Tony Kennelly Leave The Gate Open

or Tony Kennelly, 'Leave The Gate Open' – the first release from his upcoming album – is a song that hits close to home. 

'I had a call from a friend in the far west of NSW – a 4th generation farmer – who has been in drought for seven years,' said Kennelly. 'The bank won't carry his debt, they're going to give him notice to vacate and it's happening to people all over the country, so I felt like I had to write a song for them.' 

A farmer from the tablelands of NSW himself, Kennelly uses many words to describe the latest drought; the worst in history; totally devastating; exhausting and draining. It's tied him down along with many of his friends and family, but it hasn't crushed his ability to make music, to which the release of 'Leave The Gate Open' can attest.

'It's a powerful story that people will relate to,' says Kennelly, 'and even if they're not from the land they will feel the desperation of the lyrics as this last drought, which still isn't over for so many, won't be forgotten for generations to come.' 

The single was recorded at Sound Hole Studios in NSW and produced by the legendary Shane Nicholson, who also played a huge number of instruments on the track, while Michael Carpenter, from Love HZ Studios, took on video responsibilities.

'I was privileged to work with two of the nicest guys around,' said Kennelly of Nicholson and Carpenter, 'and it was agreed by Carpenter and myself that my cattle property was the perfect location as we were in the middle of the drought – the location was integral to such a personal yet widespread story.' 

Kennelly's fellow farmers put their non-existent acting experience to the test under Carpenter's watchful eye, while Kennelly asked a friend if he could 'borrow her daughter for the day's shoot.' She said yes, but 'only if you keep her for a week or two.' 

Though Kennelly's music career has at times taken a backseat, he managed to release his debut album, Hittin' the Wall, in 2017 and had three songs place in the Top 30 of the Australian Songwriters Competition. He's a regular at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and has previously shared the stage with artists including Allison Forbes, Tori Forsyth, Greta Ziller and Brad Butcher, to name but a few.

And while welcome rain has eased the grip on the drought Kennelly will be continuing his passion for farming and his love of the country music scene – leaving the gate open and waiting to see what flows his way.