Mustang Tammy! Albany country star Tammy London launches debut solo single Mustang with show at Six Degrees

It seems hard to believe, probably because of her longevity, but Albany’s country star Tammy London has just released her debut solo single. It would be nice to be able to say Mustang is available in all good record stores, but these days streaming is king, so head to a favourite internet service for a listen to her clear-as-crystal voice and foot-tapping chorus. As every download will earn her about 0.03 cents, she would be grateful. London was chuffed to hear Mustang played on the ABC’s Saturday Night Country and even more pleased by the official launch, at Albany’s Six Degrees last Saturday, where she knocked the ball out of the park with her new band. Her back catalogue is impressive having played for a long time with husband Simon, both as Simon and Tammy London and then combining as a trio with neighbour Vikki Thorn, from The Waifs, as Red Tails. But this is the first time she has gone properly solo, teaming up with Nashville producer Nash Chambers and creating Mustang as a result. So how did she enjoy Nashville? “I haven’t been to Nashville,” she laughed. “I haven’t actually even been to America.” She said it all got started when she contacted Chambers during COVID-19. “Probably four years ago I got in touch with Nash because I thought I would like to step out on my own and do something solo,” she said. “Nobody was travelling so there were great session players hanging around with nothing to do. “I sent vocals and stuff to him and ended up sending tracks between here and there. “I think the pandemic and its restrictions meant we had to be even more creative — so I suppose COVID-19 worked out OK for me in that respect.” One of seven children, she was born in Young Siding and named by her music-loving father after Stand By Your Man country singer Tammy Wynette. “I was brought up on country music, so it was just part of my life growing up,” London said. “Now my kids groan when I put it on, although they all play instruments. “I have children of all ages — basically, I’ve been having children for 14 years.” Having four boys has meant world tours have not been on the agenda and even though the new single’s lyrics suggest she wants to ride in a Mustang and escape this town, nothing could be further from her mind. “Four boys and a day job mean I keep work and music completely separate,” she said. “Life is very full, but I get a lot of enjoyment, and I love the fact I can keep being creative and I can still perform. “I used to do lots of performances, especially at school, because I just loved it, and I keep on going because I keep on loving it. She met husband Simon 17 years ago, when he was playing a gig at Albany’s White Star Hotel (now Wilson Brewing Co.) and the couple have been hitting the high notes ever since. “My whole life has basically been one, whole music event,” she said. Her only unfulfilled ambition would be to play the Tamworth festival, but she’s not simply a country singer as Red Tails also sing gospel, another of her passions despite being told as a child she was “too loud for the church choir”. The launch was a blast, and she played to a packed house of loyal fans with husband Simon’s band The Spirits following her on stage. The next box to tick is the solo album, which she is hoping to complete next year, while the Red Tails are also still going, giving her the opportunity to create more country soul in the mould of her favourite artist, Aretha Franklin. In the meantime, four boys and a day job will keep her busy — and keep the Mustang in the garage.