Kim Churchill: chats about life on the road, bringing his Lovely tour to Castlemaine and Lorne
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05.02.2025

Kim Churchill: chats about life on the road, bringing his Lovely tour to Castlemaine and Lorne

words by Frankie Anderson-Byrne

As Kim Churchill embarks on his latest tour across Australia, he finds himself in the midst of what could be his biggest and most ambitious undertaking yet.

On the way to his next stop, the Aussie folk, rock, and blues singer-songwriter called me from the road to chat about the tour so far.

“It’s been a real joy,” Churchill says. “This is the biggest undertaking I’ve ever done, and it’s been incredible to see it all come together. Last year, I spent most of my time overseas, and coming back to Australia, there’s this unique energy around gigs right now. It’s like there’s a blossoming garden of live music in alternative spaces—old town halls, outdoor venues, and out under the gum trees. I find it really magical.”

Kim Churchill The Lovely Tour

  • Saturday 8 February – Bright Brewery, Bright
  • Wednesday 12 February – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura
  • Friday 14 February – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
  • Saturday 15 February – Fisho’s Bar, Lorne

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

 

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The tour has already seen him play across Tasmania and along the ruggedly beautiful Great Ocean Road. Up north, the Northern Rivers has been a highlight, and he’s barely halfway through, with roughly 20 shows out of 70 already in the books.

For Churchill, this tour is not just about performing; it’s about celebrating the freedom that comes with being a truly independent artist. And it’s this sense of freedom that seems to be woven into the very fabric of his new album, It’s Lovely to Have You Here. The album is a deep, heartfelt reflection of the artist’s gratitude—not just for the people he meets along the way, but for the experiences and the adventures that shape his journey.

“I was so grateful to be back on the road after COVID, and that gratitude just started spilling over into my music. Every time someone bought a CD, I’d write ‘It’s lovely to have you here,’ and after a while, I realised it would make a perfect title for an album.”

This new collection of songs marks a significant evolution in his creative process with Churchill’s writing becoming more intentional over the years, though still with the rawness we know and love.

“I get up around 4:45 am, make a cup of tea, and just sit in the dark with a few candles. It’s my little ritual before the sun rises, and that’s when the best ideas come. There’s a quiet magic in that pre-dawn time—when your brain is channeling your subconscious, and everything just clicks. I hit record and play whatever comes out.”

It’s a far cry from the pressures of studio perfection; instead, it’s a reflection of Churchill’s commitment to capturing the fleeting moments of clarity that come only when he allows himself to be still and present. The result is an album that is deeply personal, rooted in gratitude, and alive with the energy of spontaneity.

 

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A post shared by Kim Churchill (@kimchurchill1)

As his music continues to evolve, Churchill has come to embrace the unpredictable nature of his artistry. “The key for me is curiosity. It’s about going in circles, staying curious, and never settling. I think the role of the artist is to wander and explore.  Sometimes I wish I could go back and write a song I wrote 10 years ago, it’s not linear. I think evolution is about growing through that curiosity, taking risks, and finding new directions,” he says. “Now, I feel more confident in my art. I take more risks, and some of the songs on this album are strange in the best possible way. There’s one called ‘Jackie Chan,’ where I thank him and the characters he played for guiding me as a young man.”

As any touring musician knows, life on the road is far from glamorous, but Churchill has learned to embrace the rhythm of the journey. Over the years, he’s developed rituals that help him stay grounded, even as the miles add up. His most cherished ritual? “The muesli cult,” as he calls it—where every day begins with a bowl of muesli, fruit, and whatever else he can toss in. “It’s become a superstition now,” he laughs, “but it’s the one thing I do every day, no matter what.”

Meditation is another essential part of his daily routine, helping him centre himself amidst the rush of adrenaline that comes with each performance. “Meditation softens the experience of touring for me,” he explains. “It helps settle my energy and makes the whole thing feel a little more manageable.”

Despite the rough edges of touring, Churchill is incredibly grateful for the support he’s received from his fans, many of whom have followed his journey from show to show. “A big thank you to everyone who’s bought tickets and come along. It means the world to me,” he says. “I’m excited to share these shows and these evenings with people—it’s such a gift to connect through music.”

From his early morning songwriting sessions to his intimate, free-spirited performances, this tour is a testament to his love for music, his evolving artistry, and the endless journey of self-discovery.

As he continues to navigate the road ahead, Kim Churchill’s passion for his craft is clear – have a listen to his new album and see for yourself.