There is something unique about finding an artist in their home. It offers a chance to better understand them and their music in an environment they are most comfortable. And that is the motivation behind a new series of online collaborations featuring iconic Australian artist Archie Roach along with some of the country’s most exciting First Nations singer songwriters – ‘Uncle Archie’s Kitchen Table Yarns.’  

And Eudlo local Lydia Fairhall, a Worimi woman, is the next guest to chat with Archie at his kitchen table, set for publish on Archie Roach’s YouTube channel on Wednesday October 13. 

Fairhall is respected nationally as a theatre and film producer, community arts and cultural development practitioner, artistic director, musician, songwriter and more. She has programmed and produced countless shows for ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Sydney Theatre Company and more, while also releasing albums, and has this month released her new single, Free.

Excited about the opportunity to yarn with Archie for his Kitchen Table Yarns series, Fairhall explains, “For so many people, Archie Roach not only provides the soundtracks to the most heartbreakingly beautiful parts of our lives, but is also a rare soul on this earth who has the ability to uplift people, even in the midst of sorrow. I have always loved this about him and his music - the ability to nurture people through the hard times into joy and belonging is a true gift. I can't wait to join him at his kitchen table!”

The online series will feature 12 emerging First Nations songwriters and musicians from around the country. Connecting through online video, Archie will invite these exceptional young artists to yarn with him at his kitchen table to share stories about their songs, their communities, and their language. 

“When I started off in music nobody had much of a clue about who I was and what I was writing about,” Archie explains. ”I was considered a curiosity. Yarning at my kitchen table with these young artists will help people understand who they are and give them another platform to promote their music. 

“The kitchen table has always been a place of inspiration for me and it’s important these young artists voices are heard. They are our future and when the time comes for us older singer songwriters to finish up, we know it’s in good hands.”

Episode three of Kitchen Table Yarns featuring Lydia Fairhall is set for release at 5pm on Wednesday October 13 and can be streamed on Archie Roach’s YouTube channel.