Victoria Baillie 

Performing: TOYOTA MAIN STAGE  Saturday, 7 Nov, 6.00pm

Victoria Baillie first came to the attention of the country music industry when she released her first self-titled EP in 2006. It saw her nominated in the finals of numerous awards, including the 2006 MusicOz Awards, the 2007 Coopers Golden Saddle and the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards. She took out the Rising Star/Female Award at the 2006 Independent Country Music Awards, and her EP was named the winner of the Tasmanian and New Zealand EP of the Year.

 

Victoria reached the grand final of both the 2007 and 2008 Toyota Star Maker Quest, and was a finalist in the 2007 Telstra Road to Tamworth quest. Over the past few years, Victoria has established herself as an important rising star in Australian country music, supporting major artists such as Lee Kernaghan, Felicity Urquhart and Adam Harvey.

 

There have been many times over the past few years when Victoria Baillie has woken up and longed for her life to change.  “I’ve been holding my breath waiting for that moment when I didn’t have to wake up in the morning and head off to a day job — when I could just sing and write songs and focus on my music,” she said.

 

That day has come, thanks to Victoria’s stunning debut album, Start Brand New, which has just been released through Shock Records. The album is aptly titled. Victoria sees it as the beginning of a whole new phase in her life: one where she’s in control and she can blossom as a performer and a writer.  “The songs on this album are very personal. Even those I didn’t write really connect with me in some profound way. The album is an expression of who I am, both personally and musically,” Victoria said.

 

And from the first moments of the album - the remarkable first single “Melt” - it’s evident that Victoria Baillie is a force to be reckoned with. Her music is fresh, innovative and undeniably contemporary, and she has a voice that transcends musical boundaries to touch the heart and the mind.

 

Start Brand New began its life with the very personal title track, a catchy song about taking charge of your life — and embracing every moment. She wrote the song with sister Barbara, Drew McAlister, and Rod Motbey, and it captures exactly what she has done with this album: start a new adventure in life.

 

Victoria’s brought together a diverse and inspiring collection of song writing luminaries for the album, including her sister Barbara Baillie (“Melt”), Lianna Rose (“A Good Thing” and “I’m Over It”), Phil Barton (“Walked in Leaving”) and Melinda Schneider and Tamara Stewart (“Mr Yesterday”). One of the most appealing tracks, “Stupid”, was penned by Victoria, Jay Collie and Jasper Somerville-Collie (from Jonah’s Road) and Rod Motbey, who also co-produced the album with the talented Matt Fell.  “I find co-writing really stimulating, and I’m still blown away by the talent of the writers we pulled together for the album.”

 

“Music is my passion, and I want to do everything in my power to follow my dream. But I know who I am and what my music is about, and regardless of the rules that might have existed before, I’ll rise to the challenge in my own way,” she said. There’s no doubt that this vibrant and talented young artist will quickly carve a major niche for herself in the music industry — or that Start Brand New marks the beginning of a very exciting journey. Start Brand New is the fresh face and sound of Australian country music and it will capture the attention of a whole new generation of country fans.