Stories. Songs. Country.
Welcome to GiiMusic
Contemporary First Nations Folk Music from the Hunter Valley, NSW
GiiMusic is a First Nations folk band creating original Australian music inspired by Country, culture and community. Through rich vocal harmonies, acoustic instrumentation and compelling storytelling, the band brings together contemporary folk traditions with the world’s oldest continuing culture.
The name Gii means heart in the Gamillaroi language—a fitting reflection of music that comes from the heart and speaks to shared experiences of resilience, belonging and connection.
Led by Biripi and Gamillaroi songwriter and composer Troy Russell, GiiMusic features an outstanding ensemble of musicians whose performances combine warmth, humour and exceptional musicianship. Their songs celebrate Country, family and the stories that shape us, inviting audiences to laugh, reflect and sing along.
Whether performing at festivals, theatres or community events, GiiMusic offers an authentic and uplifting live experience that connects people through original music and storytelling.
We’re excited to be entering a new chapter, with new songs, new collaborations and performances across Australia. We invite you to join us on the journey as we continue sharing stories through contemporary Australian folk music.
GiiMusic
Troy Russell
guitar banjo mandolin
Troy Russell is a Biripi and Gamillaroi songwriter, composer, musician and playwright from the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. His work spans contemporary folk, orchestral music, theatre and film, drawing on storytelling, Country and lived experience to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. A former music educator, Troy has composed for leading Australian arts organisations and now leads GiiMusic, where he continues to share original First Nations stories through contemporary Australian folk music. As founder and musical director of GiiMusic, Troy is passionate about creating music that brings people together through story, culture and community.
Leila Hamilton
singer
From the moment she first stepped onto a stage at four years old, Leila Hamilton knew music would always be part of her life. Her journey led her back to singing through vocal studies at the Redfern Community Centre, where she met Troy Russell and joined GiiMusic. Blessed with a soulful voice and an engaging stage presence, Leila is at the heart of the band’s sound, bringing warmth, honesty and emotion to every performance.
Photo by Jamie James.
Josh Keys
Guitar
Josh Keys is a proud Worimi man, born and raised in Sydney. Finding inspiration from folk greats like Bob Dylan and Nick Drake, whilst intertwining his love of jazz and blues. Known for intricate fingerpicking and soulful vocals, Josh's music explores the human experience, mental health, politics and personal journeys.
Lizzy Keys
vocals
Corey Kirk
vocals guitar
Phil Bragg
guitar
Dan Allen
Bass
Dan Allen is a Sydney-based musician, author, and music educator who believes learning should move, groove, and feel joyful!
He has led a wonderfully wild life as a professional percussionist, playing everything from Latin wedding bands to classical orchestras and jazz ensembles — and even opening for the Dead Kennedys. Along the way, he studied secondary school in Denmark, worked for George Lucas, lectured in music at university, and even owned his own photography studio.
Today, Dan teaches music in a wide range of settings, from university programs to youth classes and one-to-one lessons, often supporting students who learn differently. His work focuses on rhythm, movement, body percussion, and helping people feel music in their bodies — not just on the page.
He also runs community ukulele groups at Bondi Beach, where people of all ages build confidence through rhythm, play, and a few happy giggles. When he’s not teaching or writing, you’ll likely find him dancing salsa, rueda, bachata (and bachata rueda!), or forró, or playing in Brasilian samba baterias and getting as many people as possible up and dancing!
Previous events
GiiMusic @ CULTURE X -FOLK FUSION
Pratten Park Sports and Bowling Club, 42 Arthur Street,, Ashfield, NSW
Take a step away from the every day and contemplate our place in the universe to the sounds of some of Australia’s most uniquely diverse musicians traversing the space between traditional and contemporary folk music. From Indigenous Australia to the Balkans – music that touches the spirit and represents its place of origin and its evolution.
Singing up Country is a showcase of First Nations lead music that breaks boundaries. Helped by the church staff and friends and family of St Anthony in the Fields, Singing Up Country is fast becoming an event to watch in the future.
*** POSTPONED TILL FURTHER NOTICE*** The Last Shot By Troy Russell
— —
The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown NSW 2148
Based on true events, The Last Shot by Troy Russell is an intimate musical tale of romance, heartbreak and tragedy in colonial times.
Star-crossed lovers Jimmy and Florrie take flight through Gomeroi Country, seeking refuge with strangers. One night, after singing and dancing at the local camp, a foreboding event catapults them into turmoil. Forced to make an escape, Jimmy and Florrie set off into the night followed by a landowner in pursuit of revenge.
Drawing on a range of musical genres, and accompanied by archival imagery, The Last Shot is a story of romance and chaos, pulling on your heartstrings and lifting your spirits.
Tickets
General Admission $35 2 person Cabaret $70 (price includes one table for two people) 4 person Cabaret $140 (price includes one table for four people) * Booking fees apply
A fundraiser for the wildlife that was injured during the recent bushfires. All donations will go to WIRES.
ChangeFest 19 happens during the 20th-22nd, November in Mount Druitt, Western Sydney. We are playing at this event on the 21st November 2019. We are looking forward to this and will be playing new songs.
Gii Music at Magnify / Memory Hosted by Blacktown Arts Centre
Holy Family Parish, 252-254 Luxford Rd, 2770, Emerton, Mt Druitt. NSW
How do we respectfully capture and share the knowledge and stories of our Aboriginal elders?
Internationally acclaimed artist Ursula Yovich and her band will present new music based on conversations with local elders in this intimate contemporary music concert. Become immersed in story through Ursula’s music over an afternoon tea of damper and sweets.
Developed in partnership with Moogahlin Performing Arts and the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation.
You are visitor number: 6614