A Noongar musician has returned to the fore with a new album that carries messages of national reconciliation for old and new fans alike.
Over 11 tracks, Storytellah takes listeners on a journey through Aboriginal Australia’s history, with songs exploring topics like Stolen Generations, Dreamtime, and incarceration.
Walleystack said he wanted to teach audiences about our history rather than cast blame on people.
"[If] we started breaking down those barriers and breaking down those walls and engaging with a non-Aboriginal audience and saying 'hey, this is our story, we want you to share it," he said.
Walleystack has teamed up with international sound engineer and producer Malcolm Luker for his second album. Luker has worked on movies such as X Men Origins: Wolverine, Déjà Vu, Texas Chainsaw Massacre; and with Grammy Award-winning singer, Michael Bolton, on his latest studio album.
Luker described Walleystack as a ‘rough diamond’ when they first started working on the album.
“He is a musical powerhouse - not pretentious – and it shines through," said Luker.
"The idea of these songs is first and foremost to entertain and involve people, wherever they are. When you blow them away with the music, then they’re naturally engaged and messages can get through.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt attended the album launch on August 16 and said StoryTellah could hold "powerful" new anthems for national reconciliation.
“This album is impressive and timely, especially as Australians renew our focus on walking together, respecting each other and sharing our cultural heritage,” Mr Wyatt said.
The album includes featured collaborations with a variety of artists including, The Merindas, Downsyde, Phil Barlett, and a children's choir for a rendition of the Beatles classic, 'Come Together'.
