If you followed our recent coverage of BIGSOUND or the NT Song of the Year awards this year, Apakatjah is a name that would have popped up a few times. The Alice Springs duo proved themselves to be a highlight discovery for us when we travelled to the Top End and again, in Brisbane last week.
Fusing traditional language with English and some brilliant guitar work and contemporary arrangements, Dion Forrester and Jonathan Lindsay-Tjapaltjarri Hermawan have woven the threads of their rich ancestry with a wide range of musical influences including Iron Maiden, Tjupi Band and more.
Reclaiming the term ‘apakatjah’ which, in Luritja kriol, is used to describe a person of mixed race, the duo celebrate their culture and mixed heritage through their music and their new single “Waru” is a great example of this talent. Written about the elements (fire and water) and their love for guitars, the tune is taken from Apakatjah’s debut album and saw them work with Dave Crowe at the CAAMA Music Studios in Alice Springs.
A great introduction to a band we’re keen to see more of, have a suss of “Waru” below and find out more about Apaktajah HERE!
https://soundcloud.com/caamamusic/apakatjah-waru/s-Y1haw
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