Anne Fraser is an Adelaide Hills-based folk singer and bush balladeer, who has seen six of her songs reach the Top 40 Country Charts in Australia since she began writing in 2020.
She’s also been a finalist and semi-finalist in the Tamworth Songwriting Association Songwriter Salute Awards, has won Brumby Awards for Best Female Bush Ballad and performed at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January.
In October last year she was also named the Texas Spirit Performer of the Year at the Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards, which draws country musicians from 36 countries.
We spoke to her fresh off her international win, to find out more about her country music journey.
When and how did you first discover your talent for music and song writing?I first started my song writing journey in 2020 after some challenging life experiences.
I have always been a good writer in my schooling and with poetry, but music didn’t come to me until I was 49 years of age.
What drew you to country music?I grew up listening to country and other genres, but after exploring my writing abilities I became drawn to the authentic lyrics in country and developed a passion for Australian country music.
Country music is the heart of our rural culture and allows you to write with simple yet effective storytelling. I am known as a bush balladeer and folk singer.
What inspires your lyrics?My lyrics are written from my heart and usually have a theme of truth behind them.
I write about places and people, but sometimes in a folk genre I am drawn to writing love songs. I am a storyteller and my lyrics are often poetic in song.
I often have a thought in my mind several weeks before it becomes a song.
Sometimes it is instant and the words flow out in a short period of time.
Sometimes I have a melody already in my mind and other times the melody comes after working on the lyrics with the guitar.
What did it mean to you to win the Texas Spirit Performer of the Year?To win this award was incredible, because I felt I was acknowledged for my skills and also because the people of Texas felt I was one in spirit with them and their music.
This was my first time overseas and it was an amazing experience.
I witnessed authentic American music in San Fransisco, New Orleans and Texas.
What’s the most memorable performance you’ve ever done and why?My most memorable performance was singing a song I had been requested to write for a funeral and performing it there.
It was very personal because I knew and loved the family, so it was a privilege to do this.
I want to grow my writing services for weddings, funerals and special occasions.
When you’re not writing or playing music, what do you love to do?I am an independent support worker for aged care in the community and also do at least two sessions a week performing in aged care homes around Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills.
I also love nature walking, animals and spending time with family and friends.
Who’s your favourite musician and why?My favourite musician is Mark Knopfler. He and the band Dire Straits was the first cassette I bought to listen to in my car at sixteen years of age. I fell in love with his guitar skills and the simple, yet effective, lyrics.
Even though many people said he couldn’t sing well, he proved that passion and determination wins through.
I admired him for his authenticity and for the sense of joy that he played with.
My favourite songs are Why Worry and On Every Street.
If you could perform with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?I would be honoured to perform with James Blundell as he was another childhood favourite and was the first live concert I attended.
I saw him at McLaren Vale and was mesmerised by his voice and lyrics.
