Local country artist Justin Landers has been named a finalist at the Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) Songwriter Salute Awards for his song song ‘A Campfire Waltz’.

Justin is one of four artists in contention for the Bev Daniel Commemorative Award for a Traditional Country Song.

“It's absolutely awesome,” said Justin. “It was just awesome to be nominated, but it got even more exciting when I actually became a finalist last week!”

A Campfire Waltz is the first single off Justin’s upcoming album. It tells a story about a couple who go camping to get away from the stresses of the city and everyday life, to rekindle the flame of their love.

For Justin it was a chance to diversify his skills and try writing something a little different.

“I saw that on the charts there wasn't much traditional country any more, especially waltzes, so I thought OK, I'll stretch my songwriting skills here and see if I can write a waltz,” said Justin, who was surprised by the response his song has received.

“It actually made it onto the charts, so that was really good and so I thought I'd might enter it to the TSA and look where it's going!”

Justin is spending this week in Tamworth performing and taking in the festival, but might even extend his stay to attend the TSA awards presentation on 21 January.

And for the second year in a row, Justin has also been nominated for a Dubbo Dusty Boot Award for services to Country Music. The Dubbo Dusty Boot awards are part of the Dubbo Country Music Spectacular which is held every June long weekend.

“This will be my third year performing as part of the Dubbo Country Music Spectacular. These awards are unique in that they are not awarded because of or who you are or how many record sales you have made but instead, these awards are awarded for your services to the country music industry,” said Justin.

“I wasn't successful last year, but fingers crossed for this year!”

Justin has also just released a brand-new single called How ‘Bout This Weather, and expects to complete the album he is working on before the end of the year