Blackfire (Australian band) facts for kids

Blackfire was an exciting Australian Indigenous band. They formed in late 1992 and played music until 1999. The first members were Bradley Brown, Selwyn Burns, Kutcha Edwards, Grant Hansen, and Kelli McGuinness. They released two albums. The first was A Time to Dream in 1994. Their second album, Night Vision, came out in 1998. It was produced by Paul Hester.

The Story of Blackfire

How the Band Began

Blackfire started in Melbourne in late 1992. The original members were:

• Bradley Brown: He played bass guitar, drums, and sang.
• Selwyn Burns: He was the lead guitarist and sang.
• Kutcha Edwards: He was the main singer.
• Grant Hansen: He played rhythm guitar and sang.
• Kelli McGuinness: He played drums, bass guitar, guitar, and sang.

Their first album, A Time to Dream, was released in 1994. It was put out by the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA).

Touring and New Music

In 1997, Leroy Cummins joined the band to play guitar. Corey Noll also joined later. Blackfire traveled all over Australia to perform their music. They also went to Asia, visiting Japan, China, and Taiwan. They toured with famous musician Archie Roach and the Naroo Dancers.

Their second album, Night Vision, was recorded in 1998. It was made with Paul Hester at his studio in Melbourne. Grant Hansen said the second album had "different sounds." He felt it was "much more universal" than their first album. He explained that A Time to Dream was a "full-on rock album" about being Indigenous people in the city. But Night Vision was "much more about hope for the future." He described the songs as "more mellow" and not as fast-paced.

Meet the Members

Kelli McGuinness is the son of Bruce McGuinness. Bruce was an activist who made films. He created two films connected to the band's themes. These films were called Black Fire (1972) and A Time to Dream (1974).