Katie Hardyman

SONGWRITER MS KATIE HARDYMAN
Page: 25380

Mr STEPHEN BROMHEAD (Myall Lakes) [12.14 p.m.]: I inform the House of the significant musical achievements of Katie Hardyman and recognise her for those achievements as well as the role she plays in the community. Katie Hardyman lives in the Manning Valley. She has been writing songs from the age of 14 and along the way pursued a nursing career. Of course, anyone who trains as a nurse has a caring and nurturing trait, and that is certainly so in Katie's case. She raised four children and is a multiple award-winning songwriter.

Approximately five years ago, following the tragic death of a family friend, Katie was asked to write a song in his memory. That song, I am Only Sleeping, has turned into something much bigger and better than Katie realised at the time of writing it. It is something others can relate to over the loss of someone close to them. The song was never meant to be made public; however, with the family's permission, it was promoted to help others in a similar situation. Katie has won awards in the United Kingdom, the United States and France as well as in Australia. Her heartfelt ballads resonate deeply with her audiences as her words unveil the story which inspired the song.

In 2013, Katie has been a category winner at the West Coast Songwriting International Song Contest, the Dallas Songwriters Association international song contest and the Song of the Year Songwriting Contest. Katie was a Top 5 winner or finalist at the SongwriterUniverse song contest, the UK Songwriting Contest, and the Australian Art Sales Short Film Competition. In 2012, Katie was a finalist in the following international contests: triple finalist, the Australian Songwriters Association National Songwriting Awards; double finalist, the Great American Song Contest; semifinalist, the Dallas Songwriters Association international song contest; triple finalist, the UK Songwriting Contest; and runner-up, Song of the Year Songwriting Contest. In 2011, Katie won the prestigious Rudy Brandsma Award for Songwriting Excellence at the Australian Songwriting Association's National Awards. This special award is given to an entrant who displays outstanding elements that cannot be overlooked. The awards are Australia's longest-running national songwriting contest for professional and amateur songwriters. Songs are assessed for their songwriting craft, including lyrics, melody, structure, arrangement and originality.

Katie recently embarked on a new project to help children cope with bullying. Her song, I am Just a Child, was written for her son, who experienced difficulty at school. An animation was created for the song, undertaken by Nickelodeon Australia, and an accompanying book written for the campaign has the trademark slogan: Don't Hate, Be a Mate. The project has been trialled at a number of schools in the Manning Valley. From all reports, the campaign has struck a chord and gets the message across to children. Because bullying is such a serious issue, I encourage the Department of Education and Communities and other educational authorities to seriously consider implementing the project throughout all our schools.

I have outlined a number of Katie's achievements. She is very much involved in the Manning Valley community and very much a part of the great Australian Children's Music Foundation, which was set up by Don Spencer. Initially the foundation looked at going into children's homes and other institutions to pursue its philosophy of engaging troubled children in music and encouraging them to engage in education. Since the success of the program in those institutions, it has been rolled out into other areas of need.

Under the Connected Communities strategy, 15 schools in New South Wales were selected for a trial and two of the schools are in the Manning Valley, in areas where there are troubled young people as well as underprivileged children and families. Many of the children from that background are not engaged in education. Through the Australian Children's Music Foundation, Don Spencer's work and the efforts of Katie Hardyman and others in the local community, the program is being rolled out in the Manning Valley in the hope that through music children will become engaged in pursuing education, and that through their education they will be able to defeat poverty and leave behind their circumstances. - Parliament of New South Wales

