It’s taken 16 years but Dan Murphy is finally starting to believe in his own songs.
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The former Gunnedah singer-songwriter’s confidence has been boosted by the crowds at this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Dan is “amongst it”, playing shows at South Tamworth Bowling Club, Diggers, Longyard Hotel and Wests.
“I’m flat-out,” he said.
”CD sales are good, the venues have all been full and people are lapping up the originals and connecting. There are lots of new fans. It’s just really positive. There hasn’t been a single set-back.
“The crowd are even singing my originals with me.”
The musician said there was a “really good vibe” at the festival this year and it was a great way to get his name out there.
“This is where I set-up the rest of my year,” he said.
“I’ve had people come up to me about festivals. It just gives me that exposure; they wouldn’t ordinarily see me because they’re from Victoria etc.”
Dan said he met a Toowoomba couple at a Bill Chamber’s gig and he invited them to one of his shows.
“They came along [to Diggers] last night and loved it and bought both albums and said I was the best thing they’ve seen so far,” he said on Wednesday.
“The bowlo yesterday was on fire - heaps of album sales and people who’d bought the album came back and told me which songs they’d connected with and loved.
“People are screaming for a new album so I’ve got to get my act together and get into the studio this year.”
The musician said he had caught up with Bill Chambers at the festival and the pair are planning to work together.
“He’s really keen to co-write with me, which is great for me because he’s a massive inspiration.
“He’s legendary in the industry. He’s very respected.”
Dan said he was planning to work with Simon Johnson to record his new album at Hillbilly Hut in Cooranbong.
“It’s all starting to fall into place,” he said.
“I just need a few more songs, so I’ll be doing some more writing over the next few months.
“Because the originals are just getting such a reaction, it just gives you the confidence to really commit to them. I probably didn’t give them the credit they deserve.
“To hear musicians and artists that I really respect, tell me that they’re great songs and the crowd's reaction to them, I’m starting to feel confident about them.”
With a handful of gigs left in his festival schedule, Dan is pegging Australia Day as a highlight.
“The Australian pride is incredible,” he said.
“It’s going to be an epic year, especially in that [Diggers] courtyard, with the sun going down.
“It’s awesome. I love it.”
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