Charters Towers honoured in song

The track’s official music video, which started rotation across Australia’s Country Music Channel (CMC) today, showcases the very best of Charters Towers and features guest cameos from local characters, including Federal and State MPs Bob Katter and Shane Knuth.

Tony said the song was inspired by his time as a child out in remote North Western Queensland and fondly recalls some of the characters that would frequent his parents’ hotel in Maxwelton.

“They were charismatic, tough and very happy people,” said Tony.

“To me, the people of country Australia, are what it means to be Australian – relaxed, friendly and always up for a yarn and a good laugh.

“That’s exactly the kind of character you’ll find in the video for Laidback Country – we actually had to rein in Bob and Shane because they kept trying to one-up each other with their wild tales while we were trying to shoot.

“I’d love to write a book about my experiences growing up in North West Queensland someday, but for now my passion is putting them into traditional bush songs.”

About Tony Cook:

Laidback Country is the first single and title track from the singer-songwriter’s debut album, which he hopes to release by mid-2017. Tony’s debut EP Laidback Tones was released a little over seven years ago and while that seems like a long break, Tony took the time to get married, start a family and generally got busy with life, but he never stopped writing songs.

When Tony isn’t performing across North Queensland, he is a part-time farrier and works on the small family farm. Over the years, Tony has been fortunate enough to share the stage with many Australian music heavy-weights including Adam Brand, James Blundell, Travis Collins, Wendy Matthews and Russell Morris.