Meet A Local – Billie Jo Porter

She recently made waves as a top ten grand finalist in the prestigious Toyota Star Maker Competition 2022. With her debut self-titled album released in 2023, she landed the #4 spot in the Aria Australian Country Music charts in the first week of launch and has been featured as ABC’s Country Album of the Week. An accomplished singer-songwriter, her collaborations with other emerging Australian artists have also earned her a spot in the Spotify streaming millionaire club.

“Billie-Jo’s music is heart and sunshine wrapped up in great melodies and soulful vocals” Sophie Hamley – Sunburnt Country Music

Recording music has been a long-held dream come true for Billie-Jo, and the host of live music opportunities that have followed have continued to open up opportunities for the local star. A full touring schedule has seen Billie-Jo support established artists like Thirsty Merc, Tim Freedman, Sunny Cowgirls and Mama Kin Spender, as well as perform at major festivals, including Tamworth Country Music Festival and Bello Winter Music Festival, with more planned for 2024.

“As I geared up to record my album, I couldn’t help but wonder – what if this was my only shot at leaving a musical mark on the world? I quickly realized that I wanted to have fun, spread happiness and infuse some pure joy into people’s lives!”

Starting out singing back in high school, Billie-Jo taught herself guitar and joined her first band in her early twenties. Songwriting soon became her passion, and she began performing under her own name soon after. Her musical career has spanned 20 years to date, with 10 of those performing on the Coffs Coast. Locally Billie-Jo can be found performing across the Coffs Coast at larger live music venues such as C.ex Coffs and award-winning The Hoey Moey through to more intimate venues such as the Coramba Hotel and Woolgoolga Brewing Co. She can also be found at a range of local events including headlining at the Twilight Food Markets held at Park Beach through summer.

Billie-Jo’s music often revels in joy and optimism yet remains deeply introspective – an apt embodiment of the dynamic songwriter. Her contemplative songwriting has one mission; to make the world a brighter place. Luckily for Billie, she finds creative inspiration everywhere she goes in the Coffs Coast. From barefoot sunrise beach walks and stunning natural landscapes to enjoying creative community events and markets showcasing an enormous range of creative talents. Creativity is alive and kicking all along the Coffs Coast.