Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Peta Richards. Photo credit: Gel Ballistics
BY GEORGIA MCDONALD
Welcome back to the musical hot seat. This week we sat with Peta Richards, whose love of country music has taken her from the rodeo circuit to the Whitsundays, where she continues to perform and share her love for music with the community.
Music has been part of Peta's life since the age of eight. She taught herself guitar, began writing her own songs and eventually formed a band with her cousins called Shiraz.
“There was a big family bond with music,” she reflected.
Shiraz travelled throughout western Queensland, performing at rodeos and camel races, as well as appearing as guest artists for country music performers Adam Brand and Beccy Cole. They also took home the Best Overall Prize at the Charters Towers Country Music Festival in 2008.
Having six children meant Peta's performing days slowed down, but music was never something she walked away from completely.
After moving to the Whitsundays, Peta continued performing while putting down roots in the local music scene. In 2023, she joined forces with three partners to open local karaoke bar, Lola's. One of the things Peta loves most is seeing people come out of their shells and watching shy singers grow in confidence on stage.
While Peta has spent years performing covers, she's now stepping into a new chapter by releasing her own original music. Her debut single, Don't Send Me No Roses, came out in June and tells the story of betrayal and reaching the point where enough is enough.
Peta also performs at venues around the Whitsundays, with her own original songs on the setlist, and is set to take to the stage at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music.
Despite years of performing, Peta still gets the same enjoyment out of getting on stage. While playing in a band has its perks, performing solo means all eyes are on her, which can be both nerve-racking and rewarding. For Peta, there's nothing better than seeing a crowd enjoying themselves and connecting with the music.
When it comes to her own music taste, Peta is still a country girl at heart, with Shania Twain remaining a longtime favourite. She's also loving newer artists like Ella Langley, but for Peta, music is about more than just a catchy tune, with the right song having the ability to lift someone up when they need it most.
With country music, Peta has a love for the lyrics: “They actually really tell stories.”
It's something she's hoping to capture in her upcoming release, Let's Make a Stand, which encourages people to reach out and support those who may be struggling. The song is also a family affair, with her daughter contributing backing vocals and harmonies.
With the Airlie Beach Festival of Music just around the corner, Peta is looking forward to sharing her original music with the crowd. After years of performing covers around the Whitsundays, it's an exciting opportunity to showcaseher songwriting. And with more original music on the way, there's plenty more to come from Peta!
Song Recommendation For This Week: Upcoming Release: Let’s Make a Stand – Peta Richards
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