Northeast Arnhem Land band Wild Honey has joined UNIFIED Music Group's Ground Floor artist development program, coinciding with the release of their new single 'Sacred Ground'.
The six-month program will provide the Yolŋu band with industry mentorship, promotional support and financial backing through a new partnership between UNIFIED Music Group and Bush Music Fund.
Wild Honey features Balumba Gondarra and Gawukawu Gurruwiwi, grandsons of Yothu Yindi frontman and songwriter Dr Mandawuy Yunupingu.
The group combines contemporary music with Yolŋu song and storytelling, continuing their grandfather's musical legacy while developing their own sound.
Despite being relatively new to the music scene, Wild Honey has performed at several major Northern Territory events, including Garma Festival, East Arnhem Live and Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival.
Band member Gawukawu Gurruwiwi welcomed the opportunity to develop their music and reach audiences beyond Arnhem Land.
"We are very excited to be part of the Ground Floor program and to share our music with the world," Gurruwiwi said.
"It is our dream to carry on the legacy of our grandfather and the many powerful Yolŋu musicians who came before us.
"Working with UNIFIED and Bush Music Fund is an incredible opportunity to help us achieve our dreams and the release of our song Sacred Ground is the first step forward!"
The partnership marks Bush Music Fund's introduction as an official delivery partner for Ground Floor, with a focus on connecting emerging First Nations musicians from remote communities with the national music industry.
Through the program, Wild Honey will receive mentorship and development support from UNIFIED Artist Management, The Annex, Core Talent Agency and Sound Story.
The band will also receive release and promotional support for 'Sacred Ground' through Community Music, alongside financial backing for a live performance in 2027.
Bush Music Fund Co-Founder and Director Jack Parsons welcomed the band's selection and the opportunity to support musicians from remote communities.
"There are so many incredible First Nations artists from remote communities across the country that we're eager to champion through the Bush Music Fund," Parsons said.
"We've been following Wild Honey closely since the release of their debut single, Common Ground, and we couldn't be more thrilled to see them join UNIFIED's Ground Floor program."
Wild Honey becomes the third act to participate in Ground Floor, following ATHANASIA and Hayku Kyah, who joined through a partnership with One of One.
The program aims to support independent Australian musicians in developing sustainable careers through industry guidance, promotional opportunities and professional connections.
UNIFIED Music Group Founder and CEO Jaddan Comerford said the partnership with Bush Music Fund had helped bring Wild Honey into the program.
"We're incredibly excited to welcome Wild Honey as the latest artist to join Ground Floor," Comerford said.
"They came to us through our close relationship with Bush Music Fund who are doing vital work to support and champion musicians and communities throughout Australia.
"We have immense respect for what they do and value our partnership deeply."
The program will support Wild Honey's next stage of development as the band continues to share Yolŋu music and storytelling with audiences across Australia.
'Sacred Ground' is available now on all streaming platforms via Community Music.
