Eastern Arrernte Band Bush Tour
Get ready, Northern Territory, because Eastern Arrernte Band is coming to a town near you!
By Betty Sweetlove
Hailing from Ltyentye Apurte/Santa Teresa, 80km from Mparntwe/Alice Springs, the Eastern Arrernte Band (EAB) is a reggae sensation making waves way beyond the desert.
With their soul-stirring rhythms, infectious melodies and heartfelt lyrics sung in Eastern Arrernte and English, EAB take their tunes on tour this month. Backed by Artback NT, the band embarks on an extraordinary journey, including festivals and regional venues, right across the Territory.
“I’m excited the band are heading to all the remote locations, there’s so much country being covered on this trip. This tour also plays at two remote festivals, Stone Country Festival and Numburindi Festival,” says Evan Saunders, Performing Arts Manager at Artback.
Forming back in high school, band members include Wesley Oliver and Tyrone Hayes on keys and vocals, Barney Conway on drums, Gordon Mulladad on lead guitar and vocals, Brandon Hayes on rhythm guitar, and Baxter Alice on bass. Back on Country, they work as youth workers, assistant teachers, school bus drivers and night patrol men, inspired to contribute their skills to the community.
The band’s uplifting reggae sound is also a way to express their connection to Country and sense of self. Their unmistakably catchy songs tackle issues affecting young Aboriginal people including loneliness, incarceration and identity.
Songs, including crowd favourite ‘Prison Cell’ and fresh new track ‘Ringer Soak’, will see gig-goers out in full force, but it’s hard to say which of their anthems is the most popular.
“My favourite track is ‘Reggae Dancer’ – it takes you straight to the desert,” Saunders says.
You'll also be blown away by the band’s support acts under starlit skies along the way. EAB released their debut album Reggae Dancer in 2021, and Saunders says Artback is keen to connect with any up-and-coming bands that may be inspired by the trailblazing band.
“We have an EOI for performing arts opening up, and people should get in touch with us. We’re always interested to hear what NT musicians are up to and where they see themselves heading.”
From the desert to the gulf, this bush tour connects with people from all walks of life and is a huge milestone for the band. Not only an epic adventure, the Reggae Dancer Bush Tour is a celebration of culture, storytelling and community.
“These guys have such an infectious, danceable sound, everyone will love them!”
In the iconic words of EAB, “come on all you reggae dancers”. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of music history in the making.
Eastern Arrernte Band NT Regional Tour – Reggae Dancer
WED 13 SEP | ALI CURUNG
THU 14 SEP | THE MEMO CLUB, TENNANT CREEK
SAT 16 SEP | STONE COUNTRY FESTIVAL, GUNBALANYA
SUN 17 SEP | MARRAWUDDI ARTS CENTRE, JABIRU
TUE 19 SEP | BUSTARD TOWN, DARWIN
THU 21 SEP | DJILPIN ARTS CENTRE, BESWICK
SAT 23 SEP | NUMBURINDI FESTIVAL, NUMBULWAR
THU 28 SEP | GAP VIEW HOTEL, ALICE SPRINGS
INFO artbacknt.com.au | facebook.com/easternarrernteband
Photos: Laurie May
