Jen Cloher

Career

Originally from Adelaide, Cloher moved to Sydney and studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). Whilst studying, Cloher lived in a share house with several musicians, which is when she bought her first second-hand guitar, and started to write songs. In 1994, Cloher graduated NIDA at the age of 21.

After NIDA, Cloher performed in Andrew Bovell's After Dinner and performed in it at the Edinburgh Festival. Upon returning to Australia, Cloher continued to pursue her music career.

In the late 1990s, Cloher collaborated with Sydney collective Bonepeople on the track "Looking for More".

In 2001, Cloher relocated to Melbourne. Later that year, she released her debut EP titled, Movement Involves Danger, on Regency Records. Cloher then released the EP Permanent Marker via Shiny Records in 2005. The single, "Rain", was played on Triple J.

In 2006, Cloher's debut album Dead Wood Falls was released. It was credited to Jen Cloher and the Endless Sea, a collective of musicians. Its lineup originally included drummer Jen Sholakis, bassist "Lord" Geoffrey Dunbar, guitarist Michael Hubbard, pianist Ross Calia and violinist Andrea Summer. Cloher herself was nominated for ARIA Award for Best Female Artist at the ARIA Music Awards of 2006.

In 2009, Cloher's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Cloher found songwriting a way of expressing herself. This led to the writing and creation of Cloher's second album, Hidden Hands. The album included the single "Eden with My Eve". Calia and Sumner were replaced by Laura Jean and Biddy Connor, respectively; Tiny Ruins guitarist Tom Healy was also added to the line-up. Following a solo tour with Jordie Lane, Cloher took an extended hiatus from music.

In 2012, Cloher re-emerged and signed with Milk! Records, a label created by Cloher's partner Courtney Barnett the same year. Cloher released a duet with former Kid Sam frontman Kieran Ryan, titled "Call If You Need Me". It was included on the EP Baby We Were Born to Die.

Cloher recorded an album at Melbourne's Headgap Studios. Her backing band included lead guitarist Barnett, bassist Bones Sloane and drummer Sholakis. In October 2012, Cloher released "Mount Beauty", the lead single from her then-yet-to-be-titled third studio album. It was released as a limited-edition split seven-inch, with the flipside containing Courtney Barnett's song "History Eraser". To support the album's release, Cloher began a crowdfunding campaign with a target of $15,000, which she exceeded. In Blood Memory was released in May 2013 and was shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize.

In August 2013 Cloher collaborated with Mia Dyson and Liz Stringer and formed Dyson Stringer Cloher. The trio released an EP which featured an individual track from each musician. They then took on the road, playing over 40 shows around the country.

In January 2014, Cloher won a Victorian Music Management Award.

In June 2014, Cloher released "Stone Age Brain" featuring Tim Rogers. The B-side of the CD single was a cover of The Loved Ones' "Sad Dark Eyes".

In September 2015, Cloher contributed two tracks for the Milk! Records compilation titled Good for You, released in February 2016. The album featured songs from Cloher, Courtney Barnett, The Finks, Ouch My Face, East Brunswick All Girls Choir and Fraser A. Gorman. The EP was supported with a national tour featuring all six artists.

Later that year, Dead Wood Falls was released on vinyl for the very first time in celebration of its 10-year anniversary. The release was supported by a reunion show of the original line-up of Jen Cloher and The Endless Sea in October 2016.

In August 2017, Cloher released her self-titled album. The album was preceded by the singles "Forgot Myself" and "Regional Echo" and debuted at number 5 on the ARIA charts. The album received five star reviews from The Herald Sun, The Guardian and The Independent and was voted Double J's Album of the Year for 2017. The album was shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize.

In December 2017, it was announced that Cloher would be one of the guest judges for Happy Mag's 'Needle in the Hay' vinyl competition.

In 2018, Cloher toured the United States, Europe and Australia.

In 2019, Cloher reunited with Dyson and Stringer. The trio recorded a self-titled album in eight days at The Loft in Chicago in April 2019, which was released in October 2019 and toured nationally.

In March 2023, Cloher released her fifth studio album, I Am the River, the River Is Me.

Personal life

Cloher is of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Kahu descent through her mother. Cloher uses she/her and they/them pronouns and identifies as Takatāpui and non-binary.

Cloher was in a relationship with Courtney Barnett from 2012 to 2018. Cloher's relationship with Barnett informed much of her 2017 self-titled album. They have sung several songs together, including "Numbers", a song about their relationship and their age difference—Cloher is 14 years older.

Cloher was cousins with New Zealand singer, Margaret Urlich who died in 2022.

