Hailing from Northeast Arnhem Land, King Stingray wear their influences as brightly and proudly as their carefree hooks and rich Yolngu culture. In terms of sonic lineage, their music taps into the unity-minded rock of First Nations Australian bands like Yothu Yindi and Warumpi Band while adding in some classic pub-rock and surf-rock riffs and then updating it all with a distinctly DIY mentality forged in the new millennium. And there’s always some load-bearing element of singing about where they’re from and where they’re heading. Listen to some of the most formative songs for the band, along with commentary from guitarist Roy Kellaway on a few particular highlights. Yothu Yindi, “Macassan Crew” “Yothu Yindi are a band made up of our parents and family members, so it’s obvious why they are so influential for us. It’s hard to choose just one song, but we love this one and the Garma album.” Warumpi Band, “From the Bush” “We always played this song in the car growing up and it still gets a spin every tour. George [Rrurrambu Burarrwanga, lead singer of Warumpi Band] is our singer Dimathaya [Burarrwanga]’s grandfather.” The Surfaris, “Wipe Out” “Growing up, this song was played at every community gig. Everyone lined up to play the drum breakdown solo part and show off their fast drumming skills. It was also the first guitar riff many of us learnt on guitar. It went off in Yirrkala and surrounding communities. Full community hit.” Mac DeMarco, “Let Her Go” “When talking about influential artists as a young fella, it’s hard to go past Mac DeMarco. His DIY approach to music and playfulness is just so rad. It really looks like he loves making and playing music and that comes through in his personality and songs, which is what we’re all about.” Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Universally Speaking” “I mean, how can you not put Chilis in? The musicianship of everyone in the band always inspired us. Tasty guitar licks that are so memorable they have everyone singing them, [plus] solid power-driven drums, fun catchy vocals, big-energy funky bass, and mega vibes.” AC/DC, “Ride On” “This is a big one for us. The dry mid-rangy guitar, the dynamic arrangement, the production, the lyrics, everything! It all resonates with us big time and it’s a King Sting favorite. It still gets high rotation on the road with us.”