Local singer and rising country music star plays at the Royal Hotel Ryde

Northern District Times - 18 OCT 11 @ 08:20PM BY ROBERT KENNARD

COUNTRY singer Aleyce Simmonds took out one of the top gongs at this year’s Australian Independent Country Music Awards.

The 24-year-old Ryde musician was Best Female Rising Star for her single When I Say Too Much, released off her 2011 album Pieces Of Me.

Part of the Mildura Country Music Festival, the awards recognise outstanding musical talent in Australian Country Music.

Simmonds said just to be nominated was an honour.

“It absolutely blew me away, I can’t wipe the smile off my face!”

Her most recent album Pieces Of Me was launched at a sold-out concert at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January.

She said she has since received distribution deals with Sanity and JB Hi-Fi.

“I’m signed to an independent label so it has been hard work but it has been worth it.”

Her most recent single The Healing Hands of Time entered the Country Music Channel at No. 25 and is expected to climb the chart.

She performs at 8pm on Thursdays at the Royal Hotel in Ryde.