With New Annual creeping up, we caught up with Mitch Tambo, one of the artists set to take over Newcastle for the upcoming festival.

Born in Sydney before growing up in Tamworth, Mitch Tambo now calls Melbourne home alongside his wife and fellow singer, Lele, with their four daughters. Over the years, Mitch has become known for blending traditional Indigenous dance and song with contemporary beats and production and is bringing his unique sounds to the streets of Newcastle.

Before we catch his live set at New Annual’s First Night Street Party happening on Friday, September 27, we hear from Mitch and learn more about his work and what we can expect from his Newcastle debut.

What are your earliest memories within the creative space and what inspired you to step into this realm as a professional?

My earliest memories were really when I was about 14 or 15 falling madly in love with my [indigenous] culture. I developed a strong sense of belonging and just knew I wanted to share my identity and culture and that still inspires me today in 2024. I just wanted to share that with as many people as possible, which led me down the path of becoming a professional performer.

How would you describe your work?

My work is holistic and encompassing of many facets. You can find me playing for 80,000 people here or performing for audiences in Asia or Dubai. But you can also find me rocking out with kids and giving back to the next generation through my music and positive messages to young people.

Really when I perform for kids, I feel like I’m giving back to little versions of myself when I was young. I love to share my messages and artistic gifts with others.

We’re so excited to have you performing as part of Newcastle’s New Annual Festival – how did this opportunity come about?

The festival reached out to me and wanted to know if I was available, and I was totally up for it. I one hundred percent love Newcastle and the Hunter area. It’s so beautiful, so I feel blessed to come back to perform at the festival.  

For people new to your work, what can they expect from your set as part of the First Night Street Party?

A high-energy performance full of unity, love, and togetherness. I can’t wait to bring high-energy fun. I want to encourage people to sing, dance, and be a part of it – not just sit back and listen!

Outside of New Annual, you also recently announced the release of your latest music project, Tambo Jamz Vol. 1. How does it feel to officially have this new project out in the world?

I’m so pumped to now have Tambo Jamz Vol. 1 out in the world. These 60 instrumental tracks where I play the didgeridoo were birthed during COVID as a project of mine.  As First Nations artists we can get put into a box. We’re not just all about the red, black, and yellow earth. Whilst that means a lot to us, that’s not all we are.

I really wanted to break out of that and introduce the didgeridoo to new audiences through a new lens of different genres – everything from country and hip hop to dance and cruisy.

Some of the songs such as Kalani-Bani have had over 1 million views on my Facebook page. Since its release, it’s been number one on the iTunes World Music Chart, number 2 on the Amrap chart, and has been profiled in Rolling Stone. The response has been phenomenal and I hope people can feel the celebration of the ancient and modern worlds coming together.

Outside of the New Annual Festival, where else can people either keep up to date with your movements or listen to your work?

Anywhere on social media! Just check out my Facebook, TikTok, Instagram pages plus all the streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. My journey isn’t complicated, it’s just a brother who loves his music and culture.

My ultimate goal is to inspire others to create their own music. Hopefully, we can push all different types of music on radio, social media, TV, and everywhere so people from all different cultures can be celebrated.

Join in the celebrations as the First Night Street Party takes over King Street to celebrate the first night of the 2024 festival featuring DJ sets, local bands, food trucks, roving performances, and more.