New release for Brittany-Elise

A song full of meaning released just in time for Anzac Day.

Mackay born and bred country music artist Brittany-Elise has released her song A Simple Plan, detailing the heroic achievements of Keith Payne.

MACKAY’S country music darling Brittany-Elise Johansen has released a new single featuring one of Australia’s most respected veterans.

A Simple Plan tells the story of Mr Keith Payne and his heroic actions of mateship, loyalty and courage during his time serving in the Vietnam War.

Brittany-Elise learned of Mr Payne’s tale in 2010 after a school project led her to research what soon became a passion topic.

Mr Payne’s story resonated with her and, 10 years later, the singer-songwriter performed A Simple Plan at Mr Payne’s civic ceremony, commemorating his actions in Kon Tum Province, Vietnam.

That prompted Brittany-Elise to release the track to a wider audience.

“It was such an honour to be asked to perform. Keith’s story just couldn’t go untold,” she said.

Brittany-Elise and Keith Payne at his civic ceremony where he was honoured on the 50th anniversary of his actions in Vietnam.

She explained the idea behind the song was all about the traditional idea of Australian mateship.

“While wounded and under heavy fire, Keith searched for isolated and wounded

Diggers and he rescued 40 men … he went back to the battlefield to locate the last of the soldiers, in particular, his good mate and Staff Sergeant Anastacio Monty’ Montez,” she said.

Brittany-Elise worked closely with Mr Payne during the creation process of the song.

“I think Kieth is an incredible person and for all of the young people in Australia, I wanted to acknowledge him and tell his story,” she said.

The single has been a long time in the making – she first recorded the track years ago, but decided to use the “simple” concept to strip the song back to its bare basics.

“Even instrumentation-wise it is a lot more acoustic. I think it just ties that whole theme together and really gives it the sound and the emotion I was looking for,” Brittany-Elise said.

Her favourite part of making the track was interpreting Mr Payne’s story musically.

“Keith telling me his story, and me bringing my musical aspect to bring this to life, it’s very unique in storytelling and I think in Australian country some of the best songs are just those real stories that listeners can relate to,” she said.

The song was is available to purchase on iTunes.

Originally published as