The New Graces have stormed the Australian music scene, with their album “Seasons” peaking at #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album Chart, plus 4 Golden Guitar nominations at the 2021 Country Music Awards of Australia.
Melanie Horsnell, Kate Burke, and Robyn Martin are all seasoned musicians in their own right. Songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, their music is flavored with guitar, double bass, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and three part harmonies plus a little desert heat-haze that could only be Australian.
Their most recent releases, ‘The Open Heart Sessions’ were recorded with Shane Nicholson with production and all instrumentation by The New Graces. An intimate window into the hearts and lives of The New Graces as women, mothers, and regional artists. They paint life’s joys and struggles, and while there is no sugar-coating, they have an authentic whack of compassion, hope, and sweet, sweet harmony.
Songs that feel like a walk along a dusty country road – evocative, warm, connected with the land and its people.
Melanie Horsnell has released over 10 albums and has toured with Glen Hansard and the Frames, Jason Mraz, Bernard Fanning, Lou Rhodes, Slaid Cleaves, and Sarah Blasko as well as touring solo throughout Europe and Australia. Melanie has written songs with Wendy Matthews and Catherine Britt and for film and television. She has just returned from showcasing at the International Folk Alliance in Montreal.
Kate Burke is a multi-instrumentalist singer songwriter that has won much acclaim as a member of the folk duo “Kate and Ruth” and Irish/Australian traditional band “Trouble In The Kitchen”. Geologist, science communication expert, session guitarist, producer, and composer of music for film and television, Kate brings a swag of experience to the trio. She has performed at festivals and venues across Australia and internationally alongside artists such as Andy Irvine and Luke Plumb (Shooglenifty).
Robyn Martin grew up in the remote coastal desert town of Ceduna. Like all her siblings, Robyn was called Spin by her teachers at Ceduna Area School after her father’s nickname. She started playing bass at age 13 in the family band Spineffex. The band played country festivals and SA pubs and clubs. At age 16 Robyn found herself adjusting to culture shock in the alternative culture hub of Lismore, taking time off school to tour with her sister, Jodi Martin, opening for The Waifs, Wendy Matthews, Arlo Guthrie, Glen Hansard, and The Frames. Robyn is a sought after session bass player who has worked with UK bluegrass outfit Flats and Sharps, Claire Anne Taylor, Heath Cullen, Jodi Martin, and Kate Fagan.