King Stingray are arguably the hottest band in the country right now – and they’re coming to the Centre for a special Top End show to launch the 2022 Garrmalang Festival program.
King Stingray is a story of lifelong friendship and two cultures coming together. Growing up together in Yirrkala in North-East Arnhem Land, founding members Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu (frontman) and Roy Kellaway (guitar) have been playing and making music together for as long as they can remember.
Yirrŋa and Roy formed King Stingray with mates Dimathaya Burarrwanga (rhythm guitar backing vocals and yidaki), Campbell Messer (bass) and Lewis Stiles (drums). The band seamlessly blend ancient indigenous melodies with surf, indie and funk influences to create a unique sound of their own – Yolŋu surf-rock.
Propelled by the instant success of their debut track ‘Hey Wanhaka’ in October 2020, accidental lockdown anthem ‘Get Me Out’ and current groove-laden dance jam ‘Milkumana’, the band have soared to unexpected heights. In just over 12 months King Stingray have performed for triple j’s Live at the Wireless, appeared on ABC TV’s The Sound, been profiled in The Guardian and Rolling Stone and won triple j’s Unearthed Artist of the Year J award.
Before the show you’re invited to join us for the launch of the 2022 Garrmalang Festival program, which for this year, has moved from it’s traditional May dates to the end of July. At 6.30pm have a drink on the forecourt, be part of a Welcome to Country ceremony and hear what’s planned for Darwin’s only First Nations led festival celebrating the artistic richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Then at 8pm don’t miss your chance to see King Stingray back performing live in Darwin.
For more information visit https://www.yourcentre.com.au/#!/events/-MzXpAIYZsKJdxX-1arr/
