Parkes country singer Raechel Whitchurch talks about being a strong, proud woman in her song 'You Ain't One of Us' and after being nominated for two prestigious Golden Guitar awards you can see that strength coming through in spades.

Since releasing her debut album 'Finally Clear' this year, the culmination of two years of blood, sweat and tears, Raechel has been racking up the streams and climbed the charts with songs such as 'My Father' and 'I Found Home'.

The album is bursting with openness, energy and emotion, and quite frankly (yeah I know, we're biased) takes your soul to a place where you can explore your own vulnerability and feelings.

So it is amazing from a Parkes perspective to see one of our very own nominated for the pre-eminent country music awards in Australia, and Raechel said it was a very special experience to learn about her nomination not just for her, but her entire family.

"The whole family watched the livestream together, and I filmed it as well to see how we all reacted," she said when she spoke to the Parkes Champion Post earlier this week.

"My family were so nervous for me and when I watched it back Mum's face looked like she was about to pass out!

"It's always one of those unknowns, we were texting in the lead-up saying you just don't know how it's going to end.

"CMMA (Country Music Association of Australia, who run the awards) have a third party that do all the nominations and only a handful know so it's really hush hush.

"My family have seen how hard I've worked, everyone just cheered and it was so beautiful," said Raechel.

2020 and 2021 have obviously been difficult for many entertainers, but as Raechel explains a Golden Guitar nomination is the perfect affirmation that what you're doing is worth it.

"The hard thing is when you're thinking of the impact your album has had, you kinda only see what you've done in your little world so to be nominated among all the other artists is amazing," she said.

"It was a weird time to be releasing a record (in COVID), but I've worked so hard the last two years, so whatever happened I felt very content I did everything I possibly could.

"Chasing after any dream is hard and juggling two little kids, touring and being a great mum, wife and member of society was hard but it has all been worth it," said Raechel.

Those two little kids keep their Mum's feet firmly on the ground, as Raechel explained.

"After the whole thing was done, I had to go out to the post office and I started singing along in the car and they said 'that's enough Mum, stop singing!' so they don't care I'm a Golden Guitar nominee."

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Thankfully with the nation opening back up again, Raechel can get back on the road (she's been playing with Adam Harvey on his Highway One tour) and connect with fans - something she has dearly missed.

"It's going to be so great being back on the road again," she said.

"All the artists in NSW and Victoria were in the same boat, of course there is the financial loss but the chance to play in front of thousands of people is what you really miss.

"For the last few months I have been embracing the home life, so I'll really need to get myself ready to be back on the road!

"Gigs are a chance to connect with fans, I write my own music so you get to see them connect with the melodies and lyrics and feel like you've done your job," said Raechel.

So when the Golden Guitar awards roll around in January - in the middle of Tamworth's famed Country Music Festival - you can get there will be one attendee with a smile as wide as you'll ever see.

"We've been to the awards before, but now we get to go as nominees and do the red carpet so that will be really exciting."

The entire population of Parkes is crossing their fingers for you, Raechel - bring home that gold!

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