Writing in the Sand

by Matt Garrick

The epic story of legendary band Yothu Yindi and 'Treaty', the song that gave voice to a movementWITH INTRODUCTIONS BY YALMAY YUNUPINGU & WITIYANA MARIKASometimes a musical revolution can erupt from the most unlikely of places. Long before they were ARIA Hall of Fame inductees, Yothu Yindi were a bunch of Yolngu (Aboriginal people of East Arnhem Land) and balanda (non-Indigenous) mates rocking out in the remote Top End. Soon they were creating some of the coolest new music in the country, splicing traditional sounds with electric, and spreading a message of unity.Then, after singer Mandawuy Yunupiu penned the hit song 'Treaty' with Paul Kelly and Peter Garrett, and a remix dropped in 1991, Yothu Yindi shot out of Arnhem Land and into the hearts of music lovers across Australia and the world.Writing in the Sand , by Yothu Yindi's authorised biographer, Matt Garrick, is the epic story of one of Australia's most original bands and how 'Treaty' gave voice to Indigenous Australia's hard-fought struggle for recognition. Featuring photos from the band's archives never previously published, the book is based on extensive interviews with current and former band members, including mainstays Witiyana Marika, Stu Kellaway and Jodie Cockatoo, as well as family members such as Yalmay Yunupiu, Mandawuy's widow, and collaborators and fellow artists like Garrett, Kelly, Neil Finn, Joy McKean, Bart Willoughby and Andrew Farriss.Funny, poetic, heartfelt and steeped in the sights, smells and unique rhythms of East Arnhem Land, Writing in the Sand is a must-read for anyone who cares about Australian music, and Aboriginal culture and recognition, all of which were brilliantly woven together by one of the most exciting bands of our time.

Genres: Biography, Music, Nonfiction, Education

432 pages, Hardcover

Published October 27, 2021

Reviews

[Vannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journalist Matt Garrick (disclosure: a personal friend) turns his hand to what is simultaneously a book about one of Australia's best and most important bands, Yothu Yindi, and an account of the politics and history of the fight for land rights, cultural survival, and equality for Aboriginal people, intertwined with the music and its creators.

It's also literally a rock music parade of who's who appearing in this book, and often I found myself wondering out loud, "They did what?" Sparkling, passionate, funny and emotionally charged, this book will make you cry, laugh, sing, hum, and gasp with wonder at the audacity of a bunch of musicians from the Top End and from Arnhem Land specifically, who created catchy, inspired tunes that are still so much a part of our national life today. Such a timely book, and a timely reminder of the strength of Yolngu culture and how much there is still to be done for equality between black and white in Australia.

Matt Garrick has done us all a favour by recording the story of Yothu Yindi and its path breaking work led by lead singer, Mandawuy Yunupingu who firmly believed in the importance of education and cultural understanding to transform race relations in Australia.

[Rod Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rock histories can be tiresome. This one is never like that. Captivating- an inspiring story that needed to be chronicled. Well done Matt Garrick

[Shadow Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are respectfully advised this review involving a book contains the names and images of the deceased. I will always respect you

Yothu Yindi is 1 of the best indigenous bands I ever heard on the radio and they became my inspiration to support the indigenous community just like my all time favourite band Midnight Oil. So hearing songs like Treaty Mainstream Timeless Land and Tribal Voice helps people understand that this land belongs to the indigenous peeps

With intros from Yalmay Yunupinu and Witiyana Marika Matt Garrick's writing explains on these questions - what you need to know about Arnhem Land how Yothu Yindi was founded Mandawuy Yunupinu got Treaty to be heard co written by Peter Garrett and Paul Kelly and more. In fact Treaty is 1 of the best songs Mandawuy has ever performed and it's great that I finally got a chance to learn about Treaty in the early 90's

While this book will make you smile or cry this is the best indigenous autobiography I actually read and it's a must read

And remember Australia is home of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tribes. Always Was Always Will Be

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read about the background of the group Yothu Yindi and the song 'Treaty' and where it came from. Includes heaps of information about the Australian music world from Slim Dusty through popular music and its influence on the group but especially its roots in traditional music - through to more recently. Traditional cultural influence, its shape and form and how it influences the group cannot be separated from their music. Lots of background information about group members showing how it cannot be separated from the community from which it came, with recognition to non indigenous musicians and their music they admired. Music and politics coming together. Also a lot of information about the lead singer and his involvement designing and setting up the 'both ways' curriculum which incorporates traditional Western education into the setting of traditional culture. Sorry for the rough review, I could spend so much more time on this book but I could write so much and sometimes that goes against giving a review that makes people choose to read it - despite the fact its also a wonderful read.

[Philip Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yothu Yindi were emblematic of a new way of thinking of Australia. A blend of indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, finding the best in their music and talents. And, taking the lead from our First Nation people, what it might signal for a better nation. Garrick has done a great job of telling the story. There is hope and heartache in what was, and what might yet be.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent autobiography of one of the most original and talented bands in Australia.

[Dee-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

If had a choice would have given it 4.5 stars. Some of it was a bit repetitive, however really enjoyed the excitement, travels and anecdotes. I read this book with the song ‘Treaty’ in my head.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good coverage of the bands history and some interesting stories and background.