WATCH The Waifs London Still
The Waifs
"Where do we take it from here?" sings Vikki Thorn on Day Dreamer, one of the most uplifting moments on The Waifs' extraordinary sixth album, Temptation.
It's a question the much-loved Australian band has asked itself several times in the 20 years since Thorn, her sister Donna Simpson and guitarist Josh Cunningham set off on their incredible journey.
A trip that began in a van in 1992, with the three troubadours playing gigs anywhere in Australia that would have them, has led The Waifs to multiple ARIA awards, platinum albums and successful tours across the world. The hard yards in those early days paid off in terms of their career, but also bound the three of them together as friends.
The sisters left their home in Albany, Western Australia in 1992 as the duo Colours. They met Cunningham in Broome, WA and became The Waifs.
The group forged their way on the Australian live circuit for most the 1990s, releasing albums such as their self titled debut in 1996 and Shelter Me in 1998, selling them mostly at shows. The third album, 2000's Sink or Swim, raised their profile and allowed the band to perform in Canada and the United States, attracting rave reviews in the process.
The biggest turning point came with the EP London Still (2002), which gave the band its first Australian hit. Followed in 2003 by the Lighthouse EP and the album Up All Night, which has gone double platinum in Australia and earned them four ARIA awards. That same year they toured Australia with Bob Dylan, who subsequently invited them to join him on his North American tour.
Further hits, such as Bridal Train and Stay, have followed, along with live albums, more awards and ecstatic reviews for their live performances. With a national tour under way from February 22 and the album release to follow on March 4, there is every sign that 2011 will bring them further success.
