Local’s Lounge with Port Fairy Future Folk Artist, Bonnie Jackson

Each month we spotlight a local regional Victorian musician, songwriter or band killing it in our scene.

In the Locals Lounge we have Bonnie Jackson. She has the name of a folk/country music star and the voice to go with it. This emerging artist may be young but she’s already making waves, not just in her home town of Port Fairy but across Regional Victoria. Having nabbed a spot in the Future Folk Emerging Artists Program for Port Fairy Folk Festival in 2026, Bonnie Jackson is a name you want to know!

Keep connected to your live music scene here.

Who is Bonnie Jackson?

I grew up on a sheep farm in Dunkeld, Victoria under the Grampians—pretty much as regional as it gets—before moving up to Melbourne/Naarm at the start of this year to complete my last couple of years of high school at a music specialist school.

I would describe my genre as folk for short, or contemporary folk meets acoustic indie meets Australian songwriter if we’re getting more specific. I’m a solo artist, but I love gigging and jamming with bands or other musicians whenever I get the chance. Some of my biggest music influences are Lizzy McAlpine, Paul Kelly, Billie Holiday, and Noah Kahan, and I like to think my sound sits somewhere in the middle of all of them.

How long have you been playing music?

I’ve been around music for as long as I can remember, some of my earliest memories being anything from tinkering on my cousin’s piano to playing the recorder with my sister to singing Kasey Chambers’ ‘Pony’ in my bedroom as a five-year-old. I’ve always sung, but I started drums when I was seven and picked up guitar and piano a few years later. These days I mainly play guitar and sing, but I still love getting behind the kit or jumping on the piano whenever I can.

How did you discover your passion for music making and performing?

Music has always been the love of my life, so the passion for it has always been there, but it wasn’t until high school when I started playing gigs and writing more that I thought “Wow, I’d really love to do this for a living”.

A big part of that thought would have to be credited towards one specific music teacher who supported me and helped me believe that my passion for music could be much more than just a hobby. I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am in the music scene without him, and I cannot stress enough how grateful I am to have had him as my teacher and mentor, so thank you, Mr Hunter!

What have been the biggest milestones in your music career to date?

I would have to say getting into the Port Fairy Future Folk Program! I’ve been going to the Folkie for my whole life, so getting to be part of it and such an incredible line-up in 2026 feels absolutely surreal.

 

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Take us into your discography!

I am currently working on my debut single ‘Something We Can’t See’ which will be out in the world in the next couple of months! I wrote the song two years ago for a school assignment back in the country and fell in love with it. It’s the first original song that I’ve consistently played at gigs and the first song that I started recording, so it only seems fitting for it to be my first release. But don’t worry, I’m also working very hard on my debut EP, which I’ll be releasing next year, so keep an eye out!

What is the story behind your new material? 

‘Something We Can’t See’ came from that feeling when something in a relationship shifts and you can’t quite put your finger on it. You know something’s off, but there’s no big moment or clear reason, just confusion that keeps building and building. The song mirrors that feeling; it keeps circling back on itself, both lyrically and musically. It’s really just about trying to make sense of something you can’t see or control, and trying to put that weird mix of love, frustration, and acceptance into words.

Who did you work with on your latest release?

I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing musicians and producers on my upcoming records. My session musicians so far include Richard Rose (bass), Ed Bates (pedal steel), and Finnick Spiteri (piano), with me on drums, guitar, and vocals. Production-wise, I’ve worked with Matt Rodd, Skye Williams, and Zac Lister.

Give us a gear rundown. What are you currently playing both live and in the studio?

In the studio I play a beautiful acoustic Maton Guitar (I’m not sure what the model is, but she sounds gorgeous). My live guitar is an acoustic Fender that I found on Facebook marketplace a few years ago. She’s got a few travel scars and is pretty much permanently in open D tuning, but she has the most beautiful tone you’ll ever hear in an acoustic set.

What does a typical day of creating music look like for you in the studio, in rehearsals and on the stage?

If I’m recording, I usually head into the studio at my school and try to get a few hours in each week. On those days, I’m usually there until around 5pm just layering and experimenting with different sounds. Rehearsals can happen anytime I’ve got my guitar in hand, whether it’s in my bedroom at night or side stage at a gig. Some gigs are just a quick 10-minute drive, and others mean a long V/Line commute home (about four hours by train and bus) but it’s always worth it.

What is the gateway song for new fans to listen to to introduce your sound?

My song ‘Something We Can’t See’ which is coming out soon!

What has been the biggest challenge you face as an artist and how are you pushing through that barrier?

I think the hardest part has been balancing school, recording, and performing while still trying to stay creative. Some weeks it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day, but I’ve learned that even a few minutes of songwriting, playing guitar, or singing can help me stay connected to why I love music. It’s all about finding small pockets of time to create, no matter how busy life gets.

How would you characterise the music ecosystem in regional Victoria? 

Regional Victoria has such a strong and supportive music scene. There’s so much talent coming out of small towns — people are writing, recording, and performing in all kinds of genres. There’s a real sense of community and connection, and local festivals, pubs, and community events give young artists a chance to share their music and build confidence.

I feel so lucky to have grown up in a place that values community and creativity. Regional Victoria has given me so much to write about and I can’t wait to share more of those stories with everyone soon!

How has being based in regional Victoria elevated your music practice? What kind of support have you received?

Growing up in a regional area really shaped my songwriting — there’s something about the quiet, the space, and the people that finds its way into the songs. I’ve had amazing support from my local community, especially from Moyne Shire, Amplify, and other local organisations that encouraged me to perform from a young age.

What does the rest of 2025 look like for you as a musician?

I’ll be releasing my debut single before the end of the year and hitting the road for some regional shows! One I’m especially excited for is opening for Liz Stringer at the Old Stone Hall in Beechworth as part of her “To Survive” tour. It’s going to be a year of sharing what I’ve been working on and connecting with more people through my songs, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Who is your biggest music crush of 2025?

Anyone who knows me knows that I’ll always choose Lizzy McAlpine. She’s the biggest inspiration for me both lyrically and musically.

Another artist that I’ve been loving this year would be Flynn Gurry, who is actually a Future Folk alumni. I’ve been lucky enough to catch a few of his shows, and his songwriting and stage presence are just incredible. I see him building more and more momentum in the industry every year, and it’s been really inspiring to watch someone from near where I grew up continue to grow and make his mark.

Where can we find you?

Instagram, Tiktok, YouTube

Triple J Unearthed: https://www.abc.net.au/triplejunearthed/artist/bonnie-jackson