Gisborne country music artist Craig Lloyd has taken home a prestigious award at the internationally revered Tamworth Country Music Festival in New South Wales.
His ballad, ‘Take The Wheel’, written with Merelyn and David Carter, was given the John & Judy Martin Commemorative Award, presented for the best country ballad of the year by the Tamworth Songwriters Association.
Lloyd receiving the award was humbling and “wonderful recognition”, especially in the presence of some of the most respected songwriters in Australia.
“I am so grateful to the Tamworth Country Music Festival for this award,” he said.
“To have had the opportunity to collaborate on the writing of ‘Take The Wheel’ with country music legends Carter & Carter is one of the highlights of my music journey.”
The artist said his love for country music started when he was living in England listening to musicians like Garth Brooks and Allan Jackson. These songwriters have influenced his style in both performing and writing.
Whether it’s his own tale, that of a friend or something completely fictional, Lloyd is passionate about telling stories through song.
“Take The Wheel is about the times in a person’s life when they are seeking out help, maybe from a higher being, following some bad decisions, or to deal with a difficult situation,” he said.
The Gisborne man said living in the town had strengthened his connection to country music, as well as his belief in the power of community. He is a graduate of the Country Music Association of Australia Academy.
The song reached number three on Australian Country Radio and European Country Music charts in late 2022.
Elsie Lange
