Pete Armstrong has always dabbled in music – playing as a backing musician in many bands – but only later in life found the confidence to venture out as a solo artist.
Encouraged by a supportive partner, the 57-year-old from Blackheath has taken home two awards from the South Australian Country Music Festival earlier this month.
A song dedicated to his grandfather Joe Summerfield, who taught him a lot about life, earned him an award for songwriting.
“He was funny and gentle and kind,” Armstrong said.
“He taught me a lot about compassion”.
The singer also won a male vocal award, and was runner-up in the South Australian award of excellence.
Armstrong was invited to perform in South Australia after he was spotted busking in Tamworth’s main street during the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January.
At Tamworth, he gained a golden oldie award (for singers aged 49 and over) which earned him recording time. He now plans to release a four-track EP later this year.
It’s a world away from how the singer, as an Upper Mountains youngster, saw his life panning out.
“It wasn’t my intention to be a musician,” Armstrong said. “I wanted to build racing cars.”
He went on to work for motorsport companies. He currently pays the bills as a labourer, doubles as a backing musician, and teaches drums and guitar at Mitchell Conservatorium in Bathurst.