YOUNG Kempsey musician Amos Morris has continued his rapid climb in the world of country music.

The 20-year-old picked up his second golden guitar award in Tamworth over the weekend for the song Australia is Another Word for Free, recorded with country music legend John Williamson. It was the second consecutive year Morris has picked up the Bush Ballad of the Year award after winning the title for his song Sign of the Times last year.

Australia is Another Word for Free was penned by Williamson and is the fourth single from his hugely successful Hillbilly Road album. The single went on sale yesterday and will also appear on the 2009 Winners CD from the Country Music Awards. It explores Williamson’s love for the land through the eyes of a truckie, a bushie and a West Aranda man and features vocal collaboration with Warren H Williams and Morris.

An accompanying video clip by award-winning director Mark Jago, filmed on location at Stillwell Trucks in Sydney, was also released yesterday.

CONSECUTIVE GOLDEN GUITAR AWARDS FOR AMOS MORRIS

The young musician from the northern NSW town of Kempsey continues to make his mark in the competitive Australian country music scene. The 20-year-old this week won his second consecutive Golden Guitar Award at the 2009 Australian Country Music Awards held on January 24 in Tamworth. Amos Morris also won this Bush Ballad Award the previous year with the title track from his 2007 Nulla Records debut album Sign of the Times. 

This year’s Golden Guitar Award win came in the form of Australia is Another Word for Free ...a vocal collaboration between country music legend John Williamson, Northern Territory musician, Warren H Williams and himself. JW and Warren have often performed and recorded together (one of their previous collaborations resulted in the classic Raining on the Rock)... however for young Amos, this was a pretty daunting experience as it is the first time he has been fortunate enough, to work side by side with these two great and talented Aussie artists.

The now award winning John Williamson composition, Australia is Another Word for Free was coincidently already in work as the brand new single from John’s highly successful Hillbilly Road album.The single appropriately released on Australia Day, further expresses John's true passion for this land, this time expressed through the eyes of a truckie (i.e.Amos), a bushie (i.e.JW ) and a West Aranda man (i.e.Warren). 

In John’s own words “Sometimes I think many of us take for granted how lucky we are in Australia. We are able to voice an opinion without fear of retribution and in my opinion, 'Australia is another word for free"

The stirring Australia is Another Word for Free promotional video clip which accompanies the release of this new single was shot by the multi-award winning director / producer Mark Jago. The video was shot entirely on location (during normal working hours!) in the Stillwell Truck Repairs workshop. ** The video has just been officially added to the CMT (Country Music Television Channel) play list.

LATE NEWS.. Amos will be back into the studios to record a new album mid 2009!
For further information regarding this release please contact:
Leon Concannon : snitchel@aapt.net.au .... or Phone: 0404075545

Promo Video
Due to the tremendous response to the ‘Australia Is Another Word For Free’ collaboration with Warren H Willams & John Williamson, the three balladeers have just filmed a promotional video for the song (with multi GG award winning director Mark Jago). The track will be released as a single on Australia Day 2009.
 

Amos becomes youngest ever to win the Bush Ballad Golden Guitar

Amos became the youngest artist ever to win the Bush Ballad Golden Guitar in Tamworth 2008. Amos won the award with the title track to his debut album on the Nulla Records label Sign Of The Times.
The win was also special for Nulla's Joy McKean. Even though Joy and Slim Dusty have between them won more than 40 Golden Guitars, this was the first for the family label. The recently re-established Nulla Records represents a new joint venture between the Slim Dusty family and EMI Music Australia and was set up for the sole purpose of providing support to new and talented Australian traditional country music artists.

