Australian country music power couple Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley know how to party.
Their live shows are a beautiful journey through touching storytelling and rocking tunes interspersed with the sharp banter only couples can provide."We say some pretty inappropriate things," McClymont teases. "We shock each other sometimes," Eckersley confirms. "It's like we're standing in our kitchen."
The duo will be playing Groundwater Country Music Festival, a free festival hosted on the Gold Coast in late October. The festival features 50 artists across 6 stages, and partners with Drought Angels – a charity providing much needed care and relief to farmers and rural communities. The festival is headlined by the likes of Fanny Lumsden, Travis Collins, Seaforth, and Andrew Farriss.
McClymont and Eckersley have played at Groundwater in their respective bands, but never together. "This is going to be a first for Adz and I together, which is so exciting," McClymont shares.
"It's in a beautiful location, and the festival runs so smoothly. From an artist point of view, they always look after us. It's just really good fun," Eckersley expounds.
With so many incredible acts playing, it's hard to nail down who to see, but the duo were happy to assist. "I'm a big fan of Kaylee Bell, she's always awesome," McClymont says. "They're bringing out Seaforth, they're Aussies who are kicking ass in America at the moment, and Travis Collins is always good."
"We'll keep our eyes out too," Eckersley says. "There's always great new acts that play Groundwater."
McClymont and Eckersley pen songs that speak to the heart, telling their stories interwoven with intricate guitar lines. They released their single 'Memory Lane' in July this year, which recounts the true story of how the couple met growing up in Grafton.
"We were on the same street as each other for a couple of years, it's where we met," Eckersley recounts.
"I was in Grafton for six years, Brooke was there her whole life. We met when Brooke was driving past. For years, people have asked 'how did you guys get together?', so we thought it's about time we write a song about it. Our stories always differ slightly."
"Not my story," McClymont interjects. "Yeah of course," Eckersley joins the fun. "We came to the conclusion it doesn't matter how we got together, we're having fun being together and still creating more memories."
The duo have a soon to be announced national tour planned for next year, as well as a new album coming out. What country would they love to tour? "I have never been to Japan. I think that'd be a lot of fun," Eckersley says, as McClymont agrees.
The couple also agree on their favourite song to perform live, 'Lay With Me' from their first album citing its great melody and lyrics as the reason it's their personal favourite. They may disagree about their meeting story, but it seems they agree on most other things.
Earlier this year, McClymont featured on 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Outta Here!', finishing second, a crazy experience she recounts. Is there anything she still can't eat? "No! I'd never eat what they gave me again, but no, I've got a steel stomach so I can eat anything!"
When it comes to a pub meal versus a home-cooked meal, the duo choose home-cooked every time. "We live in pubs and clubs all year round, so we love a home-cooked meal. Bangers and mash with peas, yum!" McClymont exclaims. "We love bangers and mash," Eckersley agrees, yet again.
Groundwater Country Music Festival is free and takes place in Broadbeach (Gold Coast) 28-30 October.
Groundwater Country Music Festival 2022 Line-up
SeaforthAndrew Farriss
Tami Neilson
Andrew Swift
Jayne Denham
The Viper Creek Band
Darlinghurst
Chloe Styler
Montgomery Church
Hayley Marsden
Sweet Talk
Bella MacKenzie
Max Jackson
Bud Rokesky
Michael Carpenter And The Banks Brothers
Rex G Miller
Rae Leigh
Dane Sharp
Who join the already announced:
Fanny Lumsden
Travis Collins
Brooke Mcclymont & Adam Eckersley
Catherine Britt
Gina Jeffreys
Kirsty Lee Akers
Kaylee Bell
Dan Davidson
Hayley Jensen
Kristy Cox
Andy Golledge
Lachlan Bryan & The Wilds
Dozzi
Open Season Band
Southbound XO
Cass Hopetoun
Raechel Whitchurch
Whistle Dixie
Abbie Ferris
Freight Train Foxes
DJ Colonel's Country Music Cottage
