Demos from Nganyatjarra Lands and Esperance is the fifteenth instalment of WAM’s acclaimed regional recording program funded through the State Government of Western Australia’s Contemporary Music Fund. Following projects Sounds of the Goldfields (2016) and Demos from the Northern Goldfields (2018), WAM returned to the region in August – September 2021 to showcase the artists, songs and stories in key areas not featured on the previous compilations.

The first double album of the series, WAM worked alongside Wilurarra Creative to record and share the original songs of nine acts from the Ngaanyatjarra Lands of Western Australia. Established in 2004 and located in the very remote Mirlirrtjarra (Warburton) Community, Wilurarra Creative have developed a strong Community Arts and Cultural Development framework, delivering a diverse range of community driven activities and creative programs co-created with 16-30 year old Ngaanyatjarra people. The Wilurarra Creative studio played home to WAM’s pop-up studio during the August 2021 recording process.

Following a 1,200km drive via the Gibson and Great Victorian Deserts, WAM and award-winning WA producers Andy Lawson (Debaser Studio), Matt Gio and Dan Carroll (Rada Studios), James Newhouse (Real2Reel Studios) and Sean Lillico headed to Esperance’s historic Bijou Theatre to record nine artists from the coastal town, including The Arid Ones, Rachel Vibart, Dr Tasty, Bodes, Johnathon Ratcliff, Grand Casual, Car Park Social, David Vooght-Simpson and Manasseh Blues Band.

The double album is set for release in April 2022.

Demos from Ngaanyatjarra Lands and Esperance is supported through the State Government’s Contemporary Music Fund, and is delivered with the ongoing support of WA State Government Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Wilurarra Creative, Goldfields Esperance Development Commission, Regional Men’s Health Initiative, Hertz, ABC Goldfields and Esperance, and WAM organisational partners.