Rider Essentials: Billie-Jo Porter

Growing up in a music loving family, Billie-Jo Porter describes her childhood as being one that was immersed in the songs of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, John Williamson and Carol King. Her ambitions to sing began in her primary school years, but it wasn’t until her 20s that the young song writer burgeoned into a new found passion for the guitar and the lyrical form. 

Billie-Jo has seen her fair share of big audiences and high-profile stages, playing Revelstoke Street Fest in Canada, Bello Winter Music Festival and the Tamworth Country Music Festival. She has also supported Hussy Hicks and Minnie Marks on the Great Southern Nights Tour, Gretta Ziller and Riley Catherall on the Biggest Little Show in Town tour and Kevin Bennett, Jeremy Edwards and Jen Mize at the Dag Sheep Station Songwriters Showcase. 

Billie-Jo, who was named a top ten Toyota Star Maker grand finalist in 2022, released her newest single More Than Friends last month. The infectious bop is reminiscent of 90s Sheryl Crow. More Than Friends follows her previous singles, her debut Feels Like Us, which debuted at #2 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter Chart and peaked at #15 on the Countrytown Hot 50 Country Airplay Chart, and the follow up Eyes Wide Open, which hit #35 on the Countrytown Chart.

We caught up with Billie-Jo to find out the things she always takes on the road with her for this week’s Rider Essentials.

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1. Ball Cap / Mesh Back Truckers Cap

I bring one with me everywhere I go. Not only does it provide protection from the sun, but it also saves me from bad hair days! My favourite is the 70’s style turquoise ‘Ricks Tempo’ hat, it came from a basement in Canada, and had been forgotten about until Ricky Skalicky saved it and passed it onto me. When I got my hands on it, life changed for the better!

2. Head Torch

Must have the red-light option! You never know when you might need the old head torch. I love to read before bed and the red reading light is really nice on the eyes. Handy for finding things in a suitcase. Also, it is very handy for doing the final check under the bed – did I leave anything under there?

3. Guitar

Must remember, to remember, to pack the guitar. Seems so obvious but it is THE essential item. The guitar case is almost like a magic carpet bag, it holds a plethora of handy things, like strings, nail clippers, a leatherman for fixing things, a dream catcher for catching dreams, lip balm, gaffa tape, $20 USD and my lucky charm TCMF 50th anniversary festival 50c coin.

4. Puffy Jacket

You just never know when a puffy will come in handy. Aircon on the flight too cold? Pull out the puffy. Need to go through the freezer section at the supermarket? Pull out the puffy. You visit your mum and remember her addiction of turning the air conditioning to sub-zero conditions? Puffy jacket time. A bit tired and need a makeshift pillow for a while? Puffy Jacket saves the day!

5. Bumbag

Yes, I am still yet to leave the 1980’s behind. I am a massive fan of the bumbag. I have one strapped around my waist at all times. I load it up with all the essentials and enjoy ultimate handsfree comfort. I also have a dance that I have developed that incorporates the humble bumbag, get one and I will show you how it's done!

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Keep up to date with Billie-Jo Porter, follow her on Facebook here.