Bush
Balladeer Star Quest Winner 2003
RACHEL RICHARDS
A.B.B.A. Media Release
RACHEL RICHARDS- BUSH BALLADEER STAR QUEST WINNER 2008.
The 2008 Bush Balladeer Star Quest saw the field narrowed to just
four finalists. All genuine balladeers, this Star Quest was one of
the most competitive held so far, and intense competition.
The Quest saw top performances from all the contestants, but it was
RACHEL RICHARDS
who took out the honour.
PIC:
> Rachel Richards & Joy McKean at the Star Quest 2008. Pic
by Toni Cook.
RACHEL
RICHARDS - PRESS BIO
Rachel spent the first 21 years of her life in Mount Gambier SA, and
10 years ago Rachel began travelling around Australia on various construction
jobs as a crane driver, working with her husband Dave. Although, Rachel
has called Brisbane her home for the past 7 years.
Music has always played a big part in Rachel’s life, (especially
country music). From an early age she played the organ and keyboards,
sang and performed for family and friends. As time progressed she
turned her hand to the art of songwriting, and began to play guitar.
Over the last 6 years Rachel has done exceptionally well on the Festival
Circuit and has earned many singing and songwriting awards, some memorable
wins being: Various TSA Awards, Overall Winner at West Moreton Country
Music Festival, Overall Winner at Gold Coast Festival and winner of
the Stan Coster Perpetual Trophy at the Broxburn Bash, for Best Bush
Balladeer.
Rachel was introduced to the world of the Bush Ballad about 5 years
ago by her good mate Bazza Salkeld and instantly she felt a connection
to the music and it’s Australian stories and found it was clearly
her “natural” style and what she was meant to do. She
is very dedicated to pursuing a career in Australia as a Balladeer.
Mostly to preserve this important tradition. Rachel feels a sense
of pride and patriotism in ensuring that this style does not disappear,
because she’s proud to be Australian. Rachel loves to write
and perform these great stories to a captivated crowd.
Rachel has just completed her debut album with talented producer Lindsay
Waddington of Krosskut Records with The title track I’m a Country
Girl, (In a Bush Ballad World) written by the legendary Keith Jamieson,
Rachel’s rendition of Slim’s When The Rain Tumbles Down
In July, a couple of Coster classics in Old Gilbert and the beautiful
Bushman’s Song, and seven Rachel Richard’s originals,
including award winning songs Weeping Willows and The Drover.
In 2007 Rachel was a Grand Finalist in the Bush Balladeers Star Quest
and in 2008 has taken out the title as ABBA Bush Ballad Star Quest
Winner. She was presented a beautiful hand made clock made from rare
gidgee wood and silky oak and made from an old stirrup iron. It was
presented by Slim Dusty’s wife and legendary singer songwriter
Joy McKean.
As part of the Star Quest Rachel has had a single recorded with Lindsay
Butler Studios titled “Beautiful Dreams”. It has beenreleased
to NFS 123, and is currently being played nationally. Rachel will
attend many festivals across Australia including, Urban Country Caboolture,
Barham Bush Bash, The Gympie Muster, Mildura Country Music Festival,
Galston Country Music Festival and appear as Guest Artist at the Adelaide
Country Music Club.