ICONYX Covers Classic Archie Roach Ballad, Announces Debut Album

East Kimberley-based First Nations artist ICONYX is embarking on some massive personal milestones this week.

Tomorrow (14 February), she’ll release her debut single, Mulyawongk – a cover of Archie Roach’s classic ballad she recorded with his permission – from her forthcoming debut album, Blak On Trak. You can pre-save the track here.

Her album is set for release on Friday, 21 March, via Skinnyfish Music. Tonight, ICONYX will celebrate another milestone: the biggest live performance of her career. The singer will open for renowned artist Emily Wurramara at Perth Festival this evening. You can find last-minute tickets to the show here.

ICONYX is a 17-year-old emerging artist from East Kimberley. She navigates the world without sight, and as a result, her storytelling is deeply influenced by her family roots of Kukatja, Pintupi mob, and life growing up on Whadjuk, Noongar Boodja.

Her forthcoming debut album will feature her powerful voice and “wide-ranging influences,” spanning hip-hop to the traditional storytelling that inspires contemporary Aboriginal Australian Music.

ICONYX has developed a strong presence in Perth, having played at festivals and NAIDOC events. Three of her songs have been nominated for WAM Awards. In 2022, her song Dawn Of The Future won the Act Belong Commit category.

As noted in a press release, ICONYX received “explicit” permission from Archie Roach himself to perform and reimagine Mulyawongk. He said of her version of the song, “ICONYX has taken this song to another level.”

ICONYX said of the opportunity to cover Mulyawongk: “Archie Roach is a legend of Australian music, and getting the chance to pay respect to his legacy with ‘Mulyawongk’ feels like both a huge responsibility and absolute privilege. I really hope it hits home with everyone who listens.”

You can check out ICONYX’s take on the song tomorrow when the music video premieres on YouTube.

ICONYX will launch Blak On Trak at the Bina Biddi Showcase at Perth’s Night Owl Studio on Friday, 21 March.