Learning with Radical Son
Kamilaroi and Tongan artist Radical Son has unveiled his brand new song titled ‘Yuluwirri Wandabaa (The Rainbow Dreaming)’, a track with powerful storytelling combined with powerful delivery and features guest vocals from Indigenous Australian singer-songwriter Emma Donovan and Pitjantjatjara singer-songwriter Frank Yamma. We caught up with Radical Son to chat about the new song, his new album Bilambiyal (The Learning), and his thoughts on classical training for artists.
For those who haven’t heard your music before, how do you describe your sound?
Growing up I listened to a lot of hip hop and reggae and I was influenced by a lot of pop culture. I moved around a lot growing up, so in country towns, I was surrounded by country music, in the cities it was more RNB. When I’m writing and performing I draw on this mix of influences. I started out doing more rap, but these days I like to explore my vocal range and how I can continue to improve as a singer and improve my technique. These songs give me the opportunity to show my growth, both as a man and a singer.
“this song is inspired by ceremony and culture”
Congratulations on the release of your new track 'Yuluwirri Wandabaa (The Rainbow Dreaming)'. What was the inspiration for writing this song?
Like so much of what I do, this song is inspired by ceremony and culture. There is so much depth in our Culture and Country and it provides us a way of living and sustenance both physically and mentally. It provides the story and the way. It is there for us. Right in front of us. The only thing is sometimes we don't see it as we are looking at the screens that stand between us.
Emma Donovan and Frank Yamma join you on Yuluwirri Wandabaa (The Rainbow Dreaming) How did this collaboration come about?
Emma and Frank are artists I’ve known and respected for such a long time. I first went on tour with Emma almost 20 years ago. I performed with Frank at the Sydney Festival in 2012 in I Am Eora and on several occasions since then on the road. This is my first album in 10 years and I really wanted an opportunity to work with both of them and it’s a special thing to have them both appear.
“I feel I’ve grown as a musician and I continue to grow, I’m excited to share that progress and where I am now in Bilambiyal”
Yuluwirri Wandabaa (The Rainbow Dreaming) features on your forthcoming album Bilambiyal (The Learning), what else can fans expect from this new body of work?
Over the last decade, there’s been so much change in the world, and like everyone else I’ve gone through personal challenges and grown, and I’ve brought that into my creative work. Since my last album, I’ve completed a music degree, I’ve run training and mentoring programs for emerging artists, I’ve written songs in Gamilaraay and with classical music arrangement, and I’ve performed in new Australian operas.
I feel I’ve grown as a musician and I continue to grow, I’m excited to share that progress and where I am now in Bilambiyal.
Is the new LP a continuation of your debut Cause 'N' Effect album or an evolution?
It’s both - the same man is getting older and I’m feeling positive about where I am as a man. As a musician, these things go hand in hand for me. I’m searching for a way that I can walk this life and be ok with it at the end of it.
“Dhuwan Barray Yuligi (dancing with the land in Gamilaraay) is a song I really like performing. It’s a powerful song with a simple message ”
Do you have a favourite track off the new album or one that stands out for you?
There are quite a few songs on the album I love but Dhuwan Barray Yuligi (dancing with the land in Gamilaraay) is a song I really like performing. It’s a powerful song with a simple message about being in tune with the land. It acknowledges that connection we all have and we all should be nurturing.
Will you be hitting the road to showcase Bilambiyal (The Learning) live for fans?
Yes indeed. Later in July, I’ll be part of Clancestry in Brisbane and my team and I are working on getting a tour together in the near future so I can play this new album for you all.
“Anything that helps you to learn is worthwhile”
Radical, you have been trained classically, studying at The Eora Centre For Visual and Performing Arts and completing a Bachelor of Music at the Newcastle Conservatorium. How much has this education helped in your musical career? Do you recommend this path for people wanting to break into the industry?
Anything that helps you to learn is worthwhile and you’ve got to feel out what is a good fit for you.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be through an institution or any kind of formal type of process, where you get a piece of paper saying that you’ve studied this or that. I’d already released EPs and an album before I went to uni, but that was so I (as a self-taught singer/songwriter) could have a better understanding of the language of music.
You have played some of this country's best festivals including Bluesfest & St Kilda Fest, any plans to add some more festivals to your name with Australia's festival season rapidly approaching?
I haven’t been to Tasmania so something down there like, Dark Mofo, would be a treat. Outside of music, one of my passions is scuba diving and I’d like to check out some of the spots like Cathedral Cave.
“I haven’t been to Tasmania so something down there like, Dark Mofo, would be a treat”
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout-out but never gets one? And what is they do that keeps your world turning?
There is more than one. My co-writer Marcus has been with me the longest. He’s a great mate and has a great ear for music, he’s really creative. My Label with David Bridie has been with me for a decade and is an inspiration to us all. I’m grateful for a number of people who helped me keep my world turning behind the scenes.
Do you have a message for the Radical Son fans and supporters?
Stay straight, my people. A clear mind is a spiritual mind.
Interview by Michelle Symes
August 2024
