FOUR-TIME Grammy Award winner Keith Urban and the Tamworth Country Music Festival on Monday unveiled Ethan Calway because the inaugural recipient of the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship – a serious new initiative spotlighting Australia’s subsequent world nation export.
The announcement follows the launch of the groundbreaking initiative earlier this 12 months, which generated widespread pleasure throughout the Australian nation music group and attracted a powerful area of rising expertise nationwide.
Designed to help one rising Australian nation artist able to take the subsequent step internationally, the scholarship gives a career-defining alternative in Nashville, together with the possibility to carry out, write, document, join with key trade figures and undertake devoted recording time at Urban’s studio, The Sound.
Hailing from Warragul, Victoria, Calway stood out for his electrifying guitar work, uncooked but emotive vocal fashion and an authenticity that indicators robust world potential. Blending nation, rock and storytelling influences, his artistry displays each lived expertise and a transparent inventive imaginative and prescient – marking him as considered one of Australia’s most fun rising voices.
Calway’s newest single, Better Tomorrow, additional cements his rising momentum – a driving, anthemic country-rock monitor centred on resilience, onerous work and pushing towards one thing extra.
“What an incredible opportunity – I’m beyond grateful to be chosen for something like this,” Calway stated.
“To learn, write and record in Nashville, and to have that kind of support behind me, is something I’ve always dreamed about. I can’t wait to get over there and make the most of it.”
The scholarship is the newest extension of Urban’s deep dedication to rising artists. From early help and collaborations with artists corresponding to Taylor Swift and Maren Morris to mentorship, touring alternatives and training initiatives, he has persistently used his platform to raise new voices at pivotal moments of their careers.
“Ethan has something really special,” Urban stated.
“There’s a rawness and honesty in what he does that really connects. I’m excited to see what this next chapter brings for him and to be part of that journey.”
Ethan Calway has been named the inaugural recipient of the Keith Urban Rising Star Scholarship (Image: Thomas Snaddon)
Tamworth Country Music Festival govt supervisor, Peter Ross, stated the announcement marks a
important milestone for each the initiative and the broader Australian nation music panorama.
“The response to the scholarship has been extraordinary, and Ethan is a truly deserving recipient,” he stated.
“This initiative reflects the shared values of the Festival and Keith – creating meaningful opportunities for artists to grow and reach new audiences. Keith is the living embodiment of the Tamworth pathway to success, and together we are proud to support the next generation of Australian country artists as they take their music to the world.”
The Tamworth Country Music Festival and Keith Urban groups will work intently with Calway as he undertakes the scholarship expertise.
