KEE’AHN + EMMA DONOVAN SHARE NEW SINGLE ‘TAKE NO MORE’ DEBUT SINGLE FOR SINGING OUR FUTURES PROJECT
Marking the powerful debut for the Singing Our Futures program, The Archie Roach Foundation’s mentoring experience helping emerging First Nations artists on their songwriting and recording journeys, the brand new single Take No More brings together the illustrious talents of North Queensland rising star Kee’ahn and ARIA-nominated singer-songwriter Emma Donovan. Coated with smooth reggae and silky soul while championing solidarity and strength, Take No More is a compelling and eloquent first cut from the forthcoming Singing Our Futures EP, which will officially unveil later this year on Cooking Vinyl Australia. Fans can also catch this stunning new track alongside an incredible showcase of artists involved in the Singing Our Futures program on Thursday July 13 at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel, with all ticket sales going to The Archie Roach Foundation.
Drawing sonic inspiration from the likes of Mavis Staples, Ayo, Coloured Stone, Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin and India Arie, Take No More champions power, truth and resistance as a dynamic First Nations anthem. A track that initially began life through yarns over cups of tea before progressing into the studio, Take No More started from a phrase penned by Donovan while Kee’ahn strummed their guitar and the pair imagined people chanting those very words. Writing their own verses before meshing their contrasting lyrical flow and melodic patterns, the end result of Take No More amassed a powerful array of voices and talents alongside the two leading powerhouse artists, with backing vocals courtesy of Jessica Hitchcock, Kiwat Kennell, Candice Lorrae and Brian Lloyd, and instrumentals, drums and percussion courtesy of guitarist Ben Yarram, bass by Juanita Sumner, and keys and horns by Stephen Maxwell.
A process that saw Kee’ahn and Donovan evolve together over Zoom yarns and multiple demo versions along the way, Take No More showcases the immense talent and connectivity between the pair, while firmly paving the way for a slew of important releases yet to come as part of Singing Our Futures. The stunning instrumentation on display throughout the new single is powerfully elevated via the decisive thematic essence driving Take No More, as Kee’ahn explains, “We started writing Take No More around Invasion Day Jan 26th. Both of us were feeling a lot of emotions that come with the date and feeling inspired by grassroots mob who organise to educate and liberate our peoples. We spoke about how our leaders across generations stand strong and staunch against ongoing challenges, the act of carrying the torch forward passed down from your elders so our future generations can do the same or ideally won’t have to at all. We spoke about solidarity and how liberation is a joint fight with many hands needed. It also feels like this song has grown over the year, during which time beautiful Black leaders and changemakers have passed on into dreaming – this song feels dedicated to them. To Uncle Archie Roach and Aunty Ruby Hunter and to Uncle Jack Charles. They inspire me/us to sing our truth for our past, present and futures.”
A meaningful and culturally safe songwriting program that supports young First Nations artists to tell their story through songwriting, Singing Our Futures was devised pre-COVID and was one of the leading programs of the Archie Roach Foundation. Led by Candice Lorrae (The Merindas), an established singer-songwriter and music producer with Jawoyn and Torres Strait Islander roots, Singing Our Futures has evolved into an impactful and ever-growing initiative for emerging artists and storytelling that spans genres and generations. And, as Lorrae explains, the program itself is set to prosper further into 2023 and beyond, “Uncle Archie wanted to establish a program that supported our young artists in their songwriting and recording journeys. The program builds important connections for the young artists within the music industry. Singing Our Futures has seen five emerging artists receive mentoring from some of the country’s leading First Nations legends including Emily Wurramurra, Dan Sultan, Emma Donovan and Dobby. Kee’ahn, Kiwat Kennell, Ridzy Ray, Maylene Yinarr and Madi Colville-Walker have each recorded stunning new works through the Singing Our Futures program and together have supported and performed alongside each other, sharing their musical journey’s, culture, and their dreams for the future at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, BIGSOUND, St Kilda Festival and Byron Bay Bluesfest. We are super excited to be releasing an EP through Cooking Vinyl Australia scheduled for later this year.”
Following their debut in 2020, releasing their first single Better Things during lockdown, Kee’ahn defied the odds surrounding musicians globally at the time, declaring their powerful blend of soul, R&B and pop to the world alongside lush vocals and instrumentals, and empowered lyricism. A Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal, Zenadth Kes artist hailing from the tropics of Far North Queensland, Kee’ahn won the 2020 NIMA Archie Roach Award and was named Best Emerging Artist at the Music Vic Awards that same year. With performances under their belt supporting Hiatus Kaiyote, Paul Kelly, Julia Jacklin, Morcheeba, Alice Skye, Birdz and many more, Kee’ahn also recently released sunsets, a track produced by Alice Ivy, and is now primed to appear live in action alongside Emma Donovan on Thursday July 13 to christen Take No More.
