A TALENTED country music singer discovered at a Swan Hill library music event was nominated for two awards in the Country Music Awards of Australia.
William Alexander, a previous participant in Loud @ the Library, was nominated for two Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth on January 25.
He joined headline acts such as Troy Cassar-Daley and Colin Buchanan on this year’s nomination list.
His album, The Singing Stockman, was nominated for Traditional Country Album of the Year and Album of the Year.
Alexander said he was still in high school in Swan Hill when he performed on the library stage.
“It was about 15 years ago … not that long ago, I’m not that old yet,” he said with a laugh.
“I remember it very clearly, because I was terrified.
“It’s like when you’re a kid, you think you’re born for the stage, and then you get there, and I remember just sitting up the back somewhere and thinking, ‘Oh, this is a mistake.
“I remember that very vividly, and to be honest, that hasn’t really changed much.
“I’ve sort of just got used to getting up and doing it anyway.”
Alexander recalled the encouragement from his young peers.
“It was the perfect sort of first show, really, just because of the environment that it was,” he told The Guardian.
“It was just incredibly encouraging of everyone that was getting up and singing and made you feel like a star, whether you like it or not.”
Alexander said libraries had “drifted away from the days where most kids would sit down and read a book”.
“I suppose branching out is how we how we keep them alive … it just provides an opportunity for the young people that might be learning to play or making up songs, to get up and perform, and they might not otherwise have the chance,” he said.
Alexander grew up in Dubbo and relocated to Swan Hill when he was beginning high school.
He finished high school and went off on his own way.
“I actually ended up living there, on and off, probably about almost 15 years,” he said.
“I’ve only just moved back to NSW in the past 12 months. My wife and I ended up on a farm in Mellool for about six years.
“We were very fond of our time there and no doubt be coming back regularly to see people we’re close with.”
The nominated singer described the awards ceremony as “full on”.
“We weren’t quite prepared for what that was; it was an eye-opener,” he said.
“When you’re standing around there … we got a bit dressed up, which is not something I usually do … and you sort of looking around at all these legends are just walking around chatting amongst you.
“I got to stand there and have a talk with John Williamson, The Wiggles. My kids think I’m pretty cool because I met The Wiggles.”
Alexander said he grew up with all genres of music.
“I probably gravitated more towards that country music when I was younger, but I didn’t really catch on to it until I finished school,” he said.
“It wasn’t a conscious choice, I just naturally gravitated to it.
“I work in agriculture, and it made it more relevant the songs I write.”
Loud @ the Library launched in 2011, and ever since, local youth have emerged from this event.
“William made his singing debut at Loud @ the Library, and it’s been a real thrill to watch his journey unfold,” Swan Hill Regional Libraries manager Camille Cullinan said.
“Knowing that this event provided him with the platform to be discovered is such an honour.
“William is joined by talented local artists such as Sophie and Emma Kelly, Lachie Dunn, Shannon Bishop, Callum McNab, Deaken Fawcett, and Bonnie Rovere, among many others.”
Loud @ the Library will be held on Friday, March 28, from 7pm.
Local singers, dancers, and musicians, aged 12 to 25, are encouraged to register.
Registrations close on Wednesday, March 19, online at forms.office.com/r/mnuqTMqgSX.