Katie is an immenesley talented woman with many strings to her bow ,songwriter, advocate for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation and mum of four ... she’s now combined her talents with some other
amazing people to produce a book and animation which targets bullying in our schools ...
Katie, FOCUS hasn’t caught up with you for quite a while. What’s been keeping you out of mischief lately? Yes, the past couple of years have
been so busy. Back in 2011 I was lucky enough to win the prestigious Rudy Brandsma Award for songwriting excellence at the ASA national Songwriting Awards; this totally inspired me to chase my dreams and dream big.
Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to release my first debut album, A Moment in Time, release 3 new singles, direct and produce an anti-bullying initiative, work for Don Spencer’s Australian Children’s Music Foundation, sign to Red Lab Records in LA and be a busy mum to 4 beautiful children. I would, however, like a little more time for mischief ...
Tell us more about the book you’re writ- ten, I’m Just a Child. I’m Just a Child started as a song which was inspired by a close family member. The song then turned into an anima- tion and now a picture book. It was written by Monica Markovina, my work partner and produced by both of us. We hope it will be used as an educational resource for parents, carers and teachers.
Developed in conjunction with child psycholo- gist John Cooper, this step-by-step 'social' story is aimed at younger age school children. It
can aid children in understanding how to read social cues, recognise the signs of bullying, understand what empathy is and also possibly end the bullying cycle.
The animation is now a finalist in the Australian Art Sales Short Film Global Contest. Give us a brief run down on this project ... In 2012 I embarked on creating the animation, I’m Just A Child – with a team that includes: Monica Markovina, an Australian art- ist, illustrator and emerging poet; multi-award winning animator and cartoonist Paul Newell;
renowned music producer and arranger Peter Stevenson; and with the generous guidance of famed Australian cinematographer Jan Kenny.
The song is sung by Charlotte Reece: a tal- ented young girl and bright star in the future of Australia's performing arts, also from Taree. We have been lucky enough to be named a top 24 finalist in the Australian Art Sales short film awards and competing against world renowned cinematographers across the globe. We are still in the running and a people’s choice award is starting soon, so keep your eyes out for the voting.
Will you be able to use your work in schools to help promote the anti-bullying message? We have an animation and a book packaged together and hope to get it into schools across Australia soon. We’re currently trialling this package in NSW schools and have had wonderful feedback from teachers and children from St Joseph’s Primary School, Taree and also from schools down the South Coast.
Here’s what some young kids at Joey’s had to say: “I thought it was a good book because it can teach people how powerful bullying can be”. “I really like how the colours told the story: the grey, black and dark blue showed loneliness, hate and sadness”. “I love the say- ing, ‘Don’t Hate Be A Mate’ − great message!”
We are seeking funding to complete our project and we’re looking for endorsement to make this resource available.
You’re a mum of four. How important do you think the message, ‘Don’t Hate, Be a Mate’ is in today’s school environment?
All four of my children have described various degrees of bullying that occurs in the play- ground, but they also more commonly identi- fied with the word ‘hate’ as a daily occurrence in playground language. Originally I was a bit worried about the word HATE, as I thought perhaps it was too strong ... but unfortu-
nately, the more research we did it appeared kids could relate to this terminology from a young age, so we came up with the phrase, ‘Don’t Hate Be A Mate’. We’ve now had it trademarked, and the feedback is positive. It’s a simple phrase with a powerful message; you know ... just be nice to each other and choose to be a friend! Our approach is to CARE:
• Choice - for those caught up in bully behaviour – Our message is simple;
‘DON’T HATE BE A MATE’.
• Awareness – encourage better choices
for children, and direct them towards being helped and counselled out of the damaging bullying cycle.
• Relationship – developing empathy in chil- dren.
• Education – empower children through story- telling and experience.
You’re still working hard on your song- writing too. We hear you’ve recently won some awards in America for your song So Beautiful. Who was the inspiration behind your song? So Beautiful was written for my dad, my hero, for his 70th birthday. This song seemed to take forever to write; it was so hard to fit a lifetime of memories into a 4 minute song. I was lucky enough to have my producer, Pete Stevenson, help me co-write this one, and Matty Zarb gave me some great inspiration for lyrics.
Throw in two fabulous vocalists, Jarrod Sher- man and Liz Hewitt, an orchestra and a beauti- ful tin whistle played by Pauly Zarb from Eng- land, and our song was born. We are thrilled
it has won 3 major international awards: The Dallas Songwriters Association award, West Coast Songwriters Award ,and Current Finalist in the ASA National Songwriters awards and the Show Me The Music songwriters award
in Nashville ... I think Dad now thinks he’s a superstar.
What’s your latest single? I’m so excited to release my latest single, Snowflake, featuring beautiful vocals by Laura Zarb, stunning guitar by Matty Zarb and violin/viola by Juen Vanhand and produced by Pete Stevenson, Turn Around Music. I wrote this song last year in a small village in France, Les Gets. I was so inspired
by the mesmerising snowflakes and was truly captivated by their ‘dance’ at Christmas time.
Special thanks to MAX FM, who have used this song as the theme for their 2013 Christmas Train appeal and as always, Pete Stevenson for producing and arranging this song so quickly.
And another one of your passions is
the Australian Children’s Music Founda- tion (ACMF)? I became involved with Don’s Spencer’s charity, the ACMF, a couple of years ago when I Googled songwriting contests for kids. I entered my kids from Joey’s, and we were lucky enough to place and then win the contest last year. Since then, I’ve been volun- teering my time to help out the 5 ACMF music programs here in Taree. The ACMF inspires cre- ativity, imagination, joy and hope by providing free music programs and instruments to disad- vantaged and Indigenous children and youth at risk throughout Australia. I’ve seen first hand how well these programs are working.
I was honoured to have been part of the judg- ing panel alongside Samantha Jade (Xfactor) Peter Northcote ,George Ellis and Don Spencer for this year’s National Songwriting Competi- tion O.
Where’s the best place for people to go to download your music? For anyone wanting to download my music, just go to
itunes https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/ snowflake-feat.-laura-zarb/id744843668 Trak- van www.trakvan.com/KatieHardymanSong- writer or my website: www.katiehardyman.com
Thanks Katie.
6 manning-great lakes focus. - Focus magazine

THE news just keeps getting better for Katie Hardyman.


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It's been a big couple of months for the Pampoolah-based songwriter, with a number of international accolades coming her way.

Most recently she was announced a winner of the Love category of the Dallas International Songwriting Competition for a song written for her father's 70th birthday.

The song, called So Beautiful, which she co-wrote with Peter Stevenson from Turn Around Music in Taree, also won the West Coast Songwriters Association International song competition 2013 Song of the Year Award adult contemporary category, as well as a top five winner of the Song of the Year song and lyric writing competition in the instrumental category.

But that isn't all.

