There are a few indigenous acts you would be well versed with, Youth Yindi, Warumpi Band and Gurrumul to name a few. But there are many, many others. After reading an inspiring piece from Dave Faulkner on the legacy of the Warumpi Band, we were inspired to dig a little deeper. So in celebration of Aus music month, we’re taking a look at some of the exceptional artists you should be listening to right now.
There have been so many amazing indigenous bands in Aussie music history, and here are 6 that need to be on your radar right now.
The Medics
The Medics is one of the best rock bands in the country. Yes, yes, on a list about great bands that may seem like an obvious point to make. The most enamouring thing about The Medics is that they proudly represent their community whilst embracing a strong love for Aussie rock history.
Black Smoke
Black Smoke may be a new face on the scene, but they’re quickly gaining a dedicated following on triple J Unearthed. A moving three-piece made up of Emily Wurramara, Saraima Nevara and Yarum Sandy, the band have a cracker on their hands with the single Blue Moon, Black Sea. Soothing layers of female vocals cascade down like a gentle waterfall, a swell of melancholy that is nothing short of beautiful.
Kuren
Producer young gun Kuren has been laying down some sick beats in the last year. He has a flair for lavish electronica that really shows through in tracks It Still Hurts and Love Lost. Say it with us people, BANGERS. The Brisbane native seems to eat that stuff for breakfast, and at the rate he’s going you’ll be wanting a seat at his table too.
Briggs
There’s a funny thing about Aussie hip-hop, and that is it can very quickly become stale. The movement’s explosion at the turn of the century began to wane not so long after it came. There are a select few who are managing to keep things fresh with some creative approaches to rhymes, and one man you can’t go past is Briggs. The dude is a beast and he isn’t the type who will dodge the hard issues.
Denni
Like some of the other younguns on this list Denni has come into prominence in the last year or so. She even teamed up with old mate Kuren for the track Wolves. Her voice delicately skates on a knife’s edge, trembling and soothing at the same time. There’s a sense of drama that stirs underneath the surface that gives her music an endearing quality. If you’re heading to Falls Festival in Marion Bay be sure to check this lady out.
Radical Son
Radical Son is a different breed of hip-hop when compared to fellow list-mate Briggs. The endeavor of David Clive, Radical Son is an amalgamation of hip-hop, jazz, funk and spoken word. Combine that with a socially conscious outlook and some slick production behind his music and what you get is a dynamic voice in Australian music. His messages of healing and peace are certainly ones we can all take to heart.
