2025 has been an insane year for up-and-comer Piper Butcher.
Inspired by artists like Chris Stapleton and Stevie Nicks, Butcher’s ability to command an audience has earned her a devoted following, even more so after embarking on her first national tour as the opener for ARIA-nominated, Golden Guitar-winning country artist Brad Cox in March.
She has then gone on to work with another icon of Australian country music, Kasey Chambers, on her latest single “Start of Something”.
The track leads Butcher’s second EP of the same name, available exclusively via Bandcamp, which was born from a collaborative, organic process. The team — Butcher, Chambers, and Brandon Dodd at The Rabbit Hole Recording Studios — recorded three tracks live in a single day, bringing fresh energy and spontaneous creativity to the project.
We caught up with the rising star as part of our Up-And-Coming Australian Artists series, supported by Mentos, to find out more about their blossoming career and finding success in the music industry.
Piper Butcher’s EP “Start of Something” is out now.
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Rolling Stone AU/NZ: How much did music influence you in your early life?
Piper Butcher: Music has always been a part of me. From the headphones on my mum’s pregnant belly, and singing “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac at 18 months old, to vocal recitals and piano lessons galore. There wasn’t a day that I didn’t listen to music or sing as a kid. I always took part in my primary school choirs and band; trying to learn every instrument possible just so I could be included.
What artists influenced you growing up?
Foo Fighters were the band that inspired me to pick up a guitar. But artists like John Mayer, Paolo Nutini, Fleetwood Mac, Pete Murray and Phil Collins. Between all of these artists — their musicianship and lyricism is so starkly unique. While I was growing up of course, I never really thought about those things… I only responded to the fact that it’s great music! In my early teens I loved Eminem, Coldplay, Bruno Mars and Adele.
What are some career highlights so far?
Performing at Americanafest in Nashville this year was such a surreal moment (thank you Sounds Australia)! As well as this, being onstage to sing “Fall at Your Feet” with Boy & Bear at Sydney State Theatre for the Harlequin Dream album anniversary tour was a full circle moment, being named the 2024 Young Achiever of The Year from the Country Music Association of Australia, and winning a Wild Turkey Music 101 Mentorship Program to support Killing Heidi this year are amongst some of my favourite highlights.
Tell us about your latest album/EP.
My latest EP project is called Start of Something. I recorded this at Rabbit Hole Recording Studios, and it was co-produced by Brandon Dodd and THE Kasey Chambers. This release is really different to everything else I’ve been working on this year. I released the title track worldwide with a really fun music video, but the other two tracks are exclusively available via the physical CD only.
These songs are recorded with a live band, and focus on raw story. The lead single “Start of Something” surrounds author Susan Francis and her life story about reconnecting with her birth parents, to experiencing the loss of her husband and learning about the life he had before they’d met — including his manslaughter charge and life in his home country of Papua New Guinea.
I felt so grateful to work with these beautiful people and create such a unique project!
What kind of personality traits and values do you believe it takes to succeed in the music industry?
The one thing that really stands out for me, is that you need to have an excellent work ethic. Alongside this, I feel that you need perseverance, an open mind to learn new things, a lot of self belief, patience and a truck load of kindness. That last quality is important – because you never know who you’re in a room with, or what they’re going through. Whether it turns into a new musical connection, or a lifelong fan…it always pays to be polite!
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How would you describe your music to a potential fan?
To any new fans, my music is a blend between Fleetwood Mac, Kasey Musgraves, and Brad Cox. I love combining dreamy guitars, groovy drums and a harmony or two, so there’s more to sing along with. When I perform live, I love channeling artists like Sheryl Crow and Chris Stapleton that sing from the soul and I always make sure to have a bit of fun with some jokes and stories.
I think my music is for the confident karaoke singers, the ugly laughers, the self taught dancers and the people that are learning to love themselves- warts and all. The people that aren’t afraid to be themselves, because that’s the most beautiful thing you can do!
What are your goals for 2025 and beyond?
I want to tour with my band and step up into playing on festivals, collaborate with more artists around Australia, and create a bigger team around me to help facilitate my crazy big dreams. I love being independent and the opportunities that I’ve received this way, but I cannot wait to join forces with management and more to take over the world! I’m also really excited to release some new tunes, and get back to America and write some more.
Most importantly, I can’t wait to grow my community and connect with people everywhere through the universal language of music.
