Songstress Taryn does us proud

The Tamworth Music Festival was injected with a small slice of “country music done coastal” this year, with the victor of the Shellharbour leg of the Telstra Road to Tamworth competition narrowly missing out on winning the prestigious title.

Greendale resident Taryn Trautsch made the final eight contestants and performed in front of 3000 people at last week’s final.

“I was very happy with my performance and the competition was a great experience,” she said.

“Not only were we performing live on stage, but we also broadcast across the web so people from all over the world were watching.”

Ms Trautsch said three judges watched from the US.

“It was really full-on, but I loved it,” she said.

“In the heats and final we performed with an acoustic guitar or anything you wanted to organise, but in the grand final we performed with the band, which was fantastic.”

With plans to continue chasing her dream of becoming a full-time musician, Ms Trautsch said the Telstra Road to Tamworth competition had provided a perfect launching pad for her career.

“I am meeting with a few different song writers who are keen to work with me.

“I’ll just take it one step at a time,” she said.

“I have another concert planned in Tamworth and after that I will play it by ear.

“I have learnt a lot so I am probably more eager than ever.”