Nearly three decades after releasing one of Australia’s most beloved pop records, ARIA Award-winning duo Bachelor Girl today unveil Waiting For The Day: Artist Sessions – a breathtaking reimagining of their landmark 1998 debut album, available everywhere now.
Featuring 15 reworked tracks and 15 celebrated Australian artists, Waiting For The Day: Artist Sessions transforms every song from the original album into a vibrant new collaboration, honouring the enduring legacy of Waiting For The Day while introducing its timeless songwriting to a new generation.
Developed, produced and realised independently over two years, the ambitious project brings together an extraordinary lineup of Australian music royalty, with collaborations from Darren Hayes, Guy Sebastian, Delta Goodrem, Jessica Mauboy, Tommy Emmanuel, Ella Hooper, Sheppard, Jack Jones, Suze DeMarchi, Jon Stevens, Michael Paynter, NERVO, Courtney Act, WILSN and Kaylee Bell.
From the soaring emotion of Blind featuring Darren Hayes and the gospel-infused warmth of Permission To Shine featuring Guy Sebastian, to the stripped-back beauty of Buses And Trains with Delta Goodrem, the infectious pop of Treat Me Good with Jessica Mauboy, and the stunning acoustic take on Blown Away with Tommy Emmanuel and Ella Hooper, each collaboration brings fresh perspective while remaining true to the heart of the songs that made Bachelor Girl one of Australia’s defining pop acts.
“It feels like we threw a party and everyone showed up!” says James Roche of the remarkable collaborative project.
Tania Doko adds, “It’s been a truckload of work to co-ordinate 15 artists, but mammoth projects do take a little ‘crazy’, a lot of time and meticulous attention to detail. We’re incredibly grateful to every artist, their teams, our families, our band and everyone who helped turn what felt virtually impossible into a real-life celebration of our very first song babies.”
Reflecting on some of the unforgettable moments behind the album, Tania says, “Jess Mauboy and Delta Goodrem were our first two special guest recordings in Sydney, and the PIPES on these two women to experience in the actual studio… they just blew our hair back.”
“They both were the sparks that became a roaring flame for this album,” James adds.
“And recording Suze DeMarchi was another pinch-me moment,” continues Tania. “Her unmistakable and mesmerising tone is exactly the style of rock vocal only Suze can bring to the table. Courtney Act was FaceTiming me live from Brighton while recording vocals for Lucky Me and completely embodied the song with personality in droves. Get ready for the visuals!”
Since releasing Waiting For The Day in 1998, Bachelor Girl have cemented their place in Australian music history. Their breakout hit Buses And Trains earned James Roche APRA Song of the Year in 1999 and remains one of the most-played Australian songs on local radio. The album also produced enduring favourites including Treat Me Good, Lucky Me, Blown Away and Permission To Shine, while earning the duo five ARIA Award nominations, an ARIA Award for Producer of the Year and the PPCA Award for Most Broadcast Australian Artist.
Following the release of Waiting For The Day: Artist Sessions, Bachelor Girl continue their Waiting For The Day Redux Tour, celebrating both the original album and its ambitious new incarnation. After performing sold out performances in Bendigo and Yackandandah lastweek, the tour continues through Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney, with tickets on sale now via www.bachelorgirl.com.
“A deliciously feel-good celebration of the songs fans embraced, with modern, surprising twists,” says Tania of the live shows. “There’ll be backstories, unforgettable moments from making the Artist Sessions, incredible musicians on stage, and maybe even a few special surprise guests.”
Waiting For The Day: Artist Sessions is out now across all streaming platforms and in store.
STREAM: WAITING FOR THE DAY: ARTIST SESSIONS
BACHELOR GIRL – WAITING FOR THE DAY REDUX TOUR DATES
SAT 08 AUG | BRUNSWICK BALLROOM, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+ | SOLD OUT
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
SUN 23 AUG | THE TRIFFID, BRISBANE QLD | 18+
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
FRI 28 AUG | THE GOV, ADELAIDE SA | 18+
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | | All Oztix Outlets
FRI 04 SEP | CUBE 37 FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE, FRANKSTON VIC | ALL AGES U15s W ADULT I SOLD OUT
Tickets available from https://artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/Home
SUN 18 OCT | THE FACTORY THEATRE, SYDNEY NSW | 18+
Tickets available from https://www.factorytheatre.com.au/ | (02) 7208 4482 | Century Box Office
