Artists
Check out the deadly line up of artists hitting the Quandamooka stage this August 26, 27 and 28!
Emma Donovan and The Putbacks
Acclaimed Indigenous vocalist Emma Donovan and Melbourne rhythm combo ‘The Putbacks’ burst on to the Australian scene with their album Dawn in 2014, announcing a new voice in Australian soul music. Emma’s songwriting is optimistic, impassioned, and bruisingly honest, The Putbacks’ music is fluid, live and raw, and the collaboration has won friends and admirers all over the world.
The project was born of Emma and the band’s shared love for classic US soul and the protest music of Indigenous Australia. Shades of every soul record you ever liked sneak through: Al Green’s HiRecords era? Check. Aretha’s Classic Atlantic recordings? Check. Stacks of Stax? Check. It’s all there, but there’s also a whole lot of Coloured Stone and Warumpi Band influences giving this project a uniquely Australian slant.
The project was born of Emma and the band’s shared love for classic US soul and the protest music of Indigenous Australia. Shades of every soul record you ever liked sneak through: Al Green’s HiRecords era? Check. Aretha’s Classic Atlantic recordings? Check. Stacks of Stax? Check. It’s all there, but there’s also a whole lot of Coloured Stone and Warumpi Band influences giving this project a uniquely Australian slant.
Electric Fields
Electric Fields is a potent new music bringing together the brilliance and creativity of music producer and composer Michael Ross, with the mesmerising sensitivity of Zaachariaha Fielding-whose rare and beautiful voice has been described as ‘taking soul to the stratosphere’.
These two feminine brothers create a striking and haunting merging of living traditional culture with electronic music. Co-writing music and delivering an immersive and evocative live performance, Electric Fields bring moments of breathtaking beauty and power to the stage. Often featuring Zaachariaha’s traditional languages of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara people, Electric Fields music encompasses neo-soul-pop, through toepic-scale electronic works, and intensely intimate story-songs
These two feminine brothers create a striking and haunting merging of living traditional culture with electronic music. Co-writing music and delivering an immersive and evocative live performance, Electric Fields bring moments of breathtaking beauty and power to the stage. Often featuring Zaachariaha’s traditional languages of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara people, Electric Fields music encompasses neo-soul-pop, through toepic-scale electronic works, and intensely intimate story-songs
Shakaya
Shakaya are the first Australian Aboriginal, Torres Strait Island, and Vanuatuan mixed raced girl duo who were signed to Sony Australia and climbed the mainstream music charts with there first release– “Stop Calling Me” reaching No.5 on the ARIA charts with an ARIA nomination for the highest selling single in Australia. The girls were formed in Cairns in 2002.
Simone is originally from Bowen ,Queensland from the Juru clan under the Birrigubba Nation, and also has Torres Strait Island background roots from Steven (Ugar) Island, and also has Vanuatuan bloodlines from Santos and Vanua Lavu, Northern Banks of Vanuatu, and Naomi Wenitong who’s cultural roots come from the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi)Tribe in South East Queensland and her bloodline roots also stem from Vanuatu Ambrym Island and Nepal
Simone is originally from Bowen ,Queensland from the Juru clan under the Birrigubba Nation, and also has Torres Strait Island background roots from Steven (Ugar) Island, and also has Vanuatuan bloodlines from Santos and Vanua Lavu, Northern Banks of Vanuatu, and Naomi Wenitong who’s cultural roots come from the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi)Tribe in South East Queensland and her bloodline roots also stem from Vanuatu Ambrym Island and Nepal
Sycco
Sycco is 19 year old First Nations artist/writer/producer Sash McLeod, for whom 2020 was a breakout year, thanks to her colourful, psychedelic-pop sonics, crystal clear melodies and charismatic charm. With an accumulated 16 million+ streams and 500k+ monthly Spotify listeners, Sycco has established herself as one ofAustralia’s most promising and popular new artists, beloved by fans, media and her contemporaries alike.
Sycco’s new single “Time’s Up” (out now via Future Classic) is a sweeping break-up track and the the latest in a string of consistently impressive singles (Peacemaker, Nicotine, Dribble, Germs and My Ways) that have won her praise from Billboard, Cool Hunting, Paper, Lyrical Lemonade, NME, Ones to Watch, triple j and more. Spotify and Amazon Music have highlighted Sycco as a global emerging artist to watch via inclusion on their global emerging artist brands (RADAR AU & NZ and Breakthrough)
Sycco’s new single “Time’s Up” (out now via Future Classic) is a sweeping break-up track and the the latest in a string of consistently impressive singles (Peacemaker, Nicotine, Dribble, Germs and My Ways) that have won her praise from Billboard, Cool Hunting, Paper, Lyrical Lemonade, NME, Ones to Watch, triple j and more. Spotify and Amazon Music have highlighted Sycco as a global emerging artist to watch via inclusion on their global emerging artist brands (RADAR AU & NZ and Breakthrough)
SACHÉM
SACHÉM, is an artist whose intellect and creativity reaches new levels. With his name being a title given to the Native American chief from the Mohegan tribe in the North East of the USA, it was prophetic that frontline First Nation/African American leader Sachém would become a talented writer and orator.
