David Arden facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Arden
Background information
Also known as	Dave Arden
Occupation(s)	Singer, Guitar Player
Instruments	Vocals, guitar
Associated acts	The Black Arm Band, Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Shane Howard, Bart Willoughby

David Arden is an amazing Australian singer, songwriter, and a strong voice for Aboriginal people. He is a Songman from the Kokatha and Gunditjmara communities. David has shared the stage with many famous artists like Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, and Paul Kelly. He also helped start and was a Musical Director for The Black Arm Band, a special group that celebrates Indigenous music and culture.

David Arden's Musical Journey

Early Days and Collaborations

For over forty years, David Arden has worked with many great First Nation and non-First Nation artists from all over the world. David was the lead singer for the Koori Youth Band. This band recorded their first live album in 1986. It was part of a project called "Rock Against Racism Volume 2."

From 1985 to 1989, David worked with many important First Nation groups. These included the Hard Time Band, Archie Roach and the Altogether Band, and Bart Willoughby and Mixed Relation Band.

Working with Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter

From 1990 to 1994, and again from 2006 to 2010, David was a key guitarist and singer for the late Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter. He toured with Archie across Australia and overseas. David even sang his own song, "So Young," on Archie's second album, Jamu Dreaming.

New Music and Tours

David's second album, Rainbow Man, came out in 1996. He released it with his new group, the Altogether Band. This song is about the Kirrae Wurrung elders from the Gunditjmara country.

David toured internationally to West Belfast and the UK from 1996 to 1997. He then toured to Fiji in 1998.

Founding The Black Arm Band

In 2006, David Arden helped create and became a Musical Director for The Black Arm Band. This group first performed at the Melbourne International Arts Festival. The name Murundak means "alive" in the Woirurrung language. The Black Arm Band includes some of the most respected names in Australian music. These artists were joined by musicians like Paul Kelly and Shane Howard.

In 2007, David released his third album, Kookatha/Gunditjmara Clan. This album explores his identity and Aboriginal heritage. It helps people in Australia and around the world understand his culture.

Tributes and Special Performances

In 2010, David Arden was a Musical Director for "Nukkan Ya Ruby" (See Ya Later Ruby). This was a special show to honor the late Ruby Hunter. It took place at the Sydney Festival with many stars.

In 2013, David released a single called "Freedom Called." He wrote this song with famous Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly. It honors the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have served in the military for the past 100 years. David was asked to perform it at the 2013 Dawn Ceremony Service in Canberra.

David Arden performed his song "So Young" at the AFL Dreamtime at The G event in 2014. He sang in front of 70,000 people at the 'MCG'.

David's fourth album, Close My Eyes, was released in 2016. This song is all about family.

Recent Works and Family Stories

David Arden's fifth album, Red Desert Man, came out in 2020. The songs on this album tell stories from his family's journey over four generations. They share the hope, joy, and struggles of his tribal and city life. Red Desert Man is a beautiful Australian story. It is about his wife Violet Arden's Arrernte ancestors from Alice Springs. It also tells about David's Kokatha ancestors from Ceduna. Their love story connects different parts of the country. It's about family, community, culture, and tribal life.

In 2021, David Arden was the Musical Director for "A Fight For Survival." This show was part of the Yirramboi Festival.

In 2022, David Arden was the Musical Director and performer for a special NAIDOC Show. It honored the legendary Yorta Yorta Songman, Uncle Selwyn Burns. David performed a new song called "CALL IT OUT."

David Arden was also the Musical Director and performer for Uncle Archie Roach's State Memorial Service. This was held in Melbourne on December 15, 2022. Many artists performed, including Shane Howard, Paul Kelly, and Emma Donovan.

Honoring Archie Roach's Legacy

In 2023, David Arden performed at the St Kilda Festival. This event was a tribute to Archie Roach. Many of Archie's friends and collaborators came together to honor his music. David also performed at the Port Fairy Folk Festival on the new Archie Roach stage.

David Arden performed at the "A Bend in the River: A Tribute to Archie Roach AC" at the VIVID Festival 2023 in Sydney. This evening celebrated Uncle Archie Roach's powerful stories.

New Album: MEERTA - The Ballad of James Arden

David Arden released his sixth album, MEERTA - The Ballad of James Arden. This album tells the story of his great-grandfather, James Arden. James was a keeper of tribal knowledge for the Gunditjmara people. "Meetra" means "Rise Up" in the Gunditjmara - Keerray Wooroong languages.

In May 2023, David premiered "The MEETRA Show" at the Yirramboi Festival. He performed with students from the Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.

Discography

Albums

Awards and nominations

Music Victoria Awards

The Music Victoria Awards are yearly awards that celebrate music from Victoria, Australia. They started in 2006.