In the rolling green hills of Hunter Valley, you'll often find Anna Weatherup with a guitar in her hand and a glass of chilled Pinot noir nearby.
For years, she has been a staple of the local music scene, her voice echoing through wineries and regional venues. However, don't let the serene setting fool you.
Weatherup is a powerhouse of independent grit, an artist who has traded the waiting game of the music industry for a self-made path that recently led her straight onto the ARIA Charts.
As she prepares for her third east-coast tour, a collaborative run with fellow singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Amy Vee, Anna is embracing a sound that is as expansive as the landscapes she travels.
"My sound? Folk, rock, alt-pop, bit of blues," she says, leaning into the description of her craft. "My sound is quite raw, haunting, cinematic at times. I love to lean into storytelling."
That storytelling is rooted in a childhood soundtrack heavy on '90s grit and female vocal powerhouses.
Her influences are a who's who of alternative icons: Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Stone Temple Pilots, balanced by the hit-making sensibilities of Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morissette, and Shania Twain.
It's a cocktail of in-your-face rock and bit of country that defines her latest evolution. Her new album, 'Delusional', marks a turning point.
After years of honing her skills as an independent artist, she is no longer looking for a label to validate her work. "I've learnt I don't need to be waiting on a label," she says firmly.
"My album charted on [the] ARIA [Charts] this week. Now with the technology, independent artists can do so much more."
The album's title track, 'Delusional', is a slow-burner that reflects this newfound autonomy. "I love 'Delusional', because that builds slowly. It's about having confidence in yourself," Anna explains.
Then there is 'Warning', the record's closing track she holds close for its lyrical depth. "It delves into spiritual elements, a warning for people to watch out for wolves in sheep's clothing. People that may come across as all shiny and nice, but they have an altered motive."
For Anna, the process of creation isn't about forced poetry – it's about observation. "I'm not a poet so to speak, I tend to write music when there is something going on. It's not something I'm always personally experiencing, it's more random, in my thoughts or in my life."
This authenticity is what draws her community in. Whether she is performing for 350 people in regional NSW supporting Wendy Matthews or streaming live sessions from her living room during the pandemic, the goal remains the same, connection.
"People are craving community," she observes. "[Live music is] an excuse to get out of the house, and off the phone, and immerse yourself into another world. People want to feel part of something, and see the evolution of an artist."
As she navigates the business side of music solo, managing the structures, the plans, and the hustle, Weatherup remains fuelled by the shared magic of the stage.
While international stages and the Mundi Mundi Plains are on her bucket list, her focus for 2026 is rooted in the present moment.
"Motto for this year for me is to go with the flow and enjoy the moments," she says with a smile. "I wanted to enjoy the moment and see where it takes me. I wanted to be present and have fun, and be able to look back and appreciate how far I’ve come."
Anna Weatherup 2026 Tour Dates
Fri 20 Mar - Smith's Alternative (Canberra)
Thu 23 Apr - Black Bear Lodge (Brisbane)
Fri 24 Apr - Oodies Cafe (Bundaberg)
Fri 1 May - 5 Church Street (Northern Rivers)
Sat 2 May - Brush Turkey Books (Mid North Coast)
Sun 3 May - Banden Grove Community Hall (Hunter Valley)
Thu 7 May - Django @ Camelot (Sydney)
Fri 8 May - Society City (Wollongong)
Fri 29 May - Stag & Hunter (Newcastle)
Fri 5 Jun - Keystone 1889 (Bathurst)
Sat 6 Jun - Crossroads Bar (Dubbo)
Sat 15 Aug - Jailhouse Sessions @ Kew Courthouse (Melbourne)
