Electronic Press Kit

"Magic Tortoise offer an original blend of folk and acoustic blues, combining storytelling with rich imagery, unique vocals, driving rhythms and an authentic style", Glenn Butcher (Recording Artist)

lighting in the trees

Bio

Magic Tortoise is an alt-folk duo that blends intricate fingerstyle guitar, rich harmonies, and unconventional song structures into a sound that is both delicate and powerful. Matt Cattanach and Bas Tijdhof bring an energy to the stage that reflects their deep joy in creating music together with an improvisational twist, making each performance a unique, immersive experience. Rooted in a profound connection to the natural world, their music invites listeners to pause, reflect, and deeply feel.

With two Festival of Original Music (FOOM) finals appearances (2020 & 2022) and a FOOM Lyric Category win in 2021, Magic Tortoise has established itself as a unique voice in South Australia’s original music scene. Their evocative show “Beyond the Trees”—a multi-sensory journey blending music, storytelling, and nature— was a sell out at Adelaide Fringe (2023) and entranced audiences at Nature Festival (2022) and Adelaide Fringe (2024).

Live, the duo creates a captivating experience, intertwining intricate guitar work and soaring harmonies, inviting audiences into a world where music and nature meet. Their unconventional chord arrangements and song structures bring a fresh perspective to folk traditions, resulting in an evocative, soul-stirring sound.

Passionate about sharing their nature-connected music in natural spaces, Magic Tortoise also loves collaborating across artistic disciplines and cultural divides, creating powerful multimedia performances that blur the boundaries between sound, sight, and story.

If you listen closely, you might hear echoes of Nick Drake, Radiohead, Neil Young and Iron & Wine, but at its heart, Magic Tortoise is something truly original!

"One of the features I particularly like about Magic Tortoise, besides the quirkiness of their tunes, is the interplay between the two guitarists. They have perfected the art of what Keith Richards calls the weave. It is hard to tell where one part starts and the other finishes as they are so aware and in tune with each other", Nigel Sweeting (Sound Engineer)

Press photos

"Magic Tortoise: whimsical ethereal melodies interwoven with an intricate filigree of acoustic guitars: Laurel Canyon tinged with seventies psychedelia and Americana. Enter their sonic world and feel the magic", Dr D (performer and songwriter).

Inquiries

Magic Tortoise are based in Adelaide, South Australia.

We love sharing our all-original alternative folk music with audiences large or small, near or far.

We have several hours of lovely tunes to suit your venue or event.

Full audio set-up available.

For bookings and enquiries contact:
Matt Cattanachsoul sti