Amos was discovered by Joy in 2003 at a Slim Dusty tribute night in Kempsey and after several years of mentoring, she signed him to Nulla. Sign Of the Times was produced by multi Golden Guitar award winner Anne Kirkpatrick and recorded in Slim Dusty’s own Columbia Lane Studios. Another track from the Sign Of The Times album is gaining attention – the video for the Frustrated Truckie track has entered the CMC Top 50 video chart at number 37. photo Amos, Joy McKean and family with Award

AMOS GAINS AWARDS FINALIST POSITIONS WITH NEW ALBUM " SIGN OF THE TIMES "
 
* CMAA GOLDEN GUITARS - Bush Ballad category for Sign Of The Times
* STAN COSTER AWARDS / BUNGENDORE FESTIVAL - Best Male Vocal for Sign Of The Times
* PEOPLES CHOICE AWARDS - Bush Ballad for Sign Of The Times
* NSW GOLD MEDALLION AWARDS - Best Bush Ballad for Sign of The Times
* WHITTLESEA VICTORIAN AND NATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS -
- Best Bush Ballad for Sign Of The Times 
- Heritage Song for Follow In The Footsteps
- Bluegrass for The River
 
Amos is thrilled the new album has been so well received by country music fans and people in the industry and would like to thank everyone for your support.

AMOS RECEIVES SILVER MEDALLION AWARD FOR SIGN OF THE TIMES
Congratulations to our mate Tom Maxwell for taking out the gold medallion on the day .
 
AMOS FILMS HIS FIRST VIDEO
The video for the second single released, Frustrated Truckie is now being played on the CMC chanel, Amos had a ton of fun filming it and the experience has opened up another side of the music industry to this young new talent.
 

AMOS'S LONG AWAITED SECOND ALBUM 
" SIGN OF THE TIMES " TO BE RELEASED
Sat 11th August by NULLA RECORDS , through EMI Music Australia.
The album was recorded at Slim Dusty's Columbia Lane Studio and produced by Slim's daughter Anne Kirkpatrick and co produced by Mike Kerrin . Sign Of The Times is a unique collection of unrecorded traditional ballads with a fresh , contemporary feel , penned by some of Australias best songwriters . Amos has written 4 originals for the album and trusts you will enjoy the music .

AMOS TO PERFORM AT THE GYMPIE MUSTER


Amos is thrilled to be invited to perform at The Muster this year . We will be taking our van and camping out for the week so come and say hello . Performance days are Friday 24th and Saturday 25th at The Muster Club , Balladeers Show , 2 - 5.45 pm . Sunday 26th at The Wine Bar . Look forward to seeing you at a show .

Young Bush Balladeer Amos Morris signs to Slim Dusty's Nulla Records
 
Australian country music legend Joy McKean officially welcomed young Kempsey bush balladeer Amos Morris to Nulla Records, the label Slim Dusty started back in 1981. Amos, a very popular new artist on the bush balladeer scene, is committed to introducing the bush ballad to his generation and preserving its heritage. It is a happy coincidence that this young balladeer comes out of Slim Dusty’s hometown and will continue Slim’s legacy through Nulla Records. The influence of the master is still strong throughout this project with Amos recording his debut Nulla album in Slim’s Columbia Lane studios, while having production by Anne Kirkpatrick with the assistance of longtime Slim Dusty Travelling Country Band member Mike Kerin. Amos’s highly anticipated second album will be released early August on Nulla Records through EMI Australia, both fitting homes historically for a fine young balladeer’s work.

AMOS PERFORMS A SLIM CLASSIC AT THE STATE OF ORIGIN

Well , what a thrill of a lifetime I had on Wednesday night, .I was overwhelmed to be asked to perform one of Slim’s classic songs , Charleville before the big game , as part of a special tribute presented for Slim , on which would have been , his 80th birthday . As if standing on stage with Anne , David and Adam , wasn't enough to soak up , it happened to be in front of 76 , 000 people too .

 " WHAT AN AWESOME FEELING "

I thank Anne , David and Adam for helping me through it with their wealth of experience , wisdom and advice . I had to ask mum how I went because afterwards it was all just a blur She said I did alright , so it's all good . I 'd like to thank Joy , Louis , Leon , Tom and EMI for this wonderful opportunity and for having the confidence in me to do the honour justice . Overall it was a great evening and a fitting tribute to our own Australian legend , Slim , who always did us proud .

