BANJO LUCIA

Vulnerability, honesty and connection form the tapestry of Fremantle based singer-songwriter Banjo Lucia.

Emerging at the tail end of 2021, her powerful debut single That’s Not Loving garnered acclaim from outlets such as Rolling Stone, Vice & Triple J for its poise, vulnerability and depth, sparking the unknown artist into the Australian spotlight. Following shortly after was the independent release of her debut EP Peccadilloes - a stripped back collection of songs that detail various intimate facets of her own experience with grief, love and growth.

Armed with an arresting live performance, confidence, wit and unbridled charm, she established herself as a rapidly emerging artist selling out headline shows, performing at various festivals, and touring Australia, the UK & Europe with heavyweights such as Stella Donnelly, Sharon Van Etten, Asgeir & more.

She is currently finishing her sophomore EP due for release in 2025 - a record that further highlights her versatility, artistic growth, multi-genre sensibilities and potential to burgeon into one of Australia’s most vibrant, exciting up and coming artists

“Her voice will hit you in the heart, ranging from gut-wrenching to soaring with glory.” — The Music

STELLA CAIN

Growing up in the tight-knit coastal community of Walyalup (Fremantle), Stella Cain’s musical journey began at age five with vocal training from her grandmother Roddy, a vibrant and theatrical piano teacher who would later become the inspiration for Cain’s debut EP. For Cain, music has never been a choice but rather an intrinsic part of her existence. As life’s complexities grew, she discovered that songwriting served as both a compass and a healing force.

Her debut EP, “RODDY,” named after her grandmother, emerged from a place of profound loss and celebration. Following her grandmother’s passing from Alzheimer’s disease, Cain found herself processing grief through her songwriting, creating a musical tribute that honours not only Roddy’s memory but also explores the intricate connections within her large, musically-inclined family.

The project creates an intimately personal atmosphere through piano and vocals, with added layers of choral arrangements that evoke the warmth of family gatherings. Drawing inspiration from artists like Bonnie Raitt, KD Lang, Anohni, and Carole King, Cain’s music carries the emotional weight of a well-crafted ballad while maintaining an authentic, personal touch.

For this special performance at Fremantle Arts Centre, Cain will be joined on stage by members of the Watkins Street Choir and two additional local choirs run by her Aunty, Anna Wallwork. The collaboration is a powerful extension of the choral elements in RODDY, evoking the communal warmth and connection that define her work.