An exciting line up of guest speakers has been announced today for the Academy of Country Music’s 2021 program.
Academy X, as it will be named next year, is a staple event for up and coming musicians and will continue in January despite the cancellation of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Lyn Bowtell, Golden Guitar winner and Academy Director said the program will be held virtually this year due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Ms Bowtell said Academy X will be a great opportunity for the country music industry to connect and discuss what the future will look like after a challenging year.
"I hope the attendees will experience the same passionate lectures and connections we have at Academy every year," Ms Bowtell said.
The line up of artists includes Troy Cassar-Daley, Brooke McClymont, Kasey Chambers, Beccy Cole, Shane Nicholson and Amber Lawrence to name a few.
"In the program, we have everything from business modules to performance, songwriting and mental health as well," Ms Bowtell said.
Mental health is an important component of next year's Academy given the difficult circumstances thrust upon musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of live music that has decimated their livelihoods.
"We're trying to do it in a positive way," Ms Bowtell said, "And help us work on ways to become more resilient."
Ms Bowtell was joined in Tamworth by Roger Corbett, award-winning singer-songwriter and Academy General Manager, Golden Guitar winner Ashley Dallas, Tamworth Mayor Col Murray and Festival Manager Barry Harley to announce on Friday 16th October.
Academy X will take place over Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th of January 2021, and is open to anyone interested in learning about various aspects of the Australian country music industry and hearing from some of Australia's top talents.
Several scholarships will also be available and more information will be announced soon.
The Academy is an initiative of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA), who aim to encourage, develop and promote all interests of the professional country music industry in Australia.