Local indie-roots trio The Yorke Band make their Adelaide Fringe debut this year, bringing with them a musical message of positivity and empowerment.
Formed in Adelaide in 2015, The Yorke Band use their music to break down boundaries and expectations normally placed on Indigenous youth.Cast in a mould that fuses the richness of Matt Corby with the songwriting depth of the likes of Busby Marou and John Butler, the band's diverse sound can be heard in the three singles released thus far: 'Will I Be', 'The Smoke' and 'Yerra Pindi'.
As they prepare for their first-ever Fringe, The Yorke Band share with us about their ambitions, recent touring experiences and their upcoming EP.
Introduce yourselves – who's who and what do you do?
The Yorke Band is a three-piece alt. folk-rock band featuring Caleb Raymond (vocals, guitar), Zakari Raymond (bass, backing vocals) and Zac Butler (drums, backing vocals).
Why did you start the band?
The Yorke Band was formed to create and combine the music that we love, as a creative outlet to show and grow our passion for music, and to address the issues that we have faced and hopefully find some resolution.
The hardest lesson you've learnt as a band since you started in 2015?
The absolute hardest lesson that we have learned is having to let go in order to progress. If something is holding you back and you have tried to make it work with no success sometimes you have to let go, no matter how much you don't want to.
After releasing three songs last year, what plans do The Yorke Band have for 2020?
We are going to be recording our debut EP and hopefully perform interstate. We have a lot of ideas; we need to focus on what's important to achieve our goals.
What will The Yorke Band be contributing to the Adelaide Fringe 2020 programme?
This year is our first year at the Fringe. We will be showcasing our original music and some of our fan-favourite songs with our energetic show for all ages.
The Fringe programme is gargantuan; but who are a couple of other performers you’re keen to check out?
This year the Fringe is unbelievable, with so many incredible artists; there are a few that have piqued our interest: Nathan May's 'Lost In A Dream' is a show not to miss; Jukebox Chorus by Gospo Collective looks amazing.
Also, I haven't had the chance to see Baker Boy live so I'd like to catch his session. The list goes on.
As young Indigenous artists, do you add extra weight to the music you create and platform you have to inspire others to follow a creative career path?
No, at least not consciously. To inspire others would be incredible, but we write songs for the love in making music, as a chance to express ourselves creatively.
Not everyone will share our same passion for music, but we do hope our music helps people become happier, healthier and stronger, mentally and physically.
Finish this sentence: You should go see The Yorke band at Adelaide Fringe because. . .
It's an opportunity to get out and have fun, plus you get a sneak peek at our upcoming EP.
Crows or Power?
Power. Because crows can't charge your phone.
