Nathan Lamont To Represent Australia At Americanafest In Nashville

Wagga Wagga musician and proud Wiradjuri man Nathan Lamont has been announced as the 2025 recipient of the CMAA Sister Cities Nashville Scholarship, representing both the Academy of Country Music and Australia at this year’s Americanafest in Nashville.

A graduate of the CMAA Senior Academy, Lamont will head to the United States this September for the prestigious cultural exchange, proudly supported by Sound NSW and long-time Academy sponsor Maton Guitars. The opportunity will allow him to connect with leading international songwriters, producers, and industry leaders in the heart of Music City.

“It means so much to me,” said Lamont. “I feel a sense of obligation and responsibility to really give it everything - not just for myself, but to show what’s possible for others. I’m incredibly humbled. I don’t take it lightly. I realise just how massive and amazing this is.”

With a clear vision for his time in Nashville, Lamont plans to immerse himself in songwriting and networking. “I’ve been co-writing with people every week here at home, and I’m working towards my debut album,” he said. “I’ve released single after single, but ticking off that album box is going to be a lifelong achievement for me. The money I was saving for this trip can now go into recording.”

As the first Indigenous artist to receive the scholarship, Lamont sees the experience as bigger than himself. “I’m privileged to be the first black fella to go over as part of this scholarship. If I can inspire a young emerging First Nations artist to follow my journey, that would be the best thing to come out of this.”

Reflecting on his journey, Lamont shared, “I grew up in a disadvantaged home, went through foster care, had a fractured childhood – I feel like I’ve had to climb my way back to the starting line. Every step has been earned. But that’s made me stronger.”

CMAA Chair Dobe Newton praised Lamont’s selection, noting his talent and resilience. “Nathan is a deserving recipient – a talented emerging artist with a powerful voice and story... He’s over the moon about representing First Nations people, the Academy, and Australian country music.”

Lamont plans to document the trip with blogs and videos, offering aspiring artists insight into his journey. “It’s hard to be an artist – the rejections, the setbacks, the grants that fall through. I’ve never let that stop me... I want to show others that it’s not about how many setbacks you face – it’s about how you overcome them.”