Flying solo: Kasey back with new album

She’s back … Kasey Chambers is excited about her new solo album.
Source: News Corp Australia

Former Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning and acclaimed singer songwriter Dan Kelly joined the Chambers band for the recording of her seventh solo record Bittersweet, which will be released on August 29.

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Chambers, whose last album was 2012’s Wreck and Ruin with ex-husband Shane Nicholson, decided to shake things up for her solo return.

Moving forward … Kasey Chambers launches her new solo album Bittersweet next month.
Source: Supplied

American producer Nick DiDia, who is now based in Byron Bay and has worked with Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Powderfinger and The Living End, took over the producer reins from her brother and manager Nash.

“I had to let go a bit, I’m not good at that,” Chambers said.

But two of her constant companions remained in the Chambers’ recording team — her father Bill contributing background vocals and bandmate Ashleigh Dallas, who co-wrote the first single Wheelbarrow.

Best friends … bandmates Kasey Chambers and Ashleigh Dallas co-wrote the single Wheelbarrow. Picture: Cameron Richardson.
Source: News Limited

Dallas and Chambers have become best friends since the Australian country music sweetheart asked the granddaughter of renowned country music icon Rex Dallas to play fiddle in her band.

Fanning was hired as rhythm guitarist but threw himself into working with his good friend, also taking on piano and guest vocal duties.

He also joined Chambers on stage during her recent performance at Bluesfest in Byron Bay.

“I wanted to have an experience making a record that I had never had before. I wanted to challenge myself and I wanted to be excited,” she said of her new musical chapter.

The multi-award winning country music darling was beside herself, along with the rest of Australia, when nine-year-old Voice Kids contestant Molly captured hearts with her rendition of the Chambers smash hit Not Pretty Enough.

“Oh Molly! You are beautiful … You make me sooooo proud!!!” Chambers tweeted.

All the judges raved about the performance of the song which took Chambers to No. 1 on the pop charts in 2001 and made her one of a handful of country music artists to become household names in Australia.

Solid crew … Kasey Chambers recorded her new record Bittersweet in Byron Bay with Dan Kelly (second from left) and Bernard Fanning (centre) joining her band. Picture: Twitter.
Source: Supplied

Coaches Joel and Benji Madden revealed on The Voice Kids that they have been longtime fans of the endearing Australian artist.

“You make many a playlist in the Madden house,” Benji declared as the Maddens and inveterate talent show fan Chambers swapped mutual admiration tweets.

She will launch Bittersweet at the annual Gympie Muster on August 30 and then play Lefties Old Time Music Hall in Brisbane on September 2, Northcote Social Club on September 3 and Newtown Social Club on September 4.

Originally published as Flying solo: Kasey back with new album
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