In late 2018 Blake was the winner of the Mount Hunter Country Music Stampede’s ‘Maton Rising Star’. The prize package included cash, a Maton guitar and a trip to Nashville, TN.

Blake with the judges of the ‘Maton Rising Star’ and festival organisers Mick Kearney, Seleen McAllister and Drew McAllister

Extending his prize into a 3 week long trip, Blake’s relaxed itinerary in music city includes a tour of the Grand Ol Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame + co-writing sessions. This will be the musician’s first trip to Nashville and he hopes to spend most of his time soaking in the music and culture of the country music capital.

The Country Music Stampede is held annually at the K Ranch arena in Mount Hunter.