DESCRIPTION:
The Waifs perform "Day Dreamer" live for http://www.sideshowalley.tv

http://www.thewaifs.com

ABOUT THE EPISODE
As an ex-pat West Australian (who incidentally has taken many a tube over to Camden), the nostalgic folk sound of WA band The Waifs has always had a personal attraction. Needless to say, when the band approached Sideshow it was exciting to hear what they would offer the project.

Playing in Melbourne to promote their recently released sixth album, Temptation, a few of us met up with Vikki, Donna and Josh backstage at the Forum Theatre. With cup of tea in hand, we then wandered over to nearby Oliver Lane to join the rest of the Sideshow crew.

In the ambient light cast by neighbouring Coda Restaurant, the crew got into position while a customary group of curious onlookers began to gather.

Joined by their established rhythm section - drummer David Ross Macdonald and bassist Ben Franz - a very pregnant Vikki Thorn confidently launched the band into the track, singing "Where do we take it from here?''.

It's a question the much-loved Australian band has asked itself several times in the 19 years since they started. A trip that began in a van in 1992, with the three troubadours playing gigs anywhere in Australia that would have them, has led The Waifs to multiple ARIA awards, platinum albums and successful tours across the world, including support for Bob Dylan.

With the band now residing in the U.S.A, it was a pleasure to catch them in Melbourne, still holding true to their roots - and their iconic Aussie accents. Love like this, well it comes back around...

ABOUT THE BAND
The Waifs are an Australian folk rock band formed in 1992 by Josh Cunningham (guitar, vocals), and sisters Vikki Thorn (harmonica, guitar, vocals) and Donna Simpson (guitar, vocals). Their tour band has included Ben Franz (bass) and David Ross Macdonald (drums).

The band's 2003 album Up All Night reached the top five of the Australian Albums Chart, it achieved double platinum status and the band won four ARIA Awards in October. Two further top five albums were issued, Sun Dirt Water in 2007 and Temptation in 2011. The Waifs have three top fifty singles, "London Still" (2002), "Bridal Train" (2004) and "Sun Dirt Water". The band supported Bob Dylan on his 2003 Australian tour and then his 2003 North American tour, including a gig at the Newport Folk Festival.

The Waifs founded the independent label Jarrah Records in July 2002, co-owned with fellow musician John Butler, and their common manager Phil Stevens, which handles their Australian releases. As from March 2011, Cunningham lives in California with his wife, Simpson lives in Minneapolis and has a son, Thorn lives in Utah with her husband and has two sons.

ABOUT SIDESHOW ALLEY
Sideshow Alley captures performing artists in the alleys and laneways of Melbourne. One song. One take. With no fixed agenda and no rehearsal. Created by a handful of talented film makers, photographers and sound engineers, the Sideshow Alley collective produce amazing videos from these unique moments. http://www.sideshowalley.tv