megan WIlliams, a Tamworth local, joined us at very short notice and shared some songs from her beautiful new EP "Words".  Here's a youtube video of one of the songs - "Three Cheeky Sparrows", wonderfully emotive and personal!

Fellow Victorians, The Prairie Oysters, Cathy Dobson, Susan Lily, Graham Brennan and Brittany Pavlo all shared their stories in songs, together with Clancy (very funny guy), Bowen and Clare, Wendy Wood, Gayle O'Neil, Melissa Robertson (all from NSW), John Smith  (Qld), Connie Kis Andersen and Katie O'Donnell (WA), and our sole overseas (partof the time) artist from Austin Texas John Scholten.  Was a busy three days but there were some beautiful moments shared and it was a joy to hear all these artists play and sing acoustically and intimately.  On Monday, young Victorian Sonyta Trahar, winner of the Manilla Country Music Club songwriter award showed us why she was worthy of that title!

We were so very lucky to be joined by some incredible songwriters on the three days, Sally-Anne Whitten who shared some songs, and the stories behind them, from her absolutely necessary new album "Sell Her Soul" and very kindly pandered to a request or two , Guy Kachel from Byron Bay dropped in and shared some insight into the things he cares passionaltely about, his album Innocent Screams is a 'must have' too!  Thank you so much for dropping by and sharing your stories with us - it's much appreciated.

Golden Guitar Nominee Bec Hance also popped in to share a couple of songs accompanied by her lovley partner Peter on guitar!  I was absolutely floored by one song in particular, a difficult subject tackled beautifully and sensitively by Bec..."Bad Dream" thanks for sharing it Bec!!

On Friday I sent my new album out into the world, with a packed lunch and a bottle of water....backed wonderfully by the guys from The Prairie Oysters AND my wonderful Billy, i really enjoyed playing and sharing those songs with everyone there.

Caught up with friends, didn't catch up with friends, did radio interviews, showcases (huge thanks to Rod Williams, Paul Bonner Jones and the Tamworth Songwriters Association for all their efforts).  

Be on the look out for Testra Road to Discovery Songwriting winner....Melody Pool, awesome!!!

It was hot and humid, but as always Tamworth put on a great show!!!  See you again in 2014!!!

My CDs arrive tomorrow.   Tomorrow night I will be getting ready to send out all the indiegogo supporters CDs and the preorders and then it's all systems go!  I've also booked the venue for the Melbourne album launch, got the support acts organised and when I get back from Tamworth I will be sending out all the details about that little shindig! Can't wait to get my band together and play these songs with my lovely boys!  Feeling blessed right now!

I have come to undersand that you cannot continue to keep doing the same thing every day and expect your life to change, it's taken 47 years to figure that out.  Change, depending on the size of it can be scary, exciting, or perhaps even a little bit of both.  Sometimes, those things which seem the scariest to do are the things that bring the greatest satisfaction (after a while) and it will take time to realise the goals I've set myself.

Onward and upward.  Fortune favours the brave and all that!

There's a song in there somewhere.

Things you do during that time after you've delivered your precious songs to the manufacturer and before you take delivery of the finished product:

• work out the price you actually have to sell it for to make money from selling ALL the copies you have had manufactured
• listen over and over again the "listening' disc and think "Shit! I could have......" and realise that it's too late!
• think of someone else you should have included in the novella which is your "thank you" list....
• spot typos in your lyrics
• decide you actually prefer the other photo
• think of two more songs you could have included
• think perhaps you don't want to release it after all
• hope and pray it's good enough and people like it
• think you can't sing for nuts (and get slapped by your friends each time you say it out loud
• wonder if your mum and dad will like it

Then sit back and relax when you realise it will be ok...it will be ok...it will be ok.

We have spent a few days in the studio over the past few weeks working hard! Album artwork concept is done, just has to be finalised content wise....huge thanks to Craig at http://www.limedg.com.au.

There is so much to do at this point...all the little fiddly bits... the ones that make all the difference...overdubs, backing vocals, oh and my final vocals.

Tamworth launch is set for January 25, Tamworth Towers at 1pm...I will organise a Melbourne launch for when I get back!

A couple of mini tours perhaps early next year too all going well!

I am really excited about the new material, I feel it's much more ME! My band, and all the musicians who have contributed so far have just blown me away with their talent, and willingness to participate...I am indeed a very lucky woman.

If you would like to pre-order the new album you can visit:

http://www.indiegogo.com/TheWomanIAm
And for that I would be ever grateful.

Nia xxx

We have spent a few days in the studio over the past few weeks working hard! Album artwork concept is done, just has to be finalised content wise....huge thanks to Craig at http://www.limedg.com.au.

There is so much to do at this point...all the little fiddly bits... the ones that make all the difference...overdubs, backing vocals, oh and my final vocals.

Tamworth launch is set for January 25, Tamworth Towers at 1pm...I will organise a Melbourne launch for when I get back!

A couple of mini tours perhaps early next year too all going well!

I am really excited about the new material, I feel it's much more ME! My band, and all the musicians who have contributed so far have just blown me away with their talent, and willingness to participate...I am indeed a very lucky woman.

If you would like to pre-order the new album you can visit:

http://www.indiegogo.com/TheWomanIAm
And for that I would be ever grateful.

Nia xxx

Hi everyone...album is coming along well, I'm still writing and I've just finished a song that I think will make a great duet, I am looking forward to recording it with a beautiful and extremely talented friend...really excited about that - the song is about finding solace in someone close, not necessarily a partner, but a friend, or perhaps a parent or child.  I'm very happy with the way it's going.  Calling in some big guns musically too!

On another note, making music is expensive.  We all know this and for this album, I am trying to keep the production costs down as much as possible, by suing our own studio and calling on the talents of my partner Billy, however there are still many other things that can't be compromised, design, promotion, PR, replication, film clips etc, all of those things that no matter how good your music is, it wont get heard without!

I've started a fanfunding campaign on indiegogo.com and I'd really love it if you're thinking about buying my new album "The Woman I Am", that you consider taking a little leap of faith in me and committing to do that up front.  I've come up with some perks, including house concerts so if you want to gather up ten friends, you can split the cost between you, have a great afternoon or evening of music and a copy of my signed CD (and some other bits and bobs too!).

Session 2
Date 26 August 2012
Songs: Lay Me Down, The Woman I Am, Closer, Long Game, Sleeping With The TV On
Who: Billy McMartin, Glenn Riddiford, Colin Price and Nia Robertson

Today we started laying the beds down for a heap of songs for the new album, including the proposed title track "The Woman I Am".

A very productive 12 hour day and a nice dinner at the pub afterwards.

I am of the opinion Billy needs to paint the studio....yellow is just not my colour.

So thrilled to be working with http://www.aliseblack.com.au once again!

Here is the second of my Saturday Night Loungeroom Session demos.
This song "Lay Me Down" is, like so many songs, a story about a damaged and damaging relationship. 

I'd like to hear your thoughts on the production of this one....big ballsy ballad, or quiet and reflective, what instrumentation can you hear?  I'd love to hear your thoughts...so comment here!

....if I use your ideas, I'll give you a production credit for this song on the album! (these liner notes might be huge!) AND I'll send you the first copy out of the box!

So get producing......