Born in 1960, Montreal native Wendy Matthews moved to Australia in the early ‘80s and spent the decade as a backup singer, touring and recording behind some of the country’s biggest acts (Glenn Shorrock, Icehouse), but her talent soon pushed her to the front of the stage. Matthews’ debut album, Emigré, came out in 1990 and earned the singer praise for her crystalline voice and multifaceted melodies. The record and the lush single “Token Angels” took top prizes at the ARIA Music Awards, propelling Matthews to fame. Her follow-up, 1992’s Lily, led by the piano-driven heartbreak anthem “The Day You Went Away", went double platinum and, decades on, still resonates with fans. Matthews’ ability to wring the emotion out of her ballads and soulful pop songs has helped win her new generations of fans over multiple studio and live releases, including 2013’s contemporary chanson album The Welcome Fire.