Southeast Desert Metal, the most isolated metal band in the world, are sharing their story with households around the country. As we celebrate NAIDOC week, the new documentary Desert Metal Dreaming is streaming on ABC iView and receiving high praise. “The unexpected spiritual cross section of heavy metal and the cultural history of Indigenous Australia is somewhat breathtaking, and tugs at the heart in perhaps surprising ways” (Triple J). The film provides an intimate insight into the band and their relationships with their music, country and culture.
Southeast Desert Metal have become a household name after two successful album releases, national tours supporting rock royalty like Karnivool and Cosmic Psychos and appearances at revered festivals including Mona Foma, Nannup and Garma.
Softly spoken songwriter, Chris Wallace, opens up about his upbringing and the influence of his Aunty Kathleen, who raised him on a healthy diet of dreamtime stories and AC/DC. The documentary explores the bands formation, it’s mission and how it has impacted the lives of its members and community.
Kathleen Kemarre Wallace is an established author, storyteller and artist. Her remarkable life began out in the bush, raised in a traditional lifestyle, before moving to the newly established Santa Teresa mission in the fifties. Kathleen is the custodian of an immeasurable amount of cultural knowledge and stories, which have informed the band’s songwriting.
Southeast Desert Metal have completed recording their third album at The Black Wreath studio in Alice Springs, which will be released in 2021.
Southeast Desert Metal will be performing at Blacken Open Air festival in Ross River from 30th July – 2nd August. Kathleen Kemarre Wallace is a traditional owner and will be sharing stories of these homelands at the event.
Watch it on ABC iView here: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/desert-metal-dreaming
