Midnight Oil to perform new single at NIMAs with First Nations artists

Midnight Oil has added considerable firepower to the National Indigenous Music Awards.

The legendary band fronted by Peter Garrett is dropping its first single in almost 20 years – ‘Gadigal Land’ – the day before the awards on August 7.

It is adding greater impetus to the song’s message by performing it in an in-studio performance with Kaleena Briggs of Stiff Gins fame, Bunna Lawrie of Coloured Stone and Dan Sultan.

The three, who feature on the single, represent a number of different nations.

The song takes its name from Sydney’s traditional owners, many of whom continue to live in the city and includes a lyrical section written and delivered by Gadigal poet, Joel Davison.

Like all the band’s new recordings it was produced by long time collaborator Warne Livesey who also helmed Diesel & Dust, Blue Sky Mining and Capricornia.

The Gadigal (also sometimes spelt “Cadigal”) lands include what is now the CBD plus areas from South Head through to the inner west of the city.

A statement on what happened after the first sails of European settlers appeared on the horizon in 1788, it’s the first taster of The Makarrata Project, the Oils’ seven-track mini-album collaboration with a number of First Nations artists and slated for an October release.

“We’ve always been happy to lend our voice to those who call for racial justice, but it really feels like we’ve reached a tipping point,” the band said in a statement.

“We urge the Federal Government to heed the messages in the Uluru Statement From The Heart and act accordingly.”

Midnight Oil will donate its share of any proceeds it receives from this release to organisations which seek to elevate The Uluru Statement From The Heart and reconciliation more broadly.

Sony Music Entertainment Australia will match any artist contribution.

The NIMAs are broadcast on National Indigenous Television (NITV), Double J, National Indigenous Radio Service, TEABBA, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter at 7pm AEST on August 8.

It will also feature a tribute to the Warumpi Band with a performance of ‘My Island Home’ featuring songwriter Neil Murray and the artist who took it to the mainstream, Christine Anu alongside TSI rapper Mau Power, Jim Moginie and Rob Hirst.

Also performing are Archie Roach, Gumbaynggirr and Yamatji singer Emma Donovan, Gamilaraay singer Thelma Plum, Pitjantjatjara and Torres Strait Island R&B singer Miiesha, Numbulwar band Mambali and triple j Unearthed competition winner JK-47.

Hosted by Elaine Crombie and Steven Oliver, there are planned crosses to Jessica Mauboy, Mitch Tambo and Electric Fields, and remote communities including Yirrkala and Broome.