News

Songs shaped by the land

By Pip Turton

Jun 23, 2025

Valley Road, the duo of Rebecca Jane Howell and Marty McKenna, write songs shaped by long friendship, shimmering guitars and the basalt hills of Central Victoria. Photo by Contributed

Two acclaimed regional folk acts will share the stage for the first time at The G.R.A.I.N. Store in Nathalia this July, bringing stories of rural Australia to life through music.

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Valley Road, comprising Rebecca Jane Howell and Marty McKenna, will perform alongside solo artist Simon Marks on Friday, July 4.

The double bill promises an evening of original songs inspired by country landscapes and rural experiences.

Valley Road’s debut album, which earned them a finalist position for Debut Album of the Year at the Australian Folk Music Awards, draws heavily from their Central Victorian roots.

The Way the Sun Goes Down reflects Rebecca’s transition from city to country life, while other tracks explore Marty’s experiences growing up in shearing sheds in the 1980s.

Barmah-based Simon Marks brings his folk-rock storytelling style to the mix, shaped by his experiences across Western Australia, Canada and northern Victoria.

His song Heather has been recognised with inclusion in the National Library of Australia’s Music Archive, and he recently completed a songwriting residency in Swan Hill.

The venue at 24 Blake St, Nathalia, will open its doors at 6.30pm, with performances running from 7pm to 9pm, including an interval.

A licensed bar will operate throughout the evening.

Tickets are available at trybooking.com/DCUDU or directly from The G.R.A.I.N. Store, with flexible pricing options ranging from $10 to $40 for supporter tickets.