From rock-stage dreams to global ambitions: Wild Honey's steep rise

Under a tamarind tree in Arnhem Land, the grandsons of Yothu Yindi's lead singer, Dr. M. Yunupiŋu, would imagine a rock overlooking the water as their stage. Now, those grandsons, Gawukawu Gurruwiwi and Balumba Gondarra, are making that childhood dream a reality with their band, Wild Honey.

The seven-piece band is rapidly becoming one of the Northern Territory's most exciting musical prospects. Inspired by their grandfather's trailblazing career and other Indigenous music legends like Warumpi Band and King Stingray, Wild Honey is forging its own path. They recently headlined the Garma Festival, a major event celebrating Yolŋu culture, music, and ideas.

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Sometimes my grandfather would bring us instruments; toy drums, bass, guitar, from when he was touring. And we used to set up all the instruments on a rock, overlooking the water. We used to imagine that rock was our stage, and we used to play, and pretend we were Yothu Yindi. Playing for the trees, the crabs, the seagulls.

Guitarist Adrian Schmidt Mumm described the band's rise as "steep" and "very encouraging." He noted the infectious enthusiasm of the band members, which fuels their songwriting and recording efforts. The band members themselves are open about their ambitions, dreaming of international fame, playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and attending the ARIA awards.

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It's felt like a very steep rise. This is our second Garma and we already headlined Friday night, so that's very encouraging and inspiring, and makes you feel like, 'oh, maybe there is something in this'. It really feels like there's a substance to it, and an ambition, and the enthusiasm from the band is infectious and makes you want to keep on playing and writing and recording.

"To be honest, we've never been to big cities. We grew up in the community," said Balumba Gondarra, reflecting on their journey from a remote Northern Territory home to aspiring global stars. "For me, I've never been to Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra."

With mentorship from established bands like King Stingray, Wild Honey is poised to make a significant impact. Their music, a blend of Yolŋu heritage and contemporary sounds, pays homage to their musical heroes while charting a course for future success on the world stage.

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See the red carpet, ARIA, that's my dream. Play the MCG in Melbourne, see the world. To be honest, we've never been to big cities. We grew up in the community. For me, I've never been to Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra.