Berwick musician Andrew Swift picked up two Golden Guitar awards on Saturday, January 26 in Tamworth for Alt Country Album of the Year and New Talent of the Year.
With four nominations in total, Mr Swift found himself alongside some of the biggest names in the industry.
“I was blown away to hear my name read out for the New Talent of the Year and for Alt Country Album of the Year,” he said.
“I’m truly humbled and I can’t see this smile fading for some time.”
Twelve months ago Mr Swift took a big leap of faith.
He gave up his day job repairing caravans, to set off on his own journey and focus on his music and it certainly paid off.
Having spent time working in the Melbourne music scene, Alt Country is relatively new territory for Mr Swift. However, the classic roots country suits both his vocal styling and lyrical turn of phrase like a glove.
Mr Swift made a big first impression on the country music world when he became a Toyota Star Maker grand finalist.
He also teamed up with respected Americana songwriter Gretta Ziller and the pair took an intimate show of songs and storytelling on tour to caravan parks along the east coast of New South Wales and Victoria, en route to Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Ever the dogged performer, Mr Swift has supported the likes of Shane Nicholson, Catherine Britt, Amber Lawrence, Adam Eckersley, and Lachlan Bryan.
When the time came to record his second record, there was no shortage of country music cavalry that flocked to Mr Swift’s side.
Under the guidance of sought-after producer Matt Fell at Sydney’s Love HZ studio was a band that included guitarist Glen Hannah, drummer Josh Schuberth, Fell himself on bass, guitars, keys and percussion, Hammond organist and Adam Eckersley Band member Dan Biederman and Sam Hawksley on lap steel.
Amongst Mr Swift’s guest vocalists are Britt, Ziller and Katie Brianna.
The record was mastered in Los Angeles by Pete Lyman, whose credits include Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell.
Still a bit lost for words after winning his second award for the night, Mr Swift was asked how he felt and with a smile he said “Really honoured, the only other thing I ever won was for netball”, a sport for which he has a cabinet full of trophies.
