Saltwater dreaming

EMILY Wurramara’s music career is soaring, but her connection to the ocean and Country continues to anchor her.

The Warnindhilyagwa woman from Groote Eylandt and Milyakburra on Bickerton Island, now living in lutruwita (Tasmania), said her creative work was deeply connected to her sense of place and that of Country.

“Being near an ocean body of water is what connects me to my home, because it’s an island, surrounded by water, and I feel like it’s a conduit for me,” she said.

“When I’m writing, I feel nature and being in the ocean is a space of clarity where I can hone the feelings of what I’m trying to say.”

A six-time Queensland Music Award winner, Wurramara was the first Indigenous woman to ever win an ARIA for Best Adult Contemporary Album in 2024 for her second album NARA.

She took out the J Award for Australian Music Video of the Year that year and has amassed 35 million-plus streams on Spotify alone.

“I had no idea that that had happened ’til after I had won,” she said of being the first Indigenous artist to win the category.

“Yeah, I had a moment, and it made me reflect on all the people who have come before me for me to be here.

“I got emotional, because I guess now we’ve kicked down the doors for more to come through – it’s achievable.

“It’s walking with authenticity of the self, and it was a big moment. I felt like it was a nod that I’m on the right path.”

A love song with a twist, the new single Adore Me is a sun-lit alt/indie/folk-pop meditation on love with depth beneath the surface.

“It’s the flaws and patterns humanity engages with when it comes to love in all its forms,” Wurramara said.

“It’s about growth. You’ve gotta go through that to understand the love you deserve and need.

“You grasp onto this idea of what adoration means, in the hope you find that, only to realise that maybe you should love yourself first. Set that standard for how you want to be loved.”

The mother of a seven-year-old, Wurramara balances a busy writing, recording and touring life with family and motherhood and homes in on what she hopes to share with her daughter.

“I’d tell her, don’t forget to make a life while you’re trying to make a living,” she said.

“It’s essential to enjoy the little moments that can be challenging, but it all adds up, and it’s special when we’re able to honour ourselves by being present and grateful and walking with love.”

For tickets, visit brunswickpicturehouse.com/emily-wurramara-adore-me-tour-24-oct.