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drops transcendental new single
“PROMISED LAND”
featuring DAMI IM

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Photo – Paz Tassone

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Praise for YIRRMAL:

‘Yirrmal calms your whole life with this one, bliss!’ (Dhaliwuy Bay) Declan Byrne – Triple J

‘We are in the presence of a great artist. This young man is as dynamic a performer as I have ever seen, singing brutal and joyous truths of family, love, loss and pride..’ Nadia Jade – Nothing Ever Happens In Brisbane – Tivoli Brisfest

The evocative voice of Yirrmal bookended the show, his vocals flying gracefully and emotionally throughout the hall, entrancing all who had the privilege of being there to listen.’ Ken Grady – Adelaide Festival – Review 1967: Music in the Key of Yes

‘There is something about Yirrmal that energises the room and when he smiles, it lights up the place….’ Julie Lowe, Woodford Folk Festival

‘Homecoming firebrand Yirrmal has honed the laser intensity of his voice around the pubs of Melbourne. Today, his passions inflamed by his return to country, he drives home his solo acoustic songs of belonging and bridge-building like nothing else matters’.  Michael Dwyer, The Guardian

‘His rich voice combined with his lyrics tells the stories of dreams, the issues in society and his culture – a unique insight.’ (Youngblood EP) –  Forte Magazine

‘Deeply affecting and joyously celebrating his upbringing and place in the world.’ (Youngblood EP) ABC Radio

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Yirrmal returns with his latest single “Promised Land” featuring the sublime Dami Im. Promised Land has been produced by award-winning and multi-talented iconic producer-singer-songwriter Andrew Farriss.

The master storyteller invites listeners along a journey of deeply profound loss, sadness, grief and heartbreak – the crossing to the Promised Land setting the spirit free as the soul is reunited with his ancestors. 

The track kicks in with the earthy guitar tones of a smooth ballad as Yirrmal and Dami’s vocals intertwine within each other as the saxophone plays softly in the background, languidly melting with warm and fuzzy feelings. The track gives off “final credits” energy as the instrumentals depicts the perfect ending to a romance-fuelled film. 

Yirrmal says “This track is a very simplified English adaptation of a Yolngu lyric, where the tone conveys the journey of the soul crossing over into the Promised Land.”  The soul sets out on a transcendent and metaphysical gut-wrenching journey to the far shore on the other side of the ocean, sailing through raging seas and swirling currents, into the unforeseeable dark night. He cries desperately to return to his loved ones he has left behind. Eventually, the clouds part to reveal the bright full moon shining its light over the Milky Way, guiding the soul to the Promised Land. He calms as he reaches the shore.  The ancestors rejoice and welcome him, and the soul is finally at peace.

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Hailing from the Rirratjingu clan group in the remote North East Arnhem Land community of Yirrkala, Yirrmal has been absent from the music industry for several years while he has been learning the sacred Rirratjingu songlines from his father (Yothu Yindico-founder, and actor and High Ground producer) Witiyana Marika. Yirrmal released the EP “Youngblood” in 2016, co-written with the late Archie Roach, Neil Murray and Shane Howard.  In May 2022, Yirrmal released the singles “Dhaliwuy Bay” and “Get Happy” to critical acclaim: ‘Give me a moment to get back on my feet.  This was so mellow and soothing, I lay down to look at the stars.’ (Dhaliwuy Bay – Dave Ruby Howe Triple J) and ‘On the complete other end of the spectrum is ‘Get Happy’, which has the kind of energy that, quite frankly, I think a lot of us really need right now. What’s more heart-filling, soul-enriching, and pure than a bright song about love, happiness and sharing it with those around you?’ (Get Happy – Dan Condon)

For now, Yirrmal is an extraordinarily passionate singer-songwriter and storyteller best known for his unapologetic and authentic means of personal storytelling.  “I’m not a stereotype and I don’t fit comfortably within the box that’s been given to me. For me, success is taking care of my family, being there for my kids, creating music and inspiring others, and balancing this with my cultural and ceremonial responsibilities back home as well as working with people with a disability. I’m very blessed and grateful for my life.”

Co-writing three of Baker Boys’ tracks, Yirrmal has had great success within Triple J, featuring on “Marryuna” ranked number 17 in the Hottest 100 of 2017. Yirrmal’s second collaboration with Baker Boy “Ride”, also featured in the Hottest 200 of 2021, with his third feature, “Somewhere Deep” also featuring on Baker Boys’ 2021 debut album “Gela”. And who can forget Yirrmal’s epic spine-tingling performance with Midnight Oil during their World Circle Tour in 2017, as he stole the show from Peter Garrett performing ‘Treaty’!!

“Promised Land” featuring Dami Im is out  NOW on all streaming services.

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Follow YIRRMAL
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AMNPLIFY – DB