Jarred Wall - known as Boox Kid - is set to release the first single from his second EP, Kalyakoorl (Forever), out May 2026.
The Noongar (Wadandi Bibbulmun) artist and 2025 WAM Vocalist of the Year works across songwriting, production, sound design, theatre, and opera.
Barang Ngalang Kadjin, meaning "Hold Our Souls" or SOS in Noongar, is the first single from Kalyakoorl (Forever). Influenced by Rex Orange County, the track is a feel-good indie pop song with a touch of disco. Highlighting the power of connection to country and spirit, it blends English and Noongar, celebrating Boox's heritage and preserving language.
"The single and EP is a special one as it highlights the power of connection to country and spirit, blending English and Noongar, celebrating my heritage and preserving language. The songs are very contemporary, with an indie pop feel," Wall told Style Up.
"Barang Ngalang Kadjin, meaning "Hold Our Souls" or SOS in Noongar, is the first single from my second EP Kalyakoorl (Forever), out May 2026. It's a feel‐good indie‐pop track with a hint of disco, celebrating the power of connection to country and spirit.
"Blending English and Noongar, it honours my heritage and helps keep language alive. At its heart, the song is about slowing down and reconnecting—whether that's with Boodja (country) or Wirrin (spirit). And honestly, it's just a fun one to have a boogie to.
"I wrote it with my collaborators Dylan Ollivierre—an incredible producer and songwriter—and Kobi Morrison, who I work closely with on the language translation."
When speaking on the release of the upcoming album, the talented musician shared how the new album fuses his cultural heritage with themes centering on mental health.
"I'd say these songs sit in a similar vein to my last two releases, Landslide and Postcard. They lean further into a pop‐indie direction, while still carrying the signature Boox Kid elements—strong melodies, rich harmonies, and that layered, emotive feel," he said.
"Lyrically, they centre on respecting connection to Country and spirit, woven together with themes of mental health, culture, love, and relationships. Oh and it's all a blend of Noongar and English."
Wall went on further, expressing how over the years, his culture has increasingly influenced his music.
"Over the years, I've become increasingly influenced by my Culture and the deep connection it gives me to my identity," he said.
"It really crystallised when I was cast in lead roles for Western Australia Opera's Noongar productions Koolbardi Wer Wardong and Wundig Wer Wilura. Those experiences shifted something in me—they sparked a real desire to write in language.
"Working alongside a mostly Aboriginal cast and feeling that cultural connectedness on stage made me fall in love with it even more.
"I was inspired by Gina Williams and the late Guy Ghouse to start creating my own songs in language and contribute to its preservation. Our culture and stories are incredibly beautiful, and they deserve to be shared. I always say that our Culture is one of this Country's greatest strengths."
Reflecting on his growing career, Wall reflected on how his musical journey has progressed year after year.
"My musical journey began when my dad bought me my first guitar at around eight years old, and my brother introduced me to singing," he said.
"In the 90s, he was performing in a renowned all‐Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander RnB group called Aim4more, which had a big influence on me.
"Years later, he and I started collaborating, and that really sparked my passion in my early twenties. I went on to perform for several years in a band called Jake and the Cowboys before deciding to go solo around 2019, launching Boox Kid—a name my eldest daughter came up with when she was about five.
"I taught myself production software and have since broadened my creative path, performing in opera, theatre, and working in sound design. That diversity has helped me build a sustainable career in a contemporary music scene that can be tough to navigate."
When it comes to what's in store for the musician in 2026, Wall said he has several projects and performances coming up.
"At the moment, I'm putting the finishing touches on the last few songs for the EP and gearing up for St Kilda Festival, where I'll be performing on the main stage. I'll be touring the EP later in the year too, which should be a blast," he said.
"I'm also working on sound design for Yirra Yaakin Theatre and composing a new piece for a collaboration between Western Australian Opera and Breaksea called The Songcatchers. Having that creative variety really keeps things exciting."
Boox Kid's 2024 debut EP Reflections surpassed 200k streams and featured on major editorials, while 2025 singles Landslide and Postcard landed on New Music Friday and received triple j airplay.
He has performed at Perth Festival, Nannup Music Festival, and BIGSOUND and supported artists including George Ezra, Miiesha, Dice, and Electric Fields, in addition to starring in Noongar-language operas.
A proud cultural advocate, he always strives to strongly support First Nations artists.
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