Rural Prodigy Sets Sights on Country Music Stardom
In the peaceful surrounds of Clarence Town, about an hour north of Newcastle, an eleven-year-old girl with big dreams is serenading an unusual audience. Reese Lawrence, a budding country music talent, finds inspiration in her rural backyard, often singing made-up tunes to her family's chickens.
Tamworth Festival Debut Marks Major Milestone
Recently, Reese decided to take her musical aspirations beyond the farm gate. During last month's Tamworth Country Music Festival, the young performer achieved two significant goals: busking on the iconic Peel Street and competing in the festival's prestigious Golden Gig singing competition.
"Since I started singing it was a dream to busk on Peel Street and to soak up the energy," Reese explains with enthusiasm. "It was really fun, I would go back next year."
Her mother, Jodi Lawrence, notes that music runs deep in their family. "My mum's family had always been passionate about music, and I think that's probably where Reese's love of music comes from," she says. The young singer would often join her grandmother in the shed to play instruments, sing, and listen to country legend Patsy Cline.
Balancing Rural Life with Musical Ambition
Living in a regional area hasn't dampened Reese's determination to pursue her passion. The Lawrence family regularly travels throughout the Hunter Region for various musical activities, including:
- Market day performances
- Weekly singing and guitar lessons
- Wednesday night trips to Newcastle for Songwriters Sing open mic events at Newcastle United Sports Club
"She just loves to give it all a go and get on different stages and feel that joy that comes from connecting with people up on stage," Ms Lawrence says proudly.
Mentorship and Musical Development
Newcastle singer Sandy Louise, who coordinates Hunter Region activities for the Australian Songwriters Association, has watched Reese's development at the weekly open mic nights. "She is a very talented young lady, she has a real passion for country music," Ms Louise observes. "She has been working really hard on her music."
During the Tamworth festival, Ms Louise invited Reese to join her on stage for a special performance of Dolly Parton's classic "Jolene." "It was a really special moment for me," Ms Louise recalls. "I really do enjoy fostering singers and songwriters in the community."
The two are now collaborating on an original song, which the Lawrence family hopes to release before year's end.
Musical Influences and Future Aspirations
Reese draws inspiration from country music greats including Patsy Cline, LeAnn Rimes, and Australian star Kasey Chambers. Her current favorites to perform are Cline's "Crazy" and Rimes' "Blue."
Looking ahead, the young singer has set ambitious goals: performing on the main stage at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and eventually making her mark in Nashville, the global heart of country music.
Despite her youth, Reese demonstrates remarkable dedication to her craft. "I love the feeling of sharing the emotions of the song with an audience," she reflects. "Singing connects you with others and also when I sing it makes me happy."
From chicken coop performances to festival stages, Reese Lawrence's journey represents the enduring appeal of country music and the determination of regional artists to share their talents with wider audiences.
