Alyssa releases powerful new single on anniversary of 1967 referendum
Fifteen-year-old First Nations artist and WAM Song of the Year top five finalist Alyssa is set to release her powerful new single Walk With The Elders on May 27, intentionally aligning the release with the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum.
The date is a landmark moment in Australian history when Australians voted to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census and allow the Federal Government to make laws for First Nations people.
The release also marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week 2026, which runs from May 27 to June 3 under the theme “All In”, reflecting the song’s strong focus on culture, connection, understanding and walking together.
Rise Up artist development program
The release also arrives on the same day as the 2026 WAM Song of the Year Awards at The Rechabite, where Alyssa has been named a Top 5 finalist in the Outstanding Indigenous category for the track.
Developed through Boss Arts Creative’s Rise Up artist development program, Walk With The Elders is deeply grounded in culture, identity and intergenerational knowledge, reflecting Alyssa’s own cultural journey and connection to community.
Blending English and Noongar language, the song explores resilience, pride and the importance of walking alongside Elders as guides, protectors and teachers. Part of the emotion behind the song was also shaped by Alyssa’s response to the Voice Referendum result, with the young artist wanting to encourage truth-telling, understanding and respectful conversation through music.
The track incorporates cultural reflections, spoken word, dance and didgeridoo contributions from Barry McGuire, Jayden Boundary, Derek Nannup, Rickeeta Walley, Olman Walley and Della Rae Morrison, bringing together culture, storytelling and music in a deeply collaborative and intergenerational project.
Special full-circle moment
The project was originally developed alongside producers Charley Caruso and Rob Lake before being recorded and produced by acclaimed producer Lee Buddle at Crank Recording.
The official music video, produced by Sandbox Productions, also features Elder Ben Taylor, Elder Barbara Moore and Jim Morrison, who supported Alyssa throughout the creation of the project and appear within the visual storytelling of the video.
Ahead of the official release, Walk With The Elders was also performed live at the Champion Centre in Armadale, WA in front of local Elders and community members — a special full-circle moment for Alyssa, who began cultural dance there at 10 years old. This live community performance was filmed and documented by Cortext from LAHAI Creative.
“We’re incredibly proud of Alyssa and the way she continues to grow as both an artist and a young cultural leader,” said Della Rae Morrison.
Songwriting and community arts
“Walk With The Elders is a powerful reflection of culture, identity and respect for community. Seeing Alyssa recognised through WAM Song of the Year while sharing something so personal and meaningful is really special.”
Alongside music, Alyssa has become known for her involvement in cultural performance, songwriting and community arts programs, using music as a platform to celebrate culture, storytelling and connection.
With the official release of Walk With The Elders and its accompanying music video set for May 27, Alyssa continues to emerge as one of the next generation of powerful young First Nations voices in Western Australian music — using storytelling, culture and music to inspire connection, pride and understanding.
