Southeast Desert Metal have unleashed their flaming hot video for the Arrernte version of the classic Beds Are Burning. This is perhaps the most Australian version of the most Australian song ever written. The band have taken their own spark to the Midnight Oil classic, reigniting the message. A lot of love went into making this. So much fun and a lot of learning as always. Transcribing into written Arrernte was a new challenge. Have a go at singing along!
“We dedicate this to all the indigenous people around the world. Stand up for your land. Use your voice. Keep your culture strong” – SOUTHEAST DESERT METAL
Southeast Desert Metal reimagined the track with thunderous double kick drums, blazing fast lead guitar and low and heavy bass lines. Chris Wallace sings the chorus in Eastern Arrernte language while the words appear on screen. “Nthakenhe anwerne ankwe inteme antyeme ure-le ampe-lenge? (How do we sleep while our beds are burning?)
The film clip was created on Arrernte homelands, in Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) community in Central Australia. It pays homage to the original film clip with the band riding in the tray of an old ute as it burns along a dusty outback road.
Peter Garrett is a fan of the band, having picked up a copy of their debut album in 2015. “There have been lots of cover versions of our song Beds Are Burning, but none get anywhere near the Southeast Desert Metal band’s incredible recording. It’s a real compliment to the band that they’ve given the original even more lyrical and musical weight, and lifted it to another level, which is entirely fitting given its subject matter – their country. The clip is a total riot, funny and evocative whilst reprising our own visuals from many years ago. Both song and clip are all round winners, and the sound, heavy as … nice one boys.”
Southeast Desert Metal: We chose Beds Are Burning because it’s a great song. It’s got an important message. Midnight Oil wrote a lot about Indigenous rights. That’s something I write about in my own songs. Indigenous people are still struggling today. This land was stolen from us. In this song we’re saying it’s time to give it back.” – Chris Wallace
A documentary about the band, Desert Metal Dreaming, is currently streaming on ABC iView.
Southeast Desert Metal will be performing at Blacken Open Air, a three day heavy music camping festival in Central Australia on 29 July 2022. Tickets are on sale now at blackenfestival.com
The song Beds Are Burning was originally released through ABC Music as part of the Deadly Hearts Walking Together compilation here.
