Award-winning East Journey hits Kakadu

Hot on the heels winning the Award for Film Clip of the Year at the National Indigenous Music Awards, East Journey will be playing the headline slot at the Mahbilil Festival in Jabiru, in the heart of Kakadu National Park. 

East Journey is fast becoming one of Australia’s hottest bands, with reviews in America’s Rolling Stone magazine and mainstream newspapers describing the Arnhem Land band as “explosive” and “the closest the Northern Territory has to an Indigenous mainstream stadium rock band”. 

The nine-piece act from Yirrkala, which formed in 2010, incorporates a unique fusion of rock, acoustic, traditional yidaki (didg) and bilma (clapsticks), as well as singing in both English and Yolngu Matha.

Mahbilil Festival Producer Scott Large says there is a groundswell of new Indigenous bands coming from remote Australia, and East Journey are right at the front of this wave. 

“These guys are so exciting – young, energetic, fresh and confident,” Scott says. “The world is taking notice. We can’t wait to see them light up the stage at Mahbilil."

2014 is a big year for the band, with frontman Rrawun Maymuru - the grandson of the late Dr M Yunupingu - and his band about to collaborate with the remaining members of Yothu Yindi on a new release, upcoming EP Bright Lights Big City. 

It is the first time the band have played Mahbilil Festival, which will present a full program of music, dance, bushfoods, arts and workshops. On stage along with East Journey will be Dave Garnham & The Reasons to Live from Darwin, Bininj Band from Gunbalanya, Mimi Band from Jabiru and more. 

Event Details: 
Mahbilil Festival 
Saturday 6 September 
Jabiru Lakeside 
Noon – Midnight