Running up to her U.S. shows, Chambers has a few in-store performances and signings around Australia and a free gig January 25 in Tamworth during the annual Country Music Festival.

Already a smash success downunder, Barricades and Brickwalls has helped earn Chambers nominations for six 2002 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards, including nods for best album and female vocalist of the year.

While only just getting her name known in the wider world, Chambers has long been a popular star in Australia. During the ‘90s, she was lead singer in her family’s group, the Dead Ringer Band.

The Dead Ringer Band were a full-fledged touring outfit, releasing seven albums and winning two ARIA’s (Australian Grammy equivalent) and seven Gold Guitars Awards.

Chambers struck out on her own in 1998 and released her debut The Captain in 1999, which immediately won an ARIA for best country album that year. The following year, she was named best female artist as she set sail on a global tour.

In 2001 Chambers landed in North America as support on Lucinda Williams‘ summer tour. With both artists leaning toward the alt.country, the tour was largely sold-out and helped launch Chambers’ career in America. Additional dates with Emmylou Harris expanded her fanbase even further.

An endless stream of praise from industry higher-ups and critics follows in Chambers’ wake. Williams has even dubbed the independent-minded singer/songwriter her favorite new artist.

Chambers told Pollstar, “I love touring and I’ll do that forever. I like touring the way that I tour, and I’ve done it like that for a long time.”

So, expect to see more of Chambers on the road, at least for a few more months. The mom-to-be is expecting her first baby in May.