An acclaimed ARIA Award-nominated and award-winning Indigenous artist, Emma Donovan first set foot on stage with her renowned family band The Donovans, with Donovan performing church song renditions alongside her mother Agnes, her five uncles and maternal grandparents Micko and Aileen. Part of the famed Donovan family singers of the Gumbaynggirr people on her mother’s side, and of the Yamatji people on her father’s side, Donovan has toured and performed with the likes of Paul Kelly, The Teskey Brothers, Yothu Yindi, The Meltdown and Jen Cloher, as well as with the late Uncle Archie Roach and Aunty Ruby Hunter. From her work with Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks as well as The Black Arm Band, Donovan is armed with swoon-worthy vocals, intimate storytelling and a commanding grasp on everything from funk to blues, soul and beyond; and it’s little wonder that Donovan has been dubbed one of Australia’s finest artists.
The official celebration of the release of Take No More and the launch of Singing Our Futures will take place on Thursday July 13, with all proceeds going to The Archie Roach Foundation to honour Uncle Archie Roach’s legacy, and to also support the continuation of programs for the next generation of First Nations Artists. Donovan will lead this unforgettable evening, topped off with a stunning performance of Take No More by Donovan and Kee’ahn, as Kee’ahn reveals: “Fans can expect a new chapter in my music journey! One that tells the story of writing Take No More with sis Emma and exploring and expanding my lyricism and musicality with her mentorship and inspiration of strength! But also an experience that is joyful and connective. I’m looking forward to celebrating this music with community and everyone who made it happen.”
Take No More is out today via Cooking Vinyl Australia.
The Singing Our Futures EP will be released later this year.
SINGING OUR FUTURES – UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
THURS 13 JUL | CORNER HOTEL, RICHMOND VIC | 18+
Tickets available from www.cornerhotel.com | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
SUN 30 JUL | BRUNSWICK BALLROOM, BRUNSWICK VIC | ALL AGES
Tickets available from TBC | TBC | All TBC Outlets
RADICAL SON SHARES SOUL-SHAKING NEW SINGLE, ELDER + FEATURING IN ARCHIE ROACH TRIBUTE SHOW WITH MSO JULY 5 & 6
Radical Son has today shared his soul-shaking new single, Elder, offering a deeply powerful statement of devotion to country, his Kamilaroi and Tongan cultures and his iron-willed intention to endure that sets neck hairs on end. Elder comes paired with an equally commanding music videomade in the Blue Mountains by Djugun/ Yawuru/ Gooniyandi director Cornel Ozies, and featuring rocker Vic Simms, Australian of the Year Shane Phillips, Forgiveness Project advocate Ray Minniecon, Kamilaroi elder Paul Spearim and more.
Radical Son is part of the long story. “I wish to be an elder, an old man on this land,” he sings in a voice so immense it seems to emanate from the rock beneath his feet.
Elder is the first taste of Biliyambil (The Learning), the highly anticipated second album by Radical Son, aka David Leha – which will also feature David Bridie, Emma Donovan and Jida Gulpilil, set for release on David Bridie’s Wantok label in September. Elder is the keynote to the album’s themes of hard-won survival, belonging and acquiring wisdom from life experience. It’s a song sung from mountaintops, loaded with a storied past and fully facing the future.
“Elder is a song I began three or four years ago when I was working on country in Moree and Armadale, New South Wales,” David says. “I was working on a program with emerging artists called Yanayai, which means ‘returning’. I was helping these artists to create a piece in a genre of their choice and the conditions were that they had to have three generations of their family help them, and they also needed to incorporate some language into that as well.
“The bones of the song were there then. The language section from Jida Gulpilil (son of David), that came later. It’s quite simple. It’s just saying, ‘Let’s move, let’s dance and celebrate’.”
Thematically, the song rings in harmony with For Our Elders: the theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week (2-9 July). “The struggles of our Elders help to move us forward today,” the NAIDOC statement declares. “The equality we continue to fight for is found in their fight. Their tenacity and strength has carried the survival of our people.”
