Northeast Arnhem Land band, Wild Honey, are the latest recipients of UNIFIED Music Group’s Ground Floor program. Along with today’s announcement, the group have unveiled their latest single, Sacred Ground.
Launched last September, Ground Floor is a new accelerator program powered by the company’s ecosystem that’s focused on empowering independent Australian artists who are “ready to take the next step in their careers.”
Wild Honey is the third participant of the Ground Floor accelerator program, following Sydney artist ATHANASIA and Toronto-born, Melbourne-raised artist Hayku Kyah (in partnership with One of One).
By joining Ground Floor, Wild Honey will enjoy a six-month incubator period. UNIFIED, working in partnership with the Bush Music Fund, will elevate the band’s profile and provide substantial backing to support their journey from remote Australia to the world.
“There are so many incredible First Nations artists from remote communities across the country that we’re eager to champion through the Bush Music Fund,” said Jack Parsons, Co-Founder and Director of Bush Music Fund.
Parsons continued, “We’ve been following Wild Honey closely since the release of their debut single, Common Ground, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see them join UNIFIED’s Ground Floor program.”
The band will gain early-access industry backing and mentorship from UNIFIED Artist Management, The Annex, Core Talent Agency, and Sound Story, supporting the release of Sacred Ground and providing financial backing for a 2027 live show.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Wild Honey as the latest artist to join Ground Floor,” Jaddan Comerford, Founder and CEO of UNIFIED Music Group, commented in a statement. “They came to us through our close relationship with Bush Music Fund, who are doing vital work to support and champion musicians and communities throughout Australia.
“We have immense respect for what they do and value our partnership deeply. Wild Honey are an exceptional talent, and we can’t wait to work alongside them, back their development, and be part of this next chapter.”
Wild Honey features Balumba Gondarra and Gawukawu Gurruwiwi, grandsons of Yothu Yindi frontman and songwriter, Dr. Mandawuy Yunupingu. They’re one of the region’s newer acts, but still, they’ve developed a sound that combines contemporary grooves with cultural traditions of Yolngu song and storytelling.
With a uniquely Arnhem Land sound that blends ancient knowledge, modern energy and rhythms, the band have already taken their music to festivals including Garma Festival, East Arnhem Live, and Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival.
Wild Honey’s Gawukawu Gurruwiwi said, “We are very excited to be part of the Ground Floor program and to share our music with the world.
“It is our dream to carry on the legacy of our grandfather and the many powerful Yolngu musicians who came before us. Working with UNIFIED and Bush Music Fund is an incredible opportunity to help us achieve our dreams, and the release of our song Sacred Ground is the first step forward!”
