Mitch Tambo on radio finding its Voice

“It’s time to create a new normal.”

That’s according to Mitch Tambo, who’s passionate about language artists getting their songs heard on radio.

A proud Gamilaraay man, Mitch has captured the attention of the world with his ability to blend traditional Aboriginal sounds and language with contemporary beats and production.

It’s the kind of music that cuts across culture, but sometimes it cuts deeper than that, with his new single Yugal Yulu-gi having already ruffled some feathers.

Copping online abuse for daring to release a song in a different language, Mitch recently took to social media to address the criticism:

“We need to share with the world a true representation of the multicultural nation we all reside in,” he says.

“Yes, we must truth tell and share our true history however along with that truth telling we must also celebrate the true multicultural society we all live in.”

“I believe radio needs to be a part of that.”

Mitch says it’s important to embrace a diverse range of music that represents all cultural groups.

“It’s time to further extend the stamping out of uneducated mindsets.”

Mitch says he’s deeply grateful to the radio stations that are playing his music.

“Big love to everyone that has taken the time to give Yugal Yulu-gi a spin and continue to support my journey.”

“To all the stations that continue to celebrate the difference in my music and play a role in creating a new tomorrow, I salute you.”

I spoke to Mitch on the latest Food Bytes podcast, where he shared his excitement about the self-penned single Yugal Yulu-gi.

He says it has an almost cinematic feel.

“It’s kind of been made with stadium vibes in mind. When you play it on a big sound system, I think it feels like we’re on a horse amongst a thousand people off to battle.”

“But the lyrics are basically about being with your loved ones – your community, your village, your tribe – and being out under the open night air and stars and just having a great time. Letting go of all the woes of the world, all the pressures on your shoulders.”

Mitch says it’s about setting ourselves free. It’s also about asking ourselves an important question:

“The sun’s going to rise tomorrow, and when it rises, are you going to walk into the new day and leave it all behind and start afresh? Or are you going to carry all those woes and stresses and pain and all that trauma from life with you?”

The song is about finding freedom, peace and empowerment.

“It’s also a reminder that no matter what you go through, it’s up to you to make that decision to walk into your own freedom.”

“Only you can make the choice to let go.”

As well as the radio exposure, Mitch is stoked to see the single being played at sport stadiums and at NRL and AFL games.

“That’s been a real blessing,” he says.

Undoubtedly, a standout career moment for Mitch was performing his own First Nations version of You’re The Voice alongside John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John and legendary Queen guitarist Brian May at the Fire Fight Australia Concert in 2020.

Mitch remembers Sydney’s ANZ Stadium was packed to capacity.

It was one of life’s surreal moments.

“Queen was on stage performing We Will Rock You and the whole stadium was thumping. I’m thinking ‘Wow, I’m going to be out there soon.’”

Mitch says spending time with two incredible icons in  John Farnham and Olivia Newton John was simply out of this world.

“Their openess and acceptance of me was so genuine, so loving and kind.”

“John gave me a great big hug and was like ‘I just want to let you know that this isn’t my song anymore. It’s our song. I’m so incredibly proud of you and what you’ve done with it.’”

Not wanting to appear intrusive, Mitch respectfully kept his distance, but both John and Olivia sought him out to offer their encouragement before he hit the stage.

And Mitch says that experience was almost too overwhelming to put into words.

“It was so big that to this day, I can’t even absorb it.”