Tonight indie folk outfit The Paper Kites kick off their North American Headline Tour behind their seventh studio album, If You Go There, I Hope You Find It, which dropped this January via Nettwerk. And one week from today, May 8th, the Australian quintet, longtime phriends of PHILTHY MAG, will be playing their biggest headlining show ever in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection when they stop at Theatre of Living Arts. I recently got to catch up with The Paper Kites (who I last connected with in 2023 while chatting with drummer Josh Bentley, who told me about LP #6, At The Roadhouse, prior to bringing it to World Café Live) when I spoke with guitarist David Powys about local memories, the new album, and being on the road.
Izzy Cihak: I’ve interviewed the band a lot over the years, but I feel like it’s been a while since we’ve talked about Philadelphia experiences… Do you have any particularly vivid memories of the city? You’ve played here a ton, from shows at Johnny Brenda’s to World Café Live to MilkBoy to Underground Arts and The First Unitarian Church…
David Powys: I love Philly. Great memories over the years. I was listening to The Roots a lot around the time we first visited, which always feels great listening to bands in their hometown. I stumbled upon DiPinto Guitars and only later realised what a legend Chris DiPinto is. Also discovered Tommy Dinic’s on that first trip!
I did celebrate my 25th birthday the year we played at World Cafe live – The band gave me a pickle in a bag.
Izzy: You recently released If You Go There, I Hope You Find It, your seventh studio album (which seems crazy!), which you’ve said feels kind of like a return to your roots of working together as a young band. How you would characterize the kind of evolution of your process or working relationship over the past almost two decades?
David: We’ve made a lot of music over the years and the process for each album has been different. But, for the most part, Sam will write the lion’s share of songs and skeletons. As a band, we work together on arranging and producing. On this album the vision was not so clear. We returned to the drawing board after a big album cycle and wanted to make something without great ambition. Just something that felt honest and true. We started from there and collaborated more than we have to date. It was such a fulfilling time in the studio seeing the vision reveal itself. An album we are very proud of.
Izzy: You just took the album on a tour of the UK and Europe in the year’s first quarter. What were some of the highlights or standout moments of those dates?
David: Playing at The Roundhouse in London was a huge moment. London has always been kind to us, and this was no exception. We also finished the tour with a show at the Esplanade Concert Hall in Singapore. This was an all-round highlight as many of us are crazy for southeast Asian street food.
Izzy: This is sort of related, but have you had any favorite reactions to the new material?
David: It was crazy to see people at shows in Europe and the UK singing along to songs from the new album. It gives you a feeling that these songs are sinking in for our fans.
Izzy: I love that each band member is individually featured in the official music video for each of the album’s singles, so I’m curious if you’re a big fan of film yourself and if you have any particular favorite films, filmmakers, or film movements?
David: Yeh that was a fun mistake really. We had the first two ideas and then our manager suggested, “Hey, film everyone!” which we said no to… and then realised we had no better ideas. I do love film, however these days my priorities as a Dad lend more to knowing what Disney, Pixar and Dreamworks films I love most. And, hands down, it will always be WALL-E.
Izzy: What can be expected of the live show on your North American tour? I’m almost positive that Theatre of Living Arts will make for your biggest headlining show in Philadelphia yet (and kind of by a lot… if 350 is a lot…)
David: Looking forward to that! Expect quiet sad songs and loud sad songs. Maybe even a guitar solo. We’re so thankful for our fans and want to create an experience in which they can connect to the songs they love.
Izzy: Considering that you have such a relatively massive catalogue at this point, I’m curious how you decide upon what songs to bring out for any given tour. Is it primarily based on what you feel like best fits with the new album, what fans most care about, what you’re all particularly feeling, or some combination of things?
David: Exactly that. It’s a combination of all those things. Even the room will dictate what song gets swapped out. But I think a good set should feel like a journey, with no detours. Just rich moments of colour and feeling.
Izzy: You’re going to be on the road with Donovan Woods, who I also dig and who I got to chat with a few years ago. What are your thoughts on him and his music?
David: Donovan Woods is such a legend. Such a tasteful songwriter. Really looking forward to hearing him each night.
Izzy: You’ve been touring extensively for the better part of two decades now. What are some of the biggest differences between how you approach touring and life on the road now compared to the early years? I’m guessing you’ve learned a lot from all of those experiences…
David: And I’m still learning! I bring my own pillow and go to bed right after the show now. Early years were very different. Rough, character-building stuff, you know the drill. Van touring, long drives, shared cheap hotel rooms, bad food and stanky green rooms. Nowadays, we have a budget for crew and an amazing team who make it all sustainable for us to be away from our families and put on some great shows. Couldn’t be more thankful.
Izzy: Finally, what do you have planned for after these North American dates wrap at the end of May? Is there anything you’re especially excited about in the second-half-ish of 2026?
David: Just writing at this stage, possibly some more touring later in the year.
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