Watling & Bates are songwriters from Unumgar, on the western edge of the Northern Rivers of NSW. Fiddle, banjo, and guitar provide a backdrop for their tales, which recount local history, simple joys, or the complexities of a troubled mind. Their songs move like a will-o-the-wisp between Australiana and Americana, Gothic country and dark folk, hillbilly and honkytonk.
Can't wait to get back to Bundaberg to play at Oodies Cafe! This outstanding social space is fast becoming known as Bundy's Bluebird due to the many contemporary artists that are adding it to their tour schedules. Great food, warm service, excellent company, and intimate musical performances have made Oodies a cultural icon!
We're chuffed to be performing on the Country Music Stage at the Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races! Check out their webpage to see the outstanding lineup of performers from across the globe. Bates reckons if we run real fast we might have a chance against the camels.
We'll be getting our baubles out for Christmas in July at Camp Davey in Lismore! Bring a plate and a gift and join us for some festive cheer on a chilly winters day!
Ciderville, from Small Town Tales, will be released as single through CRS Publicity on 25 June 2019. The song is a legacy work from the days of Disgraceland and features John Willsteed on bass from olden times.
A snippet from an archival article telling the story behind In The Dead Of Night 
International Women's Day was very special in Unumgar, with Watling receiving an Honourable Mention for her song 'Highway Prayer' in the international Women's Freedom Song Contest. The song tells of having faith in unknown journeys, confidence in independence, and finding contentment in solitude. It was released on our 2014 'Before I Met You' EP, recorded by Brett Hamlyn and featuring John Willsteed on guitars, and Marcus Schintler on drums.
Bates was thrilled to receive three semifinals nominations in the Tamworh Songwriters Association Salute Awards in 2018/19. The songs, from our Small Town Tales Album, were 'I Got Gold' (nominated for Gospel Song Of The Year); 'Sat In The Car And Remembered (nominated for Country Ballad Of The Year); and 'Florence Met Frank' (nominated for the Bev Daniel Commemorative Bush Ballad Traditonal Section). Thanks to the TSA for making us feel right at home!
Absolutely thrilled to receive this review of our Small Town Tales album from Haley Sheridan in the November edition of Country Music Capital News. Many thanks to Haley for the kind words, and to Country Music Capital News for including our album for review.
It is with the utmost excitement that we announce the Whistle-stop Shindig! Bundaberg Regional Council are teaming us up with local young gun Matthew Munro to host open-mic nights at three of the gorgeous small halls in the Bundaberg region - Buxton Hall, Goodnight Scrub Hall, and Waterloo Hall. Selected performers will join us for the finale at the magnificent Moncrieff Entertainment Centre in the heart of Bundaberg, where we'll be joined by none other than Thor Phillips on the big stage! Can we stand this much excitement? Let's find out ...
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