Rising First Nations artist ICONYX releases debut album, Blak On Trak
Making her mark as a powerful up-and-coming voice in contemporary Aboriginal Australian music, rising First Nations artist ICONYX has released her debut album Blak On Trak via Skinnyfish Music.
The new album marks a significant milestone in the young artist's career, showcasing her powerful voice, cultural heritage, and unique perspective as an artist telling stories and navigating the world without sight.
The album's release also follows the successful drop of ICONYX's cover of Archie Roach's Mulyawongk, which received acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone and ABC, and marked an emotional tribute to the late singer-songwriter and Aboriginal activist.
ICONYX's connection to the late Archie Roach and Gurrumul remains a significant influence, with both families granting her rare permission to perform and reimagine their music, further solidifying her place in the Australian music landscape.
Gurrumul's family visited Perth to grant the special permission to ICONYX, asking her to keep singing his song Baru, the album's third track. That ceremonial gathering also results in a song, Special Gift For You (Baru), the second track of the record.
Blak On Trak blends hip-hop, RnB, world and contemporary music, drawing from ICONYX's Kukatja and Pintupi roots, and her experiences growing up in Whadjuk, Noongar Boodja.
As a passionate songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and co-producer, she has poured herself into every aspect of the album, ensuring each track tells a story.
The album represents a convergence of traditional storytelling with modern music, celebrating the complexity of her First Nations identity while also pushing boundaries with a forward-thinking musical approach.
Following the release of Blak On Trak, ICONYX said the music world is a space she feels completely comfortable in.
"I have loved music all my life. It's a world I am completely comfortable in and it gives me a way of expressing myself that everyone understands," she said.
"I'm still learning and discovering so many things about life, and music is a way for me to talk about some of those experiences.
ICONYX said she feels a sense of accomplishment after releasing Blak on Trak.
"I've been working on it for a long time with some incredible people," she said.
"For anyone who hears something in my songs that means something to them, I've done my job as a musician.
"To relate to people through music and give them something from my heart."
ICONYX's journey has already seen her receive notable acknowledgements, including three WAM Award nominations and a win for the Act Belong Commit category in 2022 for her track, Dawn of the Future.
She has built a reputable presence in Perth, performing at festivals, NAIDOC events, prestigious venues such as the State Theatre Centre and Crown, and most recently opening for the beloved Emily Wurramara at Perth Festival.
Now, with Blak On Trak, ICONYX is set to reach new heights in her musical and creative career.
The album's release comes at an exciting time for the artist, who launched the record with her performance at the Bina Biddi Showcase at Perth's Night Owl Studio on Friday night.
With the release of Blak On Trak, ICONYX has cemented herself as a powerful new voice in the Australian music scene.
Blak On Trak is now available on all digital platforms.
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