Great Aunt

Performers

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  Great Aunt

  Raw and austere, simple and bold; full of stomping feet and clapping hands, chants and harmonies, whispered words and soulful lament - that’s the music of Great Aunt. Listen, and you'll hear tales of joy and grief, whiskey and wine, gratitude and purpose-seeking.
  
  Formed in 2016, the duo is a collaboration between songwriter/instrumentalists Megan Bird (mandolin, guitar, vocals) and Chelsea Allen (double bass, vocals, percussion), and draws inspiration from the traditions of old time, bluegrass, and gospel music, with loving and subtle homage to the pair’s diverse background in punk, jazz, roots, and folk music. The instrumentation and arrangements are bare and bold: using only various combinations of mandolin, guitar, or resonator with double bass and percussion, and the sonorous voices of Bird and Allen in harmony.

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  Stiff Gins

  Stiff Gins, the dynamic musical duo comprising the talents of Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta woman Kaleena Briggs and Yuwaalaraay woman Nardi Simpson, are marking a significant milestone in 2024 as they celebrate twenty-five years of harmonious and culturally resonant music-making. Renowned as Australia’s foremost and longest-performing all-Indigenous female group, Stiff Gins have transcended borders and captivated audiences on a global scale, from the vibrant stages of the US, Canada, UK, Asia, to the heart of Africa.

  From humble beginnings at the Eora Centre in Redfern back in 1997, Stiff Gins have not only solidified their position within the Australian music and artistic community but have also become cultural ambassadors, sharing the essence of their music, language, and heritage wherever their melodic journey takes them. With a discography boasting three studio albums, three impactful single releases, and a theatrical production that resonated with audiences, their musical prowess has garnered accolades, including the prestigious Centenary Medal for ‘Outstanding Service to Indigenous Music’.

  While their last commercial release dates back to 2011, the creative evolution of Stiff Gins has been nothing short of remarkable, with both members, Kaleena and Nardi, embarking on individual musical ventures that have further enriched their collective artistry. Evident in their collaborative synergy is a refined complexity and depth in their songwriting and performances, reflecting a newfound creative zenith that has attracted collaborations with esteemed musicians from diverse musical realms.

  Beyond their musical endeavours, Stiff Gins remain deeply committed to nurturing emerging First Nations talents, with Kaleena spearheading initiatives as the First Nations Development Coordinator with Music NSW, and Nardi actively engaging as a cultural teacher, artist, and mentor at the esteemed Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

  In this current phase of their illustrious career, Stiff Gins stand at the precipice of musical ingenuity, where their craft continues to evolve, intertwining cultural depth with artistic sophistication. Through their empowering partnership, Stiff Gins not only affirm their cultural legacy but also forge enduring connections with world-class musicians across diverse musical landscapes, solidifying their resonance as trailblazers in the contemporary music scene.

  The journey of Stiff Gins is emblematic of resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication to fostering cultural pride and musical innovation—a testament to their enduring legacy in the global music landscape.

  And looking to the future, their followers can anticipate a new album due for release with a string of breathtaking performances on the horizon.