Country music stars surprise and delight fans with calls
Foster and Allen, Moyra Fraser, Robert Mizzell, Tommy Swarbrigg, TR Dallas, and Brendan Shine are just some of the names added to more 70 country music stars taking part in the Reach Out programme.
Reach Out is the brainchild of Laois native and country music star Trudi Lalor and her songwriter husband Billy Morrissey, and it means fans of Irish country music are connected with their favourite singers during lockdown.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner this week, Trudi explains how the programme, through which fans receives phone calls from their favourite country music stars, has taken off since its launch two weeks ago.
“We all need some positivity in our lives in these dark times, and I’m aware that so many fans of our music are struggling with not being able to see their favourite singers performing live,” said Trudi, who is Hot Country TV Female Vocalist of the Year and Sunday World Female Entertainer of the Year.
“Country music is different to other music genres – there’s no real barrier between the fans and the stars, we’re all like one big happy family – so taking that connection away has been hard, not only on the fans, but on the singers too.
“In addition to that, the whole social aspect of meeting friends at the live shows, whether at the concerts or at the dances, is having a negative impact on their lives. It’s affecting many of our music fans socially and emotionally, and thus making the whole lockdown process even more isolating.”
Trudi, who is now based in Tipperary, and who presents her own Country Music Show on Tipp FM, launched the idea live on air.
“I could see from the messages that many of my listeners are really struggling with loneliness and finding the pandemic and lockdown very difficult. And so far the response has been phenomenal – fans and singers love the idea!
“My friends in the business think it’s a fantastic idea because they also miss performing live and meeting their fans, so they are as excited about this project as the fans are.”
So great has the success of the programme been that a song called Reach Out is due for release next week.
“It’s the country music equivalent to Live Aid, and it’s never been done before with country music singers. It was co-written by my husband Billy and the legendary Max T Barnes of Nashville, who was CMA Songwriter of the Year.”
The single was recorded and produced by Jonathan Owens, and all proceeds from sales go to Childline.
“Everyone is benefiting from this, from those who are living alone and feeling isolated, to nurses working on the frontline who are exhausted after a long shift, it just gives them that pep in their step to continue.
“It’s spreading positivity, and the singers are benefiting as well, so it’s a two-way street.
“I know this would be hugely beneficial and help to give people a lift in these dark times so it’s a win-win for everyone.”
To find out more, or to nominate someone you think is deserving of a call from their favourite singer, find Reach Out on Facebook.