If the buzz surrounding the Australian premiere of The Golden Bachelor has taught it’s anything, it’s that Aussies want to hear from people who’ve lived a life. The Taylor Swifts and Sabrina Carpenters of the world might dominate the charts, but there’s perhaps a more important place for releases from seasoned talents like Lyn Bowtell. At almost 50, Lyn is sharing some of her most personal stories with the release of Paper Cuts.
The album’s name is so telling. Some say paper cuts are the worst kind. They sting while the rest of the world barely notices. But they heal, and you keep moving forward. In that spirit, Paper Cuts explores themes of pain and resilience.
Lyn eases us into the gritty stuff with the fun single “Cold Shiver” and uplifting blues number “I’m Here.” But by the time her Bella sisters Kate Ballyntyne and Karen O’Shea join her for “I Don’t Want to Stay,” she starts peeling back the layers. Lyn wraps some of the hardest-hitting words in upbeat music. The ukulele in “Small” feels playful, but its lyrics exploring insecurities are so vulnerable and relatable. “Scene of the Crime” has a cool country-rock feel, but it tells a powerful personal story drawn from Lyn’s own experiences of domestic violence, coercive control, and alcoholism. Paper Cuts also has some beautiful quiet moments, including the piano ballad “Ordinary” and the uplifting acoustic “Ride.”
There seems to be so much of Lyn in this album that it’s interesting that the final track, “Paper Cut,” is the only one with a solo songwriting credit. However, when talking about “Scene of the Crime” she explained that the song was too raw and personal to finish alone. I imagine many of the tracks had a similar songwriting journey. Lyn’s collaborators have helped her create an album which shares so much wisdom and makes a profound emotional impact.
Paper Cuts is out now. Lyn is currently on tour to support its release. See her anywhere you can.
24 October 2025 – Mantra Studio Kitchen & Bar, Wurundjeri Country/Yarraville
25 October 2025 – Noojee Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/Noojee
26 October 2025 – The Shed Theatre @ The Pig & Whistle, Bunurong Country/Main Ridge
31 October 2025 – West Side, Bogambilor/Horsham
1 November 2025 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Clarence Park
2 November 2025 – Walloway Farm, Narungga and Nukunu Country/Walloway
7 November 2025 – Avalon, Kedumba/Katoomba (with Luke O’Shea)
9 November 2025 – The Oaks Hotel, Wodi Wodi Country/Albion Park (with Luke O’Shea)
21 November 2025 – Dayz on the Sand @ Great Keppel Island Hideaway, Woppa/The Keppels
23 November 2025 – Country Music Cruise to NZ, departs Eora/Sydney
22 January 2026 – Tamworth Town Hall, Calala/Tamworth
14 February 2026 – Canberra Irish Club, Ngunnawal Country/Weston
15 February 2026 – Camden Hotel, Benkennie/Camden (with Luke O’Shea)
19 February 2026 – Oodies, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Bundaberg (with Luke O’Shea)
20 February 2026 – Oodies, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Bundaberg (with Luke O’Shea)
21 February 2026 – Maleny RSL, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Maleny (with Luke O’Shea)
22 February 2026 – Cabarlah Hall, Giabal Country/Toowoomba (with Luke O’Shea)
27 February 2026 – Tamworth Services Club, Calala/Tamworth (with Luke O’Shea)
28 February 2026 – Qirkz in the Hunter, Wonnarua Country/Abermain
Images used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity