On Repeat - Aretha Brown

We speak with a couple of cool people doing cool stuff, to find out what tunes are soundtracking the lives of extraordinary Australians. Meet Gumbaynggirr artist and cultural advocate Aretha Brown and discover her dream festival lineup, love for Erykah Badu’s 'Window Seat’ and upcoming musical project.

Aretha Brown

Gumbaynggirr Artist & Cultural Advocate

Image: @anth1noulla

What 5 records would you take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

1.        Gemini Rights – Steve Lacy

2.        Kiss My Art – Painters and Dockers

3.        Dawn - Emma Donovan and The Putbacks

4.        Hatful of Hollow – The Smiths

5.        A Seat at the Table – Solange

What is your favourite music-related memory?

I come from a family of deadly artists and musicians actually, so music has had a huge presence in my life, ever since I can remember. It’s almost impossible to choose just one favourite music-related memory, because I think all my memories are tied to music somehow. From growing up with my dad writing and playing music with his band, to listening to my aunty Emma Donovan. Even though I’m a painter, I find music inseparable from my art. One of my favourite memories was while painting my mural in Dilli, Timor Leste, and being fully immersed in the reggae scene up there. Those are some of my fondest memories.
 
If you could curate your perfect music festival, who would be on the lineup?

Gosh, what a dream. I’d have the craziest line up – something like Beyonce, Bad Bunny, Cleo Sol, Kneecap, Diana Ross, Frank Ocean, Kaiit, Steve Lacy, Eryka Badu, Amy Winehouse; the list goes ON.
 
What’s your go to ‘good mood’ track when you’re feeling overwhelmed?

'Window Seat’ – Erykah Badu.
 
If you started a musical project, what genre would it be and what would you call it?

I actually have a musical project on the go right now! Nothing that’s ready for the world just yet, but you better believe it’s coming. I won’t reveal too much about the genre, but true to my style, it’s bold, silly and BLAK.

Check out **Kiss My Art, Aretha Brown’s mural collective here.