The rapper, singer, and spoken-word poet has combined his greatest works into his debut EP Part of the Picture, released on May 20th. Having Opened at the 2022 Queensland Music Awards and AFL Indigenous Round 2022, fans who see Sachém live can expect to been a moured by a young First Nations man, which manifests in a theatrical and emotive performance.
The rapper, singer, and spoken-word poet has combined his greatest works into his debut EP Part of the Picture, released on May 20th. Having Opened at the 2022 Queensland Music Awards and AFL Indigenous Round 2022, fans who see Sachém live can expect to been a moured by a young First Nations man, which manifests in a theatrical and emotive performance.
Benjin
Benjin is a proud Meriam, Yidindji, Birri-Gubba and Tanna man based in Meanjin.
As a multi-disciplinary artist, Benjin has performed at numerous events throughout the eastern-seaboard, gracing the stage at Woodford Folk Festival, Homeground, Bluesfest, the 2018 Commonwealth Games and various productions within Brisbane Festival.
As a multi-disciplinary artist, Benjin has performed at numerous events throughout the eastern-seaboard, gracing the stage at Woodford Folk Festival, Homeground, Bluesfest, the 2018 Commonwealth Games and various productions within Brisbane Festival.
CKNU
Fusion’ music can be a tricky beast. Bands will often try to smash together a host of influences but it takes a special combination of talent and sheer fearlessness to actually pull it off. And thankfully they are two things CKNU have in abundance.
A five-piece band that bring smooth vibes, high energy and a guaranteed good time. What sets them apart from the rest is their unique harmonies and musicianship. They are an original-band but they are able to perform covers with their own unique twist ranging from the 70’s to the present.
A five-piece band that bring smooth vibes, high energy and a guaranteed good time. What sets them apart from the rest is their unique harmonies and musicianship. They are an original-band but they are able to perform covers with their own unique twist ranging from the 70’s to the present.
Georgia Corowa
Georgia Corowa is a South Sea Islander and Bundjalung woman based on the island of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Australia. She was raised with the good things she holds dear-love, music and the saltwater.
Georgia’s musical style could best be described as relaxed, soulful and heartfelt. It is a reflection of her strongest memories in her upbringing-learning to play guitar and piano by ear, singing together with family, always in harmony and feeling the expression of the heart through music and song.
Georgia’s musical style could best be described as relaxed, soulful and heartfelt. It is a reflection of her strongest memories in her upbringing-learning to play guitar and piano by ear, singing together with family, always in harmony and feeling the expression of the heart through music and song.
Joe Geia Band
Geia is a renowned singer/songwriter, guitarist, didgeridoo player and influential figure in the development of contemporary Indigenous music. He writes music of bravery and beauty, telling of Aboriginal life in Australia, of the quest for justice and belonging, of history, family and love.
“I want to promote change and understanding, melodically and harmoniously,” he says, “while still sharing the little known aspects of Aboriginal history.”
Joe Geia’s contribution to the arts is highly significant and enduring. As the writer of renowned songs such as Yil Lull and Uncle Willie he remains an active recording and performing artist sharing his Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through music.
“I want to promote change and understanding, melodically and harmoniously,” he says, “while still sharing the little known aspects of Aboriginal history.”
Joe Geia’s contribution to the arts is highly significant and enduring. As the writer of renowned songs such as Yil Lull and Uncle Willie he remains an active recording and performing artist sharing his Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through music.
Keely
Keely is a proud Gubbi Gubbi / Gooreng Gooreng / Ni-Vanuatu descendant; a professional, a mother, an activist and artist. Her mana is her music-drawing power from her cultural roots, inspiration from nature, and soul from her experiences of love and loss; ever-intertwining. Her vocal stylings are reminiscent of a summer’s day, seamlessly fusing elements of neo-soul, R&B and modern jazz.
Keely uses wordplay paired with sweet notes to take a lighthearted approach to deliver sometimes “heavy“ content; exploring topics such as racial and gender oppression, abuse, trauma, and addiction. Nevertheless, this Scorpio Goddess can’t deny being a dreamer, hopelessly romantic and deeply fascinated by metaphysics using music as her vehicle to explore from within all the way to the outermost reaches of the universe.
“Keely Eggmolesse is a star on the rise with hypnotic vocals and tunes that will transport you to a hot summers day by the sea.“
– Teisha Cloos, National Indigenous Times
Keely uses wordplay paired with sweet notes to take a lighthearted approach to deliver sometimes “heavy“ content; exploring topics such as racial and gender oppression, abuse, trauma, and addiction. Nevertheless, this Scorpio Goddess can’t deny being a dreamer, hopelessly romantic and deeply fascinated by metaphysics using music as her vehicle to explore from within all the way to the outermost reaches of the universe.
