Alice Springs duo Apakatjah mastered roots and rock early on, drawing on the best elements of each for a refreshing take on the genre that’s assisted traditional instruments and a powerful message.
The latest offering from Dion Forrester and Jonathan Lindsay-Tjapaltjarri Hermawan, Waru, continues their mission to shine a light on the issue and prevalence of mixed race within the indigenous community (‘apakatjah’ being a Luritja kriol word for a person of mixed race heritage), and its accompany film clip – which we have the pleasure of premiering – makes a bold statement though powerful, engaging imagery.
"Waru is a song about fire and water. The fire spreads through the bush and burns everything in its path. It consumes all the loose debris and fallen trees and prepares the way for new life. Water comes and gives food for hope and for future,” the band said.
“It is an age-old cultural song for us - a reminder of our connection to culture and country, and a metaphor for both the past and present Australia's colonial story.
“A time in life that requires us to acknowledge and examine what's happened, what's still happening and what needs to change. A time to decide what to burn, what to refine by fire and what to carry with us into the future. Culture doesn't just apply to Aboriginal peoples but to all - and there exists both good and bad. We all need to decide what to take forward and what to leave behind.”
Waru is the first cut from the duo’s forthcoming debut LP – a first album that promises big things from the Central Australian act.
