'The Independent Music Show Magazine' September 1, 2025 | Page 8

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Brendan McMahon, grew up in the small town of Kapunda near South Australia's Barossa Valley. He discovered his love of music at the age of 15 after being "awed and floored" seeing some old footage of Jimi Hendrix played on television; amazed by the sounds that Jimi could pull from a guitar and captivated by the iconic performer's showmanship. Borrowing money from his mother (and paying it back at $2 a week) he promptly bought himself a $60 guitar and amp rig from a mate.

Spending his late teens and early twenties as a lead singer/lead guitarist in rock cover bands playing across Adelaide and country Victoria, McMahon honed his skills the hard way – in front of demanding Australian pub and club crowds. In 1998, and now bitten by both the song writing and performance bug, McMahon released a 7-track EP called 'Picture This' with his band The Cunning Stunts

2024 has also seen 2 trips to Nashville, one of which was for his 5 nominations in the Josie Music Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry. Brendan has also been nominated for the upcoming Tamworth Songwriters Association awards and the Australian People's Choice awards both being held in January 2025 and in November 2024 he picked up 3rd place at the Australian Songwriters Association for his song 'The Fall – Ned Kelly'.

"2025 has been amazing. It kicked off it January winning the award for 'Best Male

Vocal' at the Australian People's Choice awards held in the legendary Tamworth

town hall. I've also been nominated for multiple Josie Music Awards which are

to be held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville later this year".

September saw the release of 'Turn Up The Radio', McMahon's 8th solo

album. With five No.1 singles already released from the album, it has

been hugely successful and is receiving rave reviews.

Soft-rock Americana and folk anthems with a fine blend of heartfelt

images, catchy hooks, and acoustic to rock and roll arrangements

Brendan McMahonhighlights the very best of his dynamic

songwriting abilities, with the addictive and aptly-titled new

album Turn Up The Radio. A songwriter through and through,

and an album that's a sheer celebration and joy to escape

into, and rightfully at volume.

Audio Video