Artist Spotlight: King Stingray

King Stingray is an Australian rock band hailing from Northeast Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Their music is a unique blend of "Yolŋu surf rock," characterized by lyrics in both English and Yolŋu Matha. The band made their debut with the single "Hey Wanhaka" in October 2020, followed by their self-titled debut album released on 5 August 2022.

Band Members:

• Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu – Lead Vocals, Clapsticks

• Roy Kellaway – Guitar, Backing Vocals

• Dimathaya Burarrwanga – Guitar, Backing Vocals, Didgeridoo

• Lewis Stiles – Drums, Backing Vocals

• Campbell Messer – Bass, Banjo, Backing Vocals

• Yimila Gurruwiwi – Didgeridoo, Backing Vocals

Career Highlights:

• King Stingray's debut single, "Hey Wanhaka," was written by Yirrnga Yunupiŋu and Roy Kellaway and released in October 2020.

• In August 2021, they signed with Cooking Vinyl Australia and released "Milkumana," a song that explores the power of passing on knowledge. The music video was filmed in their hometown of Yirrkala and featured tribal elders Mangatjay Yunupingu and Malŋay Yunupingu.

• In January 2022, both "Milkumana" and "Get Me Out" charted in the triple j Hottest 100.

• King Stingray's debut self-titled album was released on 5 August 2022.

• In August 2023, King Stingray won three AIR Awards: Best Independent Rock Album or EP, Independent Album of the Year, and Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

Notable Singles:

• "Hey Wanhaka" (2020)

• "Get Me Out" (2021)

• "Milkumana" (2021)

• "Camp Dog" (2022)

• "Let's Go" (2022)

• "Lupa" (2022)

• "Down Under (Under One Sun)" (Non-album single)

• "Lookin' Out" (2023)

Awards and Nominations:

• King Stingray received several awards and nominations, including the AIR Awards, ARIA Music Awards, APRA Awards, J Awards, National Indigenous Music Awards, National Live Music Awards, Rolling Stone Australia Awards, and the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition.