A pop-folk trio from Australia, consisting of sisters Donna Simpson (vocals, guitar, misc. percussion) and Vikki Simpson (vocals, guitar, harmonica) as well as Josh Cunningham (lead guitar, mandolin, mandola, and vocals).

After a humble beginning as a group of half-feral nomadic musicians travelling across Australia in a campervan busking for food money and spending nights in seedy backpackers', in 1996 they independently released their debut self-titled album. Their second album, Shelter Me, was released two years later in 1998, again independently; it was followed in 2000 by Sink or Swim, and in 2002 by Up All Night. In July of 2002, the Waifs joined with the John Butler Trio to found Jarrah Records as their fan base expanded from Australia into Canada and the United States.

A hectic international touring schedule has resulted in the development of an international fan base; touring across North America, the Waifs have become the darlings of the folk circuit, in the past playing such notable festivals as the Winnipeg Folk Festival and the Edmonton Folk Festival. Their high-energy performances, catchy songs, and lighthearted onstage banter have endeared them to many a festivalgoer; I know for certain that I am not the only one who has watched them for forty minutes on the main stage and then immediately bought all of their albums. Besides, they have sexy accents.