Tell us who you are and what you are releasing for Record Store Day?
My name is Kutcha Edwards. I am a Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Nari Nari Songkeeper. It’s incredible for me to say this but so far in 2026 I have released two vinyl albums and on Record Store Day it seems appropriate to honour them both. Warta-Kiki is an album of my songs recorded with the Melbourne Youth Orchestra and the second vinyl captures Kutcha, Cash and the Last Drinks – Live at Forum II.
What were some of your favourite moments recording this album?
A favourite moment for me of Warta-Kiki album experience was going into the ABC studio and listening to the recording of the MYO (Melbourne Youth Orchestra) without my vocals and then recording the vocals separately. Listening back to the final recording and how that was achieved is mind-boggling.
Sharing my story with the young musicians and then witnessing them interpreting and honouring my songs was so humbling. There were eight composers who scored the arrangements and listening to their interpretations was equally amazing. I really thank all the contributors for their creative work.
It’s interesting listening to orchestras because there are around 80 people playing the one note and you sit within the music and bathe in the glory of the spirit of what’s being created – by the MYO and the wonderful conductor Brett Kelly.
And then there’s the album – ‘Live At Forum II with Kutcha, Cash Savage & The Last Drinks’. The incredible strength in this album is how Cash, Nick, Joe & Rene do the heavy lifting in reference to the music which allows me to be free. There’s an understanding of where the songs come from and the depths of trauma associated with the lyrics of those songs. Cash & The Last Drinks are so respectful in sharing those moments that I can then go off vocally which lets my spirit travel and release some of the pain.
What was it like hearing it all come together on the Record?
To hear my Songline being interpreted through two very different musical genres is amazing.
Do you have a favourite moment, or track if you could choose one?
On Warta- Kiki it is the track ‘Photographs’ & on ‘Live at the Forum II’ it’s Mrs Edwards.
What inspires you and your music?
Whenever I sing or listen to my music I go back to the moments I lived those experiences. As I say, my songs may be in a foreign language to this country, but they come to me through my ancestors and they tell the stories of my family, my people and Country.
Who are some musicians that inspire you?
Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Jimmy Little, Warumpi Band, Yothu Yindi, Bart Willoughby, Bunna Lawrie & all the other Indigenous musicians who tell their story through their music.
What is one of your favourite songs to put on and listen to?
Songs Of You by LJ Hill
Why do you think it’s so important for young musicians to have opportunities like MYO?
It is a great foundation for their future and hopefully sends them on the path of playing music either in other orchestras or as independent musicians.
Please share 5 First Nations albums that people should hear
Charcoal Lane – Archie Roach
Big Name, No Blankets – Warumpi Band
Inside The Universe – LJ Hill
You have a ‘Marking ‘60 cycles around the sun’, show coming up at Melbourne Recital Centre, on Friday 17 April, tell us what audiences can expect at this show.
This show is a joyful honouring of friendship, the songs and stories that explain who I am, where I come from and the incredible people who have travelled with me. It’ll be deadly to all be together to celebrate my 60 Cycles Around The Sun.
Warta-Kiki – Come Together exclusive blue vinyl will be available at Readings Carlton, St Kilda and Hawthorn as part of Record Store Day 2026.
Follow Kutcha Edwards on Instagram
