RADICAL SON RELEASES POWERFUL NEW ALBUM BILAMBIYAL (THE LEARNING)
A stirring and powerful celebration of cultural connection alongside masterful performances, Kamilaroi and Tongan artist Radical Son unveils his sophomore album Bilambiyal (The Learning), out now via Wantok Musik. Boasting 13 tracks that swell with dynamic meaning and gripping arrangements, Bilambiyal (The Learning) also offers a deeply powerful statement of devotion to country, armed with harmonious traditional and modern sonic hues.
Releasing via Wantok Musik, and following on from his debut release Cause ‘N Affect, Bilambiyal (The Learning) was also crafted alongside a powerhouse team, including Full Circle Audio, Marcus Longfoot, Andy Robinson, David Bridie, Frank Yamma, Emma Donovan and many more lending their magic to the end result. Heralded by its lead singles Elder, Until You Call My Name, and Yuluwirri Wandabaa (The Rainbow Dreaming), Bilambiyal (The Learning) delves deep into Radical Son’s passion and advocacy for culture and connection in the modern age alongside themes of reflection, growth and, ultimately, learning. “I remember how much it meant to me to finally have a voice,” shares Radical Son of his new album. “I am so grateful to be releasing our album Bilambiyal” (The Learning). I am very proud of this work, and I am so grateful to those who have collaborated with me to bring it to life. I believe we have created a work that we can all be proud of. I absolutely love the songs on this album, and I know you will too. Even though I wish I’d had a stronger connection to Culture and Country. Even though there was a real disconnect and Culture and Country was not something I had a deep understanding of, still so much of my music is about my mob, my culture, my heritage. With almost 20 years now as an artist, I’ve stayed true to the game. I’ve stayed true to my mob. I’ve stayed true to myself. I really do hope that that message comes through in my songs.”
Opening with the starkly intimate Elder Reprise, Radical Son instantly conjures goosebumps as his almighty vocals soar, akin to standing on a mountaintop proclaiming: “I wish to be an Elder”. A short yet instantly gripping introduction to the power lying in wait throughout Bilambiyal (The Learning), Elder Reprise transitions seamlessly into How Long Must I Wait, a warm blend of soul and urgency, followed by the glowing ambience and captivating vocals lying in wait on All My Life. From a magnetic reflection on gratitude (Until You Call My Name) to a striking spoken word interlude (Cultural Contract), Bilambiyal (The Learning) rises to even greater heights via the commanding Elder; a spellbinding outing that also pays tribute to Radical Son’s cultural legacy seeking to inspire potential future Elders of this land. And journeying between elements of reggae (the buoyant Only One Life), moody and glossy ambience laden with vulnerability (The Learning (Bilambiyal), aka the album’s hypnotic title track), and potent lyricism fused with driving delivery (Yuluwirri Wandabaa (The Rainbow Dreaming) featuring Emma Donovan and Frank Yamma), Bilambiyal (The Learning) closes out with heady swoon (Dhuwan Baraay Yuligi), another haunting spoken word interlude (The Same Game), sleek soul complete with intermittent strings and layered harmonies (A Golden Age), and, ultimately, a track that simultaneously dazzles with Radical Son’s honeyed delivery and potent yet sparse instrumentation on The Fall. Declaring “I’m looking for a change, I’m ready for a change”, The Fall closes Bilambiyal (The Learning) on a pensive yet uplifting note, showcasing Radical Son’s stunning craftsmanship alongside his own personal and creative learning, as well as his unwavering connection to culture and country.
One of the most compelling artists in the Australian cultural scene, Radical Son, the son of an Aboriginal woman and Tongan man, channels his experiences from his past into immense power and resolve, with his trademark sound pulsing with the urgency of hip hop and emotionally charged soul. A festival favourite, cemented by his show-stopping cover of his mentor Uncle Archie Roach’s Walking Into Doors in 2022, Radical Son has performed to standing ovations at Bluesfest, St Kilda Festival, VIVID, the AFL Dreamtime 2022 game, and the official Uncle Archie Roach memorial in Melbourne and Sydney.
A highly skilled concert artist, with performances alongside classical ensembles and high-profile collaborations under his belt, Radical Son’s artistry also expands to film and TV, with credits including Defining Moments, a six-part NITV documentary exploring life-defining experiences, and theatre work, including the lead role of Pemulwuy in I am Eora at the 2012 Sydney Festival.
Studying as a musician at The Eora Centre for Visual and Performing Arts in Redfern, as well completing a Bachelor of Music from Newcastle Conservatorium, Radical Son’s creative prowess and steadfast substance is only matched by his otherworldly stage presence that repeatedly transfixes; and this fact is only set to heighten with an upcoming performance in later this month as part of QPAC’s Warriors Concert for 2024’s Clancestry Festival in Brisbane armed with Bilambiyal (The Learning).
“This record is something I can be proud of,” shares Radical Son. “It’s an example to me of how I’ve grown and done better in my creative work. It’s my favourite album of mine so far.”
“Music has made me a better person. We hold the key. Within ourselves we can change things for ourselves and make the lives of others better in the process. I hope my songs have a positive impact on you.”
Bilambiyal (The Learning) is out now, via Wantok Musik.
RADICAL SON – UPCOMING SHOWS:
WED 31 JULY | QPAC, BRISBANE QLD| ALL AGES
Tickets available from https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2024/clancestry-warriors