Gondwanaland (Australian band) facts for kids

Gondwanaland was an Australian music group. They were known for mixing the traditional didgeridoo from Indigenous Australians with modern instruments like the synthesizer and guitar. Their music often sounded calm and dreamy, a style called ambient music.

The group started in 1981 as Gondwanaland Project. It was formed by Peter Carolan, who played the synthesiser, and Charlie McMahon, who played the didgeridoo and sang. After their first album, Terra Incognita (1984), Eddy Duquemin joined them as a percussionist. The group then shortened its name to Gondwanaland.

They released four albums under the name Gondwanaland: Let the Dog Out (1986), Gondwanaland (1987), Wildlife (1989), and Wide Skies (1992).

Later, in 1994, Charlie McMahon started a new version of the band called Gondwana or Charlie McMahon and Gondwana. This group released more albums, including Travelling (1994), Xenophon (1998), Bone Man (2002), and Didj Heart (2012).

Peter Carolan also released three solo albums: Windswept (1994), Tides (1999), and Overland (2006). Ed Duquemin released his solo album, Crossculture, in 2002.

Gondwanaland won an award at the ARIA Music Awards of 1988 for their album Gondwanaland. It won in the 'Best Indigenous Release' category. Later, Wide Skies and Xenophon were also nominated for the same award in 1993 and 1998.

The Story of Gondwanaland

How the Band Started

Charlie McMahon is a musician from Sydney, Australia. He loved the Outback and playing the didgeridoo. He wanted to mix traditional Indigenous Australian music with Western sounds. This led him to create a new type of ambient and world music.

In 1981, Charlie teamed up with Peter Carolan, who played the synthesiser. Together, they formed Gondwanaland Project. The name "Gondwana" comes from a huge ancient continent that included Australia. Charlie learned to play the didgeridoo when he was a teenager. He got even better at it while working in Central Australia.

Early Music and New Members

In 1983, Gondwanaland released a cassette with six songs called Didgeridu-Synth. In 1984, they recorded their first official album, Terra Incognita. Other musicians helped them in the studio, including Rob Hirst from the band Midnight Oil.

In 1985, Eddy Duquemin, a talented percussionist, joined the band. Charlie McMahon then decided to make Gondwanaland his full-time job. In November 1985, the group even toured with the famous Australian band Midnight Oil.

Growing Success and New Sounds

In 1986, Gondwanaland released their second album, Let the Dog Out. This album had some energetic songs and also some longer, calming pieces. One song, "Ephemeral Lakes," became popular for meditation music. The band performed many live shows in Sydney and toured the Northern Territory.

In 1987, the band signed with WEA and released their third album, Gondwanaland. This album took many months to record. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1988, this album won the 'Best Indigenous Release' award.

One song on the album, "Landmark," featured Charlie McMahon's special invention: the 'didjeribone'. This is a didgeridoo that can slide to make different notes.

Charlie McMahon of Gondwana playing his invention, a 'didjeribone'. He is using a special sensor to make its deep sounds louder. This photo was taken at the Sfinks Festival in Belgium in 2002.

Big Concerts and More Albums

In 1988, Gondwanaland played at a huge concert called Tomita Sound Cloud in Sydney. This was a big light and sound show on Sydney Harbour as part of Australia's 200th birthday celebrations. Over 120,000 people watched the concert, which was a record for a live music event in Australia.

Gondwanaland's fourth album, Wildlife, came out in 1989. It was recorded live at a nightclub in Sydney. This album was praised for its mix of calm and experimental sounds, with songs that made listeners think of the vast Australian desert.

Their next album, Wide Skies (1992), was recorded after the band toured northern Australia. It featured many guest musicians. This album had complex layers of sound that created a feeling of the sky and everything under it. Wide Skies was nominated for 'Best Indigenous Release' at the ARIA Music Awards of 1993.

Gondwana and Later Years

By 1994, Charlie McMahon formed a new band called Gondwana. This group focused more on rhythm and experimental didgeridoo sounds. They released albums like Travelling (1994), Xenophon (1998), and Bone Man (2002). On the last two albums, Charlie used another invention: a special sensor that he held to his mouth to make the didgeridoo's deep sounds even louder. This helped him reach a new audience who enjoyed trance and dance music. Xenophon was nominated for 'Best Indigenous Release' at the ARIA Music Awards of 1998.

Sadly, Peter Carolan, the composer and arranger for Gondwanaland, passed away on July 28, 2012. In 2012, Charlie McMahon and Gondwana released the album Didj Heart.

Members

• Charlie McMahon - didgeridoo, vocals, didjeribone (1981–1992, 1994–present)
• Peter Carolan - synthesiser (1981–1992)
• Eddie Duquemin - drums, percussion (1986–1992)

Discography

Studio albums

Compilation albums

Awards and nominations

The ARIA Music Awards are yearly awards that celebrate the best in Australian music.