Experience Matilda Sutherland’s raw blend of country storytelling and alt-rock grit as she performs her Cowgirl Manifesto EP live at Abbotsford Convent’s historic Oratory on Saturday, 7 November with Andrew Wilson, & CCTV

Making music that sits somewhere between country confessional and raw rock and roll, Matilda carries on the gritty storytelling tradition of Patti Smith, with the tenderness and stylings of Dolly Parton, PJ Harvey or Sharon Van Etten.

Hailing from coastal New South Wales, Matilda grew up surrounded by surf rock, folk, soul and 80s ballads before relocating to Melbourne in 2014. She began her musical career as a DJ under the moniker MTLDA, becoming a respected fixture of Melbourne's underground techno scene. When the pandemic ground nightlife to a halt, a beat-up old Yamaha acoustic guitar became the catalyst for a new creative chapter.

Since then, Matilda has steadily built a reputation as one of Melbourne's most compelling emerging singer-songwriters and live acts. Backed by a five-piece band, she moves between steel-soaked folk and distorted rock with ease, her lyricism and voice the constant.

Matilda Sutherland performs the entire Cowgirl Manifesto EP LIVE, including:

Joanne

Broke Dreams

Rodeo Queen

Silver Thorn

Wild Mustang

• more!

Merch + ticket bundles available - see details below

Tickets $35 on the door

The Oratory is one of the Convent’s most spectacular spaces. Featuring polished floorboards, patina walls, leadlight windows, a raised stage, proscenium arch and an adjoining green room, this beautiful hall is perfect for a variety of performances, rehearsals, and installations. The Oratory opens onto the Sacred Heart Courtyard and offers views of our Historic Oak tree.

The Oratory was once a daytime Chapel for the women and girls who lived in the Sacred Heart building. Girls rose around 5am, went to Mass in the Oratory, had breakfast and started their working day, which was punctuated with meals and more church services. The Oratory was used daily, except for Sundays, when girls attended the main church (now the Good Shepherd Chapel).

Refurbished in 2014, the Oratory now offers a creative multi-use space that is both elegant and worn. Like the rest of the Convent, the Oratory is a sensitive, heritage-listed venue. There are some inherent heritage requirements and limitations of use, which are incorporated into our Conditions of Hire to protect the space for future generations.

There will be a small run of Cowgirl Manifesto T-shirts! You can purchase yours in advance along with your ticket for a discount, and to ensure that I have your size.

T-shirts are white, and feature the Cowgirl Manifesto ep cover and title on the front (pictured below)

T-shirts are screen printed on white fabric by Redwood Press. I've chosen Gildan's soft style 100% cotton T-shirt for their super top quality and relaxed fit.

Size guide and mock-up below

This bundle is only available until the 14th of October, T-shirts will be $40 on the night