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Photo credit – Todd Bennett

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Interview with
TAASHA COATES
from
THE AUDREYS

(20th March, 2025)

Interview with Dave Bruce

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Check out the full interview below:

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Taasha Coates and The Audreys: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Music

If you’ve followed Australian music over the past two decades, you’ve undoubtedly come across The Audreys. Their signature blend of folk, blues, and Americana has resonated deeply with fans, earning them multiple ARIA Awards and a lasting place in the country’s music scene. But for Taasha Coates, the journey has been far from easy.

In my recent interview with Taasha, she opened up about the band’s origins, the loss of her long-time collaborator Tristan Goodall, and the deeply personal songs on her latest album, Ruin and Repair.

From University Friends to ARIA Winners

Taasha met Tristan while studying jazz vocals at university, and their friendship quickly turned into a songwriting partnership. “He just told me I could write songs, even though I didn’t think I could,” she laughed. That belief led to the release of their debut album, Between Last Night and Us, in 2006. Four albums followed, each one cementing their reputation as one of Australia’s finest musical acts.

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Grieving Through Music

Tristan’s passing in 2022 was a devastating loss. “We knew it was coming,” Taasha admitted, “but it didn’t make it any easier.” Much of Ruin and Repair reflects her grief, particularly the track Sober, which was so raw that she struggled to perform it at first. “Recording it helped me process everything,” she said. “It was incredibly emotional, but also healing.”

Balancing Motherhood and a Music Career

Taking a decade between albums wasn’t intentional, but raising two sons while maintaining a music career had its challenges. “I had a baby strapped to my front during soundchecks,” she joked. But despite the pause, her passion for performing never faded.

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A New Chapter: Ruin and Repair

The new album is deeply personal, touching on loss, love, and resilience. The lead single, Second Hand Boots, is about an “ill-advised marriage,” while other songs reflect the emotional turbulence of recent years. Taasha doesn’t shy away from raw honesty in her lyrics, and that’s what makes this album so powerful.

On the Road Again

With a new tour on the horizon, Taasha is excited but slightly nervous. “Some of these songs are so personal,” she admitted. “But performing them live is part of the healing process.”

For longtime fans and new listeners alike, Ruin and Repair is a testament to perseverance, love, and the power of music. Taasha Coates has been through so much, but she continues to create and inspire.

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Touring and Live Performances

Dave Bruce: You’ve got a big tour coming up. What excites you the most about getting back on the road?
Taasha Coates: Touring is my favourite part of the job. I love performing and connecting with audiences—it’s what I live for.

DB: Can fans expect anything special on this tour?
TC: I’m working on having a string quartet for my Adelaide show, which would be incredible. My bass player and guitarist are also stepping up their backing vocals, which I’m excited to hear live.

Band Dynamics

DB: Over the years, you’ve had different musicians play with you. Was that a creative decision or more out of practicality?
TC: It was always just me and Tristan writing the songs. We brought in whoever was available for tours. It wasn’t a creative choice—it just made sense at the time. But everyone I’ve worked with has been a friend, and my current band helped me through Tristan’s passing in ways I can’t even describe.

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Dream Collaborations and Inspirations

DB: If you could perform with any artist, past or present, who would it be?
TC: Dolly Parton, hands down. No hesitation. She’s my idol.

DB: Ever reached out to her?
TC: Not yet, but maybe I should! I admire her ambition and authenticity so much.

Career Highlights and Advice

DB: What advice would you give to up-and-coming artists?
TC: Don’t have a backup plan. Back yourself completely. And perform as much as possible—connecting with an audience is everything.

DB: Biggest career highlight so far?
TC: Winning our first ARIA. We were up against Bernard Fanning, and everyone said we wouldn’t win. When they called our name, we were completely shocked! No speech prepared, just pure excitement.

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Rapid-Fire Fun

DB: Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
TC: Nothing I can legally admit to! (laughs) Probably having two kids.

DB: Favourite album?
TC: Essence by Lucinda Williams.

DB: Favourite artist?
TC: Dolly Parton. If I had to pick someone newer, Brandi Carlile.

DB: Favourite movie?
TC: Withnail & I.

DB: Favourite place?
TC: Anywhere by the river. My mum lives on Hindmarsh Island, so I’ve always loved the water.

DB: Favourite venue to play?
TC: The Gov, The Wheatsheaf, and The Grace Emily. I love home shows.

DB: Favourite food?
TC: Pasta. All the pasta.

DB: Favourite drink?
TC: Red wine. Classic.

DB: Do you have any tattoos?
TC: Nope! I just never found an image I wanted permanently.

DB: Can we expect another album soon?
TC: Absolutely! Let’s keep them coming.

That wraps up our chat with the amazing Taasha Coates! Be sure to check out Ruin and Repair and catch The Audreys on tour. You won’t want to miss it.

Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews at Amnplify.

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Photo credit – Todd Bennett

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Follow THE AUDREYS
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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Check out the full interview below:

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Press Release 17th February 2025 (below) HERE

THE AUDREYS
share new country ballad
‘BEATLES v STONES’

+ Announce new album
‘RUIN & REPAIR’
due out March 14

+ Australian Tour

Stream Beatles V Stones

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AMNPLIFY – DB