Scene Q&A: Mama Kin Spender

Tell us about your new single, Promises?

This songs came for us like a tornado we weren’t expecting. We were in a writing session, which for us was a lock out in a holiday rental – an immersion to get a new body of work rolling. We didn’t see this song coming though. It is a song that breaks open the shell and releases a primal scream of rage, and yet somehow it was such a relief to write it, to find language to explain the complex feelings which had settled like a confusing fog. Singing it the first few times felt at once like imbibing poison and medicine simultaneously. Somewhere between a confession and a proclamation.

What’s your favourite work at this point in time? (your own work)

I love playing live. I love singing these new songs and playing drums to them, and howling in harmony with my best mate Dingo Spender. These songs are like portals, proof of survival, proof that love had it’s way with us, humbled us, schooled us, and that we are better for it.

How would you describe your sound in food form and why?

Something that has that umami flavour, bitter, sweet, deep, gritty, salty. Balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Lemon and salt. The intersections that come together and create a taste that didn’t exist before they collided.

Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote.

Dingo and I had a gig in Exmouth that we were so excited about. We were only going up there for only 1 night, but we planned to do a lil snorkel and maybe write a song in the sunshine. So we packed up our gear, did the multi kid tetris (he both had 2 school age kids back then) boarded the flight, hired the car, checked into a stuffy donga at the caravan park, and rang the venue to check about load in times, and the guy (Pete – bless him), said “Ummm where are you.” to which I said “in the caravan park just having a little kip post flight.” He said “Oh so cool you came up a week early to hang out before the show.” Silence from my end, just looking at Dingo… and then “No we are here for the show, tonight?” “Nah mate, it’s next week, but let’s just ring all the punters who bought a ticket and make it work!” Her PERSONALLY called every single person who had bought a ticket. And this, THIS is why I love playing regional shows with local promoters at the helm! We ended up playing a sold out show, with hardly any gear, and had the BEST night. Managed a very quick snorkel in the morning then out on the 3pm flight back to Perth.

What, or who, inspires you?

I am inspired by great writers, singers, activists.

My favourite writers right now are Arundhati Roy, Hannah Kent and Madeline Miller – I LOVE GREAT FICTION.

My favourite singers right now are Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, my daughter Banjo Lucia, Joan as Policewoman, Liz Stringer and Emily Lubitz.

My favourite activists are: The crew behind To Gaza From Here, Big Jarrah Walk working with West Australian Forest Alliance, Disrupt Burrup Hub and Environs Kimberley.

I’m inspired to make good, make beautiful, make connection, make maps back to ourselves and to each other.

Which song do you wish you wrote?

Down to Zero by Joan Armatrading

Miss Ohio by Gillian Welch

What’s next for you?

SO MUCH. The album Promises, drops on the 15th of August, Album tour through VIC, NSW and QLD in Sept and Oct. Couple of festivals in November in VIC and WA and THEN we premier our theatre show Promises & Wild Beasts premiers in early 2026! Game On! Love On!

What’s your scene?

My community and my family is my scene! My supporters, the people who I cheer on and who cheer me on, they are my scene. Best scene ever! The fearless lovers, the messy makers, the activators, the disruptors, the ones who laugh hard, and ugly snotty cry. The ones who stand up despite their shaking knees and trembling voices, the ones who rise up and speak up when they see someone else has lost their voice. That’s my scene.

Stream ‘Promises’ HERE

MAMA KIN SPENDER – UPCOMING ALBUM TOUR DATES:

FRI 05 SEP | MAJESTIC THEATRE, POMONA QLD

Tickets available from https://www.trybooking.com/DCRQO

SAT 06 SEP | THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH NSW

Tickets available from https://events.humanitix.com/mama-kin-spender

SUN 07 SEP | LEFTY’S MUSIC HALL, BRISBANE QLD

Tickets available from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/3f3d0a57-6292-43f9-a87f-8f323901e9fe

FRI 12 SEP | BRUNSWICK BALLROOM, MELBOURNE VIC

Tickets available from https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/mama-kin-spender/181349

SAT 13 SEP | ARCHIE’S CREEK TAVERN, ARCHIE’S CREEK VIC

Tickets available from https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1416568?embed