A really important part of the Milpirri performance is the music. It captures the themes and stories of each year, knowledge of the elders and voices of the community while providing the beats for the youth dancers. In April/May 2020 our Milpirri music wizards Marc Peckham (aka Monkey Marc) and Rob Tremlett (aka Mantra) are teaming up to develop the soundtrack for Milpirri Yinapaka.

Not even Covid-19 restrictions can slow down this duo. Bridging distance and culture with technology; phone calls, virtual meetings and hours of creativity, the magic is flying between Melbourne, Lajamanu and Darwin (more than 4000 km) as the soundtrack is taking shape. We can't wait to hear the finished creation.

Tracks asked Marc & Rob more about their role in the making and producing of the Milpirri Soundtracks:

Pre the disruptions of COVID-19, what were you working on as an artist?
Monkey: Pre Covid 19 I was working on a full length solo album with 21 Jamaican artists and myself. I was also recording and mastering Mantra's new album (which is awesome) plus I had been involved in documenting indigenous stories in the Collingwood/Fitzroy area for an interactive multimedia App due for release next year.

How did you get involved in making the Milpirri soundtrack?
Monkey: I had heard about Milpirri through my previous work in Lajamanu with the Mt Theo/Wydac Organisations. I was doing workshops both in Lajamanu, Nyrippi and Yuendumu plus was working with Steve Patrick on some of those projects. After I found out about Milpirri and Tracks through Steve, I knew I had to get involved somehow. Luckily for me I caught up with Tim and David in Lajamanu whilst I was on another project out there many years ago and I guess the rest is history.

Mantra: I had been working with Monkey Marc for a number of years and had always been interested in the work he was doing in remote communities. When he was given the opportunity to work on the Milpirri soundtrack in 2014, he put me forward as someone he would like to collaborate with and I jumped at the chance.

What are the unique elements of working on the Milpirri soundtrack - i.e. how is it different to your other musical work?...or is it different?
Mantra: We work with elders within Lajamanu to help to tell traditional dreaming stories in a new way. We are so lucky to gain such detailed insights into these rich, deep and culturally significant stories. We then work alongside members of the community to ensure the stories are being told in a respectful and accurate way, in-line with their original meaning.

Highlight of working on the Milpirri soundtrack?
Mantra: Learning so much about Warlpiri culture and tradition, and the incredible storytelling which is so integral to it.

Monkey: Hmmm. So many highlights. I think the recording I did of Jerry Jungala and the music I wrote for it for the intro to the 2016 Milpirri was a really unique moment and a passionate call out for Warlipirri people young and old. I felt blessed to have caught that recording and was very moved by Jerry's sentiment in it. As far as dancers go I have to say that any of the songs and dances for the really little kids is always a highlight for me. So many smiles...

Lowlights of working on the Milpirri soundtrack?
Mantra: I wouldn't say there are any lowlights. But there are challenges for sure. It can be quite an emotional time, living amongst the community and seeing some of the issues people living there are facing on a daily basis. The divides between white and indigenous Australians are starkly visible, which can be confronting. As challenging as this can be, I'm extremely grateful for what it has taught me, and the opportunity to work alongside this incredible community.

Monkey: Working with Rob aka Mantra... ha.. just kidding!!! There are no lowlights. I just have to shout out to my musical collaborator Mantra who is the best guy to have on the job. Such a great asset to the team. Top shelf material.

Do you have a favourite Milpirri soundtrack and why?

Mantra: I love them all but if I had to pick a favourite it would be Milpirri 2016. This was my second time working on the soundtrack and by this time I had a better understanding of Lajamanu and the mob there. We had built strong relationships with a number of people there, so there was a greater sense of trust in what we were doing, both from the community and ourselves. This led to a deeper sense of confidence and understanding which I think is present in the recordings we made.