Texas Honesty, Aussie Soil: “Outlaw Folk” Star Rachel Laven Announces Debut Australian Tour
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The spirit of the Texas Hill Country is heading Down Under. Rachel Laven, the San Antonio-born, Nashville-based powerhouse of “Outlaw Folk,” has officially announced her highly anticipated Australian tour. Kicking off on February 19th, the tour represents a significant milestone for an artist whose music is as expansive as the Texas sky and as intimate as a kitchen-table conversation.
For Laven, this isn’t just a run of shows; it’s a long-held dream. “I’ve wanted to visit Australia for a long time,” she shares. “I have family scattered all across the country and grew up obsessed with critters and creatures of all kinds. Part of my healing journey after some big life changes this past year is to do some of my bucket list travel.”
The Roots of an “Outlaw”
Laven’s sound didn’t happen by accident. It was forged in the rich, competitive musical landscape of Texas, shaped by the legendary songwriting traditions of Guy Clark and Susan Gibson, and infused with the grit of Brandi Carlile and Sheryl Crow.
Raised in a musical family, Laven was a prodigy of the craft. She penned her first song at age 10 and was already recording with her family’s band, The Lavens, by 13. This early immersion created a performer who is markedly sincere, assured, and soulful on stage—qualities that led her to win the prestigious New Folk Songwriting Competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival in 2016.
“Texas has always taught me that the best songs are honest ones,” says Laven. “If you can tell the truth and make someone feel less alone, then you’ve done your job.”
A Musical Cultural Exchange
Now based in Nashville and working on her third full-length album, Laven is eager to see how her stories resonate with Australian audiences. She notes the spiritual link between her home state and her tour destination: “I’ve heard the people are similar to Texans—rowdy and friendly. I look forward to the cultural exchange and exploring some of the beaches and national parks.”
From the intimate rooms of Sydney to the rugged beauty of Western Australia, Laven is bringing a setlist built on the success of her breakthrough album, Love & Luccheses, and a reputation as a compelling voice in contemporary Americana.
The Australian Tour Schedule
Brought to you by WestboundWA and SquareLemonArtists, here is where you can catch Rachel Laven this February and March:
New South Wales (NSW)
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Feb 19 (Thu): The Gasoline Pony, Marrickville @ 7:00 PM (with Vanessa Jade, Matt Tanks)
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Feb 20 (Fri): The Bootlegger Bar, Katoomba @ 7:00 PM [FREE ENTRY]
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Feb 21 (Sat): Fillmores, Kiama @ 7:00 PM (with Vanessa Jade)
Victoria (VIC)
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Feb 22 (Sun): Lulie Tavern, Abbotsford @ 6:00 PM [FREE ENTRY]
Western Australia (WA)
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Feb 25 (Wed): 459 Bar, North Perth @ 7:00 PM (with Vanessa Jade, Albert the Second)
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Feb 26 (Thu): Honky Tonk Blues, Fremantle @ 7:00 PM
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Feb 27 (Fri): Nannup Music Festival 2026 @ 7:00 PM
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Mar 4 (Wed): Songwriter’s Cafe, Fremantle @ 7:00 PM (with Adele Oliver, The Gray Brother, and Wanita)
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Mar 5 (Thu): Froth Brewing, Bunbury City Centre @ 7:00 PM
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Mar 6 (Fri): Wilson’s Brew House, Albany @ 7:00 PM
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Mar 7 (Sat): Deanmill Workers Club, Deanmill @ 7:00 PM
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Mar 8 (Sun): Mayanup Hall, Mayanup @ 12:00 PM (with Wanita, KWMG, Steve Joines, and Trevva)
What to Expect
Fans can expect a high-energy yet deeply personal performance. Whether she’s playing a rowdy tavern or a quiet songwriter’s café, Laven’s “Outlaw Folk” style bridges the gap between traditional storytelling and modern Americana. It’s music designed to be played loud, felt deeply, and shared among friends.
Put your dancing boots on—Texas is coming to town.