AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER RETURNS FROM NASHVILLE

BY KARLEY REDFERN

Kirsty Lee Akers has a long history with the Tamworth Country Music Festival, calling it a second home. She shared, "I was trying to figure out how many festivals I’ve been to, and I think this is my 35th. My youngest sister was just three weeks old when we camped here, so it’s been a huge part of my life." Kirsty’s family has always been involved in country music, and Tamworth was their yearly tradition. She added, “My mum’s been coming since she was a kid. Even when she was pregnant with me at 16, she was here—our life revolved around coming to Tamworth.”

When asked about her career goals for the next five years, Kirsty reflected on her long path. "I’ve been doing this for so long, but it feels like it’s been forever. I entered Star-Maker at 18, won it, and got my first Golden Guitar the year after. By the time I was 21, I had already released an album and had national recognition. But there’s so much I still want to do." She added, “I often worry that time is slipping away. But I’ve got new music coming soon, a new album, and a side project with my husband Jesse and our guitarist. We’re called Rhinestone, and we’ve got new tracks in the works.”

For Kirsty, music isn’t just a job; it’s her life. "Even if I couldn’t make a living from it, I’d still wake up every day wanting to write and sing. Country music is what I love, it’s part of who I am." She shared an emotional moment when talking about her connection to the music: "I can’t even watch Dolly Parton without crying. I grew up listening to artists like her, and now, standing in places like the Grand Ole Opry, it’s overwhelming."

Before wrapping up, Kirsty excitedly introduced her new song, “Marlboro Man,” saying, "I didn’t know you were playing the track, but I’m debuting this new single next month. I thought I’d play it for you guys here."