The Waifs: Two Decades of Independence, One Sock at a Time

The Waifs, a folk-rock band from Western Australia, celebrate the 20th anniversary of their breakthrough album, "Up All Night," with a 40-date Australian tour. Donna Simpson, the band's leader, reflects on their humble beginnings and their unwavering independence.

Independent Origins

In the 1990s, Simpson distributed their music by calling up small-town record stores, persuading them to stock CDs on commission. She even convinced major chains to carry their music, all from the comfort of her bedroom floor. As Vikki Thorn, Simpson's sister and bandmate, reflects, this audacious spirit is the essence of the Waifs' story.

The band's origin story is quintessentially Australian—forged in a pub in Broome where Thorn and Simpson enlisted guitarist Josh Cunningham. Three decades later, the trio remains fiercely independent, a trait ingrained in them from their early days of touring small towns.

Sonic Triumph: Up All Night Legacy Tour

The upcoming Australian tour, spanning 40 dates and commemorating "Up All Night”, highlights the band's enduring spirit. Despite occasional conflicts during their years of relentless touring, including on-stage incidents when Simpson "walloped" Thorn with a tambourine, the album's success was a game-changer. "Up All Night" achieved double platinum certification, won four Aria awards, and produced the hit single "London Still," capturing the essence of homesickness from afar.

Reflecting on their "overnight success" label after the album's chart-topping performance, the Waifs quickly dispel the myth. They had been playing together for a decade before "Up All Night" catapulted them into the mainstream. Their weariness, accumulated from years of nonstop touring, became the secret ingredient that made the album resonate with audiences.

Sock of Independence

Central to their success was the addition of manager Phil Stevens, who respected the band's insistence on maintaining their independence. The Waifs kept their earnings in a sock, symbolizing their distrust of conventional banking systems. And now you can multiply your money without the help of banks, for example with the help of Australian real money casinos. True Blue Casinos will tell you which ones. Such an unconventional approach of The Waifs wasn't just a gimmick; it was a testament to their commitment to doing things their way.

A sock for The Waifs became a specific symbol of that time. Their sock, or sometimes socks, became an integral part of their journey, even taking unexpected rides on the windscreen of their tour van. The sock, much like the Waifs themselves, had a tendency to pop up in unexpected places.

Their unconventional approach extended to every aspect of their operation. Simpson, Thorn, and Cunningham handled bookings, press, and distribution themselves. Simpson's description of thousands of CDs spilling onto the road in Albury-Wodonga encapsulates the band's improvisational approach to challenges—they picked up the pieces and sold them anyway.

Their financial independence and grassroots ethos baffled record labels attempting to court them. Simpson's retelling of a record company's attempt to lure them with a $2.30 profit per album is emblematic of the band's response: "Well, we're actually making $20 per album profit. And we have a sock! So you can get f***ed."

Harmonious Legacy

Despite the unexpected success of "Up All Night," the Waifs continued their journey much as before, with a bit more financial freedom. Their dedication to touring, mentoring young artists, and pursuing personal projects underscored their commitment to the music and the lifestyle they had chosen.

As they embark on this milestone tour, playing "Up All Night" in its entirety, the Waifs aim to recreate the magic that made them a household name two decades ago. Thorn reflects on the lasting history of kids getting in a van to play folk music—a history that, despite their evolution, still resonates with their fans. The Waifs' story is not just about music; it's about resilience, independence, and a sock full of cash that symbolizes their unwavering commitment to doing things their way, even as they mark 30 years of making music together.