Martha Wainwright’s story is woven into the fabric of music royalty, born into the illustrious Wainwright-McGarrigle lineage. Yet, from the shadow of her famous kin, she emerged with a voice unmistakably her own. Growing up amidst the folk melodies of her mother, Kate McGarrigle, and the lyrical prowess of her father, Loudon Wainwright III, Martha was steeped in a musical brew rich with heritage. It was in this crucible that her artistry was forged, blending the folk traditions of her upbringing with a rock sensibility that was all her own.
Martha Wainwright released her sixth studio album, ‘Love Will Be Reborn,’ in 2021, marking a profound rebirth in her artistic journey. This wasn’t just a comeback from the enforced solitude of the pandemic; it was a reintroduction to Martha Wainwright, who was divorced and a mother of two. The album was a testament to resilience, a narrative woven from the threads of past pain, loneliness, and heartache, but also brimming with the promise of joy, new love, and a rejuvenated optimism.
In 2022, a year after unveiling ‘Love Will Be Reborn, Wainwright took a bold step into the literary world with the release of her memoir, ‘Stories I Might Regret Telling You.’ To mark this literary debut, she released a digital deluxe edition of ‘Love Will Be Reborn,’ enriching the album with five additional tracks that echoed the narratives of her memoir. Four of these songs were Martha’s heartfelt interpretations of her family’s musical legacy—her father Loudon Wainwright III’s ‘Thanksgiving,’ her brother Rufus’ ‘Dinner At Eight,’ and her mother Kate’s ‘Tell My Sister’ and ‘Go Leave.’ The fifth track was a “reimagined” version of ‘Love Will Be Reborn,’ offering a new perspective on the title song.
Wainwright will return to Australian stages with her band – pianist Edwin de Goeij, bass player Morgan Moore, drummer Tommy Crane and saxophonist Nicolas Deslis – to perform these new songs as well as some from her vast back catalogue.
MARTHA WAINWRIGHT AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES MAY 2024
Wednesday, May 8 – Princess Theatre, Brisbane, QLD TICKETS
Thursday, May 9 – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong, NSW TICKETS
Friday, May 10 – City Recital Hall, Sydney, NSW TICKETS
Saturday, May 11 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle, NSW TICKETS
Sunday, May 12 – Blue Mountains Theatre, Blue Mountains, NSW TICKETS
Tuesday, May 14 – The Gov, Adelaide, SA TICKETS
Thursday, May 16 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart, TAS TICKETS
Friday, May 17 – Recital Centre, Melbourne, VIC TICKETS
Saturday, May 18 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo, VIC TICKETS
Photo Credit: Gaëlle Leroyer
