In 2003, while living and working on a hill country, sheep and beef farm in the heart of Central Otago, an exceptionally rugged and beautiful part of rural New Zealand, Jacqui felt inspired to pick up her guitar and begin songwriting. Working full time on the farm with sheep, cattle, dogs and horses, outdoors everyday, surrounded by breathtaking scenery gave her all the inspiration she needed to get started.
After performing her songs locally a few times at venues such as the Poolburn Hotel, Oturehua Tavern, The Penguin Club Oamaru and the Maniototo area show and getting a great response Jacqui was encouraged to make a demo CD.
Much to her surprise this led to a phone call from a Nashville producer and her signing a recording contract with Nashville Record label, Artist Choice.
After heading to the USA in June, Jacqui has recently completed recording her first album at Omnisound studios in Nashville, (home of stars such as Faith Hill, Natalie Imbruglia, Alan Jackson and Jewel). She was lucky enough to have a string of well known artists performing on her album, including Andy Reiss (The Time Jumpers) on guitars, Bob Mater on drums, Charlie Chadwick as sound engineer and all brought together by Grammy nominated producer George McClure.
This year is proving very promising for Jacqui and her career as a singer/songwriter in the country/folk music scene.
Recent radio play of her song 'In the Maniototo' written about her local area, has many of the Maniototo folks awaiting the release of her CD.
The New Zealand MLT Songwriting awards in association with New Zealand Gold Guitar country music awards, selected Jacquis song, 'Me and my Cardboard Man', for the '2005 Songwriters Cut' CD made up of the top ten finalists and recorded at Ross McNabbs Sweetway studios.
Jacqui’s debut album is out in the US, Australia & New Zealand along with a video of the CD’s first track
Check out the website for more info, album purchase and upcoming tour dates.
Band Members:
Jacqui Watson (vocals, guitar)
Mike Watson (guitar, keyboard)
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