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Have you always wanted to be a musician?
Well if you asked my teenage self, I would have said – heck yeah I always wanted to be Shania Twain! 

When did you get the song writing bug?
I started writing my first song in the carpark of a Walmart in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA singing about my experiences traveling.  That first song opened a can of worms and I have been writing ever since.  I have always been very curious about songwriting and have spent years practicing and learning as much as I can about the craft, via reading and writing both alone and with other songwriters.

How would you describe your sound? Why do you think people resonate with your music?
My latest music has been described as an optimistic blend of modern country, folk and pop.  The tracks on the album are intentionally written to focus on finding your way through life and focusing on the good things.
Shane Nicholson produced the album and has captured a sound that takes the listener’s ear to new sonic landscapes on each track.  I love it!
So many listeners have reached out to me saying letting me know the music has helped them through difficult times, I take this as a reminder that music is medicine and important to help us lift our personal vibe.

Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today? 
That is a tricky question!  I grew up loving the stories in country music like Willie Nelson, Waylong Jennings, Brooks and Dunn, John Williamson, and the queen herself Shania Twain.
I also loved listening to hit radio and also singer/songwriters like Carol King, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor.  I also went down a rabbit hole of The Waifs, Jack Johnson, Bonnie Raitt and Michael Franti.
So when it comes to writing my own songs, I can draw from a wide variety of influences.

Your new Album was just released released! Describe its origin and evolution. 
As I geared up to record my album, I couldn’t help but wonder – what if this was my only shot at leaving a musical mark on the world?
I quickly realized that I wanted to have fun, spread happiness and infuse some pure joy into people’s lives!  So, I decided to ditch the heartbreak tunes, and focus on finding the silver linings and focusing on what is good about life.

What are the signature pieces on the album, and which is your favorite track?
Each song on the album holds special memories for me so it’s hard to pick a top fave.  In saying that a crowd favourite would be ‘Feels Like Us’ co-written with Andrew Blyth received an honorable mention in the ‘Unsigned Only’ music competition and was a semifinalist in ‘The International Songwriting’ competition.
One of the songs I absolutely love playing is ‘Real World’ written with Kevin Bennett who also features on the track.  It’s about living life on your own terms, even if that means going against the grain.  Everyone is living in their own version of the Real World.

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Any tours or events coming up soon? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
I am stoked to be hitting the road in Australia to show off my fresh new album! Seeing everyone and bringing this music to life in person is going to be the highlight of my year.  I have some festivals coming up and working on dates across the country, dates are always getting added to the website billiejoporter.com – let’s get into it!!!!

If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why? 
I am a massive Tom Petty fan, I love his writing and recordings.  I reckon it would be an absolute blast performing with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.  The closest I ever got before he passed on was in the crowd, front and center at a Pemberton Music Festival in Canada singing harmonies at the top of my lungs – I was an awesome show!  RIP Tom Petty!!!!

Do you have any long-term aspirations as a music artist? 
Well, I will know I have made it when I get a residency at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, so whatever I have to do to make that happen, I am on it!!!
My ultimate personal mission is to create a positive impact on the world around me through music.  So I look forward to a long career in music, songwriting, recording, performing, and repeating until I kick the bucket.

What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
I love the sharing of energy with a live audience!  The more the crowd gets involved the more fun!!  There have been so many career highlights so far, many of them occurring at Tamworth Country Music Festival.  I have had the opportunity to perform on the Toyota Park main stage several times at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and there is nothing like the big stage energy with a full band!!!

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Carole King – Tapestry  
Artist – Bonnie Raitt
Movie – Napoleon Dynamite
Place to visit – Tombstone, Arizona
Venue to play – The Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth
Food –  Pizza
Drink – Soda Water, Coffee, Red Wine
Person in History – Frida Kahlo 
Tattoo – Matching Tattoo with my brother – Skull eating a heart

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SHOW DATES:

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Follow BILLIE-JO PORTER
Website – Instagram – Facebook

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Press Release 9th June 2023 (below) HERE

BILLIE-JO PORTER
releases self-titled
debut album

Listen HERE

+ Shares upcoming show dates

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AMNPLIFY – DB