Norwest Christian College music teacher Peter Christie wins coveted Josie Music Award

Mr Christie was awarded the Josie Music Award for ‘Male Artist of the Year 2018’ in the Christian/Gospel category at the Awards, held in the Christian rock heartland of Tennessee.

Unassuming to meet, the Springwood local grew up in Kings Langley, and has been working at Norwest teaching music for seven years.

“I head up the music faculty and work with the music staff and the students from Kindy right through to Year 12,” Mr Christie said.

What do the kids think about their teacher’s star rising? “I think the kids really enjoy it - they get a kick out of it!” he laughed.

Mr Christie has been performing music professionally for around ten years. Mostly it was local work at the beginning, until one of his film clips was seen by a promoter in the US back in 2015.

“He made contact and said ‘I’d love to release your music in the states’,” Mr Christie said. “So of course I did a Google background check to make sure it was all legit!”

The promoter worked with Mr Christie to make a few changes to the music to “make it more palatable to the gospel scene in America”.

“I think it was mostly due to my accent!” Mr Christie laughed. “So I had to tone that back a little bit. We also added a few instruments, pedal steel guitar and a banjo and fiddle to make it more ‘American country’ sounding.”

The first single - ‘My Father’s House’ - went to the American Country Gospel Charts at number 6. He then went on to have five singles in the top 10, three of which made the top five, including You Alone are Worthy (#1) and When My Time Comes (#3).

“Each year I go over to the states a couple of times to play at festivals and various awards,” said Mr Christie.

“The school has been incredibly supportive - I couldn’t ask for a more supportive headmaster or school.

“When it all started to take off the headmaster was so excited, and when there was the opportunity to go over for the first time for the Christian Fan Fair Awards he was all for it!”

The Josie Music Awards is an all-genre music award show ceremony covering everything from gospel to pop/rock and heavy metal.

It is the largest global independent artist showcase, and attracts thousands of enthusiasts from around the world including artists, songwriters, talent agents, record label promoters, producers, engineers, representatives of management and promotion companies, and fans.

“Being awarded the Josie Music Award as Male Artist of the Year in the Christian/Gospel category was a huge honour,” Mr Christie said.

His accolades include: The Brumby Award (Tamworth Country Music Festival) for Gospel song of the Year 2016 and 2017; First in Gospel Category Songs Alive Australian Songwriting Competition 2018; six previous International Music Awards, including Male Entertainer (Crimson Awards) and Songwriter of the Year (Diamond Awards), Video Clip and Favourite Band (Gospel Music Fan Fair Awards).

Mr Christie has a Christmas single coming out on November 9 which will go to radio in Australia and America, and then in 2019 he’ll begin writing for a new album.

Despite his international success, Mr Christie’s heart is very much in supporting the church here in Australia.

He has sung, led worship and preached in a variety of church settings and denominations. Mr Christie began his music ministry in 2009 as a service to rural churches which did not have congregation members with musical capabilities. Travelling initially in NSW, requests for assistance soon came from Queensland, Victoria and the ACT.

The sale of CDs funded travel costs and promoted interest in seeking Mr Christie’s musical assistance. His services to churches are free but the sale of CDs covers costs.

“To know that your music is making an impact in the lives of so many people is both humbling and thrilling,” Mr Christie said.

Visit www.peterchristie.com.au to find out more about Mr Christie and his music.