Rider Essentials: Melanie Dyer

Since the release of her debut EP Lifetime in 2015, country-pop singer-songwriter, Melanie Dyer has played large festivals like CMC Rocks, NQ’s Rock’N Country, Tamworth Country Music Festival and more, and has opened for artists like The McClymonts, Adam Eckersley & Brooke McClymont, James Reyne and Diesel.

Following the release of her 2017 debut album, her breakout single, Memphis T-Shirt, was added to playlists on HIT and Nova Networks and over 100 regional stations around Australia, enjoying 6 weeks at #1 on the Countrytown Hot 50 Country Airplay Chart and #1 on CMC. The song went on to receive an APRA nomination for ‘The Most Performed Country Work’ in 2021.

2022 saw her win the ‘APRA AMCOS Professional Development Award’ and release her second album, Between You & Me, which features her chart-topping singles 20’s, Run Out Of Road, Cheap Moscato, Dumb Decisions with Caitlyn Shadbolt and Cheating On Me. 

While currently on tour with Caitlyn until mid-October, we caught up with Melanie to find out the things she always takes on the road with her for this week’s Rider Essentials.

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1. Practical Shoes!!! 

I’m not typically one for high heels, especially on stage! I love a fun pair of bright converse or cute boots that I can jump around and perform in without face-planting or rolling an ankle. This also gets me out of trouble roaming around in the red dirt, dust and mud that comes with the territory of country gigs. 

2. Power Bank 

I think it’s always a good idea to have backup power to recharge your phone or airpods throughout the day. It’s especially helpful during long road trips where there is a shortage of cables in the car or at festivals where you’ll often be on ground all day and night and likely draining your battery filming content too. 

3. Guitar Picks 

I find that there’s ALWAYS a shortage of picks. They are like socks in the washing machine... they seem to just magically disappear! While I am usually guilty of not having enough picks, I always appreciate it when my band kindly loan me theirs (sorry haha!!)! This is me making myself accountable for adding picks to my Rider Essentials list!   

4. Servo Snacks! 

Being on the road often means many hours in the car, travelling long distances and of course, plenty of fuel stops! While I do try to stay as healthy as possible on the road, sometimes I can’t resist a sneaky servo Cherry Ripe, Chupa-Chup or a packet of Salt & Vinegar chips to help keep me awake on the long hauls!  

5. A Hairbrush 

Oftentimes you’re out there battling the elements like wind, dust, rain, and heat, especially on those big outdoor festival stages! Somehow my hair always seems to get tangled up in everything from my jewellery, guitar strap to my in-ear cables! Needless to say, a quick brush through my hair helps me look less like a sweaty mess post-performance! 

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Keep up to date with Melanie Dyer and follow her on Facebook here.