Chris Altmann and Travis Caudle announced as recipients of the Australian Council for the Arts residency
(Nashville, Tenn. – Mar. 19, 2013) The Australian government’s Council for the Arts has named Chris Altmann and Travis Caudle as the recipients of the inaugural artist Nashville Songwriter Residency grant.
The $15,000 grant is the result of a partnership between the Australia Council’s Music Board and Nashville-based producer and writer Mark Moffatt. The residency will allow Altmann and Caudle the opportunity to become immersed in the Nashville music scene and to further develop their own artistic skills and industry networks and relationships for a period of three months.
“I am thrilled that the Arts Council views Nashville as the primary music hub in the US and has initiated this program accordingly,” said Mark Moffatt. “The opportunity for both Travis and Chris to experience Nashville’s creative community for an extended period will be invaluable in their growth as writers and will also assist their efforts to build an audience base in the States.”
A total of 89 musicians applied for the grant from across Australia; Altmann and Caudle were the two musicians chosen for the grant.
For more information on the program, visit www.AustraliaCouncil.gov.au.
Australian Council of the Arts recipients stopped by the AristoMedia offices in Nashville, Tennessee to discuss their goals and long-term career plans with staff members. Pictured here (L to R): Jeff Walker AristoMedia President/CEO, Chris Altmann, Record Producer Mark Moffatt and Travis Caudle.
About Chris Altmann:
Altmann is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who records and performs both solo and with his group The Vandas. His sound is influenced by the border town grooves of Doug Sahm and Jerry Jeff Walker, combined with the up-tempo rock beats of Chuck Berry and Levon Helm. He released his debut album Que Paso in 2010. In 2013 Altmann plans to release both a studio and live album, as well as embark on a European tour. For more information, visit www.ChrisAltmann.com.au.
About Travis Caudle:
Singer/songwriter Travis Caudle has performed several hundred shows in the past two years, many of them across North America, and appeared at Canadian Music Week. Travis has won support slots for artists including Jimmy Barnes, Kasey Chambers, Hinder, Sia, The Black Crowes and Tim Rogers. In 2009, Travis released his debut solo electric album ‘Signals,’ the follow up to 2007’s ‘Trips Between Worlds’ released with then band The Woodenelves. For more information, visit www.TravisCaudle.com.au.
About Mark Moffatt:
Mark Moffatt is one of the most respected producers to emerge from Australia and a resident of Nashville since 1996. As Director of A&R at Ten Ten until 2001 he worked extensively in the development of Keith Urban. His production credits include Keith Urban, the Saints, Neil and Tim Finn, Slim Dusty, Deana Carter, Tony Joe White, and many others. For more information, visit www.MarkMoffatt.com.