The Aussie twang of Courtney Barnett meets the sophisticated vocal tones of Sarah Blasko, young Australian singer-songwriter Matilda Duncan has a voice that will nestle itself inside your head – in a really good way.
The North Queensland artist released a number of singles in 2019-2020 ('Empty', 'Paper Blades' and 'Out Of Touch') that painted a vivid portrait of an artist with immense songwriting chops and an ability to craft a song to multiple genres (indie pop, alt. country, roots, alternative folk).Support tours with The Rubens and Ruby Fields followed after a spot on Groovin The Moo's Fresh Produce stage in Townsville in 2019.
Matilda's newest release (and her first new music since 2020) is the single 'Psycho', which again showcases her capacity to pen a track brimming with emotive feels that also highlights high-calibre instrumentation.
"'Psycho' is for everyone that's ever put energy into a person and realised it was a waste of time," Matilda says.
"It was a bit of a turning point track stylistically and emotionally; I was certainly growing a lot around the time it was written."
Who is Matilda Duncan... I started really trying my hand at writing when I was 16 after getting into doing open-mic gigs. I'd been singing since I could talk and on stages since I could walk, so this career path was always the main focus subconsciously and I don't see that ever changing.
I grew up with a strong country influence that has probably crept its way into my songwriting to this day, but I tend to gravitate toward lyrics above anything.
I sound like... I take influence from countless artists and genres. I think it's tricky to define since all my singles especially are quite different. I tend to take inspiration from particular songs. At a general guess, I'd say a lot of indie artists like Maggie Rogers, LEON and Kat Edwards lately.
My first gig was... I've been on stages since I was a toddler, but I think it was an open-mic set in Townsville out the back of a Grill'd back in 2017 was probably the first proper 20-30 minute set.
When did you settle on your artistic name, and was it a unanimous decision... I've been searching for a good artist name, but have yet to find one. So my own name will have to do.
In the studio I usually... Spend way, way too much time on harmonies – but it's so worth it. All about the layers.
If I could tour with anyone... Gang Of Youths would be a dream.
Social media is... A double-edged sword. Great when used for the right reasons.
My favourite app at the moment is... Low-key addicted to a little plant growing app.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I tripped and face-planted getting on stage at an open-mic night. . . still got the scars.
Life on the road can be... Exciting, rewarding and exhausting.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Honey! A couple of beers is always appreciated by the band.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Besides equipment dramas/ people messing with the stage. . . me losing my voice on the last night of the Ruby Fields tour; that was pretty nerve-racking.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Stevie Nicks. She's such a legend and to have her endorse a project of mine would be completely unthinkable.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Somewhere full of art and music by the ocean – low standards I know.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney and Elton John – to be in the presence of that much talent and greatness. . . imagine the stories they'd have!?
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I'd whip up my go-to coconut curry.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? LOVER! Can't trust anyone who isn't a fan of animals, where's their soul?
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Does a make-shift home gym count? Surely.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Cleaning drains. . . I can't even picture it without getting queasy!
Do you have any phobias... Spiders, 100 per cent cannot handle them.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? 'Amazing Race' could be fun.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? Would have to be my co-writing mate Alex; probably some sort of flash mob ambush at a gig.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Can anyone resist the power of a 2am, post-gig kebab?
Which fictional character best describes your personality? This is a tricky one! Maybe Rory Gilmore (in the later seasons) but without the love of academics – purely in the kind of awkward, cautious but fun-loving way.
Last show you binge-watched? 'You' had me hooked, seasons 1 and 2 especially; had me so whipped I wrote a song about it.
Matilda Duncan 2022 Tour Dates
Sun 24 Apr - Neighbourhood Session @ Cluden Park (Townsville)* supporting Kim ChurchillFri 29 Apr - GTM's Freshly Squeezed @ Otherwise Bar (Townsville)
Sun 31 Apr - Live At Lamberts Music Festival (Mackay)
