Singer-songwriter Jo Caseley ready to launch third album with help of The Academy

The singer-songwriter from Moss Vale will be making her way to Tamworth in January, for The Academy of Country Music (The Academy), which aims to mentor rising artists and musicians.

She is one of 28 artists who were selected for the intensive program held by the Australian Country Music Association.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity and very grateful to be accepted," she said.

Throughout The Academy, students have the opportunity to be mentored by industry experts, learn more about aspects of the music business such as promoting, songwriting and recording.

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They will also co-wrote with Golden Guitar winners Allan Caswell and Aleyce Simmonds, as well as this year's Toyota Star Maker Max Jackson, ending with a graduation concert in Tamworth.

For the artist, who is ready to launch her third album, it is the chance to focus on the music business, build friendships and a network.

"I think with music, being an independent artist, it's really important to have a tribe and network to support you," she said.

She said this was more important than ever due to the drastic changes in the music landscape over the years, and would come to The Academy with "specific questions" to launch the album.

The incoming collection of music is a mix of songs - some written recently or 15 years ago, all touching on various themes.

She sings of her experiences as a mother, working with her husband for his mechanic business, the Stolen Generation, and her friend's courage leaving her marriage and heading into a same-sex relationship.

"It's all real life stuff, real issues we are faced with day to day," she said.

The song My Friend the Lesbian, one she holds close to her heart, was initially written for her friends, but they encouraged the artist to record it.

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Take me to the Boozer Babe is a humorous take on a frustrating day with a teenager, and Hard Way to Make a Living is a tory about the challenges of running a business and that tradies face.

"Writing music is cathartic, it fills my creative drive," she said.

"I love that I can start with nothing and end with something."

The independent artist will not be going alone - she will be joined by Robertson singer, songwriter and long-time collaborator Amber Kenny.

She said Amber encouraged her to apply.

"She's a really good egg and I've loved collaborating with her, being able to perform in a duo, harmonise and promote ourselves," she said.

The regular performer at the Penrose Community Hall has cowritten songs with Bill Chambers, Allan Caswell and Kevin Bennett.

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She has been passionate about performing her music in the Highlands and established a concert series called the Old Mill and Railway Sessions to do this.

Jo has been a finalist in the International Song Writing Competition, a semi-finalist in the Australian MusicOZ awards and her song Happy, was the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project's most requested new song.

You can learn more about Jo via her site jocaseley.com.

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