WATTY THOMPSON
In a gloriously unabashed antipodean drawl, neo-bush balladeer Watty Thompson explores themes of inward and outward love, togetherness, and a desire to strive and live beyond the material. It’s affirming, joyous and inspiring, all played out against a background of rollicking country flavoured Australiana folk. Like it says on the tin, a little bit country, a little bit folk, 100% heart.
Watty plied his trade for over a decade, treadin’ sticky carpets with various bands before making for the rugged coastland and the mountains of the Otway Ranges to bunker down and craft material for his dream project. As he wrote and gathered a cohort of friends around him, Thompson found he was creating something that held a new space for the listener. That space was one of love and empathy, where hard won experience could be readily shared, a space big on community, a space big on honesty, a place big on love.
After his Australian Music Prize nominated 2023 debut album scored a direct hit into the hearts of fans and critics alike, winning praise, accolades, and airplay, it announced the arrival of a new positive voice in Australian music.
Voted Music Victoria’s Regional Artist of the Year in 2023, Watty and his Total Fire Band have connected with a growing number of believers through stellar showings at various festivals and sold-out performances across the country.