Kyle Dessent and Tania Kendray

Media Release 20 October 2008

Kyle Dessent is now on the road to achieving every country musician’s dream, after winning the Melrose heat of the Telstra Road to Tamworth competition at Melrose Showgrounds on Saturday.

Kyle (21) will advance through to the Finals held at the Tamworth Country Music Festival presented by Telstra in January 2009 and is in the running to win a full album deal with ABC Music, along with a return trip to country music capital Nashville, USA.

The 14 contestants who performed in the Melrose heat were live judged by a panel of industry experts at the event, but it was Kyle who caught the eye of the judges.

Proving his commitment by travelling almost 2,500km from his hometown in Helena Valley just outside Perth to attend the heat, Kyle is an avid singer songwriter and plays regular gigs with his Perth-based rock band Queen Aphasia.

In addition to his music, Kyle has a strong performing arts background including dance, acting and live theatre experience and is currently studying sound audio engineering at SAE Institute Perth.

Almost not making it out onto the stage when his guitarist pulled out last minute, Kyle was forced to perform a Capella which turned out to be his saving grace.

With the 1000-strong crowd coming to his rescue providing a human drum beat, Kyle enthralled the judges with his natural singing ability and strong stage presence, performing “If tomorrow never comes” by Garth Brooks and an original song “This time around”.

“I’m so grateful for the vibe and energy the audience provided – they supported me the whole way through my performance,” he said.

As part of the trip to Nashville, the overall winner will perform at a two high profile showcase concerts during the CMA Music Festival, the largest country music festival in the world.

Australian country music star and 2009 Telstra Road to Tamworth Ambassador, Adam Harvey, said Kyle is now on his way to becoming the next big thing in country music.

“Every country music hopeful dreams of two things – to record their first album and to perform in Nashville. The Telstra Road to Tamworth gives musicians the chance to win these opportunities and secure a successful career start in country music,” Harvey said.

Like all 14 heat winners, Kyle receives $1,000 to assist him travel to the Finals held during the 2009 Tamworth Country Music Festival presented by Telstra in January recognised as the largest country music festival in Australia.

From these 14 heat winners, the top eight contestants will receive an Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar and progress through to the Grand Final Series showcase.

The overall Telstra Road to Tamworth, winner receives:

• A full album with ABC Music;
• The opportunity to record in Nashville with a leading US producer;
• A return economy airfare to Nashville, USA with living and accommodation expenses;
• Two American CMA certified performances in Nashville as determined by the American CMA & Rob Potts Entertainment Edge;
• Publicity of their visit and performances in Nashville by leading PR company AristoMedia;
• Two tickets to CMA Music Festival 2009 in Nashville;
• One year’s Sterling Membership to CMA America;
• A video clip produced by Rob Potts Entertainment Edge and played on the Country Music Channel shown on Austar and Foxtel pay TV;
• 12 months exclusive management and agency representation plus 12 paid professional live performances through leading Live Entertainment company, Rob Potts Entertainment Edge;
• An Epiphone Elitist Les Paul Electric Guitar; and
• A professional photo shoot with stylist to the value of $2,500 organised through Rob Potts Entertainment Edge.

An additional trip to Nashville is given to the Telstra Road to Tamworth Songwriters Award winner, who will be afforded a number of appointments with leading US Industry songwriters.

For more information on heat locations and how to enter the 2009 Telstra Road to Tamworth please visit www.beinvolved.telstra.com/countrymusic

Telstra is one of the largest corporate sponsors in Australia, investing in sponsorships that touch Australians from communities right across the country. The London Benchmarking Group estimated Telstra’s contributions to the community at almost $19 million last financial year.

Telstra Media Contact:
Katarina Farrell
Mob: 0439 496 400