A few weeks ago, Glen Innes News brought to readers’ attention that local singer and songwriter, Matt Scullion was up for a number of awards at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. He was hoping for recognition for the song he’d written about national living treasure, Ted Egan, called ‘Beer Box Man’. As a community, we were wishing him all the best.
Fast forward to the iconic yearly gathering of country music greats and Matt is on a high after garnering three awards. As he says, he’s struggling to wipe the smile off his face! Although they’re all special to him, he’s particularly excited about receiving the People’s Choice Awards in Tamworth for Best Bush Ballad for his song ‘Beer Box Man’. He also won the ‘Local Heroes’ Song of The Year award for the same song, his tribute to his good mate, The Outback Song Man, Ted Egan. So he’s not only been recognised by his peers and fellow industry members, but also by the public.
The other award came as a complete surprise to him. He was honoured with ‘The Song Maker’ award for songwriting which includes a certificate and a bronze plaque which is cemented into the TSA wall of fame in Tamworth. He joins some of his long time heroes there, the likes of Slim Dusty, Eric Bogle and John Williamson.
As well as the awards, he also performed to a good sized audience at the Tamworth bowling club, as well as performing his song ‘Aussie As’ at the Toyota Stage in the main park. The man is on fire! As usual, Matt says the energy at the festival is wonderful. Although there were lots of early punters, the main influx of enthusiasts comes on Friday. He’s going to continue to soak the energy up.
Matt feels very humbled and honoured at this latest recognition of his work. Songwriting and performing are his life and he can’t think of anything else he’d rather be doing. As a community, we’re proud of his achievements and continue to wish him well.
