Rapid rise to top for Gold Guitar winner

Otago Daily Times

02-06-2025

New Zealand country music has a new star — with an English accent, an assertive performance style, and whose smoky and evocative tone fills a stadium with ease.
Gore Town & Country Club was packed to the rafters on Sunday night as 1100 people watched the best country musicians from near and far competing at the MLT Gold Guitar Awards senior finals.
The judges had their work cut out for them, as the high-quality entrants brought their A-game to the show.
The hour was late, but the audience sat in anticipation as the big moment arrived — the crowning of country music royalty.
Lawrence musician Keily Smith, after resounding performances in the country rock and New Zealand song sections, won the Gold Guitar for her song in the new country category.
Following her big win, Mrs Smith said she felt a mix of joy and exhaustion after such a big night with a late finish.
'I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. There was such a plethora of talent here this evening, it was anyone's game.
"I'm just so thrilled to have shared the experience with the other artists, and I'm ready for a nap," she said, laughing.
County Durham in England, where Mrs Smith is from originally, is not known for its country music, but the musician grew up listening to the greats her mum would play for her.
Listening to Mrs Smith, you would assume she was a seasoned veteran of the art, but she began her music journey only three years ago.
Her smokey and powerful voice, alongside her energetic stage presence, made her a standout among standouts.
Mrs Smith said it was only the start.
"I'm going to use the resources, going to make sure I'm a good advocate for country music and other musicians, and Gore Country Music Club.
"It's really going to get me going with releasing a single at the end of the year, hopefully with the songs I've been writing," she said.
Runner-up Simon Thompson, of Invercargill, was overcome with emotion as he accepted several awards for his performances. He also won the male vocal solo award.
Mr Thompson said the wins showed his hard work had been paying off.
"I was just stunned. Even now I'm completely speechless.
"Everyone in this room is a winner and to be called up, to be given that, it feels like I do belong and I am good enough," he said.
MLT Gold Guitar Awards convener Phillip Geary said the night was one to be remembered, and the winner was a fantastic ambassador for the awards, and country music.
"It's just another great milestone; it's a continuation of the jouney. The quality is as high as it's ever been,
"[Keily Smith] represents very well, she's a very worthy winner. If she goes on from here, takes advantage of the prize package, we'll be really proud of her," he said.