FOR two decades, Busby Marou have quietly become part of the soundtrack to Australian life.
Their songs have featured on road trips, heartbreaks, weddings, campfires and late-night pub sessions, all wrapped in a uniquely Australian sound built from Central Queensland roots, coastal storytelling and honest songwriting.
Now, as the beloved duo prepare to celebrate 20 years together with a new tour and independent music era, Tom Busby said the band has rediscovered something even more important than success, their voice.
For Busby, the biggest realisation over the past few years has been understanding the true impact the band’s music has had on people.
“When you’re in the thick of it, you’re always focused on what’s next – tickets, albums, touring, trying to stay afloat,” Busby said.
“But after stepping away for a bit and then coming back, we’ve been able to understand how important that music has been to people.
“Some songs helped people through heartbreak. Some became part of marriages, family moments or saying goodbye to loved ones.
“You can finally sit back and be proud of that.”
Formed in 2007 by Rockhampton locals Busby and Jeremy Marou, the duo never set out with grand ambitions of long-term fame.
Initially, Busby simply wanted help recording songs before heading off to travel.
Instead, he found an instant musical chemistry that changed both of their lives.
“I remember thinking, ‘I don’t want to go back to doing this on my own now’,” he said.
“The chemistry was instant. We liked the same things, we were both Rocky boys, and suddenly it became a team really quickly.”
That connection would become the foundation for a sound that blended folk, roots, country and acoustic pop while remaining unmistakably Australian.
Ironically, Busby revealed industry figures once warned the band they were “too Australian” to succeed.
Instead of changing, Busby Marou leaned harder into their identity.
Songs inspired by Central Queensland landscapes, regional life and authentic storytelling became exactly what audiences connected to most.
Busby credits Australian songwriting legends like Paul Kelly, John Farnham and fellow Queenslander Pete Murray for giving him confidence to embrace that storytelling style.
After years with major labels including Warner and Sony, Busby Marou are now entering what Busby describes as their most exciting chapter yet, complete independence.
“We’re excited because now it feels like a little indie cottage operation,” Busby said.
“We’ve got our families involved, we’re recording ourselves, bringing our community into it.
“There’s no outside noise telling us how we should sound anymore.”
The upcoming anniversary tour will be the first time the pair have reunited fully with their band in several years.
Busby Marou bring 20 Years, 20 Gigs tour to Racehorse Hotel on July 18, with tickets available through OzTix.
