FAMILY SHOVELLER BAND - RAADP MENTOR
REMOTE ABORIGINAL ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Family Shoveller Band: A Journey Through Sound and Story
The Family Shoveller Band is a vibrant musical collective hailing from the remote Aboriginal community of Bidyadanga, Western Australia, located 180 kilometers south of Broome. Proudly representing their Karajarri heritage, the band members were immersed in music from a young age, inspired by their father, Frankie Shoveller, the founder of the renowned Shovellor Band. This familial legacy, combined with influences from local legends like John Bennett and the Seaside Drifters, laid the foundation for their unique sound.
The band consists of brothers Billy-Jo Shoveller (vocals, guitar, didgeridoo/spiralidoo) and Francis Shoveller (drums), sister Petha Shoveller (vocals/percussion), their father Frankie (guitar/vocals), Bohdan Prachar (percussionist) and bassist Jordan Wright.
Together, they create a powerful musical tapestry that weaves together the stories of their culture and the enchanting landscapes of their saltwater and freshwater homelands. Their music is a celebration of identity, heritage, and the everyday experiences that shape their lives, with lyrics that resonate with themes of country, culture, and the humor found in life’s little challenges.
Musically, The Family Shoveller Band draws from a diverse palette of genres, including rock ‘n’ roll, contemporary cultural music, reggae, and country. “We take the traditional and set it to contemporary music,” says Billy-Jo, encapsulating their innovative approach to songwriting. Their fifth album, *Kimberly Time*, released in 2023, features the title track that has garnered nearly 200,000 views on YouTube. Triple J Unearthed’s Steph Hughes praised their work, stating, “Seriously catchy stuff with great stories and great chops.”
From their humble beginnings busking at caravan parks, where they performed a mix of originals and covers from artists like Eagle Eye Cherry, Elvis Presley, and Bob Marley, the band has grown to captivate audiences across Western Australia. They have graced stages at major events such as State of the Art, WA Day, NAIDOC at Crown Casino, and the opening of Optus Stadium in Perth. In 2024, they will make their debut at the Bush Bands Bash in Alice Springs and embark on a tour of Italy, performing in Rome and at the Nannup Music Festival.
As they continue to evolve, The Family Shoveller Band is set to release a new single before the end of 2024 and will mentor emerging Aboriginal bands at the prestigious Nannup Music Festival in 2025. With their infectious energy and heartfelt storytelling, The Family Shoveller Band is a force to be reckoned with in the Australian music scene, bringing their deadly sounds and stories to audiences far and wide.