Hailing from Northeast Arnhem Land and Queensland, King Stingray are a tight-knit crew of Yolŋu and balanda musicians channelling a musical lineage that runs tens of thousands of years deep.

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King Stingray have become one of Australia’s most exciting live acts, evolving from what guitarist/producer Roy Kellaway calls “a pretty sleepy, rural lifestyle in the bush” to a band whose rise has been nothing short of explosive. Their 2022 self-titled debut album was a revelation – a raw, joyful fusion of Yolŋu surf-rock, raucous guitars and the ancient tradition of manikay (song/songlines). It earned them five ARIA nominations, the Breakthrough Artist award, the Australian Music Prize, and multiple AIR Award wins, all while staying true to who they are.

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Their new album, For The Dreams, captures the wild ride of the past few years. Unlike their debut, which included songs written back in high school in the Northern Territory, this record is a vivid reflection of the present: the golden glow of nostalgia, the joy of simple living, the bliss of returning home to Country, and finding optimism even in challenging times. Guided by their recording mantra “Yaka Muckaround!” (“We’re not mucking around!”), the band wrote and recorded around Australia between gigs, aiming to “level up” their sound and create big, communal singalong moments.

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On stage, King Stingray are pure energy – a road trip across Arnhem Land with the windows down and the stereo on full. From the bush to global stages, their momentum is unstoppable. Now, the boys bring their soaring harmonies, surf-rock spirit and huge hearts to On the Banks for an unforgettable night, riverside.

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