Brand-new indie folk duo Brandy Mallard is a refreshing return to the timeless craft of songwriting. By blending instrumental prowess with heart-on-sleeve lyricism, Alex Pringle and Rachel Collis create a sanctuary for anyone seeking honesty, melody, and genuine connection. Their songs tell stories that connect and comfort, offering a sound that feels like a warm hug.
The duo’s arrangements highlight the intuitive interplay between Pringle’s virtuosic, soulful violin and Collis’ piano, which shifts seamlessly from sensitive to lively. Their voices meet in close harmonies that evoke the classic troubadour spirit of the 1970s, drawing comparisons to the melodic warmth of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, or James Taylor.
The project is the natural evolution of a years-long creative partnership. Though both are classically trained musicians, they have found their true home in the "good old-fashioned" art of the song, trading the conservatory for a sound that is earthy, organic, and deeply moving. Having collaborated for years—including Pringle’s featured work on Collis’ solo albums—their musical chemistry is both effortless and profound.
Visit Rachel's website.
“…sheer genius […] the versatility and prodigy of Collis’ songwriting.” - Lloyd Bradford Syke
“Each song unfolds surprisingly…always holding the audience in its grip… touching, thoughtful, satirical, ironic and downright hilarious.” - Theatre People
"...refreshingly funny... beautiful piano and the sort of voice that would stop a show..." - Heckler Read
"Not only does [Rachel] possess a linguistic gift, but a profound talent for storytelling, structure (melody, harmony, rhythm) and orchestration. She's a one-off; an original. She's Stephen Sondheim, Groucho Marx and Blossom Dearie. She's the Tower of Pisa. The smile on the Mona Lisa. She's the top." - Australian Stage
"...sheer genius. Imagine the love-child of a ménage à trois between, mmm, I don't know, maybe Sondheim, Midler & Minchin. You're getting close to the unpredictable versatility and prodigy of Collis' songwriting." - Australian Stage
"For this consummate entertainer it is not a challenge to connect complete strangers in the audience with honest, unconventional and humane humour..." - Megaphone Oz
"...all ages will relate to Rachel's emotional life stripped bare..." - Sydney Fringe
"SOMETIMES two heads are better than one. So it proves for siblings Dan and Hannah Acfield.” - Noel Mengel, The Courier Mail
“Naturally charismatic performers.” - Jeremy Millar, Beat Magazine
“There’s no denying the power of their sibling harmony and they have a striking ear for song crafting and instrumental arrangement.” - Rhythm Magazine
