Keanu Nelson: Aboriginal casio music from the Australian desert
One of the most incredible things about music today, in the internet age, is the accessibility to great new artists we all have at our fingertips. From Bandcamp to SoundCloud, there’s no shortage of interesting things to discover. While there is a lot to dislike about Spotify, the discoverability it offers to new artists through its radio function is perhaps its major redeeming feature.
For artists, there’s never a better time to pursue their love for creating if, indeed, the creating of the songs is all they want to do. As soon as the final note is finished, there is somewhere for them to publish their track, showcase their talents, and introduce themselves to an audience that wouldn’t have otherwise known they existed. That’s exactly the case for Keanu Nelson.
To the northwest of the region known as Alice Springs is the settlement of Papunya. A small community considered one of the most remote and isolated places on Earth, it is home to around 400 Indigenous Australians, one of whom is the talented new artist and singer-songwriter Keanu Nelson.
Initially, Nelson had a love of poetry and had penned a collection of works that potently and passionately discussed trusted themes of love, loss, and family. However, it wasn’t until Nelson met his fellow Aussie, the Sydney-based producer Yuta Matsumura, that he was convinced to enter the studio and record something. With a subtle backdrop from an unlikely source, a Casio keyboard, and Matsumura at the helm of the production and the programming, Nelson translated his words to a song format with inspiring ease. With a calming and tropical backdrop, the minimalistic tracks melt together elements of folk, gospel, and reggae.
Across just ten tracks, his debut album Wilurarrakutu was a showcase of simplicity. With bilingual abilities, the album is sung in both English and Papunya Luritja. It’s a touching ode to his home and heritage, proving the appeal of music; though you may not understand everything being said, you will be capable of feeling every word.
Released in 2023 on the local record label Altered States Tapes, it immediately caught the attention of Mississippi Records, who stated that they were “blown away” by the album and so offered him a chance to join their team. Less than a year later, it was re-released on the New York-based label in the hope that they could introduce Nelson’s music to a wider audience.
With an inviting lilt, the music is purposefully simple, calling to mind the DIY home recordings of Daniel Johnston and the beguiling charm of folk artist Sixto Rodriguez. Culturally rich and soothingly understated, a batch of template beats on a Casio synth has never sounded so compelling.
Nelson’s lyrics are introspective and poetic, often delving into themes of love, identity, and resilience. Whether performing in intimate settings or commanding larger stages, his magnetic presence leaves audiences captivated. It’s easy to praise his ability to seamlessly connect with listeners, turning personal experiences into universal anthems.
This is a key facet of any growing songwriter, and if Nelson continues to harness such talent, he will soon be breaking out of his corner of the world and introducing himself on the main stage, likely gaining himself a whole heap of Soundcloud fans along the way.