She's also a finalist and six-time semi finalist in the International UK Songwriting Contest, scoring nine out of a possible 10, in the adult contemporary category for her song Try to Understand (which won her the Rudy Brandsma Award for Songwriting Excellence at the National Australian Association Songwriting Awards in 2011).

The judges for this award included internationally acclaimed music producers, songwriters, arrangers and performers who have worked with some of the best in the music industry.

Katie's love of music and the joy of sitting down to tinker on the piano has evolved into something much bigger than she could have ever imagined and said everything that has happened has been a happy accident.

"I'm thrilled someone likes my music."

Once she won the Rudy Brandsma Award "it just, kind of, took off."

Katie said she was "so excited" to be part of the West Coast International Songwriting Contest, but had to turn down an invitation to go to California to receive her award.

When it comes to writing songs, Katie does all of her work on the piano and generally does the melody first. Her song, So Beautiful, for her dad Ray Stack, was one of the harder ones to write.

"How do you fit 42 years into a song? I had 50 takes of lyrics on that."

With a completed melody and lyrics, she called on some help from her talented friends including Peter Stevenson (who is credited as co-writer and producer) and Matt Zarb.

"Matt really got me started - he gave me the first line of that song.

"It talks about him being my hero and how he sees my world and I see his world."

Vocalists Jarrod Sherman and Liz Hewitt recorded the song.

A special touch to the music was the inclusion of the tin whistle and flute, recorded by musician Pauly Zarb the day before he headed back home to England.

Katie has always been interested in music.

"I just love it. As a kid I've always wanted to write songs for film."

Growing up with teachers who weren't so enthusiastic about her passion ("I was always told you could never do that."), she listened, following a career in nursing and not concentrating on her music.

A mum of four, Katie said once they had grown up she felt able to concentrate on her music more and said everything that has come after that is "just a bonus...maybe I can write a song".

She released her debut album last year and has since written two new singles, including the one for her dad, and hopes to have another album in the next 18 months or so.

Katie said her success has really been part of a huge team effort.

"I'm also excited for all the people involved."

She said she has met so many wonderful people along the journey including Peter Stevenson, who she describes as "the creative genius behind it all.

"He's a really good mentor and encourages you to keep going."

Then there is musician Matt Zarb, who has played on some of her songs, who she has learned a lot from.

She also appreciates the support she receives from her parents.

"They are my biggest fans and have encouraged me since I was seven."

In addition to her awards, there is big news relating to a movie soundtrack opportunity and the chance to bring an anti-bullying campaign to schools (see separate stories).


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Katie has also recently been employed by the Australian Children's Music Foundation as the Taree coordinator of the ACMF school program in Taree.

"We have five schools at the moment and we are going to grow".

She is also involved in the organisation of the Manning Valley Schools Spectacular in November, which already has a number of schools lined up to perform as well as big name special guests John Waters and George Houvardas.


- Manning River Times

LOCAL songwriter Katie Hardyman will head to Sydney next week to give a presentation to the Department of Education about the 'I'm Just a Child' anti-bullying resource package.

Katie has worked closely with Australian artist, illustrator and emerging poet, Monica Markovina on the project for the past few years and the pair earlier this year met with Robert Lee, the senior policy advisor to the minister for education, to discuss it, but while interest was shown, nothing came of it.


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Five months later and the department has contacted Katie, inviting her to pitch it to them.

Katie was inspired to write the original song by her young son who had been having a tricky time at school.

She wrote about anti-bullying, a heartfelt expression of love triumphing over judgement and the power of choice.

The message, which is now the trademark, is 'Don't Hate, Be a Mate'.

Originally she secured vocalist Dan Markovina for the recording, and also included back-up vocals from the St Joseph Primary School and St Clare's High School choirs.

It was suggested she switch the vocalist to a child to make it more child-friendly, but at the time it wasn't her focus.

"I didn't do it for two years."

One night at dinner with Dan she met his wife Monica, an illustrator, and asked whether she might be able to create an animation for her song.

Monica agreed and last year they embarked on the process, working with a team that included multi-award winning animator and cartoonist Paul Newell, musical producer and arranger Peter Stevenson from Turn Around Music, Taree, and with guidance from Australian cinematographer Jan Kenny.

But while it was all coming together, Katie said it just wasn't working.

She decided to switch the vocalist to a young person and an extensive audition process throughout the country began.

Young people from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tried out, but in the end the perfect voice was waiting for them in the Manning Valley, in Charlotte Reece.

"Charlotte sat next to me and sang, and we went into the studio not long after".

The backing vocals by the local school choirs were retained, the animation was rated G for television and trademarked 'Don't Hate, Be a Mate'.

In addition to the song, Monica has written and illustrated a book, for which they called on the expertise of a clinical psychologist to help with the wording.

The hope now is to secure government funding to try and get the song and book into all schools across the state, and even the country.

The anti-bullying resource package includes the song with animation (which would be played to the students), the book (which would be read to them or they would read, as a class) and in the back of the book is a teaching resource.

Already it has been trialled at St Joseph's Primary School in Taree for peer support and a number of preschools have come on board as well.

Funding is required to print more books (there have been 20 printed to be used during the trials), which is targeted at pre-primary age to year four.

