Born in Tauranga, New Zealand but now Melbourne-based, Megan Sidwell and her band won the grand final of the Coca-Cola Battle of the Bands competition held at the Tamworth Town Hall on Saturday 23rd January.
After three days of heats, the band, consisting of Luke Murphy (Guitar), Geoff Wright (Bas) and Steve Gijsbers (Drums), made it in to the final top three. Winning a cash prize of $1000, coverage in some Australian publications and guaranteed shows at Tamworth Country Music Festival 2017, the band also got the chance to perform to thousands as part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival closing ceremony on the main stage in Toyota Park among Golden Guitar winners.
The 44th Tamworth Country Music Festival was Australia’s largest music festival held over 10 days with over 700 artists and 2800+ events.
Sidwell’s musical identity has been shaped over the years by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Pat Benatar, Hayley Williams and Dave Grohl, while the gentler side of her craft pays homage to pop sensations, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry.
Her debut 5 track EP, Forever on a Sunday, was released in October 2013. Produced and mixed by the multi – talented Ben King (Goldenhorse), the EP also features the likes of Nick Gaffaney (Cairo Knife Fight) on drums and Janek Croydon on pedal steel.
Currently based in Melbourne, Megan released a music video (Forever on a Sunday), a crowd-funded single (Never Saw it Coming) and put together a new band in 2015. Megan is currently writing for her debut album.
www.megansidwell.com