There is a specific kind of magic in turning a messy breakup into a polished piece of indie-pop gold. Australian artist Kristina Wilson has done exactly that with her debut record, ‘Dating Broken Boys’. After spending months gathering acclaim for her vulnerable songwriting, Wilson is finally bringing the full album experience to the stage at Bootleggers in Newtown on March 14th, 2026.
The record is a masterclass in "raw but radiant" storytelling. Conceived in the quiet corners of Forestville, Ultimo, and Bella Vista, it began as a private survival manual for the broken-hearted before expanding into a communal look at how we navigate modern love. Wilson reflects on this evolution, noting: “While writing the album, I would be on my phone or chat to an old friend or a stranger, and it felt like stories with similar threads were finding me.” That sense of shared experience is the heartbeat of her work; she notes, “I wanted these songs to be a companion to others, as they had been to me.”
On stage, Wilson’s range is formidable. Fans can expect the biting, tongue-in-cheek energy of ‘Dumbitchitis’ alongside the gut-punch clarity of ‘Mother Wound’. While tracks like ‘Great in Bed’ simmer with a quiet sense of finality, the soaring piano of ‘Garden Alone’ offers a genuine promise of recovery. Fans can also expect the magic of tracks like ‘Let The Boy Go’, a tender and beautiful single that offers a wonderfully rustic and effortlessly captivating acoustic sound.
The evening won’t just be about the "aching reflection" of the studio tracks, though. With local pop power-duo Like Angels joining the bill, the night is set to be a high-energy celebration of finding oneself again.
In keeping with the album’s themes of nostalgia and reclaiming your inner teenager, the night features a heavy dose of playfulness. Attendees are encouraged to lean into the "twilight fit" theme—yes, those vintage Edward Cullen tees are highly encouraged—with prizes for the most dedicated looks.
It’s rare to find a debut that feels this self-assured. ‘Dating Broken Boys’ reminds us that vulnerability isn't a weakness; it’s a superpower. If you’re looking for a night of "pure escapism, laughter and catharsis," Bootleggers is the only place to be this March.
You can get your tickets for the show today, and for more, be sure to stay in touch with Kristina on Instagram and TikTok.
