Step into the world of HAZEL & The Thief, where Australian storytelling meets the raw energy of 90s rock, all filtered through a unique alt-country lens.

CHAT SESSION 107 with Heidi, also known as  HAZEL & The Thief

Topic- HAZEL & The Thief's live shows are renowned for their dynamic energy and spontaneous collaborations with a rotating lineup of talented musicians, ensuring each performance is a captivating and one-of-a-kind experience.

Monday 12th May 2025 1pm https://rppfm.com.au

Born and raised on the Mornington Peninsula Hazel (Heidi Luckhurst) channels a life rich with experience into her evocative country music. Her journey began early, exploring poetry before finding her true voice in music and theatre at 13, teaching herself guitar and earning accolades in talent quests soon after.

Life took a different path when Heidi became a mother at 19, leading to a hiatus before she re-immersed herself in the arts, teaching music while raising her first daughter. At 29 driven by passion, she pursued a Bachelor of Music Performance and Songwriting. This demanding period saw her juggling solo parenthood and navigating school age children, extensive travel for her studies and eventually leading to running her own successful music consultancy and booking business.

It was when her children were older that Heidi fully committed to her own artistry, seizing an opportunity to record in Tasmania with celebrated ARIA and Golden Guitar winning producer Matt Fell. Since 2024, Hazel has captivated audiences releasing new singles every eight weeks consistently hitting the top 10 on national radio airplay charts.

Her talent and hard work cultivated in significant recognition at the 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival, earning a partial scholarship to the prestigious Australian Country Music Academy, a nomination for National Songwriter of the Year for “The Olden Days” and placing in the top five for the people’s choice ‘Most Promising Future Star.’

Heidi openly shares that her path hasn’t been easy, marked by the challenges of ending a marriage, establishing a new home as a solo parent, and navigating profound personal trauma and its impact on mental health. These experiences deeply inform her music and her drive to build a strong, empowered future for her daughter’s, showing them, dreams are achievable. Her passions extend beyond music to camping and embracing nature.

Alongside performing with her band at major festivals like Melbourne Muster, Tamworth, and the upcoming Melbourne Firelight Festival (July 5th, 2025), Hazel is set to release her debut album “Wildflowers in Concrete” in 2025, sponsored by the Mornington Peninsula Shire. She also brings her expertise to the local art scene as the Head Arts and Entertainment Manager at The Shed Theatre at ‘The Pig and Whistle’.

Hazel’s story is one of tenacity, heart, and the beautiful music that emerges from a life fully lived.

HAZEL & The Thief

HAZEL and The Thief is a captivating Australian alternative country artist led by the enigmatic singer- songwriter, HAZEL. Her unique vocal style, blend of Celtic influences and a distinct Australian accent, add depth and character to her emotionally charged lyrics. Their sound innovatively blends traditional country elements with haunting melodies, rhythmic instrumentation, and introspective lyrics.

Their recent singles, all produced by Matt Fell, have garnered chart success, showcasing HAZEL's ability to craft both familiar and fresh sounds resonating with a broad audience.

Known for her innovative approach to the genre, HAZEL’S sound is a fusion of traditional country elements with a modern twist. Her music is characterised by haunting melodies, rhythmic instrumentation, and introspective storytelling. Whether in intimate folk settings or high-energy alt-country stompers, HAZEL & The Thief deliver passionate and engaging performances. This dynamic approach ensures that every concert is a one-of-a-kind experience, leaving audiences captivated and wanting more.

HAZEL, the heart and soul of the band, often shares the stage with some of Australia's finest and renowned musicians including, Mick Thomas. Luke O’Shea, Taylor Moss, Freya Josephine Hollick, Ella Trooper, Charm of Finches, Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham, Tash Sultana, Brooke Taylor, Karise Eden, Fanny Lumsden and many more.

Recently HAZEL and The Thief’s single, “The Olden Days”, produced by acclaimed musician Matt Fell, made waves on the charts highlighting HAZEL's songwriting talent and genuine passion for music, nature, and storytelling. The song showcases Hazel’s ability to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh, resonating with audiences who appreciate the artistry and authenticity of alternative country music. “The Olden Days”, which recently charted at number 2 on the AMRAP chart and in the top 40 Country music radio play chart, has already garnered significant attention.

Whether it is a stripped back folk gig at an intimate venue, or a grooving alt-country/ roots foot stomper at an outdoor festival, you can always expect energy, passion and good times when HAZEL and The Thief is on stage.

Hazel is also a passionate advocate for Australian music and a lover of the great outdoors. Her genuine enthusiasm for nature, animals and country living shines through in her songwriting

Looking ahead in 2025 HAZEL and The Thief is poised to build upon the momentum of her debut album “Wildflowers in Concrete”. With the album, a deeply personal collection of original songs written by HAZEL, set for release this year, the focus shifts to bringing this powerful narrative to live audiences. Influenced by two decades of motherhood, including the challenges and triumphs of single parenthood, HAZEL’S songs resonate with raw honesty and unwavering strength. She plans to tour extensively sharing her stories of resilience and creative navigation with listeners, while also exploring opportunities for collaborations and further artistic growth, ensuring “Wildflowers in Concrete” reaches its full potential and connects with audiences on a profound level.

HAZEL and The Thief is more than just music.

 Soloist/Band. Foot tapping, fiddle, country, folk & ballad rock. 

THE NAME: HAZEL and The Thief, attracting attention for its quirky and mysterious meaning.

The name “The Thief” holds a playful and symbolic meaning. In this context “The Thief” represents the band members who “steal” the spotlight alongside HAZEL, each contributing with their unique talent and personalities to create a captivating musical experience. It also symbolises the way music itself can “steal” your attention, transport you to another world and leave an incredible mark on your soul.

HAZEL is also an illustrator.

Keep an eye out for her illustrated lyric book, merchandise and stories.

Recent charts 2024 2025

No 2# - Australian Country Music Airplay Charts- Charted for 4 weeks

No 2# - AMRAP Airplay Charts

No 3# - Australian country radio

RECENT FESTIVALS -2025

Melbourne Muster

Horsham RegFest

Melbourne ROAR Festival

FIRELIGHT FESTIVAL –MELBOURNE -July 2025

Tamworth Country Music Festival

People’s Choice Award nominee for “Most Promising Future Star” 2025

CCMA National Songwriter Nominee –2025

The Senior Academy of Country Music graduate 2025

“She’s just incredible” –Fanny Lumsden

“HAZEL & the Thief... a remarkable presence in the Independent Australian music scene, seamlessly blending folk, country and rock into a captivating musical experience. If you’re looking for music that stirs the imagination, HAZEL and The Thief is a must-listen.” -Karise Eden

“HAZEL wrapped us up in her gorgeous presence and sweet melodies that resonated long after she left the stage. We’re excited for the future of this engaging artist who lives the songs she creates.” -Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham

 Follow HAZEL & The Thief on various streaming platforms and social media to stay updated on their latest releases and performances!

Instagram, Spotify, Facebook,

My hope is that when you’re looking at yourself in the

‘The Daily Mirror’

YOU SMILE

EMBRACE BEING YOU

AND FIND 10 MINUTES IN YOUR DAY TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL!

To get in touch with Cathy email smileinthedailymirror@gmail.com 

'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.