KATIE HARDER

Katie Harder, a singer-songwriter based in Mparntwe/Alice Springs and mother of four, is known for her heartfelt, authentic, and soulful music. With a 20-year career that spans folk, roots, and alt-country, her sound resonates deeply, combining raw vulnerability with strength and humor. Her music explores life’s complexities—love, motherhood, and the quest for balance—set against the vivid backdrop of Australia’s red centre and lush southern landscapes. Her songs are deeply personal yet widely relatable, drawing listeners in with her disarming honesty and warm, intimate sound.   

Katie's musical journey began at the age of eight, writing songs and performing on her dad's truck with a tennis racquet in hand. Over the years, her sound has evolved, inspired by Australian artists such as Paul Kelly, The Waifs, and Missy Higgins. Her songwriting is marked by a joyful rawness that encourages listeners to embrace life in all its messiness and beauty. 

Her career highlights include performing alongside artists like Clare Bowditch and Warren H. Williams, touring the Northern Territory with her band, The Artful Dodgers, and supporting acts like The Waifs, Ash Grunwald, and Jeff Lang. She has been shortlisted in the Australian Songwriting Awards and has performed at renowned festivals such as Wide Open Space, Darwin Festival, and Desert Song Festival. 

In 2023, Katie collaborated with the Mparntwe String Band and Folk Song Collective, reworking her beloved song ‘Muddy Brown’. She also co-wrote ‘100 Miles Down the Track’ with Dave Garnham, a song that poignantly tells the story of the Coniston Massacres as part of the Stuart Hwy Project Part 2. 

Katie has released three EPs and two albums, with her most recent EP, ‘Beloved’, recorded live while pregnant. In 2021, she released her single ‘Sing it Out’ through Sing Hum Records, a powerful anthem calling for healing and resilience in the face of global challenges. 

As she gears up to release her new self-produced and engineered album in 2024/25, Katie continues to evolve her sound, offering music that is both soothing and stirring. Keep an eye on this dynamic artist as she embarks on her next chapter.