Pick your gang colours — things are getting heated in the Australian country music landscape.
The drama began when former Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) President and true blue legend John Williamson handed in his badge, citing his dissatisfaction with the "Americanisation" of the annual Golden Guitars awards.
Williamson was unhappy that Troy Cassar-Daley and Adam Harvey's 'The Great Country Songbook', an album of mostly American covers, had been nominated for Album of the Year, and that US-based Keith Urban had been nominated for Best Male.
Former Tamworth mayor James Treloar also expressed "serious concern" about the integrity of the awards, telling Tamworth's Northern Daily Leader that he doesn't want to see them "diluted".
Cassar-Daley and Harvey — both top blokes by all reports, and not prone to diva behaviour — responded by pulling their album out of contention, and announcing they would not perform during the Tamworth country music festival (but would attend to support the other acts, because, again, they're top blokes).
"The conversations and debates about the album over the past few days have fragmented an already fragile music community," they said in a joint statement. "We are very proud of the achievements of the project, however we wish to not have the album as part of the awards."
They added that "there never was and still is no problem with the album's legitimate qualification", but said the "recent objection and ensuing industry debate" had forced their hand. "We are just sad for country music that this has all happened. The last thing we wanted to do was cause any controversy. It was just two mates paying tribute to our musical heroes."
New CMAA President Dobe Newton has their back — he's straight-up ethered John Williamson in a statement released today, refusing to even address him by name.
"I'm saddened by the very public debate inspired by comments from the past president," Newton writes. "The CMAA usually welcomes any debate which puts country music in the spotlight, however the recent commentary has included statements which directly impact the reputations of two of our most dedicated and decorated country music artists.
"As a consequence, we - as an organisation, have a duty to speak out in support of our members. While Troy Cassar-Daley and Adam Harvey's decision to withdraw their album from the 2014 Golden Guitar Awards may be seen as a drastic move, it is perfectly understandable given the unnecessary media attention that's been generated. How disappointing that a wonderfully received and commercially successful product should be 'tarnished' at a time when it should be celebrated.
"It is important for fans of country music — as well as casual observers, to understand that it is not the organisation's place to dictate what can or cannot be recorded, nor what people like or want to listen to. A nomination and judging process took place strictly in line with the CMAA's published rules.
"If anyone has a comment or a suggestion on that process, we would encourage them to contact us, so that a full and informed debate can take place, rather than the unedifying sound-byte exchanges we're now witnessing. To draw Keith Urban into the 'debate', just makes it all the more unfortunate."
OHHHH, SNAP!
John Williamson's smiling visage still features in a banner ad at the top of the CMAA website — how long do you think that'll last?
The Country Music Awards are held on the Australia Day long weekend in Tamworth. They might want to book some extra security.
