Tag: Mama Kin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mama Kin Spender Tease Upcoming Album and Tour with “Arrows”

Mama Kin (aka Danielle Caruana) and Dingo Spender are acclaimed artists in their own right, so they were always going to make musical magic when they joined forces as Mama Kin Spender. It doesn’t seem like they’re suffering from that dreaded second album syndrome, because their latest single “Arrows” may be their best yet. The track comes from Mama Kin Spender’s sophomore album Promises, which will be released on August 15.

The duo says that “Arrows” explores “the drifting apart through small acts of carelessness, and yet somehow aching to connect. Near misses – every attempt landing awkwardly, landing wrong, lashing out, sly evasive remarks eroding the fabric of love.”

Mama Kin Spender will celebrate the release of Promises with a tour around some of the best small venues this country has to offer.

“You’re gonna laugh, you’re gonna feel uncomfortable and at the same time, not alone, you’re gonna yell with us, and then most likely cry,” Dingo told fans about these upcoming shows. “You’re gonna reflect on your own heart, your own little journey with love and pain and grief and happiness. You’re gonna feel elation, you’re gonna feel brave and also need a hug and a whiskey at the end.”

Put simply, you won’t want to miss it. Catch Mama Kin Spender anywhere you can from September.

5 September 2025 – Majestic Theatre, Kabi Kabi Country/Pomona
6 September 2025 – The Citadel, Bundjalung Country/Murwillumbah
7 September 2025 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 September 2025 – Brunswick Ballroom, Naarm/Melbourne
13 September 2025 – Archie’s Creek Tavern, Gunaikurnai Country/Archie’s Creek
14 September 2025 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
3 October 2025 – Paddington Uniting Church, Eora/Sydney
4 October 2025 – Milton Theatre, Dhurga Country/Milton
5 October 2025 – Dashville Skyline, Wonnarua Country/Dashville

Photo credit: WILK

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Headlining Port Macquarie’s First SummerSalt Concert

John Butler Trio, Mama Kin, and San Cisco are among the big names headed to Port Macquarie in March for the city’s first ever SummerSalt concert. Joined by Spender, Oh Pep!, and local talents Barrel House, this is sure to be a special concert for the coastal city.

SummerSalt was launched with a simple mission to present quality musicians in some of Australia’s most picturesque outdoor venues. Anyone who’s already taken in a SummerSalt concert knows this will be a day out to remember. In addition to the great music on stage, visitors will also be treated to market stalls and grub from mobile food vendors. There’s also a special SummerSalt Lounge area available to people who want to splurge on their tickets.

SummerSalt will hit Port Macquarie’s Westport Park on March 25. Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning from Ticketmaster and Oztix.

Image used with permission from RAWR Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mama Kin Walks for Oxfam in October

Mama Kin has taken on many musical challenges in her life, but in October she’s planning to push herself physically as an ambassador for the Perth Oxfam Trailwalker event.

“I think there might be something pathologically wrong with me!” Mama Kin says. “Just as a small break opened up in my touring and recording schedule I signed up for my biggest physical challenge to date: to walk 100km through gorgeous bushland in WA. Continuously. Without any sleep. In an effort to raise money for Oxfam through their annual international event The Oxfam Trailwalker.”

No doubt her blisters and exhaustion will all be worth it though when she sees how much she’s raised to help people living in poverty.

Mama Kin and her walking buddies, dubbed the Sole Mamas, will take on the walk from 100 kay walk Kalamunda to Chidlow between the 18th and 20th of October. You can support them with your donations by clicking this link.

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Magician’s Daughter – Mama Kin

I’ve sat down to write this review a few times. However the problem is, every time I slip The Magician’s Daughter into my stereo, I forget to make any notes. Not because there’s nothing noteworthy about Mama Kin’s sophomore effort, but because the music tends to take over.

My analytical brain is rendered defenseless against her haunting voice and uncanny knack for crafting a song. It seems wrong to dissect the album note by note or tune by tune. It’s much easier to just listen and appreciate it. And so I do, until next time that I intend to write the review and realise that I never did get around to taking those notes.

I really love this eclectic collection of songs. Mama seems to rail against being placed in any box. She serves up retro soul, gentle country, sultry blues, and more with ease, borrowing from whatever musical styles she deems best to tell her stories. The term “warrior songs” came to mind on one of the many occasions I’ve listened to The Magician’s Daughter, and I can’t seem to get rid of it. There’s a lot of feminine strength here, the strength of loving someone, of being a mother, of feeling loss and living through it. I was so struck by the tender intimacy in tracks like “Bosom of Our Bed” and “The River as She Runs,” the stoic pain of “Cherokee Boy,” and the explosive power of “The Fire.”

Mama Kin proves she’s a real musical force with her exquisite second album The Magician’s Daughter. It’s released across Australia on February 22.

Image source: Liveguide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mama Kin Announces The Magician’s Daughter Tour

If you loved Mama Kin’s new single “Was It Worth It” as much as I did, you’ll be excited to hear the Fremantle songstress will hit the road this spring to support the release of her new album The Magician’s Daughter.

The album will drop on February 22 and Mama will hit the road just a week later with special guest, Melbourne multi-instrumentalist Spender. I saw Mama supporting The Waifs a while ago and she threatened to overshadow the support act. Music lovers are in for a very special night at the following shows. Tickets are on sale now from the venues.


