“Australia is a melting pot of human experiences and I believe this shows in our art and music. My dream is that we can all learn to get along better and make the most magnificent culture we can all be proud of.”

Kelly Auty: It’s All Been Blues & Roots

Australian singer Kelly Auty has supported numerous internationally renowned artists including Janis Ian, Jose Feliciano, Manhattan Transfer, The Drifters, The Platters, Eric Burdon, John Hammond, The Chantoozies and the Divinyls to name a few. Kelly and her band won Blues performer of the year in 2017 and travelled to Memphis in January 2018 to take part in the International Blues Challenge, winning a place in the semi-finals after competing with 240 acts from all over the world. The band were also awarded the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society “Band of the Year” in 2018. Since 2023 Kelly has been working on new arrangements of some of her favourite originals in the style of Blues, Roots, Country rock & Folk. Wanting to work with a brand-new look & sound, Kelly teamed with award winning & Blues Music Vic Hall of Fame Inductee, Melbourne producer & Bass player, Barry Hills, who has put together an amazing group of musicians: Nick Carrafa Drummer & singer, with Brian Fraser (Electric, Acoustic & lap steel) and Roland Kretschmer (Electric and Acoustic Guitars & Mandolin).

(Kelly Auty / Photo Lucas Packett)

The band, PepperCreek Revival, recorded at Woodstock Studio with engineer Richard Stolz ans released a self titled album in 2024. The album has gained airplay in Australia and OS. With the release of its second album, It’s All Been Said in February 2026, PepperCreek Revival with Kelly Auty has established a solid fan base and continued success on the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Charts.

Interview by Michael Limnios

You grew up in regional Australia and describe yourself as a "Kimberley dreamer"; how did your rural roots shape your musical identity and your deep connection to the blues?

The first records I heard were acoustic folk and blues styles. The open spaces, simple lifestyle and beautiful landscape of my childhood home inspired an earthy attitude to life. I didn’t go to a city till I was about 8 years old and that was an incredible life changing experience. I never lost the sense of how grand our world is and I have always stayed grounded in nature. To sit by a river, walk on the sand and breathe clean air is a gift that opens my heart to telling a story and singing a song to the trees. Nature loves music. “I went down to the river, sat beneath the old willow tree…” Bessie Smith Weeping Willow Blues.

You possess an impressive artistic versatility, performing everything from Blues and Gospel to Rock, Country, and even French Chansons; how do you shift between such diverse genres while always keeping your personal signature?

I first sang in church choir which taught me to listen actively to harmonies. At age 17 I began training as a classical singer with an incredible Welch tenor named David Parker. David taught me solid singing techniques and how to sing with my entire body, focusing on moving vibration around my body. During those lessons I became more aware of the emotional aspect of the voice and this is what guides my style to this day. I write lyrics that resonate with me and I always sing songs that suit my heart and beliefs.

In 2017, you won "Blues Performer of the Year" in Australia and reached the semi-finals at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis; what was it like representing the Australian blues scene in the very birthplace of this music?

Incredible! I was so thankful for that astonishing experience and to all the fans in my home town Melbourne who supported me and the band in our adventure. I am eternally grateful to the band members Pianist Boris Conley, Drummer Nick Carrafa and Bassist Max McIntosh for their wonderful musicianship. These guys are my brothers forever. To be in Memphis with many hundreds of other musicians from all over the world was a time I will never forget. The standard of musicianship and the passion of all of these people is more uplifting than words can truly express. The Memphis venues, fans, production and general vibe are world class. We visited many places that stay in my memory as clear as day- The National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studio, Graceland, iconic Beale Street and of course the wonderful Peabody Hotel with it’s amazing Duck March are just some of those places. The Al Green Full Gospel Tabernacle Church was a definite highlight. We joined in the service and spent the time covered in goosebumps emersed in the feeling the music created. We sang, laughed and cried with the incredible band and welcoming congregation. Memphis is a most amazing city and I am overjoyed that I got to meet so many kind people. Music really is magical and brings communities together is an empowering way, like nothing else can.

“These women helped change the political, environmental and social landscape of their era and became known worldwide not only for their magnificent voices but also because of their activism and determination to be heard. Long may they continue to inspire us all.” (Kelly Auty with PepperCreek Revival: Barry Hills, Nick Carrafa, Brian Fraser and Roland Kretschmer / Photo Lucas Packett)

One of your tracks was written for every woman who was ever told she was "too short, too fat, too black, or too old" to make it in the industry; what challenges have you faced as a woman and an independent artist throughout your long career?

My song ‘Too Short’ is for anyone who has been told they should hang up their microphone and get a ‘real job” because they don’t fit a stereotype that has been created by a business model. I never tried to fit into the expectations of the industry. I always focused on my own capacity to entertain a crowd by being who I truly am. I never pretended. Humans are built in all shapes, sizes, colours and ages and that is what makes the human race fantastic. We are not supposed to all be the same as one another…what a dull world that would make! My younger years were much harder to navigate because I was conscious of possible judgements whilst I honed my craft. I am enormously happy that I had support from musical collaborators, family, friends and fans so I didn’t give up or allow anyone or anything to stop me from following my dreams. I tell my students they are in a long game. Every career path throws up challenges and I know that surrounding myself with supportive and true people has held me in good stead. As an elder I am more confident, so I deliver the best I have to offer. If people like it they come back for more, buy records and follow the music.

