“The singing Scotsman from Melbourne”

Growing up on the remote, windswept Shetland Islands in the far northern reaches of Scotland, Duncan Phillips spent much of his childhood gazing out across the vast ocean horizon, imagining what lay beyond. At just eight years old, he picked up a guitar and gradually discovered a deep love for Americana and country rock, beginning a musical journey shaped by the sounds of Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, and Townes Van Zandt.

This exploration eventually led him halfway across the world to the shores of Port Phillip Bay, where he became a mainstay in the Naarm/Melbourne alt-country scene. There, Duncan built a solid reputation as a thoughtful, passionate songwriter and engaging performer. He has supported legendary artists including Steve Earle and the late Justin Townes Earle, while garnering attention from key tastemakers such as Melbourne’s 3RRR and PBS, Sydney’s 2SER, and national platform JJJ Unearthed.

His 2023 album Home on a Saturday Night earned high praise from acclaimed music journalist and radio DJ Stuart Coupe, who hailed it as a diverse and powerful collection of poignant, hook-filled songs that explore the timeless themes of life, love, learning, and loss.

A regular performer at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival, Duncan has toured nationally with Copperline, hosted tribute nights celebrating the music of Gram Parsons, and collaborated with a range of notable Australian musicians. His live shows are marked by sincerity, rich storytelling, and a voice that bridges the great distance between the Shetlands and Australia.

“You don’t necessarily have to be an alt country music fan to enjoy Duncan’s music, as it crosses a few genres, and in the end it is just damn fine music”

“Duncan always has a dose of home truths to deliver and he does it with style”

Cowgirl Up