Kate Burke and Ruth Hazleton are two of Australia’s most respected and renowned folk musicians.  Their vocal harmonies, exceptional musicianship and unique interpretations of traditional song have won them national and international acclaim over the years. 

Since performing together for the first time in 1998, Kate & Ruth have toured Australia and internationally, recorded five studio albums, and played and recorded with such luminaries as Andy Irvine and Bruce Molsky. They’ve picked up awards (ScreenSound Australia Award for Best Folk Album, Lis Johnston Award for Vocal Excellence), and have been described by The Australian as “Why folk music is cool again”.

Their new album Declaration heralds a new era for the duo as they collaborate with musician and producer Luke Plumb (Shooglenifty), and explore the light and darkness of our world through the lens of folksong. 

Melbourne-based singer, banjo player, guitarist and songwriter Ruth Hazleton has remained a prominent figure in Australia’s folk music scene for 30 years.

An artist known for her appearances with several high-profile Australian acts (Kate Burke & Ruth Hazleton, Closet Klezmer & Dev’lish Mary), Ruth has toured nationally and internationally (UK, Ireland and America), released eleven studio albums and made guest appearances on many more. 

Artists Ruth has recorded and performed with over the years include: Andy Irvine (Ireland – Planxty, Mozaik), Bruce Molsky (USA – Mozaik), Nancy Kerr & The Sweet Visitor Band (UK – BBC Folk Singer of the Year 2015), Luke Plumb (Shooglenifty), Nancy Kerr & James Fagan (AUS/UK), Rens Van der Zalm (Netherlands – Mozaik), James Keelaghan (Canada), Martyn Wyndham-Read (UK) and Bill Jackson (Australia).

Ruth began her solo journey in 2019, releasing Daisywheel, produced by acclaimed musician and composer Luke Plumb (Shooglenifty). The album was nominated for ‘Best Folk Album 2020’ at the Music Victoria Awards and has been described as “…compelling and intimately fierce” (Living Tradition – UK).
In 2021, Ruth was awarded ‘Solo Artist of the Year’ at the Australian Folk Music Awards, and supported by Sounds Australia as a participant in export program Global Music Match. She also represented Australia as an International Spotlight Showcase Artist at Folk Unlocked (Folk Alliance International).

Ruth is celebrating 30 years in music with a new album release, Heronbones (due out 29 September 2025). A darkfolk offering, Heronbones explores traditional and contemporary song and folkloric themes using a combination of sampling, sound design, electronic beats, electric guitar, banjo, drums and strings.

I love friends and family, I am a lot of fun and make friends easily.  I love life, love my family

Followers of Simone Dawson