The Waifs

The Waifs are a cornerstone of the Australian roots and folk revival that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Formed in Albany, Western Australia, the core trio of Josh Cunningham and sisters Vikki Thorn and Donna Simpson spent years touring in a van before achieving massive independent success.

Their sound is a distinctive blend of folk, blues, and Americana, characterized by the 'sibling harmony' phenomenon and Thorn's virtuosic harmonica playing. They are notable for their fiercely independent business model, co-founding Jarrah Records with John Butler, which allowed them to maintain creative control while achieving multi-platinum sales. Their career was significantly boosted by a high-profile support slot for Bob Dylan, which introduced their 'Aussie folk' sound to North American audiences. Critically, they are praised for their authentic storytelling and unpretentious delivery, serving as a bridge between traditional folk music and the modern indie-roots scene. They remain a touring powerhouse, embodying the spirit of the traveling troubadour.