Soulful Naarm/Melbourne artist Bumpy has today released her debut album, Kanana.
Translating from Noongar as “Land Where the Sunsets”, Kanana is about connection in all its forms.
The proud Noongar woman returns to Noongar Boodja Country to engage further in her family’s language journey, tracing the footsteps of her family and Elders, including her late Nan, Rose Whitehurst, who wrote the first Noongar dictionary.
“I always want to make sure I am doing what I can to uplift community and work in ways that creatively nourish the people around us,” Bumpy says.
To celebrate her stunning debut album, Bumpy headed down to Northside Records in Melbourne to take part in our On the Record series, in which an artist takes us through some of their favourite records.
Check out her picks, featuring plenty of beautiful soul music, below.
Love Music?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in Australian/New Zealand music and globally.
Even before the arrival of Kanana, Bumpy has been earning praise far and wide. She was nominated for Independent Soul/R&B Release at the 2024 AIR Awards; won Best New Talent at the 2023 National Indigenous Music Awards; and won multiple Music Victoria Awards, including the Uncle Archie Roach Foundation Award in 2022.
Bumpy’s Kanana is out now via Astral People Recordings.
View this post on Instagram
On the Record with Bumpy
Emma Donovan & the Putbacks – Dawn
Emma’s voice carries the strength of our old people. Full of power, truth, and soul that cuts deep. Hearing a proud Blak woman fronting a powerhouse like The Putbacks when I first moved to Naarm felt fresh, empowering, and like the hottest grooves in town. It constantly gives me permission to take up space, to sing with my full spirit, and to stay rooted in who I am.
Nai Palm – Needle Paw
Needle Paw is lush in every way. The writing, arrangements, vocals, and stripped accompaniment all feel divinely intentional. After hearing these songs with Hiatus Kaiyote, I loved experiencing them, letting the vocals breathe and shine. The way these BVs weave and dance around Nai’s voice feels heaven-sent. It’s a masterclass in restraint and emotion, and it constantly inspires me to trust my own voice and the art of self-accompaniment.
Credit: Supplied
Waak Waak Djungi – Waak Waak ga Min Min
An incredible soundscape of deep groove and spirit, Waak Waak ga Min Min captures Country from the far northeast of Arnhem Land. Originally released on CD, it was rediscovered decades later in the RRR library, sparking a search for the songmen to bring it back on vinyl. These are powerful modern reinterpretations of ceremonial songs, timeless and alive. A truly powerful record in culture and archival work.
Erykah Badu – Baduism
What can you even say about Baduism? Erykah Badu is the Mother, the Aunty. Authentic, sassy, bold, soulful, and endlessly inventive. This album is one of the all-time greats, a cornerstone of modern soul. If you haven’t already, dive deep. Essential and of deep, deep influence for me.
Credit: Supplied
Isobel Caldwell – Duty of Care
Duty of Care is a powerful debut from my dear friend Issy. Her voice glides effortlessly between vulnerability and strength, carried by sparse, thoughtful and intentional arrangements. This album feels like a needed breath. Something I return to on tough days, gentle mornings, or whenever I need to soften into stillness.
