King Stingray facts for kids

King Stingray is an exciting Australian rock band. They come from Northeast Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Their music is a cool mix of "Yolŋu surf rock". They sing songs in both English and Yolŋu Matha, which is a language from their home. King Stingray released their first song, "Hey Wanhaka", in October 2020. Their first album, also called King Stingray, came out on August 5, 2022.

The Band's Journey

Two of the band's main members, Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu and Roy Kellaway, grew up together. Yirrŋa is the lead singer and is related to Dr M. Yunupiŋu. Roy plays guitar and is the son of Stuart Kellaway. Both Dr M. Yunupiŋu and Stuart Kellaway were founding members of the famous band Yothu Yindi. Yirrŋa and Roy formed King Stingray in 2020. They were joined by Dimathaya Burarrwanga on guitar and didgeridoo, and Campbell Messer on bass.

First Songs and Growing Popularity

King Stingray's first song, "Hey Wanhaka", was released in October 2020. Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu and Roy Kellaway wrote this song.

In January 2021, they released "Get Me Out". This song is about how important home is. The band wrote it after a family member got lost in Melbourne while they were on tour. She found her way back to them, and they now laugh about it. Many people loved this catchy song. Lewis Stiles joined the band as the drummer in early 2021.

In August 2021, King Stingray shared "Milkumana". This song is about sharing knowledge with others. The music video for "Milkumana" was filmed in their hometown of Yirrkala. It features respected elders from their community. Both "Milkumana" and "Get Me Out" were voted into the triple j Hottest 100 in January 2022.

Debut Album and Big Shows

In March 2022, King Stingray released "Camp Dog". This song is named after the dogs that roam around Yirrkala. The next month, the band got to open for the legendary band Midnight Oil at their last big show in Sydney.

In May 2022, King Stingray released "Let's Go". They also announced their first album, King Stingray, which came out on August 5, 2022.

In October 2022, King Stingray recorded a cover of the classic Australian song "Down Under" by Men at Work. They did this for a new campaign for Tourism Australia.

Meet the Band Members

• Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu – lead singer, plays clapsticks
• Roy Kellaway – guitar, sings backing vocals
• Dimathaya Burarrwanga – guitar, sings backing vocals, plays didgeridoo
• Campbell Messer – bass guitar, plays banjo, sings backing vocals
• Yimila Gurruwiwi – plays didgeridoo, sings backing vocals
• Lewis Stiles – drums, sings backing vocals

Music Releases

Studio Albums

Singles

Awards and Recognitions

King Stingray has won and been nominated for many awards for their music. These awards celebrate the best artists and songs in Australia.

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards are a big annual event in Australia. They celebrate amazing achievements in Australian music.

J Awards

The J Awards are given out by Triple J, a youth radio station in Australia.

National Indigenous Music Awards

The National Indigenous Music Awards celebrate the best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians in Australia.