In our continuing series of getting to know the artists appearing at Dashville Skyline we meet the Magpie Diaries.
How did you all meet and start playing as a group?
Back in 2008, I (Magpie) lost a close mate and turned to the guitar. I did a solo gig at the Junkyard Maitland, where Jess worked behind the bar, we became friends and started playing music together. Now we are married with two kids, go figure!
Describe your music.
Our music is very close to our heart, folk, country, rock with a vintage velour. Jess learnt to play drums listening to Black Sabbath, Alice in Chains etc, I learnt to play guitar listening to Nirvana and the Beatles.
What inspires you to write a song?
A good idea sometimes just pours from you. That’s how it mostly works for me. Or I’ll have a piece of music that demands a lyrical story.
What has been your favourite moment of your music journey so far?
Rrecording our own record in our own studio
What’s your favourite song to play live? Own or cover.
One that we are all embedded in as a band, which can be anyone of our songs in the set. At the moment it would be The Greatest Thing for me. Track 2 on our new album.
Who are your most important musical influences?
Undoubtedly Nirvana had a big influence on me as a kid, but these days it’s probably Neil Young, Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson and anything that’s left field or modern with feel.
What are your three favourite albums of all time?
Tough question as this always evolves for me I find…
Neil Young – On The Beach
Beatles – White Album used to be big
John Prine – any album.
What are you looking forward to at this year’s event?
Finally hosting The Cruel Sea at Dashville, it’s been a long time coming…Seeing a number of bands for the first time, playing with my band, playing in the DPS to close out the festival.
Any other tour dates you’d like to mention?
Magpie Diaries are performing at Dashville Skyline on Sunday October 5
then we head south to Victoria, playing a couple shows with Nashville band Cordovas.
Latest release: Single – Land For Sale 17th Sept. Album – Some Kind Of View, due Oct 31st.
Website: Magpie Diaries
Bandcamp: Magpie Diaries
Dashville Skyline takes place October 3-5, 2025, in Lower Belford, Hunter Valley, Wonnarua Country NSW.