As one quarter of the ARIA Award-winning indie-folk quartet All Our Exes Live in Texas, singer-songwriter Katie Wighton has long been celebrated for her crystalline vocals and heartfelt storytelling. Now, she’s stepping into a new chapter with The Nashville Tapes — a deeply collaborative album that bridges the songwriting heart of Nashville with the warmth of Australia’s folk and Americana scene.
I caught up with Katie to chat about the project, which is partially being funded through Kickstarter. (Full disclosure: I’ve already pledged for the vinyl — it’s shaping up to be something really special.)
“I’ve been writing songs with Nashville songwriters since 2020, and I will be recording some of them next year,” Wighton explains. “The album will also feature a bunch of Australian artists, including All Our Exes Live in Texas, Fanny Lumsden and Jordie Lane. I have a stellar lineup of Brisbane musicians in the band (one of whom played in Dolly Parton’s Christmas show!) and we are working with Michael Muchow, an ARIA-nominated producer.”
Entirely self-funded and powered by a Kickstarter campaign — currently live with just over two weeks remaining — The Nashville Tapes represents a heartfelt call for community support during Aus Music Month. Pledge options range from a $5 personalised Polaroid or early access to demo recordings, to signed vinyl and even a private house concert for those wanting to go the extra mile.
“I think in Aus Music Month the idea of supporting local artists is really important. And I think it’s getting harder and harder for label managers to ‘sell’ large sums of expenditure for art that may or may not break even. So I guess this project for me is about bringing community together,” she reflects. “From the get-go it’s been really collaborative — from writing on Zoom during the pandemic to bringing in Aussie feature artists from all around the world! And it has been so nice to get back to my folk/Americana roots again with this music too.”
With The Nashville Tapes, Wighton continues to evolve as one of Australia’s most authentic and generous storytellers — an artist committed to connection, collaboration, and creating music that celebrates where she’s from as much as where she’s heading.
🎧 Support The Nashville Tapes via Kickstarter HERE
And be sure to give Katie a follow on Facebook, Instagram and Bandcamp
Header image credit: Rick Clifford
