Brisbane’s SUNFLOWER is the band that hugs you back.

A combination of soul, blues and velvety vocals sending all the warm and fuzzies through your stereo.The recently formed duo made up of Kahlia Ferguson (The Fergies) and Lawson Doyle (Port Royal) have had a busy 2020, playing their debut SOLD-OUT Melbourne show earlier this year, followed by performances at St. Kilda Festival, Mordialloc Festival, and Knox Festival in Victoria, as well as a hometown debut at Brisbane’s Beerfest.

In March, SUNFLOWER were set play our Brisbane Rock & Roll Circus. When we decided to post-pone due to COVID, the pair took things online and performed their incredible cover of “Gimme Shelter.” Being pretty tragic Stones fans, we hit them up to see what other great, classic bands they love. Judging by their answers, we reckon this could be the start of a great friendship. Check it out:

JJ Cale - Naturally (Kahlia's Pick)

The first time I heard JJ Cale I listened to nothing else for a week. I was obsessed. He’s the coolest. I just love how laid-back this album is. It’s the perfect road trip album and there’s not a song on it I don’t love.

Oasis - (What’s The Story) Morning Glory (Lawson's Pick)

Wow, um, where do you start, words don’t do this album justice. Perfection start to finish. The only album I can listen to in full without skipping a track. An album full of life, the love of it and the ins and outs of everything good and bad. An album for the people, the underclass, the working man, an album for getting the job done and one that keeps you alive when you’re coming down. It’s gotten me through the worst of grief and helped me achieve my highest highs. It will forever be an integral part of my identity and is the reason I wanted to start a band.

Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now (Kahlia's Pick)

This album breaks my heart everytime I hear it. I love everything about it from the album artwork featuring a gorgeous painting of Joni smoking a cigarette and drinking a glass of red wine, to the classic romantic orchestral arrangements.

The Rolling Stones - Exile on Main Street (Lawson's Pick)

Sex, drugs, rock and roll all in double LP of pure magic. The Stones were arguably at their highest point when this came about (in more ways than one) and it really shows in the songwriting craft and pure energy behind this record. It’s brilliant, it’s sexy, it gets you in the mood and even better it’s only 3 chords used in the most cleverest of combinations all throughout. Track highlights include ‘Rocks Off’, an absolute party starter to get the blood flowing, ‘Loving Cup’ is a romantic taste hip swayer with pure Keith Richards rock & roll edge and ‘Shine A Light’ a somber ode to the late Brian Jones.

Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong - Ella & Louis (Kahlia and Lawson's Pick)

This album is so nostalgic for me as it soundtracked a lot of my childhood. It was to go-to album for a dinner party or a lazy Sunday afternoon. Ella and Louis captured something truly special. It sounds like falling in love.

Listen to SUNFLOWER’s latest single “Better Days” via Spotify now.