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Interview with
RADICAL SON

(31st July 2024)

Interview with Dave Bruce

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Photo credit: Cameron Bloom

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Have you always wanted to be a musician?
No – I am the accidental musician. I didn’t start singing until my mid 20’s. However I am now in it for the long run. Will be doing this for as long as I can. I really am honoured to be able to get paid work just for singing.

When did you get the song writing bug?
Not until my mid 20’s. Not till after I became a parent and felt the desire to speak up and be heard. I was lucky to meet someone at that time who helped me to record my first songs and start the musical journey for me.

How would you describe your sound? 
When I’m writing and performing I draw on a mix of influences from hiphop and rnb to soul and country. I started out doing more rap, but these days I like to explore my vocal range and how I can continue to improve as a singer and improve my technique. These songs give me the opportunity to show my growth, both as a man and a singer.

Why do you think people resonate with your music?
I try to sing from the heart. I have allowed myself to be vulnerable and try to be sincere. My hope is that my songs speak to people out there.

Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
I really did appreciate Bob Marleys works the most. I know he struggled with racism not just from the wider community but from his own people as well. I really respect someone who has strong beliefs and who is able to stay true to their convictions.

Your new single ‘Yuluwirri Wandabaa (The Rainbow Dreaming)’ has just been released!  Describe its origin and evolution.
Like so many of my songs it’s inspired by ceremony and culture. There is so much depth in our Culture and Country. Country provides us a way of living and sustenance both physically and mentally. It provides the story and the way. It is there for us, right in front of us. The only thing is we don’t see it as often we are looking at the screens that stand between us.

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Stream: BILAMBIYAL (THE LEARNING)

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What can we expect from the album?  What are the main themes?
This album has been a long time coming and I’m excited to share it with the world. Like everyone, I’m on my own journey of growth, and music has made me a better person. Within each of us we can change things for ourselves and make the lives of others better in the process. I hope my songs have a positive impact on you. This record is something I can be proud of. It’s an example to me of how I’ve grown and done better. It’s my favourite album of mine so far.

Any tours or events coming up soon?
This month I’ll be in Brisbane for Clancestry and I have some other dates we’ll be announcing soon through my website.

What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
I’m looking forward to performing the songs for those who’ve been wanting more Radical Son and to reaching new audiences. I believe I’m performing better than I ever have. I’m playing with this new lineup of musicians and they’re fantastic.  
I have put the work in to improve as a vocalist and I think that will show. I think it’s important to stand up as an Indigenous man and share what is important to me. I’m grateful that I have the ability and the option to do so.

If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why? 
Bob Marley – He has my respect as a stand up person. He has said some really wise things and his music has stood the test of time. I could see myself as an artist who mixes cultural with contemporary as well.

What are your long-term aspirations as a music artist and how are you progressing towards them?
I’d like to keep improving. I’d like to be doing a better job as a writer, a performer and I’d also like to connect with the people better. The more professional I am as a performer the better for those who are working with me and for those who are coming to see me.

With that in mind, what piece of advice would you give to an artist starting out?
Remember why you are in this game. Keep on writing. Work, work, work. It ain’t all fun and games.

What is the best thing about performing to a live audience?
When the audience is singing along to your songs, it’s something special. It’s only happened for me a few times so far but it really had an impact on me when I experienced that.

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What’s been the career highlight so far?
At the beginning of this year I was part of Wundig Wer Wilura, a new First Nations opera production by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, that performed a Dreaming story from southwest Western Australia in Noongar language. To me that experience had a lot of meaning and represented something dear to my heart.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done? 
Scuba Dive Master. It was something I did later in life that I had wanted to do since I was young. I like being in the water and the risks involved require one to be on their “A” game all the time.

What is the one topic you can talk about for hours?
The Ocean. I scuba dive – spearfish, Jet ski – boating fishing. I love it.

What is the thing you like most about yourself?
Still young at heart. I know I’m getting long in the tooth but I’m still having lots of fun out here. 

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Uprising
Artist – Bob Marley
Movie – Perfume
Place to visit – Mystery Bay
Venue to play – His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth
Food – Watermelon
Drink – Tea. That’s how I  start every day
Person in History – Pemulwuy
Tattoo (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) Something traditional

RADICAL SON
Upcoming Shows:

WED 31 JULY
QPAC, BRISBANE QLD
ALL AGES
Tickets

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Follow RADICAL SON
Linktree – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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Press Release 15th July 2024 (below) HERE

RADICAL SON
releases powerful new album
BILAMBIYAL
(THE LEARNING)
– Out today

Stream: BILAMBIYAL (THE LEARNING)

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AMNPLIFY – DB