Bumpy

Decorated Naarm/Melbourne-based artist and proud Noongar woman Bumpy is a captivating force with a voice that ripples stars. She creates a unique constellation of contemporary soul, funk, jazz and folk, brought to life on stages around the world alongside her insanely talented and commanding live band. With a cornerstone of intricate harmonies and shimmering textures, their chemistry and closeness creates an almost hypnotic bond that takes audiences on a “vibrant sonic journey” (The Music) through powerful soul beats, deeply intimate storytelling and ballads, and cheeky, groove-driven, slow-grind moments.
Bumpy has enraptured audiences at London Jazz Festival, Meredith Music Festival, WOMADelaide, Woodford Folk Festival, Strawberry Fields, Wellington Jazz Festival and Port Fairy Folk Festival, shared stages with world-class talents Hiatus Kaiyote, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Meshell Ndegeocello, Mildlife and Yussef Dayes, performed at Dreamtime at the ‘G and made her debut at Sydney Opera House last year. She curated the First Nations showcase Wominjeka for Melbourne Music Week, played the Shinjuku Pit Inn in Japan and has showcased at Bigsound, SXSW Sydney and the International Indigenous Music Summit in Tkaronto/Toronto.
Off the back of her impactful debut EP Morning Sun, Bumpy has collected a number of prestigious accolades including New Talent of the Year at the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs), Best Soul/RnB/Funk & Gospel Work at the Music Victoria Awards, the lauded Archie Roach Foundation Award for Emerging Talent, and was nominated for Best Soul/RnB Work at the AIR Awards. Elsewhere, Bumpy was nominated for Work of the Year (Jazz) at the APRA Art Awards for her acclaimed show Tooni, and earlier won the triple j Unearthed NIMAs Competition.
Bumpy released her debut album Kanana in October via Astral People Recordings. Translating from Noongar as “Land where the sunsets” Kanana saw Bumpy return to Noongar Boodja [Country] to connect with Country and engage further in her language journey with her family, with 2SER calling it "[a] masterclass in studio recording... It’s as uplifting and honest an album as they come, beautifully produced and the true standout of Australian soul music this year" and Double J noting "It's testament to Bumpy's authenticity and her commitment to bringing her whole self to her art. Kanana solidifies her artistic voice, one you’ll benefit from listening to and learning from."