Genre-Defying Female Collective The Cloud Maker Release Debut Self-Titled Album

Fresh off the back of a regional Australian tour, eclectic collective The Cloud Maker have released their eagerly-anticipated self-titled debut album via Skinnyfish Music.

Launching in 2022 with their debut performance, The Cloud Maker begun sharing music in January thanks to their debut single, The Godly River, a song that channels ancient tales of fierce battles, summons shaman dances, and journeys to the afterlife.

Crafting music about culture and traditions, The Cloud Maker’s beginnings can be traced back to the snowy peaks of Canada, where group members Te Kahureremoa Taumata, Sunny Kim, and Aviva Endean met during a residency at The Banff Centre in 2019.

“The concept for The Cloud Maker came about when I met Te Kahureremoa Taumata in Banff in 2019,” Endean remembers. “In a little wooden hut surrounded by the snowy forest, she shared with me the story of the Maori moth goddess Raukatauri, the creation story of the Putorino, a cocoon shaped flute, and just one of the Taonga Pūoro (singing treasures) that Taumata plays. Each figure in the story was accompanied by their own unique sound on the flute.

“When I returned home, I couldn't stop thinking about the potential of integrating music and stories in this way, so I gathered up a group of five masterful musicians who each brought to the project their highly individual musical voices as well as their stories.”

The Cloud Maker’s music is as mesmerising as it is steeped in meaning and importance. A celebration of empowerment through female creativity, the music highlights the strength, talent, and artistic expression of women. Together, they draw inspiration from powerful feminine figures in mythology, and wrap it up in a dazzling mix of folk, world, and experimental music.

“Working with The Cloud Maker has been a transformative experience for all of the musicians involved,” says Endean. “Our music emerges from stories we shared with each other about goddess figures from each of our cultures.

“Stories that speak to feminine bravery, sensuality, power and compassion. Inspired by these archetypal tales, the ensemble improvises within a suite of sonic worlds, echoing themes of creation and transformation.”

The Cloud Maker' are also set to appear at WOMADelaide next weekend, with the event running from March 8th – 10th.

The Cloud Maker is out now.