Year 9 student Kassidy Jewell has written and recorded a development single with Country singer and songwriter, Shaza Leigh at the Lindsay Butler studios in Tamworth. Kassidy’s talent for singing had recently been affirmed at The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival in Corryong, where Kassidy overcame her nerves and spontaneously entered the Aussie Bush Idol competition. Kassidy said that she came across the singing competition when they arrived in Corryong.
“At first, I was hesitant about entering as I get nervous singing in front of a large group of people. Mum and Dad encouraged me to have a go and Dad told me don’t let your nerves stop a good opportunity,” she said.
Singing two favourite country songs, Kassidy was soon turning heads and won not only the junior section of the competition but was also awarded the overall major prize winner across both the junior and senior divisions of the Aussie Bush Idol. She was awarded with a guitar and a 3-hour recording session with flying fox studios. Following this achievement Kassidy signed up for The Academy of Country Music Junior Song Camp in Tamworth, to follow her passion for music and desire to learn how to write songs. The camp unfortunately was cancelled, however still eager to explore the country music capital, Kassidy and her family continued with their holiday to Tamworth where unexpectedly, she was presented with a rare opportunity.
“We were in a shop just outside of Tamworth where my parents and I were talking to the mother and daughter working there, and my love for singing country music came up in conversation. Then the next thing I know, they were writing down the details of a local country singer to contact,” she said.
Kassidy was provided the contact details for the notable country music singer and songwriter Shaza Leigh and her husband Lindsay Butler, who is an award-winning record producer.
“We got in touch and met Shaza and Lindsay at their house. We instantly befriended each other, and I had a good feeling as soon as we got there. Shaza told me we are going to write a song together, and gave me some homework for the night to help me make a start. That night while mum and dad went out for dinner, I stayed back and worked on my song, it was really exciting,” she said.
Kassidy had the opportunity to go to the Lindsay Butler studio to write and record a radio-ready song with Shaza Leigh.
“Shaza helped me create a development single, it was amazing! After recording, Shaza asked if I would come back to Tamworth for next year’s Country Music Festival to sing a couple of songs during her shows.”
Kassidy aspires to follow her passion of a career in country music and is excited at the prospect of what this opportunity may bring. Her development single is expected to be released for radio soon.