Tony Cook or Laidback Tones as he is often referred to around north, north western and central Queensland, is a country music artist who has quietly been building a collection of original material, focused on his personal experiences and passions. Tone’s music reflects his background. Some also say his music reflects the essence of country outback culture. His background is diverse, from working on cattle and sheep stations to jumping out of aeroplanes while serving in our Defence Force, he has a few unique life experiences to draw from. Since retiring from the ADF a fair while ago, he has released one EP and is currently working on his second collection of original material for a debut album. It’s taken nearly 3 years to produce but Tony released his first single off the album in March 2017 titled “Laidback Country” which has done remarkably well. The song made a number of charts around the country, most notably reaching #1 for 8 straight weeks on the international radio show “My Country Australia” which beams a collection of Australian and New Zealand country music to more than 40 countries around the world. The song also reached #2 on the national radio airplay chart Country Tracks Top 40, and the film clip which accompanies the song features cameos by MP’s Bob Katter and Shane Knuth. It has been viewed on social media over 60,000 times. Tony’s passion is the outback of Australia and he showcased the Township and culture of Charters Towers through his song Laidback Country. His follow up single “That’s Country”, captures the essence of the outback. It is descriptive of life in the bush and distinctively articulates the culture that has influenced him as a child growing up and as a young adult working on cattle and sheep stations, prior to enlisting in the ADF. The film clip which accompanies “That’s Country” was shot on location around Richmond and Julia Creek FNQ by the Filmery. Produced by Simon Johnson, lyrically the song will take you on a journey into the heart of outback Australia. ​ Tone considers himself lucky to have shared the stage with some incredible artists including Phil Emmanuel, Bo Jenkins from the USA, Adam Brand and Travis Collins, who headlined the 2015 Townsville City Country Music Muster. Tone has also supported James Blundell in 2016 at Emu Park's Pine Beach Hotel and has just recently returned from the 2017 Julia Creek Dirt & Dust Festival where he performed to 3,500 plus patrons again in support of James Blundell. Tone believes you only get one chance at living a good life. He loves to be around good people with good intentions and firmly believes you get back what you give out! Follow your passions, be kind and humble and always give back are beliefs he holds near to his heart. The Outback has always been a part of Tone and he hopes to showcase more of the bush, its stories and incredible landscapes with his music and adventures. He also hopes through his collection of original compositions to encourage all Australians to see the heart of this beautiful country. If you would like to help Tony in his endeavours to promote the bush and it’s culture feel free to email him laidbacktone@yahoo.com.au for more info visit www.tonycook.com.au