Gunnedah musician Katrina Burgoyne is counting down the days until she leaves Australia’s shores for the glimmer of Nashville, the songwriting capital of the world.
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It’s been a long wait for the homegrown songstress who has dreamed of making the move since 2014.
Katrina began preparing for the big change mid last year, with a flight booked for September but her visa didn’t come through in time.
When her visa was approved in October, she decided to set her sights on January 14, 2017 giving her more time to visit family and friends, organise a place to live, buy furniture and save money.
Katrina said she was visited by “the black dog” after her plans were put on hold but when she reflected on the situation, she was glad she made the choice to stay in Australia a little longer.
“It’s given me extra time to prepare,” she said.
“I think everything happens for a reason.
“I actually see it as blessing that my visa didn’t come through when it was meant to.”
Katrina will spend her last days in Australia finalising her packing, playing three last gigs, and saying goodbyes.
“It’s all very exciting,” she said.
“I can’t believe it’s come so close.”
The songbird will move in with a musician friend from California who relocated to Nashville 12 months ago, and is looking forward to unpacking her new furniture when she arrives.
“I’m going over there with three month’s worth of living covered, then I’m going blind. So I’ve got to hope that I can land a job and all that,” she said.
“I’m just taking a leap.”
Katrina hopes to obtain an income as quickly as possible but her long-term goal is to secure publishing and focus on writing, her great love.
“I know it’s just begun for me. I know it’s not going to get any easier going over there,” Katrina said.
“I want it and I’m there and I’m ready to work for it.
“I’ve worked really hard to get there so I’ve got to make this work.”
Katrina will join former Gunnedah musician Anthony Snape who made the move to Nashville in 2008 after a US tour with Tommy Emmanuel, a famous musician and former local.
Anthony has been encouraging Katrina to make the move for many years and Katrina said she was looking forward to spending time with him.
”He’s so inspiring. He tops you up,” she said.
“To have people like that in my life over there is such a comfort. It just takes the fear out of it, you know?”
Katrina said she felt confident about the changes ahead because she has a “Nashville family” and the community embraces collaboration.
“Nashville is a town when you work together and boost each other up,” she said.
“When it comes to those networks, I’m just blessed to fall into a bunch of talented, driven, aspiring musicians.
”I’m surrounding myself with people who are succeeding.
“It kind of motivates you to succeed more; to step up and do the same.”
As the reality of leaving Australia sinks in, Katrina said she knows that she will miss being able to call her mother, Julie, whenever she wants.
“My mum is always my rock. I always go to her for advice,” she said.
“If there are any issues, I’ll have to deal with them on my own.”
Despite her anticipated longing for home, Katrian said it’s all “just a part of growing up and moving on, taking those big steps”.
“I’ve always got home to come home to,” she said.
“I’ve always got a place to go.”
To follow Katrina’s journey, visit www.katrinaburgoyne.com
