By Emily Iannello
TJAPWURRUNG is no longer spoken in Neil Murray’s native hometown – but it is sung.
Given his love and respect for Aboriginal culture, Murray thought it appropriate to bring the language to life again – this time through song.
Singing from the heart of the country, Murray will introduce his new album, Bring Thunder and Rain, to Torquay this weekend.
The contemporary musician has long -standing links with Aboriginal music.
In the 1980s he began a 20-year stint playing with Aboriginal rock group Warumpi Band, pushing contemporary indigenous music into mainstream Australia.
In 1995 he received an APRA song of the year award for writing My Island Home, a hit for indigenous singer Christine Anu.
Since beginning his solo career in 1989, Murray has released 12 albums.
Murray said his experiences with Aborigines inspired Bring Thunder and Rain, which strived to tell eloquent and inspirational stories of Australia.
“I did the album over a long period of time. I had about 22 songs demoed and (producer) Craig Pilkington and I selected the 11 strongest ones.
“I wouldn’t be a straight country artist. There’s some gospel, rock and folk songs on there, too.”
Murray sung track six, Malamia (Long Ago) in Tjapwurrung.
“The language is undergoing research,” he said.
Murray hoped his songs could inspire people to undertake research and make songs in indigenous languages.
“I write about the life and times of where we live in this land. I think it’s important to do that to make our own cultural identity strong.
“I always had a calling that I wanted to work, live and learn from Aboriginals. They know this country the best and I think we should pay our respects to them.”
Glenelg-Hopkins Catchment Management Authority gave Murray an environmental award, highlighting his love for the Australian environment.
Adamant that other Australians should be open to learning from the Aboriginals, Murray insisted “they have a lot of inherent wisdom on how to live in this land”.
Maintaining that Australia offered “more than meets the eye”, Murray believed the country’s cultural identity was underappreciated.
“We need a deeper relationship with the country we live in.”
Murray said he would perform a mix of new songs and older tracks this weekend.
He was looking forward to playing Torquay again after his last show in the town two years ago.
“The crowd there’s great, they’re really supportive,” he enthused.
“I hope people can check it out and come down and see the show.”
Murray plays Torquay Bowls Club on Sunday.
