When it comes to country music in Australia, aside from Slim Dusty there isn't a bigger name or more iconic figure than Lee Kernaghan.
Alongside being named Australian Of The Year (2008), winning a staggering 37 Golden Guitar awards as well as 4 ARIA Awards, and claiming 33 #1 songs on the Australian country charts, it's fair comment to label Lee a dead-set living legend.This NYE, he'll be serenading fans in Brisbane in a one-man show (his debut solo performance, for reals) as part of the Social Sessions – a new series that pairs an iconic Australian singer-songwriter with a chef-curated four-course meal featuring locally-inspired selections.
For a man who has spent so much time on the road touring throughout your career, how have you managed 2020 with the lack of live shows?
It's been a pretty challenging year for a lot of us. There's been some real positives come out of it though, like spending more time at home with the family, working on some creative projects and unpacking my suitcase for the first time in years.
Given the dearth of live performances, has it given you a greater appreciation for what you normally get to do?
Yes, it sure has been a big reminder of what a privilege it is to get out in front of a live crowd and travel freely around the country, and the world, making music and doing the things you love.
You'll be signing off 2020 in style as part of Social Sessions in Brisbane, a new series that pairs iconic singer-songwriters with a fine dining package; the press release says it'll be your first time performing as a solo act; that can't be right, can it?
Yes, I'm really excited to be playing at the Hamilton Hotel for NYE and my first ever solo show.
I'll be playing a lot of the hits from my career and sharing some of the most memorable moments along the way. It's gonna be a great way to farewell a year I'll never forget.
Looking for positives out of 2020, what have you achieved, accomplished this year that you wouldn't have if it'd been a normal year?
I've been working on a couple of massive projects this year. Things are still under wraps for now but looking forward to making some big announcements early in the new year.
Is there another Lee Kernaghan studio album in the works; if so, what can you share with our readers?
The Backroad Nation tour has been pretty epic and took me all across Australia culminating in the big Firefight Concert just before everything closed down.
So since then, I've been working on the new songs and am planning to release a brand new album around the middle of 2021.
You're a living legend of the Australian country music scene; do you keep tabs on the next gen coming through and are there any emerging talents you think have the talent to become household names?
It's been awesome to see The Wolfe Brothers from Tasmania become such huge stars over the last few years.
We have some stellar new artists coming through like Casey Barnes, Hunter Kaine, Brad Cox and the incredible Buckleys from Byron Bay that are destined for huge things over the coming years.
Let's get a little guitar nerdy; do you have two, three favourites that are a little extra special to you?
I've got this beautiful sunburst Gibson J-185 that I'll be playing on New Year's Eve. . . it's my go-to guitar whenever I'm writing songs. The music just pours out of it.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
I've got this great teppanyaki grill at my place, so it would be steaks and cold beers all 'round.
What's the one chore you dislike the most?
Decluttering the garage 'cause things keep stacking up. You've gotta figure out whether you keep it, give it a way or take it to the tip. Too many decisions!
Do you have any phobias?
I saw 'Jaws' at the cinema when I was about ten years old and I've been wary of white pointers ever since.
Thanks for your time Lee; anything else you'd like to add?
Just want to send my best to everyone for a happy, healthy, prosperous 2021 and looking forward to catching up with all the legends who'll be joining me to see in the new year at the Hamilton Hotel.
Lee Kernaghan's Social Sessions takes place at Hamilton Hotel (Brisbane) 31 December. Lee also joins the Country Roadshow at Eatons Hill Hotel (Brisbane) on 6 February joining Adam Brand, Travis Collins, The Wolfe Brothers, Jasmine Rae and The Buckleys. Lee also headlines the inaugural Gippsland Country Music Festival 24 April and 2021 Gympie Music Muster.