NEWS UPDATE MARCH 2007

TAMWORTH IN JANUARY
 
Amos had a wonderful , relaxed and social festival this year , he would like to thank everyone who supported him at all his appearances and he was thrilled that The Young Balladeer Shows received a full house for every show , each day of the festival . The boys were very moved by the response they received at the Buttercup Show and closing concert at TREC from the audience . Congratulations to our friend , Kirsty Lee Akers for winning the prestigious Starmaker Award , Kirsty is an excellent performer and songwriter .
 
 FEBRUARY KICKS OFF A BUSY YEAR
 
Well there was no time to sit around after getting home from Tamworth .
February found Amos in Bungendore for the CM Festival there on the 2nd , 3rd and 4th , where he performed again with The Young Balladeers . This festival is a lovely unwind for artists and a very relaxed weekend of Australian Country Music .
 
After Bungendore Amos had some shows in the Newcastle area and it was special to see many of his friends / fans travel long distances to see him , people came from Port Macquaire , Taree and Dungog and Stroud , it means alot to us . Then it was off to Victoria for the Bunyip CM Festival . Joy and Kevin Bachelor and their team work tirelessly to put on a great weekend for artists and country music lovers . We'd like to thank them both for their hospitaliy .
 
A few shows in the Kempsey and Sydney areas , and his 19th birthday , then off to South Australia for the Port Lincoln CM Festival , thanks to Brian Higgins and team for a great time .
 
A busy year lies ahead , with Amos visiting new ground at Caboulture , possibly Gympie (If application is accepted ) , Wagga , Yamba and New Zealand .
 
2ND ALBUM RELEASE NOT FAR AWAY NOW
 
Amos completed the recording of songs for his next album in March , it's now all ready for mastering , and from the bits I've heard of it , it's going to be a beauty !
 
More on release venues and dates soon .

NEWS UPDATE JULY 2006

FUNDRAISER EVENTS FOR THE SLIM DUSTY CENTRE , KEMPSEY
Amos is proud to be able to be involved in various fundraising events around the country this year , in an effort to help boost the funds being raised to build the Slim Dusty Centre , up here in Kempsey.
Events are being held nationally by many community organisations and some Amos has been invited to are ,
You've Done Us Proud Tribute at Williamtown , on Slims birthday , Tuesday 13th June.
Gawler Country Music Club , Sun Sept 17th , with Tracey Coster , Tom Maxwell and Slim Connors .
Kempsey Rotary Fundraising event , Sat 21st Oct , with members of Slims band , The Travelling Country Band .
It's good to see country music lovers and performers getting behind Slims dream of building a museum in Kempsey to house all the memorabillia , he and Joy have gathered over their lifelong career and travels .

FESTIVALS OVER THE REST OF THE YEAR

HATS OFF TO COUNTRY FESTIVAL , TAMWORTH , JULY 7 8 & 9
Amos has been invited back to the Hats Off To Country Festival , and this year will be performing with Matt and Dan Manning and Nathan Charlton as THE YOUNG BALLADEERS in a 3 hour show each day , at The Pub , Fri - 6pm - 9pm , Sat / Sun - 12 noon - 3pm .
The boys are well known individually as popular bush balladeers and combine to present a large range of traditional Australian country music. TYB's also have short appearances on The Calvalcade Of Stars Friday night and The Southgate Inn Barry Thornton Tribute Show Saturday afternoon .

NANANGO COUNTRY MUSTER
The Young Balladeers will be at Nanango on Sat 9th Sept

MILDURA
Invited back again , after his debut appearance at the festival last year . Amos was well received by audiences and is looking forward to enjoying a 2 week stay in this beautiful part of the Murray .

WIDGEE
This will be Amos's 1st visit to the Widgee festival and thanks Lex K for the invitation .

NEW SINGLE TO BE RELEASED TOWARD THE END OF THE YEAR
Katie Botfield , a young , female bush balladeer , hot on the scene , will be teaming up with Amos to record a duo at the Regency Studios after the Hats Off Festival .
 

