Fast forward and the young performer is now celebrating a prestigious nomination for male performer of the year and best new talent in the 48th Country Music Awards of Australia.

The singer-songwriter is in the running for several awards at the 2020 Golden Guitar Awards.

The nominations by the Tamworth Regional Council and the Country Music Association of Australia on November 19 cap off an impressive year for O'Connor.

"It's still kind of dawning on me. Everything that's happening at the moment, it's all been happening so quickly that it's hard to take in," he laughed.

"Some mornings I wake up and I go 'holy **** I'm nominated for a couple of Golden Guitars."

The 19 year-old has already collected the 2019 Toyota Star Maker title at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January. It was his fourth year at the event.

Since the win, he has been entertaining fans across the state with popular country music trio The McClymonts and released debut album Everything I Feel in July.

"It's been a whirlwind this year but as long as I can play music every week or even every day, that's what makes me happy," he said.

"I've had the opportunity this year to play in front of huge crowds on tour with The McClymonts. Their shows are always sold out so I'm playing in front of massive audiences now.

"I remember playing at Chop and Chill (in Port Macquarie) every third Sunday of the month, I loved it. I'd rock out for a couple of hours and it was my local gig.

"I used to write a ton of songs at Oxley Beach. About half the album was just made by strumming at the beach."

O'Connor faces some legendary competition for male artist of the year at the Golden Guitar Awards. Seasoned musicians Lee Kernaghan, Brad Butcher, Michael Waugh and Morgan Evans are all competing for the title.

"I was very surprised. For the Golden Guitars I was hoping for the new talent category but then suddenly my head popped up in male artist," he said.

"Just to be up against those guys is something special. Even if I don't win I'm happy to have my name among that company.

"If you're putting the hard yards in, you're playing in front of people, taking on the shows and putting yourself out there.

"I feel like that's a big thing people are looking for. I just hope I've done enough this year and they say 'Blake deserves this'."

The 48th Golden Guitar Awards, the nation's longest-running music awards are scheduled for January 25, 2020 at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference. The Country Music Festival will be held from January 17 to 26.

"Country music is enjoying a new golden era in Australia, which is a testament to the incredible talent of artists such as those we are celebrating," said Country Music Association of Australia chairman Daniel Biddle.

"From the first-time finalists to our legends of the industry, we thank them for continuing to inspire the public with their music and lead the way for Australian country music to shine well into the future."

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