Alongside Dan Sultan, Emma Donovan, William Barton, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, Jess Hitchcock, Sally Dastey, Kee’ahn, Tamala Shelton and the Dhungala Children’s Choir, Radical Son recently galvanised Melbourne’s Myer Music Bowl, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Byron Bluesfest and Vivid Sydney with his huge, soulful voice and compelling presence, performing a stunning version of Walking Into Doors for a series of Uncle Archie Roach Tribute Concerts – One Song: The Music of Archie Roach, with a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra show still to follow at Hamer Hall on July 5 & 6.
Elder is release today, released through Wantok Musik Foundation, distributed by MGM.
BUY TICKETS TO ONE SONG: THE MUSIC OF ARCHIE ROACH, FEATURING RADICAL SON
NATHAN CAVALERI ANNOUNCES NATIONAL 26 DATE MIRACLES TOUR NEW ALBUM MIRACLES – OUT NOW
An authentic and adventurous exploration in and beyond the blues and alternative rock realms, the brand new album Miracles out today from revered Australian artist Nathan Cavaleri is a dazzling journey of stylistic evolution and masterful execution. Taking you far beyond the limits of Cavaleri’s trademark creative leanings, Miracles dives headfirst into fresh elements of alternative rock, psych blues, surf rock melodics, funk and swagger alongside Cavaleri’s effortlessly smooth vocals and knock-your-socks-off guitarwork. An irresistible collection of songs to soundtrack life, love and everything in between, Miracles will also imminently offer plenty of sonic delights live in action, with Cavaleri today announcing an extensive run of shows right around Australia from July onwards.
Kicking off on Friday 7 July in Katoomba, Nathan’s Miracles Tour will journey to regional and metropolitan Australia, visiting Taree, Elizabeth Beach, Kununurra, Darwin, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Sydney, Canberra, Bulli, Brisbane, Kandanga, Eumundi, Rossville, Wamberal, Newcastle, Hobart, Launceston, Ulverstone, Franklin, Belgrave, Fitzroy, Warburton, Bermagui and, finally, an appearance at Rock The Boat Cruise on Friday 24 November.
Following on from his 2020 full length album Demons, which humbly showcased Cavaleri’s staggering skillset beyond his well-documented early years as a prolific musician and actor, as seen recently featured on ABC’s Australian Story in 2020, Miracles is ultimately a bewitching amalgamation of diverse sonic palettes, sharp storytelling and a no-holds-barred approach to the alternative and blues rock realms, with Cavaleriwriting, recording and mixing the album himself, documenting the entire creative process via the interactive livestreaming service, Twitch, accumulating 2 million live viewers throughout the process. Stepping beyond comfort zones and expectations at every turn, Cavaleri’s journey towards the release of Miracles is poignantly reflected in the album’s very cover art; a true miracle of life often trivialised in today’s modern world, but a fitting representation of Cavaleri’s own pursuits of resilience, peace and confidence without relying on the world around, as he elaborates, “The feeling of releasing Miracles inspires the same contrasting emotions that came whilst creating it: liberation with a side of terror! Fortunately, it’s not the other way around. Even after sending the Miracles masters off to the label, my connection to inner truth was tested. The courage it took to create this album has been like no other. All songs pulled, ripped, cried, laughed and loved from the depths of my emotional dwellings; I had to face my creative insecurities head on and challenge all aspects of the past that attempted to block the flow of authentic expression.”
Having grown up in the spotlight, picking up a guitar and learning to play along with some of his favourite blues albums at the age of three, Cavalerihad mastered the electric guitar by the age of five and ticked off his first official gig a year later. Amongst a devastating leukaemia diagnosis and a burgeoning profile as some of the Australian music industry royals flocked to his skills and story, Cavaleri was soon performing extensively around the country alongside the likes of Jimmy Barnes and Diesel, going on to tour globally alongside Etta James, Bonnie Raitt and BB King while still receiving treatment for leukemia. Simultaneously forging his long-term resilience and pursuit for purpose, Cavaleri would receive a clean bill of health at the age of thirteen, before going on to sign to Michael Jackson’s MJJ Records after a competitive bidding war between both Prince and Madonna. But against it all, Cavaleri’s courage and evolution stood strong against multiple storms; a fact that only heightened Cavaleri’s ongoing diversion out of his long-established blues stylings that has currently culminated in the brand new album. And alongside the ongoing expeditions that led to Miracles, some of Cavaleri’s very own mentors also played a part, with varying effects on his creative spirit as he reveals, “I’d been told by mentors, ‘You’ll never be a singer. Get someone else to sing your songs’ and had B.B. King quoting me ‘The future of blues’. Through accepting the possible realities of disappointment from a community that has supported me my whole life, the purpose for creating music was revealed. Ironically, B.B. King’s advice of ‘Be You’ became my anchor. Emotional turbulence is mercilessly expressed on this album and stylistically found its tones within the alternative rock blues space. Musically you’ll hear anything from weeping surf melodies to fuzzy stomp swaggers. I re-connected with my first musical loves and my latest. And with a fight, my voice found home on the microphone whilst paradoxically taking me to places that I’ve never been before.”
