Contact: Tania Kernaghan Management E: management@taniakernaghan.com.au

Tania Kernaghan is undoubtedly everybody's favourite "country girl next door" - but take a closer look past that youthful smile and you'll see she's a uniquely Australian woman with guts, a lot of heart and a real sense of who she is. She grew up touring the nation and has come of age in the modern country music industry and now armed with her new release Higher Ground (in store 22/8/05), she is poised to take her place as one of the cornerstone artists of her generation.

You can hear the new confidence and maturity Tania has developed in every note she sings on her new album. Her signature heartfelt sincerity shines through in beautiful ballads like Here's To Us and the unforgettable poignant title track. Yet Higher Ground reveals a fresh, contemporary side of Tania. From the first muscular acoustic riffs of the opening track Yee Ha! to the rockin' Harley McTaggart and the catchy 30 Something it's undeniable how bristling with lust for life this new record is. Tania is proud to declare "This record is a real reflection of where I am in life now. I wanted to make an album that makes you feel good and that's what we've done - these new songs are all about resilience, making the most of life no matter what fate hands you and of course, the power of love".

It's clear that this is the kind of record that results from a life well lived - and for Tania a lot of that living is done alongside her long time partner, Australian Rodeo champion, Guy McPhee. Their mutual love of horses brought the two together and since then Tania has developed a real affinity with, and understanding of, rodeo life.

"People like Guy's mum and dad who run cattle and horse properties in Victoria and have lived their lives on the rodeo circuit, inspired a lot of the ideas behind these new songs. I've seen the challenges they face as farmers and competitors and their grit and determination are a big inspiration. Then there's the whole other sexy side of rodeo and living on the farm that I love... so it was a pretty fair bet I would end up singing about that on this record, too!"

If this record has a slightly uninhibited edge to it that might also have something to do with the fact that this is Tania's first independent release. After 3 major label successes she is releasing Higher Ground on her own recording label, KCR. Country fans are in for a treat as extensive touring is next on Tania's agenda - with a whole new band and live show. The live events are sure to be Tania's best ever as Higher Ground is loaded with songs that make you wanna let your hair down, get up and dance, crack open a coldie and revel in the fact that we really are living in the lucky country.

Higher Ground is a contemporary country record that transcends traditional conventions yet stays true to Tania's roots and her uniquely Australian perspective. With its universal musical appeal it's testament to the fact that Australian country music is evolving – and getting cooler every day.

Tania Kernaghan is an Australian original and Higher Ground on KCR is a personal and creative triumph that the entire Australian country music industry can be proud of.