Aside from being a farmer and former bareback bronco rider, Steve Forde is also one of country music's biggest acts. Add singer, songwriter and entrepreneur to the mix, and you're starting to get an idea about the man. He's not traditional; he breaks new ground, writes his own ticket and doesn't conform to the mould.

Born in the regional farming centre of Cowra in 1977, Steve spent most of his early childhood moving across NSW with his family and his father's work. It was in these early years that simple life philosophies were deeply ingrained in him.

Steve Forde and the Flange's debut album, Livin' Right, was released in May 2002. The album impressed many and the band received two Golden Guitar nominations at the 2003 CMAA Country Music Awards (Golden Guitars).

His second album, Wild Ride, was again recorded in Nashville in December 2003 followed by a third album, titled Rowdy. It featured country music as it's never been heard before - it included some high-tech hip hop loops, authentic and very cool rapping from the likes of Vanilla Ice and Doobie. Yet the album remained unmistakably country - Steve's powerful songs, heartfelt vocals and strong country sensitivity made sure of that.

Steve's musical tastes are as diverse as his lifestyle. His live set can consist of any repertoire from his three self-penned albums to a melange of Kid Rock's 'Cowboy' and Eminem's 'Lose Yourself' to classic Aerosmith and even AC/DC or Poison. Steve has followed the line of artists that don't play by the rules; instead, his music and attitude inspires and reinvents the genre. Like Kenny Chesney in the US, Steve brings a legion of new fans to Country music by casting stereotypes aside and giving some edge to the scene.

Get to know Steve Forde. He's changing country music and you'll want to be part of it...