2015 Grant McLennan Fellowship recipient named

PRESS RELEASE:

Brisbane singer-songwriter Tim Steward has been named the winner of the prestigious $25,000 Grant McLennan Fellowship for 2015. Steward is a versatile and talented singer, songwriter and guitarist who is a member of the bands Screamfeeder and We All Want To.

2015 GMF Judges L-R Sally McLennan, Sean Sennett, Ian Haug & Adele Pickvance

Steward wowed the judges with his talent and potential and, as part of his prize, he will travel to London to write songs for We All Want To’s next album.

Steward was up against some tough competition this year from the finalists: Hannah Macklin (MKO Sun), John Carty (Jack Carty) and Stephanie Pickett (Ella Fence).

Judges Sally McLennan, Adele Pickvance (The Go-Betweens), Ian Haug (Powderfinger, The Church) and music writer Sean Sennett were impressed with the high calibre of the entrants, many of whom were first time applicants.

“The decision gets harder and harder each year because of the calibre of songwriting, but Tim stood out because of his playful yet really strong songs.” Adele Pickvance expressed.

“Tim proved the fire in his belly is as strong as ever and he really nailed the application. I can’t wait to hear what Tim bring back from his old stomping ground in London!”

Ian Haug offered, “with no distractions of recording or playing shows, we are all extremely excited to see what such a passionate and experienced local songwriter and musician comes up with and brings back to Brisbane”

The Fellowship, now in its ninth year, honours the musical legacy of Grant McLennan, one of Australia’s greatest singer-songwriters and founding member of the hit 1970’s Brisbane band The Go-Betweens who passed away in 2006.

The award, presented with the blessing of the McLennan family, gives winners the chance to follow in Grant’s footsteps and live in New York, London or Berlin for up to six months for creative inspiration and career development.

“As the McLennan family representative I am pleased and grateful that the Queensland government, through Arts Queensland and APRA AMCOS, are keeping this Fellowship alive in Grant’s name” Sally offered about the prestigious award. “Next year will see Grant’s grant reach its tenth year – a decade of supporting Queensland songwriters.”

2014 winner Thomas Calder, of the band The Trouble with Templeton, travelled to London where he wrote and recorded a number of songs, resulting in two records of solo material.

Thomas Calder said his experience was life-changing. “I truly have an entirely new outlook on making music and my creativity. They say ‘Travel broadens the mind’. It also sparks the imagination and warms the soul,” Mr Calder said.

“My advice for the 2015 winner would be to carve out some time on your trip to focus on introspection, to throw yourself fully into the experience, and to work as hard as you can on your craft,” he said.

The Fellowship, jointly funded by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and APRA AMCOS and administered by QMusic, is open to Queensland contemporary musicians.

Head of Member Services for APRA AMCOS, Dean Ormston, said APRA AMCOS was pleased to continue its support for the Grant McLennan Fellowship.

“Our absolute priority is supporting Australia’s songwriters and it’s very special to be able to do so through the name and legacy of such a great songwriter in Grant McLennan.” Mr Ormston said.

Previous winners of the Grant McLennan Fellowship:

2014: Thomas Calder (The Trouble With Templeton)

2013: Seja

2012: Louise O’Reilly and Paul Hannan (Laneway)

2011: Scott Spark

2010: Danny Widdicombe & Andrew Morris (The Wilson Pickers)

2009: Helen Franzmann (McKisko)

2008: John Busby and Chris Dale (Halfway)

2007: Greg Charles

The 2015 Grant McLennan Fellowship is joint-funded by Arts Queensland and APRA AMCOS and administered by QMusic