‘Pemulwuy’ is the story of the Bidjigal (Indigenous Australian) man’s extraordinary life by Australian contemporary folk-artist Peter Baxter.
The song was recorded over lockdown with Multi-Award -Winning Producer David Bridie working from his base in Victoria and Peter from his base in Wicklow, Ireland.
This recording is a reinterpretation and re-recording of the song from Peter’s last Album – 2010’s The Blue Black Waves. That version was produced by Dónal Lunny and recorded in North County Dublin. An older version of the song was recorded with Dave Steel producing in Sydney in 1997 for Peter’s second Album – The Miracle Bell.
So, 3 versions of the same song over 25 years – why?
The answer is simple according to Peter “Each version is unique and has some great qualities, especially with regards to the Production. However, to me, there was always something missing, usually a lyric, or an element of the arrangement etc. During Lockdown I had the opportunity to take stock and wanted to go back and revisit a few songs from my back catalogue that were not quite finished. I approached David and he had great ideas about how the song could work. It was a pleasure working with him and I can finally say that now the song is finished!”
Simultaneously Peter is recording new material for an EP later in 2022 and working with Mick Thomas reinterpreting some other songs from that lockdown project which will be released as an EP in early 2022.
The beautifully illustrated artwork for the music video is by Indigenous Artist Frank McCleod. Check out more of his work at https://www.artstation.com/frankmcleod
Peter grew up in South West Sydney, in an Irish family. Raised on songs and stories as the Pete St John lyric goes and he started playing with his Dad at sing-songs and busking.
Songwriting was always an interest and after the success of his debut album “Since Then” he began his music career in earnest touring in support of Archie Roach, Neil Murray (Warumpi Band), Dave Steel and many more. This single is his first release after a long hiatus and will be followed by 2 EPS in 2022. Peter has released 3 albums to date and has been played on ABC, BBC (UK), RTE (IRELAND). Recorded with Internationally renowned producers Dónal Lunny, David Bridie, Mick Thomas and Dave Steel with songs covered live by Neil Murray, Chain of Hearts + more.
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