The Merindas have finally unveiled their highly-anticipated debut album, We Sing Until Sunrise (Ngaangk Nookertiny Ngala Warangka).
The Merindas are the collective force of Candice Lorrae of Jawoyn and Thursday Island heritage and Ballardong Whadjuk and Nyoongar woman Kristel Kickett. The power duo is illuminating their rich cultural identity as First Nations women against a sonic backdrop of smooth and sleek electro-pop.
“Our debut album release is more exciting and meaningful than ever!,” says Candice Lorrae of the album’s release. “With all delays on the live circuit, it’s a time to sit back and appreciate all the hard work and creativity poured into this album. It’s been three years in the making, not even a pandemic can kill this vibe.”
We Sing Until Sunrise (Ngaangk Nookertiny Ngala Warangka) is sublime. A joyous celebration of womanhood, culture, the land, history, and love. The Merindas interpolate their Nyoongar language with their triumphant, joyous R&B infused-pop to tell traditional stories.
Says Kristel Kickett, ‘This album feels like a rewarding gift during this time. Even though our national tour and album release were postponed due to COVID-19, I’m so excited to share and give out some positive vibes to everyone through our music. We’ve waited so long for this moment, so I think it’s a perfect time to release, despite what’s going down.’
The Merindas are a force to be reckoned with. The duo embodies the DIY ethos, and are completely in control of their music, costumes, styling and visuals. The duo formed in 2012, Candice assembled a vocal collective to cover Motown-era classics at the premiere of the film The Sapphires — a film that documents the ’60s Indigenous Australian girl band. The covers set received a standing ovation, and were booked for a second sold-out show.
“There is no better time to be releasing music in such an historical year when the world needs it most,” the band explain. “For us, this album is electrifying.
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“When listening to the album you can hear our voices singing out to the spirits and the depth in the music grounding us to the earth. Our sound empowers us and we hope that it does the same to everyone else.
“The Merindas’ messaging has always been about believing in yourself and never giving up, now is a perfect time to be sending this message.”
Check out We Sing Until Sunrise – The Merindas:
