Inside the Song: Songwriters in the Round

An extraordinary lineup of four of Australia’s most formidable independent songwriters coming together for an intimate, unscripted afternoon of music and storytelling.

Inside the Song: Songwriters in the Round

Four Celebrated artists. Live. On stage. Together.

Moving beyond a standard gig format, Inside the Song: Songwriters in the Round

Trading tracks, stripping back production boundaries, and spontaneously intersecting on each other’s arrangements, inviting you directly into the creative process.

THE SONGWRITERS

Lisa Richards

A world-class vocal artist and veteran of the legendary NYC and Austin folk scenes, Lisa Richards brings a commanding "street-singer grit" from iconic stages like CBGBs and The Bitter End. Her sophisticated folk-jazz, blues, and pop sound defies classification—drawing stylistic comparisons to standard-bearers like Joni Mitchell, Billie Holiday, Björk, and Anaïs Mitchell. Her evocative songwriting has earned global acclaim, with her tracks nestled on high-profile compilations alongside legendary voices like Adele and Nina Simone. Backed by a lifetime of technical mastery on three continents, Lisa is currently releasing her highly anticipated new music, previewing material ahead of an upcoming European tour.

"Truly stimulating listening... beautifully encapsulated the intricacies of the human condition." — The Australian
Website: lisarichardsmusic.com
Instagram: @lisarichardsworld
Facebook: facebook.com/lisarichardsworld
Spotify: Listen on Spotify
YouTube: youtube.com/lisarichardsmusic

Jen Lush

A standout voice of fierce tenderness, Adelaide-based artist Jen Lush is a master of blending poetic storytelling with adventurous folk-noir, art-rock, and dark pop textures[cite: Known for her deeply moving arrangements and literary depth, Jen is a two-time ARBA Roots Album of the Year winner for her previous critically acclaimed albums Hum of the Mettle (2023) and Let Loose The Beating Birds (2021)

Drawing inspiration from boundary-pushers like Feist and Anaïs Mitchell, she is currently in the studio on her upcoming album cycle, delivering an emotionally fearless live experience that pushes folk to its beautiful limits.

"A truly thoughtful and emotionally fearless songwriter, creating these masterful explorations of folk’s limits." — Music Crowns UK

Website: jenlush.com
Instagram: @jen.lush
Facebook: facebook.com/jen.lush.
YouTube: youtube.com/@jenlush9197

Nancy Bates

A proud Barkindji Woman from New South Wales, Nancy Bates is widely recognized as one of the most vital, deeply moving singer-songwriters in Australia today. Emerging from under the wing of the late, legendary Archie Roach—with whom she toured for four years as a rhythmic guitarist and backing vocalist—Nancy brings a sublime, unmistakable soul to the stage. Her songs are unfiltered gifts to the human spirit, sharing direct, straight-from-the-heart narratives of love won, love lost, pain, and recovery.

"We have waited patiently for this amazing flower to appear on the music landscape and blossom... straight from the heart." — Community Commentary

Website: nancybates.com
Instagram: @nancybatesmusician
Facebook: facebook.com/NancyBatesMusic
YouTube: youtube.com/@nancybates2237

Kelly Menhennett

From red winemaker in the South Australian Riverland to award-winning Americana powerhouse, Kelly Menhennett commands the room with a voice of raw force and fury[cite: 1]. Winner of the national Telstra Road to Discovery award, her spellbinding mix of alt-country, soul, and roots has seen her share stages with the likes of Archie Roach, CW Stoneking, and Tex Perkins, as well as trading songs with Paul Kelly at Nashville's iconic Bluebird Cafe[cite: 1]. Her Nashville-recorded album Small Dreams (produced by Neilson Hubbard and featuring Carl Broemel of My Morning Jacket) reached the top three on the Rhythms Magazine charts[cite: 1]. Armed with a sharp wit and immense magnetic charm, she is a consummate musical troubadour[cite: 1].

"A voice that is equal parts force, fury and vibrato... an exceptional blend of soul and blues." — Yewth Mag
Website: kellymenhennett.com

Instagram: @kellymenny
Facebook: facebook.com/kellymenhennett
YouTube: youtube.com/kellymenny

Contact the host of Lisa Richards, Jen Lush, Nancy Bates & Kelly Menhennett - Four Songwriters. Four Journeys. One Stage.