Flowing with Grace: Sandy Summers Captures Natural Majesty in “If I Were A River”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The Australian country music scene has a new lighthouse of soulful storytelling, and her name is Sandy Summers. Following her recent crowning as the ICMA’s Best New Independent Female Artist, the Cessnock-based singer-songwriter has released her most evocative work to date. Released today, November 14, “If I Were A River” is more than just a single; it is a sonic meditation on resilience, nature, and the quiet strength of the human spirit.
A Masterclass in Collaborative Songwriting
The DNA of “If I Were A River” is rooted in the prestigious 2025 SHE Songwriting Retreat, where Summers joined forces with 10-time Golden Guitar winner Lyn Bowtell. Under the expert production of Simon Johnson, the team crafted a soundscape that feels as vast and ancient as the Australian landscape itself.
The inspiration for the track was literal and immediate. During their writing session, the duo sat in the shadow of a towering mountain. In a moment of pure serendipity, a wedge-tailed eagle soared directly over them. This encounter with the wild provided the spark for a song that explores the intersection of power and fragility.
“That moment when the eagle flew over us, it felt like nature was speaking,” Summers recalls. “The river became a metaphor for everything we go through: it bends, it floods, it finds its way around obstacles, but it always keeps moving forward.”
The Review: Strength in the Current
“If I Were A River” moves with a steady, soulful rhythm that mimics the very element it celebrates. The production by Simon Johnson avoids over-polishing, allowing the organic textures of the instrumentation to breathe.
Lyrical Depth
The lyrics use the river as a sophisticated symbol for endurance. By comparing the human experience to the flow of water—capable of carving through stone yet remaining fluid—Summers offers a message of hope to anyone navigating the “floods” of life. It is a song about persistence and the beauty found in movement, even when the path is winding.
Vocal Performance
Sandy Summers delivers a performance characterized by “quiet strength.” Her voice is grounded and earthy, yet it possesses a crystalline clarity that shines during the song’s more anthemic moments. The addition of Lyn Bowtell on backing vocals creates a haunting, ethereal layer of harmony that elevates the track, making the listener feel as though they are standing in that very valley where the song was conceived.
About the Artist: Sandy Summers
Hailing from Cessnock in the Hunter Valley, Sandy Summers has rapidly become a favorite in the independent country circuit. Her music is deeply intertwined with the Australian bush and the stories of the people who inhabit it.
Her recent ICMA win (Independent Country Music Association) for Best New Independent Female Artist serves as a testament to her work ethic and authentic connection with her audience. “If I Were A River” marks a pivotal moment in her career, showcasing a shift toward a more “Americana-leaning” sound that prioritizes atmosphere and lyrical vulnerability.
The Verdict
“If I Were A River” is a stunning achievement. It manages to be both a personal reflection for Summers and a universal anthem for the weary. In a world that often feels chaotic, this track offers a moment to stand still and “feel the earth breathe beneath your feet.” It is a reminder that healing is a process—a flow—and that there is profound power in simply moving forward.