Wangaratta singer, songwriter Jade Gibson will perform at After Dark in Yarrawonga on the long weekend before heading to Queensland in March for Australia’s biggest country music festival, CMC Rocks.
From the rolling hills of north-east Victoria, Jade Gibson first discovered her love for music.
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After a decade of determination, this local songstress is carving out a place in the Australian country music scene, blending storytelling with folk, pop, and ‘70s-inspired rock.
Now she’s preparing to hit the stage alongside Diesel, Taxiride, Natasha and DJ Master Baitz as part of After Dark at Silverwoods Resort this weekend.
Jade’s journey started early.
“Fleetwood Mac was a huge inspiration when I was about seven years old,” Jade said.
“My parents didn’t raise me on country music directly, but they definitely loved The Chicks and Fleetwood Mac, and I kind of snowballed from there.”
She also grew up listening to Missy Higgins, Powderfinger, Cold Chisel, and John Farnham, but her passion for country music came from The Chicks, formerly The Dixie Chicks.
Rising star, Jade Gibson is proof that big dreams can grow in small towns.
This mix of influences shines in Jade’s music today.
“More recently, I’ve been letting that Fleetwood Mac vibe come through, adding a ‘70s rock twist to country music,” she said.
“It feels like I’m going back to my roots.”
From small-town pubs to major festivals like Deni Ute Muster and the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Jade’s career reflects her commitment.
Her 2022 single Country Mile reached #11 on country radio charts and has more than half a million streams on Spotify.
Her 2023 track Unforgivingly Me was featured on Spotify’s Best of Fresh Country 2023 playlist, spotlighting her as an artist on the rise.
Despite her success, Jade remains grounded.
“If you talk to me side of stage or in a coffee shop, you get the same person,” she said.
“I used to try to fit into a bubble and please everyone, but I’ve learned the beauty of music is being a version of yourself that feels real.”
Despite her success, Jade is grounded and says she would have moved mountains for the chance to play at After Dark this weekend.
This authenticity defines her live shows and at the upcoming After Dark event in Yarrawonga, Jade promises a fun, local, acoustic country vibe.
She also performs a high-energy Nickelback cover that “goes off at every gig”.
“It’s one of those songs everyone knows and loves to sing along to, whether it’s a wedding or a B&S ball,” Jade said.
The invitation to play at After Dark came through small-town connections.
“I’m from Wangaratta and often play in Yarrawonga,” she said.
“A friend put me forward, and I said yes immediately.
“I would’ve moved mountains for this event.”
The hard work is paying off with bigger stages beckoning.
In March, she will perform at CMC Rocks in Ipswich, Australia’s biggest country music festival.
Being named a Back 40 artist is a huge nod from the industry, and one she’s excited about.
She’s also preparing new music that blends country, folk, pop, and rock and she hopes her songs connect with listeners.
“It’s the first time I’m getting a little angry in a song,” Jade said.
“It’s emotional, authentic, and blends all these styles in one.
“Country music is storytelling, and I want people to feel seen in my songs.”
With her unique influences and authentic sound, Jade Gibson is proof that big dreams can grow in small towns, and she’s one rising star to watch in Australian country music.
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