If you haven’t yet heard of Good Habits, that’s about to change. On Friday 7th November, the genre-bending indie-folk trio will bring their riotously inventive sound to Things Happen Here in Dartington — and trust us, this is no ordinary gig. With accolades from BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson praising their “pin-precision vocals” and “hard rocking accordion,” and five-star reviews calling them “full of devil-may-care passion,” Good Habits are carving out a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting live acts. Their music is infectious, their energy irresistible, and their storytelling deeply human.
We sat down with Pete and Bonnie — the creative core of the band — to talk about their journey, their sound, and why this Dartington show might just be the most joyful night of your autumn.
For those discovering Good Habits for the first time, how would you describe the heart of what you do, and what makes this new chapter feel so defining?
We did things backwards, and our journey has been totally unique because of it.
Instead of the more traditional path — writing music together, starting a band, and only later going on tour — Pete and I immediately launched into a wild duo tour of New Zealand before we even really knew what Good Habits was (somehow people still hosted us for shows!), and it went amazingly. Then the pandemic hit, and we found ourselves stuck there, living a life of community, stories, adventures, and connecting with people through music. Those values have remained at the heart of what we do and how we operate. Being a couple who perform, work, and travel together has always made sense and given us so much freedom. But this year we felt ready to create the full, uncompromised sound we’d always imagined. We’re glad we didn’t rush into it — instead we built a foundation first, and now this exciting musical evolution feels right.
Jenny Walinetski’s addition on drums marks a bold shift — how has her presence reshaped your live dynamic and studio chemistry? What does this new lineup allow you to explore musically that wasn’t possible before?
We really do have the best of both worlds. Jenny’s addition takes our existing sound and lifts it into the air!
The drums bring so much command and presence, yet we’ve still retained the spontaneity and freedom of musical conversation that we had as a duo. Songs now evolve in new directions live, and every show feels alive. Jenny’s playing perfectly matches the oomph of our vocal delivery and the fullness of the synth-accordion, making the music somehow both polished and fluid at the same time. Good Habits is our whole life, and Jenny adds nothing but power, musical intensity, and professionalism to our world.
As for the studio… you’ll have to watch this space!
Was there a particular moment during rehearsals or a gig when you thought, “Yes — this is the new Good Habits”?
Yes! The first song we learned together was All That She Wanted, which had percussion on the album but not a full drum kit. We left it open for Jenny to decide what to play, and in the very first rehearsal it just clicked.
You’ve described Totnes’s Barrelhouse venue as a place you feel deeply connected to — what makes this part of Devon feel like home?
I (Bonnie) am from Dorset, and Totnes was where we came for camping holidays and adventures in Dartington. That gave us a lovely foundation of familiarity, on top of which we’ve built new friendships and memories of special moments.
After your nomadic beginnings in New Zealand, how has settling in the UK influenced your songwriting and sense of identity as a band?
Looking back, those nomadic years were a frenetic melting pot — in the best way. Being back in the UK, immersing ourselves in the folk and folk-adjacent scene here, with so many bands blending folk elements into energised sounds, has matured our own music. It’s given us a clearer sense of direction.
Touring across Europe and Australasia must’ve shaped your sound. Were there any unexpected musical influences you picked up along the way?
Most of the influence happens naturally, just by absorbing what we hear around us. So many bands have left their mark — Elephant Sessions, Monique Clare, to name a couple. Sometimes an idea sparks something new. For example, when Pete came up with the idea of a synth bass triggered by accordion buttons (we call it the “secret synth”), it unlocked a new songwriting approach that leaned further into our Kate Bush influence.
Quarter-Life is described as “existentially optimistic” — what does that phrase mean to you personally?
It comes down to living with intention and purpose. Many of our songs wrestle with themes of overthinking, existentialism, and even nihilism — but they always carry a thread of gratitude. That’s what keeps us hopeful and focused on why we do this, even in a tough world.
The album features collaborations with Angeline Morrison, Lunatraktors, Vulva Voce, and others — how did those partnerships come about, and what did they bring to the record?
They broke up the typical process in the best way. Each collaboration became a celebration of the artist involved, and we gained so much inspiration from them. We had a clear idea of who we wanted on the album, and we’re thrilled it all worked out. It also proved our point that there’s a wealth of incredible female and non-binary folk talent around us.
Which track from Quarter-Life feels most like a snapshot of where you are now, creatively and emotionally?
Probably Itchy Feet. Right now I feel that anxious excitement — like I’m on the precipice of the next project, buzzing with anticipation while also carrying the delirious exhaustion that comes from so much time on the road.
From Glastonbury to WOMAD, you’ve played some iconic stages. What’s been your most surreal festival moment so far?
The most special moments aren’t always tied to a specific festival, but to the feeling when it’s clear the audience is connecting deeply with our music. When so much of your time is spent with anonymous streaming numbers and emails, it feels so human to be reminded of that connection. WOMAD Aotearoa 2024 in New Zealand was especially moving. Looking out at the crowd and realising so many people had first connected with us back in 2020–2021, when we were gigging there constantly, was surreal.
How do you tailor your set for intimate venues like Things Happen Here versus sprawling festival crowds?
We create a new setlist for most concerts. It’s fun to build a journey, considering what mood we want to start with and where we want to end up. Certain songs just seem to belong together, so we let the setlist grow organically from that.
Bonnie and Pete — your cello and accordion interplay is electric. How do you approach arranging songs to balance storytelling with sonic punch?
Every song is different. Usually one of us brings a rough idea or “skeleton” of a song, and then we play a sort of musical tennis — bouncing ideas back and forth about which direction it could take. Eventually we take it into the rehearsal room to refine and shape it fully.
You’ve been praised for “pin-precision vocals” and “hard-rocking accordion” — what’s your rehearsal process like to maintain that tightness?
Our story of being “happily stranded” in New Zealand meant we did over 150 gigs there before even coming home to the UK. That much touring right at the start brought us incredibly close — not just as life partners, but as stage partners too. That closeness helps us stay tight and in tune.
What themes or sounds are you itching to explore next, now that this new chapter has begun?
We’re fully indulging in groove-led writing and letting the sexiness of the accordion shine. The instrument is such a great meeting place for folk and jazz influences, and we’re enjoying leaning into that.
If someone’s never seen Good Habits live before, what should they expect at Things Happen Here on November 7th?
Imagine three excitable musicians — influenced by The Police, Kate Bush, and Penguin Cafe Orchestra — showing off the surprising capabilities of the cello and accordion. Expect folk-inspired, heart-filled indie-folk powered by strong vocals, drums, and synths. Hopefully, it delivers exactly what you called it earlier: storytelling with sonic punch!
Tickets for the show at Things Happen Here in Dartington are available HERE