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.
NEW SINGLE through The A&R Department March 2019
Women's Freedom Song Competition
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.
Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) Salute Awards 2018/19
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!
Country Music Capital News
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.
Whistle-stop Shindig Tour
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 ...
Friday Nights in August
August is a fabulous month with three Friday night shows at some extremely cool venues. Friday 3rd August finds us in Ipswich Qld at Banshee's Bar and Artspace from 8 pm. A week later, on Friday 10th August, we'll be at Two Goats Cafe and Baa in Armidale NSW; then the week after that we'll be hopping up for one song at the Bangalow BBQ & Bluegrass Festival's Old Time Variety Night on Friday 17th August!
Radio Single Release - I GOT GOLD
Official Street Performers - Queen St Mall, Brisbane
We are now fully licensed, council approved, bonafide street performers in Brisbane's Queen St Mall! We've tested the waters and will be commencing our regular busks in late July, after we return home from our Bow & Curtsy tours.
Tintenbar Up Front
Looking forward to returning to Tintenbar Up Front on Friday 8th June. It's always a wonderful evening in this glorious old hall. The committee is raising funds for a new floor and invite you to 'pledge a plank'. Here's a photo from our last visit with Johnny Rumble on the bull fiddle.
Markets in May
It's been a long time since we worked on our Unumgar Inclusions, so we have devoted a couple weeks to making some new creations. We're setting up our resin casting studio in our old tank and hope to have a heap of inclusions ready for our Market Month of May. In addition to our inclusions, we will also have our Small Town Tales and Before I Met You albums and USBs with our entire collection of MP3s. Look out for us at the following markets!
- Sat 19th May - Kyogle Farmers Market - 8:00-11:30 am. Merch stall only, not performing.
- Thurs 24th May - Lismore Produce Markets - Performing 3-6 pm with merch
- Sun 27th May - Kyogle Bazaar - Performing 10am-1pm with merch
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