The animation I'm Just a Child is a finalist in Australian Art Sales short film awards, which is a global contest.


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You can visit the website http://www.australianartsales.com.au/2013-my-video-award to vote for the animation from November 2013 in the People's Choice category.

Katie said they now need people to rally support behind the the project and invite people to find out more at the website imjustachild.com.au and to 'like' the Facebook page. - Manning River Times

THE Manning Winter Festival held its official opening night gala on Friday, in conjunction with the announcement of the Visual and Performing Arts Awards for 2012.

The major award winners on the night were: special arts award, Barry Schlenker; visual arts award, John Holme; and performing arts award, Lyn Moore.

All expressed their honour and surprise at being singled out from an outstanding list of nominees, who included Bruce Wiseman, Paul Eade, Cate Jeffree, Geraldine Mullin, Sinfonia Mid North Coast, Kantabile Chamber Choir, Ruth Rankin and Katie Hardyman.

Returning to his home in Taree to accept his accolade as young ambassador for the Manning Winter Festival was Michael Bardon who has already had an exciting musical career. He was this year’s winner of the William Bowmore Prize for postgraduate studies in cello and with colleagues in Newcastle, has received a booking from the ABC for a live national broadcast as part of the Sunday Live series in September. With a new concept in performing, “Breathing Space”, Michael has been accepted into the international synopsium at the Young Siew Toh Conservatory in Singapore called “The Performers” voice.

He is currently is working for the NSW Department of Education and Training as an orchestral mentor for the 2012 production of Starstruck and as a cello lecturer, has joined the staff of the Newington College in Sydney and the University of Newcastle Conservatorium where he is also a candidate for Masters of Philosophy (Music).

More than120 people enjoyed performances by Michael Bardon, accompanied by Don Secomb on piano; and singers Dan Markovina and Sharen Stevenson who performed some songs written by Katie Hardyman.


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They were accompanied by Ben Opie on oboe and Michael Bardon on cello.

Katie Hardyman also performed her compositions.

The appreciative audience was also treated to the viewing of works in the Manning Winter Festival Wildcard Exhibition, which was opened by gallery director, Sue Mitchell.


- Manning River Times

Songwriter Kate Hardyman has a great story to tell and an outstanding resume in a musician’s world.
- Focus magazine

Composer and pianist Katie Hardyman will entertain at the launch of the Manning Winter Festival at Manning Regional Art Gallery on Friday night.
SIX choirs from the Manning will kick-start festivities tomorrow for this week’s Manning Winter Festival.



Manning Valley Choral Society, Kantabile, Taree Christian College, Taree High School, Windsong and Manning U3A will perform in the program Hot Harmony, which features musical items from classic to jazz and capped off by a combined performance.

The Manning Regional Art Gallery will host the official festival launch on Friday.
Highlights will include the announcement of the 2012 Visual and Performing Arts award winners and entertainment by guest artists composer and pianist Katie Hardyman and cellist Michael Bardon.

Twelve nominations have been received for the three categories: Outstanding Contribution to the Visual Arts, Outstanding Contribution to the Performing Arts and the Special Arts Awards (this is open to groups and organisations).

The awards evening starts at 6.15pm.

Michael Bardon, a former local, will follow up his appearance at the launch by featuring in the performance Breathing Space, also at the gallery over the weekend.

These performances, which include oboe player Ben Opie, are something completely new and different.

Saturday’s performance (from 5.30pm) is ‘Beware of the Dog’, an experimental performance art piece which explores what we know, what we think and what we think we know within the context of unknowing, the hidden and the dark.

Sunday (from 10am) is ‘An invisible silence’ and demonstrates the interweaving of conversations between poetry and music, listener and the environment. This performance features cellist Michael Bardon, oboe player Ben Opie and poets Kit Kelen, Judy Johnson and Cecelia White. All are internationally acclaimed for their talents.

The festival program also includes Jazz on the Waterfront on Saturday from 2pm, with Saxanova and the dynamic young Port Macquarie band Young Guns performing at the Waterfront Restaurant, Taree.

Also on Saturday, acclaimed Australian pianist Roger Woodward will conduct a master class for local students at the regional gallery. Sinfonia Orchestra of the Mid North Coast and the Conservatorium Mid North Coast will host this event.

On Sunday, Roger performs Chopin, Debussy, Mozart and Bach at the Manning Entertainment Centre from 2pm.


- Manning River Times

MANNING songwriter Katie Hardyman has walked away from last week’s annual Australian Songwriters Association Awards with the prestigious Rudy Brandsma Award.
She also placed third in the ballad category for “Try to Understand,” her song about the bond between a mother and her son that features her cousin Fiona’s Sinead O’Connor-like lyrics.

The ASA Australian Songwriting Contest began in 1979, and is Australia’s longest running national songwriting contest for professional and amateur songwriters.

Songs are submitted on CD or online and are judged by music industry experts on originality and craftsmanship.

The song must must be original and must not be signed to a publishing company.

Songs are judged on aspects of the songwriting craft including lyrics, melody, structure, arrangement and originality.

Just eight songwriters across all 13 categories are nominated by ASA directors for The Rudy Brandsma Award, named in honour of ASA co-founder.

