Vignette 52: No Fixed Address inspiring the next First Nations musicians

The band, No Fixed Address, born out of the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM), defied musical conventions and paved the way for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians. 

Formed in 1979, the band’s fusion of reggae and rock broke away from the prevailing Country and Western genres of the time. It became a powerful vehicle for addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians’ social and political challenges. 

Despite facing racism, financial hurdles, and industry scepticism, their success encouraged future generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians to show resilience and tell their stories in their own way.

No Fixed Address was the first Aboriginal band to tour overseas and was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the National Indigenous Music Awards Hall of Fame in 2011. Their legacy lies in the transformative power of their music in advocating for social change.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Nurturing excellence. p.76