THE Nambucca Valley continues to cement its reputation as a haven for creatives following last week’s announcement by the Australian Songwriters Association (ASA) that Bowraville’s Graham Howle was the songwriter of the year in the Australia category.

In an impressive field of entries the esteemed judging panel singled out Graham’s thumping anthem ‘I am Iron, I am Steel’ from 30 finalists to win the prestigious award.

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When News Of The Area asked Graham what it felt like to have won he said, “I thought that I was in with a bit of a chance however was not convinced I would pull off the top gong in such a competitive field.

“When my name was announced it was very exciting and I must say that it felt great.”

The song is about the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly and when asked what inspired him to write the song Graham said, “Ned always got my attention and as an adult, I considered what life would have been like for him in those days.

“During the shootout at Glenrowan Ned Kelly left the building he was in on two occasions but came back to continue the fight.

“When he came back in wearing his armour he was heard to yell ‘I am Iron, your bullets cannot hurt me’ which inspired the theme of the song.”

Graham said it was one of the most complex songs he had ever written.

“It took me some time to get it just how I wanted it.

“I am also proud of the song as it is over five minutes long in a world of songs between two and a half and three and a half minutes.

“So to hold a listener for that long it had to be good.”

Fans of Graham Howle will notice the song also required him to push his boundaries vocally and the power in his voice on this song reaches new territory for him.

Graham told News Of The Area, “I would now like to delve into co-writing to take my songwriting to the new levels through collaboration.”

This was not the only award Graham picked up at the ASA Awards.

In the Comedy Novelty Category his song ‘James Squire’ was awarded first place, his song ‘Upriver Cowboys’ was in the top 10 in the Country Music Category, in the Folk Acoustic Category ‘She’s my Change of Scenery’ was awarded third place and his song Maria was also given exceptional merit by the judging panel.

To purchase a download of ‘I am Iron, I am Steel’ and support this home grown songwriting champion you can go to www.howlermusic.com.au/shop/.

By Mick BIRTLES