Who is Deline Briscoe?
I am a Yalanji Woman of song and have been composing since I was 8 years old. 1 of 7 children and the daughter of a Pastor, I grew up singing gospel. As a young adult I started to dive into Wulngkubarri (tradiionaal yalanji singing) and now intertwine these two spiritual styles. There are three core values that drive me to make music and performance art – Healing, Wawu (spirit/heart/soul) and Legacy.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I don’t foresee a huge career change any tine in the future… music is all I am good at! However, I have always loved Yalanji Language and visual arts. I have just started creating designs that combine these two and I want to continue developing this side of my creativity from now into the future.
Who inspires you and why?
Jack & Pam Briscoe/Cecil & Rita Heron – As I get older I am more inspired by the integrity of my Parents work , they have been a huge inspiration to me. The memory of their work has lived on in many different communities and I hope to continue their legacy for my children.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Everyday I work hard toward creating Equity for those that begin from disadvantage especially the Bama/First Nations in this country. I would continue doing this through music.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Daintree! As a Kuku Yalanji woman living off country, Daintree is home to me. My cousins run cultural tours there, so I go North for my kids to get out on country to learn about our culture whenever I can.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Glasshouse Mountains Lookout – on a clear day it’s such a powerful place where you can see almost all of the Glasshouse Mountains from one spot!
What are you currently reading?
Chelsea Watego’s Another Day in the Colony.
What are you currently listening to?
Emma Donovan, Barkaa, Tasman Keith, Jem Cassar-Daley, Michael Kiwanuka.
Happiness is?
Family Time.
What does the future hold for you?
As an Artistic Director – Blaktivism shows coming up later this year and Pasifix. As a Musician – a Second Album is in the works!
Deline will transport you to another time in First Light – the opening event of the eleventh BLEACH* Festival at the North Burleigh Beach on Thursday 11 August (6.00am). For more information, visit: www.bleachfestival.com.au for details.
Image: Deline Briscoe (supplied)