PAW-Media-rlu kardu mani-ka Wapirra-kurlangu manu reggae mujiki yapa-kurlangu karlu recordi-mani manu nyiyakanti-kanti muji-ki nyampurlaju.
Music is a vital part of desert life. Ranging from desert rock, to reggae, to gospel, bands across the PAW network never fail to get crowds dancing and singing.
The PAW Media studio was set up for basic recording in 1999. Initially it was used predominantly as a rehearsal space. In 2001, PAW released its first major CD, ‘Tanami Tracks’, which featured music from eight communities across the PAW network. This was the beginning of what is now a constant flow in recording artists.
In 2007, PAW released the highly successful ‘Aboriginal Rules’ soundtrack. From 2008-2009, PAW secured funding from FAHCSIA’s Local Priority Fund, the NT Community Benefit Fund and the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal to refurbish the Yuendumu studio with up-to-date equipment and infrastructure.
In 2009, the first ‘Yapa Beats’ CD was released. Since then, PAW has progressively recorded and released compilation CD’s such as Battle of the Bands compilations, two follow up ‘Yapa Beats’ CD’s, and a Gospel compilation as part of the ‘Hallelujah’ Radio Documentary. We also record, mix, master and release albums from artists and bands across the PAW network.
The studio staff use Logic and Pro Tools for recording and can provide instruments for bands to rehearse or record with. Donovan Jampijinpa Rice is employed as the lead sound engineer and is supported by Nathaniel Jakamarra Sims and Clifford Japanangka Brown.
Rising Wind Band is one of the most prolific outfits in Central Australia. Formed in 1983 by Chris Gallagher (vocals/guitar), Alastair Turner (backing vocals/guitar) and Clifford Brown (guitar) the band has released 3 albums and had many line-up changes over this time.
Alaistair’s son Jezaniah joined the band in 2019 on vocals, and Clifford’s son Simos has recently taken on drums. AFL legend Liam Jurrah plays bass, with Alan Collins on backing vocals and Donovan Rice rounding out the current line-up on keys.
Based in the Yuendumu community, Rising Wind Band are well-known for its uplifting, country-infused rock songs with darker themes, like travelling, loneliness and drinking.
Yurrampi South Band have been playing music together since 2003. The project started when they were in school and Donovan Rice, Jimmy Langdon and Clifford Brown taught them to play music. The band consists of Dennis Nelson, Liam Jurrah, Nathaniel Sims and Jamie Nelson.
The word ‘Yurrampi’ is a Warlpiri word with two meanings. Firstly, it is a traditional place name for the Central Desert Community of Yuendumu, where the band lives, and secondly it is the name given to an edible honey ant that is found in the area.
2020 saw their song ‘Rdaku’ feature on the ‘First Sounds vol. 4’ compilation CD and perform at the PAW Media Darby Book launch concert and Kuminjayi Walker Memorial Concert.
Wilfred Nelson is a Warlpiri singer, song writer and musician from Yuendumu. He is a former member of rock band, ‘Rising Wind’, but now predominantly works on his solo gospel project. Wilfred works with his producer, Donovan Rice, to record songs in language and in English. In 2018 Wilfred released his debut solo album, Paradise. In 2021 he released his second studio album, Bright Lights. Wilfred is a regular performer at Yuendumu concerts and Gospel Nights.
Formed in 1998 and a household name throughout the Central Desert, Desert Mulga is the ultimate desert reggae band. Wailing guitar solos, upbeat drums, ‘skank’ on rhythm guitar and rich retro synth lines make up the Desert Reggae sound. Desert Mulga has recorded at Warlpiri Media & CAAMA, as well as in their home community of Nyirripi. Their songs have featured on the Tanami Tracks, Yapa Beats albums and the compilation album Snapshot I by CAAMA Music, as well as on the soundtrack for the film Samson and Delilah.
Karrku is a mountain located in the Central Australian desert community of Nyirripi and is well known in the Tanami Desert for its red ochre, used often for ceremony. Karrku Reggae Band were formed in Nyirripi under their namesake Karrku and sing a mix of desert rock/reggae in their native languages of Anmatjere and Warlpiri.
Made up of Derek Roderick on lead vocals, Jezeniah Turner on bass, Matthew Gibson on Rhythm Guitar and Kieran Michaels on drums. 2020 saw them perform live on ICTV for the Kumanjayi Walker Memorial Concert, and at the PAW Media and Communications Darby book launch.
THE PAW House Band is a rotating band of PAW staff musicians, usually including members Donovan Rice, Clifford Brown and Kenneth Martin. The PAW House Band play songs from famous bands across the central desert such as, Blackstorm, Rising Wind, Lajamanu Teenage Band and Warumpi Band, and aim to tell the story of desert music over time. They have performed at the Mayberry for the First Sounds artist showcase, the Darwin Railway Club and Merri Creek Tavern.
“In language (Walpiri) ‘Pirrjirdi Karnta-Karnta’ means ‘Strong Women’. The Young Women of Yuendumu School are the future leaders of our community, so we need to be strong.”
The aim of the Pirrjirdi Karnta-Karnta program is to provide instruments, dedicated space, tuition and mentorship for the young (strong) women of Yuendumu to learn, play and write music.
In 2019, PAW Media established weekly music workshops for young women with the hope that music performance could become a bigger part of life for them. Becoming engaged in music as performers would also provide a first step towards the future employment of young women within the media industry. Yuendumu has a wealth of established bands and talented musicians, but it’s rare to see any women among their ranks.
In April 2021, PAW, Yuendumu School and Sista Sounds ran a weeklong workshop for women wanting to engage in music. At the end of the week the Yuendumu School Senior Girls Class performed at a Yuendumu Community Concert. The evening also saw performances from members of Ripple Effect Band, Jessie Grainer and Yuendumu Band, ‘Sky Blue’. The concert acted as a catalyst for a boost in female engagement in music in Yuendumu.
PAW continues to facilitate weekly music workshops for the Yuendumu School Senior Girls Class and works with them to provide media training that is both relevant and engaging.
PAW Media
Lot 421 Conniston Rd,
Yuendumu, NT 0872
(08) 8993 7500
PAW Media acknowledges the Pintubi, Anmatjere and Warlpiri people as the traditional owners and prevailing custodians of the lands on which PAW works. We pay our respect to their Elders, past present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.
