Mama Kin

“Mama Kin’s smoky vocals are both seductive and tender” – ABC Radio

“The result is hypnotic” – Stack Magazine

Drawing inspiration from New Orleans tradition, singer-songwriter Danielle Caruana conjures up a new strain of foot-stomping soul when performing as Mama Kin. With her smoldering vocals and a reputation for harnessing strength in vulnerability, her open-hearted, sometimes heart-wrenching ballads take us deep into the human condition – where the magic lives. She is equal parts raconteur and feisty femme fatale who draws on experiences of love, live, and heartache to draw you into her spell.

Raised in a musical family, Danielle studied classical piano, and was introduced early to her lasting musical influences: blues and gospel, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, the Pretenders and Joan Armatrading.

And while she performed with her husband (John Butler of the John Butler Trio) and brothers (her brother Michael plays with her now, and bro Nicky Bomba is at the festival with Bustamento), she didn’t form Mama Kin until 2010. She’s now released two CDs, been nominated and won awards, and become a festival and concert favourite in Oz and beyond for her stirring live shows. Listen to her, come see her – and if you’re like us, her songs will find a place to warmly nestle in your heart.