Tania Doko, the distinctive voice behind the late 1990s Australian pop-rock band Bachelor Girl, has resurfaced nearly three decades after the group's breakthrough hit "Buses and Trains." Doko, now 52, has reunited with bandmate James Roche and is actively touring Australia to mark the upcoming 30th anniversary of their debut album, "Waiting For The Day."
Bachelor Girl, known for hits like "Lucky Me" and "Treat Me Good," initially went on hiatus in 2003. Doko later relocated to Sweden in 2012, where she continued her music career, working in production and artist mentorship. During her time in Stockholm, she contributed to songwriting for notable artists including The Veronicas, Jessica Mauboy, Delta Goodrem, Tina Arena, K-pop group Jus2, Sheppard, and the UK band Steps. She also worked as a vocal coach and collaborated online with Australian artists such as Kate Ceberano and Ricki-Lee Coulter during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Roche visited Doko in Sweden in 2017, leading to the creation of new music, including the single "Speak," released on June 18, 2018, exactly 20 years after "Buses and Trains." Doko married her Swedish husband, Daniel, and they have a son, Leo. The family returned to Australia in 2021.
In addition to touring, Doko is also recording new music. She recently collaborated with Guy Sebastian on a rendition of her hit single "Permission to Shine." Her current public appearances showcase a different aesthetic from her 1990s image, featuring long, flowing blonde hair with dark roots and a more contemporary fashion sense with muted blazers and baggy pants, though she retains her signature smile.
"Buses and Trains," the band's debut single, was later recognized as the most performed Australian composition on radio in the 25 years preceding its release. Doko has also performed as a support act for artists such as Darren Hayes. The reunion and new music mark a significant chapter for the singer, celebrating a career that began in the late 1990s.