Biography
Charismatic, authentic and thoroughly entertaining, Lawrence Menard (USA) and Clare Quinn (AUS) are the transpacific-troubadours known as ‘Those Folk.’ Having met in Scotland in 2012, they have since travelled extensively and lived in the pine forest mountains of California. They now hang their travelling hats in Pomona, Queensland.
A partnership forged in the fires of folk music, Those Folk explore sounds from the 1960’s folk revival and contemporary Americana music. Breathtaking vocal harmonies are featured alongside rich instrumental work performed on guitars, mandolin, banjo and accordion. Lawrence & Clare are storytellers who make audience members feel like fast friends. As songwriters they delve into love, hope, belonging, and the human condition. As performers they enthral, enchant, and leave a lasting impression.
2024 saw the band release their ‘Life Inside a Box’ album, tour the UK, and perform headline town hall concerts across the East Coast of Australia. Recent performance highlights include the Woodford Folk Festival, Blue Mountains Music Festival, Yackandandah Folk Festival, Cobargo Folk Festival, Townsville Folk Festival, and The Gympie Music Muster.
Lawrence & Clare have been compared to the likes of Simon & Garfunkel and Gillian Welch & Dave Rawlings. Those Folk make not just folk music, but music for all sorts of folk.
Lawrence
Origin: Lafayette, Louisianna
Always a gentleman.
The rambling bluesman.
California raised.
Music Producer.
Record Collector.
Plays: Guitar/ Piano/ Accordion/ Mandolin/ Blues Harp/ Lap Steel Slide Guitar/ Banjo
Clare
Origin: Queensland, Australia
Passionate vocalist and endless entertainer.
Singing the song of her soul.
Plays: Guitar/ Banjo/ Drums/ Bass/ Piano/ Ukulele/ Harmonica/ Percussion
“Those Folk are one of the best live acts to come out of QLD in the past decade. Their performances are world class and I believe they have what it takes to become a household name in years to come! Clare and Lawrence have it, that magic you can’t teach. It’s their stories, their stunning songs and perfect harmonies and of course their love. Go see Those Folk and I promise that you won’t regret it!” - Andrea Kirwin
— Artistic Director of Peace Run Records and Event Programmer