Port Macquarie's Blake O'Connor admits he is still pinching himself about his meteoric rise in the world of country music.
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The local, who first picked up a guitar at the age of seven, says he understands just how special it is to earn a living from singing his own songs.
After winning the 2019 Toyota Starmaker award at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and then landing the 2020 Golden Guitar for best new talent of the year, Blake's star is tellingly on the rise.
Currently playing on tour in Sydney, Blake described the last few years as an "incredible journey".
"You still have to work hard but those awards certainly give you a good leg up in the industry," he said.
"Up until 2017, I was still busking in the streets at Tamworth.
"Now, after winning those awards, I am stoked.
"My music is probably country blues, but it is just a natural part of my performing," he said.
"I've always listened to Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash and all those guys along with BB King and the blues guys."
Blake said it felt natural for him to fuse those genres.
However, he doesn't dwell on trying to describe his style too much.
"I try not to think about it too much actually; I just write the songs I want and then play them," he said.
I try not to think about it too much actually; I just write the songs I want and then play them.
- Blake O'Connor
While his last album was written solo and in his bedroom, O'Connor is clear that he wants to expand his writing technique and style.
"I haven't given too much thought to the collaboration side of writing, but I plan to do some co-writing for sure.
"I want to bring in other ideas. Co-writing songs with other musicians will help me do that.
"It is always nice to get ideas from other people and see where that takes you."
Blake says Willie Nelson remains "a cool dude" and it would be a "huge dream" to jump up on stage with him to perform.
However, he has more pressing issues to consider before he can fulfil his dream of performing with Nelson.
A trip to England in May to play a number of festivals is increasingly looking distant because of possible travel restrictions due to the coronavirus.
He was then due to take in a month-long stay in Nashville to write songs and "hang out".
"I figure that in a month or two it will be crystal clear if it is okay to travel or not," he said.
"I'm taking a wait and see attitude on that one."
He also plans to return to Port Macquarie later in the year to perform.
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