Country singer/ songwriter, Golden Guitar nominee and singer of 15 top ten singles on Australian Country Radio - Andy Penkow has sung in plenty of vibrant places during his career. But, of all these national and international locations, the young singer said Coonabarabran has stolen his heart.

So much so, that he is coming to Coona in early July and filming a video clip for his latest single, "Aussie Rain" - and is keen to include some locals in the experience.

Originally from Sussex Inlet on the coast, Mr Penkow said he fell in love with our unique Western Plains town when touring.

"I've got a soft spot for Coona," Mr Penkow said. "I've performed in a lot of places and randomly came to Coona and just loved the place. It's as much about the people as the town - they are just awesome."

Mr Penkow is described as having "a unique sound, chocolate smooth but powerful voice, steeped in honesty" and has been part of the Australian music scene for almost his entire life. He studied music at JMC Academy in Sydney, and completed an advanced diploma in popular music and performance.

Since then, Mr Penkow has been a regular on CMT Australia, Music Network Charts (Top 30), Kix Fm, Triple M and ABC Country. His EP "Chasing the Sun" was produced by ARIA and Golden Guitar winning producer and artist Shane Nicholson and was released in July 2020. He has worked with several industry heavyweights including songwriter, Allan Casswell who wrote the iconic theme song for TV show "Prisoner". Between the two men, they created number one hit "Driving you home."

Mr Penkow is not your average country music singer, he has a loyal following and a host of awards. Mr Penkow was nominated for a CMAA Golden Guitar award 2023 "Bush Ballad of the year" for "Ghostly Gums (Walking Away)", was named winner Best Bush Ballad 2023 at the Peoples Choice Awards Tamworth. He was also named as “Most Popular Male Artist of 2023” by Independent Country Music Association.

Mr Penkow describes upcoming single Aussie Rain as a "love letter to Coona" which touches on his personal experiences with the district and its people. He is delighted that locals will be a part of the filming experience.

"We put a call out for extras for the video, as well as a specific type of ute," he said. "We even ended up getting a couple of amateur actors/ volunteers in the Imperial Hotel."

As the hotel is a place Mr Penkow previously performed, he is particularly happy about its inclusion.

"I have some great memories there, so it’s a good connection. We expect filming to take about three days and getting the town involved is very important to me. Music really brings people together and the community response so far has been great."

Mr Penkow last appeared at Coonabarabran just prior to Covid and is looking forward to returning.

"It's not just the town, it’s the community and how genuine they are. They are really in touch with their Indigenous heritage and I think that’s fantastic."

Aussie Rain will be released in August and Western Plains App will keep locals posted as to what media channels it can be viewed on.