Olive Knight is from the small and remote community of Wangkatjungka south of Fitzroy Crossing. A Walmatjarri woman born in the desert, Olive Knight’s traditional name is Kunkuwa. Her earliest recollections of music are of traditional songs sung around the campfire, which lulled her into a peaceful sleep. She remembers nullanullas thumping the bare earth, clap sticks and boomerangs, and the rhythmic songs of her forefathers.
Olive was an integral part of the liquor restrictions movement that won a precedent ruling against the Liquor Association, has been active in studies related to prevention and treatment of FASD, helped develop the Walmatjarri dictionary in the 1960s, and is a well respected Elder. Now working on her second album, Olive has a vision to see her people heal and believes music is an integral part of that.
As Australians we can boast to have inherited the only Walmatjarri Gospel Blues Singer in the world! Olive is not just a musician; she is a rare gem of incalculable cultural significance.
Produced by Rob Findlay, Richard Watson and James Newhouse
Recorded & Mixed by James Newhouse at Real2Reel Studios, February 2015
Released April 1, 2015.
oliveknight.bandcamp.com