A Quick Chat with Madi Colville Walker

First up, can you please give us a quick intro, 2-3 sentences.

Marking the third sublime single released in conjunction with the Singing Our Futures program, aka The Archie Roach Foundationโ€™s mentoring experience helping emerging First Nations artists on their songwriting and recording journeys, the glistening new track Yinyarr Mulana Winyarr from Yorta Yorta artist Madi Colville-Walker is a warm and calming ode to home and country, and it comes off the back of Colville-Walker picking up the coveted Archie Roach Foundation Award at the NIMAs

Can you tell me a bit about your inspiration for your single โ€˜Yinyarr Mulana Winyarrโ€™? 

 The inspiration behind my new single is my home country. I absolutely love going out on country whenever I get a chance, there's something so captivating about it all, especially  the Dhungala (Murray River)  . I always feel so relaxed, this is a feeling I really tried to capture in my song. 

The title of my song translates into โ€œFree Spirit Woman '', being able to sing in language, particularly my own, is a strength that Iiโ€™m grateful to say Iโ€™m learning.  I think I subconsciously added parts of myself within this song; many of family and community members have called me โ€œWinyarrโ€ for as long as I can remember.

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting? 

I gain a lot of songwriting influence from life experiences. I think this is the best way to write because it comes from the heart and allows people to relate and connect. 

Whatโ€™s the creative process like for you?

I donโ€™t think a moment goes by where Iโ€™m not writing down an idea for a song  into my phone, on a piece of paper or on the back of my hand! I usually like to play around with chords and melodies before putting lyrics together.

If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be? 

Personally, I wouldn't change the industry, I think right now itโ€™s in a healthy position and there is so much talent in every corner!

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?  Why?

I love collaborating with other like-minded people, thereโ€™s something special about the creative space itself. I remember having this dream where I wrote a song with Stevie Nicks! I absolutely love her and her songwriting. Unfortunately, when I woke up, I couldnโ€™t remember the song, but I have a feeling it was beautiful.

Whatโ€™s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry? 

My advice for the younger mob is  be yourself and donโ€™t let anyone tell you that your work isnโ€™t important! Art is a universal language.


Whoโ€™s the most interesting person youโ€™ve worked with/met? 

I remember I had the opportunity to meet Lee Kernaghan at Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth a few years ago. He was so lovely, when you speak to him, he makes you feel like youโ€™re the only person in the room, just a very gentle soul.

Any plans for a tour on the cards?

I would love to do a tour, a bit of planning will be needed! But hopefully this will come to together very soon in the near future!

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