Her expressive vocals and driving guitar rhythms are being compared to artists like Ani DiFranco, Fiona Apple or the young Janis Joplin.

Her exceptional voice moves from delicate whispers to explosive cries in a heartbeat, and inciting rousing sing-a-longs or spellbound silences. 

Now based in Berlin, in the last seven years she has played 600 shows in Europe and won two Irish music awards. Every performance is characterised by an almost startling passion, one that frequently leaves Bird breathless and her acoustic guitar strings shredded to pieces.

Her refreshingly honest, self-effacing manner has endeared her to audiences worldwide. Now with her new album, Home, Wallis is finally making her first ever appearance in Australia with a tour that includes Wauchope Arts Hall. 

She’s loved music all her life and describes her style as folk-soaked soul and she enjoys songwriting.

“I came out the womb whistling apparently. I play a right-handed guitar turned upside down and played like a left-hander. I use my baby finger to roll up and down a fair octave. It's very broad and open as well as being bass line heavy,” she says.

These days Wallis take time off at home to write, as that’s the most enjoyable way. But sometimes if an idea hits her, it's usually in her head, and she sings it out, tries to remember it or dictate it down, and waits till she gets home or gets to a comfortable space, and begin to flesh around on the instruments that feel right.

Life on the road used to be van, venue, hotel and van, but nowadays, Wallis finds that soul-destroying.

“We drive early, spend some time in the area we’re playing in, see something interesting, have a laugh and enjoy the journey and the place as much as possible.”

They also ask for local specialties, drinks and recipes so they can separate their dining experiences from other places. They find local jokes or sayings and learn a little fact about the town.

“The sorts of venues are completely varied. From a living room to a stadium, it's completely changeable, so I'm happy about that.

“Keeps us all alive in a way, as each environment sings back to you and affects the audience in its own way.

“We travel everywhere and anywhere. This life can take you strange and wonderful places!” says Wallis.

Tickets and information:  $25 full or $20 concession (Tickets at the door from 7.30pm). Online at Trybooking.com or wauchopearts.org.au/whatson