AILAN SONGS PROJECT
INTRODUCING AILAN SONGS PROJECT
Ailan 'Island' Songs
A collaborative work from Australian Indigenous singer Jessie Lloyd, Ailan songs project is a contemporarised exploration of popular historical songs from the Torres Strait between Australia and Papua New Guinea in the coral sea. Bringing together ancient languages and historical events with tropical island reggae grooves.
Jessie Lloyd has researched and collaborated with senior Torres Strait songwomen to compile an album of ‘ailan’ songs (island songs), well-known folk songs sung by families and communities in their various languages and dialects. The songs also tell of how islanders migrated to mainland Australia throughout the 20th century and their contribution to Australian society.
Four Winds Album
A 10 track album featuring popular Torres Strait tunes and folk songs taught by Jessie Lloyd's family and mentors. Jessie has researched the origins and custodians of these rare historical songs and modernised them with 6-piece band into tropical reggae and folk. Joined by Torres Strait songwomen and feature singers Rochelle Pitt, Doreen Pensio and Rita Kaitap. Album's music is produced by Hawaiian producer and multi-instrumentalist Jay Keyz.