Kora Naughton Nineteen

Kora Naughton was just 16 years old when she signed her first record deal and released her debut album – the acclaimed "Ride or Die". And just three short years later, she has lived some of her biggest life moments.

It's expected, that period not only saw Kora complete her HSC, leave high school and become an adult, but she also decided to make music her full time job and as a result has matured as an artist and songwriter. Along with the normal growing up, Kora also endured not just one - but three major surgeries - in just twelve months!

All these experiences have been captured in song and laid completely bare on her second album, "Nineteen". The album combines modern production values combined with traditional elements, along with a dash of swamp and some country blues. It's an album that is already being dubbed a 'game changer' by industry tastemakers.

"Nineteen is a celebration of my final teenage year. It's a way of looking back at the last seven years of my life and remembering all of the defining moments that have brought me to where I am today", says Kora.

"There's been some incredible highs and some earth shattering lows, but at the end of it, here I am, significantly taller and with a little less attitude, but confident in who I am, not only as a performer and songwriter, but as a person"

A prolific and exciting songwriter - 11 of the 13 tracks on "Nineteen" are 100% written by Kora. She chose to include two personal favourites – the Caroline Watkins and Jackson Odell penned "Smokin' and Cryin'" along with her take on the Moving Pictures Australian classic, "What About Me".

Kora expanded her musical circle bringing in a team of producers to help her craft an album of material she is excited to unleash onto the world. Rod Motbey - who helmed her debut, "Ride or Die" - is back on board as producer of the bulk of the tracks. Matt Fell oversaw two songs while Shane Nicholson and Michael Carpenter also produced a track each.

"These guys are such incredibly talented people and to work with each of them was an absolute pleasure. All have their own qualities and techniques, it gives this album its own unique edge and allows each individual song to stand on its own merits and shine", she says.

Besides working with top-notch producers and musicians, there are a couple of special guest appearances. Multi Golden Guitar Award winner, Travis Collins, kindly sang backing vocals on "Lay Down & Die", while hot newcomer, Bryce Sainty, duets with Kora on "Last This Summer".

"I was so stoked when Bryce said he was keen to work on 'Last This Summer' with me. After recording the song, it felt like it just needed a little something extra to push it to the next level and no doubt, having Bryce on the track absolutely did that".

"Nineteen" is a pivotal moment in the career of Kora Naughton. Already boasting four hit singles – "Lap Around the Sun", "My Heart to Break", "Lay Down & Die" and "Speechless" - the album further cements Kora not only an artist of great ability, but one of the most exciting new songwriters to emerge from Australia in a very long time.