Stories. Songs. Country.

Welcome to GiiMusic

Contemporary First Nations Folk Music from 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 from there GiiMusic came into being. 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

Lizzy Keys is a proud First Nations bassist, singer-songwriter and performer from Worimi Country. Also a member of the Indigenous ensemble Marrumbang, she brings warmth, groove and musical sensitivity to performances that celebrate Aboriginal culture, language and storytelling.

Known for her expressive musicianship and collaborative spirit, Lizzy’s playing provides a strong foundation for music that connects audiences through authenticity, community and a deep respect for Country.

Corey Kirk

vocals guitar

Corey Kirk is a First Nations singer-songwriter of Gamilaraay and Irish heritage whose music brings together heartfelt storytelling, contemporary folk and the rich vocal traditions of her early musical training.

Raised on Garigal Country on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Corey began singing at a young age as a member of the Sydney Children’s Choir, where she developed her musicianship and composition skills under the direction of Lyn Williams. Her original work Searching, written for the choir’s Heritage in Song project, explored the lasting impact of the Stolen Generations through her family’s own story, reflecting on the life and loss of her father.

Phil Bragg

guitar

Phillip Bragg is a First Nations guitarist whose expressive playing draws on folk, country and contemporary Australian music traditions. With a style that combines subtle fingerpicking, driving rhythm and melodic lead work, Phillip has become a valued collaborator in live performance. As guitarist for GiiMusic, he helps bring stories of Country, culture and community to audiences through music that is both grounded in tradition and contemporary in its sound.

Dan Allen

Bass

Dan Allen is a Sydney-based musician, author and music educator whose work stretches across performance, teaching and creative writing. Public profiles describe him as a professional multi-instrumentalist and teacher, with books on music, dance, creativity, autism and children’s learning. He also runs playful rhythm and ukulele-based learning experiences, bringing a strong sense of movement, humour and accessibility to music education.

Previous events

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.

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*** POSTPONED TILL FURTHER NOTICE*** The Last Shot By Troy Russell

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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

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Aug3

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.

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The Talkies

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