The Waifs celebrate with 25th Anniversary Australian Tour

HOMEGROWN folk rockers The Waifs understand the magic of music.

They realise that most occasions – weddings, funerals and first kisses – come with a song attached.

In celebration of their 25th anniversary, the members are asking fans to share their stories.

They want to know if their music has played a pivotal part in any event or time in people’s lives, then share these stories with audiences at their upcoming tour.

“This just gives us a sense that our music and songs can become a part of the community,” vocalist and guitarist Vikki Thorn said.

“Beyond the point of us being on stage and having a great time, the music takes on a life of its own and weaves itself into people’s lives one way or the other and it’s really nice to hear that stuff coming back.

“When we go on stage with this tour we will feel more connected and have an understanding that people are there because they share some sort of history with the music we are playing.”

Thorn recalled the story of a woman who approached the band at a Sydney gig a few years ago.

“She said ‘My son and I took a trip through Canada and he loved The Waifs so much and wanted to play your music in the car’,” Thorn said.

“I couldn’t stand the music; I hated The Waifs but that was all he wanted me to play.

“He died tragically not long after that trip and now I come to your gigs because I feel like I’m spending time with my son.’”

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Thorn, who divides her time between Albany and Utah, said the band attributed its success and longevity to its fans.

“When it came to commemorating 25 years, we asked ourselves ‘What do our fans want to hear? Well, they probably want to hear a band sitting around in a kitchen – everyone wants to hear their favourite band sitting around in the kitchen playing music – so let’s record an album in a kitchen’,” she said.

“We also have a giveaway where our new album (Ironbark) is available for five bucks, so it’s all about putting focus more on the people who put us here than any artistic ambition we might have had.

“We feel absolutely blessed to still be doing this. We have our families and fulfilment in other areas of our lives, but to come out on stage and indulge this wild fantasy of singing, song-writing and having people come to listen to our songs, it’s really wonderful and I love it more than ever and I don’t take it for granted.”

Stories about The Waifs’ music can be sent to waifsstories@jarrahrecords.com or posted on the band’s Facebook page.

THE ESSENTIALS

What: An Evening with The Waifs – 25th Anniversary Australian Tour

Where and when: Perth Concert Hall on March 2 and Fremantle Arts Centre on March 9

Tickets: www.thewaifs.com