THE stereotypical country music artist is a lovelorn soul who walks the line of heartache.
Christie Lamb, a 15-year-old singer-songwriter from Kirkham Meadows is part of a new breed of country artists who challenge that stereotype.
The bubbly Campbelltown Performing Arts High School student was named the overall winner of the Cherry Country Music Association talent quest last month.
The young artist impressed judges with performances that included a song by the Dixie Chicks, one of Christie's favourite groups.
"They tell really good stories, and not just about love and heartbreak, also political,'' she told the Advertiser.
The Dixie Chicks are hugely popular within the country rock genre, a style of music Christie prefers.
"I love country rock, it's a style with an upbeat rock lift,'' she said.
Her preference shows, with Christie placing first in the talent quest's country rock category.
She also placed first in the young gospel section, second in junior country vocal and third in the Australiana section.
Grant Luhrs, who owns Flying Fox Recording Studios at Wagga Wagga, was so impressed with Christie's voice that he named her performer of the festival and offered her six hours of recording time.