Kelsie Rimmer is on the path to country super stardom after taking out the Brisbane heat of this year’s Telstra Road to Tamworth competition. I caught up with the 18-year-old from Palmwoods today to chat about the competition, her love for country music, and why she’s heading to “Boot Camp.”
Congratulations on winning the Brisbane heat of the Telstra Road to Tamworth on the weekend.
Thank you very much.
What was it like to be a part of the competition?
It was really, really great. I got to meet so many talented performers and lots of industry professionals as well. It was just really great to be up on stage singing and performing, which is what I love doing.
What made you decide to enter?
I have been a singer-songwriter for a long time, and I realised that it’s really what I want to pursue as a career so I’ve just been entering lots of competitions actually. But I know that country music is my calling, and I know that Tamworth is the country music capital, so I feel really privileged to be a part of it.
At 18 you would be one of the younger competitors. Was it daunting taking on some of the more seasoned performers?
Well actually, it was pretty daunting because we’d all practiced together and I’d heard them all singing and playing their guitars and stuff, and they all sounded amazing. But I kind of just went into the competition with the attitude that I was just going to get up there and be myself, and if that worked out well then it did, and if it didn’t it didn’t. So I actually wasn’t very nervous at all, just because I wasn’t expecting anything.
Was the crowd one of the biggest you’ve performed to?
No actually, even though it was the Ekka, I expected it’d be much bigger. I’ve performed in a few musicals and stuff which have had huge crowds, so the crowd wasn’t the most daunting part. It was mostly the competition part.
What do you love about performing live?
Music is my passion, so when I get to perform my original songs in front of other people it’s just so liberating. It makes me feel like I can do anything I guess.
As well as being a singer and guitarist you’re also a songwriter. Do you have a favourite part of the creative process?
My favourite part is probably the lyric writing. I’m also a big writer as well, I love writing, so it just combines two of my loves. So probably lyric writing is my favourite part.
What inspires you?
Just life, experiences, people, my favourite musicians as well.
Who are some of your favourite musicians?
A few of my favourites are Josh Pyke, and the Dixie Chicks, and Sarah McLachlan, Iron and Wine.
You’ve got a really interesting sound, which blends elements of country music, pop, and folk. Is that because of the people you listen to?
Probably. I also started off more of a folk singer, and then as soon as I found country music I felt like it was perfect for me. It’s good to be able to blend my old music and my new music.
What it is about country music that you’re so passionate about?
I feel like country music, it brings people together and everyone is so passionate about it when you’re with a group of country music lovers. I feel like it’s kind of like a family, and when I’m on stage performing I feel like I’m part of that family I guess.
As part of your win you’ll travel to Sydney for a mentoring Boot Camp program. If you could work with anyone in the country music industry, who would you pick?
Oh I don’t know. I get to work with The McClymonts who are amazing; I couldn’t really ask for more than that. And I get to work with Bill Page who is a director of Mushroom Music, which is pretty awesome. I’m pretty happy with the people I am going to be working with.
You’ll also get to play at the V8 Supercars in Sydney in December. How do you feel about that?
A little bit nervous. It sounds like a big crowd, a big deal. But I’ll just get up there and have fun like I always do, and I should be fine.
Where do you hope this competition win leads for you?
I ultimately hope to get my music out there and become a singer-songwriter professionally. But if not then it’s at least just a great experience, and I get to meet some great people, and just get to perform which is what I love doing.
Image used with permission from Javelin Australia