YOU could say music is in Rusty Crook’s veins.
Growing up with two parents in the industry, it was a given that the established musician and producer would follow suit.
After some time teaching music near Canberra, Crook is back in Tamworth where he’s making music with local artists.
He’s working out at Fat Track studios where he’s bringing the dreams and music of singers and songwriters to life.
He’s also been touring with Sara Storer and is about to embark on a national tour with multi-award winning bluegrass artist Kristy Cox this year with hopes he can join her in the US at some stage.
To add another achievement to the list, Crook is also part of local trio Bolton Crook and is the musical director for award winning sister duo The Sunny Cowgirls.
Most recently he’s worked alongside golden guitar winner Jodie Crosby and emerging artist Liam Brew on their new releases.
And while that might seem like a lot to juggle, Crook says he wouldn’t have it any other way because he is doing what he loves.
“I’ve been working out at Fat Track studios and have been working with a few artists out there,” He said.
“I’m on tour with the girls and Sara Storer at the moment, we’re doing most of Australia.
“I’ll be on tour with Kristy Cox later in the year.”
Crook lives for music, and said he enjoys the raw emotion artists bring to the studio.
“It’s the rawness and the truth in a song,” he said.
“A lot of people, when they bring songs to you, they start singing and you can tell it’s their live.
“They’re opening up and don’t realise they’re doing it.
“My job as a producer is to take what they’re feeling or what they’re trying to say, and get it across to other people aswell.
“Sometimes you get it wrong and sometimes you get it right, but I just love music.”
