How Events Like Blak Social Help First Nations Artists 'Shape Their Identity'

From the desert centre to bustling cities to ocean breezes, First Nations artists bring ancestral energy to all that they create.

Blak Social at Horizon Festival on the Sunshine Coast celebrates the cultural resurgence of Indigenous peoples with a line-up as varied and constellated as their identities. Featuring artists like Alice Skye, Chocolatte Boxx and Kee’ahn, Blak Social is a celebration of Indigenous artists and the future they create.

Rebecca Hatch is one of the showcasing artists at Blak Social, and has been making waves across the country with a string of live performances. Hatch is an 18-year-old R&B artist from Sydney’s West with a voice to be reckoned with. Wringing the soul from the streets of Campbelltown and wearing her Aboriginal/Kamilaroi and Pacific Islander heritage on her sleeve proudly, Hatch explores the creation of R&B music in an Australian setting.

Beetson: I have been following your career for some time now (read: I am a huge fan), and it has been really exciting to watch you continue to flourish. I am conscious that work I get to do now as a producer is because of the Indigenous people working in music before me. How have mentors and role-models in your community helped shape your career?

Hatch: As a young artist, I am definitely really grateful for artists such as Briggs and Thelma Plum for paving the way for a newbie like me to come up! Without artists like Briggs and more, it would have been a lot more difficult for me to thrive. Earlier artists shaped the identity and of Indigenous music and I hope I, in the near, future am able to have the same affect. Thankful for First Nations artists before me opening the door so that I can thrive!

Beetson: Your success has been and is quite inspiring for your communities – whether that be Western Sydney, your mobs or other young musicians – how do you manage that kind of responsibility, alongside making music?

Hatch: For me I just tell my story, I don’t think of it as a responsibility. I create music to tell my story and express myself, and if that can inspire or connect to another young artist, mob or the Western Sydney community then my job is done!

Beetson: Since winning triple j's Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative at the National Indigenous Music Awards, you’ve been riding a lot of well-earned momentum, from performing at NRL’s State of Origin with Briggs to recently touring with Kian. Alongside mainstream success, you’ve also supported First Nations events like Klub Koorie, Yaban and now, Blak Social at Horizon Festival. Why are First Nations takeover events so important for spaces like the music industry?

Hatch: I believe that First Nations acts are sick and sometimes do not get the recognition they deserve! These events are a great way to showcase acts in a way that can connect mob with industry. There is a major lack of representation of Indigenous music and these events allow for artists to shape their identity.

Beetson: I have seen some comparisons made between yourself and Alicia Keys. I am sure you are used to people matching your voice with some of the greats. What music did you listen to when you were growing up, and how did that inspire your own sound?

Hatch: I grew up listening to artists such as Alicia Keys, Frank Ocean, Phony Ppl, and Biggie so mainly R&B! I can definitely see the influence it has had on my style whereas I enjoy creating music of R&B but I also like exploring the mix of hip hop influences within. I hope that when you listen to my music you are able to hear my take on this style!

Beetson: You’ve got BIGSOUND coming up, straight after Blak Social, so it is busy time of year for both of us! What can fans like me expect to see from you over the next year?

Hatch: I have a few things in store for next year and you can expect to hear new music from me! If you’re attending my set at BIGSOUND you will be able to catch a glimpse of new tracks as well as my first time performing with a live band! Keep an eye out for 2020!

Catch Rebecca Hatch and a packed line-up including Alice Skye, Kee’ahn and more Wednesday 28 Aug 7pm at Festival Central, Cnr First Avenue and South Sea Islander Way, Maroochydore City Centre. Follow the link here for more details.