With soulful tones and an engrossing stage presence that commands audience's attention, songstress Piper Butcher will surely enchant you.
Hailing from the Hunter Valley, the 2024 CMAA Young Achiever Of The year recipient has paved her music pathway supporting acts including Robben Ford, Ryan McMullan, Kasey Chambers, Brad Cox, The Waifs, Kita Alexander, Ash Grunwald, Tori Forsyth, Nathan Cavaleri, Casey Donovan, and You Am I.She has also played festivals including Dashville Skyline, Thredbo Blues Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Moruya Blues & Roots Festival and West Best Bloc Fest in addition to being a Top 24 Finalist on 'Australian Idol'.
While her live accolades are only increasing, Piper holds the position of ambassador for Operation Smile Australia and Variety The Children's Charity – two organisations that are close to heart, due to her own experience of being born with a cleft palate.
Ahead of her live performance at Airlie Beach Festival Of Music in Far North Queensland, where she'll join the likes of The Screaming Jets, Jessica Mauboy, Diesel, Pete Murray, Tex Perkins, Choirboys, The Black Sorrows, Bachelor Girl and Jayne Denham, we get to know Piper – both the musician and human being.
Who is Piper Butcher... I'm an independent artist from Newcastle, NSW. I fell into music after singing around the house with my mum, and after my dad convinced me to attend a Foo Fighters concert when I was ten.
I started in the covers scene when I was about 12 years old, and after about 5 years I grew into an original artist and began touring across the east coast of Australia. I was born with a cleft palate and had my most recent surgery at 16, still discovering more about my voice each and every performance.
I've become an Operation Smile and Variety The Children's Charity Ambassador and love to give back to the musical community by working with other artists and organisations like The Academy of Country Music Australia.
I sound like... I think my voice is a blend between Stevie Nicks and Chris Stapleton; well I hope so at least, hahaha!
I feel as though my music is something in between '70s country rock elements of Fleetwood Mac vibes and the sweet charm of Kacey Musgraves. I am inspired by a bunch of artists including John Mayer, Keith Urban, Paolo Nutini, Susan Tedeschi, Adele and many more.
My first gig was... At a small cafe called The Hood Milk Bar in Newcastle; we went to get dessert on the night of my mum's 41st birthday. I was 11, and didn't realise we stumbled upon an open mic night.
Harry Hookey was hosting, and jokingly invited my mum to get up and play the tambourine, and my mum politely declined, but mentioned that I played and sang. So, I got up and used his guitar, playing 'A Heartbreak' by Angus & Julia Stone, while Harry played the harmonica. It was the most perfect introduction into performing live.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... Luckily, it was decided upon my birth. I use my real name for my music, although something like P!NK would be cool (shame it's taken!).
In the studio I usually... Sing and dance a lot, and love finding a ridiculous harmony to add onto any track. I hate wearing shoes when I sing, and jump up and down a lot to get geared up for large, belting notes!
I love taking hours upon hours to play guitar parts, but sometimes we don't have that luxury and I have to lock in. Oh, and we can't forget snacks; it's a very big part of the studio to get good snacks.
If I could tour with anyone... I think it would have to be John Mayer or Miley Cyrus. Artists that are truly and authentically themselves. I love that so very much, and resonate with their journeys deeply – and of course, who hasn't dreamed of singing alongside acts like that.
Social media is... A dangerous, yet very useful tool. I love exploring my creative abilities and discovering new trends, and of course giggling at the funniest videos you could ever find. Sometimes, the doom scrolling gets me and I get lost in a void! It's important for me to always look out for myself and take some time away from it.
My favourite app at the moment is... Duolingo. I've been learning Japanese; and though it hasn't been for a long time, I've been loving it so much. I've got a good streak going and I'm starting to get the idea of it. I think it's a very cool and unique skill to focus on that can keep my brain busy.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... There was a time when a famous artist was sitting having lunch in a venue while I was setting up for a gig. I was walking past him, moving my gear around when he said: "Hey Piper, good to see you."
He has a very distinct onstage look and he wasn't dressed in anything like that off the stage, so I didn't even recognise him or think to look! So I reply with "Hi mate how you going? That bloody chicken Caesar looks delicious. . . Might have to come and grab a bite from you!" He laughed it off.
Later on, the people with me told me who it was and I realised how embarrassed I was that I talked to someone of such high regard with such a bogan accent.
Life on the road can be... Long and tiring, but somehow at the same time very fulfilling. I wouldn't want my life to be any other way, and no matter who I'm travelling with. It's always a fun time. Between eclectic music playlists, interesting podcasts or audiobooks and a good dose of road trip trivia, road trips are nothing short of a great time.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Some snacks. I hate going onstage with an empty stomach. I get so queasy! My band and I love a diverse range of fruit, nuts, crackers, cheese, cured meat (salami is one of the best things ever) and *vocal coaches block your ears when I say this*, but a piece of chocolate or two sometimes!
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... One time I was backstage at a headline solo performance, and I used the bathroom. It was only about six minutes before I needed to get onstage, so I knew that I had to be quick.
I raced down a very long hallway, and then once I was on my way back I realised the door had fully shut behind me, not realising that it was locked from the inside and I couldn't get back out. I didn't have my phone on me, and I was late to my own show because the door was locked from the toilet back into the green room.
I felt like an absolute idiot, and that was the last time I've ever not taken a phone with me into the bathroom. I'm always prepared now.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... I would love to have somebody like Andy Samberg be a spokesperson for me.
Different I know, but I think someone with really fun energy would bring a unique look into my music and keep fans engaged with really interactive content. I'd collaborate with him over social media, I'd make him pose for an epic album cover, and invite him onstage to sing, haha!
