Stan Walker has dropped his latest single, “BACK TO THE RIVER,” the final chapter in a seven-year journey that’s as personal as it is musical.
The track follows the release of its te reo Māori counterpart “KI TAKU AWA,” and wraps up a trilogy that started with “I AM” and “Māori Ki Te Ao,” bringing Walker’s story full circle.
For Walker (Tūhoe, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pūkenga, Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāi Tahu), this release is more than just music—it’s about closure. “It’s an exciting moment for me, both musically and personally, as I close this trilogy, this chapter,” he says.
Since winning Australian Idol in 2009, Walker has been on a path that’s deeply tied to his Māori heritage. The song started with a single line: “take me back to the river.”
That line set the tone for a track about healing and returning to his origins. “Once we had the chorus, I wanted an old-school soul sound to come through,” Walker shares. “There’s a familiar pain shared across the world from old soul artists. After 15 years of writing music, I’ve found that this kind of sound feels the most like home.”
Walker’s connection to soul music runs deep. Like Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” or Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” “BACK TO THE RIVER” is about healing and resilience. Walker’s personal struggles—losing his father and his ongoing journey of healing—bring an added depth to the song, making it resonate beyond the personal.
What stands out with this release is Walker’s decision to drop the te reo Māori version first, during Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. “Usually, the English version comes out first, but for this project, I wanted to put te reo Māori out there first. It’s about contributing to the continued presence of our reo in the world,” he explains.
Much like Beyoncé’s cultural deep dive in Lemonade, Walker’s trilogy has taken fans on a journey rooted in family, healing, and identity. “For me, it’s not about winning or losing—winning for me is changing people’s lives with my waiata,” Walker says.
“My purpose has always been to uplift, empower, and serve the people, my people, indigenous people. Through my music and message, I inspire to bring hope, life, healing, and joy. The world needs it now more than ever.”
Listen to “BACK TO THE RIVER” below.
