Tamworth in 2006 became the launching pad for one of the most original Australian acts you're likely to come across. Barbed Wire, formed in late 2005, hit the streets with their first CD, and their infectious brand of Aussie Country music and humour has quickly started to gain them attention across the outback and beyond.

Barbed Wire is made up of entertainers Brent Lillie, Paul Harris and Jennifer Matthews. They quite fairly describe the band as a mix of "contagious energy, unpredictable onstage antics and clever original songs".

Brent's song-writing style has him currently up for a number of major awards and is one of the key ingredients to the rapid success of Barbed Wire. "I'd always enjoyed performing. But when you're playing your own material and for the first time ever, without any prompting, people in the audience start singing along with one of your songs, it's like crossing over into new territory."

Barbed Wire will be making a special guest appearance at the 2006 TSA SEQ songwriting awards, to be held at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club on Sunday, June 18, commencing at 1pm. A free poster will be given away with every CD sold and Brent, Jen and Paul will be on hand to sign them if you wish. Hear award winning songs like 'The Cat Song', 'How Come?' and 'Too Right, I'm From Queensland'

All country music artists have to start somewhere, and most often that's amongst family, friends or their local community. The best country music isn't necessarily found in the world of the existing popular or famous stars, but often in the small clubs, venues and organisations that provide country performers of any "level" the chance to share their music. That's the true nature of country music, it comes from the heart and real lives of real people.

Giving all artists the opportunity to air their music to a wider audience is an important aim of Country Music Broadcasting. CMB is keen to hear from show presenters, artists and country music organisations to see what assistance, support, promotion and broadcast opportunities CMB can help provide. Remember everyone has a beginning, and this offer via CMB to be heard on-air is an excellent chance to achieve exposure. So don't hesitate to contact CMB with your ideas and suggestions or to let CMB Radio know about any existing country radio shows you believe could benefit from the backing or support of CMB.