Neil Murray, a singer and songwriter, is well known for his association with the Warumpi Band, which was known for their exciting and powerful live performances, and for being among the first to use Indigenous language in rock music. He has published picture books based on Warumpi Band songs ('My Island Home' and 'Blackfella Whitefella'), as well as poetry, short fiction, and a novel.
One of the founding members of the band in the early 1980s, Murray continued to perform with Warumpi until October 1999 when his solo career demanded a greater time commitment.
Born in Western Victoria, Murray has explored his links with his Scottish ancestry through visits to Scotland. Murray grew up on a farm near Lake Bolac in the western district of Victoria. He studied Art in Ballarat and Melbourne and he wrote songs and poems from an early age.
As well as living in the outback he has lived in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin. He maintains a residence in his native 'Tjapwurrung Country' in western Victoria, and is a frequent visitor to the Northern Territory.
He has worked for many years amongst Aboriginal peoples in outback and urban communities and regards Aboriginal cultural heritage as the foundation of Australia's spiritual identity. His commitment to indigenous rights and to the environment is reflected in his writing. He is an active environmentalist.
Sources include One Day Hill publishing company.
Australian Writing and Rock Music affiliation: vocals, songwriter, lyricist, guitar.