Backing band members

Jen Cloher Band

Final line-up

• Jen Sholakis – drums, backing vocals (2012–2024)
• Robert Wrigley – lead guitar (2018–2024)
• Nathalie Pavlovic – bass, backing vocals (2022–2024)
• Anika Ostendorf – keyboards, rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2022–2024)

Former members

• Courtney Barnett – lead guitar, backing vocals (2012–2018)
• Bones Sloane – bass, backing vocals (2012–2018)
• Ricky Bradbeer – bass, backing vocals (2018–2022)

The Endless Sea

• Jen Sholakis – drums (2006–2010, 2016)
• Michael Hubbard – lead guitar (2006–2010, 2016)
• "Lord" Geoffrey Dunbar – bass (2006–2010, 2016)
• Ross Calia – piano (2006–2008, 2016)
• Andrea Summer – violin, backing vocals (2006–2008, 2016)
• Laura Jean – piano, backing vocals (2008–2010)
• Biddy Connor – violin, musical saw, backing vocals (2008–2010)
• Tom Healy – guitar (2008–2010)

Discography

Studio albums

Compilations

Extended plays

Singles

Awards

AIR Awards

The Australian Independent Record Awards is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector. ! Ref. |- | 2006 | herself | Most Outstanding New Independent Artist | | |- | herself | Best Independent Artist | |- | Jen Cloher | Best Independent Album | |- | 2020 | Dyson Stringer Cloher (as Dyson Stringer Cloher) | Best Independent Blues and Roots Album or EP | | |- | 2023 | "Mana Takatāpui" | Independent Song of the Year | | |- | Independent Album of the Year | |- | Jessia Searle – Jen Cloher - I Am The River, The River Is Me | Independent Publicity Team of the Year |

APRA Awards

The APRA Awards are presented annually from 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), "honouring composers and songwriters".

! Ref. |- ! scope="row" rowspan="1"| 2018 | "Forgot Myself" | Song of the Year | | |- ! scope="row" rowspan="1"| 2024 | Song of the Year | |

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music. Cloher has been nominated for two awards.

! Ref. |- | 2006 | Dead Wood Falls | Best Female Artist | | |- | 2023 | I Am the River, the River Is Me | Best Solo Artist | | |-

Australian Music Prize

The Australian Music Prize (the AMP) is an annual award of $30,000 given to an Australian band or solo artist in recognition of the merit of an album released during the year of award. The commenced in 2005. |- | 2013 | In Bloody Memory | |- | 2017 | Jen Cloher | |- | 2023 | I Am the River, the River Is Me | |-

Australian Women in Music Awards

The Australian Women in Music Awards is an annual event that celebrates outstanding women in the Australian Music Industry who have made significant and lasting contributions in their chosen field. They commenced in 2018.

|- | 2018 | Jen Cloher | Music Leadership Award |

Environmental Music Prize

The Environmental Music Prize is a quest to find a theme song to inspire action on climate and conservation. It commenced in 2022. ! Ref. |- | 2023 | "Being Human" | Environmental Music Prize | | |-

J Awards

The J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J. They commenced in 2005. ! Ref. |- | 2017 | Jen Cloher | Double J Artist of the Year | | |- | 2023 | Jen Cloher | Double J Artist of the Year | |

Music Victoria Awards

The Music Victoria Awards is an annual awards ceremony celebrating Victorian music. Cloher has won one award form five nominations.

! Ref. |- | 2013 | herself | Best Female Artist | |- | 2014 | herself | Best Female Artist | |- | Jen Cloher | Best Album | |- | herself | Best Female Artist | |- | 2020 | herself | Best Musician | | |- | I Am the River, the River Is Me | Best Album | |- | herself | Best Solo Artist |

National Live Music Awards

The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) are a broad recognition of Australia's diverse live industry, celebrating the success of the Australian live scene. The awards commenced in 2016. ! Ref. |- | 2018 | Jen Cloher | Live Guitarist of the Year | | |-

