Tag: indigenous

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hear Exciting New Indigenous Music on Song Nation Vol 1

In case you missed it, it’s NAIDOC week, a week which celebrates the culture, history, and achievements of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. So it’s only fitting that Friday sees the release of a new Indigenous hip hop compilation dubbed Song Nation Vol 1.

The album was created by Desert Pea Media, who helped oversee the creation of these songs through their unique dialogue-driven songwriting workshops held in remote communities around the country. Through the development of great music, Desert Pea Media aims to be a catalyst for change.

The songs on Song Nation Vol 1 were recorded by the exciting groups Desert Pea Media’ unearthed. They include the Cairns Murri Crew, the band behind the album’s lead single “Built to Last.” The group features students from Cairns High School, who wrote the song is collaboration with Desert Pea Media facilitators.

Support Desert Pea Media’s vital work and do your ears a favour when Song Nation Vol 1 hits stores on Friday July 11.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Roger Knox Covers Aboriginal Songs on “Stranger in My Land”

The Koori King of Country Roger Knox will celebrate his indigenous heritage with the release of his new album Stranger in My Land.

The album showcases songs penned by Roger’s Aboriginal peers and predecessors. Many of these songs have been difficult to find on other recordings, while others are folk songs handed down through the generations never recorded before.

Together the tracks create a moving picture of the alienation Aboriginal people often feel on their own soil, and their resilience and hope. Roger is joined on the album by special guest vocalists and musicians including Bonnie Prince Billy, Kelly Hogan, Dave Alvin, and the late Charlie Louvin.

Stranger in My Land hits music stores across the country on March 9.

Image source: Bloodshot Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Redfern Records Boosts Indigenous Industry

Redfern Records Entertainment is looking to bring indigenous hip-hop and urban music into the mainstream.

The record label was formed to help “project the dreams and aspirations of Aboriginal people around Australia,” said label co-founder Stephen Ridgeway.

“Urban Aboriginals and Aboriginals from the bush have the same settings as Afro-Americans, dealing with drug problems, violence, bad health, poor living standards, living in ghettos,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald.

The indigenous hip-hop scene draws on the traditional Aboriginal values of community and sharing through storytelling.

“It’s the same thing we were doing thousands of years ago, but in the modern interpretation,” explained Alice Springs’ J-Dash-P. “Our stories are passed down, whether it’s song and dance or storytelling or music and hip-hop.”

The advent of Redfern Records should encourage more indigenous youths to get involved in music. According to Matt Noffs, who operates the youth urban music initiative Hiphoperations, this can only be a good thing.

“When these young guys and girls, black or white, get up and belt out a rap, you can be sure they’re feeling empowered and ready to live another day with strength,” he said.

Image source: Redfern Records MySpace