Emily Wurramara

Emily Wurramara has provided two playlists that celebrate the First Nations artists and anthems that have influenced her and her music career. Just like her music, Emily’s playlists are a sensitive and personal, drawn from her life and centred around her identity as an Aboriginal woman. Emily has written her own introduction to these two curated playlists to give audiences a taste of the music that shaped her and why.

Playlist 1

Spotify

Apple Music

This playlist is a celebration of First Nations music throughout time. 54 years ago Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were not even counted in the census. It is incredible to see how far we have come in the music industry. Our stories are being played around the country and abroad. First Nations music is being celebrated and preserved in a way that our ancestors have done; how they’ve archived our stories. Music has an undeniable connection to the soul that is sacred and ethereal. These tracks make me feel proud when I listen to them. There is beauty, pain, celebration, strength, and future ancestors creating waves. There’s something unapologetic about our existence in this industry when not long ago our ancestors were going to war with colonists who wanted them gone. We are the living survivors of that. I’m so proud to be a Warnindilyakwa woman and hold space in this industry amongst these legends.

Playlist 2

Spotify

Apple Music

This playlist reflects my life and the anthems that have shaped my musical journey. My musical tastes were influenced by my gagu (grandmother), my mum and dad, my aunties and uncles, pretty much my whole family. Country music, hip-hop, reggae and R & B were the favourites at the beach parties of my childhood. As I grew older, I started exploring different genres like classical and jazz, rock, folk and pop. Later on, I learnt songs in different languages, and went on to write and record in my language. For me, music is a universal language that is essential to the soul, it surrounds us every day. I sometimes have to stop myself and sit in silence but there’s always something tapping, leaves slapping or feet walking. This connection is special and it’s healing. Everyone needs a good soundtrack, or two or three, but the beautiful thing about music is, there’s no right or wrong.