Indie bush bard Watty Thompson is hitting the road in support of his brand-new single ‘Rock & Roll’, a clarion call for his fellow artists doing it tough.

After his Australian Music Prize nominated 2023 debut album scored a direct hit into the hearts of fans and critics alike, winning praise, accolades, and airplay, it announced the arrival of a newpositive voice in Australian music. 

Since then, Watty has been taking stock, quietly working toward his next message of hope. The bush born empath gathered up the multi-limbed talents of his Total Fire Band and headed into the studio to capture some more of his patented heart on sleeve messages to self-belief. The first fruit of those efforts is the rollicking affirmation “Rock & Roll”.  

In a country where it's somewhat engrained to keep our hopes and dreams to ourselves through fear of getting cut down, “Rock & Roll” seeks to encourage other artists to follow their calling, regardless of what society might suggest is a safer path.  

“It can take guts to follow your true calling”, Watty admits. “All kinds of things can make you second guess yourself, but if you know in your heart that you’re meant to be doing something, give it your all if you’re able to do so.”

At a time when the Australian music industry is doing it tough, “Rock & Roll” seeks to edify fellow artists a to hang on and keep fighting for their art. 

As ever Watty is trying to live by example suggesting, “it's a long road sure, but I’ll be striving hard until the day that I die, even if it means forever digging ditches in between to make it possible.”

Voted Music Victoria’s Regional Artist of the Year in 2023, Watty and his Total Fire Band have connected with a growing number of believers through stellar showings at festivals including Dashville Skyline, Riverboats, Out On The Weekend, OK Motels and of course their life-affirming set at Meredith Music Festival. These new tour dates will visit some new places and faces as Watty looks to spread his message across the country.

He says, the world needs art and as artists, I reckon we’ll reach the end of this life with a full heart regardless of how full or empty our pockets are. We’ll be fulfilled and content knowing we did what we were supposed to do.”

WATTY THOMPSON ALBUM TOUR!

Watty Thompson returns to Eltham for a special show on Sunday September 8th. Doors at 5pm.

Watty and his Total Fire Band will be joined by special guests Brodie Buttons and J. Kagan & The Government Beers.