MARLON X RULLA Present: The Top 5 First Nations Artists Shaping Australia's Music Landscape

In a world where music has the power to challenge societal norms and shed light on pressing issues, First Nations duo MARLON X RULLA stand as vanguards of artistic expression and social critique.

Their latest single, Trauma Patient, with Marlon Motlop's soulful and velvety vocals blending seamlessly with Rulla Kelly-Mansell's bold and daring bars, highlighting a major synergy between their voices that soar throughout the track.

While the powerhouses have only released a single track thus far — 2022’s Unceded — Trauma as though they are destined to make waves in the scene with their raw combined talents.

“Trauma Patient is a thought-provoking expression of one of the many anxieties of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person in Australia,” Marlon Motlop said of the duo’s latest drop.

“It places responsibility on listeners to challenge the behaviours and values of the term ‘Ally’ and define what that title means in its truest form. Trauma Patient in its essence, is a challenge of today's societal worldview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the narrative that our successes are formed or created, and actioned from a deficit model based origin.”

In celebration of the release of the thought-provoking new single Trauma Patient, Rulla Kelly-Mansell of MARLON X RULLA takes us through five fellow First Nations artists who are forces in the music scene.

A.B. Original

Trials’ work is unmatched and timeless. For over 20 years he’s mastered a craft that without question in my opinion is on the Mount Rushmore in this country.

Briggs's energy and hustle he came with and injected into our country was timely and Blak magic in a bottle… Once they formed AB and dropped Reclaim Australia the floodgate of emerging First Nations artists opened and it hasn’t been the same since. All music aside, two of the best people you meet too.

Fred Leone

Uncle Fred Leone is the most versatile creative person I know. A Butchulla songman to Rival MC from Impossible Odds, to Yirrinda, to the Birdz & Fred Leone projects, and of course his own soulful music.

Uncle Fred is someone whose legacy will continue for generations and generations. One of the most powerful spirits you’ll meet.

Miss Kaninna

Kannina is family, little cuz - her energy and message is authentic and it’s 100% her.

There’s no gimmick — she is the real deal and has been who she is from day dot since we were youngens. Her energy is what this country needs regardless if you think so or not - she’ll make you listen.

JK-47

Again, J is a beast. His spirit is solid and strong you feel it when you’re with him.

He has a deadly work ethic, watching from afar and now close up seeing his hustle is inspiring. I have mad respect for J — A real one.

Thelma Plum

I’ve been a huge fan of Thelly’s music for years.

I love the vulnerability yet control in her songwriting and how effortless she can make it look.

Thelly’s range and voice are uniquely from another world. A very down-to-earth person that deserves all the success she continues to get.