Album Notes

Craig Stewart has been performing as a soloist along the east coast of NSW and South-East Queensland over the past decade. During this time he has gained a solid reputation as being one of the most dynamic and versatile entertainers on the pub and club circuit, with well over 1000 gigs now under his belt.

Born and bred in Port Macquarie, with several generations of family in both the Hastings and Tamworth regions,
it was inevitable that Craig would emerge on the country music scene.

Craig’s songwriting has been likened to both Graeme Connors and John Williamson. No surprises there really as they were, and continue to be, two of his greatest musical influences.

It has been these influences which have seen Craig make a significant impact in Australian Country Music, being described in Country Music Capital News as 'one of the most listenable singers to emerge since the turn of the century'. Referring to Craig's debut album, 'The Spirit of Australia', the article goes on to say 'Craig's songwriting abilities are equally superb - thirteen high quality tracks leave you wanting to hear more and more of this great performer - it is certain that Craig Stewart has a great future in country music'.

Since the release of his album, Craig has been a feature artist at both the Tamworth and Gympie festivals (where he appeared as a main stage act), and has had numerous nominations for awards, including the 2006 Golden Saddle Award, the 2006 Mildura Rising Star Award and the 2006 ICE Male Vocalist of the Year Award. He is scheduled to appear at the Norfolk Island, Tamworth and Mildura festivals in 2007.

Craig’s achievements within the country music industry are a testament to not only his abilities as a songwriter, musician and entertainer, but also the belief the industry itself appears to have in his future.


Recent achievements have included:

• Being nominated for the 2006 ICE (Independent Country Entertainer) Male Vocalist of the Year.
• Being nominated for the 2006 'Golden Saddle Awards'. You cannot apply for this award - it is an acknowledgment by the industry of the top up and coming independent artists in the country.
• Being nominated 'Rising Star' category at the 2006 Mildura Country Music Awards
• Being booked to appear as a feature artist at the 2006 Gympie Muster, including a main stage appearance
• Launching his debut album, 'The Spirit of Australia', at the 2006 Tamworth Country Music Festival (containing 13 original compositions). This album has subsequently been distributed nationally via One Stop Entertainment, reaching number 23 in the 'Top 50 Independent Top Sellers' in the country.
• Appearing as a top ten Grand Finalist in 2004 and 2006 Toyota Starmaker
• Graduating in 2004 from the CMAA Country Music College
• Appearing twice as a Grand Finalist in the Gympie Muster Maton Talent Search (2004/2005). In 2005 Craig was awarded a $2000.00 Maton guitar in recognition of his achievements.
• Craig was subsequently asked by Maton if he would consider being one of their ‘endorsed’ players, and appear on their behalf in the 2006 Maton Showcase during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Craig gratefully accepted both offers.
• Craig was booked to appear with his band at a number of venues as a feature act of the 2006 & 2007 Tamworth Country Music Festivals
• Craig’s song ‘From a Country Town’ was selected from over 500 entries as one of only five grand finalists in the professional section of the Tamworth Songwriters Association’s National Songwriting Contest. Craig has had several other original compositions reach the finals in this competition.
• One of Craig’s compositions, ‘The Spirit of Australia’, was selected as one of only six songs to be recorded by Garth Porter during the 2004 Country Music College.
• Craig has appeared on other showcases alongside the likes of Beccy Cole, Lee Kernaghan, Adam Brand, Adam Harvey, Sovereign, Bella, Col Finley, Tanya Self, Wayne Law, Michael King, Mark Tempany and Travis Collins
• Winning the 2003 Drover Music/LBS Fanland Star Search competition.

The feedback Craig has received from the industry since his 2004-2006 Tamworth and Gympie appearances has been phenomenal, ensuring the next year will be busy, with plenty of writing and recording whilst still performing at a wide range of festivals and venues with ‘The Craig Stewart Band’.

One thing is for certain – the name Craig Stewart is rapidly on the rise in the Australian country music scene. For more information visit:

www.craigstewart.com.au