One-off youth show sees ARIA Award breakthrough band King Stingray take centre stage.
Breakthrough band King Stingray is ready to bring the heat with a one-off youth show at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on March 31 as part of Live at the Bowl. The Northeast Arnhem Land favourites will have the Bowl rocking with their unique Yolŋu surf-rock style combining elements of ancient Indigenous melodies with surf, indie and funk.
The gig will be an all-ages, drug, alcohol, and smoke-free event.
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It’s been a massive year for the band with appearances on triple j’s Live at the Wireless, ABC’s The Sound, and acknowledgement as triple j’s Unearthed Artist of the Year at the J Awards.
The band’s 2022 arrival was summarised with resounding acknowledgment at the ARIA Awards with five nominations and eventual recognition as the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Act.
“We’re blown away. There are so many amazing artists in Australia and to be up there with some big hitters is amazing,” said King Stingray’s Roy Kellaway at the ARIA Awards.
King Stingray is a story of lifelong friendship and two cultures coming together. With strong ties to Arnhem Land – Northern Territory – founding members Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu (frontman) and Roy Kellaway (guitar) grew up together in Yirrkala. The duo followed musical footsteps with Yirrŋa being the nephew of Yothu Yindi’s Dr M. Yunupiŋu and Roy, the son of Stuart Kellaway.
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The band’s identity was solidified in 2020 with the addition of guitarist and Didgeridoo player Dimathaya Burarrwanga and bassist Campbell Messer. Since then, the group have formed a powerful on-stage chemistry and connection.
A magical headline gig at the iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl serves as a fitting platform for the emerging stars who will be supported by special guests announced shortly.
“We are thrilled to have King Stingray at the Bowl for this gig. This is going to be a big one. It’s so exciting to have such an incredible line-up at an all-ages show at the Bowl. We want to create an environment that young people will get around and feel connected,” said Arts Centre Melbourne Senior Producer for Creative Learning Zoe Rinkel.
“King Stingray’s big energy and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl are a perfect combo; we can’t have wait to have them in March.”
Grab tickets here.
