december-2009

Amber 10
Lawrence.
With a new album just out and a Southern
Stars Awards gong for best single,
Australia’s freshest country music singer
ends the year on a high note
INTERVIEW RACHEL FARNAY JACQUES
Congratulations on the release of your second album,
When It All Comes Down. How is it different from your
fi rst album, The Mile?
This album is more mature and personal. Losing my
dad last year to lymphoma forced me to look deeper for
inspiration. That said, they are mostly happy, fun and
inspirational songs. It’s also more upbeat and “live” than my
fi rst album.
Which song is your personal favourite on the new album?
“Song to Self”. It’s about believing in yourself, which is
something you really need to do when you pursue a life as an
entertainer. This song is like a mantra for me… give yourself a
break, don’t be too hard on yourself. As long as I’m doing my
best, I’m happy!
Where do you fi nd the energy to write and produce two
albums in two years?
I don’t know how to chill out and do nothing. I’m also unusual
for a musician in that I start work before 9am most days, and
then work late so I guess I squeeze a lot into one day! But I’m
defi nitely looking to book a Jetstar fl ight soon for a holiday!
You’ve received four Southern Stars Independent
Country Music awards and APRA and CMC nominations,
yet only a few years ago, you worked at Qantas. How did
that happen?
By day, I worked in fi nance for Qantas and by night, I was a
singer. Qantas was very supportive, allowing me to work
part-time. The turning point came in 2007 when I got
nominated for two Golden Guitars. It was a “now or never”
decision. Hopefully, music is a lifelong job for me, but if the
stars don’t align that way, there’s always accounting!
You were once an athlete on the NSW State Team —
do you still have time for sports?
After 10 years of full-on training, I just don’t seem to enjoy
exercise at all! But I do love running — particularly on
the Sydney beaches around Coogee and Maroubra…
lots of hills!
What do you do in Sydney to relax?
When I get home from being on the road, I head to
Coogee Beach for my favourite breakfast and a good
latte, to the pub for a beer, or to sit on the beach.
Tell us about your new shows in January?
My new shows will feature most of the songs from
my new album plus the hit singles from my fi rst
album, including “Good Girls”. I’ll be performing at the
Tamworth Entertainment Centre in January during
the Country Music Festival, and I’m really looking
forward to some great festivals — Perth Muster,
CMC Rocks the Snowys in Thredbo and the
Whittlesea Country Music Festival in Victoria.
That’s what I love about my job — the travel,
and seeing parts of Australia I wouldn’t
ordinarily see.
DECEMBER 2009 7
10 MINUTES WITH...