ARIA-nominated Aboriginal singer Emma Donovan performs at Kingston City Hall this July with support from Alice Skye.
The celebrated songwriter has been touring Australia for over 20 years, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and deeply personal stories that connect Country and community. Emma Donovan’s Kingston City Hall performance promises to showcase her remarkable journey from family country music band The Donovans to her current status as one of Australia’s most respected Aboriginal artists.
Born into the renowned Donovan family of singers, Emma’s musical heritage runs deep through both sides of her lineage. On her mother’s side, she connects to the Gumbaynggirr people of what is now known as Northern New South Wales, while her father’s heritage links to the Yamatji people of Western Australia. This rich cultural foundation continues to influence every aspect of her artistry.
Emma Donovan and Alice Skye
- When: Saturday 5 July, 7pm
- Where: Banquet Room, Kingston City Hall
- Tickets here
Check out our gig guide here.
From family band to solo success
Emma Donovan first graced the stage with her family band The Donovans, performing church song renditions alongside her mother Agnes, five uncles and maternal grandparents Micko and Aileen. This early foundation in traditional and contemporary Aboriginal music shaped her distinctive style that seamlessly blends country, soul, gospel and contemporary sounds.
Her musical journey has seen collaborations with some of Australia’s finest artists including Paul Kelly, The Teskey Brothers, Yothu Yindi, Paul Grabowsky, Jen Cloher and Spinifex Gum. She has also worked alongside the late Uncle Archie Roach and Aunty Ruby Hunter, experiences that deeply enriched her understanding of Aboriginal storytelling through song.
Emma Donovan gained widespread recognition through her work with Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks and the acclaimed Black Arm Band project. These collaborations showcased her versatility across genres while maintaining her commitment to sharing stories that honour her heritage and connect audiences to Country.
Debut solo album celebrates family legacy
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In 2024, Emma Donovan released her debut solo album Til My Song is Done, a project that represents a return to her country music roots while incorporating the diverse musical influences she has embraced throughout her career. The album honours the legacy of her family’s country music traditions while establishing her distinctive voice as a solo artist.
The 11-track album features collaborations with notable artists including Liz Stringer and Paul Kelly, demonstrating Emma Donovan’s ability to bridge different musical worlds while maintaining her authentic Aboriginal perspective. Songs are written and produced by Emma Donovan and Mick Meagher, with whom she has maintained a creative partnership since their Black Arm Band days.
Emma Donovan regularly performs songs in Gumbaynggirr and Noongar traditional languages, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of Country and community connections. This linguistic diversity adds layers of meaning to her performances, creating intimate moments where cultural knowledge is shared through music.
Supporting artist Alice Skye
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The Kingston City Hall concert will feature support from Alice Skye, an artist whose own connection to Country and contemporary music creates perfect synergy with Emma Donovan’s approach. Growing up in the Grampians region before making Melbourne her home, Alice Skye draws inspiration from her Aboriginal heritage while crafting contemporary sounds that speak to modern experiences.
Alice Skye’s music explores the intersection of personal identity and cultural background, themes that resonate strongly with Emma Donovan’s own artistic journey. Her presence on the bill ensures audiences will experience two distinct but complementary perspectives on Aboriginal Australian music.
For more information, head here.
