Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu is the renowned indigenous musician who sings in the traditional Yolngu language. Raised as a member of the Gumatj clan on Elcho Island, near North East Arnhem land, in the Northern Territory, Gurrumul was born blind, and has never learned Braille, or used a seeing eye dog or cane.
He has released two albums, the debut of which won the singer two ARIAs in 2008, awards that sit alongside the more recent 2011 AIR award for Best Independent Blues and Roots Album. His celebrity fans variously include Elton John, Bjork, and Barack Obama, and for a proverbial cherry-topper, in 2012 he was awarded an honorary doctorate in music from the University of Sydney.
It is these impressive tales, amidst many other facts and stories, that have are covered by award-winning writer Robert Hillman in the forthcoming biography Gurrumul: His Life And Music, published today by Harper Collins and ABC Books.
Hillman has spent considerable time on the road with Gurrumul, and thus the story traverses many places and journeys, from concert halls and recording studios to the heartland of his home, revealing the inspiration behind the unique singer-songwriter’s creations.
The biography also draws on previous interviews, and includes many conversations with friends, families, and colleagues that attempt to paint a picture of Gurrumul’s life and music, as the title would suggest. Author Robert Hillman has spent considerable time on the road with Gurrumul, and thus the story traverses many places and journeys…
Hillman is no stranger to the intense detail and engagement required by biography writing, as the Melbourne based writer won the Australian National Biography Award for his autobiography, The Boy in the Green Suit, back in 2005.
Gurrumul is also a member of Yothu Yindi, a band that has both Aboriginal and “balanda” (non-Aboriginal) members, and The Saltwater Band – details the biography will no doubt touch on, but it is his solo career, and the release of his debut Gurrumul, back in 2008, that first brought him the most global attention and repute, going on to sell half a million copies worldwide.
The singer has also performed for a range of highly influential and significant guests/audiences, including Queen Elizabeth II – as well as being one of only two Australian performers at her Diamond Jubilee Concert in 2012 – US President Barack Obama, and Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark.
The book comes with previously unreleased images from Gurrumul’s childhood and imagery from his performances, as well as an exclusive CD of remixed songs from both the self titled debut and Rrakala, including rare remixes of the songs ‘Bäpa’ and ‘Gurrumul History (I was Born Blind)’ and ‘Warwu’.
Unfortunately, it does not include the recent and well received Flume remix of “Buru.” A rework of the tune already given the remix treatment by fellow Australian duo Yolanda Be Cool (of ‘We No Speak Americano’ fame), but Flume, noted as the third most played Australian artist on local radio so far this year, gives the unlikely collaboration an awesome new rendition.
While a biography often signals the end of an era, or the detailing of a career past for those in the limelight, Gurrumul’s musical trajectory continues with fervour; announced in February as the headline act for this year’s Barunga Festival, to be held from June 7th to 10th in the Northern Territory.
Gurrumul will also play at this year’s Vivid LIVE Festival, playing tracks from both his award-winning albums, with the support of the Sydney Symphony at the Opera House’s Concert Hall.
Finally, the indigenous artist will take to the stage on the opening night of this year’s Splendour In The Grass festival, being held in the newly renovated North Byron Parklands in late July with a lineup featuring exclusive performances from Mumford & Sons, The National and TV On The Radio, along with a mammoth bill led by Frank Ocean, Empire Of The Sun, Of Monsters & Men, James Blake and many, many more.
You can view the cover of the new Gurrumul biography and the CD tracklisting below, available at an RRP of $65 from ABC Books, as well as Gurrumul’s festival dates below:
Tracklisting:
- Bäpa
- Djilawurr
- Gopuru
- Djärrimiri
- Wukun
- Gathu Mawula
- Bayini
- Wirrpanu
- Bäru
- Banbirrnu
- Gurrumul History (I Was Born Blind)
- Wiyathul
- Bakitju
- Marrandil
- Warwu
GURRUMUL: HIS LIFE AND MUSIC AT VIVID 2013
Gurrumul w/ The Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Sydney Opera House, 28 & 29 May, 8pm
Tickets – from $69 / sydneyoperahouse.com / 02 9250 7777
Barunga Festival 2013
June 7th – 10th
Barunga Community, NT
Tickets available via Moshtix
$30 for adults and $20 for under 18s.
Splendour In The Grass 2013 Tickets & Dates
Tickets on sale now.
Three day event ticket: $350 + BF
One day event ticket: $140 + BF
Camping pass: $99 + BF
Country Club ticket: $699+BF
