Jude Perl is a multi-award-winning singer, songwriter and comedian based in Melbourne. Texas-born, but Melbourne bred; Jude has created a name for herself by writing and performing hilarious, yet brutally honest, stream-of-consciousness style lyrics, set to undeniably catchy and well-crafted songs.
Jude Perl is appearing at Kew Court House Live on June 13.
Kew Court House is set to light up Melbourne’s cultural calendar this June with a live series of events spanning literature, music and performance. The historic 80-seat theatre in the eastern suburbs will feature an eclectic mix of genres performed by acclaimed artists and emerging talent, with some genre-defying collaborations. The program promises intimate and unforgettable experiences in one of the city’s most unique venues.
To celebrate Jude Perl’s Kew Court House gig, we asked the award winning artist to ponder a dozen questions for us.
What was the spark that lit your flame for music initially?
Music has been a part of my life since before I can remember; singing always gave me a big, nice, warm feeling. And then singing at the same time as other people who are also singing, that’s another good, warm, nice feeling. And so the conclusion is that we should just all be singing all the time.
An album or song that had a huge impact on you growing up?
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was the only album I listened to for about 2 years. But I also had a compilation of TV show theme songs from the 80s and 90s, and I have a sneaking suspicion that has really influenced me more than it probably should have…
First concert you ever attended?
Avril Lavigne (in the height of sk8ter boi era)
Which other person has had the biggest influence on your music career?
My high school music teacher, who kindly pushed me to sing and play piano in front of other people even when I was not sold on the idea…
What can you tell us about your upcoming album?
This album, “Breathing Again”, has been a long time in the making. I started writing these songs over the past few years, and a story began to emerge about gently letting go of the painful things we hold on to. The songs are a celebration of healing slowly, holding onto hope whilst also accepting where we are. The songs are a mixture of funk/yacht rock/jazz/feelings/nice sounds/and more
In general, what’s the starting point for a Jude Perl song?
Usually, if something happens in life that makes me go “uhhh … what just happened?” That means I need to write a song about it to figure it out.
Describe the Kew Court House series and what we can expect from your June 13 appearance
I’ll be playing with 2 incredible musicians- Gerry Pantazis on drums, and Brendan Tsui on bass. We’ve been recording the new songs and are very excited to play the songs from the new album live for this one very special show
What would you like your music career to look like in 5 years?
In 5 years, I would like to have learned how to play every TV show theme song from the 80s and 90s
What would you consider to be the favourite gig you have played so far?
It’s very hard to choose, but in 2024, I wrote and performed in my first fully realised musical, “Share House” at Arts Centre Melbourne. We had a cast of 5 and a 15-piece orchestra, and an amazing team behind the scenes. Everyone was incredible and worked so hard to make it happen. It was so wild and fun and joyous and very, very special.
If money were no issue, what would a Jude Perl concert look like?
I’d probably get that 15-piece orchestra back again, and let’s add like another 10 musicians just for fun, and while we’re at it, let’s just roam around the street and make noise and get people to join in along the way, and I dunno, let’s add a 50-piece choir, and maybe like another 8 musicians? And just a marching band that goes forever, people keep joining, and other people take shifts, so the marching band is now operating 24/7. So you can join in for a bit, and then the marching band will drop you off where you need to go… the marching band is public transport… But it only goes as fast as hordes of people walking. It’s the least efficient mode of transportation, but it is the most fun. As long as you’re not in a hurry…
An important life lesson someone gave/told you?
Trust your gut
Be nice to your gut
Give your gut actual good food
Freeze meals to avoid decision fatigue
Have you drunk enough water today?
What’s happening for the rest of 2026?
I’m releasing another album in July called “Jude Perl Tries to Finish a Sentence” with songs from my most recent solo show of the same name. I am also hoping to finally watch the 6th Sense this year (no spoilers please)
https://www.facebook.com/judeperl
https://judeperl.bandcamp.com/album/songs-from-the-utility-closet-vol-1-2
https://www.youtube.com/@judeperl/videos
With multiple sold-out performances and a diverse, high-calibre program, the Kew Court House Live series continues to cement its reputation as a vital hub for arts and culture in Melbourne’s east.
KEW COURT HOUSE LIVE – JUNE 2026
Thursday 11 June – Manetta/Rudegeair in concert
Price: $25
Friday 12 June – Clancye Milne presents Carole King
Price: $25
Saturday 13 June – Jude Perl
Price: $30
Thursday 18 June – The Winfield Road Experiment
Price: $25
Friday 19 June – So Real It Hurts – Lydia Lunch and Tex Perkins
SOLD OUT
Thursday 25 June – David Jones and Stephen Magnussen
Price: $25
Friday 26 June – Tamara Kuldin Trio
Price: $25
All tickets on sale via www.boroondara.vic.gov.au or by phone on (03) 9278 4770.
Venue accessibility: Kew Court House is wheelchair accessible, with ambulant toilets available.