Opening with the driving jaunt of Querencia, Miracles journeys across RoadHouse indie blues lined with psychedelic twists and hypnotic grooves (Broken Lines), George Harrison-esque ballads flowing with emphatic lyrical intimacy (Gone To God), hazy surf rock gems (Cool Changes) and doo-wop ready bliss (Not With You). But while Cavaleri’s swoon and croon permeates every corner of Miracles, he also flexes a dazzling grasp on every genre flavour that finds its way into his enticing mix, while also re-establishing himself as one of Australia’s eminent story-spinners. From the sumptuously sleazy and cheeky ode to stepping outside your comfort zone pulsing with personal intimacy (the aptly titled Comfort Zone) to the primal toe-tapper Man On Fire, featuring Archibald Prize-winner Blak Douglas on Yidaki (Didgeridoo) that demands to be blasted down a desert highway both lyrically and musically, Cavaleri expertly weaves a vivid and bewitching world to lose yourself heart and soul into, continually leaving you wanting more. And amongst softer moments (My Boys, Go Quietly), prowling grit (Dry Ice) and majestic instrumentals (courtesy of closing track When the Party is Over, a surf rock-soaked Billie Eilish cover), the true jewel in the crown for Miracles’ 12 tracks is ultimately none other than its pulsating focus track: the title track Miracles. A true rock’n’roll showing from Cavaleri dipped in fiery hues, palpitating beats and lashings of glistening saxophones, Miracles also pays boisterous homage to early 80s rock via its oscillating sonic thunder and explosive zest that beg to be heard in a live setting.
Fans will have the opportunity to catch Cavaleri all around the country from early July right into November, with the man of the moment locked and loaded for his expansive Miracles Tour. And, as Cavaleri reveals, the tour will find the prolific performer balancing his blues chops with definite nods to his guitar solo-laden past. “The Miracles tour has me staying true to the story-telling style performance introduced for my last album tour for Demons, but the show itself has inherited an elevated level of intensity purely from the nature of the songs themselves. Staying strong with a scaled down yet extremely powerful and electric line up, the set gets spotlight intimate, as well as firing hot in a way that can’t be felt on a recording. And as much as I’ve ventured beyond the blues, I can’t not go back to my roots for a few five or twenty minute solos!”
A true icon of the Australian music industry, Cavaleri’s early years saw him tick off everything from an appearance on Baywatch to performing for the Clintons during their time in office, gracing multiple American primetime TV talk shows, and starring in feature films. But after forming a blues rock band with Col Hatcham from The Screaming Jets, Cavaleri experienced adrenal fatigue and severe anxiety, ultimately spiralling into depression that saw him away from the spotlight. But from his lowest point experiencing a panic attack and passing out on stage of the Queenscliff Music Festival to continuously confronting and tackling many of his demons, seen most recently in 2020 via the extremely aptly titled Demons, Cavaleri has gone on to vigorously thrive since his return to stages and studios following many years away cultivating who he is at his core as an artist, a musician and, most importantly, a person. And it’s this discovery and reigniting of passion that most ardently burns on Miracles, as Cavalerihappily concludes, “After three years of touring since getting beyond mental health challenges, I can finally trust myself on the road. The stage is now the remedy not the challenge. The gig is now an anchor of love and presence that I get to experience with thousands around the country.”
Miracles is out today, Friday June 16.