This special accolade is awarded to an entrant in the songwriting competition who displays some outstanding element that cannot be overlooked.

“I’m so excited,” Katie said.

“It’s such a huge accolade to win a national award like this, it’s just fantastic.”

Apart from a trophy which she described as “breathtaking”, Katie is also the proud owner of a new Maton guitar worth in the vicinity of $3000.

In winning the award Katie also had to perform live at the awards ceremony where cousin Fiona was also on hand to provide vocals.

“I was there on this huge piano with this massive backing track and with Fiona on vocals, it sounded great.”

Winning such a prestigious award will surely open many doors for Katie as she pursues her songwriting career with an album set for release in the new year.

“I just got my album back from being mixed in Tennessee so I’ll be working on that for a little while and hopefully release that to the world early next year.”

- Manning River Times

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.manningrivertimes.com.au%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fnews%2Fgeneral%2Ftaree-songwriters-big-year%2F2022307.aspx%3Fstorypage%3D1&h=314c2 - Manning River Times

MANNING songwriter Katie Hardyman has walked away from last week’s annual Australian Songwriters Association Awards with the prestigious Rudy Brandsma Award.
She also placed third in the ballad category for “Try to Understand,” her song about the bond between a mother and her son that features her cousin Fiona’s Sinead O’Connor-like lyrics.

The ASA Australian Songwriting Contest began in 1979, and is Australia’s longest running national songwriting contest for professional and amateur songwriters.

Songs are submitted on CD or online and are judged by music industry experts on originality and craftsmanship.

The song must must be original and must not be signed to a publishing company.

Songs are judged on aspects of the songwriting craft including lyrics, melody, structure, arrangement and originality.

Just eight songwriters across all 13 categories are nominated by ASA directors for The Rudy Brandsma Award, named in honour of ASA co-founder.

This special accolade is awarded to an entrant in the songwriting competition who displays some outstanding element that cannot be overlooked.

“I’m so excited,” Katie said.

“It’s such a huge accolade to win a national award like this, it’s just fantastic.”

Apart from a trophy which she described as “breathtaking”, Katie is also the proud owner of a new Maton guitar worth in the vicinity of $3000.

In winning the award Katie also had to perform live at the awards ceremony where cousin Fiona was also on hand to provide vocals.

“I was there on this huge piano with this massive backing track and with Fiona on vocals, it sounded great.”

Winning such a prestigious award will surely open many doors for Katie as she pursues her songwriting career with an album set for release in the new year.

“I just got my album back from being mixed in Tennessee so I’ll be working on that for a little while and hopefully release that to the world early next year.”

- Manning River Times

Songwriter's national success
09 Dec, 2011 09:04 AM
MANNING songwriter Katie Hardyman has walked away from last week’s annual Australian Songwriters Association Awards with the prestigious Rudy Brandsma Award.
She also placed third in the ballad category for “Try to Understand,” her song about the bond between a mother and her son that features her cousin Fiona’s Sinead O’Connor-like lyrics.

The ASA Australian Songwriting Contest began in 1979, and is Australia’s longest running national songwriting contest for professional and amateur songwriters.

Songs are submitted on CD or online and are judged by music industry experts on originality and craftsmanship.

The song must must be original and must not be signed to a publishing company.

Songs are judged on aspects of the songwriting craft including lyrics, melody, structure, arrangement and originality.

Just eight songwriters across all 13 categories are nominated by ASA directors for The Rudy Brandsma Award, named in honour of ASA co-founder.

This special accolade is awarded to an entrant in the songwriting competition who displays some outstanding element that cannot be overlooked.

“I’m so excited,” Katie said.

“It’s such a huge accolade to win a national award like this, it’s just fantastic.”

Apart from a trophy which she described as “breathtaking”, Katie is also the proud owner of a new Maton guitar worth in the vicinity of $3000.

In winning the award Katie also had to perform live at the awards ceremony where cousin Fiona was also on hand to provide vocals.

“I was there on this huge piano with this massive backing track and with Fiona on vocals, it sounded great.”

Winning such a prestigious award will surely open many doors for Katie as she pursues her songwriting career with an album set for release in the new year.

“I just got my album back from being mixed in Tennessee so I’ll be working on that for a little while and hopefully release that to the world early next year.”

- Manning River Times

MANNING songwriter Katie Hardyman has walked away from last week’s annual Australian Songwriters Association Awards with the prestigious Rudy Brandsma Award.
She also placed third in the ballad category for “Try to Understand,” her song about the bond between a mother and her son that features her cousin Fiona’s Sinead O’Connor-like lyrics.

The ASA Australian Songwriting Contest began in 1979, and is Australia’s longest running national songwriting contest for professional and amateur songwriters.

Songs are submitted on CD or online and are judged by music industry experts on originality and craftsmanship.

The song must must be original and must not be signed to a publishing company.

Songs are judged on aspects of the songwriting craft including lyrics, melody, structure, arrangement and originality.

Just eight songwriters across all 13 categories are nominated by ASA directors for The Rudy Brandsma Award, named in honour of ASA co-founder.

This special accolade is awarded to an entrant in the songwriting competition who displays some outstanding element that cannot be overlooked.

