We caught up with Emily to talk about breaking the mould, why you can’t rush art and the importance of preserving and celebrating Anindilyakwa language through song.
Never one to be boxed in, Emily Wurramara is more than just a singer. She is a proud Warnindhilyagwa woman, environmental and mental health activist, a mother, and author.
“I love storytelling in all forms. I’ve released a children’s book ‘Marringa Lullaby’ which is about helping kids wind down at the end of the day,” said Emily.
Her mesmerising music blends blues, folk, and soul, creating a contemporary sound that is rooted in tradition. Since entering the music arena as a teenager, she has shared the stage with some of Australia’s biggest names, like Jack Johnson, Midnight Oil, Daryl Braithwaite, Missy Higgins and Thelma Plum.
Emily weaves Anindilyakwa language into her songs to encourage the younger generation to take pride in their culture.
“It’s my way of preserving and archiving the language, not just for non-Indigenous people to hear, but so my community has something traditional they can listen to. It makes me very proud to be able to do that in this space and I hope it inspires more women to sing in their language.”
She released her album NARA in August 2024, six years after her debut album, a gap she says was intentional. The time between releases allowed her to grow, ensuring NARA would be a true reflection of her experiences.
“I wanted this album to be as real, raw and authentic as possible. I wanted to wait, because I knew I wasn’t ready to yarn about the deeply personal things I had been through, but I’ve worked through it. The path of healing never ends though.”
While Emily can’t bring herself to choose a favourite song on the album, she can easily name a favourite transition.
“I love the journey from ‘Magic Woman Dancing’ to ‘Passport,’ which is the last song on the album. ‘Magic Woman Dancing’ is about being vulnerable, accepting who you are and finding inspiration. ‘Passport’ has so much immense pain behind it, it’s like an untold story. I love the juxtaposition of my power and pain.”
She doesn’t subscribe to other people’s expectations and chooses to create whatever feels right. Her ability to remain authentic, despite industry pressures, has earned her a loyal audience who connect with the raw emotion in her work.
“I didn’t want to be boxed in anymore and I wanted to show people what can happen when you honestly don’t give a fuck.”
In November, NARA won Best Adult Contemporary Album at the ARIA awards, making Emily the first Indigenous woman to claim the category since the awards inception in 1987!
“I come from a strong lineage of women and powerful storytellers. It wasn’t just a huge win for me personally, but a win for my ancestors and community. To know I have them behind me as I walk forward is incredible.”
A week earlier, she took home the J Award for triple j & rage’s Music Video of the Year, a time which she describes as intense.
“I was doing the first album tour while all of this was happening. I’m pretty sure I cried every night, mostly tears of joy.”
Emily is no stranger to Wollongong, having opened the 2019 Illawarra Folk Festival at Bulli Showground.
This time, she’s stepping into the spotlight with her own headline show at Wollongong’s Music Lounge on March 21, as part of the Great Southern Nights concert series. Emily is looking forward to getting vulnerable with the local crowd.
“I haven’t done a headline show in a long time and it’s well overdue. I’ll be sharing the stories behind the individual songs on NARA. I think people will leave feeling seen and heard and like they had a safe space to just be in.”
Don’t miss the chance to experience Emily Wurramara live in an intimate setting in the Illawarra!
8pm
Friday 21 March
The Music Lounge
We’d love to send you occassional news and updates of happenings along the Coal Coast to your inbox!
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Dharawal Country. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. The original storytellers.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government
© Coal Coast Magazine 2024. All rights reserved.
