Music in the DNA for Felicity Urquhart’s daughters, busking on Peel Street in Tamworth
For sisters Tia and Ellie Hannah, playing music is in their DNA, and the act of sharing it with others on Tamworth’s main street is as natural as a sunrise.
Walking down Peel St during the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival treats the ears to a symphony of sound: songs new and established, both originals and covers, by performers young and old.
At a busking spot outside a bank storefront each morning this past week, two sisters have been setting up their equipment and serving up their talents to anybody who wished to listen.
For Tia and Ellie Hannah, playing music is in their DNA, and the act of sharing it with others is as natural as a sunrise.
Performing as The Meadows, in previous years they were accompanied by two cousins, but this time they debuted as a duo, with Tia on guitar and violin, and her younger sister on vocals.
What does busking mean to them? “It means going out and playing music for the fun of it,” said Tia, 11. “Everyone’s out there to have a good time. If you mess up, they still love it, and it’s heaps of fun.”
As for what prompted them to give it a go, nine-year-old Ellie said, “Probably the fun of doing it – and also earning money. I like having family and friends come to watch us, and add a little bit of money in, as well.
“It’s sort of like a family tradition, because mum did it when she was a little kid.”
Mum is Felicity Urquhart, the popular country singer-songwriter and radio broadcaster who was born in Tamworth, and who took home six Golden Guitar Awards in 2020, including album of the year for Frozen Rabbit.
It was a bittersweet night, though, as her husband, creative partner and the girls’ father, Glen Hannah, had died by suicide in May 2019, a tragic event that shocked the country music community.
Having been surrounded by music their whole lives, the girls’ interest in learning chords, melodies and deftly written lyrics is unsurprising. On Tuesday, Urquhart was allowed to sit in with them on guitar for one song, but they’re certainly not leaning on mum’s celebrity to make their way on Peel St.
When Urquhart or her partner, fellow singer-songwriter Josh Cunningham, chimes in with a suggestion, the response is firm: when they need help, they’ll ask.
“They’re very independent, and I think that that’s why they want to do it, because we’re not leading the charge: the kids sort themselves out,” said Urquhart. “I tip my hat to them.”
Their setlist bulges with favourites by Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift, Kenny Rogers and Dixie Chicks. Their mother wishes they’d add their own original songs into the mix, too.
As for the income they’ve earned from this casual summer job? On Tuesday, the duo had collected $500, and the figure had ballooned to $1250 by Friday. Not bad for a few hours of singing, strumming and fiddling.
Full of confidence, The Meadows are planning one final busking session on Saturday morning before packing up their gear until next year.
“They’re connecting with other kids, who are coming up, putting money in and being inspired – just like I was as a kid,” said Urquhart, beaming.
“My chest is puffed out. I’m very proud. Good on you, girls.”
The writer travelled to Tamworth as a guest of Tamworth Regional Council.
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