“I’m so excited,” Katie said.

“It’s such a huge accolade to win a national award like this, it’s just fantastic.”

Apart from a trophy which she described as “breathtaking”, Katie is also the proud owner of a new Maton guitar worth in the vicinity of $3000.

In winning the award Katie also had to perform live at the awards ceremony where cousin Fiona was also on hand to provide vocals.

“I was there on this huge piano with this massive backing track and with Fiona on vocals, it sounded great.”

Winning such a prestigious award will surely open many doors for Katie as she pursues her songwriting career with an album set for release in the new year.

“I just got my album back from being mixed in Tennessee so I’ll be working on that for a little while and hopefully release that to the world early next year.”

- Manning River Times

After taking a long break from songwriting and having only started back up again seven years ago, Australian songwriter Katie Hardyman is a perfect example of why you should never give up on your musical talents. In the last couple of years, she's had enormous success entering songwriting contests through Sonicbids, which have directly led her to radio airplay, press, a mentorship with a hit songwriter, and signing with Red Lab Records for film and TV licensing.

Through songwriting, she's also found a deeper meaning in using her music to help others by incorporating an anti-bullying stance into her songs and advocating for music charities. Keep reading for Hardyman's whole story about how she got to where she is today, along with her advice to fellow songwriters. Prepare to be inspired!

You submit your songs to many songwriting competitions through Sonicbids – and judging by your accolades, it seems like that's been paying off! How do you make yourself stand out?
Thank you. I submit to most songwriting opportunities through the Sonicbids platform. The EPK format is really well set out and gives the promoters all the information they need. I think the biggest thing to make you stand out is to keep all your information up to date: websites, blogs, news, and anything that you want the listener to see. I try to make my bio not too long and keep it fresh so the person reading it doesn't lose interest too quickly.

[Here's What Sonicbids Promoters Actually Care About in Your EPK]

What do you think are the key ingredients of a memorable song?
I write both the lyrics and the music, and I think, for me, a great song is all about storytelling, whether it be a happy story, a sad story, a love story, or anything I find interesting to write about. If it's an instrumental piece, I try to tell the story through the melody and chord structures. Interesting and colorful lyrics can make a piece of music just so pretty, and the ability to show the story rather then telling the story can really captivate an audience. I'm still learning how do this!

What kind of perks and exposure came out of winning first place in the UK Songwriting Contest last year? Did it open new doors for you?
Wow! What an amazing experience this was. Winning the UK Songwriting Contest for Best Acoustic/Folk Song was just so special. This song was inspired by my daughter, Lucy, and told the story about a young girl leaving home for the first time. I found out I won this competition early Christmas morning in Australia – so a wonderful end to a great year.

Quote_blogNot everyone will like your songs, and that's okay. You wrote, and that's a wonderful achievement in itself.
Thanks to this competition, I have enjoyed radio and newspaper interviews and radio airplay of this song both here and in America. I connected to Mark Cawley, one of the songwriting judges from this contest. Mark is an acclaimed songwriter who has written songs for Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Wynonna, Billie Piper, and the Spice Girls, just to name a few. His songs have appeared on more then 15 million records to date. I have been doing mentoring sessions for the past two months over Skype and have learned more about songwriting in the past few weeks than the past 20 years. It truly has been an incredible experience and a wonderful opportunity to learn from the such an extremely talented and sincere man. I would seriously recommend this songwriting contest.

As a songwriter, what kind of opportunities do you find to be the most valuable on Sonicbids?
There are so many different opportunities offered through the Sonicbids platform, from songwriting contests, to licensing and film opportunities, live gigs, and plenty more. The price is really good, and the feedback [is] fantastic. As a songwriter, Sonicbids is the first place I look for new gigs. The promoters always keep you up to date whether you are successful or not, and I think this is one of the attractions for me on this site.

Tell us about your journey to signing with Red Lab Records. How has the trajectory of your career changed since then?
I was fortunate enough to submit to a film opportunity through Sonicbids which led to a wonderful journey with Red Lab Records. I was personally contacted by Noel Webb from LA who offered to sign many of my songs. I did just that and have enjoyed a wonderful association with this company. For me, this is an amazing opportunity to try to get my songs into TV and film, something which is extremely difficult to do here in Australia. I have just this week signed to Spidercues Music Publishing again with Noel Webb. Hopefully you might hear some of my tunes in a film in the not too distant future! I am so grateful to Sonicbids and Noel for this brilliant opportunity.

[Music Supervisor Reveals How Songs Make It Into TV and Film]

What accomplishment are you most proud of so far in your songwriting career?
I am just so proud that you, the audience, like my songs. I write ballads, which aren't always everyone's favorite genre, but, for me, I love to tell a story through songwriting and am thrilled to have an audience that also enjoys them.

My most favorite moment was winning the Rudy Brandsma Award for Songwriting Excellence at the National Australian Songwriting Awards (the ASA). To win this in Australia was just so exciting, and to play live in front of hundreds of people even more exciting. This is where my songwriting really took off, and the ASA have totally looked after me and encouraged me ever since.

