From humble beginnings to a nationwide platform, Indigenous band The Desert Stars overcame challenges to successfully finish a two-year tour across the country.
The Desert Stars are one of the most remotely-based rock bands on Earth. Their journey started in 2018 when filmmaker Tristan Pemberton made the decision to accompany them on their first national tour from their community in Tjuntjuntjara across the terrain of the Western Australian Desert.
The outcome was extraordinary; the documentary that emerged from it, Gravel Road, showcased at seven different film festivals worldwide, including Italy, South Africa, the United States, and Australia.
Gravel Road was also honoured with the prestigious 'Best Documentary Feature' award at the Poppy Jasper Film Festival in California.
During the film's national premiere in Margaret River, WA, in August 2022, The Desert Stars surprised the audience with a captivating live performance. The band's talent was so well-received they received numerous requests for encores, eventually exhausting their repertoire.
This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, taking the Stars from coast to coast.
The band currently consist of lead singer Jay Minning, lead guitar and backing vocalist Derek Coleman, bassist Justin Currie, and drummer Ashley Franks.
Mr Minning is a Spinifex man and serves as the traditional songman for his community. His role involves composing, performing, and preserving songs that establish a connection between the community and their ancestral land.
Due to the significance of his responsibilities, Mr Minning is reluctant to leave his Country for more than two weeks at a time. Moreover, the logistical challenges of transportation must be considered.
The local mail plane operates only once a week from Tjuntjuntjara, and the alternative option is a gruelling twelve-hour car journey through some of Australia's most unforgiving terrain to reach the nearest major town, Kalgoorlie.
Nevertheless, thanks to the assistance of a dedicated team of ten individuals and the generous support of numerous sponsors, the band successfully organised twelve tour dates spanning Western Australia, Victoria, ACT, New South Wales, and Queensland. To honour cultural obligations, the band opted for a fly-in, fly-out touring approach.
The musical group, also commonly known as 'Blakka Dakka', is scheduled to wrap up their nationwide tour by the end of this month. Their final performances will take place in Tamworth on Friday, 31 May, Lismore on Saturday, 1 June, Brisbane on Sunday, 2 June, and Gold Coast on Monday, 3 June.
Through their music, which blends rock 'n' roll with Indigenous culture and language, they continue to break cultural barriers.
The tour dates mark a complete journey, bringing them back together with the band that guided them during their first Gravel Road tour. They are scheduled to perform alongside the Re-Mains at all four concerts.
