Dive into the profound narratives behind the melodies with ‘Stories Beyond the Songs’ featuring Allara, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, Maylene Yinar, Monica Jasmine Karo.
This captivating showcase features four extraordinary singer/songwriters, each weaving a tapestry of inspiration behind their beloved compositions.
Allara Briggs, a Yorta Yorta woman, unfolds tales of Blak justice and climate justice through her unique blend of storytelling, music, bass guitar and looping. Having graced stages at the St Kilda Festival and Port Fairy Folk Festival this year, Allara transforms grief for past injustices into a cultural investigation and artistic statement.
“Allara’s work isn’t just captivating on a thematic level; she’s also cultivated a distinct musical language…” The Mixdown Magazine
Maylene Yinarr’s songs echo with themes of hope and healing, paying tribute to the frontier wars on Australia’s soil. The talented Naarm artist radiates poise and soul, delivering a sonically lush and thematically intricate tunes, With a blend of indie and pop, Maylene’s melodies invite listeners to connect on a deeper level.
Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, a Yorta Yorta soprano, actor, composer, and playwright, has graced international stages, performing at prestigious events like the 2000 Summer Olympics and the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Her opera, ‘Pecan Summer,’ brought to life the 1939 Cummeragunja walk-off.
“It’s storytelling, which is central to Indigenous culture, that Cheetham Fraillon wants to see at the heart of opera.” ABC – The Drum
MpathSoul, a proud Gunnai/Kurnai, Gunditjamara, and Mukjarwaint woman, infuses her spoken word artistry and soulful folk music with a deep spiritual connection to her ancestry. Her original works, resonating with themes of protest, healing, and connection, have echoed across stages at St Kilda Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, and Yirramboi Festival.
‘Stories Beyond the Songs’ invites you on a journey through the hearts and minds of these exceptional artists, uncovering their rich narratives and inspirations.