54th Country Music Awards of Australia: Kasey Chambers, The Wolfe Brothers Shine
The 54th Country Music Awards of Australia, affectionately known as the Golden Guitar Awards, celebrated a night of significant achievements, with Kasey Chambers and The Wolfe Brothers taking home multiple coveted accolades. Industry veteran Barry Harley OAM also received special recognition for his enduring contributions.
Chambers Dominates with 28th Golden Guitar
Kasey Chambers secured prominent wins, earning both Song of the Year and Single of the Year for "The Divorce Song," her powerful collaboration with ex-husband Shane Nicholson. Her album, "Backbone," was also honored with the Alt Country Album of the Year award, bringing her career total to an impressive 28 Golden Guitar awards.
The creation of "The Divorce Song" was remarkably swift, as Shane Nicholson revealed:
"The Divorce Song" was composed through text messages over approximately one hour, drawing upon ten years of life experience. He expressed satisfaction with the song's potential meaning for listeners and their children.
The Wolfe Brothers Sweep Five Awards
Tasmanian musical duo The Wolfe Brothers had a stellar night, collecting five Golden Guitar awards. Their album, "Australian Made," was crowned Album of the Year and Contemporary Country Album of the Year. The duo also won Group of the Year, Vocal Collaboration of the Year (with Zac & George), and Heritage Song of the Year. These wins elevate their total Golden Guitar collection to 15.
Nick Wolfe underscored the genre's growing influence, stating:
Nick Wolfe highlighted the current prominence of country music in Australia and stressed the importance of supporting Australian artists within the genre.
Industry Recognition for Festival Coordinator
Barry Harley OAM, the long-standing coordinator of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, was presented with the Country Music Capital award. This special distinction acknowledges individuals who have made substantial, non-performer/producer impacts on the industry. Mr. Harley has been instrumental in all 54 Tamworth Country Music Festivals to date.
54th Country Music Awards of Australia - Key Winners:
- Album of the Year: "AUSTRALIAN MADE" - The Wolfe Brothers
- Alt Country Album of the Year: "BACKBONE" - Kasey Chambers
- Contemporary Country Album of the Year: "AUSTRALIAN MADE" - The Wolfe Brothers
- Traditional Country Album of the Year: "START ALL OVER AGAIN" - Brendan Radford
- Male Artist of the Year: WADE FORSTER
- Female Artist of the Year: MAX JACKSON
- Group or Duo of the Year: THE WOLFE BROTHERS
- Vocal Collaboration of the Year: "HOW MANY ONE MORE TIMES" - The Wolfe Brothers with Zac & George
- Bush Ballad of the Year: "WILD ROAN BRUMBY" - William Alexander
- Heritage Song of the Year: "AUSTRALIAN MADE" - The Wolfe Brothers
- Instrumental of the Year: "LYREBIRD" - Wicker Suite
- Bluegrass Recording of the Year: "BORN TO ROAM" - Sons of Atticus
- New Talent of the Year: WADE FORSTER
- Song of the Year: "THE DIVORCE SONG" - Kasey Chambers featuring Shane Nicholson
- Video of the Year: "LOOK AT ME NOW" - Fanny Lumsden
- Single of the Year: "THE DIVORCE SONG" - Kasey Chambers featuring Shane Nicholson
- Top Selling Album of the Year: "WHERE YOU'LL FIND ME" - James Johnston