“I absolutely love this song. A song about ceremony and culture. There is so much depth in our Culture and Country. Country provides us a way of living and sustenance, both physically and mentally. It provides the story and the way. It is there for us. Right in front of us. The only thing is we don’t see it as we are looking at the screens that stand between us”, shared Radical Son about his newest release.
That message becomes even more significant with two other revered First Nations musicians appearing on the track.
The result is “Yuluwirri Wandabaa (The Rainbow Dreaming)” – a magnetic song with powerful storytelling and driving vocal delivery.
PART 189 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE
For the last couple of years, Radical Son (real name David Leha) has been carving his path as one of the most compelling artists in the Australian cultural scene.
The son of an Aboriginal woman from the Kamilaroi people and a Tongan man, he channels his experiences from the past into immense power and resolve with his trademark sound pulsing with the urgency of hip hop and emotionally-charged soul. Studying as a musician at The Eora Centre for Visual and Performing Arts in Redfern and completing a Bachelor of Music from Newcastle Conservatorium, he called the legendary Indigenous Australian troubadour Archie Roach a mentor.
Radical Son’s creative prowess and steadfast substance are only matched by his stage presence. A highly skilled concert artist with performances alongside classical ensembles and high-profile collaborations under his belt, he has performed to standing ovations at Bluesfest, St Kilda Festival, VIVID Sydney, and the AFL Dreamtime 2023 game.
His artistry also expands to film, TV and theatre work, with credits including “Defining Moments” – a six-part NITV documentary exploring life-changing experiences – and the lead role of Pemulwuy in “I am Eora” at the 2012 Sydney Festival.
Radical Son released his debut album Cause ‘N Affect – a sublime yet potent compilation of songs about a transformational life journey – in 2014. Then, he took a longer break, only to reemerge last year with a steady series of amazing singles.
For this part of his artistic journey, he invited First Nations singer-songwriter Emma Donovan and Pitjantjatjara musician Frank Yamma to create “Yuluwirri Wandabaa (The Rainbow Dreaming)”.
The song is equal parts dynamic and meaningful.
It opens with Radical Son’s inescapably gripping vocals, declaring: “Spirit Dreaming / Serpent Dreaming / The Rainbow Dreaming”. The track then instrumentally swells to match its emphatic thematics. Firmly driven alongside the Kamilaroi artist’s delivery by effusive percussion and colourful yet urgent ambience, it takes further flight courtesy of the powerhouse guest vocals. Eventually, the single builds to interplay all three artists in an unforgettable climax.
Hearing this incredible result it’s hard to believe Radical Son was under the weather during the recording process.
He recalls: “Emma, Frank and I recorded separately. I was really sick the week I had flown to Melbourne to record. The recording sessions were long days, and one of the guys had to pump me up full of medicines to get me through those days. I don’t know how we did it, but it came out sounding pretty good.”
Emma Donovan was thrilled to be a part of the song. “What a big, important song from Songman Radical Son, teaching me as I sing alongside him with our Uncle Frank, such an honour to be a part of this new song”, she said.
To make his vision come to life this time, Radical Son also worked alongside Marcus Longfoot and David Bridie to pen the track, with Mitch McGregor on percussion, Phil Wales on guitar, and programming courtesy of Longfoot and Andrew Robinson.
“Yuluwirri Wandabaa (The Rainbow Dreaming)” offers yet another spellbinding glimpse into the artist’s upcoming album Bilambiyal (The Learning). The hotly anticipated full-length, releasing via Wantok Musik, is set to further showcase Radical Son’s cultural connection, innate integrity and powerful perception across its 12 tracks.
Opening with the starkly intimate “Elder Reprise”, Radical Son instantly conjures goosebumps as his almighty vocals soar before seamlessly oscillating between warm and soul-hued beauty (“How Long Must I Wait”), contemporary glow (“All My Life”) and the utterly calming balm of “Until You Call My Name”, with the latter straddling raw ambience and rousing vocals.
And between shifting reggae hues (“Only One Life”), glossy soul (“A Golden Age”) and rousing, iron-willed ballads (“The Fall”), the record also fervently reflects Radical Son’s powerful devotion to his country and his soul, displayed with gusto via the stunning might of “Elder”, the album’s various spoken word interludes, and the vulnerable and unforgettable punch of the title track.
As with much of Radical Son’s creative endeavours, the beating heart behind this project is one of passion and advocacy for culture and connection in the modern age. “I think it’s important to stand up as an Indigenous man and share what is important to me. I’m grateful that I have the ability and the option to do so”, he added.
Apart from the album’s release, Radical Son’s fans will be able to see him live in July as part of QPAC’s Warriors Concert for 2024’s Clancestry Festival in Brisbane.
Tickets for the all-ages show are available HERE.
Cover photo: still from the video for Radical Son’s “Until You Call My Name”
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