Songs mentioned in this episode – with links to listen/watch

Lyn Bowtell – ‘Paper Cut’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YLu7Naws1E

Kasey Chambers ft Shane Nicholson – ‘The Divorce Song’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cafdtL4Sa88

Jenny Mitchell – ‘Square & Plain’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls-0mQyVOeE

Aleyce Simmonds – ‘Things I’ve Learned’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LccnUJp_2Xw

Wade Forster with Max Jackson – ‘Denim’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JilD6V32_kA

Piper Rodrigues – ‘Heartbrakes’

https://open.spotify.com/track/0r3cJRKEc3UzXujwNk2MBt?si=902cf4fad1de4e94

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**Stay tuned to the end to listen to 'Birdwatcher' from Waiting fror Lily**

There’s something to be said for family harmonies. Anyone who has heard Fanny Lumsden sing live (or recorded) with her brother Tom, or who is rapt in the voices of The McClymonts, or a fan of The Buckleys, will appreciate that there’s a particular magic when family members sing together.

Ken Kunin is an American musical artist who moved to Australia several years ago; he has several albums behind him as a solo artist and with the band Davis Waits, and now he makes music with his daughter Lily Maia as The Kunins. While the musical acts mentioned above all feature siblings, The Kunins’ album Waiting for Lily proves that parent-child harmonies can be just as enchanting.

Waiting for Lily is their second album – and actually the second released in 2024. The first was self-titled and was, says Ken, a process of defining what our sound actually is.’ The decision to focus on a more acoustic arrangement came from their live performances, which emphasised simplicity and connection.

‘The first album was so multi-layered with genres; we realised that an acoustic setup really conveyed what we wanted in a song,’ Ken adds.

Lily Maia echoes this sentiment, noting, ‘When you listen to the music, it feels like you’re in the room. You’re just a part of the music that’s being created.’

The Power of Live Performance

Live performance is the key for both Kunins, and performing isn’t merely about showcasing their talents; it’s about genuine connection with the audience. ‘Music is meant to be shared,’ as Lily Maia states. Ken adds, ‘Playing live is definitely an important part of what we do … It’s fun to show what you’ve been working on with the people around you.’

Together, they create a space where listeners can engage with the music authentically. Ken explains, ‘I like the idea of renting out halls where you control the bill. It’s about creating the culture we want to bring without the distractions of a bar or a venue.’

Writing and Collaborating as a Duo

In their creative process, Ken and Lily Maia often write songs individually, before merging their ideas during arrangements. ‘Sometimes we disagree,’ Ken admits, ‘but we often seem to come to the same conclusion.’ Their aligned music tastes help to guide their decision-making.

While still young, Lily Maia has been writing songs for several years, and likes to push boundaries with each song. ‘When I was about 14 or 15, I started writing songs that were actually decent,’ she shares. Since then, her craft has evolved significantly, reflecting both her individuality and her shared experiences with her father.

Upcoming Projects

Releasing two albums in 2024 did not tire out The Kunins – to the contrary, they have plans for more projects. ‘We’ve been throwing around ideas for electric records and possibly Nashville,’ Ken says.

Meanwhile they will continue doing what they love best: performing live together, at shows in their home town of Brisbane.

Listen to Waiting for Lily on Apple Music

Listen to Waiting for Lily on Spotify

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What happens when you combine the talents and experience of 2022 Blues Music Victoria Hall of Fame inductee and award winning producer / bass player Barry Hills, three other award-winning musicians in the forms of Brian Fraser on lap steel, electric and acoustic guitars, vocals; Roland Kretschmer on electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin, banjo, Dobro, ukulele, vocals; and drummer and vocalist Nick Carrafa, and multiple award-winning singer/songwriter Kelly Auty? This is, of course, a leading question because the answer is, as the title of this post may suggest, PepperCreek Revival! But it was also the most efficient way to introduce the calibre of players who are on this self-titled debut album which is anything but the work of beginners.

Recently I spoke to Hills and Auty and while I wanted to find out about the band I was also keen to ask them about their individual musical histories, and it’s worth watching or listening to the interview for these alone, as they have such rich stories.

PepperCreek Revival was Hills’s idea and the nine songs that are on the album are the result of the band creating the music then taking it to Auty, who writes the lyrics then sings lead vocals. Like Hills, Auty’s background is in the blues, yet her voice is versatile and more than suits the country, folk, roots and rock styles of these songs (as well as some blues).

Given the musicians in PepperCreek Revival, this is definitely an album for music aficionados; it is also an album for those who want songs that reflect life and love, challenges and joys – which is all of us, really.

Listen to the album here: https://peppercreekrevival.com/music-video

Buy the CD here: https://peppercreekrevival.com/shop

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