One of my biggest accomplishments has been turning a song I wrote in to an animation and story book about anti-bullying. It's called "I'm Just A Child" and is being used as a resource in this area, and I'm hoping to get this package into every primary school here in New South Wales. I was fortunate enough to work with some amazing artists and musicians that you can see at imjustachild.com.au. I was also honored to have my musical achievements recognized in NSW Parliament. I also enjoy being an advocate for Don Spencer's music charity, the Australian Children's Music Foundation. Don strongly believes that no child should be deprived of access to a music education. The ACMF is a not-for-profit organization that inspires creativity and imagination by providing weekly music education and instruments to more than 3,900 disadvantaged Australian children and youth at risk. Through this organization, I have had the opportunity to work with some an incredible artists, including Don Spencer, Rachael Beck, John Waters, and George Ellis – amazing Australian artists in the music industry.

For musicians looking to take their songwriting to the next level, what advice would you give them to make their writing more professional? In what ways can they gain recognition?
I think the most important thing is to never give up. I started my songwriting dream when I was 14 years old, then stopped, and started again seven years ago. I think it's really important to listen to advice from other professionals and to take criticism well. Keep learning, keep writing, and always be sincere and humble. Keep your social media up to date; Twitter is a wonderful tool for getting your music out there.

Entering songwriting contests has been a brilliant way for me to gain exposure in the music industry – even just entering one to get a critique is a fabulous way to see how your audience feels about your song. Lastly, be aware that not everyone will like your songs, and that's okay. The thing is [that] you wrote, and that's a wonderful achievement in itself.

What's your ultimate goal as a songwriter?
My ultimate goal as a songwriter is to have my music placed in film and TV. I'm almost there and am very motivated to keep trying. I'm just happy to have gotten this far, and thanks to Sonicbids, I now have the chance to tell my story – so thank you! - Sonicbids

WHEN Katie Hardyman was just eight-years-old, she made her dad a promise.

“I said I would go to Hollywood one day.”

Next month (November) she will board a plane to the United States on the way to realising that long-held dream.

The talented songwriter from Pampoolah will attend the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA) on November 11 where her song, Fly (listen here), is nominated in the adult contemporary section.

HMMA is widely acknowledged as the precursor to other mainstream award shows such as The Golden Globes, Grammys and Emmys.

The ceremony is hot on the heels of her gold medal win in the Global Music Awards for the same song.

Recognition through these awards helps musicians climb to the next level of their career with media attention, opportunities for professional collaboration and resulting sales.

“The Global Music Awards win is huge,” she said.

Her trip to the US wasn’t something Katie had ever thought possible, and even after her nomination was announced the mum of four wasn’t going to go until a family member convinced her she needed to take up this opportunity of a lifetime.


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With her husband Matt unable to travel with her, she will going with her friend Amanda Vance.

“We’ve been friends since I was 17 and she has supported me all the way.

“I rang her and she jumped at the chance.

“I’m just excited I’m going.”

Katie’s song Fly was inspired by her daughter Lucy moving away from home.

She had originally written a folk version called It’s Not Goodbye, which featured vocals by Laura Zarb.

The song went on to win the 2014 UK Songwriting Contest Acoustic/Folk category.

Katie then decided to turn the song into a style more appropriate for film (her dream is to write music for films), and worked with Peter Stevenson from Turnaround Music in Taree to rearrange the music, change some of the lyrics, and the title, and had singer Rachael Beck record the vocals.

Singer Rachael Beck provided the vocals for Katie Hardyman's song, Fly.
Singer Rachael Beck provided the vocals for Katie Hardyman's song, Fly.
“You know it’s funny. I wrote Fly for Lucy when she left home but after listening to it a few years later, I realised I was actually writing my own story.

“The whole song is heart-based. Maybe that’s why people like it. It’s a really honest song.”

Katie will mingle with Hollywood stars and film producers at the awards ceremony (which is being presented by Eric Roberts, brother of actress Julia Roberts), and will also attend a private cocktail party with film producers where she has the chance to give them copies of her music to take with them.

“We can put a copy of our music into VIP bags that are going to be distributed.”

Another reason Katie is excited to have won the Global Music Awards is the fact she receives 100 printed CDS, which she can then distribute (if she has them in time she hopes to put them in the VIP bags), as well as a custom made wall plaque and other prizes.

While in the United States, she will also meet with Spider Cues Publishing, the record company she has signed with.

It has been a big year for Katie, who in January had all but decided not to write anymore songs or enter anymore contests.

“Then I wrote two new ones and I’m back in the studio soon!”

She has also had a chance to learn more about songwriting from one of the best (she has never had any formal training).

“When I won the UK Songwriting Contest I tapped into judge Mark Cawley, a hit songwriter behind some huge acts, including the Spice Girls.

“He has been mentoring me all year.”

Katie has put in the hard work over many years and believes that turning your dreams into a reality is possible.

“Anyone can do it if you put your mind to it.

“If you’re passionate about something you just do it. You make it work and find the time.”

Next year will be another year of change for Katie and her family. Instead of writing songs with lyrics she will turn her attention to writing film scores.

The Hardyman’s will also relocate to Sydney to take up a business opportunity.

High praise from the founder of the Global Music Awards

“FLY is a beautiful love story of the purest type, a mother’s love.

