"The first time we met was at Woodford when I was volunteering... and then getting to open for you a few weeks ago was very, very special."

In this ep' Harley brings together two artists whose paths crossed in the most beautiful way. Rhi (Merpire) was playing at Woodford last year and Tessa Fleur was volunteering in the production team. Fast forward to earlier this year and Tessa opened for Rhi at her show in Brisbane.

The three dive into the beauty of mentorship over competition, why Melbourne isn't the only place for great music (Queensland punches way above its weight), the economics of being an artist in 2025, and how community support is the only thing keeping the whole creative ecosystem alive.

Rhi shares why she's taking a break to figure out music's role in her life, Tessa drops some massive news about Berlin and upcoming releases, and they both talk about a curious Q&A format on stage that breaks down the fourth wall and builds real connection with artists and their audience.

Also: horny songs, hot water bottle sausage dogs, the Woodford Lettering House, and why short toilet lines are an underrated festival flex.

Dive in to hear about why:

• Putting out Instagram callouts for support acts can build genuine community.
• Queensland artists work their butts off to prove themselves to Sydney and Melbourne and it shows.
• Mentorship goes both ways.
• Taking breaks from the hustle isn't weakness.
• Volunteering backstage at festivals can literally change your career trajectory.
• Community over competition isn't just a nice phrase, it's how artists survive.
• Mum's love coming to Woodford

FOR MORE:

Merpire: https://www.merpiremusic.com/

Tessa Fleur: https://www.instagram.com/tessa__fleur

Harley: https://www.harleybreen.com.au/

Come to the Woodford Folk Festival: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

CREDITS:

Host: Harley Breen

Guests: Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt (Merpire) & Tessa Fleur

Producer: Benny Wallington

Executive Producers: Cameron Scurrah & Bree Hickson-Jameison

Video Production: Coeur Visual

Audio mastering: Kieron Atkinson

Music by: The East Pointers

#RadioWoodfordia #WoodfordFolkFestival #Merpire #TessaFleur #QueenslandMusic #MusicCommunity #ArtistMentorship #BrisbaneMusic #HarleyBreen #FestivalConnections #Woodfordia #SupportLocalArtists #IndieMusic

Join the Woodfordian Citizens:

Perks -

- Bi-Monthly emails sharing the ins and outs of the world of Woodfordia and the people who keep the heart beating.

- Special invites to special events on site at Woodfordia. Super special.

- Bonus podcast content

- Early early bird access to Woodford Folk Festival tickets

- Early access to workshop bookings at Woodford Folk Festival

Visit: woodfordia.org/woodfordia/become-a-citizen

More information at www.woodfordia.org

For the festival: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

For Harley: https://www.harleybreen.com.au/

Credits:

Host: Harley Breen

Producer: Benny Wallington

Executive Producers: Cameron Scurrah & Bree Hickson-Jameison

Audio mastering: Kieron Atkinson

Music by: The East Pointers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.