Lauded songwriters in their own right, Luke Watt & Nigel Wearne join forces to go Above The Bit. Skirting the fringes of blues, country and outlaw folk, their diverse influences include Richard Thompson, Tom Waits and the spirit of Woody Guthrie. Above The Bit shines a light on true tales of mutiny and civil disobedience in Australian history.

Nigel Wearne is 'one of Australia's emerging songwriters' (Tone Deaf) and Luke Watt is 'the real deal… so real you feel you already know him' (ABC Radio). Together, they tap into the psyche and emotive fabric of their subjects, harnessing the power of narrative and verse with an informed historical approach and social conscience.

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In July 2017, Nigel and Luke were Artists-In-Residence at Bundanon Trust, Arthur and Yvonne Boyd’s property they gifted to the Australian people. Immersed in 1,100 hectares of bush and parkland on the Shoalhaven River, they spent 3 weeks exploring the enigma and stigma of the mutineer and how it’s shaped modern Australia. In 2018, they received a funding grant through the Australia Council for The Arts to record these songs.

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Above The Bit challenges the typical face of mutiny and tells stories of unlikely rebels that are in danger of being forgotten. In a time of fake news and social dissent, Above The Bit is as relevant as ever. 'Some tales don’t heal unless they’ve been told' #abouttobetold

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Above The Bit’s self-titled debut album is set for release on 26 May 2022.

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ADVISORY
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people are advised this project and associated songs contain the names of deceased persons. This content has been written, recorded and performed with permission from associated elders.