Emma Donovan – The legacy and impact of growing up in a First Nations family of singers and songwriters

Episode 11

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Hosted by
Caroline Kell

Caroline Kell is a proud Mbarbrum women who was born and raised on Kulin Lands. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Blak Wattle Coaching and Consulting. Caroline is a Former Counsellor and Executive Director who is deeply passionate about the social emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Welcome to Season 2 of Yarning Up!

In this episode Caroline sits down with renowned Indigenous soul singer and powerhouse vocalist, Emma Donovan.

Emma is best known for her work with soul bands, The Putbacks and The Black Arm Band project. She has also toured and recorded with Archie Roach and Spinifex Gum and opened for likes of Paul Kelly and The Teskey Brothers. On her mother’s side, Emma is part of the famed Donovan family of singers of the Gumbaynggirr people, of what is now known as Northern New South Wales. On her Father’s side, Emma is of the Yamatji people, of Western Australia.

Caroline and Emma yarn about what it was like for Emma to step in the limelight and grow her confidence as an Aboriginal woman and singer. Emma shares stories of her childhood and uncovers the gifts, talents and legacies that she has taken up from her very musically esteemed family in both her personal life and her musical career.

To experience more of Emma follow her on Instagram here, check out her upcoming gigs here and listen to her recent album Crossover, with the critically-acclaimed rhythm combo, The Putbacks here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and don’t forget to follow the show!

Follow Caroline on Instagram @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline here!

We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was taped. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past, present and emerging.

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Yarning Up with Caroline KellEpisode 11