Ripple Effect Band has announced their debut album, Mayawa, set for release on Friday, 13 September.

It comes as the band also premiered their latest single and music video, Na-Kalamandjarda, which honours Country and coincides with the start of their Northern Territory tour.

Na-Kalamandjarda showcases the band's unique rock music blended with emotional storytelling.

The song features soulful melodies and rich instrumentation, encouraging listeners to harmonise with the land and preserve its beauty for future generations.

Band member Rona Lawrence said Na-kalamandjarda came to her after a camping and hunting trip, leading her to text the lyrics to Jodie at 1am.

"We went camping on Country and hunting at Na-kalamandjarda. When we came home, that night, I woke up and had the song in my mind, it came up into my mind."

"I couldn't sleep and I didn't have a pen and paper, so I texted Jodie all the lyrics of the song. It was 1am in the morning."

The album is sung between English and Na-Kara, a highly endangered language spoken by less than 55 people.

Reflecting on this reality and the importance of music in strengthening language for future generations, the song's music video transports viewers to the heart of Na-kara country, weaving in scenes from other locations across Australia to make the connection among viewers.

Ripple Effect Band are the first women in their community to play instruments, with Mayawa representing a transformative space for future generations of Indigenous women.

Named after the Na-kara word for beach, coast, and sand, Mayawa honours the rich traditions of West Arnhem Land songwriting, while the band shares their own narratives.

The album's creation involved years of production and intercultural collaboration, with the band camping on Country and working closely with local knowledge holders.

The band, comprising mothers, daughters, and sisters, sing across languages, reflecting traditional ceremonies from their Country.

"I want to be a role model for other women. To let them know… Don't sit at home and get worried and stress," Lawrence said.

"Stand up and get involved. Play music. Go fishing or hunting. Make yourself feel better.

"I'm doing this for my kids, for their future, so they feel proud and they can listen to their mother singing Na-kara language."

Listen to Na-kalamandjarda on your preferred streaming platform now.