A Little Bird Told Me

AT 34, Kasey Chambers is young for an autobiography but, just like her music, there's no lack of material.

Kasey Chambers

A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME ... BY KASEY CHAMBERS, HARPERCOLLINS, RRP $35

It was her multi award-winning second album Barricades & Brickwalls that brought Kasey Chambers to the attention of many.

She was an unconventional country singer, with an edgy look, an arresting voice and an album of songs that crept into your heart.

At 34, she's young for an autobiography (ghost-written by music industry regular Jeff Apter) but, just like her music, there's no lack of material.

She grew up mostly on the Nullarbor Plain, travelling with her family while her dad trapped foxes.

All musical, they formed Dead Ringer Band, playing around the country. Even when she moved into her solo career, her family and friends surrounded her.

Despite all the success, tragedy struck through a miscarriage, a broken relationship, anorexia and a breakdown. She rebuilt her life with music, playing covers with her family in a band called the Lost Dogs at the local pub.

What emerged was last year's multi-platinum hit album Little Bird, happiness with husband Shane Nicholson and a baby (her third) due about now, along with another album Storybook, out last month. It's a disarmingly honest account of a remarkable talent.