Sunburnt Country Music

There really aren’t enough superlatives to describe Lyn Bowtell as a singer, songwriter, performing artist, teacher, mentor and human. Anyone who has seen her perform live never forgets the experience of hearing her sing for the first time and every time. Nor do they forget how funny she is! Bowtell creates an experience for her audiences and everyone leaves her shows uplifted and entertained.

Her recorded music also has that effect, as she moves from heartbreaking songs like ‘The Willow Tree’ on her 2014 album Heart of Sorrow to the I-know-better-now take on life in ‘I Won’t Do That Again’ from her 2022 Golden Guitar-winning album Wiser. Both of those albums were produced by the esteemed Shane Nicholson, but for her latest single, ‘Paper Cut’, Bowtell has stepped behind the desk to take on the role of producing, alongside her partner Damon Morton.

New single ‘Paper Cut’

‘Paper Cut’ has Bowtell’s trademark ability to capture poignancy in song. She is an observer of the strengths and frailties of being human, and able to document them not only through lyrics but in her vocal delivery. There is always a sense that Bowtell is acutely aware that life has challenges – and she’s there to make them better by sharing her artistry. She does that too through her role as Director of the Academy of Country Music in Tamworth, where she has shepherded Junior and Senior Academy students through some of the most formative times of their lives.

It is always an honour to interview Bowtell, who I refer to as a national treasure because I mean it. How lucky we are to have her in our backyard, to be proximate to such excellence. How lucky was I to be able to chat to her about music and life and songwriting and producing, and many other things in this interview. I hope you enjoy it. 

You can watch our chat on YouTube (above) or listen on the podcast. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Listen to ‘Paper Cut’ by Lyn Bowtell on Apple Music