Yuendumu’s PAW Media presents Yapa Beats 4 – a First Nations compilation album celebrating culture, language and connection

PAW Media is proud to present their latest compilation album Yapa Beats 4, out now. Recorded at their studios in Yuendumu the compilation features artists from Yuendumu, Nyirrpi, Laramba, Ali Curung and Lajamanu with lyrics in English, Warlpiri, Pintubi and Anmatyere, celebrating the cultural richness and diversity of First Nations music from the Northern Territory.

Yapa Beats 4 is the fourth such offering from the Warlpiri owned and run not-for-profit media and communications organisation, following a successful three compilations prior, dating back to 2009. The latest instalment features tracks from some of the central desert’s most exciting emerging talent including Karrku Reggae Band, Desert Mulga Band, DB40, Nathan Brown, Blackstorm, Jerome Jurrah, Clifford Brown, KM Band, Wilfred Nelson, Dwayne Abbott, Eju ft. Crystal and Alex, Desert Wind, Yurrampi South Band, Dominic Peter and Laramba Band. All tracks were recorded, mixed and mastered at PAW Media in Yuendumu by Donovan Rice, Clifford Brown, Nathaniel Sims and Ben Green.

“Yapa Beats 4 is a compilation of music recorded at PAW Media in Yuendumu from mid 2020 to mid 2021. It features artists from Yuendumu, Nyirrpi, Laramba, Ali Curung and Lajamanu. The lyrics are written in English, Warlpiri, Anmatyere and Pintubi.” – Paw Media

With a culturally inclusive name and ethos that represents the Pintubi, Anmatjere and Warlpiri language groups that are serviced by the organisation, PAW Media has been creating TV, films, radio and music in language and according to local cultural protocols for over 35 years. In addition to creating local media productions and documenting local culture, PAW provides media training, digital literacy programs and employment opportunities for the people of Yuendumu and surrounding communities. Initially used as a rehearsal space, the PAW Media studio was established in 1999 for basic recording before releasing its first major CD, Tanami Tracks in 2001 showcasing music from eight communities across the PAW network. This was the beginning of what is now a constant flow in recording artists. 

After a studio refurbishment in 2008 and releasing the first Yapa Beats compilation in 2009, PAW has progressively recorded and released some of the region’s most celebrated compilation albums such as Battle of the Bands, three follow up Yapa Beats CD’s, a Gospel collection as part of the Hallelujah Radio Documentary, as well as various studio albums for artists across the PAW network. The organisation is thrilled to be presenting their newest offering, Yapa Beats 4 and continuing to platform Indigenous excellence from local communities. Wrap your ears around it today.

Yapa Beats 4 is out now via PAW Media on Bandcamp