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New Australian Balladeer Award
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2024 WINNER
Paul Ricketts
Congratulations to Paul Ricketts, winner of the 2024 "Thornton Young Award"!
Thornton Young Award Winner Revealed
Paul Ricketts Wins Inaugural Thornton Young Award
Lindsay Waddington Music and the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) are proud to announce Nanango (Qld) resident Paul Ricketts as the winner of the 2024 Thornton Young Award. The award will be presented to Paul during the highly anticipated Back to the Bush concert in Bicentennial Park at the Tamworth Country Music Festival on 24th January 2024.
The Thornton Young Award is aimed at discovering and promoting new talent and potential in Australian bush/heritage music. As part of the award package, Ricketts will have the opportunity to record his new single at the renowned LWM recording studio, courtesy of Lindsay Waddington Music. This exciting collaboration will undoubtedly showcase Ricketts' musical talent and further solidify his position as a rising star in the country music industry.
Paul Ricketts' win of the Thornton Young Award marks the beginning of an exciting journey ahead. With his upcoming performance and recording opportunities, he is poised to make a significant impact on the country music scene in the coming years.
Lindsay Waddington Music and the CMAA would like to commend the entrants for the high calibre of the entries received; it was very humbling and exciting to see such an enthusiastic and positive response for this award in its inaugural year. LWM and the CMAA also extends gratitude to the specialist judges for what was no doubt an arduous task to select the ultimate winner.
And finally, Lindsay Waddington Music and the CMAA offers their sincere thanks to all businesses and individuals who have offered support for the Thornton Young Award, including music services, guest appearances and much more.
See below the full list of amazing opportunities on offer as the winner of this award.
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Winner announced and trophy awarded on the Back to the Bush Concert at the 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival
- Record new single courtesy Lindsay Waddington Music and recorded at LWM Studio, which includes backing musicians, mastering, production, and artwork
- Music video for new track courtesy Lindsay Waddington Music
- Distribution package for the new single courtesy Blue Shamrock Music and LWM Studio
- Unique trophy courtesy the Country Music Association of Australia
- 12 months professional membership in the CMAA
- Complimentary entry in the 2025 Golden Guitar Awards
- Two complimentary 2024 Golden Guitar Awards VIP Tickets and Red Carpet walk courtesy CMAA
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Special guest appearances at the following events:
- 2024 Nanango Country Music Muster
- 2024 Clarence Valley Country Music Muster
- 2024 Gympie Muster
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2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival - Back to the Bush Concert appearance at Bicentennial Park
- 2024 Nanango Country Music Muster
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