SINGER-songwriter Taylor Sheridan is rising in the Australian music scene after opening for legendary artists such as Vanessa Amorosi, Dionne Warwick, Daryl Braithwaite and Jimmy Barnes all before releasing his first solo studio album.
Since the release of Troubadour last June, Sheridan announced his first headlining national tour – including a stop at Swan Hill Town Hall’s Mully’s Place on February 14.
Sheridan’s music has been praised for its lyricism and described as “soulfully acoustic”.
He said was excited to play songs from his new album live on the Troubadour Tour.
However, he said being a self-funded and independent artist presented barriers to releasing his album.
“Being independent is not easy,” he told The Guardian.
“When I finished making the album, I had no money left to release and promote it.”
But four days after finishing the album, Sheridan got a call to be the opening act for Jimmy Barnes, which was “a dream come true”.
“It changed everything,” he said.
“It just felt like everything fell into place and all the hard work was worth it.
“It gave me a platform to believe it was possible to release my album to an audience.”
With the tour commencing in 15 weeks, Sheridan set up a 31-day pledge campaign to in order to fund the release of Troubadour.
The album topped the ARIA Australian country album and the iTunes Australian independent album charts.
Sheridan said the album wouldn’t have seen the light of day if it were not for the support of his fans.
“It was really the support of other people that made the album happen,” he said.
“I’m really glad I can finally share these songs with people because I put everything I have into it.”
Being a former member of the Australian rock band Taxiride and then touring as an opening act for several artists as a solo act, Sheridan said he was taking a leap of faith on his first headline tour.
“It’s time I do my own shows and see if I do have an audience out there,” he said.
Sheridan, who was raised in Kyneton, said he had a soft spot for regional towns and was looking forward to his Swan Hill gig.
“Any regional town in Victoria feels like a home away from home,” he said.
“Regional people are just so accommodating and proud of where they come from.
“Every time I have played in Swan Hill, the people made me feel so welcomed, so I’m looking forward to coming here again.”
Troubadour on Tour will be at Mully’s Place on Friday, February 14 at 8pm.
Tickets are available online at swanhilltownhall.com/events/taylor-sheridan.
