Australia has an incredibly rich history of amazing musicians, songwriters, and artists, so to celebrate NAIDOC Week we've made a list of 10 Indigenous artists we think you need to check out. With everything from electro-pop, insightful indie-folk, and energetic hip-hop, we're sure you'll find your next favourite artist in here. Read ahead to learn a bit more about our picks, and tune into the Spotify playlist here.
Described by the Sunday Morning Herald as "Daft Punk meets Nina Simone in the Deep Forest", Adelaide's Electric Fields made headlines around the world with their 2019 Australian Eurovision Song Contest entry '2000 and Whatever'. Singer Zaachariaha Fielding and producer Michael Ross combine elements of modern electronic music with lyrics written in Pitjantjajara, Yankunytjajara and English.
Indie Pop/Roots artist Emily Wurramurra writes music in Anindilyakwa and English, contrasting her experiences and perspectives of growing up in the city and on the island of Groote Eylandt. She's been featured on Double J and ABC Local across the country and has toured nationally performing her music all over the country.
Melbourne based singer-songwriter and Wergaia woman Alice Skye writes delicate indie music that's sure to find a place in your heart. Her album 'Friends with Feelings' was in the top 10 regional AMRAP charts for four weeks running, and was played on Triple J, ABC National Radio, and a whole host of community radio stations.
Tipped by Triple J Unearthed as an Artist to Watch in 2017, Ziggy Ramo has become a vital voice in the Australian Hip-Hop scene over the last few years. His latest track, self-love anthem 'Pretty Boy', talks about gender fluidity, acceptance, and feeling comfortable in your own skin and we bloody love it.
Yorta Yorta artist Drmngnow reflects his appreciation for the land and his peoples through poetry, hip-hop, ambience, soul, and spoken word. His latest track 'We See You' is a crucial message of encouragement for Indigenous youth struggling with mental health.
Miiesha is the freshest name on this list, but already punching far above her weight. She uploaded her track 'Black Privilege' dropped in June, and she's already supported artists like Baker Boy, Briggs, and Adrian Eagle. She uses her music to bring her home, the community of Woorabinda in Central Queensland to the world.
Bold, confident and determined — Australian Thelma Plum makes refreshingly honest pop music that reflects her experience as an Indigenous woman. She's toured Australia, taken out Triple J's National Indigenous Music Awards competition, and is set to release her debut album this month!
2019 Young Australian Of The Year recipient Baker Boy first made waves in the Australian Hip-Hop scene in 2017 when he released his first single Cloud 9 (featuring Kian), featuring him performing in both English and Yolŋu Matha, the Indigenous language of northeast Arnhem Land. Renowned for his energy and enthusiasm, he's performed with acts like Yothu Yindi, Dizzee Rascal, and 50 Cent.
One of the founding members of Stiff Gins, R&B/Soul artist Emma Donovan has gone on to build an incredible solo career. Donovan references her heritage in her music by singing in the traditional language of the Gumbaynggirr people. Her use of traditional language is incredibly unique in the Australian R&B/Soul community. Currently touring with her band 'The PutBacks', Emma's live show is incredibly warm and touching.
Acclaimed rapper/record label head/comedy writer/actor Briggs has worked with everyone from Hilltop Hoods, Joyride, Charlie Pickering, and Matt Groening. His latest track 'Life Is Incredible' puts a humorous spotlight on white privilege, with Briggs adding on Twitter that he's "37 years old, 67 in White Years". It's dark and cutting and incredible—we love it.
