Tjaka announce debut EP Elevate out June 20 + listen to new song 'Marching Band'
Magandjin/Brisbane hip-hop-meets-funk trio Tjaka today announce their debut EP Elevate, set for release on June 20. With the announcement comes the group’s latest single ‘Marching Band’. LISTEN + WATCH ‘MARCHING BAND’ HERE.
Across the five tracks on Elevate, Tjaka flex their ability to cross genres and experiment with sound, all while staying true to their cultural roots. The EP charts their musical and cultural journey to date, reflecting growth, transformation, and a deep connection to Country. It captures the moment they step on stage and tap into something greater (a feeling they liken to gaining “superpowers”) as they become a heightened version of themselves through music. Each track is crafted to energise and uplift, offering a glimpse into the sound, spirit, and unstoppable force that define Tjaka.
To celebrate the announcement, Tjaka share their latest release from the EP titled ‘Marching Band’, marking another frenetic offering that seamlessly crosses lines of genre. Where their lead single ‘In A Box’ was A Tribe Called Quest-inspired rap cut, ‘Marching Band’ reflects an array of chopped vocal samples, 808s, their trademark Didjeribone sound (a slide didgeridoo similar to a trombone) and marching band style drum samples - indicative of their continued groundbreaking experimentation.
Dedicated to the idea of constant improvement in all aspects of their craft, Tjaka share that “Marching Band is about taking on a challenge of being our best with confidence. The song uses our experiences of undertaking the challenge of pursuing music itself. We liken it to navigating through a jungle as the music industry is fast paced and ever changing so we have to be ready to work hard, adapt and continue to be on the move throughout the journey.”
Praised as “a band who are destined for evolution, lead by their passion” (triple j Unearthed), Tjaka are building on the wave of plaudits from their previously released ‘Dancing Mood’, ‘Break It Down’, ‘Bada Dada’ and ‘The Shake Up’ with Dameeeela, and ‘In A Box’, which saw support from COLORS, Rolling Stone AU/NZ, triple j, triple j Unearthed, ABC's RAGE and Voices Radio among others, with ‘Marching Band’ now adding another dimension to their catalogue.
Tjaka are currently on tour in the UK bringing their their explosive live energy The Grace in Islington, multiple sets at The Great Escape in Brighton and a support slot for South Summit at O2 Academy Islington. These shows mark a new chapter in their rapidly growing live resume, which includes festival appearances at Splendour in the Grass, Dark Mofo, SXSW Sydney, Woodford Folk Festival, PASIWALI Festival (Taiwan) and more back home in Australia.
Comprising of two Fabila brothers Geoff and Jake, cousin Luke, and close friend Felix Fogarty, Tjaka is derived from "Tjakamarra", the skin name given to the Fabilas, who are proud descendants of the Jabirr Jabirr tribe in the Western Australian Kimberley. Blending elements of electronic, funk and hip-hop with Aboriginal ancestral influences, Tjaka’s vision sets out to showcase the connections between the old and the new, crafting music that is deeply connected to their Aboriginal heritage.
TJAKA
Elevate EP
out June 20
'Marching Band' is out now, buy/stream it here.
TOUR DATES
Mon 19 May - O2 Islington w/ South Summit - London UK
Thu 5 Jun - Dark Mofo - Hobart / nipaluna
Fri 20 Jun - Black Bear Lodge - Brisbane / Magandjin
Sat 21 Jun - Art Sounds On The Lawn - Cairns / Gimuy
Fri 27 Jun - La La La's - Wollongong / Woolyungah
Sat 28 Jun - OAF Gallery - Sydney / Gadigal
Fri 4 Jul - The Workers Club - Melbourne / Naarm
Tickets available HERE.
Stay connected with Tjaka:
23 Profile | Instagram | YouTube | Bandcamp
