While the impact of COVID-19 caused difficulties for Australian artists due to the absence of gigs, Clark rose above the disruptions to put out an EP, complete a follow-up record and continued her upward directory as one of Australia's brightest emerging talents.

Clark said her excitement of a return to touring will be evident when she performs at The Victoria Bathurst on Saturday, March 27.

READ ALSO: Golden Guitar winner Andrew Swift to perform at The Victoria Bathurst

"As it did with everybody, this pandemic presented some difficulties with my anxiety [which I've struggled with my whole life] as there was no way of knowing what the future held for the music industry," she said.

"But I'm proud of the resilience I maintained, and my team and I certainly made the most of a difficult year."

Since her last visit, Clark released the critically acclaimed EP The Making of Me, which included back-to-back sold out launch events in Sydney, and has already recorded a follow-up EP, Bastards, which is scheduled for release on May 21.

READ ALSO: After some unsolicited advice? Head to Cabaret Kite at BMEC on Friday

The first single from Bastards, 'Forget About London', sees Clark deepening her pop/rock direction hinted on the previous EP, and she said the song is the "poppiest" release thus far.

"It ['Forget About London'] embraces those pop sensibilities I've always had in my writing, but was too afraid to fully embrace previously," she said.

"I'm now accepting my connection to that pop world, which I kept hidden for so long."

But one thing that hasn't changed in Clark's approach to music is her honest lyrics, with 'Forget About London' a therapeutic tune that attempts to make sense of heartbreak and loss.

READ ALSO: Eight Stars of Bathurst to take part in Cancer Council fundraiser

"The autobiographical approach to songwriting has always worked well for me, 99 per cent of the songs I write are based on personal experiences," she said.

"I'm happy to be still writing music that makes people think and feel deeply, albeit in a catchier way."

Clark has worked with Mark Lizotte [Diesel], Kasey Chambers and Jim Lauderdale and cites Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and Pete Thomas [Elvis Costello and the Attractions] amongst her collaborators.

She said the Bathurst audience can expect an "intimate, solo show with plenty of storytelling."

"It'll be a dynamic show with plenty of rawness and honesty, so I hope people enjoy it."

Doors to the event will open at 6pm. Tickets cost $15 and are available from www.thevictoriabathurst.com.au.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: