Music on Tubowgule Eric Avery Melanie Mununggurr + Nardi Simpson

Eric Avery Mumbulla ~ Kabi Marrawuy Mumbulla ~ is a multidisciplinary artist of Ngiyampaa, Gumbangirr, Bandjalang, and Yuin heritage, and a descendant of Jack Biamanga Mumbulla. A violinist, composer, dancer, and language worker, Eric’s practice weaves classical music, Aboriginal culture, and contemporary performance. Learning piano and violin by ear from a young age, Eric refined his craft at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts and later at NAISDA. Eric’s performance and composition highlights include collaborations with Tina Arena, Ensemble Offspring, The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, The Australian Ballet, The Black Arm Band, and many more. His work often explores the reclamation of Aboriginal language and identity, engaging with healing and connection across generations. He is currently creating new works for violin and voice, and collaborating with his fiancé, vocal artist Ronnie Smith. Eric is a recipient of the Smugglers of Light Award and multiple Australia Council grants supporting international collaborations and cultural development.

Melanie Mununggurr is a Djapu mother, poet, storyteller and performer from the Northern Territory whose work powerfully blends traditional Yolŋu culture with contemporary expression. Her art explores the intersections of motherhood, neurodiversity, queerness and a deep connection to land and culture. Melanie uses Dhuwal language in her poetry as a form of cultural decolonisation, weaving it throughout her work to preserve and celebrate Yolŋu heritage. In 2024, she released her debut spoken word album, Glimmers, a bold and intimate exploration of strength, resilience and First Nations identity. Her first collection of poetry is set to be published in 2025.

Nardi Simpson is a Yuwaalaraay storyteller, singer and songwriter, best known for her soulful voice and connection to her Indigenous heritage. As half of the folk duo Stiff Gins, Nardi has brought First Nations perspectives to contemporary Australian music for over 25 years. Her work explores land, identity and Aboriginal experiences. Her first novel, Song of the Crocodile (2020), won the 2021 ASAL Gold Medal and was longlisted for the Stella Prize and Miles Franklin Award. Nardi’s second novel, the belburd, was released in 2024. She also performs, directs the cross-cultural choir Barayagal at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and is pursuing a PhD in music at ANU, committed to preserving and sharing Indigenous culture.

Ensemble Offspring is one of Australia’s most innovative new music ensembles, founded in 1995 by internationally acclaimed percussionist Claire Edwardes. Renowned for their bold and genre-defying performances blending classical, experimental and electronic music, they collaborate with composers worldwide to push the boundaries of sound. The ensemble champions underrepresented voices, including female-identifying, First Nations and emerging artists, and remains at the forefront of Australia’s avant-garde music scene.

Arafura Music Collective is a dynamic group of First Nations musicians from the Northern Territory, blending the sounds of tradition with contemporary music to tell stories of culture, connection and renewal. Drawing on the rich diversity of First Nations musical styles, the collective brings together ancient rhythms and modern influences to create a powerful, unifying sound. Their performances celebrate Indigenous languages and stories, while embracing innovation through new music forms and technology. Arafura’s work fosters cultural exchange, building bridges between First Nations and non-First Nations audiences and helping shape the future of Australian music.