Seven years ago Rennie-Hynes was living and writing music in Canada when a mate entered him into the competition. The winning prize was 10 hours of studio time.

Rennie-Hynes, who hails from Queensland, won. Not wanting to waste the studio time he “knuckled down” to write some songs which became his first EP.

“It was the beginning of it all,” he said. “It’s strange how these things happen.”

In 2013 Rennie-Hynes worked with award-winning Australian artist and producer Shane Nicholson to create his debut album, February, which was released the following year.

The singer-songwriter, whose music falls in with the country, alternative rock, Americana scene, spent 2015 touring around Australia, New Zealand and north America.

In late 2015, Rennie-Hynes stepped back into the studio to begin recording his sophomore album, Furthermore. Working everyday from morning until late night, Rennie-Hynes produced, engineered and recorded all 11 songs on Furthermore alongside his friend and collaborator Steve Grady. 

“Artistically, it was one of the most inspiring and fulfilling experiences of my life,” Rennie-Hynes said of the experience.

He released the single Rosie before the alum dropped in August. The song came to Rennie-Hynes after he had completed a national tour of New Zealand.

“I had a few days off in Wellington. I was staying at my cousin’s house, spending a few days with his housemate Rosie, a lovely girl who had been going through a tough time with depression,” he said. “I wrote this song for her, just to say that it’s all gonna be alright, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Rennie-Hynes has hit the road to share Furthermore with audiences. For the first time, he will tour his music to Newcastle. He will play a free show at the Stag and Hunter in Mayfield on Thursday, September 29.

The Examiner has two Furthermore albums to give away.

To win an album, send your name and daytime contact number in an email titled “Josh” to ewatts@fairfaxmedia.com.au. 

Winner will be notified by noon on September 29 and can collect their albums at the show.