Description
Further Down the Road was recorded in the studios of Matt Fell, the latest album for The Water Runners features 12 songs in their unique and original style. With local stories including the Eureka Mine disaster and the Minnamurra massacre of 1818, as well as a songs of love and life, this album will not disappoint.
The Water Runners are an award-winning contemporary Australian folk band from Kiama and Gerringong on the South Coast of New South Wales (Dharawal Country). Known for their bluegrass-infused sound, strong songwriting, and engaging live shows, they craft music that celebrates Australian stories, people, and landscapes.
Awards & Recognition
The Water Runners have received widespread recognition for their songwriting and performances, including:
🏆 Tamworth Songwriters Association – Country Blues Award for “Viking” (2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival)
🏆 Capital Country Music Association National Songwriter of the Year for “Last Train from Central” (2026)
🏆 Australian Bush Balladeers Association – Music Excellence Award for their video “Shelter”, filmed at Jamberoo Pub and surrounds (2026)
🏆 Runners-Up, People’s Choice Award – Australian Folk Alliance / Folk Alliance Australia (2025)
🏆 Best Band & Runner-Up (Open Category) – Australian National Busking Championships, (2020)
Their song “Turn Down The Heat” was also selected by UNICEF to promote the State of the World’s Children Report, highlighting their impact beyond the stage.
Band Members & Story
John Littrich (guitar, vocals, harmonica) and Neil McCann (banjo, mandolin, backing vocals) have been writing and performing together for over 25 years. John has been playing music since forming his first band in Sydney at age 17, while Neil’s deep roots in traditional and bluegrass music include performing with Australian folk legends Wongawilli and being a founding member of the Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Society of Australia. Along with their good friend Paul McGee, they’ve collected multiple top awards from the Australian Songwriters Association. A career highlight came when UNICEF selected their song “Turn Down The Heat” to promote the State of the World’s Children report.
Dom Littrich (Pacific Avenue / Big Twisty/ The Inspired Unemployed) played percussion and vocals on the band’s first three albums and now joins for rare special performances, bringing energy and humour to the live show.
Danita Harris joined in 2017 on violin and vocals. She has performed with folk and roots bands including Strung6teen, and has also played with the Garth Brooks Tribute Show. Her versatility, warm tone, and dynamic stage presence bring a distinctive voice and instrumental depth to The Water Runners’ sound.
Clayton Condon was the band’s talented young double bassist until mid-2019, when he left to join the Army. James Turk, Gerringong’s own double-bass legend, then stepped in, continuing the band’s dynamic live sound.
Albums
The Water Runners have released four albums:
Heading South (2017) – self-produced debut, establishing their signature storytelling sound
The Point of No Return (2019) – produced by John Kane (Flying Emus)
Further Down the Road (2021) – produced by Matt Fell (ABC’s The Recording Studio)
Shelter (2025) – produced by Syd Green (ex-19Twenty, now drummer with Kasey Chambers)
