Blues • Roots • Rock • Sydney
Formed in Sydney in 2009, Tortured Willow set out to do one thing: make music that doesn't lie.
A fusion of old and new — the backbone is deep in the blues and roots tradition, drawn from the Mississippi Delta and shaped by the spirits of W.C. Handy, Bessie Smith, Mahalia Jackson and Nina Simone. But the songs don't live in the past. Contemporary infusions keep them honest, fresh, and undeniably alive.
The voice at the centre of it all is evocative — a powerful instrument that "transports audiences to another time" — Drum Media, Sydney. The band's sound has been called "modern and gutsy" — Ace Music, Narellan. Both descriptions hold true.
The sound was earned the hard way. Eight years fronting a 40-piece big band, then three years leading a quintet with residencies right across Sydney. Before Tortured Willow there was Songs of the Leading Ladies — an original production that toured NSW theatres. More than 40 original songs written and co-written. Every one of them forged in that same fire: personal, ironic, political — but always, unmistakably, human.
"An evocative performer whose powerful voice transports audiences to another time." — Drum Media, Sydney
Mirror Maze — Official Video
Borrowed Time
Long Ride Home
Every note Tortured Willow plays carries the weight of a tradition — shaped by the giants who came before.
Father of the Blues. The Mississippi Delta heartbeat that runs beneath every bar.
Empress of the Blues. Raw, unfiltered truth in every phrase.
The voice of gospel conviction — soul deep and bone honest.
Jazz, blues, classical, protest — music as a full human statement.
Follow the band, stream the music, and stay across what's happening.
Bookings, press enquiries, or just want to say hello — we’d love to hear from you.