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On April 16th, 2025, I released my debut album Can We Talk Sometime on Bandcamp, just a few days before setting off on my first ever national tour. Sydney: A Sweet Beginning The journey began in Sydney with a heartwarming outdoor show at Addi Road Community Centre. A family friend of mine volunteers in their community kitchen, where they offer free meals every Wednesday night. He invited me to play a few songs while everyone was eating. The setting, warm evening air, the hum of conversation, and gentle cello melodies, couldn’t have been more perfect. One unexpected highlight was meeting the legendary music writer Mark Mordue, who wrote a beautiful review of the performance. You can read it here. The next night, I played my first official ticketed show at Wildflower Brewery. They’d never hosted live music before, but trusted us enough to turn their barrel-filled back room into a cozy listening space. This show was extra special, it was the first time I performed with my brother, Jackson Hurwood, who joined me on piano, guitar, and backing vocals.
Down the Coast: Folk Vibes & Toddler Dance Parties After Sydney, Jackson and I hit the road, winding down the coast to the Nelligen Steampacket Hotel for their folk festival. We battled Easter traffic but made it just in time to jump on stage. The atmosphere was relaxed and lovely, with locals and holidaymakers soaking it all in. Two toddlers even started dancing right in front of the stage, completely mesmerised by the cello!  The National Folk Festival, Canberra The next morning, Jackson dropped me off in Canberra for the main event: The National Folk Festival. I pitched my one-person tent (which fit me, but sadly not my cello), and dove into the colourful chaos of the festival. My first appearance was in the Festival Made series, where I was paired with the brilliant Emerald Ruby. We had just the afternoon to arrange two songs and perform them on one of the main stages. It was nerve-wracking but exhilarating, and the crowd was so encouraging. I also had a slot in the Youth Showcase and a blackboard performance at the Bohemia stage. After hearing my performance, the Bohemia crew invited me back that same day to play a longer set, which was such a treat. Throughout the festival, I met amazing musicians and heard some truly inspiring music.  Melbourne: A Full Circle Moment To wrap up the tour, I headed home to Melbourne for one final show at the Wesley Anne. This was the first time I performed the album live with the full band, everyone who played on the record was there. It felt like the album finally came to life in the most beautiful way. Thanks so much to everyone who came to a show, cheered me on, or streamed the album. You can listen to Can We Talk Sometime on Bandcamp 
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What I thought would be a quiet start to 2025 after completing my Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Performance turned into a whirlwind of touring, collaboration, and unforgettable moments. Instead of easing into the year, I found myself swept down the east coast of Australia and across the Tasman to New Plymouth, Aotearoa (New Zealand), touring with the legendary Melbourne art-rock band Not Drowning, Waving and George Telek, as well as on a separate tour with the incredible Charles Maimarosia. It was a deep and moving immersion into Melanesian music, singing in Kuanua language with George and in the Are’Are’ language with Charles. With Not Drowning, Waving, I performed at Sydney Festival in the stunning City Recital Hall, marking the 30th anniversary of their landmark album Tabaran. The audience was electric, warm, and clearly thrilled to hear these songs again. After a week of intense rehearsals at Bakehouse Studios in Melbourne, it was such a joy to play the cello parts that my dear mum had written all those years ago. Just a month later, we were boarding a plane to Aotearoa for WOMAD NZ. Only a year ago, I was volunteering at WOMADelaide in 40-degree heat, directing people to toilets and water stations and now, I was on the main stage performing to thousands! I had the chance to meet the incredible Ana Carla Maza, and connect with artists from all over the world, as well as try some fabulous food and dance the nights away. One of the most meaningful moments for me was spending time with George Telek — we sat down together to write out and record lyrics for two of his songs, which I now hope to arrange for children’s choirs. It’s a small step toward sharing his beautiful Tolai music and Papua New Guinean culture with new audiences. |
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