Meet the Country KickbackTeam
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Scott Field
The Powerhouse Behind the Scenes
The story of Country Kickback took a significant turn at the Groundwater Country Music Festival in 2019. Not long after the platform had launched, Scott and Danni crossed paths, and it quickly became clear they shared the same passion for the Australian music scene. Since that meeting, Scott has become the backbone of our operations. Born in New South Wales and now based in sunny Hervey Bay with his wife, Tania, and their beautiful dog Lilly. Scott brings a professional yet relaxed energy to everything he touches.
Scott is the creative force responsible for the all of Country Kickback graphics with a great eye for detail. When we go live, he is the one running the engine behind the scenes, managing the behind the stage elements of our artist interviews to ensure everything looks and sounds world class. You will find Scott at countless events from intimate local gigs to the biggest national festivals promoting Australian artists and gathering his amazing high quality footage and photography that brings our platform to life. Scott doesn't just work in the industry he lives and breathes it, ensuring that every artist we feature is presented in the best possible light.
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Innovation with SingerLinx
Beyond his work with Country Kickback, Scott is the visionary creator of SingerLinx www.singerlinx.com.au, an incredible digital resource designed to streamline the Australian music industry. Recognising a need for a central hub, Scott built SingerLinx to provide artists, fans, and industry professionals with an easy to use directory.
On the site, you will find
Artist Profiles: A dedicated space for musicians to showcase their work.
Gig Guides: Helping fans find exactly where the live music is happening.
Industry Links: Vital connections for venues, festivals, and equipment services.
Through SingerLinx, Scott has provided a missing link for the local scene, further proving his dedication to making sure Australian music is accessible to everyone.
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James Dodds
A Heart for Country and Community
In 2025, the Country Kickback team grew just that little bit stronger with the addition of James Dodds. Calling the stunning hills of Preston, Tasmania, home, James lives on his farm with his lovely wife, Gemma, and their two beautiful daughters, Elsie and Bridie.
James’s journey to the music industry is a testament to his dedication to service. He spent an incredible career serving with the Tasmanian Police Force until 2023, a role defined by his commitment to helping others. That spirit of giving back continues today, he remains a pillar of his local community and recently headed the very first Preston Country Clash, a music festival that brought the spirit of country right to his doorstep.
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A Chance Meeting in Mathinna
The connection between James and Danni was sparked in the small Tasmanian town of Mathinna. Danni was on site working with the legendary James Blundell, filming a new music video, while James had travelled across the state just to catch the show.
Growing up on the sounds of Slim Dusty and James Blundell, James has always held a deep love for country music. It didn't take long for the two to realise they shared almost identical musical tastes and a massive hunger to support the Australian music industry.
The Snowy Litmus Test
While his professional background was impressive, Danni knew James was the absolute perfect fit for Country Kickback the moment she discovered his secret talent, James can quote The Man from Snowy River by heart, start to finish. Danni didn’t think anyone else on the planet actually possessed this skill, and she knew right then and there that anyone who could recite Banjo Paterson’s epic while standing in the Tasmanian bush belonged on the team!
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Passion in Action
Since joining Country Kickback, James has not slowed down for a second. After the success of organising his first festival, he jumped headfirst into artist management and coordinating publicity for both our featured artists and the Country Kickback brand itself. He is a man who gets things done, driven by a genuine desire to see Australian talent thrive.
The Dodds family is set for a new adventure in early 2026, as they hit the road for a holiday across the mainland. Keep a sharp eye out at festivals and shows you are likely to see James and his wonderful family enjoying the music and supporting the industry they love so much along the way.
Glenda & Brendan Deshon
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The Ultimate Music Champions
If there is a heartbeat to the Australian country music community, it belongs to Glenda and Brendan Deshon. Their passion for our local music scene is nothing short of incredible, and their dedication is the engine that keeps the Country Kickback community informed and connected.
Danni first met Brendan and Glenda at the 2018 Groundwater Country Music Festival, before Country Kickback even had a name. Their friendship was forged in a shared love for Australian music.
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The Power of the Share
Brendan and Glenda are the tireless forces behind our social media presence. You would be hard pressed to find a local artist who has not benefited from their work, they are constantly sharing, posting, and boosting content to help artists sell tickets and get their music into the ears of new listeners.
One thing is for sure if it’s happening in Australian country music, they are across it. In fact, if you ever want to know what new releases are out this week, these are the two people to ask absolutely nothing slips by them!
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Glenda and Brendan ensure Country Kickback can bring you the very latest posts, updates, and news from around the country. We are incredibly lucky to have them in our corner.
Danni Shaw
Founder & Heart of Country Kickback
At the centre of Country Kickback is Danni Shaw, our founder and the familiar face hosting our live interviews. Danni’s journey began in Tasmania, where she grew up in a tight knit family environment where music was not just a hobby it was a way of life.
Danni’s parents were heavily involved in Australian music and Square Dancing scenes. Her father, Wayne, played a pivotal role in her life, teaching her the vital importance of the Australian music industry and instilling a deep love and respect for the early pioneers of Australian country music. Growing up with the sounds of Slim Dusty, Barry Thornton, and James Blundell, Danni quickly developed a lifelong passion for the industry and the stories told through song.
Building the Bridge
The driving force behind the creation of Country Kickback was Danni's desire to share the luck she had growing up. She realised that many people are not given the same opportunity to see the people behind the music or to discover just how much talent the Australian industry has to offer. Danni could not imagine a life without being shown the Australian musical landscape, so she set out to create a platform that gives every fan the chance to hear artists they might never have known existed.
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A Life Set to Music
Danni candidly admits that she has not spent a single day of her life without music in it. Today, she finds her greatest joy in helping others find that same connection. Whether she is building a bridge between an artist and a new venue or working individually with the many musicians she is now proud to call her friends, Danni’s mission remains the same, ensuring the music never stops and the artists are always heard.