Stage Door Sessions

June 23, 2025.

The next edition of Stage Door Sessions. brings together two distinct voices in Australian folk music. Brisbane’s poetic bluesman Jordan Merrick, returning to the stage with raw intensity after nearly two years away, and rising folk-country star Ella Hartwig, fresh off her QUBE Effect 2025 success and debut album release. From Merrick’s haunting lyricism to Hartwig’s heartfelt melodies, this special session promises an unforgettable night of storytelling, soul, and stripped-back magic.

Ella Hartwig.

Brisbane-based folk/country singer-songwriter continues her steady rise in the Australian music scene with a sound defined by heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth. A finalist in Brisbane City Council’s The QUBE Effect 2025, she’s gained acclaim for her raw and honest songwriting, showcased beautifully in her live studio performance of "Backup." With performances across Queensland and beyond, Hartwig is carving out a space as one of the most promising new voices in Australian folk and country music

Jordan Merrick.

After nearly two years away from the spotlight, Brisbane's acclaimed folk-blues troubadour Jordan Merrick is making a triumphant return to the live stage. Often hailed as "Brisbane’s Bob Dylan," Merrick is celebrated for his poetic lyricism and genre-blending sound that weaves together folk, blues, Americana, and vaudeville influences. Merrick's return promises an intimate and emotionally resonant experience, marking a significant moment for both the artist and his audience.

"I rode the train to Brisbane in 2014 in what was intended to be a pitstop on the way to Melbourne. Instead, I fell in love with this city. From the streets of Annerley to the pines of Karawatha, this city captured my imagination and knew from then on I would call it home. I have grown from a boy to a man in this fine city, and have found such inspiration in writing about life here. From train commutes to nights out in West End, I often find myself jotting thoughts into my phone. During the pandemic and floods, the cities grit and fight inspired the likes of ‘Record Time’, ‘Fault’ and ‘Lonelier Than You’ – songs that have become so special to me in different ways. Without Brisbane and the people of this city, there is no telling who I’d be or what I’d have written. One thing is certain, there are many pages left to write." – Jordan Merrick, May 2025