Tickets to the Miracles tour are on sale now from www.nathancavaleri.com
NATHAN CAVALERI – UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
Tickets available from www.nathancavaleri.com
FRI 7 JULY | BAROQUE ROOM, KATOOMBA NSW | 18+
Tickets available from https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1051995?eid=1051995&
FRI 21 JULY | BOHEMIAN CAFÉ, TAREE NSW | 18+
Tickets available from https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/nathan-cavaleri-miracles-album-tour-bohemian-cafe-taree-tickets-621381618147?uid=143087609&sk_eid=41084986&aff=aff0songkick
SAT 22 JULY | PACIFIC PALMS REC CLUB, ELIZABETH BEACH NSW | 18+
Tickets available from https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/nathan-cavaleri-miracles-album-tour-pacific-palms-rec-club-tickets-621398618997?uid=143087609&sk_eid=41089025&aff=aff0songkick
SAT 29 JULY | HOTEL KUNUNURRA, KUNUNURRA WA | 18+
Tickets available from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nathan-cavaleri-miracles-album-tour-tickets-622301970947?uid=143087609&sk_eid=41089479&aff=aff0songkick
SUN 30 JULY | DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB, DARWIN NT | 18+
Tickets available from https://www.stickytickets.com.au/lxjbl/nathan_cavaleri_miracles__album_tour.aspx
FRI 4 AUG | WITCHETTY’S, ALICE SPRINGS NT | 18+
SAT 5 AUG | THE GRACE EMILY HOTEL, ADELAIDE SA | 18+
Tickets available from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/1f490073-1d7a-40c2-8e7d-9e08e841b595?Event=165377&utm_source=songkick
SUN 6 AUG | LIMESTONE COAST PANTRY, MOUNT GAMBIER SA | 18+
Tickets available from https://events.humanitix.com/nathan-cavaleri-miracles-album-tour-mount-gambier
SAT 19 AUG | THE LADY HAMPSHIRE, SYDNEY NSW | 18+
Tickets available from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/3ea0c587-f2d3-4623-9f67-0303d6149efd?Event=164271&utm_source=songkick
FRI 1 SEPT | CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE, CANBERRA ACT | 18+
Tickets available from https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/nathan-cavaleri-2023/
SAT 2 SEPT | THE HERITAGE HOTEL, BULLI NSW | 18+
Tickets available from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/9f89d1da-69a3-4451-99ff-1a11751131c6?Event=165417&utm_source=songkick
THUR 14 SEPT | BLACK BEAR LODGE, FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD | 18+
Tickets available from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/c2c8a5fa-7d31-4451-b330-1e5d2b100fe7?Event=165492&utm_source=songkick
FRI 15 SEPT & SUN 17 SEPT | MITCHELL CREEK ROCK ‘N BLUES FESTIVAL, KANDANGA QLD | ALL AGES
Tickets available from https://www.mitchellcreekrocknbluesfest.com.au/
SAT 16 SEPT | IMPERIAL HOTEL, EUMUNDI QLD | 18+
Tickets available from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/4f8056b3-6825-4657-a195-17e9f8fb7f6e?Event=165430&utm_source=songkick
FRI 22 SEPT & SAT 23 SEPT | WALLABY CREEK FESTIVAL, ROSSVILLE QLD | ALL AGES
Tickets available from https://www.wallabycreekfestival.org.au/tickets/
SAT 7 OCT | OCEAN VIEW BEACH CLUB, WAMBERAL NSW | 18+
Tickets available from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/9108efbd-5ca1-4d58-be74-2a567636233b?Event=165442&utm_source=songkick
SUN 8 OCT | LIZOTTE’S, NEWCASTLE NSW | 18+
Tickets available from https://lizottes.com.au/live/shows/booking/3581
THUR 19 OCT | REPUBLIC BAR, HOBART TAS | 18+
FRI 20 OCT | ROYAL OAK HOTEL, LAUNCESTON TAS | 18+
Tickets available from https://royaloakhotel.iwannaticket.com.au/event/nathan-cavaleri-Mjg4MDM
SAT 21 OCT | GNOMON ROOM, ULVERSTONE TAS | 18+
SUN 22 OCT | PALAIS THEATRE, FRANKLIN TAS | 18+
THUR 26 OCT | SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE VIC | 18+
Tickets available from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/5456e3e4-b7cb-4ab5-a0ad-1f1d21567ef2?Event=165816&utm_source=songkick
FRI 27 OCT | THE EVELYN HOTEL, FITZROY VIC | 18+
Tickets available from https://evelynhotel.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/9db1630d-f016-44fd-9d88-5845c1cc13d3
SAT 28 OCT | ALPINE HOTEL, WARBURTON VIC | 18+
Tickets available from https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/nathan-cavaleri-live-in-warburton-tickets-619475406617?uid=143087609&sk_eid=41091778&aff=aff0songkick
SAT 11 NOV | BERMAGUI COUNTRY CLUB, BERMAGUI NSW | 18+
Tickets available from https://events.humanitix.com/nathan-cavaleri-miracles-album-tour
FRI 24 NOV | ROCK THE BOAT CRUISE, SYD-PACIFIC ISLANDS | 18+
Tickets available from https://chooseyourcruise.com.au/cruises/rock-the-boat-2023/