Nigel Wearne

Nigel Wearne

Nigel Wearne is an Americana artist from Victoria, Australia, working as a country and folk singer-songwriter. His songs focus on narrative writing and draw on finger-style guitar, country twang, honky-tonk and direct storytelling. He performs with personally handcrafted guitars and writes about subjects ranging from mischievous bank robbers and wandering poets to his love of eggs.

Style and influences

Wearne’s music sits within country and folk traditions, with an intimate and poignant approach to lyrics. His influences include Hank Williams, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie.

Recordings and recognition

His album Black Crow is recorded by Mick Wordley of Adelaide, who has worked with Jeff Lang, Chris Whitley and Jordie Lane. The album receives strong reviews, including a four-star notice in Rolling Stone. Wearne is described by Tone Deaf as one of Australia’s emerging songwriters, and Beat Magazine compares his writing to the narrative style of Paul Kelly.

Live work and festivals

Wearne appears at a wide range of Australian music festivals. His festival appearances include Port Fairy Folk Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Tablelands Folk Festival, Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Avoca Music Festival, Northern Beaches Music Festival, Kingston Harvest Festival, Kyneton Music Festival, Fiddlehead Festival, Folk, Rhythm & Life, Harrietville National Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Convention, JamGrass Music Festival, Black Mountain Unplugged, Gulgong Folk Festival, High Noon Festival, Ocean Grove Live Music Festival and Mount Beauty Music Festival.