As well as the fun aspects, I believe he is a brilliant and smart person that I could see representing my brand alongside me with respect when it comes to more professional and courteous environments like supporting the charities I work with. I think he's a celebrity that uses his power for good!
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Norway. Something about it has always been enticing to me and I'd love to explore it through the snow and cold. You can always put more layers on than what you can take off.
So I say bring it on, no matter how many minus degrees it could be. I would love to discover more about Nordic culture and dive into Norse mythology a bit more.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Oh, there are some tough questions in here. Dang. Bruno Mars would be there, I have to hang out with and jam jam. . . his energy is through the charts and I want a piece of it!
I'd definitely invite Dua Lipa. . . she has such great fashion sense, so I'd get her to stay around after dinner and help pick my wardrobe apart, as well as giving me tips on her exercise routine; she runs and sings and I want to be that fit!
While there are so many actors and individuals I could think of to make this a great party, like Mike Myers, Drew Barrymore, Bo Burnham and Amanda Seyfried, I think I'd want to round this out with Charlie Puth. He has such an open and innovative mind and I'd love to pick his brain on the way he makes music.
Plus. . . think after a good dinner party cooked by yours truly, we could also cook up some really fun tunes if we're all in the one room.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Don't get me started on what I want to cook! Cooking is one of my favourite things aside from performing and I would literally try anything.
One time, my other half and I did a three-course meal for my parents with arancini balls for the entree, a rich European curry and finally a cheesecake for dessert, I think it was. We're not afraid to mix cuisines in my household.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I love furry animals! And the bald ones too, I can't segregate, they're all pretty awesome. Unfortunately though, I'm allergic to cats and can't have them around too much. Somehow they always know and love rubbing up against me. It kills me to not pat them straight away.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Sodaly soft drinks, or Celsius energy drinks. They're both very low-sugar drinks with natural flavours, and give me a pep in every step. I'm a lover, not a fighter. . . but if you're standing in between me and one of these two drinks? Be afraid. . . very. . . afraid.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Only a few days ago! I always try to stay healthy and push myself to new limits in the gym. I have specific classes that I go to that help me train my body differently and in a really fun way while making friends through the process.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? I HATE putting my washing away. I'm okay with the actual washing, the hanging and folding too, but when it comes to getting it back out of the basket and into my closet, I need 5-7 business days.
Do you have any phobias... Oh yes. I have some massive arachnophobia (spiders, for those playing at home). It all started when my family and I got home from a holiday when I was four years old.
We turned the lights on, and on my way to my room I saw this big, thick layer of something furry and white on the back of our lounge. I was so confused and got down on my knees and started running my hand along it, tracing and trying to decipher what the odd material was.
Only a second later, my hand came face to face with a giant huntsman spider, and while realising I was touching its web. . . I screamed the house down! I don't think I have ever been fond of spiders since, although I can tolerate a Daddy Long Leg from time to time.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Oh I would absolutely love to! Something like 'Masterchef' is one I'd love to have a crack at, or some kind of skit show. I love watching comedy and improv, and it would be fun to interact with that, and bounce off a crowd.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? This is tricky. I'm not the best prankster in comparison to the knee-slapping jokes I could pull out hahaha, so I feel like something light-hearted would do the trick for me.
I think one of my favourite pranks I've done is picking a friend up from the airport, and getting my dad to hold a sign with his name, dressed in a suit while I run up screaming and begging to take photos like he's a huge superstar. It was pretty awesome to see the shock and embarrassment on his face because we went so all out, while people all around were staring hard!
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? There's an amazing cafe in Newcastle called Son of a Gun that is usually open until midnight, and they have such delicious cornbread that I think about often, and amazing chicken wings. The next time I gig in Newcastle, I think I'll head there straight after. My mouth is watering so much right now. . .
Which fictional character best describes your personality? This might be a bit geeky going on the Disney train, but I really resonate with Mulan. I love how she stands for who she is, and advocates for women in power. She isn't afraid to get her hands dirty, but also has such a beautiful soft side, and shows that there is strength in having deep emotion too.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Grey's Anatomy'. Don't spoil anything for me, I think I'm only up to season three or four; and it's still airing new episodes to this day! I've got a long way to go, but I'm really glad that Derek and Meredith have got a good thing going. . . currently, at least. . . lol!
Airlie Beach Festival Of Music 2025 is on at venues across Airlie Beach (Far North Queensland) 7-9 November.
Airlie Beach Festival Of Music 2025 Second Line-Up Acts
Pete MurrayTex Perkins
Matt Walker
David Flower
The Natural Culture
Matty Rogers
Tanya George
Dallas Steele
Kieran McCarthy
Zed Charles
Jolly Jingo
Bear Brewer
Jackson Dunn
Darren Griffis & The Jukejoint
Katie Richards Band
Lucy Gallant
The Gathering
Trilla
Tim Griffin
Karl S Williams & Sally Wiggins
The Humbuckin' Pickups
The Whiskeys
Is Man Kind
Rollercam
Viva Band
Sam McCann
Corey Legge
The Swine Club
Tammy Moxon
Sam Maddison
Matt Black
Tim Johnson
Rebelquin
Simon Briley
Scotty Wilson
Josiah Samuel
Tiffany Grace
Dave Helgi Johan
Off Tap
Airlie Beach Festival Of Music 2025 First Acts
Jessica MauboyThe Screaming Jets
Diesel
The Black Sorrows
Choirboys
Bachelor Girl
Lloyd Spiegel
Jayne Denham
Hillbilly Goats
James Bennett
Andy Penkow
Bo’Ness Brothers
Matt Angell
Piper Butcher
Tom Neilson
