Can Do Girls! An Interview with Ngaratya

The sisters have big plans for the future with possible careers in medicine (for Emily,) and in anthropology or law (for Alicia). They also work with the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience which is set up to encourage and mentor Indigenous students to finish their studies. In addition they write and perform their own music, using acoustic guitar and their own soulful vocals.  We asked them eight questions about their music and their life….

1.You two seem to be very driven, what inspires you in your life to pursue your studies, and your music?
Education has always been central in our lives even from a young age. Our inspiration to make music is our culture, and strongly linked our lives as young Aboriginal Australians.

2. Can you tell us a little bit about your work with the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) and what it means to you?
Originally both of us were mentee’s; Alicia went onto University where she has become a mentor. AIME has supported and encouraged both of us, this has continued with Alicia at Uni. AIME is an amazing innovative program that has played an important role in both our success.

3. You have played for some pretty famous people, who have you enjoyed playing for the most and why?
We recently had a trip back to our community in Wilcannia (in central New South Wales) to perform. For us, this was a life changing and inspiring experience, and encouraged us as role models for other young people. Returning to our community was very important to us. It was our most treasured performance!

4. Who are some of your main influences in your music and music writing?
For us writing music is a very natural process, we are influenced by issues young people face and our Aboriginality, of course.

5. Your family moved from Wilcannia when you two were young children to live in Sydney, how has moving to the city affected your connection to your country?
As Aboriginal people and artists the connection to your country is never lost. It is only strengthened when you go back. Our connection is a spiritual one and distance can never diminish it.

6. Where would you like to travel to in the future and why?
We would love to travel around Australia performing and sharing our music!

7. What's on your to-do list in the next few years?
Finish university (Alicia) and go to university (Emily). Write more material and hopefully make an album!

8. Finally, your Mum seems pretty awesome, what's the best piece of advice she ever gave you?
“Be respectful to your sister as you only have one.”

Have a listen to Ngaratya on myspace