Photos by Devon Anderson – Since forming in Melbourne in 2010, The Paper Kites have mastered the art of the “midnight” sound—a delicate, atmospheric blend of indie-folk and soft rock that feels designed for quiet reflection and long drives. Led by singer-songwriter Sam Bentley and keyboardist/guitarist Christina Lacy, the five-piece outfit first captured international attention with the finger-picked brilliance of “Bloom.” However, they have spent the years since meticulously expanding their sonic palette. From the synth-heavy, nocturnal textures of twelvefour to the earthy, collaborative spirit of Roses, the band has consistently prioritized mood and craftsmanship over fleeting trends, earning them a reputation as one of Australia’s most sophisticated musical exports.
The band’s creative philosophy is often rooted in conceptual world-building. Whether they are recording late-night sessions to capture a specific “after-hours” energy or traveling to North America to record in the woods of Washington state, their albums feel less like collections of songs and more like cohesive environments. This dedication to immersion is reflected in their live performances, which are renowned for their cinematic lighting and lush, multi-instrumental arrangements. By blending traditional folk instrumentation with soaring, 80s-inspired electric guitar lines, they create a soundscape that is both nostalgic and strikingly modern.
In late 2025 and throughout 2026, the group has continued to build on the success of their “Roadhouse” project, a series of recordings that saw them digging deeper into blues and Americana influences. This era has showcased a band at their most organic and collaborative, stripping back the polish in favor of raw, soulful performances. The resulting music has resonated deeply with a global audience, further solidifying their status as masters of “mood music” who can command the silence of a theater just as easily as the energy of a festival stage.
As they move through their 2026 tour schedule, The Paper Kites remain a vital force for listeners seeking substance and serenity. Their ability to maintain an intimate connection with their audience—even as their streaming numbers reach into the billions—is a testament to the timelessness of their songwriting. In an increasingly noisy world, their music serves as a necessary exhale, proving that there is immense power in subtlety and that the most enduring stories are often the ones told in a whisper.
DONOVAN WOODS
Donovan Woods has long been celebrated as one of Canada’s most essential songwriters, possessed of a rare ability to find the profound within the mundane. Based in Toronto and hailing from Sarnia, Ontario, Woods has built a storied career by blending the storytelling traditions of folk and country with a polished, contemporary pop sensibility. His lyrics are masterclasses in economy and emotional precision, often exploring the complexities of human connection, small-town nostalgia, and the quiet tensions of everyday life. With a trophy case that includes a Juno Award and multiple Polaris Music Prize longlist nods, he has earned a reputation as a “songwriter’s songwriter,” respected as much for his solo work as for the hits he has penned for some of the biggest names in Nashville.
In 2026, Woods continues to refine his craft, leaning into an increasingly intimate and collaborative era of his career. Following the acclaim of his recent studio work, he has spent much of the year on the road, captivating audiences with his signature blend of heartbreaking ballads and dry, self-deprecating wit. Whether performing solo-acoustic or with his full band, his live shows are defined by a sense of community and shared vulnerability that few artists can replicate. As he balances his role as a premier Canadian folk icon with his continued success in the international songwriting scene, Donovan Woods remains a vital voice, proving that the most resonant stories are often the ones that feel like they were written just for you.
