One of Australia’s most dynamic performers, Darren Coggan, was named ‘Australian Independent Male Vocalist of the Year’ at the ‘2003 Telstra Southern Stars Australian Independent Country Music Awards’ held in Mildura, Victoria, last Saturday night.
I am genuinely thrilled to receive such an accolade. It was an honour to be included in the company of the other nominees and indeed with the other winners on the night. I'm really proud of this album, and to have the hard work that you put into your career recognised by the industry means a lot to me. I’ll cherish this award!” said Darren.Darren won the award for his song, ‘If I Had My Time Again’, the first single released from his spirited new album ‘Balancing Act’, produced by 2002 CMAA record producer of the year, Nash Chambers.
It is a song about a young mother reflecting on all the things she might have been, 'If I had my Time again'. The song has a great twist when she realises that she has two beautiful children and given the chance to do it all differently she wouldn't change a thing.
1996 Toyota Star Maker, Darren was awarded a Golden Guitar for 'Vocal Collaboration of the Year' at the 2001 Australian Country Music Awards. This same year he was also inducted into the 'Country Music Hands of Fame', established by 'The Australian Country Music Foundation' to recognise outstanding contributions to the music industry. Most recently he was awarded the ‘Centenary Medal’ for services to Australian Society through Country Music.
Darren has just completed shooting a video for his latest single, “Power Windows”, which also features the stunning vocals of Darren’s long time friend Kasey Chambers.
As the ‘Australian Independent Male Vocalist of the Year’, Darren and his album ‘Balancing Act’ look certain to be favourites amongst the nominees for the 2004 Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth.