Canadian singer songwriter Tracy McNeil moved to Melbourne in 2007 with only her suitcase and her highly acclaimed debut album Room Where She Lives, just three short days after its release in Canada. Recorded in Toronto the album proved a classic debut, brimming with authentic country and roots songs born of a nation that has a long and distinguished history of producing such talented artists.

Moving to Melbourne was something of a risk, but it paid off almost immediately. Tracy worked hard, playing solo shows all across the formidable musical city that is Melbourne, gaining the respect of her peers and critics alike. Something of a masterstroke in hindsight started out in the most humble of ways when Tracy joined local singer songwriter Jordie Lane to form Fireside Bellows.

The release of No Time To Die, a stunning album on all fronts, came in 2008. Showcasing their obvious musical chemistry No Time To Die honours a mutual love for American roots music whilst staying true to the talents both artists have as individual musicians.

The album, and the duo, received rave reviews. After a sold out launch, Fireside Bellows hit the road, playing festivals including the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Brunswick Music Festival and Queenscliff, before supporting the Eileen Jewell Band and their heroes, Old Crow Medicine Show, at the Forum.

After that long and successful run with Fireside, Tracy has returned to her solo material with a pocket full of songs and a stellar band featuring Matt Green (electric/slide guitar, mandolin, BVs), Bree Hartley (drums, BVs) and Rod Boothroyd (double/electric bass, BVs) and the newest addition Luke Sinclair (keys, rhythm guitar, BVs). With three years passing since the release of Room Where She Lives, McNeil’s desire make a follow up record was nagging her.

In 2011, Tracy McNeil and her band headed into Tender Trap studios in Northcote to record what would become her critically acclaimed sophomore album Fire From Burning. Engineered by Roger Bergodaz (Fireside Bellows / No Time To Die) and mixed by himself and John Castle, the result is an album that gloriously stretches the boundaries of country-roots music and plays host to some of Melbourne’s finest musicians including: Stevie Hesketh, Luke Sinclair, Suzannah Espie, Garrett Costigan, Greg Field, Nadine Budge, Flora Smith and Liz Stringer.

The album was launched in June 2011 to a sold out crowd and soon followed by an Australian east-coast tour and supports for international artists Tony Joe White, Mary Gauthier, fellow Canadian’s Great Big Sea, and local sweethearts The Audreys. McNeil and her band have truly honed their sound. Playing with a subtlety of tone and shifting dynamics the band brings a raw energy to every show they play.