“Keely Eggmolesse is a star on the rise with hypnotic vocals and tunes that will transport you to a hot summers day by the sea.“
– Teisha Cloos, National Indigenous Times
Maibre
Quandamooka Festival 2022 will debut up and coming Quandamooka Artist Maibre, inspired by an eclectic mix of musical genre’s including rhythm and blues, rock and neo soul.
Maibre’s deep and expressive vocals have seen her appear on stage with the Beddy Rays. Both her covers and original sets are shaped by her experience as a young Quandamooka woman, her connections to country and deep love for her culture
Maibre’s deep and expressive vocals have seen her appear on stage with the Beddy Rays. Both her covers and original sets are shaped by her experience as a young Quandamooka woman, her connections to country and deep love for her culture
Nix
Nix is a Quandamooka nunukal – nugi woman from Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) & the Winnam/Manly area. As mother of three boys, a nurse/ MH worker/ MH first response educator. She has woven music and visual arts work through these over the years.
Nix shares songs from the heart written about her lived experience and observations . Her cheeky /charming nature and indy pop folk sound will make you swoon , sway, laugh and tap your feet while enjoying all the feels that belong in this journey called life.
Nix is currently recording her first songs for release after years of supporting other artists and many live performances.
Nix shares songs from the heart written about her lived experience and observations . Her cheeky /charming nature and indy pop folk sound will make you swoon , sway, laugh and tap your feet while enjoying all the feels that belong in this journey called life.
Nix is currently recording her first songs for release after years of supporting other artists and many live performances.
Rochelle Pitt
RochellePitt is of Nunukul, Nughi and Meriam Le descent and started singing and performing at a young age in the churches and choirs of Far North Queensland.
Her long journey has forged a powerful voice that celebrates the strength, beauty and love within all of us. In her early twenties, Rochelle had breakout success with her original tracks “Too Deadly My Sister” and “Black to Reality” from her seminal EP Black to Reality, an uplifting and inspirational ode to her First Nation people. The conviction of her live performances leaves audiences breathless, and in recent years Rochelle has found mainstream success as she went from nurse and mother, to star on Australia’s The X factor.
Rochelle’s newest EP, Soul Mumma was released in December 2017, and today she continues to enjoy performances across Australia at music festivals, community events and across the corporate sector. She is also proud ambassador for APRA AMCOS advocating for the rights of Aboriginal &Torres Strait Islander singer/songwriters, and passionately supports organisations such as Kidney Health Australia.
Her long journey has forged a powerful voice that celebrates the strength, beauty and love within all of us. In her early twenties, Rochelle had breakout success with her original tracks “Too Deadly My Sister” and “Black to Reality” from her seminal EP Black to Reality, an uplifting and inspirational ode to her First Nation people. The conviction of her live performances leaves audiences breathless, and in recent years Rochelle has found mainstream success as she went from nurse and mother, to star on Australia’s The X factor.
Rochelle’s newest EP, Soul Mumma was released in December 2017, and today she continues to enjoy performances across Australia at music festivals, community events and across the corporate sector. She is also proud ambassador for APRA AMCOS advocating for the rights of Aboriginal &Torres Strait Islander singer/songwriters, and passionately supports organisations such as Kidney Health Australia.
Roger Knox and the Euraba Band
Uncle Roger Knox has uplifted and entertained audiences from across the world with his beautiful honeyed baritone. Honed and seasoned from a performing career spanning more than 4 decades, he is a much loved and respected Aboriginal performer and senior Gomeroi Elder. His diverse career in Cabaret, Gospel, 60’s rock and Country Music has seen him entertaining audiences in remote outback Communities, regional towns and big cities alike. For a quiet shy Aboriginal boy who grew upon Country on the Toomelah Aboriginal Mission Station, he has actively and persistently opened doors for a new era of Aboriginal performers.
Uncle Roger recognises the value of song and music for Aboriginal learning and culture, he uses it to bring people together for healing, self-awareness and the awakening of their heritage. He utilises music to build cultural capacity within his own family, where many of his children and grandchildren work within the industry as professional performers, musicians, and artists. His band The Euraba Band boasts a line-up of family musicians spanning 3 generations and is a fantastic testament to his standing and respect as the patriarch within his family.
Uncle Roger recognises the value of song and music for Aboriginal learning and culture, he uses it to bring people together for healing, self-awareness and the awakening of their heritage. He utilises music to build cultural capacity within his own family, where many of his children and grandchildren work within the industry as professional performers, musicians, and artists. His band The Euraba Band boasts a line-up of family musicians spanning 3 generations and is a fantastic testament to his standing and respect as the patriarch within his family.