‘Your eyes they shone like diamonds, your tiny hands so beautiful?..the twinkle in your pretty eyes was there when you were born, your soul, so full of wonder, I knew that you would soar... fly, fly, fly.’

With the lyrics of Fly, Katie Hardyman bares her soul and reveals her heart. Her lyrics voice the universal love experienced by parents around the world. The music, also by Hardyman, enhances the lyrics, much like the soundtrack for a good movie.

We judged the version of Fly sung by Rachael Beck who has the perfect voice for this song. Our judges love this song and congratulate Katie Hardyman on this superb achievement.”

Thomas Baker, Ph.D., Founder, Global Music Awards

The selection process

Submissions to Global Music Awards go through a multi-layered judging process including listener impact, technical quality, uniqueness and styling.

All first-level judging is conducted by Global Music’s in-house professionals. All the entries recommended for gold, silver, and bronze medals are carefully screened by Global Music Awards Founder and CEO, Thomas Baker, Ph.D., who has more than a dozen years in film and music.

Dr Baker produced an award-winning television series in cooperation with the University of California and created the Accolade Competition, Indie Fest and the Best Shorts Competition.

Entries judged to be potential gold winners may be sent to outside judges for additional review.

lauren.green@fairfaxmedia.com.au

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Manning songwriter in semi-finals of UK Songwriting Contest - Manning River Times

TAREE'S Katie Hardyman's dreams are taking flight.

Upon hearing the news that her song 'Fly', featuring accomplished singer Rachael Beck, had been nominated in the 2015 Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA), she knew she couldn't give up on a dream she'd been chasing for 27 years.

The HMMA's are a precursor to the Academy Awards. Nominees are invited to walk the red carpet and given an opportunity to talk and pass their portfolio to film producers at a private seminar.

Katie will travel to Hollywood in November to attend the awards, a surreal experience considering she was ready to give up on her songwriting before the news broke.

"I walked into my father's (Taree solicitor Ray Stack) office and said, 'Do you think it's time for me to stop writing and maybe give up my crazy dream'," Katie said.

"But he told me that I write beautiful songs with meaningful lyrics and in fact he thought I should indeed continue my dreams and follow my passion."

Chasing dreams is at the core of Katie's song 'Fly'.

"I wrote the song for my daughter Lucy, about my wish for her to chase her dreams when she left for boarding school," explained Katie.

"Saying goodbye and letting your children go is one of the hardest things that a parent will ever do.


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"I guess it has evolved from a personal farewell, to a song now that suits a broad range of goodbyes."

Lucy's boarding school, Loreto Normanhurst in Sydney, which Katie also attended, sent the song out to parents who might be struggling with saying goodbye to their children.

After the positive feedback they received, the school asked Katie if as a former student, to come to speak to the students.

Despite being terribly nervous, Katie says she delivered a speech that she hopes will inspire others to achieve their goals.

"I believe that whatever you want to achieve in this lifetime, you can do it," Katie said to the students.

"With determination, courage, a little luck, confidence and sometimes plan B, C or D, you will succeed.

"For some of you that will happen quickly, for others, there may be some road blocks along the way, but I truly believe that no matter how long it takes, and for me, it was 27 years, you can achieve your goals.

"Remain sincere, take criticism well, stay humble and follow your heart this will guarantee your success."

In Katie's case her plan B involved changing 'Fly' from its original form, to one that will be suited to film.

This involved Katie re-writing some of the lyrics and Pete Stevenson, her producer, re-arranging the song around Rachael's voice.

Rachael Beck.
Rachael Beck.
Rachael, who has featured in many productions including the lead role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Beauty and the Beast, has two daughters of her own.

"When she sang this song she closed her eyes and sang it as if she was singing to them," Katie said.

"It was so beautiful to watch the emotion and passion she put into this song for me."

Katie will take a whirlwind trip of just four days to Hollywood with her best friend Amanda Vance to attend the awards.

"When I was eight-years-old I told my dad I was going to go to Hollywood," said Katie.

"It's incredible the song I wrote for my daughter about following her star is the song chosen by the HMMA.

"After all these years, I finally have the opportunity to make my songwriting dream come true."

Listen to 'Fly' here. - Manning River Times

What an amazing end to such a fantastic year" is how Katie Hardyman of Taree described news overnight that she had won the Christmas category of the 2015 UK Songwriting Contest.

The award-winning ballad is called 'Snowflake' and it is performed by Laura Zarb.

The Manning River Times spoke to Katie last year about 'Snowflake' when it was awarded a second place in the open category of the 2014 Australian Songwriting Association's National Song Writing Contest.

Katie says 'Snowflake' was inspired by a trip to a snow resort called 'Les Gets' in France.

She was dazzled by the dancing snowflakes, so much so she asked her instructor to stop the ski lift, just so she could pen some more lyrics. Now the snow resort loves to play the ballad.

Katie is thankful for those who helped to bring 'Snowflake' to life.

The artwork was drawn by artist, Monica Markovina. Katie's producer Pete Stevenson arranged the ballad. Matt Zarb performed wonderful guitar work, which was teamed with Laura Zarb's gorgeous vocals.

The ballad is available for purchase on iTunes - Manning River Times