WAM Festival: Gina Williams

Business/Position: Singer/Songwriter, Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse

Tell us about how you first became involved in the music business and where you are now? I won the Indigenous category of the WAM Song of the Year and suddenly was offered gigs. Nowadays I’m writing and performing songs in Noongar language with Guy Ghouse (Desert Child). We’ve released an album (Kalyakoorl) and our performances are taking us all over Australia.

What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the WA Music Conference, and why is this area important? I’m speaking about the Indigenous music scene and also defining success as a musician. I’m really passionate about the Indigenous music landscape in WA. We have a strong, supportive community between our performers and I’m proud to be part of it. In terms of defining success, I’m looking forward to being able to share what’s happened in the last year in terms of musical adventures with Guy. It’s far exceeded what we thought might happen (given that we perform in a language very few people speak) which is fantastic for everyone, not just Indigenous artists.

What are you expecting to take away from your WAM Festival visit? I’m expecting to learn from others, I’m looking forward to meeting new people and I’m hoping I can share something useful with others.

One piece of advice to help others succeed in the music industry? Back yourself. Find what it is that makes your heart happy and pursue it to the ends of the earth.