5 Songs About Aboriginal Political History With Loren Kate

Loren Kate
Our eclectic team of writers from around Australia – and a couple beyond – with decades of combined experience and interest in all fields.

Off the back of her Telstra Road To Discovery win last year, Loren Kate presents her new EP, 'Til The Night Meets The Sun'.


After celebrating with a recording trip and a few gigs in Nashville in September, Loren swings through Maldon, Adelaide, Bellingen and finishing up at the Mullum Music Fest in Mullumbimby next month.

Here, she presents five songs by Australian musicians about Aboriginal political history.

'Solid Rock' - Shane Howard

Released in 1982 by Goanna. 'Solid Rock' was probably my first introduction to political songwriting. I love the inspiration behind this song. Apparently Shane was out walking around Uluru and was invited to sit down at a ceremony.

The experience moved him so much and from this, 'Solid Rock' was born. The song was written to highlight the historical racism and injustices suffered by Aboriginal Australia at the hands of Settler culture since 1788. It's such a gem.



'From Little Things Big Things Grow' - Kev Carmody & Paul Kelly

Released in 1993. Even people who don't have a clue what this song is about, love it for its catchy chorus. If you really listen though, it paints a very deep and clear picture of the great story of the Gurindji people's struggle for equality and land rights in the 1960s/ '70s. Written around the campfire. Love it.



'Took The Children Away' - Archie Roach

Released in 1990. It’s hard to listen to this song sometimes as the imagery paints a very honest picture of Archie's personal story of being taken from his family as part of the Stolen Generations. A story that was the same for thousands of Aboriginal children due to the implementation of the government’s assimilation policies. A very important song in Australian history.



'Treaty' - Yothu Yindi

Released in 1991. I remember dancing to this in front of the TV on Saturday mornings as a kid. Written by Yothu Yindi in collaboration with Paul Kelly and Midnight Oil. A song to raise awareness to the failure of the Hawke Government in honouring the Prime Minister's promise to Indigenous Australians. The first number-one hit to be sung in Yolu language, it gives me goosebumps.



'Black Fella / White Fella' - Warumpi Band

Written by Neil Murray and George Rrurrumba and recorded in 1985. A sensational song, with a story message. It doesn't matter what your colour, as long as you a true fella.



Loren Kate Tour Dates

31 Oct-1 Nov - Maldon Folk Festival (Victoria)
Sat 7 Nov - Vegan Festival (Adelaide)
Sun 8 Nov - The Cheese Factory Studio (Meadows)
Thu 19 Nov - No. 5 (Bellingen)
21-22 Nov - Mullum Music Festival (Mullumbimby)

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