“A little bit country, a little bit folk, 100% heart.”

Indie bush bard Watty Thompson is hitting the road in support of his brand-new single Rock & Roll, a clarion
call for his fellow artists doing it tough.

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.

Since then, Watty has been taking stock, quietly working toward his next message of hope. The bush born
empath gathered up the multi-limbed talents of his Total Fire Band and headed into the studio to capture
some more of his patented heart on sleeve messages to self-belief. The first fruit of those efforts is the
rollicking affirmation “Rock & Roll".

In a country where it's somewhat engrained to keep our hopes and dreams to ourselves through fear of
getting cut down, “Rock & Roll” seeks to encourage other artists to follow their calling, regardless of what
society might suggest is a safer path.

“It can take guts to follow your true calling”, Watty admits. “All kinds of things can make you second guess
yourself, but if you know in your heart that you’re meant to be doing something, give it your all if you’re able to
do so.”

At a time when the Australian music industry is doing it tough, “Rock & Roll” seeks to edify fellow artists a to
hang on and keep fighting for their art.

As ever Watty is trying to live by example suggesting, “it's a long road sure, but I’ll be striving hard until the day
that I die, even if it means forever digging ditches in between to make it possible.”

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 festivals including Dashville Skyline, Riverboats, Out
On The Weekend, OK Motels and of course their life-affirming set at Meredith Music Festival.

These new tour dates will visit some new places and faces as Watty looks to spread his message across the country.
He says, the world needs art and as artists, I reckon we’ll reach the end of this life with a full heart regardless of
how full or empty our pockets are. We’ll be fulfilled and content knowing we did what we were supposed to
do.”

The Watty Thompson ‘Rock & Roll Tour’ comes to The Rye Civic Hall on Friday September 27th. Doors 5pm.

Watty and his Total Fire Band will be joined by an action packed evening of special guests including EMU (QLD), Mia Grunden, Names, DJ Centipede & The Earthworms.

This event is an 18+ licensed event. No BYO. ID will be required upon entry.