A Quick Chat with Boox Kid
Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for ‘Ngany Kaartdijin (On My Mind)’?
“Ngany Kaartdijin” is quite a personal track. I wrote it about my experience of an anxiety attack and the feelings of losing a loved one. I remember I was driving home to pick my kids up when I literally had to pull over on the side of the road and lay down, as the lyrics state. I’d lost a best friend only 6 months earlier and was overcome with so many emotions. The lyrics ‘then they ask me how i’m feeling’; this is a reference to when the Ambulance officer was talking to me, knowing that I was struggling. As soon as they asked me that question, I burst into tears. Then the section in language is almost a conversation with myself where I’m asking myself, am I really okay? Sitting with the uncomfortable and realising that yes, it’ll be okay.
Men don’t talk openly enough about their mental health, so I wanted to normalise that conversation. As a Noongar man, I want to lead by example and show others that it’s okay to feel those emotions and to reach out. There is no shame in doing it.
What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting?
Musically, I love some of the classics. Bowie, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder. Closer to home, I'd say Crowded House, Paul Kelly, Uncle Archie. Amazing storytellers and sense for melody and writing hooks. Currently though, I'm really enjoying listening to Ball Park Music and Djo. I love melodic songs that can tell a story, like Ball Park Music ‘Please don't move to Melbourne’. Such a great hook and sentiment.
I guess you could say those two artists have influenced the sound and direction for the new album.
What’s the creative process like for you?
Guitar chords and melody usually come first for me. Then once I flesh things out, I start to produce the track a little more on ableton. When i’m writing I might have a reference track or vibe in mind and i’ll create a narrative. Lyrics usually come last for me.
With writing in Noongar language though, this process has been so enjoyable. I’ll generally figure out which section of the song will be in language, write english lyrics and the sentiment and then i’ll translate it in Noongar. I’ve been working with my friend Kobi Morrison on the language to ensure accuracy, so we often float back and forth. For every English word, there isn’t always a Noongar word, so I'll often find myself writing the translation and getting the sentiment close to what I'd written in English. Once this is done, I then work the flow of the melody and how it would sound sung in language and the phrasing. The language just seems to flow so melodically, I love it!
If you could change something about the Australian Music Industry, what would it be?
I think it’d be the representation of Aboriginal artists on radio, particularly mainstream radio, like your Novas etc less airplay of major international artists and a stronger focus on what's on their doorstep. I’d also love to shift the ratio of Aboriginal artists on lineups as well. Increasing visibility and opportunity! Incorporating Aboriginal artists within the main lineups, not on separate stages. There is so much talent out there and we should be up with the best of them.
I think all contemporary musicians would know that it can be difficult to make a living in this industry too, so perhaps that’s where investment into the industry also needs to be made, to continue to fund it. Whether that’s Government, private or philanthropic.
What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet?
I reckon I'd struggle. It’s been a huge part of my life for so long. I love performing and creating and the joy it brings, so I'd have to find another outlet that serves those things. I'd probably focus on more acting or writing. I’d love to say more basketball too but im getting way more injuries as I get older haha
What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry?
I'd say to create and be prolific. Write as many songs as you can. Be open to work with others as well so you can learn and improve. I think diversifying your skills is also incredibly helpful. For me, it's allowed me to dip into theatre, opera and sound design. All of which has provided me with new skills, opportunity and a sustainable income.
Any upcoming shows?
I’ll be opening for Eskimo Joe and Alex Lloyd this Friday (01.05.2026) at Freo Social for the Eski’s Black Fingernails Red Wine 20 year anniversary and then a Regional festival on 9 May Scrubby Creek BlackFella / WhiteFella Music in Porongurup WA.
I then hop into the studio to finalise the last few tracks of the album ‘Kalyakoorl’ (Always) which will drop in October/November. I’m hoping to tour the album nationally in the months following which should be a blast! I’m also working on an Opera and Theatre show where I’m doing sound design and composition which is always fun and a nice departure from the Contemporary world. There’s also WA Music week in August where you can catch me performing in Walyalup (Fremantle).