February 2006
AMOS WINS "Best New Talent" at Bungendore

Amos was thrilled to be presented with the award by Joy McKean , Amos was surprised when Joy announced his name , as the winner of the new talent category and would like to extend his well wishes to fellow finalists in the category Jeff Gibson and Niel Buttsworth , both excellant talent in their own right also.

A BIG THANKYOU

Thankyou to all my friends who continued to support me during the Tamworth Festival when I was having trouble with my voice. It was a very disappointing experience for me to have everything organised (as much as possible) , to look forward to the festival for a year and then to not be able to fulfill all of my commitments due to health problems , I didn't plan for that. I know people would have been disappointed, as I was and your well wishes and support means alot to me and my family.

Thanks goes out to my mate Nathan Charlton for filling in a few spots for me , I owe you one Mate.

See you all there again next year.
 

10 December 2005
CONGRATULATIONS TO AMOS FOR BEING CHOSEN AS A TOP 5 FINALIST IN THE CMAA GOLDEN GUITAR AWARDS IN THE CATEGORY ' BUSH BALLAD OF THE YEAR' WITH THE SONG - 'THE RAIN DON'T TUMBLE DOWN IN JULY HERE' written by Bernie O Brien / Warren Keats

Amos attended the finalists announcement on Thursday in Sydney , where he was totally surprised when his name was called.

To be chosen as a finalist in Australia's most pretigious country music awards is a real honour and thrill for Amos especially considering Amos is a relative new arrival on the country music scene.

MORE THRILLS TO COME

Amos has been notified by officials that he has also been chosen as a finalist in the - TIARA's , Tamworth , Jan '06. ( Tamworth Independent Artist Recognition Awards ) In the category of 'BUSH BALLAD' for the song 'TRUE COUNTRY' written by Amos Morris.
AUSTRALIAN BUSH BALLAD AWARDS , Bungendore , Feb '06. In the category of 'NEW TALENT' for the song 'THE RAIN DON'T TUMBLE DOWN IN JULY HERE'.
BEING A FINALIST AT THESE AWARDS WILL NO DOUBT HELP TO MAKE 2006 A GREAT YEAR FOR AMOS.
 
Amos would like to thank everyone for their interest, friendship and support in welcoming him into the country music genre in Australia.
 

26 October 2005
Amos was awarded "The Best New Talent Of The Year" at the ACRA awards in Goulburn on Sat night , this is a good recognition as it is voted on by approx 40 radio presenters around the country. It was totally unexpected and Amos was so surprised to receive it he could only muster up 1 word to say , thankyou.

The Mildura festival was a great success and audiances appeared to enjoy a new , young talent. CD sales at the festival were very good and Amos was invited to 2 SA festivals , 1 Queensland festival and a WA CM club performance during '06 , so that will branch him out a little next year to cover some new ground. Amos is looking forward to being invited back again in the future.

AMOS RELEASES DEBUT CD INCLUDING A TRIBUTE TO SLIM "THE LAST GOODBYE" 15th September, 2005

Amos's first CD "Memories Live On" was released Sunday 11th September, 6pm at the Kempsey Heights Bowling Club during the Kempsey Country Music / Trucking Festival.
 
"Memories Live On" is a fitting title as the CD features several songs recorded by Slim Dusty, 4 originals from another Kempsey boy, Brian K Kelly, 4 of Amos's songs and a new song by Bernie O'Brien / Warren Keats called "The Rain Don't Tumble Down In July Here".

CD is produced by Marc Lea at Regency Sound and has the strong acoustic ballad sound of industry masters Charley Boyter, Ben Kelly, Lawrie Minson, Marc Lea and Hughey Curtis. 
 
As a bright new light on the bush ballad scene, Amos is doing Kempsey proud. He has regular bookings from Sydney to Tamworth and is receiving wonderful responses from audiences at the shows. more info and samples here