Soulful Songs of Country

Audiences in Mparntwe/Alice Springs are in for a treat, as singer-songwriter Emma Donovan graces the Araluen Arts Centre stage with her fresh new country/soul album, ‘Til My Song Is Done.

^{By Betty Sweetlove}

BACK ON THE road with her first solo album since 2004, ARIA-nominated and award-winning Donovan has captivated audiences for over two decades, taking her first steps into stardom in family band The Donovans. Now among Australia’s most renowned First Nations artists, the album tour honours the legacy of her family’s musical talents.

“My grandparents Micko and Aileen Donovan have a huge legacy in country music. Back then, they shared their music with community… they had nowhere professional to record their voices. I am part of ensuring that their incredible songs are passed on for everyone to hear.”

Alongside catchy melodies and dreamy grooves are powerful lyrics sung in Gumbaynggirr and Noongar languages, as well as English.

“Music definitely serves as a powerful tool for preserving and sharing language. I make sure that I include my language in my songs, even though my family did not speak our language fluently for generations,” Donovan says.

“That is my contribution to empowering my community and the wider community, and something I always want to include – it’s important for everyone to share our first languages.”

‘Til My Song Is Done attracted critically-acclaimed collaborators, including Paul Kelly and Mick Meagher. Appearing alongside a full live band, Donovan’s live performance showcases her evolution as an artist over recent years.

“My relationship with Mick Meagher goes back to 2006, where he first witnessed my creative style in The Black Arm Band. Over all those years I have shared with Mick all my country and family musical influences,” she says.

“Making this album with Mick was a great collaboration – it’s the first time I felt confident talking up and sharing how I felt about contributing to the production process in the recording studio.”

Bask in the glow of Emma Donovan as she brings her new album to life, sings songs of her Country and family, and the stories that have shaped her life.

Emma Donovan
WHEN SAT 11 MAY | 7.30PM
AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE 
COST $38 | $34 CONC/MEMB
INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au