You wrote a song honouring the legendary Bessie Smith ("Empress of the Blues"); which other historic artists played a major role in shaping your vocal approach and stage presence?

“Sing it for me” was inspired by the brilliant legacy and untimely death of Bessie Smith, the empress of the blues. The influences on my approach to singing and writing are countless, including ‘Lady Day’ Billie Holiday with her heartbreaking delivery and incredible vocal phrasings, the ‘Mother of the Blues’ Ma Rainey with her raw energy and authentic sound, Sister Rosetta Tharpe famous for her guitar playing, gospel shouting and rock and roll stylings, Etta James who sang from a distinctive raspy sound to a heartfelt whisper, Aretha Franklin who sang gospel music at age five and branched into secular music even though her gospel fans thought it unseemly, Odetta who was classically trained but found little employment in the Opera and turned to blues and soul music, Josephine Baker whose dancing and singing career was mostly in Europe and who famously worked in the French resistance in WW2, Edith Piaf ‘The Little Sparrow’ who grew up singing on the streets of Paris and whose voice still speaks today to the French conscience, ‘Mama Africa’ Myriam Makeba who was exiled from her homeland for decades because of her great fame in America….and many more. These women helped change the political, environmental and social landscape of their era and became known worldwide not only for their magnificent voices but also because of their activism and determination to be heard. Long may they continue to inspire us all.

Throughout your career, you have supported massive international acts like Janis Ian, John Hammond, Jose Feliciano, and Eric Burdon; is there a specific piece of advice or a memorable moment from those experiences that sticks with you today?

I am truly thankful for the opportunities I have had in sharing the stage with these great artists. My advice to anyone who gets these chances is to learn from every experience, listen to advice and don’t forget every artist has their own story to tell of their successes and struggles in the music industry. I remember when I was a teenager I sang and danced along with Janis Ians’ records. Then as an adult artist I meet and sang support for her and that was an unforgettable experience.

“The first records I heard were acoustic folk and blues styles. The open spaces, simple lifestyle and beautiful landscape of my childhood home inspired an earthy attitude to life. I didn’t go to a city till I was about 8 years old and that was an incredible life changing experience.” (Kelly Auty has supported numerous internationally renowned artists / Photo by Lee Koumarianos)

Blues music was born in the American South, but Australia has developed an incredibly vibrant and distinct scene of its own; what elements or life experiences do you think give Australian blues its unique character and personality?

Australia is a vast land of beauty and extremes and we are blessed with a multicultural community. We are the sum of our parts and as a result we are unique in our approach to all things creative. Our history is deep and there are dark chapters which have shaped our character. The Indigenous peoples of this land are an ancient culture of great beauty, art, intelligence and storytelling. They respect the land as caretakers and have a profoundly powerful spiritual attitude to life. Tragically this was not learned or understood by white people who arrived on these shores in the tall ships over two centuries ago. The culture of the Indigenous people is so strong that in the present times the land care, language, art, music, dance, culinary excellence and bush medicine are being revived and the Indigenous peoples are becoming stronger. Many of our ancestors were immigrants who came here from far and wide after wars and social upheaval. Seeking their fortunes, they brought their cultures to start new lives in this great land. Australia is a melting pot of human experiences and I believe this shows in our art and music. My dream is that we can all learn to get along better and make the most magnificent culture we can all be proud of.

With more than 40 years of experience, 9 albums, and a career that includes event management and vocal coaching; what is the most important lesson you try to pass on to young artists just starting out?

My motto is “Don’t get scared, get prepared.” Do the homework, rehearsals, practice, study, exercise. No one can do that for you. Eat a healthy diet. Surround yourself with caring supportive people who will tell you the truth. Self-discipline is up to you. No-one can make you practice your instrument, write the song or contact an agent or venue. For every hour you spend on stage there are many hours of work behind the scenes. Respect your collaborators and be kind to your fans. Always thank the sound and lighting people because without them you’re just someone shouting in the dark. Don’t forget, the agents, managers, road crew and venue staff are the ones behind the scenes who make your show happen.

Your live shows are famous for their explosive energy; after all these years on stage, where do you draw the inspiration and stamina to deliver such a dynamic performance for your audience every single time?

I am so fortunate to have fulfilled many of my dreams. As well as being a singer I have raised two fabulous sons and they are my pride and joy. I think of them when I sing. My grandmother was a fine pianist but in her era it was considered unseemly for a woman to take to the stage, so her family did not give her permission to make a career of her music.  I sing for her and many women before me who did not have the opportunities that I have had. This gives me strength and inspires me to keep going. I am fit, strong, healthy and whilst there is breath in my lungs and I am able to sing I will continue on my path. Music is a gift to us all and I am forever thankful for singing my way through life. The stage is a sand pit…I have my bucket and spade and I’ll keep making castles as long as I am able. Sometimes the tide rolls in and my castle is washed away…so I build a new one.

Long live live music and the human beings who create it.                  

No AI was used to write these answers. Every word comes from my heart.

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(Kelly Auty / Photo by Lee Koumarianos)