Say hello to Bow and Arrow, a First Nations Wiradjuri, Ngunawal, Ngambri, Gamilaraay dynamic electro-soul trio who are following their songlines and creating music that is not only soulful but rooted with funky grooves and passion.
I first discovered Bow and Arrow at the recent SXSW Sydney and am so grateful for the chance to catch this trio live. They were fun, flirty, vivacious and absolutely magic on the stage. The chemistry between the trio of Mindy Kwanten, Mitchell Kwanten, and Jack Hickey allowed those watching, myself included, to get lost not only in their music but their performance.
Their current single, “7 Forces” was created in the dreaming and as the band writes,
is an invitation to climb up on their music and experience life through a colourful and unique lens. There is always more than what you see.
Mindy noted while on stage at SXSW Sydney, they do have another single coming out soon, “Triad” and that they were hard at work on their debut album.
Radiating eccentricity and love, the group began when Mindy and Mitchell crossed paths at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, developing into professional musicians who worked with various artists and projects, including the likes of Archie Roach, Christine Anu, and more. Their shared passion for creating their own music led to the formation of Bow and Arrow.
Their earlier releases, such as “Return To Me” (2012) and “Don’t Play Roulette In Russia” (2013), showcased their genre-blending style, fusing elements of electro-soul, indie-r’n’b, synth pop, funk grooves, and more but it was their debut single, “Midnight” (2015) that garnered them recognition both locally and internationally, receiving support from Triple J, ABC, and overseas audiences.
In 2019, Mindy and Mitchell welcomed Jack into their musical family, solidifying Bow and Arrow as a trio. The group’s growth continued, with live performances on national TV, appearances at iconic venues like The Sydney Opera House, and a blossoming recording process during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bow and Arrow‘s live performances are a testament to their passion and creativity. They invite the audience into their musical world, featuring a wide range of instruments, including tribal rhythms, funky guitars, live sampling, looping, and more. I have no doubt their upcoming album promises to further explore the realms of electro-soul and indie-r’n’b, offering a unique and slightly theatrical experience.
In their own words, Bow and Arrow says,
We made a vow to always present a strong live show that’s entertaining, energetic and fun. With strong experimental elements we aim to deliver something left of centre and slightly theatrical….. where we can escape to another world together.
Follow the band on Facebook, Instagram, or here.
Photo from Bow and Arrow’s Facebook and by Mr Boyd.
