Named after the bird found throughout mainland Australia, Rufous Whistler (Vinny Russell) has released ‘Honey‘, his second single of 2024, and he and his band will be celebrating with a powerhouse, six-piece headline show at the Wesley Anne in Melbourne on October 31st – TICKETS

Rufous Whistler’s sound bears a strong similarity to his namesake, with the bird described as one of Australia’s finest songsters with a far-carrying, rich, musical song can be heard throughout most of Australia. Its song is characterised by repeated whip-cracks interspersed with a variety of whistles and trills given at various volumes, rhythms and tempos.

‘Honey’ sets the scene with a cache of beautifully blended stringed instruments before main man Vinny Russell’s warm, lilting and melodic voice enters the gentle fray,. As he sings about the delicate balance of holding onto and letting go of what’s most important, the super tasteful backing from the rest of the band carries him along with a graceful folk-rock sway.

Rufous Whistler is a versatile singer-songwriter hailing from Northeast Victoria (Wiradjuri Country). Known for his campfire-glow voice and virtuosic multi-instrumental skills, Russell (guitar, bouzouki, mandolin) brings his own bold take on alt-folk and country to the forefront with Rufous Whistler’s contemporary sound.

The Rufous Whistler live band are comprised of Steven Hornby (double bass), Lucy McKenzie-McHarg (fiddle, mandolin), Dylan Knur (mandolin, fiddle, banjo), Brianna Cox (organ), Isaac Barter (Drums).

Check out the WILK -directed video that perfectly captures the band in their natural environment.