JAMES BLUNDELL TO RECEIVE INAUGURAL CMC HALL OF FAME AWARD

VOTING FOR CMC MUSIC AWARDS 2012 CONTINUES

Country Music Channel (CMC) today announced that Australian music legend, James Blundell will be the inaugural recipient of the CMC Hall Of Fame Award at the CMC Music Awards 2012 to be in March.

The CMC Hall Of Fame Award is a new addition to the Award series which also consists of four viewer voted Awards: CMC New Oz Artist of the Year, CMC Music Video of the Year, CMC International Artist of the Year and CMC Oz Artist of the Year. Voting in these categories is open until Tuesday 28 February at www.countrymusicchannel.com.au.

The CMC Hall Of Fame Award recognises artists who have had an impact on Australian country music beyond their own careers. In 2012, CMC is honouring the road paved by James Blundell, starting with his self-titled debut album in 1989. His influence on recording, touring and marketing his music is still having an impact on artists today.

Widely acknowledged as been single-handedly responsible for turning a younger demographic of Australians onto country music, James Blundell was the first young country artist to create an impact on the mainstream pop charts and for many years was the highest selling country artist in the nation. As the first Australian act to sign a major label recording deal in Nashville, he paved the way for the likes of Keith Urban, Kasey Chambers and many others.

Throughout his illustrious career, James Blundell has won nine CMAA Golden Guitar Awards, one ARIA Award and has reached double platinum, platinum and gold record sales. It is only fitting that the CMC Hall Of Fame Award be added to these achievements.

The inaugural CMC Hall of Fame Award will be presented to James Blundell on Friday 16 March at the CMC Music Awards to be held at Hope Estate in the Hunter Valley. The event marks the start of roots and country music festival, CMC Rocks the Hunter. The Award will be presented by Lee Kernaghan after special acoustic performances of some of James Blundell's classic songs by rising stars of Australian country music, Catherine Britt and Travis Collins.

News of James Blundell's induction in to the CMC Hall Of Fame has been well received in the music industry. A country music icon himself, Lee Kernaghan commented, "James Blundell gave birth to a new era in Australian country music. He was the first country artist to tour Australia with semi trailers hauling a major concert rig and live production. His music crossed over and hit the top of the Australian pop and country charts bringing a brand new younger audience to country for the very first time. His willingness to innovate and do things his own way continued in the studio where he and his record producer Garth Porter redefined how a contemporary country record should be written and produced. He broke a lot of rules, he kicked down a lot of doors and ultimately changed the way things are done... it was a revolution."

Producer Garth Porter, who has worked with James Blundell on numerous albums commented, "I first met James in 1989, he had just been signed by EMI. He was beginning a career in music, and I was beginning a career as a writer/producer. We went on to make three successful albums together, James Blundell, Hand It Down and This Road. Not even James's good looks could mask his unique talent, especially his lyrical ability. He was then, and has remained one of my favourite writers. Inspired, gifted and at times courageous. James's career has always been driven by his artistry, and his insatiable sense of musical adventure. A remarkable talent, a friend for life, and an original. Congratulations James."

For the full list of nominees in the four viewer voted awards and to cast your vote head to www.countrymusicchannel.com.au. By voting in the CMC Music Awards 2012, you go in the draw for the major prize, a trip to CMC Rock The Hunter 2012 including tickets to the CMC Music Awards event.

The CMC Music Awards celebrate country music in Australia and acknowledge the contribution musicians make to the industry, while allowing country music fans nationwide the opportunity to vote for which Australian artists they think deserve to be crowned this country's favourite.

CMC is proud to honour the inaugural CMC Hall Of Fame inductee, James Blundell in 2012. He is set to take to the main stage at CMC Rocks The Hunter on Saturday 17 March. Tickets to the festival are available at www.cmcrocks.com.au.

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

COUNTRY MUSIC CHANNEL
Rachel Antella, Publicist, ph: (02) 9813 7116 e: rachel.antella@xyznetworks.com.au

SBPR
Vanessa Budah, Senior Publicist, ph: (02) 9555 2285 e: vanessa@sbpr.com.au

Country Music Channel is part of the leading television channel and program production company XYZnetworks. XYZnetworks owns and operates nine leading brands including The LifeStyle Channel, LifeStyle FOOD, LifeStyle YOU, LifeStyle HOME, Channel [V], [V] HITS, MAX, Country Music Channel and The Weather Channel. XYZnetworks also owns Arena TV, distributes global giant Discovery Channel and jointly owns kids powerhouse Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. Collectively the channels reach more than 4 million* television viewers. XYZnetworks is equally owned by FOXTEL and AUSTAR. *Source – OzTam