The Distant South weave tales from life’s rich tapestry, into melody and harmony-soaked songs, brought to life through a rich blend of guitar, banjo, double bass, lap steel, mandolin, and drums. 

Led by Singer, songwriter and storyteller Nick Howells, The Distant South’ songs lean heavily on experiences from Nick’s unconventional upbringing - and his struggles as an adult dealing with the contrasting worlds of a career in the corporate world and being a musician at heart. From being born to an engineer and folk singer parents, to living in a series of share farms and communities, going to school in Nimbin in the late 70’s - moving to colonial Hong Kong complete with high rise living and a formal British education - Nick’s childhood was anything but traditional. The seemingly constant juxtaposition in Nick’s childhood and adult life have provided fertile grounds for song writing content - and his lifelong love of acoustic singer/songwriters with a leaning to the alternative side of Country - led to the formation of The Distant South with long-time musical collaborator, Brad Partridge. The band incorporates some of Melbourne’s finest musicians including Renee Bufton, Pete Reno, John Otis and Tim Cav.