Judges like tones of singing builder

Aaron Jury's song Wyre St topped the Gold Guitar contest. Picture / Otago Daily Times

Builder Aaron Jury was still on cloud nine yesterday over his win in the NZ Gold Guitar competition.

The 26-year-old from the small mining town of Kaitangata, near Balclutha, was still shaking his head in disbelief and trying to come to terms with the biggest weekend of his musical career.

Jury became the first person to claim both the songwriting and overall title at the same Gold Guitar competition in Gore.

"It's just huge. I still don't know how to describe it," he said.

What makes the win even more special is that it was the first time he has sung at the annual festival.

Jury won the intermediate title last year for his instrumental performance on guitar and this year was the first time he had auditioned in the vocals section.

The win came as a total surprise as he did not think he would win any titles over the week-long event.

But now Jury's career has changed all in the matter of days.

Last week, he was taking time off work to attend auditions. Today he will be back at Fulton Hogan Concrete, but with the title of New Zealand Gold Guitar Champion 2005.

Jury's future includes special guest appearances at a major Norfolk Island country music festival and an engagement at the Tamworth festival in Australia in January.

- NZPA