Music is a hugely important part of Australia’s Indigenous culture, and our country is and always has been home to an array of talented Aboriginal performers.
From icons like Yothu Yindi and Archie Roach who made a huge impact with their music in decades past, to acts like Thelma Plum and A.B. Original who continue to raise the profile of our Indigenous culture and draw attention to the cultural issues that still exist today.
Another of today’s prominent Aboriginal artists is rock singer-songwriter Scott Darlow, a mainstay of the scene who has just released his new single ‘Runaway’, taken from from his 2016 album ‘Sorry’.
To celebrate the release – and his fellow Indigenous artists – Scott has given us his top 10 favourite songs and videos by Aboriginal artists new and old.
Dan Sultan – ‘Magnetic’
“Amazing clip, and amazing song. Dan is in my opinion the songbird of our generation. He’s a poet who plays the guitar like a mofo and is an amazing singer. And this song is hooky as and comes with a killer clip!”
Yothu Yindi – ‘Djapana’
“This song was life-changing when I first heard it! Just amazing. This idea that you could have a song with Aboriginal language and English in it – that years later I did with ‘Sorry’. And this video is killer – it showcases so much of Indigenous Australia that is amazing.”
Philly – ‘We On’ (featuring Steve Motlop)
“I love Philly. He’s so talented. An amazing artist! And the nicest, coolest guy. This track is killer and features AFL star Steve Motlop. Steve plays for the team I love, Geelong. Great song, great video and great collaboration.”
Archie Roach – ‘Took The Children Away’
“This needs no explanation. Uncle Archie is a complete legend, this song is legendary, and the clip is also legendary.”
Scott Darlow & Shane Howard – ‘Solid Rock’ (Cover)
I loved our clip – for the message it was conveying – that regardless of where you were born, we are all Australian. We are one mob living together on sacred ground.
Yothu Yindi – ‘Treaty’
A song that put our music and culture on the map worldwide. Just massive!
A.B. Original with Paul Kelly – ‘Dumb Things’ (Like a Version)
“So good. Just so damn good.”
Briggs – ‘The Children Came Back’ with Gurrumul and Dewayne Everettsmith
“Briggs is a modern day warrior and he’s a fellow Yorta Yorta man. And his his dad, uncle Paul Briggs – honestly changed my life. Adam is a modern day Shakespeare as far as I’m concerned and this song and clip is epic.”
Thelma Plum – ‘Young In Love’
It’s got me stuffed how Thelma isn’t the most played female on Australian radio. She sings, and time stands still. And this video and song are killer!
Dan Sultan – ‘Hold It Together’
I was trying to avoid going to Dan twice for fear of looking like a massive fanboi. But I couldn’t not. His new single ‘Hold It Together’ is bloody amazing – and the video is seriously so rad!
