Meet the Aussie artist crowned New Songwriter of the Year in Tamworth

An Australian songwriter is following in the footsteps of Lee Kernaghan.

Lake Macquarie singer-songwriter Aaron Jurd was named APRA AMCOS TSA New Songwriter of the Year in Tamworth on Tuesday night.

Peter Fenton from APRA AMCOS and Golden Guitar winner Catherine Britt presented the coveted award to Jurd for his third single ‘Changed’ at the Tamworth Songwriters Association Songwriter Salute Awards during a gala presentation and concert at the Longyard Hotel.

“This is the first award I have won recognising my songwriting and it is truly humbling to win such a prestigious accolade,” he said.

The Toronto, NSW, country artist received $1000 in prize money from APRA AMCOS which he will use towards new music and his debut album set for release mid-2020.

“To be recognised for my songwriting in these awards, that are judged by my peers, is very special, as country music is very reflective of the lyrics and the stories they tell,” he said.

Jurd was also a finalist in Country Rock Song of the Year with his second single, ‘Hard To Breathe’.

Last year he achieved more with his music than ever, with ‘Hard To Breathe’ and ‘Changed’ both charting in the top 20 of the iTunes Country Songs Chart and an appearance on Spotify’s Fresh Country Spotify playlist.

“This has been an incredible start to 2020 and I want to thank everyone for the support they have shown me this far.”

Previous winners of the Tamworth Songwriter’s Association Awards include Colin Buchanan, Ted Egan, Allan Caswell, Lyn Bowtell, Graeme Connors, John Williamson, and Lee Kernaghan.

The Tamworth Country Music Festival was the biggest one yet for the chart-topping singer with six performances in as many days and he is also a finalist in the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards, presented tomorrow at North West Church.

Jurd will vie for the Best Male Vocal and Most Promising Future Star categories in these awards.

“It is truly humbling to be a finalist in these awards that are purely voted by the fans of country music,” he said.