Ali Mills on the cover of CD, 'Waltjim Bat Matilda'.

NT singer/songwriter Ali ‘Arjibuk’ Mills has released a new album, ‘Waltjim Bat Matilda’ through Skinnyfish Music.

The title of the CD is taken from the Kriol language version of ‘Waltzing Matilda’, as sung by Ali’s great uncle, Valentine Bynoe McGinness, who was born in 1910 in the NT. (Kriol is an Aboriginal language that uses some English words, originally developed as a way for Aboriginal people and colonialists to communicate, when they arrived in Australia.*).

Ali was inspired by her Great Uncle and the Kriol song, ‘Waltjim Bat Matilda’: “What we’ve done is claim a version of a white Australian song, and to say – we love it!” she says, “We want to share with Australia our version of this wonderful song”.

The album includes 15 tracks, and was produced by Skinnyfish Music’s Michael Hohnen. According to Michael Ali’s style is “old Darwin”, referencing  “the string band, swing and folk styles”. Ali is one of the Territory’s much-loved performers and her new album released April 9, 2010. It is in record stores (distributed through MGM) and online at iTunes, and will be launched in Darwin on May 14. Details on the MuNT Forum Events Calendar.

And read the Music NT interview with Ali Mills below!

Music NT: What are your first memories of music?

Ali Mills: My parents playing. (Ali’s parents are David and Kathy Mills, famous NT musicians in their own right).

MuNT:  What was the first instrument you picked up?

AM: The ukulele.

MuNT: And can you tell us about your first ever public ‘gig’? Was it really when you were only eight, and you won a talent contest for singing Elvis’ ‘Wooden Heart’ at Darwin Amphitheatre?

AM: It was – I was shaking like a leaf, looking at a thousand eyes looking back at me!

MuNT:  Who has been the most influential music figure in your life eg. Did you have a particular teacher or mentor who influenced and helped you as a musician?

AM: My parents, my uncles and, Elvis Presley.

MuNT:  Can you tell us a bit about growing up in the Territory?

AM: My house was always rocking with dad finding repetitive songs for us to sing, dance, and drum to.

MuNT: You’re from an incredibly musical family with 7 other musical siblings… What was it like growing up in your family? Can you give us a bit of a snapshot?

AM: Madness sometimes but most of the time for me, absolute sheer wonder… I felt like my head was inside a bell constantly chiming.

MuNT: What do you love most about Territory music?

AM: It is about the weather, country and people, the Aboriginal bands singing about the country and the culture.

MuNT: Your new album ‘Waltjim Bat Matilda’ has a great story behind its title, and first single… Please tell us about its origins and your Great Uncle Valentine McGinness – how he fits into the the picture?

AM: Uncle Val still amazes me. It was sheer delight to watch a 70-something old huge man with huge hands and fingers playing a tiny instrument like a mandolin, as if he had magical, light small fingers…

Uncle Val in the Aboriginal way is my grandfather; in the English way he is my great uncle.

Uncle Val captured my heart with his version of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and I have never been able to break away from its spell. I sing it now like I am wearing the richest jewelery.

MuNT: And making this album – can you tell us a bit about making it?

AM: It was hard because I like singing to an audience, not four walls. The Skinnyfish musicians whic I am working with are fantastic and great fun.

MuNT: Which have been some of your favorite gigs and concerts to play as a performer?

AM: Being the support act for Tina Turner, Charlie Pride, Bullamanka and The Bushwackers.

MuNT: This is your first solo album.. What does it feel like, having finally finished it and it going out there into the public arena? Are you excited? Nervous..?

AM: I have so many mixed feelings it’s not funny!

I dreamed of being a star since I was very small. My first public talent quest was at the age of 8. Now that I am ‘public property’ so to speak, it is a very adventurous feeling, like the fantastic feeling when you hang glide – but feeling very nervous. I have never done it (hang gliding); I feel I’d like to, but I’m scared of it as well!

MuNT: You launched your debut album ‘Watjim Bat Mailtida’ at the National Folk Festival in Canberra (April 1-5). What was that experience like for you? And how did it go over with the crowd?

AM: It went over very well. I loved the feeling of people wanting to know about my songs, my song-givers and our triangle: me, the songs, the givers.

MuNT: What do you hope for this new album ‘Waltjim Bat Matilda’? Will you tour with the album?

AM: I hope to tour with the album, yes. I want people to not only love the songs [on the album], but think about the stories behind the songs.

MuNT: Is music more than just music for you – as in, does it have a more spiritual meaning and purpose for you?

AM: I believe we need food, air, water and songs to survive. Nothing gives me more of a lift than a song. This is my ultimate high. If I couldn’t sing I think I might die.

MuNT: You’ve been involved in music all of your life.. Looking around the Northern Territory, how would you describe NT music through your eyes and ears?

AM: When I listen to our NT bands singing about country and culture, I spiritually travel the landscapes with the soundscapes. I can feel my country through the songlines even if I dont understand the language… The people are singing harmony with the sounds of the land.

Hear some of Ali’s new music at her MySpace. Hear an interview with Ali on Latenight Live on Radio National. Read an interview with Ali Mills in the NT News.

* Online source: AusIL brochure. Author: S. Hagen