Categories: Media Releases
Date: Jan 18, 2009
Title: Oh what a winner! Liam Brew declared Toyota Star Maker 2009
Following in the footsteps of Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan and Beccy Cole, Palmview, Liam Brew from Palmview on the Queensland Sunshine Coast hinterland, has taken the crown as winner of the Toyota Star Maker 2009 competition, Australia's oldest and most successful country music talent search.


Following in the footsteps of Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan and Beccy Cole, Palmview, Liam Brew from Palmview on the Queensland Sunshine Coast hinterland, has taken the crown as winner of the Toyota Star Maker 2009 competition, Australia's oldest and most successful country music talent search.

He was the judge's number one choice from a pool of 10 grand finalists who each performed at the event and said that he is excited by the prospects that lie ahead."

It's an amazing feeling to be awarded a prize that has started the careers of some of the biggest names in country music," he said. "It's a huge opportunity and I intend to make the most of it."

A contemporary country rock artist, 18 year old Liam has already collected a number of accolades, most noteworthy, his win of the 2007 Maton Talent Search at the Toyota National Gympie Music Muster.

He is a graduate of both the Tamworth Camerata (2007) and the CMAA College of Country Music (2008).

All 10 finalists were joined at the event by Toyota Star Maker 2008 winner Talia Wittmann who is a finalist for two Golden Guitars in the 2009 CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia.

General Manager for Toyota Star Maker organisers Rural Press Events Barry Harley said that the quality of performers continues to grow, in line with interest in the event."

This year we are celebrating the 30th year of Star Maker. As the years go by it is fascinating watching the ongoing high standard of entrants that continues to take country music to new heights. Toyota Star Maker is the number one benchmark in showcasing Australian country music's best new talent," he said.

"Last year's winner, Talia Wittmann, has made fantastic use of this opportunity and I have no doubt that Liam will do the same," Barry said Toyota's Manager of Promotions and Event Management, Wayne Gabriel, said the finalists were of an extremely high standard and were all to be congratulated.

"The success of previous Star Maker winners has no doubt provided motivation for many of our finalists today. The title, as well as the prize package provides Liam with everything he needs to kick start his career in 2009," he said.

"The quality of the performances was excellent and all finalists have spent an incredible amount of time fine-tuning what they presented. The judges certainly had a tough job and I don't envy them," Wayne said.

The 2009 Toyota Star Maker prize package is bigger and better than ever and includes:

Use of the title Toyota Star Maker 2009;
A big-budget full album with Compass Brothers Records for a period of 12 months Distribution and promotion of at least two tracks from the album to radio and other media;
50 copies of the album for personal distribution;
Production of a video clip for one track by an award-winning director;
Media promotion including monthly exposure in Country Music Capital News;
Guaranteed bookings at a designated list of events including country music festivals in Tamworth, Caboolture, Gympie and more;
12 month booking agency support from Artist Network;
A Maton acoustic guitar;
Photographic portfolio with Image Design Photography;
Invitations to a designated list of industry events;
A showcase performance at the Toyota Star Maker Grand Final in 2010;
A Toyota Star Maker winner's jacket; and
Use of a fully serviced Toyota Rav4 CV Auto & petrol card for the 12 months following the award.
In addition, long term supporter of Toyota Star Maker and emerging country music talent, Maton Guitars, added to the prize pack with $500 presented to each of the 10 finalists at the start of the evening.

Thank you darlin'.

That's OK my love ... hehe!