Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham (of The Waifs) continue to carve out a distinctive place in the Australian Country/Folk music landscape with their unique blend of songs, sounds and story. Their latest album Birdsong
is a 10-track celebration about conquering the cage and finding your voice, delivered with the masterful songwriting and musicianship listeners have come to expect from the pair.
The inspiration behind the album and title track ‘Birdsong’ was an ancient Chinese proverb that Josh chanced upon. "Always keep a green branch in your heart so a singing bird may come."
This simple and profound saying resonated deeply with both Josh and Felicity who have each had cause to look beyond the damage inflicted by trauma to a place of possibility and hope. "It's easy to die inside and become unwilling to keep your branch outstretched"
says Felicity. "When you've suffered it can make you untrusting and protective."
Josh found it hard to imagine Felicity struggling in that way. "I was inspired by her resilience and openness in the wake of recent personal tragedy. When I encountered that proverb, I felt that she was its living embodiment. Not only was her branch green and outstretched - she was the singing bird too!"
Venturing beyond the minimal, intimate, acoustic stylings of their ARIA-nominated debut album (The Song Club), Birdsong adds more meat on the bone. Electric guitars can be heard throughout, along with an eclectic array of obscure, small stringed instruments. Award-winning Matt Fell lends his considerable talents to the project, proving a perfect choice as co-producer and musician.
Rooted in the Blues, Country, and Folk traditions, their music is subtle and arresting, weighty and spacious, and always delivered with compelling honesty. In the tradition of Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, the pair soar like birds on a wing and their song is glorious.
The duo’s national Birdsong Tour kicked-off alongside the Birdsong album release and has delighted fans across all eight Australian states and territories, with 16 sold-out shows and counting. Throughout the tour Felicity and Josh have also made appearances at iconic Australian music festivals and events including Woodford Folk Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Twilight at Taronga, and The National Folk Festival.
Soaring into 2024, the duo swept the 52nd CMAA Golden Guitar Awards in both nominations and top category wins, taking home Traditional Country Album of the Year for Birdsong, plus Song of the Year and Single of the Year for album track, “Size Up.”
Felicity and Josh have created a sacred place in the hearts of many who cross their path with their charming music and storytelling. Known for their uncontrived music and authenticity, Felicity and Josh “engage the audience so warmly that everyone in the room feels like a friend by the end,” (Tim Freedman, The Whitlams). The duo’s down to earth style is the magnet that continues to attract new followers, proving the most meaningful connections are made without pretence or gimmicks.