Notes

References

References

1. Gillespie, Katherine. (9 March 2018). "Jen Cloher's Got Famous the Slow Way". Noisey.
2. (16 March 2018). "Interview with Jen Cloher".
3. (2017). "Jen Cloher The Files".
4. (2013). "Bonepeople feat. Jen Cloher Looking for More".
5. (17 March 2016). "Jen Cloher, musician".
6. "Dyson, Stringer & Cloher".
7. (January 2014). "Jen Cloher Wins Victorian Music Management Award ♫ Latest news at".
8. (15 December 2017). "Happy Presents: Needle in the Hay The 7" Singles Edition".
9. (28 October 2017). "Get to know Jen Cloher, Courtney Barnett's jealous better half".
10. "Dyson Stringer Cloher".
11. (9 November 2022). "Jen Cloher Announces new album I Am the River, the River Is Me".
12. Husband, Dale. (2022-11-08). "Jen Cloher {{!}} NZ Singer, Song Writer".
13. "Jen Cloher".
14. "Jen Cloher".
15. Stafford, Andrew. (2023-03-02). "'I can be part of the conversation': singer-songwriter Jen Cloher on embracing their Māori heritage". The Guardian.
16. "Listen Music, Death and Memory Jen Cloher and Jo Syme in Conversation Control".
17. (15 March 2018). "Jen Cloher Happy wife X-Press".
18. Salmon, Ben. (24 January 2017). "Jen Cloher Doesn't Mince Words". The Stranger.
19. (30 January 2015). "Indie singer Courtney Barnett's reluctant date with global domination". [[Sydney Morning Herald]].
20. https://www.facebook.com/JenCloherOfficial/posts/my-beautiful-cousin-margaret-urlich-bottom-right-left-us-on-monday-at-the-age-of/602794308070992/ {{Bare URL inline. (August 2025)
21. (13 March 2023). "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". [[Australian Recording Industry Association]].
22. (September 2013). "Dyson, Stringer & Cloher".
23. (28 July 2018). "Live at the Loft and Loews (EP)".
24. (22 August 2018). "Jen Cloher on Audiotree Live (EP)".
25. (May 2012). "Call If You Need Me - single".
26. (28 October 2012). "Mount Beauty - single".
27. (November 2013). "Jen Cloher Hold My Hand (Official Video)".
28. (August 2014). "Stone Age Brain - single".
29. (June 2014). "Stone Age Brain".
30. (June 2017). "Jen Cloher - Forgot Myself".
31. (July 2017). "Jen Cloher - Regional Echo".
32. (October 2017). "Jen Cloher - Strong Woman".
33. (July 2019). "Falling Clouds- single".
34. (29 July 2020). "Hear Hachiku remix Jen Cloher's 'Sensory Memory'".
35. (July 2021). "Listen to Jen Cloher and Hachiku's cover of The Raincoats' 'Fairytale in the Supermarket'.".
36. (30 November 2022). "Jen Cloher shares "earnest, basic and raw" new single 'Being Human'".
37. (1 February 2023). "Jen Cloher shares new single 'My Witch' with video featuring Georgia Maq, Alice Skye and more".
38. (3 March 2023). "REVIEW: JEN CLOHER'S 'I AM THE RIVER, THE RIVER IS ME' IS AN ALBUM OF STARTLING BEAUTY".
39. (31 May 2024). "Annabelle".
40. "History Wins".
41. (17 April 2018). "2018 AIR Awards Nominees".
42. "History Wins".
43. (7 July 2020). "2020 AIR Awards Nominees".
44. (1 October 2020). "That's a wrap: 2020 AIR Awards winners and celebrations".
45. (31 May 2023). "Nominees Announced for the Australian Independent Music Awards 2023".
46. (4 August 2023). "King Stingray and Genesis Owusu Win Big at 2023 AIR Awards".
47. (14 May 2024). "2024 AIR Awards Nominees: Genesis Owusu, Cub Sport, RVG, Teen Jesus & More".
48. "APRA History". [[Australasian Performing Right Association]] (APRA) | [[Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society]] (AMCOS).
49. (January 2018). "Meet the contenders for the 2018 APRA Song Of The Year".
50. (22 February 2024). "G Flip, Genesis Owusu, RVG & More Shortlisted For 2024 APRA Song Of The Year".
51. "ARIA Awards Search Results - Jen Cloher". ARIA Awards.
52. (21 September 2023). "Nominees Announced for 2023 ARIA Awards".
53. "Winners & Shortlists".
54. (2017). "Australian Music Prize".
55. Brandle, Lars. (28 November 2023). "Troye Sivan Shortlisted for 2023 Australian Music Prize".
56. (October 2018). "2018 Recipients Finalists".
57. (May 2022). "Environmental Music Prize Searches for Green Theme Song".
58. (26 April 2023). "Environmental Music Prize 2023 Finalists".
59. (13 June 2023). "Xavier Rudd Wins 2023's Environmental Music Prize".
60. (2017). "The J Award 2017". [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]].
61. (1 November 2023). "Check out all the nominees for the 2023 J Awards".
62. "Previous Nominees".
63. "Previous Winners".
64. (9 October 2020). "Industry Awards Winners And Hall Of Fame Inductees Revealed + 2020 Music Victoria Awards Nominees Announced With Public Voting Now Open!".
65. (10 December 2020). "Sampa The Great Walks Off With a Stack of Music Victoria Awards".
66. (14 September 2023). "Nominees, Hall of Fame Inductees Announced for 2023 Music Victoria Awards".
67. (31 October 2023). "All the Winners of the 2023 Music Victoria Awards: Julia Jacklin, Immy Owusu, Cable Ties + More".
68. (2 October 2018). "NLMA announce 2018 nominees and Live legend".
69. (December 2018). "Winners of the 2018 NLMA".