Identity by Black Rock Band

“Black Rock Band know who they are and they know the change they don’t just want but NEED to see around them.” - Tommy Faith, triple j

“We are part of this nation and we’re all part of the movement...This is building a bridge between the two different worlds that we live in.” - Richie Guymala, lead singer

Lively and proud, Black Rock Band from West Arnhem land have been entertaining audiences and inspiring communities around the country since their debut in 2015. The band from the small community of Jabiru in the Northern Territory draws on their deep musical family history and incorporates traditional and contemporary sounds with a steady rock style, singing in both Kunwinjku and English. Their songs are a celebration of culture, connection to country, the fight for social justice and the future they want to create for the next generation of children.

Black Rock Band are proud to release their dynamic second album 'Identity'. The album builds on the energy of their powerful debut 'Struggle' while also reflecting the band’s evolving sound and expanded songwriting talents. The band’s new release continues the storytelling and celebration of their culture while exploring social issues and current events.

Since the release of their debut album, Black Rock Band have toured and performed at festivals all over Australia including BIGSOUND, MONA FOMA, Nannup Music Festival and Woodford Folk Festival. They have built a reputation for lively shows which excite and engage audiences with relatable songs about love, life and relationships as well as sharing stories of their culture, family history and connection to country.

“This album is a reflection for us all to think about and maintain our culture and language. We created the album to encourage First Nations people around Australia and the world to stick together. This is building a bridge between the two different worlds that we live in.” - Richie Guymala

Mirroring a turbulent year of increasing calls for racial and climate justice, these important themes are the undercurrent that runs through Identity. As well as working closely with First Nations-led organisation Children’s Ground, the band use their music as a way to fight for the protection of the land, language and culture. Black Rock Band want to be part of making the change to the future they want to see for the next generations, and hope to use their platform and their voice to speak for their countrymen.

Through 'Identity', Black Rock Band aim to unite Indigenous people across Australia while also building understanding and knowledge in their non-Indigenous audiences, showing them who they are and why they are driven to write the songs that they do

The Black Rock Band are rising rockstars out of remote West Arnhem Land from the Northern Territory, producing a unique rock fusion of traditional and contemporary music. Weaving their language, Kunwinjku and English, these talented musicians celebrate their connection to country, their fight for social justice, and the future they want to see for the next generation.

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