1-4 March 2013 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
7 March 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
13 March 2013 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
14 March 2013 – The Basement, Sydney
15 March 2013 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba
23 March 2013 – West Coast Blues N Roots, Fremantle
11 April 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
12 April 2013 – The Loft, Warrnambool
17 April 2013 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
19 April 2013 – Mullum Civic Hall, Mullumbimby
20 April 2013 – No. 5 Church Street, Bellingen
21 April 2013 – The Pelican Playhouse, Grafton
26-28 April 2013 – Fairbridge Folk Festival, Fairbridge
30 May 2013 – Fly By Night, Fremantle
31 May 2013 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mama Kin Releases Magical New Video

Mama Kin has given us our first taste of her forthcoming sophomore album The Magician’s Daughter. That record won’t hit stores until early next year, but until then we’ve got this hypnotic video for new single “Was It Worth It” to tide us over.

It’s a hint at what’s to come, a lusher sound with bold production and a more polished edge.

“I got used to the idea that I have to be out of my comfort zone to make the kind of art I want to make, I have to feel pushed. I have to be on the edge to be able to jump in and get as deep as I want and need. Magic for me is when there is a transformation inspired by subtle forces, and this is what we aim to bring to our audiences,” Mama Kin explained.

What do you think of Mama Kin’s new single?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mama Kin Single Offers Magical Album Sneak Peek

The incomparable Mama Kin will give us a taste of her forthcoming album The Magician’s Daughter with the new single “Was It Worth It.” The album won’t hit stores until early next year, but we can enjoy the single when it’s released on September 28.

The new album showcases an artist exploring new musical styles and the human condition.

“I got used to the idea that I have to be out of my comfort zone to make the kind of art I want to make, I have to feel pushed. I have to be on the edge to be able to jump in and get as deep as I want and need,” Mama Kin explained. “Magic for me is when there is a transformation inspired by subtle forces, and this is what we aim to bring to our audiences.”

Fans can enjoy “Was It Worth It” and a sneak peek of songs from the new album when Mama Kin tours around the country for the next few months. Tickets for her Talisman tour are on sale now.

27 & 28 September 2012 – Caloundra Music Festival,
6 October 2012 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
19 October 2012 – Town Hall, Nannup
20 October 2012 – Clancys Fish Pub, Dunsborough
21 October 2012 – Mojos, North Fremantle
25 October 2012 – Jive, Adelaide
26 October 2012 – The Railway Club, Darwin
28 October 2012 – Island Vibes Festival, North Stradbroke Island
30 October 2012 – Camelot, Marrickville
31 October 2012 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
1 November 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
24 & 25 November 2012 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler & Mama Kin Record “Losing You” for The Kimberley Region

John Butler and his missus Mama Kin have teamed up for this gorgeous duet, “Losing You.” Sales of the digital release of the single will help the Broome Community No Gas campaign continue to fight the clearing of land at James Price Point in Western Australia’s Kimberley region.

The track was recorded in John’s Fremantle studio, while the clip sees the loved up couple sitting on the banks of the Hudson River. I always love an acoustic tune, and this one is up there with the best.

I always knew the preservation of the Kimberley region was a cause John Butler felt strongly about, but it wasn’t until I saw him live last year that it really hit home to me. Listening to him speak about this part of the world that he’s so passionate about, that is one of Australia’s last remaining paradises, is infectious. The power of his words hasn’t left me, so I’ll definitely be adding the track to my iTunes. You can too by clicking this link.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Waifs @ Civic Theatre, Newcastle – 27 February 2011

Western Australian music royalty came together last night for one amazing show at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre. This grand old theatre was made for the intimate music of artists like The Waifs and Mama Kin, and the attentive crowd lapped it up.

I put Mama Kin together with The Waifs in my introduction because her set never felt like mere support. I’m used to crowds chattering away as support acts desperately try to capture the attention of someone in the audience, but not last night. All eyes were transfixed on this spirited performer, who so effortlessly fused blues, roots, folk, and soul. The crowd even complained when she announced her last song. She cheekily told the audience they needn’t pretend they were there to see her. A fair call perhaps, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t savouring her every moment on stage. I know I was; hanging onto every lyric, singing and clapping to the beat when she encouraged us to, laughing at the stories that punctuated the songs. Mama Kin definitely made a few new fans last night, and I’m amongst them.

As The Waifs began their set I was again struck by how attentive and receptive this Newcastle crowd was. Just as Mama Kin was supported, so were The Waifs’ new songs. Their set drew heavily from their soon-to-be-released new album Temptation, but the audience didn’t seem to mind one bit. Of course songs like “Lighthouse” and “London Still” received a rapturous reception, but the crowd patiently waited until they came, content to let the new material wash over them.

Of course, all credit can’t be given to the crowd. The Waifs’ new material also stacks up against their familiar hits nicely. The songs tell stories which suck you in, compelling you to listen even if you don’t know the words. Add in the vivacious personalities and exquisite harmonies of sisters Donna and Vikki, and the gorgeous meshing of the band’s instruments, and you’ve got an act that you’d happily hear perform anything they desired.

The Waifs are one of those bands I’d always meant to see but never quite gotten there. After enjoying a night in their company I can see why their fans are so passionate, and why they return for each and every tour. Next time I’m sure I’ll join them.

Image used with permission from Stephen Green Consulting